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Industry News

9/24/2024

LOS ANGELES HAUNTED HAYRIDE REVEALS FIRST-EVER CELEBRITY COLLAB WITH JANELLE MONÁE

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Legendary Singer-Songwriter Janelle Monáe Teams Up With Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group to Bring Monáe Manor To Life This Fall
​LOS ANGELES, CA [September 24, 2024] - Ten-time Grammy Award nominated musician, author, actor, and fashion icon Janelle Monáe has announced a partnership with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group and the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. This partnership is the first of its kind and will bring an all-new haunted maze to the legendary Halloween event taking place in Griffith Park. Step into Monáe Manor, where it’s Halloween every night and things aren’t quite what they seem. Where the walls talk and the music blares. You may have more than one ghostly encounter at this twisted soiree and it may even be from Monáe herself. The event officially opens to the public September 20th and runs select nights through November 2nd. Tickets are available now at www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com.

"My love for Halloween runs deep-there’s just something so magical about creating another world for myself and transforming into the characters that lurk in the back of my mind. This season I’m scarily excited to partner with Thirteenth Floor and Los Angeles Haunted Hayride to let you all into my mind and experience my haunted house, Monáe Manor. This is a nightmare come true! You are all invited to party with my immortal guests, witness the chills, thrills, and frightful delights that await inside.” -Your HalloQUEEN Janelle Monáe”
 
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride opened its gates in 2009 and has become one of the most recognized and beloved Halloween traditions in Southern California. Set in the town of Midnight Falls, the LA Haunted Hayride delivers the perfect amount of fearful fun. Attractions include the event’s namesake, the Haunted Hayride, and three haunted mazes: Trick or Treat, Hellbilly Halloween, and new to the lineup this year, Monáe Manor. Guests can expect to find something for everyone, from being chased by a chainsaw-wielding cannibal, to catching a live musical performance from the town’s self appointed mayor, Monte Revolta.
 
“It’s taken us 16 years to do a collaboration like this because candidly, it had to be right,” said Melissa Carbone, Creator of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. “I’ve been watching Janelle become louder and louder in the Halloween space over the years. I could see her unyielding adoration for the aesthetic and nostalgia of Halloween, so we knew she was it. This is just the beginning though. We have plans…lots of plans. Halloween will never be the same in this town!”

 
Janelle Monáe is known for her extravagant Halloween costumes, leaving fans waiting in anticipation for what’s to come each year, and this attraction takes that creativity and dedication and scales it to enormous proportions. Monáe Manor brings a creative, campy, and creepy air to Midnight Falls and visitors will be equally terrified and mesmerized by all that is to unfold within the walls of her ominous gathering.
 
For more information, visit www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is located in Griffith Park at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027.
 
About Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group:
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (“13FEG”) is the world’s largest producer and operator of theme park-quality live events, location-based entertainment, and immersive installations. 13FEG currently operates 32 attractions, including haunted houses, Halloween festivals, location-based entertainment venues, and an immersive art exhibit. 13FEG continues to set the bar for live themed entertainment, operating in 17 cities across the United States. Thirteenth Floor is headquartered in Denver, CO with offices in Austin, TX and Los Angeles CA. Learn more at Thirteenthfloor.com.
 
About Janelle Monáe
JANELLE MONÁE is a 10-time Grammy-nominated musician, actor and producer. She is known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound, which celebrates the spectrum of identity. Following her critically acclaimed 2018 album Dirty Computer, Monáe released her newest album, 
The Age of Pleasure, in 2023. The album garnered two Grammy nominations in the ‘Best Progressive R&B Album’ and ‘Album of the Year’ categories. On screen, Monáe can be seen in Netflix’s GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY across Daniel Craig. She received National Board of Review’s 2023 “Best Supporting Actress” honor, as well as a Critics’ Choice Awards nomination, on behalf of her role. Additional credits include Focus Feature’s biopic film HARRIET, Academy Award-nominated HIDDEN FIGURES and Academy Award-winner MOONLIGHT. Monáe’s first book, NYT bestseller The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories from Dirty Computer, was published in 2022 and is a collaborative effort between Janelle and an incredible array of talented writers. As a humanitarian, she was recently honored as the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year by Trevor Project, is a co-chair for When We All Vote, an ambassador for Fashion Trust U.S., and her Fem the Future initiative creates opportunities for young women and girls in music, arts, and education.

