Showing posts with label Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Show all posts

Monday, June 29, 2020

Go-Karts, VR, & More At Octane Racing In Scottsdale AZ

Octane Raceway is considered one of the best cart-racing places in America. Their 1/3-mile track is impressive, being the only full-time go-kart track in the country that goes both inside and outside. That's not the half of it though, as the place is actually a full entertainment complex featuring a fun VR experience, all kinds of arcade and party games, food and drink service, and more.

Great for Birthdays or Corporate events, there's plenty for everyone to do. Almost all their activities are well-suited for group activities and parties, making it an excellent place for a family day trip or a full-on get together with friends or colleagues.

Entertainment Options For Everyone

  • High-Speed Kart Racing - Strap in for an intense racing experience with carts that can reach up to 45 miles per hour! The track itself is pretty exciting, starting indoors and winding around outside before leading you back in. Adult races are 14 laps while junior races are 10, which is definitely enough time racing to get your money's worth. There's no age limit to the carts, however, they do require everyone to be at least 4"8, and anyone under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver.
  • Velocity VR - Imagine a cross between a laser tag arena and a video game, and this is what you'll get. The Virtual Reality experience at Octane is totally immersive. You can walk, run, peer around corners, make plans with your group, and more while feeling just like you're inside a video game. They have three games to choose from, somewhere it's player vs player and others where you need to work together to survive. Oh, and you'll be fighting against zombies, aliens, robots, and more.
  • Full Arcade - There's also plenty of traditional video games in the arcade, featuring all classics from Big Buck Hunt to Jurassic Park. Plus, there are the play-to-win games that could send you home with a prize. A great place to hang out while waiting for your race or VR game to start.
  • Mini Bowling - A truly fun game for all ages. It's bowling on a smaller scale with ten miniature pins on a slimmed-down alley. A great experience for younger players, since the smaller size does a lot to even the odds.
  • Patio & Outdoor Games - A nice and comfortable place to relax outside. There's plenty of space to sit and even more activities like a giant Jenga game and Cornhole area.
  • The Backyard Grill - A great spot for burgers, sandwiches, tasty snacks and appetizers, and a great selection of drinks. Definitely worth eating at while you're here, especially after a few hours of racing, gaming, and everything else.



The facilities in Scottsdale are really sleek, clean, and enjoyable to be in. There's really never a dull moment between all there is to do. You can sign up for races right as you walk in, and they'll fit you into the soonest race available. While you're waiting, there's plenty of games to keep you busy, but you can also watch the races happening before you and see the results coming in on their huge TV displays. Doing a high-speed race and a virtual-reality shootout is an exhilarating way to spend the afternoon no matter who you are. Plus, they're open year-round 365 days a year.

Be sure to check out Octane Racing's website for me info.
Address: 9119 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Phone: (602) 302-7223



Stay tuned for my review of Undead Arena Velocity VR, powered by Zero Latency.

Also, be sure to get in touch with us here. We're always interested in hearing about the best entertainment, attractions, and other fun stuff across the Southwest.


Friday, April 6, 2018

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Scottsdale - Coming Summer of 2019!

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Comes to Scottsdale, AZ

🏰 Experience an Epic Medieval Feast & Tournament in Scottsdale!

The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament brings 11th-century-style jousting, swordsmanship, falconry, and horsemanship to its 79,000-square-foot castle in Scottsdale, Arizona! This immersive dinner show is the latest attraction to join the Talking Stick Entertainment District, which already features OdySea Aquarium, Topgolf, and Pangaea Land of Dinosaurs. Plus, a new Great Wolf Lodge is coming soon!

What to Expect at Medieval Times Scottsdale

⚔️ Live Action Tournament: Witness knights in shining armor battle in an intense jousting competition. 🦅 Falconry & Horsemanship: Be amazed by majestic horses and trained falcons showcasing their skills. 🍗 A Feast Fit for Royalty: Enjoy a four-course meal while cheering for your champion!




The Queen’s Royal Feast

👑 Queen Maria Isabella invites noble guests to dine at her royal banquet, featuring:

  • 🥖 Garlic Bread & Tomato Bisque Soup

  • 🍗 Oven-Roasted Chicken with Herb Potatoes & Sweet Buttered Corn

  • 🍰 Dessert, Coffee & Select Beverages

  • 🥗 Vegetarian Meal Available – Includes hummus, pita bread, fresh veggies, and a three-bean stew with fire-roasted tomatoes and brown rice.

🍹 Cocktail servers make rounds offering spirits from the bar (additional cost).

