Todd Martens is a features columnist at the Los Angeles Times who writes about theme parks and West Coast Experiences, among other topics. His weekly newsletter, Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride, covers the ever-changing world of theme parks from SoCal, the theme park capital of the world (sorry, Orlando). Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and has covered a mix of interactive entertainment as its game critic and pop music as a reporter and editor. Previously, he reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. Martens has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.
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The group is moving into a 110,000-square-foot space at OCVibe, the mixed-use entertainment district in development near the Honda Center.
With “Night Watch,” a work of immersive theater by creators Bee’s Knees, the frights are heightened by the intimacy of the confined space.
Let’s geek out on ride mechanics, shall we?
A man fell to his death from a coaster in Georgia and guests are understandably shaken. What they need right now is transparency.
The immersive store on Melrose Avenue will hide secrets — like a two-story tree with glowing books growing out of its branches.
Steve Tatham has worked for Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative on massive theme park projects. His next task? Inspiring the next generation of theme park designers.
Plans are underway to make the landmark carousel operational again, with help from theme park designers. But the project, expected to take years and cost millions, won’t be easy.
Overall, the spikes are minor in comparison with prior years, and the park has made positive changes to its Magic Key program.
Our picks include Halloween staples — Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, ‘Carved’ at Descanso Gardens and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights — along with some campier events.