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    Theatre of Shadows to Debut at Channel Islands Harbor

    Elite Theatre at Fisherman’s Wharf in the Channel Islands Harbor will be transformed into a spooky attraction for the last two weekends in October.

    The Elite Theatre Company and Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) will team up to create the “Theatre of Shadows,” a haunted house experience that offers a lineup of attractions suitable for guests of all ages.
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    The Theatre of Shadows will be open on Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29 and will offer different levels of “haunt.” Here is the breakdown:
    • Saturday, Oct. 21, 28:
      • Kid-friendly haunt: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Full haunt: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Sunday, Oct. 22, 29:
      • Full haunt: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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    For more information on the Theatre of Shadows, please visit https://www.theopac.org/haunt

    OPAC Executive Director Carolyn Mullin said her team is pleased to partner with the Elite Theatre and offer a fun experience for the community.

    “Elite Theatre and OPAC are excited to team up to present the performing arts in a fresh new way to our community,” Mullin said. “Elite Theatre has an extraordinary facility and amazing actors while OPAC is known for its phenomenal, head-turning events. Together, we’re increasing our impact and how we can best serve our community through the arts.”

    Ventura County Harbor Department Director Michael Tripp said thrilled with this new attraction, as it will be open during the Channel Islands Harbor’s 2nd Annual Parade of Frights, a Halloween-themed boat parade scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 28.
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    “The Theatre of Shadows will be a great landside amenity for the Harbor’s Parade of Frights,” Director Tripp said. “I want the Channel Islands Harbor to be a top destination for Ventura County residents and visitors on Halloween weekend.”
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    Busch Gardens Spooktacular Returns Bigger than Ever

    Busch Gardens Spooktacular Returns Bigger than Ever with All-New Characters, Interactive Experiences, a Costume Parade and Fun Fall Activities for the Entire Family
     
    Kicking off Saturday, Sept. 9, guests will enjoy one-of-a-kind theming and not-so-spooky fun for all family members each Saturday and Sunday through October 31
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    TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 7, 2023) – Starting this Saturday, guests looking for family-friendly fun will be in for quite the treat at Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular. A whimsical world of enchantment full of not-so-spooky Halloween fun, Spooktacular is an immersive experience ideal for the little ones full of eye-catching new characters, trick-or-treating, a colorful costume parade and more.
     
    A returning favorite, this year's Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will be bigger than ever, taking place every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 9 through Oct. 29 plus Monday Oct. 30 and Tuesday Oct. 31 from 12 – 4 p.m. The event, located at the Festival Walkway, is included with regular park admission. Some of the activities for families as well as new offerings this year are:
     
    • New! Kandy’s Pumpkin Palooza: Kandy’s big dream to become a witch continues. And with big dreams come big spells and bigger pumpkins. This new walk-through experience is the perfect location for a family photo opportunity.
    • New! Time Peace and Alfred: Pumpkins are not the only things affected by Kandy’s training sessions. A slight miscalculation of Kandy’s spells resulted in the creation of the newest long-legged members of Kandy’s world: Time Peace and Alfred.  
    • New! Professor Pufflemintz: This year’s Spooktacular sees the debut of Professor Pufflemintz, a science professor in charge of interactive experiments. A true amalgamation of fun and learning.           
    • Kandy’s World: Join Kandy as she shares her journey to becoming a real witch as well as stories of her spell training and eagerness to satisfy the sweet tooth with lots of candy.
    • Spooktacular Costume Parade: A colorful parade of costumes will bring the Spooktacular Costume Parade to life. On this magical catwalk, all the guests, especially the little ones, are top models!
    • Storytime with Kandy: Situated next to Kandy’s picture-perfect pumpkin patch and bubbling cauldron, guests will be immersed in the popular story “Room on a Broom,” where everybody has a place, and everyone belongs.
    • Trick-or-Treating: With eight trick or treat stations, Busch Gardens Spooktacular is the perfect location for guests to purchase a bag and partake in the sweet seasonal tradition.
    ​Best Way to Play
    Guests can pay for a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and get more than 15 months of admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the price of one day. For a limited time, guests that purchase a 2024 Fun Card get the rest of 2023 for free. The addition of 2023 allows access to not only Busch Gardens Spooktacular but also the popular Christmas Town. 
     
