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Halloween Horror Nights 25 Unmasking the Horror – Freddy vs Jason

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Continuing our Halloween Horror Nights Unmaking the Horror Tour at Universal Orlando Resort coverage , we now move into an adapted intellectual property with “Freddy vs Jason”!

As explained in our “Halloween Horror Nights 25 Unmaking the Horror – Body Collectors Recollections” article, the Unmasking the Horror Tour gives a unique up close and personal “lights on” experience with several of the mazes at Halloween Horror Nights 25. Being a big Halloween Horror Nights fan, I love these tours for that reason, but more so for the in depth look at the stories being told in these mazes that are often missed as visitors are sent through the maze night after night. Many times I get a new perspective for the maze, but none more for HHN25 than the tour for “Freddy vs Jason”.

“Freddy vs Jason” on the surface is a pretty simple story: 2 of the biggest horror icons battle it out to see who reigns supreme. Like I said, simple story, and really all you need. But how they get to the final battle was completely lost on my first visit through the maze. So to better explain, here is that story.

SPOILER ALERT. Before I continue, I want to give an extremely necessary warning: the rest of this article will set the stage for an experience walking through the maze and the story of “Freddy vs Jason” with the addition of pictures and a photo gallery. If you have not yet experienced this amazing maze and do not want any spoilers in way of description or photos, stop reading this article now!

Full tour picture gallery below the following description:

The experience begins in familiar territory – Camp Crystal Lake. The site of the many a grizzly murders from the Friday the 13th franchise.

The area is littered with Jason’s victims and we get our first face to face encounter with Jason Vorhees himself, a scareactor portrayed by a hulking 6 foot 7 or taller actor.

We move inside the nearby cabin, it’s the counselors bunks. One counselor has already met his fate at the hands of Jason. Looking around there are a lot of pictures on the wall. These pictures we were informed on the tour are of the creative staff, their family and pets.

Moving from the bunks to the showers, we get our first glimpse at Jason nemesis for this story – Freddy Krueger. A series of 3 glass panes revealing the face of Freddy light up as we pass through a small hallway:

From there we enter the showers, and more of Jason’s victims:

Before leaving and heading to the next scene we run into Jason’s mother – or at least what’s left of her in the shrine built in the bathtub at the end of this room:

As we pass the shrine, we hear Jason’s mother pleading for Jason to kill, as her pleas grow stronger, her voice morphs and deepens as it turns into dream-realm commands from Freddy himself.

We exit the cabin and find ourselves outside. We’re in front of a white house numbers 1428 Elm Street. outside the house 2 young girls with a jump romp chatting the familiar verse “1,2 Freddy’s

Inside the house, there is no question that Freddy Krueger has return as his arrival is written in blood on the wall. Turning the corner, we see several of his most infamous kills in a showcase with Freddy himself popping in and out of the doorways:

We’re lead into the dream world, a world where both Freddy and Jason’s corporeal demise meet. This was a detail I did not understand on my first walk through. After having it explained, it made the experience far more exciting. First, a walk through the boiler room were Freddy Krueger was burnt alive. From there, a twisted, rusted version of the boiler room takes shape in a mind bending mirror maze.

The boiler-room maze begins to unwind as the pipes and walls soon get covered with water plants and bark drawing us underwater to where the young Jason Vorhees drowned at Crystal Lake followed by the sinking shrine of his long dead mother:

From there the battle begins. Jason and Freddy lock arms disappearing behind a projection screen where a fight that could never be duplicated in real life plays out.

After the next turn, we see Freddy taking his at Jason, followed by a spot light showcase of Jason dominating Freddy:

From there, we’re left to wonder who is the victor as we return to Crystal Lake,that is until one of two endings happens as either Jason holding a Freddy’s severed head appears from behind a black curtain, or Freddy holding Jason’s mask jumps out.

For me, Halloween Horror Nights 25 was mostly about the history and original properties from the years of HHN past. My first walk through Freddy vs Jason was fun, but at the time all I needed to do. After my unmasking the horror visit, this maze quickly grew on me, and now with the event about to come to a close, Freddy vs Jason has quickly become one of my favorite mazes at Halloween Horror Nights 25.


Unmasking The Horror Tour – The Walking Dead

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Moving on with our Unmasking the Horror Tour report – it’s time to step into Season 5 of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” with “The Walking Dead: The Living and the Dead”

As reported in our “Body Collectors: Recollections”, “Freddy vs Jason” “Jack Presents 25 Year of Monsters and Mayhem”, the Unmasking the Horror Tour is and up-close and personal, lights on tour of several of the mazes at Universal Resort Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 25.

SPOILER ALERT. Before I continue, I want to give an extremely necessary warning: the rest of this article will set the stage for an experience walking through the house and the story of “The Walking Dead: The Living and Dead” with the addition of pictures and a photo gallery, as well as spoilers to season 5 of “The Walking Dead”. If you have not yet experienced this amazing house and do not want any spoilers in way of description or photos, or if you have not yet watched or heard the details of season 5 of The Walking Dead television series, stop reading this article now!

