Alien Encounter Ride at the Magic Kingdom. Photo Copyright Disney Company.

The Death of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at the Magic Kingdom

Do you miss ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter?

A few weeks ago, on a super EXTRA hot Florida day, I spent some time in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom exploring the nooks and crannies I’d ignored on prior visits.

On my journey I passed Stitch’s Great Escape with a less than five minute wait and thought to myself, “why not catch the next showing?”

So, I detoured and headed inside for the pre-show.

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Halloween Horror Nights VI

 

Halloween Horror Nights VI Journey Into Fear marketing featured a demented creature lurking in the dark, chanting the tagline in advertisements. The event featured three mazes, one scarezone, three shows, and an all new parade. The event was held for fifteen nights from October 11th to November 2, 1996.

Halloween Horror Nights 1996 was the first year to see the Festival of the Dead Parade, a Mardi Gras-style parade. The Crypt Keeper was not the icon that year; however, he was still featured in the event with his own house and as the leader of the parade.

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Halloween Horror Nights V

In 1995 Universal had to find a way to recreate Halloween Horror Nights due to its popularity. The pressure to top previous years was present with the event creators. This problem led to the creation of a main character to distinguish each year.

Halloween Horror Nights V was the first year an “icon” or single figure was presented, The Crypt Keeper. This icon was from the HBO series Tales From the Crypt where he told creepy stories and life lessons in a not so traditional way. 

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HHN photo source WESH

Halloween Horror Nights 1994

 

Halloween Horror Nights 1994 was the first Horror Nights that added Scarezones to the event. Horrorwood was the first scarezone that featured the Chainsaw Drill Team, the Lizzie Borden Band and more. This new concept provided a safer way of organizing the crowds on theme park streets. Halloween Horror Nights IV was also the last time Robosaurus would appear at the event. The monstrous robot would not make an appearance for another twelve years.

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Halloween Horror Nights 3

Halloween Horror Nights 1993

 

Halloween Horror Nights III was marketed as the 3rd  Annual Universal Studios Florida Halloween Horror Nights and was held for five nights. Creators for HHN 1993 brought in consultants, the Elm Street Hauntreprenuers of Irving, Texas, who recommended Universal concentrate more on startling people than grossing them out. Halloween Horror Nights III was also the first year of three different mazes, two with brand new concepts.

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Don’t Be Fooled by ARTEGON Marketplace: It’s the ANTI-Mall

I’ve found a not so hidden gem right in the heart of Orlando. It’s called the Artegon Marketplace located on the north east end of International Drive.

I say hidden gem because knowing the previous history of the mall that used to be there, Artegon offers so many surprises around each and every corner in contrast to its predecessor. 

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Canadian Neige Apple Ice Wine Epcot Canada Pavilion

Neige Apple Ice Wine at Disney World (Trading Post Refreshments)

Do you know that you can get Neige Apple Ice Wine at Epcot in Walt Disney World?

Epcot’s Trading Post Refreshments is on the path to becoming my new favorite hangout spot in the park. Especially in the cooler months!

This quaint shop is for the young at heart and is now serving more than just Canadian sweet treats and souvenirs.

You can now indulge yourself in Apple Ice Wine and different beers from Canada.

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Orlando Strong

Orlando Strong

Hurt, sadness, and confusion are just a few words describing what so many people are feeling in Orlando today.

Other local theme park enthusiasts and I were all looking forward to a summer of fun-filled excitement with the unveiling of new attractions.

However, the harsh reality of EVIL hit our home town in such a short period of time that has left us paralyzed.

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