    For more information on Busch Gardens Spooktacular and to purchase a 2024 Fun Card, guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com.

    About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
    Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.  
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    Knott’s Spooky Farm Kicks Off on September 28!

    Attention Trick-or-Treaters!
    Knott’s Spooky Farm Kicks Off on September 28!
    Select Dates September 28 – October 31
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    BUENA PARK, CA – Enjoy the spooktacular Halloween season at Knott's Spooky Farm, a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Families can join in on the ghoulish fun as the park transforms with themed décor and wicked fun around every corner. The Fall Season of Fun offers Halloween-themed activities that celebrate the season, including trick-or-treating, a lineup of original shows, and pumpkin decorating. Knott's Spooky Farm will be taking place in the daytime, Thursdays through Sundays, September 28 through October 29, 2023, plus Columbus Day and Halloween.
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    Kids can participate in a memorable trick-or-treating experience in the spooky streets of Ghost Town, where they will interact with an array of spooky but friendly shopkeepers and show off their festive Halloween costumes. Guests can also visit the Livery Stable to get close and personal with the Creepy Critters of Calico. Spiders, bugs, and more await at our Creepy Critters Corral. Whimsical jack-o-lanterns surround Calico Park as it changes into an enchanting Pumpkin Patch location for families to enjoy the season's atmosphere with photo ops. Guests can get in the spirit by decorating their very own themed cookie or pumpkin right in the heart of Ghost Town. Miniature pumpkins or Halloween cookies will be available for a nominal fee. Little ghouls are also encouraged to strut their stuff and show off their Halloween Costumes in the Calico Carnival Costume Cavalcade hosted by some of your favorite town citizens at the Calico Mine Stage. Also at the Calico Mine Stage, Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies are back for a country concert like no other, with plenty of high-energy music and comedy on tap.
    Gals and ghouls are in for a treat as the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre Show is back with their Halloween-themed show at Birdcage Theatre. These peculiar puppeteers will amaze all with a spooky puppet show that will have little ones and adults entertained all day.

    The residents of The Timber Mountain Log Ride will celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a family-friendly seasonal twist to a park favorite. The ride's interior features surprise after surprise as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper Band, the town's Green Witch and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns. The fun continues for little ones at the Calico Mine Ride as it undergoes a fantastical transformation into a candy wonderland! Grab a seat to explore the caves and caverns for candy confections, but keep an eye out for the elusive Pink Fairy.

    Knott's Spooky Farm runs daytime Thursdays through Sundays, September 28 through October 29, 2023, plus Columbus Day and Halloween, and is included with regular park admission. The best way to enjoy Knott’s Spooky Farm and all of Knott's Seasons of Fun for the remainder of 2023 plus all of 2024 is with a 2024 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission to Knott's Berry Farm with no blockout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission to both Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Soak City Waterpark with no blockout dates. Regular Season Passes start at just $99 or 11 easy payments of $6 after initial payment. Hurry before these offers end on October 31, 2023. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
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    For more information on all the exciting things that are going on at Knott's Berry Farm, visit us online at knotts.com or download the Knott's Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the conversation by using #SpookyFarm on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
    About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company: What began as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920s has evolved into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations, combining world-class thrill rides with traditional family favorite attractions and entertainment. Knott’s is also home to Knott’s Soak City Water Park, Knott’s Marketplace, and the full-service Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement resort operators in the world. It is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. Its parks are in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas, and Toronto, Ontario.
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    Preview: Journey of Water - Inspired by Moana at Epcot

    2023 Attractions Disney Parks EPCOT Moana Journey Of Water Walt Disney World
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    The other day we got to preview Epcot’s new walk through attraction, Journey of Water, inspired by Moana.

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    It’s very photogenic and will definitely be a hit among those trying to get that perfect Instagram-able shot.

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    Some “hidden” Moana characters are featured among the rocks.

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    Journey of Water is divided up into several sections.

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    Within each section is something to interact with.

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    Nothing got us soaked, but there’s a dry path in some places just in case.