Full photos in posted at the bottom this description:

The maze starts off exactly where our heroes find themselves in Season 5 of “The Walking Dead” – The slaughter house of Terminus:

From there we find ourselves in the caved-in remnants of the food bank, along with water logged walkers waste deep in water:

Out of the food bank and into Grady Memorial Hospital:

We leave the hospital – intact – and find ourselves in the church yard of St Sarah’s Episcopal Church:

Out of the church and into the barn right at the time the storm hits:

Leaving the barn, we’re wandering the woods with Walkers all around:

From woods we enter the back of a large department store, with Walkers still afoot. As we move out we come across an infamous door, and the setting for one of the most memorable character deaths this season:

Out of the store, we trip a trap set by the wolves, and walkers are unleashed from all sides:

AMC’s The Walking Dead has had a long presence at Halloween Horror Nights and the Art and Design team have taken bold steps to try to bring this story to life in new and exciting ways each year.

Unmasking the Horror Tours are still available as of the posting of this article.

To learn more, visit the Halloween Horror Nights RIP Tours page at: http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/rip-tours.html

For more on Halloween Horror Nights and to purchase event tickets and add ons, visit the Halloween Horror Nights website at: http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/

For more great Halloween Horror Nights coverage, check out “The Catacombs of Halloween Horror Nights” podcast at: http://www.neozaz.com/category/podcasts/halloween-horror-nights/

First time at Halloween Horror Nights? Check out our First Timer Tips episode of That Catacombs of Halloween Horror Nights podcast at: http://www.neozaz.com/cohhn-first-timer-tips/, and our First Timer Tip article at: http://www.neozaz.com/hhn-tips/.

For more information on the full line of attractions and events at Halloween Horror Nights 25, check out our Full Line-up article at: http://www.neozaz.com/hhn25-the-full-line-up/

Unmasking the Horror Tour – Monsters and Mayhem

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It’s time again for another look at our “Unmasking the Horror Tour” experience at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 25.

If you’ve just joined us, we’ve already taken a look at “Body Collectors: Recollections” and “Freddy vs Jason.” Now it’s time for our third house of our 6 (+1) house tour: “Jack Presents 25 Years of Monsters and Mayhem”.

This house is a fantastic trip down memory lane pulling in memorable moments from the past 15 years of Halloween Horror Nights mazes, addling the classic Universal Monsters that started it all, and throwing in a good dose of the event icon Jack the Clown.

SPOILER ALERT. Before I continue, I want to give an extremely necessary warning: the rest of this article will set the stage for an experience walking through the house and the story of “Jack Presents: 25 Years of Monsters and Mayhem” with the addition of pictures and a photo gallery. If you have not yet experienced this amazing house and do not want any spoilers in way of description or photos, stop reading this article now!

Full tour picture gallery below the following description:

This house starts off with one the most colorful, well planned, eye catching facades of all of the attractions at Halloween Horror Nights 25. A giant entry way with Jack the Clown manically laughing at you and spinning towers paying homage to icons of the past, and a couple of fan favorite “lost” characters.

After entering we’re in the woods and the first blast from the past arrives in the form of 2001’s ScaryTales version of “Red Riding Hood” – in this version the fair maiden took care of that nasty wolf herself as we see remnants of their altercations.

We’re led into the small nearby cottage and find the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, though in this telling, the bears get the jump on Goldilocks and find her “just right”.

From there the tilted floor is the first clue that we are on the doomed ship from 2011’s “The Forsaken”, the 4th ship from Christopher Columbus’ fleet that attempted to mutiny, and paid with a gruesome demise.

Off the forsaken and into the “Scream House”, the icon house of 2002’s Islands of Fear Icon “The Caretaker”.

Out of the Scream house we go down a long hallway – scrim walls on one side that light up and reveal floating ghosts, painting and light effects on the other where scareactors await, and overhead a curious spirit gliding above the ceiling.

Out of the hallway and into the world that started it all for Universal Studios and for the genre of Horror Movies – The Classic Monsters.

Frankensteins’s monster, the Wolfman, Bride of Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Mummy all make an appearance in their own personalized showcase for this silver anniversary event:

From there we continue our scream down memory lane and we enter a room for 2004’s “Castle Vampyr” – possibly the most memorable room for some as it’s the bed chambers of the seductive brides of Dracula.

We move along and, peering down at a mirror effect making us believe we’re not high up in the castle as the weeping angles of 2011’s “Winter’s Night: The Haunting of Hawthorn Cemetery at there to greet (and likely scare) us.

