Monday, May 6, 2024
Home Blog Page 743

Cookie’s Monster Land! is Sweet New Addition to Sesame Place in 2014

CML_Eyes_Logo_P_RGBLanghorne, PA, USA — If you couldn’t imagine the nation’s furriest theme park becoming any furrier, think again! Sesame Place will open its furriest land ever in May 2014 – Cookie’s Monster Land! As part of the park’s largest financial investment to date, Cookie Monster will serve as host to all of his monster friends in this colorful and imaginative new land featuring five exciting rides, a three-story net climb and a soft play area for the park’s youngest visitors.

SPL_6_002_compFinal_LG.1

Children can say “Cheese!” with Cookie Monster, Elmo, and all of their furry monster friends in the refreshed 1-2-3 Smile with Me! photo location and families can satisfy their monster cravings at Cookie’s Sometimes Anytime Food Market serving an expanded menu of grab-and-go meal options.

As the park gears up for the debut of Cookie’s Monster Land, visit sesameplace.com or follow Sesame Place’s social media channels Sesame Place on Facebook and @sesameplace on Twitter for exciting updates and developments leading up to the grand opening celebration in May 2014.

VIDEO AND ARTWORK: Avatar Theme Park Concept Art Revealed at D23 Japan

AVATAR-Inspired Land Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tokyo, Japan — On Saturday, October 12, 2013, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs introduced original concept art for the new “Pandora” land to be constructed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort.  What follows is the text of Stagg’s post on the Disney Parks Blog, the artwork as presented in high resolution to InPark Magazine by Walt Disney World, and a video of Avatar director James Cameron and Walt Disney Imagineering’s Joe Rohde introducing the new land to attendees at Japan’s first D23 convention.  Click on the pictures for a larger image.

From the moment AVATAR was released, people were captivated by the mythical world of Pandora. When we announced that we’d be working with James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment to bring this world to life in our parks, we felt certain that this partnership and combination of talent and imagination would produce an experience unlike any other ever created.

AVATAR-Inspired Land Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Our combined team has taken huge steps forward in “imagineering” Pandora as a real place for our guests to see, hear and touch. At the first-ever D23 Expo in Japan, we shared an early glimpse of the plans for AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and I wanted to share some of these breathtaking images and a short preview of what’s to come with all of you.

AVATAR-Inspired Land Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As these concept renderings show in epic scale, in the world of AVATAR guests will encounter awe-inspiring floating mountains and wander through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants that are alive with light and sound. Guests will also discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee.

And the new AVATAR-inspired land won’t be the only change coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom Theme Park Expands

As part of the largest expansion in the history of the park, we’ll be adding all-new entertainment experiences, including a new nighttime spectacular where live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery all combine to bring a show to Discovery River that will delight our guests and truly cap off their day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park will introduce more nighttime entertainment as well, including live performers on Discovery Island (pictured above) and a new nighttime version of the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Shaping a Future Land at DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom

As the world of AVATAR becomes real at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the energy and passion shared by our Imagineers and the Lightstorm team for this monumental task continues to be remarkable. I can’t wait to see the reactions of our guests as they step into a world that until now has only existed on the screen.

Children’s Museums of Indianapolis Haunts a Time Warp Full of 50 Years of Fear

1272616_10151911181458701_1252577266_o

Step into a time machine and literally disappear into Halloweens of years past at the nation’s oldest continually-operated haunted house – Time Warp: 50 Years of FearOctober 10-31, 2013

Haunted House visitors watch as family and friends appear to disappear into a terrifying 3-D Time Warp created by The Children’s Museum Guild (its largest fundraiser of the year).  Upon entering, the spinning tunnel of terror whisks visitors back five “dead’cades to explore 50 years of pop culture through a creepy, three dimension lens. Your first stop is 1964’s Upside Down Room. You’ll be amazed at how your hair stays in place as you ‘walk’ upside down on the ceiling.

Step carefully on to the moon (circa 1968) as special effects make it appear as though you might fall into a deep crater or get splattered with lava.