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    Not sure what we were missing in this section but thought the sign was funny.

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    Journey of Water is lovely to look at and fun to interact with, but my fear is that it will be treated as a headliner attraction, with crowds taking over.

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    It’s more of a place to walk through and take a break, especially with splash pad loving kids.

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    Get Ready For Adventure! The Legendary Bag of Holding is Back Bigger and Better than Ever!

    Rollacrit Announces New Kickstarter Campaign to Bring Back a Classic, Fan-Favorite Bag, New and Improved, for Your Next Quest
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    Wilmington, Delaware, September 5, 2023 - A long time ago, in a previous life, there was the original Bag of Holding which pop culture fans loved and carried to conventions all over the world to hold their swag.  However, as time passed, these bags started to be riddled with tape and broken zippers. But gaming lifestyle brand, Rollacrit, (made up of ex-ThinkGeek employees) decided too many years have passed and it was time to bring back a new Bag of Holding for the 2020s - bigger, stronger, customizable and more “holdier” than any of its predecessors. Now from the minds that brought you the original Bag of Holding, a new Kickstarter campaign launched today, September 5th 2023, adding another exciting chapter in Rollacrit’s company history.  The bag base tier is $125.00 for those pledging on Kickstarter during its campaign (expected retail is $175).
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    In 2021, Rollacrit had an enormously successful Kickstarter campaign and fulfillment for their pun-tastic dungeon exploration tabletop game, Heroes of Barcadia (backed by over 13,700 people); the game is now in its robust retail release for the masses. So what was next for Rollacrit? After listening to so many people asking for a new, improved Bag of Holding, they made the decision to resurrect, revamp and tear the original bag apart and build it stronger. The new bag is ready to go anywhere because it even meets TSA requirements for a carry on and can function as a backpack with straps hidden in the back compartment.  A bag fit for an adventurer needs to hold up to more than just daily use.

    “When Rollacrit was formed, one of our missions was to resurrect some of our favorite old products with a new twist. We’ve learned a lot since that original Bag of Holding and we’ve put some solid time into research, development and magic,” said Rollacrit CEO Erin Zipperle. “We’re ready to bring the bag into the 2020s with a new and improved Bag of Holding but it can only be revived with fans support via Kickstarter!”
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    About Rollacrit 

    Rollacrit is a lifestyle brand and hub for those who share a love of tabletop and board games. Rollacrit works with game studios to create tabletop and board game collectibles, accessories, apparel, and more.  Rollacrit is also the official merchandise partner of Gen Con, the largest tabletop convention in North America. Join Rollacrit on their epic quest at Rollacrit.com as they spread the joy of tabletop and board games to all. Follow Rollacrit on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ​
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    Halloween Horror Nights 2023 is Now Open!

    UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 2023 OPENS TONIGHT – CHALLENGING GUESTS TO SURVIVE A NIGHT FULL OF FEARS AND FRIGHTS  
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    The World’s Premier Halloween Event is Back for its 32nd Year with 10 Haunted Houses, Five Scare Zones, Live Entertainment, Deadly Delicious Food and Beverage and More 