Turning the corner we enter the WWI era as we are treated to scene from 2011’s “Nightingales: Blood Prey”

Out of the trenches into the chaos of chains, chainsaws and genetically engineered soldiers gone a muck in a scene from 2000’s “Havoc: Dogs of War”

From here we the house takes an interesting turn as 2 of the more tongue-in-check houses of the past are mashed up into one scene: 2009’s “Leave it to Cleaver’s” walk-in cooler is decorated with 2011’s “H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: Holiday of Horror” Christmas set:

Before entering the next full room, there’s a bit trickery on our left in the form of a makeup table and “mirror”. The mirror is actually an opening in the wall with the same décor on the opposite wall giving the illusion of a reflection. When you turn to take a good look at yourself, you’re greeted by a scareactor dressed as Jack the Clown in the opening.

As a finale – inside the building at least – there is a room with A LOT of Jack the Clowns beneath a circus tent.. A few real, but most mannequins to hide the location of the real jacks.

From there we head outside. After a long walk the attraction seems to be over and we get see two showcases of props from Halloween Horror Nights past. Just as we’re taking a look at the great details of the display, the lost icon Eddie jumps out with a chainsaw, pushing us back to the second display were Leave it Cleaver’s mascot “Meaty Meetz” is waiting, chainsaw in hand.

All in all a really fun house. A great walk down memory lane for any longtime Halloween Horror Nights attendee. As with all the houses on this tour, the tour once again enhances the entire experience of these fantastic attractions. More than just highly recommending them, I almost say you really need to do the tour at least once in your Halloween Horror Nights annual pilgrimage.

Unmasking the Horror Tours are still available as of the posting of this article.

To learn more, visit the Halloween Horror Nights RIP Tours page at: http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/rip-tours.html

For more on Halloween Horror Nights and to purchase event tickets and add ons, visit the Halloween Horror Nights website at: http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/

For more great Halloween Horror Nights coverage, check out “The Catacombs of Halloween Horror Nights” podcast at: http://www.neozaz.com/category/podcasts/halloween-horror-nights/

First time at Halloween Horror Nights? Check out our First Timer Tips episode of That Catacombs of Halloween Horror Nights podcast at: http://www.neozaz.com/cohhn-first-timer-tips/, and our First Timer Tip article at: http://www.neozaz.com/hhn-tips/.

For more information on the full line of attractions and events at Halloween Horror Nights 25, check out our Full Line-up article at: http://www.neozaz.com/hhn25-the-full-line-up/

Unmasking the Horror Tour – Insidious

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Moving on with our Unmasking the Horror Tour report – this time we enter “the further” as we take an inside look at Halloween Horror Nights 25 “Insidious” Maze.

“Insidious” took some of the most memorial scenes and visuals from the all three installments of the Insidious film franchise and brought them to live at Halloween Horror Nights 25, including multisensory experience of entering “The Further”. During our Unmasking the Horror Tour, we were able to take a closer look at the maze and taken in all the details that brought this experience to life.

As reported in our “Body Collectors: Recollections”, “Freddy vs Jason” “Jack Presents 25 Year of Monsters and Mayhem”, and “The Walking Dead: The Living and the Dead” articles, the Unmasking the Horror Tour is and up-close and personal, lights on tour of several of the mazes at Universal Resort Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 25.

With Halloween Horror Nights 25 now over, there’s not spoilers at this point as the maze is currently being dismantled. However, you don’t want to see how this attraction looked with the building lights turned on, then best to leave now as the rest of this article is a gallery of the lights on photos inside “Insidious”.

Unmasking the Horror Tour – Run: Blood, Sweat, and Fears

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Out final Unmasking the Horror Tour report features the 7th of our 6 house tour – in this case, we took the all tour tour twice and were lucky enough to have a tour of 7 total houses!

“Run” takes place in an alternate reality were John F Kennedy by passed the peacefully settlement of the Cuban arms crisis and just went ahead and nuked the Soviet Union. We lost the west coast in the process, but we gained the rest of the world as the U.S. governs the entire earth. “The Network” is form and sole provider of 1000’s of entertainment broadcast channels. Out of all the choices for your viewing pleasure, one single show rates highest among everything The Network has to offer – the game show “Run”. “Run” features “contestants” that enter a gauntlet of deadly gladiators from all over the world trying to flat out kill you. If you survive, your prize is your life.

Now, the year is 1987 and it’s Freedom Day, the global holiday of the planet and gladiators from all over the world have joined with edition of run at “Hellsgate Prison”. You, are one of the contestants. Good luck, and happy freedom day!

As reported in our “Body Collectors: Recollections”, “Freddy vs Jason” “Jack Presents 25 Year of Monsters and Mayhem”, and “The Walking Dead: The Living and the Dead” articles, the Unmasking the Horror Tour is and up-close and personal, lights on tour of several of the mazes at Universal Resort Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 25.

With Halloween Horror Nights 25 now over, there’s not spoilers at this point as the maze is currently being dismantled. However, you don’t want to see how this attraction looked with the building lights turned on, then best to leave now as the rest of this article is a gallery of the lights on photos inside “Run: Blood, Sweat, and Fears”.

Unmasking The Horror Tour – Asylum in Wonderland 3D

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Moving on with our Unmasking the Horror Tour report – this time we fall down the rabbit hole as we take an inside look at Halloween Horror Nights 25 “Asylum in Wonderland 3D” Maze.

