Exclusive Universal Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights "Welcome To My Nightmare" Concept Art

Given exclusively to Theme Park Adventure is concert art for "Welcome To My Nightmare" - the newest creepy addition to Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights.

"Welcome to my Nightmare" is a brand new maze inspired by the menacing tunes of rock legend Alice Cooper.

The images shown below feature concept art of the upcoming ghouls you will face in the terrifying maze. 

"Humanary Stew"

"Mr. Alice"

Actor, Director Diego Luna Collaborates with Universal Studios Hollywood To Create Disturbing New “Halloween Horror Nights” Maze, “La Llorona: Villa De Almas Perdidas,” Based on Terrifying Mexican Legend

Universal City, California— La Llorona, the fearful story of melancholy and murder that has terrified Mexican and Latin American children for generations, will have an expanded presence at this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights®” event as Universal Studios Hollywood recruits Mexico-based film star Diego Luna as a creative consultant to design the all-new terror-filled maze, “La Llorona: Villa De Almas Perdidas.”  The event begins on September 23 and continues on select nights through October 31.

            “La Llorona:  Villa De Almas Perdidas,” which translates to “Weeping Woman:  Village of Lost Souls,” will feature elaborate sets depicting sites within and around a small Mexican village.  The new maze will tell the haunting story of “La Llorona,” doomed to wander the earth forever after drowning her children in a desperate attempt to win a lost love.  She then drowns herself when this attempt to win her lost love fails. According to the legend, La Llorona’s dreadful, wailing cries—“My children!  Where are my children?”—can be heard eternally piercing the night.  La Llorona’s frail, drenched body lurking throughout the dead of night will invariably elicit unwavering dread from the helpless village inhabitants or maze guests as her presence signifies impending death. 

            Diego Luna said: “Like all Mexican children, I grew up with the story of ‘La Llorona’ and I think it’s a tale with universal appeal. Story-telling is at the heart of all my work and I’m thrilled to have the chance to help present the great ‘La Llorona’ legend in a different kind of medium at the ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ event.”

                Diego Luna began his acting career before age 12 and came to international attention with his performance in the award-winning film, “Y Tu Mamá También.” Since then, he has shown tremendous versatility as an actor, writer, producer and director.  He was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for his role in Universal Picture’s critically-acclaimed, award-winning film “Milk,” served as executive producer of the gritty and much-praised drama “Sin Nombre,” and recently won Mexico’s prestigious Silver Ariel Award for co-writing the movie “Abel,” which he also directed.  Diego Luna is currently filming “Elysium,” starring opposite Matt Damon and Jodie Foster.  He’ll soon be seen opposite Will Ferrell in the comedy, “Casa De Mi Padre,” and in the thriller, “Contraband,” opposite Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale.

            Diego Luna is be a key member of a Hollywood horror “dream team” assembled by Universal Studios Hollywood to create the ultimate “live” Halloween nightmare. The team also includes director, writer, producer and actor Eli Roth, who will present the new maze, “Eli Roth’s Hostel: Hunting Season,” rock-horror legend Alice Cooper, who will present the new maze “Alice Cooper:  Welcome To My Nightmare,” and multi-platinum recording artist and filmmaker, Rob Zombie, making an encore performance with his nightmarish 3D world of carnage and chaos in “Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses: In 3D ZombieVision.”

             “The Thing: Assimilation,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ upcoming thriller, and “The Wolf Man:  The Curse of Talbot Hall,” inspired by the Academy Award®-winning Universal Pictures film will add to the Hollywood horror clout.  An all new terrifying backlot experience, “Terror Tram:  Scream 4 Your Life,” based on the latest installment of Wes Craven’s “Scream” film series, will unleash the iconic “Ghostface Killer” on Universal’s famed backlot, the heart of the world’s most famous horror moviemaking studio.

MAKE A SPLASH THIS FALL AT ADVENTURE ISLAND

Enjoy Special Student Discounts, Weekend Hours for Plenty More Fun in the Sun

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2011) — Fall is an affordable time to visit Adventure Island Tampa Bay. Busch Gardens’ water park is offering a special $24.99 single-day admission ticket to students of all ages. And there’s still plenty of time to play, including Labor Day and every weekend through Oct. 30.

