The last two weekends, I’ve wanted to do some mini trips to comic shops, etc. And, the last two weekends, the weather has decided to snow a ton and keep me cooped up in the house.
nerdgirl
HHN 26: American Horror Story
American Horror Story is an FX series that has grown a massive following of horror and non-horror fans, alike. With changing themes each season, it’s definitely an interesting concept that keeps people guessing what will happen from season to season, and, more recently, trying to connect the dots between each season.
The American Horror Story house for Halloween Horror Nights 26 is comprised of three seasons: Season One – The Murder House, Season Four – Freakshow, and Season Five – Hotel. Unfortunately, while I did get to tour this house, I couldn’t take any behind the scenes pictures because the photo policy with the IP houses just changed. However, I do have a little bit of insight to share.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Halloween Horror Nights 26 Prep!
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, boys and ghouls! Autumn is in the air, and Halloween is creeping up on us. You know what that means — Halloween Horror Nights!
Some of the houses I’m particularly excited about – The Exorcist, AHS, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Halloween – have had my happy little horror loving brain so excited that I can barely focus. I’m finalizing plans and tickets. I’m freaking out with excitement because I know I’ll be there Sunday, finally basking in the awesome which is Universal, and Halloween Horror Nights.
I decided to pack my Blood Brothers shirt from Terror Threads to wear for the event itself. Fitting, since last year they had the Freddy vs Jason house, and this year they’ve brought Michael Myers and Leatherface back. Plus, this shirt is ridiculously cool and comfortable, as are all of the shirts from Terror Threads. If you love horror, you’ll definitely love their products.
We start the drive to Orlando Friday night, so there probably won’t be any new posts here until I’m back. Can’t wait to come back with loads of pictures for you guys!
~Angel
Fathom Events: The Killing Joke
One of my all time favorite comics I’ve read, and can easily quote, is Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore, with illustrations by Brian Bolland. If you aren’t familiar with it, The Killing Joke was a one shot published by DC Comics in 1988, and has one of the most widely accepted backstories for the Joker, though the comic stresses it could just be one of many possible back stories. As the Joker says in the comic: ” If I’m going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!”
Cosplans: Suicide Squad premiere
It’s no surprise that I’m pretty excited to see the first appearance of my favorite character on the big screen. I’ve been a fan of Harley Quinn since day one of Batman: the Animated Series. And now, I get to see a version of her inspired by her appearance in Suicide Squad (the comics), and portrayed by the lovely Margot Robbie!
So, of course, I had to plan an outfit for the occasion. Here’s the cosplay progress so far:
Day Trip: Elephant Rocks
Hiking and nature trails are among my top favorite things to do on weekends. Luckily, I live in the middle of nowhere, and there are loads of state parks and trails and everything else around me to go adventuring on. One of my favorite places is Elephant Rocks.
Elephant Rocks, named for the giant boulders, which some compare in size and/or shape to elephants. The hiking is fantastic, and has some stunning scenery.
And there are some fantastic adventures to be had on this trail.
If you’re planning to visit Missouri, or maybe you’ll be passing thru the state sometime, and wanna check it out, you can visit this site here and learn more.
I’d love to cover more trails and parks in the future! Let me know what you think!
~Angel
HHN 26: Hell Comes to Haddonfield
Halloween Horror Nights 24 gave me a chance to enter into one of my favorite horror film franchises, Halloween. Iconic scenes, the Myers house, being chased by Michael Myers, etc. It was a dream come true, and still one of my favorite houses.
Now, we get to return to Haddonfield.
Just announced for Halloween Horror Nights 26! Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield. We’re going to pick up where the first house left off, and then, according to the release, be pursued by Myers through Haddonfield, into Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. How’s that for a house sequel?!
I cannot WAIT to see what they do with the house this year. Which of the houses are you most excited about?
-Angel
Day Trip: Six Flags St Louis – 7/5/16
Tuesday we took our second trip to Six Flags St Louis of the year. Having a season pass this year has actually been pretty fantastic, and been a huge incentive to return to the park multiple times, after not going for years. Can’t beat free parking on top of that one time payment last year to go however much I want this year!
We started the day at my favorite ride – Justice League: Battle for Metropolis.
My little Super Heroes! Gotta raise ’em right, even if they’re just nieces.
From there, we rode an ABUNDANCE of water rides. The Log Flume, which was a first for me, we rode three times – twice down one path, once down the other. There’s a right side and a left side, and the path for each is a little different, with the end result the same – up a big hill, to drop down for a big splash.
We also rode Tidal Wave A LOT. This wasn’t my first time, however. It’s a very quick, simple ride. Get in the boat, go up the hill, round the corner, and then HUGE DROP. We had 5 people, and each row can handle up to four. I was the only person that rode EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. We mixed up the party a bit each time, so someone was always waiting with the bags that would be unavoidably SOAKED. But never me. I probably rode seven times in a row, at least. I didn’t have a dry spot left on my body. And that wasn’t including the times the girls and I waited on the bridge to get splashed by the other riders on their way down.
After Tidal Wave, we caved and bought refreshments. Those blue cups are around $22 and some change individually, slightly less if you buy more than one. We bought two at around $21 each. Which, I know, it sounds RIDICULOUS for a cup of soda. However, this particular cup includes free refills ALL SEASON LONG. And since most of their sodas were $4-$5 and non-refillable, I thought this was a pretty decent deal since I’m planning to return. And the first sip of nice, cold Coke on that insanely hot day COMPLETELY convinced me it was worth it. So, we filled our new cups and headed for the train ride. We looped back through the park to the same station we boarded at, then took the girls to ride some kiddie rides for a bit.
We hopped in line for one last ride on Battle for Metropolis, then headed into some shops, so my happy little collector heart could be satisfied.
I honestly cannot express how much I adore the amount of cool stuff they have available. While I couldn’t spend the amount I typically do when I’m there, I did buy myself some things:
Such as this super cool Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice shirt that I had my eye on the last time I was there. As well as…
A Harley Quinn plushie I didn’t have yet, a cardboard desktop standee, and this badass Batman mug. My Batman collection, particularly the Harley Quinn section of it, was very pleased with the new additions.
All in all, it was a great day with my nieces, filled with fun and nifty Batman stuff. I can’t wait for my next trip back!
~Angel
Universal Dining: Three Broomsticks
Harry Potter fanatics, such as myself, rejoiced at the initial announcement of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter being added to Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios, Orlando.
WE GET TO SEE THE CASTLE?! WE GET TO EXPLORE HOGSMEADE?!
And for those who have been, you know – it’s like walking onto the set, and everything is magical.
That being said, one of the things I was ridiculously excited for, was the opportunity to dine at the Three Broomsticks.
The Three Broomsticks restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is a quick service option for those of us that are go-go-go at the parks. They offer a handful of different options, including fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Cornish pasty, turkey legs and fresh vegetables, plus items on the kid’s menu for picky little eaters.
What do I always get?
This huuuuuuge plate of deliciousness! Seriously, you get you money’s worth with this restaurant.
So is it worth a visit? Definitely, especially for fellow fans of the books and movies.
And you can’t forget the best part of the visit: BUTTERBEER!
~Angel
Travel Plans: London Calling
I’ve wanted to go to England for what feels like forever now. In particular, I’ve had my little heart set on London, and all it’s wonder. There have been several times I’ve said “Okay, that’s it, I’m going next year” – and then I didn’t, for whatever reason.
But I’ve decided there will be no more of that. No more putting it off. I’m going to make serious plans now, even if I have to go alone.
Wandering NerdGirl 