“Asylum in Wonderland 3D” gave us a look at Wonderland through Alice’s mind – the twisted confusion and chaos spinning through her head and all shown through a chromadepth 3D palette.

As reported in our “Body Collectors: Recollections”, “Freddy vs Jason” “Jack Presents 25 Year of Monsters and Mayhem”, and “The Walking Dead: The Living and the Dead” articles, the Unmasking the Horror Tour is and up-close and personal, lights on tour of several of the mazes at Universal Resort Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 25.

With Halloween Horror Nights 25 now over, there’s not spoilers at this point as the maze is currently being dismantled. However, you don’t want to see how this attraction looked with the building lights turned on, then best to leave now as the rest of this article is a gallery of the lights on photos inside “Asylum in Wonderland 3D”.

10 Better than Good Reasons to Attend Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2016

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The party is underway at Universal Studios Orlando’s annual spring season event: Mardi Gras – Florida’s Biggest Party!

We made our first (of many more to come) visit the 2016 event this weekend and compiled a list of 10 better than good reasons you should attend Universal Studios Mardi Gras too!

In no particular order, here are those 10 reasons

10. The Food

Much like we talked many, many times before about the special event food at Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras too offers specialty food that you’re not going to find during a regular visit at the part.

Great selections from “N’awlins” cuisine like Andouille Sausage, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Beignets and King cake, along with event favorites cheese steaks and loaded fries, and one NeoZAZ favorites we’ll get to in a minute because it deserves its own entry on this list.

9. Stilt Walker Photo Ops.

Stilt Walker photo ops are of course not limited to this event, Universal has many great stilt walker characters through the day at both parks. However, in the opening hours of the French Quarter Courtyard (4:00PM on Mardi Gras Event Nights) the parade stilt walkers gather in the streets during this limited event run for a unique photo op!

8. French Quarter Courtyard

We started off the list talked about the food, and here’s where you get it – the French Quarter Courtyard. But the Courtyard isn’t all about food, there’s bars featuring Louisiana brewery drafts, a Crepes and Coffee booth, and live Zydeco bands straight from New Orleans.

7. Blinky Cups

Help light up the party by grabbing your own blinky cup from almost any of the Mardi Gras bars. These cups don’t just add a bit of fun to the event but also offer discounted refills throughout the night – and the entire event when you come back!

6. Voodoo Juice

And if you’re going to get a blinky cup and you’re 21 or over and enjoy a enjoy an adult beverage, you might as well have them fill with an ice cold Voodoo Juice. Voodoo Juice is the signature drink of this year’s event and is a tasty mix of Full Throttle energy drink, Minute Maid orange, pineapple and cranberry juice, and rum.

5. Concerts

One huge reason to go to Mardi Gras and Universal Studios are the concerts. Included with the price of admission on Mardi Gras event nights is a full concert on the Music Plaza Stage. Acts appearing at this year’s event are:

February 6th (Sat.) Hunter Hayes
February 13th (Sat.) Diana Ross
February 14th (Sun.) Barenaked Ladies
February 20th (Sat.) Nate Ruess
February 27th (Sat.) Fall Out Boy
March 5th (Sat.) Kool & The Gang
March 12th (Sat.) The Gray
March 13th (Sun.) Adam Lambert
March 19th (Sat.) Shawn Mendes
March 20th (Sun.) 3 Door Down
March 26th (Sat.) Reo Speedwagon
April 2nd (Sat.) T-Pain
April 9th (Sat.) Jessie J
April 16th (Sat.) Yandel

4. Twisted Taters

This is the one food that will always get its own spot on any Universal event list we publish on NeoZAZ. The simplest idea that has given us so much joy over the years. A thinly spiral cut potato deep fried on a stick then coated with your choice of seasoning. It’s not limited to Universal Mardi Gras, we enjoy them at Halloween Horror Nights each year, but it’s not found in the park every day. If you miss tasting a twisted tater at Mardi Gras, you’re doing your taste buds a disservice.

3. Beads. Millions of Free Beads

Let’s face it, it’s not often you walk out of any them park with a free souvenir other than a park guide, Mardi Gras gives you that chance. Flying through the air from the parade floats, over 1.7 million strings of beads will make their way into park visitor hands this year, more than enough to go around so go out there and get yours!

2. The Parade

And how do you get those beads? Watch the fantastic Mardi Gras Parade make its way through the streets of Universal Studios! 10 original individually themed party floats lead by a crew of costumed character and stilt walkers light up the streets and the get the party going with lights, confetti, music, and as mentioned just moments ago – beads! Roughly a dozen costumed attendees on each side of each float throw colored strings of beads to the parade watchers from start to finish. And to give the kids their fair chance and a near guarantee of walking away from the parade with plenty beads, head over to the “Little Jester’s Parade view area” in front of the Brown Derby hat Shop – an area just for kids their own parade experience.