“The addition of 3-D effects this year has taken our Haunted House to the next level.  Visitors will see things literally popping off the walls and floating in mid-air.  You might even see a hole in the floor … but is it really there?” asked Haunted House “Head Witch” Carol Clark.

Get your groove on in the retro Haunted Hangout, a 1970s inspired basement that features all of the iconic 70s memorabilia you remember including a console TV, shag carpet and memorable pop culture posters!  As guests move through time they will experience the 1977 Star Wars movie’s Creepy Cantina.  Join the band, grab a beverage and spend time with your favorite Star Wars characters.

Visitors move from the 1970s into the 80s and enter the Gruesome Game Room.  Watch your step as Pac Man ghosts gobble at your feet until it is “Game Over!” Then you step inside a life-size, pinball machine zig zagging to escape a giant hand that reaches out of the walls, through lightning bolts and floating asteroids.

The 1980s continue with a trip through a mummified mausoleum on the way to the Zombie Zone, a tribute to the iconic 1983 Thriller video.  Move into the 90s Wicked World Web and dodge a six foot scary spider that stalks a computer graveyard causing people to ‘look out’ or get caught in its corded web of creepiness on the way to Y-2 Kaos.

In the end, visitors will be invited to celebrate 50 Years of Fear in the ‘Cheers to 50 Years’ room as they tunnel back to reality.

“This year’s Haunted House pays tribute to the fact that our event stands the test of time.  We have been able to dream, build and staff this iconic Haunted House for a half century; we know what kids want to see and we deliver a unique experience each year which is what makes our Haunted House so successful.”  Said Haunted House “Head Witch” Vicki Burdick

1294521_10151927954973701_926671394_o

The 2013 Haunted House will offer something for everyone in terms of the level of fear. In addition to IPL’s Lights-on Hours and Defender Direct’s Frightening Hours, there is a new experience for those seeking a higher level of horror. On Friday nights only, William’s Comfort Air’s Xtreme Scream! hours offer the ultimate mind/body, fright experience in a psychological thriller sort of way. The Children’s Museum Guild Haunted House is The Children’s Museum‘s largest annual fundraiser.

Also in October, The Children’s Museum invites you to encounter a variety of live bats from around the world, at the Bat Encounter (Oct.17, 18, & 19 at various times). Observe their behaviors, and hear their high-pitched echolocation with a bat detector. This show included with the cost of museum admission features live rescued bats.

Witness monster movie magic up close in a separate exhibit within the museum called Hollywood Haunts.The Addams Family and Indy’s own Sammy Terry welcome you to see real props and costumes from some of Hollywood’s most popular sci-fi, horror, and adventure movies. This experience is also included with the cost of museum admission.

Feld Entertainment and Marvel Announce Marvel Universe LIVE! at NY Comic-Con

906742_336761066469658_1880707556_o

New York, NY, USA (October 12, 2013) — Today at New York Comic-Con, Juliette Feld, executive vice president and producer with Feld Entertainment, unveiled the first sneak peek of next year’s groundbreaking arena spectacular: Marvel Universe LIVE!produced by Feld Entertainment.  During Marvel’s signature “Cup O’ Joe” panel, Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada introduced Ms. Feld for a surprise presentation about this highly anticipated Marvel live action arena event.  Ms. Feld premiered the show’s first teaser trailer, providing a tantalizing taste of the cavalcade of Super Heroes to be featured and insight into the original story, and then revealed the official Marvel Universe LIVE! logo.  In conjunction with the Comic-Con appearance, Feld Entertainment also introduced the creative team tasked with developing this monumental live entertainment Marvel experience.

“For Marvel Universe LIVE!, we have assembled an accomplished creative team to develop these characters in a truly authentic production for the millions of Marvel fans around the world,” said Juliette Feld.  “This touring event will be the most technically advanced live show to date, and will bring the Marvel Universe and its bigger-than-life Super Heroes and Super Villains to life before a live audience for the first time.”

Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada added, “Marvel Universe LIVE! is going to blow people’s minds.  I have personally been involved and collaborating with the unmatched talent and expertise of the Feld team.  The way in which they will be bringing the Marvel Universe to life is truly mesmerizing and there is no doubt in my mind it will be a can’t miss event for Marvel fans of all ages.  I am excited to have the opportunity to share the show’s vision first with our die-hard fans at New York Comic Con.”

Producers Kenneth Feld and Juliette Feld have tapped an award-winning creative team for next year’s preeminent live event.  Two-time Emmy award-winner Shanda Sawyer (“Rock ‘N Reality Special,” Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®will serve as director, and is joined by brother and sister writing duo Adam Wilson (“What’s Important is Feeling: Stories,” “Flatscreen: A novel”) and Melanie Wilson LaBracio.  Andy Armstrong, stunt coordinator for the 2011 blockbuster film “Marvel’s Thor,” functions as action and stunt coordinator, while television and live show veteran Joe Stewart (“The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” “The Magic of David Copperfield”) will lead set design.  The vision for the Marvel Universe LIVE! costume design will be guided by Cynthia Nordstrom, whose projects have included Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and several off-Broadway productions. Norm Schwab (Imagine Dragons ‘Night Moves’ Tour, Kid Rock ‘Best Night Ever’ Tour), lighting designer, and Bob Bonniol (Blue Man Group at Universal OrlandoElectric Zoo NYC), video content and system designer, round out the team.

Marvel Universe LIVE! will bring Marvel’s most iconic heroes and fearsome villains to life like never before during a live-action arena spectacular that will tour 85 North American cities in its first two years.  Officially kicking off in July 2014, Marvel Universe LIVE! will redefine the live show experience by integrating a Marvel character driven story with state-of-the-art special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts and countless other show elements.

Dollywood Releases Stats and Ride Video for FireChaser Express

0

img_7543

Pigeon Forge, TN, USA (October 9, 2013) — Dollywood theme park adds another innovative coaster to its lineup with FireChaser Express, the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster that travels forward and backward, set to open in March 2014.

FireChaser Express launches twice, traveling forward and backward on a winding 2,427-foot track. The coaster launches from the loading station traveling from zero to 16 mph in just 1.1 second. As the journey ends, a backward launch from zero to 20 mph in two seconds sends FireChaser Express back to the station traveling in the opposite direction. Perched 12 stories above the park’s Wilderness Pass area, the coaster’s 39-inch minimum height requirement invites families to ride together.

“FireChaser Express is truly special to me because families can ride this coaster together,” Dolly Parton said. “Most four-year-olds are tall enough to ride FireChaser Express so I’m excited that lots of families will take their first coaster ride together at Dollywood. I’m thrilled to offer folks a memory like this to cherish forever. That’s a blast!”

FireChaser Express is the first capital investment in a 10-year plan that includes more than $300 million in future developments, including attractions and resorts, all to be at or adjacent to Parton’s Dollywood theme park, located just miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A 79-foot lift propels FireChaser Express through a “trick track” section where the passenger trains twist from side to side. Riders also encounter two helices and six zero-gravity moments on a journey that lasts two minutes and 19 seconds. FireChaser Express features three 14-passenger trains with an hourly capacity of 750 riders.

FireChaser Express celebrates the volunteer-based fire departments of the 1940s who protected the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Coaster passengers are volunteer recruits needed to help Chief Pete Embers spot any potential fire hazards in the area. They are especially mindful of recent lightning in the area and Crazy Charlie Cherriebaum’s Gas & Fireworks Emporium. Recruits never know when they might be called to save the day.

Once the five-bell alarm sounds in Station 7, it’s go time in Dollywood’s Wilderness Pass as FireChaser Express launches from the station and careens through fire towers and the mountainside amid crashed rockets, a destroyed fireworks storage shed, fallen telephone poles with “rocket darts” and other charred remnants that  litter the coaster’s path. FireChaser Express takes its volunteer recruits through the fireworks testing area where they encounter the mythical “Big Bertha” skyrocket and a lightning hit at Crazy Charlie’s Gas & Fireworks Emporium.  As FireChaser Express races to extinguish the blaze, the coaster encounters a fireworks explosion, catapulting FireChaser Express into a backward launch sending the coaster on a reverse ride back into the station!