9/17/2024

Knott’s Scary Farm Launches Its 51st Frightful Season, Debuting Two New Spine-Chilling Mazes and the Elvira XXperience

Knott’s Scary Farm Launches Its 51st Frightful Season,
Debuting Two New Spine-Chilling Mazes and the Elvira XXperience
​

Select nights starting September 19 – November 2
​Southern California's longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event opens this Thursday, September 19. This year's lineup includes two new spine-chilling mazes and an all-new experience dedicated to Scary Farm legend Elvira, Mistress of the Dark©.

In the new maze Eight Fingers Nine, you'll be transported to an 18th-century colonial township under siege by an inhuman monster with a sick penchant for eating fingers. His vicious bite penetrates deep, causing sleep paralysis, which holds his victim in sway while he slowly consumes their flesh. Also new this year is the maze Widows, where demonic, eight-legged black widows emerge from their silken tunnels to possess the withered bodies of the Sunset Rise nursing home. Their sole purpose is to secure a mate and hatch a clutch of eggs before sunrise.

"Yours Cruelly, Elvira XXperience" will debut at Walter Knott Theater. The retrospective will feature classic moments of every Knott's Scary Farm show, where the Queen of Halloween performed in the Ghoul Time Theatre for 20 haunted seasons. Guests will journey back in time through video highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and memorabilia celebrating Elvira's illustrious career. The experience will run throughout the Knott's Scary Farm season with occasional appearances by Cassandra Peterson, the woman behind Elvira. Peterson is scheduled to visit on September 19, opening night of Scary Farm, for a signing session in the Legacy Haunt Store & Museum. She returns on October 18 and 20 for two more signing sessions, as well as a Q&A at the "Yours Cruelly, Elvira XXperience."

Knott's Scary Farm runs for a total of 31 terrifying nights, beginning September 19 and running through November 2. With more than 50 years of original, never-ending nightmares, unimaginable scares and innovative thrills, Knott's Scary Farm has left no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled and no fear untouched.

WHEN:        
This year, the event returns on September 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, October 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, November 1 and 2. Knott's Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:00 pm – 1:00 am on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

WHERE:      
​Knott’s Berry Farm – 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13. For more information on Knott's Scary Farm, including admission, park hours, and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott's Berry Farm app for your smartphone.
 Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

9/13/2024

Castle Dark Returns to Castle Park in Riverside Beginning September 20th

CASTLE DARK PROMISES TO SCARE THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OF THOSE WHO DARE TO EXPERIENCE THE ALL-NEW MAZES, SHOWS AND SCARE ZONE
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Castle Park in Riverside’s Annual Haunt Event returns September 20 through October 27
​RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (July 29, 2024) – Castle Park in Riverside is revealing an all-new haunt fest experience as it sets to transform into Castle Dark this fall. Starting September 20, visitors who dare to test their bravery by traversing through the Castle Dark gates will be met with four all-new maze experiences, three new theatrical shows and two new scare zones. So, beware and enter at your own risk.
​
The annual Halloween event is celebrating 16 years of screams as the family-friendly amusement park is transformed and taken over by ghosts, goblins, monsters and more– with one goal – to scare the living daylights out of each and every visitor.