1. Mardi Gras is included with Park admission

We went through a lot of reasons to attend Mardi Gras at Universal Studios this year but possibly the best reason to go is Mardi Gras is included in price of the day admission to the park. The Concert, the Parade, entry into the French Quarter Courtyard is all part of a day’s visit to Universal Studios. So enjoy a day at central Florida’s best theme park and then stay for Florida’s biggest party!

Mardi Gras takes place on select nights February 6 – to April 16, 2016.

For dates and concert information visit the Universal Studios Mardi Gras website at: https://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx

Stay tuned for our Mardi Gras coverage podcast special coming soon to NeoZAZ.com.

Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2016 Gallery

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This past weekend we had the pleasure of attending and covering another fantastic seasonal event for Universal Studios Orlando – Mardi Gras!

Universal Studios Mardi is billed as Florida’s biggest party, and this year’s event has the fun, the food, the music, and the most exciting parade in any theme park to deliver.

As part of our coverage of this year’s event, we present this photo gallery of our first visit to Mardi Gras 2016!

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For more information on Universal Studios Mardi Gras, please visit their website at: https://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx

For our firsthand account and live recordings at Universal Studios Mardi Gras, check out our special podcast episode at: http://neozaz.com/special-universal-studios-mardi-gras/

For further coverage on Universal Studios Mardi Gras, check out our article “10 Better Than Good Reason to Attend Universal Studios Mardi Gras” at: http://neozaz.com/10-reasons-to-attend-universal-studios-mardi-gras/


Toothsome Chocolate Factory coming to Universal CityWalk

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The big question “What is taking the place of NBA City?” has finally been answered – and I couldn’t be any more excited about the news!

“Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium” is moving into CityWalk. The new addition to the ever expanding resort features a full menu with unique takes on steaks, seafood, and pasta, gourmet burgers and sandwiches, salads, an all-day brunch and more.

But perhaps the bigger draw to the unique eatery is the original and stunning theme; a 19th century-inspired Steampunk chocolate factory!

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You’ll enjoy your dining experience surrounded by steampunk gadgets, steampunk fashioned staff, and full view of the wondrous chocolate creations as they’re being made.

To wet your appetite the Universal Orlando Blog released a teaser list of some of the signature milkshakes to be featured at Toothsome:

  • Chocolate 5x: An explosion of chocolate with chocolate spirals, chunks, ice-cream and whipped cream.
  • Bacon Brittle: A fun twist on a breakfast favorite with bacon ice cream, bacon brittle, chocolate covered bacon, and bacon caramel.
  • Espresso Buzzzz: A coffee lover’s dream with coffee ice-cream and chocolate covered beans.
  • Red Velvet: A milkshake topped with a Red Velvet cupcake.
  • Key Lime Pie: The classic Florida dessert turned into a delicious shake. You’ll even get a slice of pie on top.
  • Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium opens at CityWalk later this year.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort is already a favorite spot for us at NEOZAZ to eat, drink and play; I’ve got a feeling Toothsome will be added to our regular list of stops very, very soon.

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Ride Vehicle and new details revealed for Reign of Kong

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There are some new and exciting details out today for Universal Studios Islands of Adventure “Skull Island: Reign of Kong”.

To get things rolling (pun intended) the Universal Studios Orlando blog released details on the new ride vehicle!

Each vehicle for Reign of Kong measures of 40 feet long and 13 feet high with 45 inch wheels with individual front and rear steering and will carry up to 72 people.

To add a new twist to the immersive experience Universal is mastering – these vehicles will traverse a completely trackless system!

Having a free moving trackless vehicle alone would realistically provide a difference experience with each ride, but in their usually fashion of going above and beyond and setting new bars in attraction development, Universal has added 5 individually driver characters to “Reign of Kong” each with their own story and experience to share:

  • Becky Callahan: The loose-cannon cowgirl who isn’t fazed by the dangers awaiting her on Skull Island.
  • Will Denham: The fresh-faced, adventure-seeking younger cousin of famed movie director Carl Denham.
  • Jinks Costanza: A hardened New York City ex-con who is wary of the island’s mysteries.
  • Kalana: A mystical descendent of the natives who first settled on the island.
  • Charles “Doc” Jordan: A PhD student in paleontology who took time off from his studies to explore the world.

“Skull Island: Reign of Kong” opens this summer at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure.

For more details on the Reign of Kong vehicle, check out the video provided by Universal Studios:

The Walking Dead Attraction just might lure me back to Hollywood

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Earlier this week Universal Studio Hollywood announced a new attraction for its iconic theme park – “The Walking Dead Attraction”

The Walking Dead will be a year round, 365 days operating, haunted maze attraction. The Walking Dead has been a recurring maze theme at both Hollywood and Orlando’s annual Halloween Horror Nights events. But this doesn’t seem to be a re-hash of any of those.

Universal is promising an all new “no-holds-barred” immersive experience with greater sets, more intense makeup, and fully animatronic figures.

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This is a bold prom ise considering last year’s Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights maze “The Walking Dead Wolves Not Far” was, in my opinion, one of the best realizations of the series in an attraction format (Learn more in our full Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2015 coverage special).