FireChaser Express is the latest addition to The Dollywood Company’s list of unique new rides. In March 2012, Dollywood opened the $20 million Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster. In 2013, Dollywood’s Splash Country followed with the addition of RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster.

www.dollywood.com

Worlds of Fun – Halloween Haunt

0

1267702_10151750932723250_889215313_o

MAZES

  • Asylum Island: Cross the bridge to Asylum Island to explore Lakeside Mental Hospital where the inmates have taken control.
  • Bloodshed: A trip to Old MacDonald’s farm turns into a massacre.
  • Corn Stalkers: Legend has it that the crazed farmhands built countless scarecrows to ward off any would- be trespassers. And now years later, who really knows what evil lurks in the corn. This Frightful cornfield will scare the yell out of you!
  • London Terror: Step back in time ad into the fog filled streets of London where the villains of the night are terrorizing the townsfolk. Step lively or you’ll fall victim to Jack the Ripper’s blade or Dr. Jekyll’s twisted experiments!
  • Lore of the Vampire featuring Club Blood: Over a century’s worth of bloodthirsty vampires lurk within the walls of this catacomb of undead. Venture underground into Lore of the Vampire’s Club Blood where human victims are drained of their life to nourish the children of the night.
  • Miss Lizzie’s Chamber of Horrors: The Chamber of Horrors Wax Museum has reopened, and for this limited time, Miss Lizzie invites you to examine her collection of some of the most feared villains, murderers, criminals and miscreants imaginable. So lifelike, so believable, so haunting, you might even think they’re alive.
  • Zombie High: The hallowed halls of Zombie High econ you back to a horrific homecoming of flesh eating hellions. Don’t be tardy. If you make it out alive you can consider yourself “Save By The Hell.”

SCARE ZONES

  • CarnEvil: A pack of freaks and deranged clowns taunt those who trespass their territory.
  • Fright Zone: Hordes of Screamsters lurk in the nightmarish shadows and blinding fog of the Fright Zone, searching for their next succulent morsel on which to feed. This midway temporarily closes prior to the opening of the Fright Zone.
  • Outlaws Revenge: Outlaw spirits of Boot Hill Cemetery ascend to defend their ghost town and find those who sentenced them to death.

SHOWS

  • Inferno: Haunters won’t want to miss INFERNO, our hottest hangout for after dark entertainment. Be amazed by the steaming sights and sounds of a wide range of oddities, acts, and obscurities. Not advised for the faint of heart nor the young at heart.
  • Meat Cleaver High: Meat Cleaver High in the Moulin Rouge Theatre
  • Overlord’s Awakening: The official opening of Halloween Haunt each night. As darkness falls, bear witness to Overlords Awakening as he calls his army to rise and transform the park into Halloween Haunt.

www.worldsoffun.com

Gravity Brings the Feel of Giant Screen Docs to a Hollywood Blockbuster

GRAVITY

(October 8, 2013) — With an opening domestic weekend box office of $56 million, which includes $11 million from IMAX screens, director Alfonso Cauron’s Gravity inherits the enormous scope of giant screen documentaries but expands upon it with a visually dramatic disaster and emotionally gripping story.

The giant screen documentary’s relationship with disasters is best personified by 1992’s Fires of Kuwait and 1998’s Everest, both of which documented a moment in time on film, with real disasters in the making and their aftermath.  These films, because of their scope, allow both an external exploration of a world unraveling and an internal exploration of our place within it.

A key component of Gravity is the 3D presentation, giving a sense of depth not only for the film’s set pieces, but in moments of isolation allowing for introspection. In some theaters the Gravity experience is enhanced with D-Box immersive motion seats – another component of specialty cinema moving into mainstream presentations.