Pre-Show Attractions & Tips

🏰 Arrive Early! Castle doors open 75 minutes before showtime, with first-come, first-served seating. ⚔️ Explore the Hall of Arms: View medieval artifacts & weapons before the show. 🔗 Visit the Medieval Torture Museum: A chilling look at history’s dark side. 🤴 Knighting Ceremonies: Special pre-show knighting experiences available. 🛍️ Gift Shop & Bar: Pick up souvenirs, themed drinks, and medieval-themed merchandise.

Medieval Times Scottsdale – Event Details

📍 Location: 9051 East Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
📞 Reservations: 888-935-6878
🔗 Follow Them on Facebook for Updates!

🎟️ Admission Info

  • 👶 Children under 3 enter FREE (must sit on an adult’s lap & share a plate).

  • 🏰 Fast-selling event! Secure your tickets early for the best seating.

History of Medieval Times

The first Medieval Times castle opened in Majorca & Benidorm, Spain before expanding to North America. The first U.S. location debuted in Kissimmee, Florida in 1983, and now, Scottsdale joins the ranks of iconic Medieval Times locations.

⚔️ Prepare for an Unforgettable Medieval Adventure! Book your tickets now and step into the past with an action-packed evening of chivalry, competition, and feasting!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

A review of The Marvel Experience in Scottsdale AZ

The Marvel Experience Review – Was It Worth the Hype?

📍 Location: Touring Event – Various Cities in 2015
🎟️ Ticket Prices: Starting at $27.50 (too expensive for what’s offered)
Total Experience Time: Estimated 90 minutes but actually took 6 hours due to long wait times

Is The Marvel Experience Worth It?

If you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, The Marvel Experience: The Hyper-Reality Tour sounds like a dream come true—a high-tech, immersive superhero adventure packed with interactive training missions, VR experiences, and 4-D attractions. However, after attending with my kids, I can confidently say that while it had exciting moments, the cost, long wait times, and lack of activities left us disappointed.

With ticket prices starting at $27.50 (plus $10 for parking), the value simply wasn’t there. The entire experience should have taken around 90 minutes, but we spent over 6 hours waiting in lines for short, underwhelming activities. While some of the interactive elements were enjoyable, this event needed better organization, shorter wait times, and more engaging content.


What’s Included in The Marvel Experience?

Marvel Superhero Origins Briefing – A multi-screen intro covering the origins of Iron Man, Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Black Widow.
Interactive "Training Missions" – Includes Iron Man Flight Simulation, Hulk Smash, Photon Blaster Training, Spider-Man Climbing Wall, and Black Widow Laser Maze.
3-D Dome Experience – A short, standing-room-only Marvel movie where guests spin in circles to follow the action.
4-D Ride Finale – The most immersive part of the experience, but lacked 3-D visuals, making it less impressive.
Gift ShopLimited merchandise with only posters, shirts, and hats—no Marvel action figures or comic books available.
On-Site CaféOverpriced food ($7 for a basic hot dog, $3.50 for frozen bottled water).


Major Issues & Areas That Need Improvement

🚫 Excessive Wait Times for Minimal Experience

  • Most activities were less than 2 minutes long but required 30-60 minute waits.
  • The Black Widow Agility Laser Maze had a 1-hour wait—while fun, it wasn't worth the time investment.

💰 Ticket Prices vs. Value

  • $27.50 per person (plus $10 parking) felt overpriced. This event should have been $15-$20 max with free parking.
  • The RFID tracking bracelets didn’t enhance the experience, making them feel pointless.

🎮 Low-Tech "Training" Games

  • The Hulk Smash and Iron Man Flight Simulator were essentially Xbox Kinect games, which was disappointing given the "Hyper-Reality" promise.
  • The Photon Blaster Training (laser shooting gallery) had too many players at once, making it impossible to track your score.

🎬 3-D Movie & 4-D Ride Could Have Been Better

  • The 3-D dome experience was too short and required standing.
  • The 4-D ride was entertaining, but should have used 3-D visuals to be more immersive.

🛍️ Weak Merchandise Selection

  • The gift shop lacked variety, offering mostly shirts and posters—no Marvel action figures or collectibles.
  • The 3-D printed statue souvenir was a cool concept, but there weren't enough customization options.

