Explore haunted attractions, theme parks, and vacation spots across Arizona, Southern California, and Las Vegas. From ghost tours and escape rooms to family trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios, dive into reviews and articles on entertainment, nostalgia, and the paranormal. Whether you're chasing thrills or uncovering eerie legends, this blog is your gateway to unforgettable adventures.
Zombies are coming to the West Wind's Glendale Drive In Movie Theater
Saturday; October 22, 2016
Gates will open at 6:00 PM and the movies start at 7:30 pm.
The Glendale Drive In Theater is holding its first annual Zombie Fest with a great line up of zombie movies picked by our customers. The Zombie Theatrical Line Up will include: Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and Dawn of the Dead.
Arrive early so you can get your face painted to look like a Zombie.
Visit West Wind Drive-In and Public Market (Glendale, AZ) on Facebook for News and Deals!
About West Wind
Family owned and operated company that opened their first drive-in theater in 1952 and now own and operate the largest drive-in theater chain in the world with four in California, one in Arizona and two in Nevada.
No longer is the experience dim screens and “squawk boxes” that hang on your car door as they invested in audio that plays to your car stereo and some of the largest digital projectors available with a crystal-clear digital image on screens larger than ones you’ll find in walk-in theaters.
See first run movies at the same time as indoor theaters.
Grab a bite from the snack bar and enjoy a Nathan’s Famous all-beef hot dogs and complete line of Pepsi products, even fresh baked pizza at some locations.
Let the kids play between double features at the playground or arcade.
Are Free Drinks in Las Vegas Casinos Disappearing? 🍸🎰
For decades, free drinks in Las Vegas casinos have been a hallmark of the Sin City experience. Whether you're playing slots, video poker, or table games, cocktail waitresses traditionally serve complimentary drinks to keep gamblers at the machines or tables.
However, as of October 2016, major casino companies like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have begun implementing new rules to determine who qualifies for free cocktails while gambling.
Are Las Vegas casino comps disappearing? Let’s take a look at how casino drink policies are changing and whether you can still enjoy free drinks while gambling in Vegas.
🍹 How Do Free Drinks in Las Vegas Casinos Work?
Casinos offer complimentary drinks to gamblers to encourage longer play and bigger bets. The logic is simple:
✔️ The more you drink, the more you play. ✔️ The longer you stay, the more money the casino makes. ✔️ Casinos hope free drinks make you "loosen up" and gamble more aggressively.
Until recently, free drinks were provided with almost no restrictions, as long as you were actively gambling. However, new technology is changing the system.
🚨 New Casino Drink Rules – What’s Changing?
1️⃣ Caesars Entertainment – New Comp Drink System
✔️ As of 2016, Caesars properties have installed "comp drink indicator lights" on their video poker machines. ✔️ Gamblers must wager a certain amount per hand to trigger a green light indicating that they qualify for a free drink. ✔️ This system is being used in Las Vegas, Laughlin, Reno, and Stateline near Lake Tahoe.
📢 What does this mean?
Low rollers who play slowly or at low stakes may not receive free drinks.
If you want complimentary cocktails, you’ll need to bet at higher levels.
2️⃣ MGM Resorts – Free Drink Vouchers
✔️ MGM Resorts (which owns MGM Grand, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, and others) has introduced a new drink voucher system. ✔️ Instead of unlimited free drinks, players at MGM Grand and The Mirage must earn vouchers by hitting a set amount of playtime. ✔️ Once you reach the casino’s requirement, the machine will print a voucher for a free drink.
📢 What does this mean?
You can no longer get unlimited free drinks just by sitting and playing slowly.
The system rewards players who actively gamble for longer periods.
🍸 Can You Still Get Free Drinks in Las Vegas Casinos?
Despite the changes, Las Vegas is still one of the few places where you can get complimentary drinks while gambling.
✔️ Free drinks are still available at most casinos, but with restrictions. ✔️ High rollers and table game players still receive the best drink service. ✔️ Some casinos (like off-Strip properties) still offer free drinks with no restrictions.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to maximize your chances of getting free drinks in Vegas:
Stick to table games (dealers tend to call waitresses for drinks more frequently).