DEALS Student tickets – for students from elementary to high school – are available for only $24.99 beginning Sept. 10 through the end of the 2011 season. Tickets are available at any Adventure Island ticket window and online at AdventureIsland.com.

College students can receive the same amazing rate now through the end of the 2011 season by showing their college ID at any Adventure Island ticket window when they purchase their single-day ticket. Or to purchase online, simply enter the promo code, COLLEGE online at AdventureIsland.com and present the college ID at the entrance turnstiles when the ticket is redeemed.

HOURS Adventure Island is open Labor Day, Sept. 3 to 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then, the park is open weekends only Sept. 10 through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2012 season will kick off March 10.

Adventure Island offers 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere are slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, a wave pool, a children’s water playground and other family attractions.

Single-day admission tickets for Adventure Island are regularly $42.99 for adults and $38.99 for children ages 3 to 9. Ages 2 and younger are free, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.adventureisland.com for more information.

Sal Valentino, Alex Nelson and Hans Erberbach play at Fairytale Town

Celebrate the end of summer with an evening concert at Fairytale Town. On Wednesday, September 7, performing live on the The Mother Goose Stage will be "The Sal Valentino Trio", and special performances by Alex Nelson, and Hans Erberbach. The concert marks a birthday celebration for Sal Valentino. Both Nelson and Erberbach will help celebrate Valentino's birthday by leading the crowd in a birthday serenade and special joint performances.     

Sal Valentino is the legendary singer of the "The Beau Brummels" and "Stoneground" from San Francisco's 1960's rock scene.  Sal draws on his years of musical experience and combines the old with the new in his newest CD "Every Now and Then." Sal can also be heard with his own orchestra featuring a full string section. 

Opening for Valentino will be Alex Nelson, Sacramento's hottest up and coming artist.   Nelson is the guitarist and songwriter of the band, "Walking Spanish", and will be performing solo at Fairytale Town. Nelson plays five instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, piano, Hammond B-3, sampler and slide guitar. 

Following Nelson is Hans Erberbach, the front man for "The Nibblers," a soul/funk/R&B band. Whether it's a solo show or with his band, Hans brings true soul to every performance. Hans began his career back in the early-90's forming the southern rock band Sweetvine.  He spends his time writing original music and continuously performing all over the Sacramento area.

EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: The Sal Valentino Trio, Special Performances by: Alex Nelson and Hans Erberbach.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
TIME: Gates open at 5:30PM/Concert Begins at 6PM
COST: Adults $10; Children 12 & Under are Free.
Fairytale Town and Capital Public Radio members receive two for one discount.
TICKETS: Available online at www.fairytaletown.org; Fairytale Town Box Office
PARKING: Free
WHERE: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento CA 95822
PHONE: 916-808-7462

Universal Orlando's Grad Bash 2012 Announces Live Performances By Chart-Topping Music Stars - Pitbull and DJ Khaled

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ’S GRAD BASH 2012 ANNOUNCES LIVE PERFORMANCES

BY CHART-TOPPING MUSIC STARS – PITBULL AND DJ KHALED

High School Seniors Can Also Enjoy Exclusive Access to Two Thrilling Parks for One Unforgettable Night

Reserve Your Tickets to Orlando’s Hottest Grad Party with Your High School Senior Advisor

WHAT: Universal Orlando ’s Grad Bash 2012 is Orlando ’s only high school graduation event where graduates can celebrate with exclusive access to two world-class theme parks, street entertainment and live performances by some of today’s most popular musical artists.

This year’s talent lineup features Reggaeton rapper Pitbull, who has scored four Top 10 singles including his most recent smash hit, “Give Me Everything;” and DJ Khaled who has topped the Billboard Rap Charts with his single, “I’m On One.” Together, these unstoppable artists lay claim to 9 platinum and multi-platinum singles. High school graduates can enjoy these live performances on the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida on April 20, 21, 27 and 28, and May 4.

Students also get late-night access to pulse-pounding rides and attractions at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They can soar above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, speed through darkness on Revenge of the Mummy and rock out at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

High schools that book their spot at Universal Orlando’s Grad Bash by Oct. 1 receive a $5 discount per student ticket. High school seniors can purchase tickets from their senior advisor.