Because 3D rigs proved too problematic for shooting on set, it was decided to convert the film in post production.  The stereo conversion was conducted by Prime Focus, the same company that was entrusted by Warner Bros. with converting The Wizard of Oz.  Some of the 3d conversion patents utilized by Prime Focus were first used on the giant screen in James Cameron’s 2005 documentary Aliens of the Deep.

A film of this scope is well-suited to play on the biggest screens, and Gravity is doing well in IMAX theaters.  Gravity was one of the films named in November 2012 when Warner Bros. extended its partnership with IMAX.  The IMAX film Hubble 3D was used as reference for the space scenes in Gravity.

In select non-IMAX theaters, the movie is being offered in Dolby Atmos, a 64-channel sound system, where each speaker surrounding the auditorium and lining the ceiling is its own channel.  A special sound mix was created for these theaters that takes full advantage of the action and debris on screen and the space in the auditorium.

Six Flags Mexico – Festival del Terror

0

1374083_10151914393742138_495043806_n

ATRACCIONES EXTREMAS DE TERROR

Six Flags Carniceria Butcher

1981 En algún lugar de Texas. ¡Ellos están ansiosos de que vuelvas! Los carniceros más famosos de México están de regreso y esta vez no piensan dejarte escapar. [Leer más]

Six Flags Valaquia

Bosque del Terror. ¡El misterioso bosque encantado regresa este año! Cerca de la famosa Transilvania se encuentra Valaquia un lugar hermoso pero que guarda muchos secretos, cuentan los habitantes del lugar que existe un … [Leer más]

Zombie Area 6

Una sirena suena intensamente mientras escuchas los gritos de terror de los pocos sobrevivientes intentando escapar de los extraños caminantes que alguna vez fueron seres humanos. Muy pronto no se escuchará nada… Y te … [Leer más]

La Ronde – Festival de la Frayeur

0

615246_10151739677658742_1340116562_o

ZONES TERRIFIANTES

District 510

Activité payante.
Osez entrer là où la plupart des occupants ont été amenés de force. Combattez des scientifiques désespérés, avides de repousser les limites de l’inconnu en se livrant à des expériences sur des … [En savoir plus]

L’antre des vampires

Le manoir des vampires ne porte pas ce nom pour rien. Il s’agit d’un endroit sans équivoque à Montréal où l’obscurité règne en permanence. Les morts-vivants sont libres de se déplacer où bon leur semble dans le parc. [En savoir plus]

Le Couloir de la mort

Activité payante.
Faites une visite nocturne du pénitencier « Couloir de la mort », la prison clandestine la plus redoutable de Montréal, d’où personne n’est ressorti vivant. [En savoir plus]

Le Lounge de zombies

Il y a plusieurs années, une énorme explosion a secoué un vieux quartier industriel, qui a depuis été revitalisé en zone urbaine abritant des lofts… [En savoir plus]

Le Musee du Massacre

Activité payante.
Il existe, aux abords de La Ronde, un vieil entrepôt industriel. L’édifice décrépit a été entièrement barricadé. Tout est tranquille le jour, mais la nuit, des sons étranges semblent provenir de … [En savoir plus]

La Maison de poupees

Activité payante.
Bienvenue à la Maison de poupées, un endroit où, il y a de cela très longtemps, de jolies petites poupées étaient fabriquées avec soin, mais qui maintenant fait hurler de terreur tous ceux qui y … [En savoir plus]

Les Démons

Dès la tombée de la nuit, huit mystérieux démons seront libérés dans le parc dans l’unique but de vous effrayer. Soyez à l’affût : vous ne serez jamais à l’abri, où que vous soyez dans le parc. [En savoir plus]

www.laronde.com

Six Flags Over Texas – Fright Fest

0

302054_10150384968065991_1578053169_n

FEARFUL FRIGHTS

Cirkus Berzerkus

$ Fright Pass required.
Pay a visit to this chaotic, black light city where murderous clowns run rampant in the moonlight. Praying on the darkest fears of its victims, the clowns always know where they can find you. [Read More]