This year’s event, which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October X, features the following new experiences:

Four All-new Mazes:
  • Funhouse of the Demented – A prison overrun by clowns – yikes – chaos is unleashed from the moment dare devils enter and try to escape the funhouse.
  • Seance – Entering a séance at a local historic museum that transports visitors to another worldly experience deep in the woods of a forest, tread carefully because the forest hides some deep secrets that only emerge once park-goers are on their journey.
  • Labyrinth – The haunting depths of the Labyrinth of Lost Souls await. The dearly departed are waiting in the wings as guests venture through the maze’s winding corridors and endless pathways, as each twist and turn is shrouded in mystery.
  • Sinister Inn – Traverse to a new realm as you take on this new 5-D virtual reality maze experience that will leave your heart-pounding as you walk through the haunted hallways of the Inn of your nightmares. You will surely regret not packing your bags and leaving the Inn when you had the chance.
Three All-new Theatrical Shows:
  • Countess Elura - Prepare for the triumphant return of Countess Elura with an all-new spectacle! After all, she is the new Queen and must be celebrated as such.
  • Sliders of the Kingdom – Gather round, one and all and behold the mesmerizing sliders of the kingdom. See their scary-good tricks and skills near Saw Mill Plunge.
  • Lady Lou Teatime – Drop by for a tete-a-tete with Lady Lou, where the tea is simply to die for!
Two All-new Scare Zones:
  • Midway Breakout – As darkness descends, prepare to meet with the delightfully twisted clowns of Castle Dark. Step right up and brace yourself for an unforgettable showdown as you laugh your way from the Park Entrance all the through Midway.
  • Dark Lands – Explore the Castle secrets that lurk within the fog and prepare to meet Lord Amethyst and Sir Sardonyx as they roam the area alongside their loyal knights. Creep through the darkness starting at Plaza Cafe all the way through to the Castle.

For the guests seeking more treats than tricks, Castle Park’s family-friendly, daytime Dia de Los Muertos event invites families to join in the fun every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. beginning September 21 through November 2 to celebrate Mexican and Latin American fall traditions. The lively event celebration boasts beautiful decorations and themed traditional entertainment, plus activities for kids including pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating.

The Castle Dark gates creak open at 7 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, September 20 through October 27 and require a separate admission ticket. Discounted tickets are now on sale for a limited time and available for purchase at: https://www.castlepark.com/things-to-do/experiences/castle-dark.
​
Castle Dark is not recommended for children under 13 or the faint of heart. For more information about Castle Park, visit: https://www.castlepark.com/ About Castle Park Castle Park is Riverside’s favorite destination for family fun. The Park features over 25 family-friendly rides and attractions, four championship miniature golf courses, a vast selection of carnival midway games, a water playground, and a video arcade.

9/13/2024

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular Comes To Sesame Place San Diego

Experience Silly, Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Fun Starting this Weekend at
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego
Kids Go Free to Sesame Place with a Paying Adult through November 2
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SAN DIEGO, CA, (September 11, 2024) – The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular officially returns to Sesame Place San Diego this fall. Guests can join the Halloween fun with Sesame Street friends at a whimsical costume parade, a fun Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and enjoy trick-or-treating around the park. Experience a not-too-spooky Halloween adventure filled with exciting rides, water slides, and festive photo opportunities. This family-friendly event takes place on weekends from September 14 through November 3.

For a limited time, kids ages 3-9, can go free to the park with a paid adult ticket, plus Season Passes can be purchased for up to 25% off. For families looking for year-round fun, a Season Pass offers unlimited visits all season long! Season Passes offer the best benefits and unbeatable savings – including free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, exclusive rewards, and more.