For more information on the event, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/GradBash or contact Group Sales at 1-800-YOUTH-15.

WHERE:                  Universal Orlando Resort

                                 Concerts will be held on the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida

WHEN:                    April 20, 21, 27, 28; May 4

                                 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Busch Gardens Reveals “The Dark Side Of the Gardens” at Howl-O-Scream 2011

Florida’s Top-rated Halloween Event Shares all of the
Undead Details at TheDarkSideOfTheGardens.com

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2011) – This fall, a new type of terror takes root in the Dark Side of the Gardens at Howl-O-Scream 2011. For 17 select nights, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be overgrown with NEW haunted houses, thrilling live shows, the return of Alone – Busch Gardens’ revolutionary idea in how guests experience haunted attractions – and the opportunity to experience Florida’s first triple launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt, in the dark.

Even the streets themselves aren’t safe... for zombies live here, and insatiable hoards pour forth from every shadow, hungry to show fans the most horrifying Howl-O-Scream yet. It will leave you begging for mercy… and screaming for more.

General admission is $77.99 plus tax. Reduced advance-purchase rates and special offers are available for Busch Gardens Pass members at TheDarkSideOfTheGardens.com. Savings on general admission tickets are available in advance at participating Publix Supermarkets or with promotional codes found on select Pepsi Max and Mountain Dew products and at participating Taco Bell, Applebee's and Lifestyle Family Fitness locations in Central Florida.
      
The event runs Thursday through Saturday nights, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29.  Freaky Preview lets those who cannot wait to face the darkness experience the event a week early on Sept. 23-24 for discounted rates as low as $32.99. Operating hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. during Freaky Preview and on Thursday nights. Friday and Saturday hours are 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

From the master of gothic horror to the darkest secrets of a sinister casino, Howl-O-Scream 2011’s new haunted houses are designed to touch every aspect of terror:

    * NEW!  Nevermore - Beating hearts, swinging pendulums and a raven’s cries haunt the manor of Lenore, creating a demented and twisted nightmare. Step inside to experience the gothic terror that maddens the lord of the house. and feel delusion overcome reality. Find your way out of this horror story before paranoia authors your final chapter.
    * NEW!  Zombie Mortuary - No one remembers how the epidemic started, but now, zombies live here. The undead that infest this small town funeral home feed on the fresh flesh and brains of mortuary mourners to satisfy their insatiable hunger. Avoid the walking dead or you may find yourself deeper than six feet under.
    * NEW!  Ultimate Gamble: Vampire Casino - Fanged fiends entice you to test your luck in this sultry hangout straight from Sin City. The seductive games and high-stake thrills at Reviver Casino are sure to get your blood pumping, but will you escape before your luck gets drained? Just stay away from the killer All-THEY-Can-Eat buffet.

Some of the most demented houses ever are back by popular demand with some horrible new twists:

Alone… (A personal experience in horror) – The deranged Master Alexander Daedal us opened Minotaur Storage to house his vast collection of “cultural” remains. But now his sinister obsession with hoarding has expanded to stockpiling people. Escape this lunatic’s labyrinth or you will become part of his collection. Can you make it out ALONE?
Note: Alone is a unique, all-alone experience through the haunted house. Admission is $40.00 per reservation, and each reservation can accommodate you and up to 3 additional victims. Pass member discount does not apply.  Not included with any other VIP tour or upgrade product.  Howl-O-Scream admission is required, but not included.

    * Nightshade Toy Factory – By day, the old Nightshade Toy Factory appears abandoned. But as night falls, the mysterious manufacturing plant glows and hums as it creates the diabolical dolls, terrible teddy bears and possessed playthings of your childhood nightmares.  These twisted toys are alive…and they are coming after the adults who have forgotten them.
    * Death Row Vengeance: Fear the Dead – The inmates of Grey Echo Penitentiary are slated for execution. But as a zombie plague infests the crumbling cells, those prisoners left alive must decide which is worst: facing the firing squad, death by electric chair or an eternity of torture at the hands of their undead captors.
    * Deconstruction: The Doctor Is Out of Control – Dr. Edger VonAngst has the skill and technology to make you over…but what will you become?  This mad reconstructive surgeon has fallen one notch deeper into insanity and is putting human parts back together with mechanical pieces, combining flesh, bone and steel in the most hideous ways.

