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Park Hoppin
In association with Park Hoppin’with Susan Storey T
he pre-teen years are unique. I think of them as mid-kids. Our industry knows them well. They straddle the line between
“kiddie” rides and high thrills. They’re not old enough to roam a park on their own, but they don’t need parents with them on the rides or in queues. Halloween is a conundrum for this age group. Costumes or not? Trick or treat, or too cool? Why must they choose? We recently took part in consecutive events at
Legoland Florida and SeaWorld Orlando. Legoland’s “Brick or Treat” event is, in a word, adorable. The life-sized LEGO monsters - Mad Scientist, Plant Monster, Zombie Pirate and Shark Suit Guy - are on brand and balance sweet with a touch of mini fright. Special activities include live entertainment from the Skeleton Crew and the Zombie Cheer Squad, themed-LEGO build projects (no upcharge!) and a limited time “Bone-Appetit” menu. (I borrowed their copy for that sentence.) Candy zones mean treats without tricks - whether you’re in costume or not. This year, we did it all. My son’s semi-cool preteen pretense disappeared like a friendly ghost and together we rode rides, gathered candy, and posed for character photos. Our annual tradition is taking Aiden’s picture as he stands in a giant DUPLO pumpkin. Made from 26,500 bricks it has been part of Brick-or-Treat since 2014 and is a special way we have documented Aiden’s growth each year. Aiden wanted to experience a scary theme park this year. He told his friends
I would be a “cool” mom and would take anyone whose own parents were afraid. Next thing I knew I was escorting three middle schoolers through Howl- O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando. Now in its third year, the event has found its footing. Enroute to the park, my car was filled with bravado and excitement, but upon arrival nervous energy started to take over. We arrived the moment the event opened so we could take advantage of the remaining daylight and ease the group into the scare zones. First, we crept through CarnEVIL Pier, the newest scare zone that surrounds Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. Clowns have never been my thing, but we forged ahead. I reminded everyone the screams they were hearing were also from the guests on the coaster and not only because of the clown scare actors. After Pipeline, we were in the middle of midway mayhem. I went into “Mom
mode” keeping my crew together, telling them to look forward and keep moving. I was jump scared by one of the carnies, and we took a few photos with the creepy clowns as we headed to the flying coaster, Manta. The next scare zone was the Blood Light District. I told my small squad that I suspected it had a vampire theme and that vampires really aren’t scary. Luckily they
didn’t notice the double entendre that it was also a mini red-light district - with a vampire theme. Luckily the vamps pretty much left us alone, and no one asked any questions. Aiden and his friends posed for pics against the graffiti angel wings and stated the red lights made the atmosphere cool. The scare zone connected us to Manta followed by multiple rides on Mako. The surprise highlight was the Poison Grotto. By day, it’s the location of the
park’s Waterway Grill and Bar, and for HowlOScream it is overgrown climbing ivy vines and has live entertainment up in the rafters. The mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic act left everyone enamored and (mostly) speechless. At one point as the performer waved her toes, which were bent over top of her head, Aiden declared, “She’s looking right at me.” A nervous giggle and blush followed his statement. We watched the performance twice, nibbling on chicken tenders and staring up. Once everyone was ready to venture back out, our mission was to survive at least one haunted house and to ride Premier Ride’s Ice Breaker. One ride was not enough for my coaster crew, and they quickly went back through the queue. While taking a video of their first ride, I noticed the full moon was high in the sky, perfectly positioned just above the coaster’s tall track. What a Halloween moment. Time definitely flies when you’re having fun, and theme park time goes even
faster. Before we knew it, the clock was striking 12 and the sirens were ceasing their haunted songs. As we headed to the exit, a few scareactors got in final scares and we detoured through the shop. Once in the car, one by one the kids fell asleep against each other. Looking at them in the rearview mirror reminded me of so many park events
and family traditions. There’s a monologue from the sitcom “Modern Family” that summarizes the stages of parenthood. It states that as you move through each stage of your child’s life, you love and enjoy each part. There is no time to miss the squishy baby because they’ve been replaced by a cute toddler who then evolves into an inquisitive kid, and so forth. Halloween is like that, too. We move from cute costumes and trick or treating to semi-creepy costumes and parties with friends and then into events where parents are merely the transportation. No matter though. We’ll always be there for the most important ride - the one home.
OCTOBER 2023
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