News & Press Releases
AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Returns to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2015
AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Returns to “Halloween Horror Nights”
at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, Unleashing the Terror
of Season 5 Upon the Country’s Most Extreme and Highly-Anticipated Halloween Events
Universal City, Ca., Orlando, Fla., July 30, 2015 – The nation’s insatiable appetite for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will continue to terrify
Universal Studios Hollywood and
Universal Orlando Resort
when the most intense moments from season 5 of the
critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television series take a bite
out of “Halloween Horror Nights,”
beginning Friday, September 18, 2015.
Attempts
to evade the terror of the undead and the inhumane brutality of mankind
will be the underlying theme of these mazes as guests navigate
authentic three-dimensional recreations of one of television’s most
talked about shows, “The Walking Dead.”
Following
in the footsteps of “The Walking Dead” cast, guests will begin their
journey at the Terminus safe-haven compound, where an unspeakable hunger
has consumed the demented souls of those dwelling within.
As the chaos ensues, guests will encounter even greater atrocities as
they stumble upon dismembered “W” walkers, witness the horror of victims
besieged by the living dead, and step onto the loading dock of the Del
Arno Food warehouse to face hordes of “W”
walkers.
couldn’t be more delighted to continue and expand ‘The Walking Dead’
universe with Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando than by
having fans experience some of the most harrowing
and suspenseful moments of our show,” said Greg Nicotero, executive
producer and special effects makeup supervisor for “The Walking Dead.”
“‘Halloween Horror Nights’ is the gold standard to which all other
Halloween-themed events try to emulate, so to bring
authentic walkers to this event, alongside other horror greats, is the
ultimate thrill.”
“We
love giving fans of ‘The Walking Dead’ as many ways as possible to
experience the series, so we’re thrilled to be collaborating once again
with the teams at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando
on these mazes that really bring the intensity of the show to life,”
said Theresa Beyer, senior vice president of promotion, activation and
partnerships for AMC. “We’re excited to have fans come face to face with
some of the most memorable and shocking scenes
of season 5.”
This year, when
Universal Studios Hollywood introduces the all-original “The Walking
Dead: Wolves Not Far,” it will come to life as the biggest, longest,
most gruesome maze ever built at the West Coast destination of
“Halloween Horror Nights.” This all-new experience will
feature twice as many, never-before-seen walkers and will be situated
within an entirely new theme park location.
“Just
like the fans who wait anxiously for the next episode or season return
of ‘The Walking Dead,’ this phenom of a show has become a ‘Halloween
Horror Nights’ tradition and our guests look forward to a new ‘Walking
Dead’ maze each year,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal
Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.”
“We’re fortunate to have the expertise of the show’s creative team
working collaboratively with us to create an authentic
living representation of the series, and for fans, our maze experience
is the next best thing to living in the aftermath of a zombie
apocalypse.”
Universal
Orlando’s “The Walking Dead” maze will feature hordes of walkers and
eerily recreate the scenes, settings and terror that guests have seen on
their TV screens. The twisted minds of Universal Orlando’s
Halloween Horror Nights team are using first-ever tactics to bring the
horror of season 5 to life in this year’s maze – even placing guests in
the iconic flooded food bank scene where they’ll be surrounded by
hundreds of gallons of water as flesh-hungry walkers
attack.
been fortunate to recreate many horrific moments over the past few
years, and as the series raises its own bar every season, so have we
with our environments,
said Michael Aiello, Director of Creative Development for Universal
Orlando’s Entertainment team. “Faithfully representing season 5 has
brought with it all-new elements, and we will literally place our guests
in the lead role as they escape hordes of walkers.”
Universal’s
“Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate in extreme Halloween events.
For more than 20 years, guests from around the world have visited
“Halloween Horror Nights” in Orlando and Hollywood to become
victims of their own horror movie. Multiple movie-quality haunted
houses are constructed throughout the event, inspired by iconic slasher
films, hit horror movies and television series or hauntingly real
original stories. Numerous scare zones also infiltrate
“Halloween Horror Nights,” designed to provoke an unrelenting sense of
fear and terrorize guests as they navigate the darkness from one
frightening maze to another.
Additional
details about Universal’s “Halloween Horror Nights” will be revealed
soon. For more information about “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal
Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort, visit
www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
To learn more about the all-new “The Walking Dead” maze at “Halloween Horror Nights,” click
here.
News & Press Releases
New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More
Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.
If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.
And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.
A New Chapter on Patreon
As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.
Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].
[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other
Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.
It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.
But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.
Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.
The History of the Pixar Place Hotel
Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.
Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.
This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.
Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast
Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.
But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”
This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.
Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast
And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.
Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”
A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media
Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.
A huge thank you for being part of our journey.
News & Press Releases
Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024
Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More
Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!
Highlightswill include:
- Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
- Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
- Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.
Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.
You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
News & Press Releases
Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser
Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”
Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.
We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.
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