Skullduggery

Presented by SNICKERS® Brand
$ Fright Pass required.
The evil pirate Captain Corpius haunts the watery areas of Six Flags Over Texas. After being hanged for crimes on the high seas, his ghost … [Read More]

Cadaver Hall Asylum

$ Fright Pass Required

Enjoy a nighttime tour of Cadaver Hall Asylum for the Mentally Insane – originally known for its innovative methods and techniques but now only remembered for the night in 1961 when a young girl’s forced lobotomy turned deadly. [Read More]

Piggy’s Blood Shed

$ Fright Pass Required

This long forgotten roadside attraction along Route 666 is now open and under new ownership. But be leery travelers, you may find yourself at as the next blue plate special on Piggy’s menu. Stop in to Piggy’s Blood Shed… … [Read More]

Total Darkness

$ Fright Pass Required

Presented by DOVE® Chocolate
Fright awaits you at every corridor, whether it is real or your imagination is what you must decide. Total Darkness face you fears of things that go “Bump in the Night”! [Read More]

MONSTERTAINMENT

Welcome to Arania’s Nightmare

Presented by göt2b®
The Black Widow Bride is on an Arlington manhunt for Husband Number 14. It seems the other 13 have all met with mysterious ends. The search takes place on the evening of the … [Read More]

HOWL

Presented by M&M’S® Brand
MTV has got nothing on our own Howl-o-ween top 10 countdown. Jaxx, Gash, Vixen, Lotus, Scarlet and Ransom perform music by Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, Run DMC, Styx, Kelly … [Read More]

Dr. Fright’s Final Freakout

Presented by MILKY WAY®. Dr. Fright gets the house-a-rockin’ with a closing spectacular featuring music from the Disco Divas and Funk Bands of the 80s. Top this off with special effects, and a cast of zombies … [Read More]

WBAT Radio Remote

Be sure to drop in on the crew of 1313 WBAT Fright Time Radio as they cook up some of the most rockin’ Halloween tunes, and give away spooky prizes, including free Fright Passes! Your ghoulish gang of hosts keep the thrills … [Read More]

WBAT Final Challenge

Presented by MILKY WAY® Brand
Watch as 3 not-so-lucky contestants compete in the most shocking games to win spooktacular prizes! [Read More]

SPINE-CHILLING ADVENTURES

SUPERMAN: Tower of Power

The greatest scientific minds in Arlington have gone mad trying to understand the deadly and befuddling mystery hidden deep within one of the most scariest and brain melting drop towers in the world. [Read More]

Runaway Mine Train of Terror

The Runaway Mine Train used to be one of the most profitable gold and silver mines in the south until a terrible incident that caused hundreds of men to disappear. The old track has been closed for years, but we’re pleased to … [Read More]

El Aserradero de Bichos

El Aserradero has become home to millions of man-eating insects who have a particular craving for young flesh. Young skin – once smooth – bubbles, crusts and erupts with sores that itch, ooze, and contaminate.[Read More]

The Titan Witch

Beneath Titan lies the remains of a witch who destroyed a thriving town and left a terrible curse for anyone who dares to set foot on the property. [Read More]

Pandemonium Labs

A failed park lab experiment has resulted in thousands of cuddly white rats developing an insatiable taste for human flesh (especially teens).[Read More]

Conquistador Orc Chefs

There is a nest of Orc chefs living beneath Conquistador. The delectable culinary creations they create from for our park guests make for fine eating. [Read More]

Chaparral Antique Zombie Cars

Beneath the track of the antique cars rests an ancient zombie burial ground. Inert until recently, the thousand year old zombies seek to expand their ranks while enjoying a feast of young brains. [Read More]

BATMAN The Ride

It may seem like the safest place at the park, but it isn’t. Batman The Ride is the home of the Sirens, beautiful, captivating creatures who quickly and painfully suck your brains out. [Read More]

www.sixflags.com/overtexas