A feline scare zone was my most preferred heading into the world’s premier Halloween event this year. One week later, some houses are still haunting me.
Greetings, friends. It’s Haley, still on a high from Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 34.
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Sticking to my tradition, I have ranked where I think this year’s 10 houses fall.
When it comes to my favorites, it’s all in the names (seen above).
Oh, by the way, the Cat Lady of Crooked Lane scare zone did not disappoint. In fact, I felt right at home.
Walt Disney World
My D23 destination
The pace didn’t slow down after Halloween Horror Nights, as Labor Day weekend continued with back-to-back days at Destination D23.
It was my first D23 event and the abundance of ’90s-themed content made me feel like this year was designed with me in mind.
My favorite panel was D2K Animated Classics. Hearing brilliant minds talk about “Tarzan,” “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” “Treasure Planet” and “Brother Bear” was fascinating entertainment.
A D23 event wouldn’t be complete without epic performances. Susan Egan wowed the crowd with “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” and “Mother Knows Best,” and the fact that she liked one of my Instagram videos might be my most memorable moment.
When it came to Walt Disney World attraction announcements, the focus was entirely on Magic Kingdom. As a working journalist, I was hoping for bigger news, but I have a feeling Disney will save major announcements for next year on the West Coast.
Countdown to extinction 🦕
Fresh off our final fossil finds at the Boneyard, Disney announced when its last phase of Dinoland U.S.A. closures will happen, which covers DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and Donald’s Dino-Bash.
While visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently, I captured images of the construction wall for the upcoming Tropical Americas attraction. It was odd not to spot the Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama skyline.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Farewell falls 🪵
After 52 years, it had a good run. Or should we say falls?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is permanently closing Stanley Falls this weekend to make room for the next attraction.
The park is also asking fans to help celebrate the ride’s legacy.
My favorite thing about a Stanley Falls flume is that it’s a single seat. It made the experience more nostalgic.
ICON Park
Seeing red 📷
Selena Gomez’s new wax figure has debuted at Madame Tussauds Orlando.
The designers chose the dress that made a lasting impression at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
Click here for a video of artists putting the final touches on the figure.
Halloween celebrations are ramping up in Central Florida.,
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
See you next week.