After braving bone-chilling coasters in the dark such as Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Montu, Gwazi and Kumba, you can catch your breath at these twisted live shows:

    * NEW!  Midnight Hour – The music industry can be a devilish business to break into, especially when your road to fame leads to  the Hellfire Club. Don’t believe the club’s shadowy owner when he promises his panel of sinister celebrity pop-culture coaches will help make you a star! Performing nightly at the Desert Grill

    * Fiends – Is there a doctor in the house?  These captivating creatures of the night will infect you with dance fever and keep your pulse pounding with their deranged dance party. But when Dr. Freakenstein’s naughty nurses start operating, the diagnosis is always “code pink.” Performing nightly at the Stanleyville Theater.

Looking for a sick party or the perfect souvenir to round out your evening of evil?

    * Club Virus – Escape the hordes and head to the transformed Marrakesh Theater to join the killer party at Howl-O-Scream’s exclusive dance club.  This adults-only nighttime playground keeps the energy pumping all night long with non-stop music, premium signature cocktails, drink specials and exclusive appearances by Howl-O-Scream's most terrifying personalities.

    * Howl-O-Scream Shop of Horrors – Remember your evening of evil with the perfect Howl-O-Scream souvenir, including toys, tees and other Halloween-themed gifts. Then, smile through the pain and snap the perfect pic at an exclusive Dark Side of the Gardens photo op that’s not for the faint of heart.

Take advantage of the best way to see Howl-O-Scream with all-inclusive VIP Packages, which include event admission and a tour guide. Three levels of terrifying special treatment: include Super, Mega and Ultimate. The Super experience is a three-hour group tour of haunted houses that includes front-of-the-line access. The five-hour Mega experience adds reserved show seating, front-of-the-line access to several roller coasters and preferred parking, and the Ultimate experience adds the Fright Feast dinner buffet, meet and greet with the Howl-O-Scream creative team and a $5 games card. All tours include commemorative photos, merchandise discounts and complimentary beverages. Packages start at $79, and Passport Member discounts are available.

For those who prefer to self-guide themselves through the event but want the front-of-the-line perks, there’s the Front Line Fear pass for $35, which grants no-wait access to seven houses, excluding Alone. The Front Line Fear Extreme pass ups the access and also lets guests skip the line at five freaky coasters for $50.

The Thrills & Chills Weekend Pass lets true Halloween fans face their fears over and over again with a long weekend (Thursday through Sunday) of unlimited access to Busch Gardens’ thrills by day and Howl-O-Scream’s chills by night – all for just $79.99!

For out-of-town guests, Wicked Weekend Vacation Packages include Howl-O-Scream admission for two, plus one-night accommodations at one of Busch Gardens’ preferred partner hotels. Prices start at $90.00 per adult, tax inclusive, based on double occupancy. Stay two nights as part of the Thrills and Chills Weekend Package, and get in to Busch Gardens day and night, and enjoy two nights of accommodations. Prices start at $183.00 per adult, tax inclusive.

And if there’s one thing worse than being terrified, it’s being terrified on an empty stomach. Fright Feast is the most deranged dinner show in town, featuring a buffet of monstrous main courses and devilish desserts, plus an exclusive performance of The Midnight Hour. Fright Feast guests are also the first to brave the dark with a half-hour of early access to the all-new haunted houses and front-of-line privileges until 8:30 p.m. Fright Feast is $25.00 per person, with group rates and discounts for Passport and Fun Card members available.

Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed. For guest information, visit TheDarkSideOfTheGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.
Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This year's event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore and blood.

The Untold Stories of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 

Guests strolling through Hogwarts castle will encounter the house points hourglasses. Featured in the Harry Potter films, the hourglasses record the points earned or lost by members of the four Hogwarts houses throughout the school year – scarlet represents Gryffindor, blue represents Ravenclaw, green represents Slytherin and yellow represents Hufflepuff. Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most spectacularly-themed entertainment experience ever created.