This new attraction reunites the successful duo of “The Walking Dead” Executive Producer Greg Nicotero and Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Director John Murdy – a team that’s proven time and time again they can bring The Walk Dead to “life” at Universal Hollywood.

This news puts me in a bit a quandary for 2016 haunt season. Earlier this year my Catacombs of Halloween Horror Nights co-host Quint and I had decided to use our usual Hollywood HHN budget for something different this year to be revealed later. After having visited Universal Hollywood 3 times last year, it seems like a good time for a break – from traveling that is, if I could I’d be at both Universal Locations every weekend.

But this new attraction just might be enough to pull me back to the park at least once this year. Here’s the ever growing list of things drawing me back:

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening in April. I’m not what you’d consider a huge Harry Potter fan by any means, but I am curious to see how the Wizard World came out in Hollywood. I’m also wildly curious to what’s making everyone sick on the new 3d version of the ride.
  • Duff Gardens. I’ve only been to Duff Gardens in Hollywood twice and only had 2 Duffs. I don’t call that enough to make an informed decision on how it compares of Orlando. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
  • Kong 360. I’ve been on Kong 360 a few times, but with “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” it might be time for another coast-to-coast special report.
  • The Walking Dead. I’m a huge Walking Dead fan. For some, that’d be the only reason to go.
  • The Halloween Horror Nights Connection. I’m a huge Halloween Horror Nights fan. Greg Nicotero and John Murdy are heading this up on the heels of one of my favorite Mazes of 2015.

I’m not sure whether to say this announcement couldn’t come at a “better time” or a “worse time”. “Worse time” in that I pretty much set my fall travel budget up for 2016 already, but this won’t be the first (nor the last) trip to SoCal that gets added on a whim. “Better time” in that I’m fully behind every project Universal Studios puts out in both parks and can’t wait to see each and every one of them. The fact that it’s a property I’m a huge fan of just makes it better.

“The Walking Dead Attraction” is set to open summer of 2016. Is a NEOZAZ pilgrimage on the horizon for the Fall of 2016? No plans yet, but I’d say it’s more than likely.

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The Negative One Podcast – Thomas Hitchhikes Across the Galaxy

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So.. Well.  We’ve made it through 42 episodes.  42.  That number seems important somehow.  Almost like it’s the most important thing in the world.  The galaxy even.Anyway, Thomas has read Douglas Adams’ acclaimed novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but he’s never seen the movie all of the way through.  By the decree of Matt (signed in the totally formal and in no way suspicious autograph fashion), that will change!

Does Thomas think British movies should be decidedly…British?  Does Matt not like the current state of “bigger” indie music festivals?  Does Thomas think the new Ghostbusters movie is under-produced?

Listen and find out!

 

Not excited about Reign of Kong yet? Then you should probably watch this.

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If for some unimaginable reason you’re not already excited about Universal Studios Islands of Adventure’s newest high-tech, high-thrill, high immersion attraction “Skull Island Reign of Kong”, maybe this will give that final push you’re looking for.

Earlier this month Orlando Business Journal’s website reported new details outlined in Orange county permits for construction at Universal Studios – including “designing and building animated figures/props” for Reign of Kong by the Australian-based company The Creature Technology Co. Pty Ltd.

This is exciting news as it seems a long hoped for and rumored element of new animatronics or other next gen attraction characters of Skull Island Reign of Kong seems to be all but confirmed.

Even more exciting is the body of work Creature Technology Company brings to the table. The Creature Technology company have been the master minds behind some of the most awe inspiring, larger than life elements of hugely successful productions like “Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular”, “How to Train Your Dragon – The Arena Spectacular”, The opening and closing ceremonies for the XXII Sochi Olympics Games, and – most appropriately –  the stunning stage musical “King Kong”.

The Creature Technology Company 2015 Showreel below showcases the amazing work this company has done so far. Adding their skill and a talent to Skull Island Reign of Kong has raised the levels of anticipation and exciting for this attraction to point I didn’t think possible.

Skull Island Reign of Kong opens this summer at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure.

Skull Island Reign of Kong just got that more insane!

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Just this week we had some fun speculating on a new level of creature design on Skull Island Reign of Kong. Now, this morning, Universal Studio Resort’s confirmed it!

A new video posted on the official blog Universal Orlando Resort blog hosted by Mike West from Universal Creative gives us a quick look at some of the amazing new creatures to be featured along with the legendary Kong at Skull Island!

Among the unique if not borderline terrifying creatures you’ll encounter:

  • Arachno-claw – A Six legged crab-like clawed carnivorous arachnid, foraging for dead or injured creatures.
  • Carnictis – Giant slug-like creatures with gaping mouths ringed with sharp jagged teeth.
  • Decarnocimex – One of the largest of most aggressive inhabitants of Skull Island. Vicious insects with razor sharp mandibles and two-bladed forearms.
  • Terapusmordax – Flying predators with 10 feet wings spans that live in colonies in Skull Island’s caverns. They spear victims with lethal talons and bite with their large carnivorous fangs to
  • Vastatosaurus Rex– The largest and most intimidating dinosaur in Skull Island’s jungles. And agile predator that changes direction at high speeds and ready to attack its prey with razor-sharp teeth.