How The Marvel Experience Could Improve

🎟️ Lower Ticket Prices$15-$20 would be a more reasonable price for what’s offered.
Reduce Wait TimesFewer tickets per time slot or more activity stations would prevent 6-hour experiences.
🚀 More Interactive Features – Additional VR elements, motion-sensor games, and better simulators would increase engagement.
💦 Fix Overpriced Food & Drinks$3.50 for frozen bottled water is a gouge—offer affordable drinks or free water stations.
🛍️ Expand the Gift ShopInclude action figures, comics, and exclusive collectibles to appeal to Marvel fans.
🎬 Improve 3-D & 4-D Experiences – The 4-D ride should include 3-D visuals for a true hyper-reality experience.


Final Verdict – Would I Go Again?

I’m glad I attended, and my kids enjoyed parts of it, but I wouldn’t return unless they significantly improve the cost, entertainment value, and wait times.

If you’re considering going to The Marvel Experience, be prepared for long lines and limited activities. While it has potential, it needs major upgrades to be worth the price.

⭐ Overall Rating: 5/10 – Fun for Marvel fans, but overpriced and poorly executed.

🚀 Are you a Marvel fan looking for a better superhero experience? Consider visiting:

  • Avengers Campus at Disneyland California Adventure
  • Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure




Thursday, December 18, 2014

Marvel Experience: Produced by Hero Ventures coming to Arizona

The Marvel Experience – A High-Tech Superhero Adventure

📍 Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, AZ
📅 Arizona Dates: December 19, 2014 – January 3, 2015
🎟️ Ticket Discounts: Military 2-for-1 deal & Group Savings (15+ people save 10%)


What Is The Marvel Experience?

Step into the Marvel Universe and become a deputized S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in this cutting-edge interactive attraction! Featuring more than 20+ iconic Marvel characters, including:

  • 🕷️ Spider-Man
  • Iron Man
  • 🛡️ Captain America
  • ⚒️ Thor
  • 💪 Hulk
  • 🖤 Black Widow

Prepare to battle HYDRA, Red Skull, M.O.D.O.K., and the evil Adaptoids in a one-of-a-kind, hyper-reality superhero experience.


Marvel Experience Attractions – What to Expect

🌍 Spanning 3 Acres & 7 Interactive Domes!
🚀 Life-Size Avengers Quinjet – Get up close with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s elite aircraft!
🕹️ 360° 3-D Projection Dome – A fully immersive, cinematic Marvel experience!
🧗 Spider-Man Climbing Wall – Test your agility like Peter Parker (must weigh 50+ lbs).
🔫 Holo-Blaster Training Simulator – Fight off HYDRA agents in a virtual battle!
🎢 4-D Motion Ride – Feel the thrill of an action-packed Marvel mission!
💥 RFID Super Power Band – Tracks your personal progress, skills, and achievements throughout the event.

Using state-of-the-art technology, The Marvel Experience blends augmented reality (AR), motion simulation, 3-D projection, and interactive gaming to create a theme park-style adventure for all ages.


Important Marvel Experience Event Details

🕰️ Time Required: 4-6 hours to fully explore all attractions.
🎟️ Ticket Options: Available online via Ticketmaster or at the Dome Box Office.
🎥 Photography: Cameras are welcome, but no flash photography allowed.
🚶 Walking Event: No seating assignments – comfortable shoes are recommended.
🚗 Parking: $10 per vehicle.
🚼 No Strollers Admitted – families with young children should plan accordingly.
📏 Ride Restrictions:

  • 4-D Ride: Minimum height 40 inches; pregnant women and small children can sit in folding chairs.
  • Spider-Man Climbing Wall: 50 lbs minimum weight requirement.

Marvel Experience 2015 U.S. Tour Schedule

🌟 Arizona: December 19, 2014 – January 3, 2015 – Salt River Fields, Scottsdale, AZ
🌟 Dallas, TX: January 15 – February 1, 2015
🌟 Del Mar, CA: February 7 – February 22, 2015
🌟 San Francisco, CA: February 27 – March 22, 2015


Why Arizona Was Chosen for The Marvel Experience Kickoff

Arizona was selected as the first stop for Marvel Experience: Produced by Hero Ventures due to:
Ideal weather conditions for an outdoor event.
Proximity to major production companies in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Large Marvel fanbase eager for an immersive superhero attraction.


Final Thoughts – Is The Marvel Experience Worth It?

The Hype says "If you're a Marvel fan, this hyper-reality event is a must-see! From virtual battles against HYDRA to swinging like Spider-Man, it’s a fully immersive superhero experience you won’t want to miss.", but here is My Marvel Experience review.

🔥 Grab your tickets, assemble your team, and prepare to save the world with The Avengers!

If you are into comic books, check out this article!