    Click Here to Purchase Tickets ​
    Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 1, 2023) – The wait for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort is finally over. The world’s premier Halloween event is back and better than ever for a record-breaking 48 select nights September 1 through November 4.
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    This year’s truly “odd” lineup is sure to spark fear in all guests with 10 eerily immersive haunted houses and five terrifying scare zones that bring to life top icons in horror and chilling original stories. Amid the screams, guests can experience a disturbingly entertaining live show, an all-new Tribute Store, take a bite out of the horror with killer food and beverage, and so much more.
    See below for more details on the spine-tingling terrors that await at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023:
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    10 CHILLING HAUNTED HOUSES
    To make it through the night alive, guests will have to survive ten haunted houses where they will:
    • confront their deepest fears in “Stranger Things 4” as they come face to face with otherworldly creatures like demogorgons, demobats, and even Vecna himself within his blood-red Mind Lair in a race against the clock to escape from his deadly curse
    • face an evil reawakened in “The Exorcist: Believer” inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment
    • find themselves navigating through the carnage and mayhem of Pittsburgh in “The Last of Us” inspired by Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game as they join a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into a new threat, the Infected
    • maneuver an underground labyrinth below the streets of Paris filled with iconic characters from the Universal Monsters canon, including The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin, aka The Invisible Man, in “Universal Monsters: Unmasked”
    • enter a living slaughterhouse inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” with Chucky out to kill every person who enters
    • encounter five original haunted houses fresh from the fog created by Universal Orlando’s award-winning Entertainment team where willing guests will fall prey to:
      • a demented, late-night circus led by an evil ringmaster and notorious icon looking for human souls to fuel his dark intentions in “Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins”
      • a horrific twist to a frightening, yet familiar tale and sinister battle between Fire and Ice in “Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate”
      • blood-soaked campgrounds deep in the trenches of mountains where vicious, bloodthirsty yetis have returned with a vengeance in “YETI: Campground Kills”
      • selling their souls for fame in “The Darkest Deal” where they quickly learn a deal can be more than they bargained for
      • a colonial cult looking to slaughter those who dare refuse to worship the Bloodmoon in “Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings”
    FIVE DAUNTING SCARE ZONES
    As Dr. Oddfellow steps out of the shadows and onto the streets of Universal Studios Florida for the first time, swarms of taunting scareactors lurk through the park looking for guests to haunt within these five scare zones where guests will:
    • come face to face with the devious legend who is promising immortality for those who dare to enter “Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror”
    • cower in fear as the signs of the zodiac come to life in “Dark Zodiac” where Dr. Oddfellow uses his power to transform the zodiac signs into horrifying horoscope creatures
    • venture into the “Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror” where Dr. Oddfellow’s twisted and bizarre experiments combine elements of nature and animals to create vicious jungle creatures looking to satisfy their cravings
    • attend a music festival crashed by bloodthirsty vampires let loose by Dr. Oddfellow in “Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood”
    • stumble upon Dr. Oddfellow’s crates and cages that once housed monsters of all kinds who have escaped in pursuit of chaos in “Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged”
    SPINE-CHILLING EXPERIENCES AND KILLER FOOD
    Offering guests a break from the fog with frightening experiences like never before with:
    • another twisted chapter in “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream” a pyro and aerial stunt show that is sure to fire guests up to the beat of metal and electronica
    • an all-new Tribute Store taking guests back to a 1960s NYC Comic Shop where they step into the pages of their own truly terrifying comic
    • a monstrous menu of all-new food & beverage, including Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, in addition to returning fan-favorites like Pizza Fries
    • the return of the Dead Coconut Club to Universal CityWalk with an all-new theme and menu
    • themed libations, photo opportunities and more within an ominous nightclub vibe at the all-new Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar
    EXCLUSIVE PEACOCK OFFER FOR HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS GUESTS
    Guests can also unlock six months of Peacock Premium with the online purchase of single-night event tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes. Limited time offer. Eligibility restrictions and Terms Apply.
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    EXCLUSIVE HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCES FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HOTEL GUESTS
    Guests can have the fall getaway of their screams by staying near the fear at one of Universal Orlando’s eight hotels and enjoy exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission to the theme parks during the day and access to priority event entrance to Halloween Horror Nights at night as well as complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

    For the first time ever, the fog has spread to all eight hotels with exclusive activations and experiences for hotel guests inspired by this year’s event, including Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s exclusive “Chucky’s Twisted Playground” photo illusion experience based on the USA and SYFY series, plus, the Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends lobby photo opportunities in all other hotel lobbies. Guests can even enjoy Halloween-themed bars like the Spooky Swizzle Lounge at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Spooky Sunset Lounge at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, plus themed food and beverage offerings across the destination.

    Guests can take advantage on a variety of vacation packages and discounts on hotel stays to plan the ultimate fall getaway. Guests can also purchase single-night tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes, plus event upgrades like Express Pass, R.I.P. Tour and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour. Click here for more information and to book a fall getaway.

    For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023, visit www.universalorlando.com/Halloween.

    About Universal Orlando Resort – Where It’s More Than Magic, It’s Real
    Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

    The 700-acre resort is home to three exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a fourth next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites.

    For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.