See more on these creatures including animated gifs of each one in action at the official blog Universal Orlando Resort blog.

With each detail releases on this new attraction, Skull Island Reign of Kong has already surpassed all of my expectations. To say I’m excited to finally see this new part of Islands of Adventure come alive is a gross understatement.

Skull Island Reign of Kong opens this summer at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure.

Pass the Popcorn – London has Fallen, 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Brothers Grimsby and more

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Episode 49

In this episode Chris and Tim review “London has Fallen”, 10 Cloverfield Lane”, The Brothers Grimsby” and more!

Get each new episode of Pass the Popcorn automatically by subscribing to Pass the Popcorn on iTunes. And while you’re there, please take a minute to leave us review – it helps us get found on iTunes and we’ll read it during one of our recordings!

Listen and subscribe to Pass the Popcorn on Stitcher.

Pass the Popcorn and all the shows on NeoZAZ are made possible by the generosity of our Patreon supporters. To learn how you can help support Pass the Popcorn and all the shows on NeoZAZ, please visit our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/neozaz.

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Toothsome Chocolate Factory coming to Universal CityWalk

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The big question “What is taking the place of NBA City?” has finally been answered – and I couldn’t be any more excited about the news!

“Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium” is moving into CityWalk. The new addition to the ever expanding resort features a full menu with unique takes on steaks, seafood, and pasta, gourmet burgers and sandwiches, salads, an all-day brunch and more.

But perhaps the bigger draw to the unique eatery is the original and stunning theme; a 19th century-inspired Steampunk chocolate factory!

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You’ll enjoy your dining experience surrounded by steampunk gadgets, steampunk fashioned staff, and full view of the wondrous chocolate creations as they’re being made.

To wet your appetite the Universal Orlando Blog released a teaser list of some of the signature milkshakes to be featured at Toothsome:

  • Chocolate 5x: An explosion of chocolate with chocolate spirals, chunks, ice-cream and whipped cream.
  • Bacon Brittle: A fun twist on a breakfast favorite with bacon ice cream, bacon brittle, chocolate covered bacon, and bacon caramel.
  • Espresso Buzzzz: A coffee lover’s dream with coffee ice-cream and chocolate covered beans.
  • Red Velvet: A milkshake topped with a Red Velvet cupcake.
  • Key Lime Pie: The classic Florida dessert turned into a delicious shake. You’ll even get a slice of pie on top.
  • Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium opens at CityWalk later this year.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort is already a favorite spot for us at NEOZAZ to eat, drink and play; I’ve got a feeling Toothsome will be added to our regular list of stops very, very soon.

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Ride Vehicle and new details revealed for Reign of Kong

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There are some new and exciting details out today for Universal Studios Islands of Adventure “Skull Island: Reign of Kong”.

To get things rolling (pun intended) the Universal Studios Orlando blog released details on the new ride vehicle!

Each vehicle for Reign of Kong measures of 40 feet long and 13 feet high with 45 inch wheels with individual front and rear steering and will carry up to 72 people.

To add a new twist to the immersive experience Universal is mastering – these vehicles will traverse a completely trackless system!

Having a free moving trackless vehicle alone would realistically provide a difference experience with each ride, but in their usually fashion of going above and beyond and setting new bars in attraction development, Universal has added 5 individually driver characters to “Reign of Kong” each with their own story and experience to share:

  • Becky Callahan: The loose-cannon cowgirl who isn’t fazed by the dangers awaiting her on Skull Island.
  • Will Denham: The fresh-faced, adventure-seeking younger cousin of famed movie director Carl Denham.
  • Jinks Costanza: A hardened New York City ex-con who is wary of the island’s mysteries.
  • Kalana: A mystical descendent of the natives who first settled on the island.
  • Charles “Doc” Jordan: A PhD student in paleontology who took time off from his studies to explore the world.

“Skull Island: Reign of Kong” opens this summer at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure.

For more details on the Reign of Kong vehicle, check out the video provided by Universal Studios:

The Walking Dead Attraction just might lure me back to Hollywood

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Earlier this week Universal Studio Hollywood announced a new attraction for its iconic theme park – “The Walking Dead Attraction”

The Walking Dead will be a year round, 365 days operating, haunted maze attraction. The Walking Dead has been a recurring maze theme at both Hollywood and Orlando’s annual Halloween Horror Nights events. But this doesn’t seem to be a re-hash of any of those.

Universal is promising an all new “no-holds-barred” immersive experience with greater sets, more intense makeup, and fully animatronic figures.

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This is a bold prom ise considering last year’s Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights maze “The Walking Dead Wolves Not Far” was, in my opinion, one of the best realizations of the series in an attraction format (Learn more in our full Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2015 coverage special).

