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.
Latest From This Author
Chainsaws, limbs and more. A look at the edgy new illusionist show and other additions to the park’s after-hours Halloween extravaganza for 2026.
In their commitment to redesigning Tomorrowland, company execs are sending a message to the their most devout theme park audience: We’re one of you and we’re listening.
Plus an update on Villains Land, a closer look at Orlando’s version of Cars Land and other major Disney theme park news announced at the convention.
It’s green, it’s lush, it’s a little rustic and it looks as if a mini rainforest will be slotted into the park.
D23 arrives this week and there’s renewed attention on Disneyland’s future. I talk to Leslie Iwerks, whose film zeroes in on the parks’ enduring mission of being places of play.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, currently in a soft open phase, has come under attack from residents in the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood.
After four years, Knott’s Berry Farm is about to open the refurbished and reimagined Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress. A look at what made the 1978 coaster so special.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has soft-opened at Universal Studios Hollywood. The ride makes an instant impression and prioritizes fun over terror.
The ride is operating in ‘technical rehearsals.’ Think of it as a soft opening. But theme park guests can finally get on this coaster that’s predicted to be the North American ride of 2026.