Embrace the Magic of Fall with Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular offers a season full of festivities for the whole family. Guests of all ages can enjoy enchanting shows, not-too-spooky dance parties, and vibrant parades creating lasting memories with Sesame Street friends. Event offerings include:
  • Trick-or-Treating – Trick-or-Treat around the park and gather special Halloween treats! Treats will be available at Photos with Elmo and Friends, Halloween Storytime, Countdown to Halloween at the Sesame Street Theater, and other select locations around the park. Reusable tote bags must be purchased to participate in trick-or-treating and will be available for purchase at Hooper’s Store, Sesame Souvenirs, and select merchandise carts.
  • Halloween Costume Parade – Kids and families can show off their Halloween costumes daily at Abby's Garden and take a fun stroll through the Sesame Street Neighborhood. Each participant will receive a special participation gift.
  • Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt – Guests can pick up a complimentary scavenger hunt sheet at Guest Services and enjoy finding scarecrows throughout the park. Complete the scavenger hunt to claim a Halloween prize!
  • Countdown to Halloween – Watch Count von Count and his friends Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Zoe, and Telly embark on a quest for friendship in daily shows at the Sesame Street Theater.
  • Spot-the-Ghost Scavenger Hunt – Participate in this exciting hunt by purchasing a map to find friendly ghosts and win a Halloween prize.
  • Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party – Dance with Sesame Street Friends to fun tunes!
  • Halloween Storytime – Enjoy a reading of “Pumpkin Patch Party” with a Sesame Street friend.
  • Sesame Street Halloween Cavalcade – Guests won’t want to miss this exciting parade with vibrant floats decked out for the season, fun music, and exciting performances.
  • Halloween Costume Contest – Show off your costumes on October 26 and 27, with prizes for top entries for family and kid categories.
  • Photo Opportunities – Make memories with your favorite furry friends all dressed in their Halloween costumes! Photo opportunities can be found at Photos with Elmo & Friends and in the Sesame Street Neighborhood.

Halloween Costume Policy
All guests are welcome to dress up in Halloween costumes. Guests who are ages 13 and older may not wear full face coverings, costume masks, or hoods, and all costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park. Face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park face painting artists.

Rides and Attractions for the Whole Family
During the fall season, Sesame Place invites guests to enjoy a full day of excitement with water attractions open through October 27. Splash around in the family-friendly wave pool, float down the lazy river, and let the little ones zoom down slides made just for them. On cooler days, guests can enjoy the heated Big Bird’s Beach wave pool and Big Bird’s Rambling River. In addition to splishy splashy water fun, the park offers dry rides and attractions for all ages, from a child’s first roller coaster and a colorful carousel to an Elmo-themed rocket ship adventure. Plus, don’t miss the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, featuring the iconic 123 Stoop, Big Bird’s Nest, and Oscar’s trashcan, where Sesame Street truly comes to life!

Sesame Place San Diego is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista and is open on the weekends for fall. For more information and to purchase tickets and Season Passes, visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com. For the most recent updates, fans can follow Sesame Place San Diego on Facebook and @SesamePlaceCa on Instagram.

About Sesame Place San Diego
Sesame Place San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, this 17-acre theme park is perfect for families with kids of all ages and has been designated as a Certified Autism Center. The new theme park features 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, a family-friendly rollercoaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park also features an engaging musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, an award-winning parade, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends. Celebrate family-friendly events all year long at Sesame Place, including Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest, Elmo’s Eggstravaganza, Elmo’s Springtacular, Sesame Summer Splash, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas.

9/12/2024

Universal Orlando Resort to Expand Flagship Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk Next Year

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT TO EXPAND FLAGSHIP UNIVERSAL STUDIOS STORE IN UNIVERSAL CITYWALK NEXT YEAR WITH DEDICATED AREAS FOR THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AND SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will expand the Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk to include two new dedicated areas featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
 
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
The expanded retail location will offer merchandise inspired by all three lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando – including Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Ministry of Magic, opening in 2025 at Universal Epic Universe. Guests will also be able to enjoy their favorite Butterbeer treats – including the Cold, Frozen, Hot and Vegan beverage varieties – and other specialty items from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at a new dedicated counter in the Universal Studios Store next year.
 
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
The newly added SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section in the Universal Studios Store will come with an all-new dedicated entrance inspired by the colorful landscapes and beloved characters from the Nintendo video games. Inside the store, guests will shop an assortment of merchandise featuring favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is one of the five incredibly immersive worlds coming to the Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025.
 
Additional details about this expansion to the Universal Studios Store, including its opening date in 2025, will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about the Universal Studios Store, visit www.universalorlando.com.

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