This new attraction reunites the successful duo of “The Walking Dead” Executive Producer Greg Nicotero and Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Director John Murdy – a team that’s proven time and time again they can bring The Walk Dead to “life” at Universal Hollywood.

This news puts me in a bit a quandary for 2016 haunt season. Earlier this year my Catacombs of Halloween Horror Nights co-host Quint and I had decided to use our usual Hollywood HHN budget for something different this year to be revealed later. After having visited Universal Hollywood 3 times last year, it seems like a good time for a break – from traveling that is, if I could I’d be at both Universal Locations every weekend.

But this new attraction just might be enough to pull me back to the park at least once this year. Here’s the ever growing list of things drawing me back:

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening in April. I’m not what you’d consider a huge Harry Potter fan by any means, but I am curious to see how the Wizard World came out in Hollywood. I’m also wildly curious to what’s making everyone sick on the new 3d version of the ride.
  • Duff Gardens. I’ve only been to Duff Gardens in Hollywood twice and only had 2 Duffs. I don’t call that enough to make an informed decision on how it compares of Orlando. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
  • Kong 360. I’ve been on Kong 360 a few times, but with “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” it might be time for another coast-to-coast special report.
  • The Walking Dead. I’m a huge Walking Dead fan. For some, that’d be the only reason to go.
  • The Halloween Horror Nights Connection. I’m a huge Halloween Horror Nights fan. Greg Nicotero and John Murdy are heading this up on the heels of one of my favorite Mazes of 2015.

I’m not sure whether to say this announcement couldn’t come at a “better time” or a “worse time”. “Worse time” in that I pretty much set my fall travel budget up for 2016 already, but this won’t be the first (nor the last) trip to SoCal that gets added on a whim. “Better time” in that I’m fully behind every project Universal Studios puts out in both parks and can’t wait to see each and every one of them. The fact that it’s a property I’m a huge fan of just makes it better.

“The Walking Dead Attraction” is set to open summer of 2016. Is a NEOZAZ pilgrimage on the horizon for the Fall of 2016? No plans yet, but I’d say it’s more than likely.

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Not excited about Reign of Kong yet? Then you should probably watch this.

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If for some unimaginable reason you’re not already excited about Universal Studios Islands of Adventure’s newest high-tech, high-thrill, high immersion attraction “Skull Island Reign of Kong”, maybe this will give that final push you’re looking for.

Earlier this month Orlando Business Journal’s website reported new details outlined in Orange county permits for construction at Universal Studios – including “designing and building animated figures/props” for Reign of Kong by the Australian-based company The Creature Technology Co. Pty Ltd.

This is exciting news as it seems a long hoped for and rumored element of new animatronics or other next gen attraction characters of Skull Island Reign of Kong seems to be all but confirmed.

Even more exciting is the body of work Creature Technology Company brings to the table. The Creature Technology company have been the master minds behind some of the most awe inspiring, larger than life elements of hugely successful productions like “Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular”, “How to Train Your Dragon – The Arena Spectacular”, The opening and closing ceremonies for the XXII Sochi Olympics Games, and – most appropriately – the stunning stage musical “King Kong”.

The Creature Technology Company 2015 Showreel below showcases the amazing work this company has done so far. Adding their skill and a talent to Skull Island Reign of Kong has raised the levels of anticipation and exciting for this attraction to point I didn’t think possible.

Skull Island Reign of Kong opens this summer at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure.

Skull Island Reign of Kong just got that more insane!

0
0

Just this week we had some fun speculating on a new level of creature design on Skull Island Reign of Kong. Now, this morning, Universal Studio Resort’s confirmed it!

A new video posted on the official blog Universal Orlando Resort blog hosted by Mike West from Universal Creative gives us a quick look at some of the amazing new creatures to be featured along with the legendary Kong at Skull Island!

Among the unique if not borderline terrifying creatures you’ll encounter:

  • Arachno-claw – A Six legged crab-like clawed carnivorous arachnid, foraging for dead or injured creatures.
  • Carnictis – Giant slug-like creatures with gaping mouths ringed with sharp jagged teeth.
  • Decarnocimex – One of the largest of most aggressive inhabitants of Skull Island. Vicious insects with razor sharp mandibles and two-bladed forearms.
  • Terapusmordax – Flying predators with 10 feet wings spans that live in colonies in Skull Island’s caverns. They spear victims with lethal talons and bite with their large carnivorous fangs to
  • Vastatosaurus Rex– The largest and most intimidating dinosaur in Skull Island’s jungles. And agile predator that changes direction at high speeds and ready to attack its prey with razor-sharp teeth.

See more on these creatures including animated gifs of each one in action at the official blog Universal Orlando Resort blog.

With each detail releases on this new attraction, Skull Island Reign of Kong has already surpassed all of my expectations. To say I’m excited to finally see this new part of Islands of Adventure come alive is a gross understatement.

Skull Island Reign of Kong opens this summer at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure.

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