Tip the cocktail waitress well on the first round—this increases your chances of getting faster refills.
Avoid low-stakes and slow play at video poker machines, where casinos now track your activity.
🍹 Where to Still Get Free Drinks in Las Vegas (2024 Update)
Not all casinos have implemented the strict drink-tracking policies used by Caesars and MGM. If you’re looking for the best places to still enjoy free drinks, consider these options:
✔️ Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street Casinos) – The Golden Nugget, Binion’s, and El Cortez still offer complimentary drinks with less hassle. ✔️ The Cosmopolitan – Great drink service for active gamblers, especially at the Chandelier Bar and high-limit slots. ✔️ Tuscany Suites & Casino – A hidden gem off the Strip where free drinks flow more easily. ✔️ The STRAT (Stratosphere) – Still one of the best places for free drinks on the Strip with low-table minimums.
📢 Pro Tip:The fancier the casino, the stricter the free drink rules. If you want free alcohol without restrictions, avoid the high-end resorts like Bellagio and Aria.
🏆 Will Free Drinks Disappear Completely in Las Vegas?
Many fear that Las Vegas casino comps are disappearing, but the reality is:
✔️ Casinos will always offer free drinks—just with more restrictions. ✔️ Casinos compete for gamblers, and some properties will always provide better perks. ✔️ Tip well, play consistently, and choose the right casino to keep getting free drinks.
💭 My Prediction:
Some casinos may start offering "comp drink cards" for loyalty members.
Downtown Las Vegas and off-Strip casinos will continue offering better free drink policies than the Strip.
High rollers and VIP players will always get complimentary drinks, no matter what.
📌 Final Thoughts – Are Free Drinks in Vegas Still Worth It?
Las Vegas is changing, but free drinks are still available for gamblers who play strategically. The key is to understand the new rules, choose the right casinos, and play at the right level to maximize casino comps and complimentary cocktails.
📢 Have you noticed the new drink policies in Vegas? Share your experience in the comments below! 🍸🎰
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Top Escape Room Tips & Tricks – How to Win Every Time 🔐🕵️♂️
Escape rooms have exploded in popularity as a fun and challenging group activity that tests logic, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re an escape room newbie or a seasoned pro, knowing the best strategies can help you escape faster and increase your chances of winning.
Here’s a complete guide with expert escape room tips and tricks, including team organization, common mistakes, and top-rated escape rooms in Arizona, Nevada, and California!
Having the right team dynamic can make or break your escape room experience. The ideal team size is 5-7 players—too many people can be chaotic, while too few limits problem-solving abilities.
👥 Ideal Escape Room Team Roles
✔️ Project Manager (1 person) – Keeps the team organized, assigns tasks, and ensures progress. ✔️ Searchers (2-3 people) – Actively look for clues, keys, and hidden objects. ✔️ Quartermaster (1 person) – Organizes all found clues and items, preventing clutter. ✔️ Puzzle Solvers (1-2 people) – Focus on solving riddles, deciphering codes, and unlocking puzzles.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider booking a private escape room to avoid being paired with strangers—this ensures better teamwork and communication.
🔑 How to Win at Escape Rooms – Essential Tips & Tricks
1️⃣ Search Smart & Search Fast
✔️ As soon as the game starts, search for locks, hidden compartments, and loose objects. ✔️ Look under furniture, inside drawers, behind pictures, and inside books (but don’t rip anything!). ✔️ Don’t waste time on locked areas—find the clues needed to open them instead.
2️⃣ Call Out Clues & Keep Communication Open
✔️ Every time you find a new lock, number, key, or clue, announce it to the group. ✔️ Listen to all team members—different perspectives can lead to breakthroughs. ✔️ Don’t let one person dominate the game—collaborate!
3️⃣ Organize Your Findings (Quartermaster Role)
✔️ Place all found clues in a central area for easy access. ✔️ Separate used and unused items—this prevents duplicate effort. ✔️ Try all possible combinations before giving up—sometimes, simple mistakes like reversing numbers can hold you back.
4️⃣ Work on Multiple Puzzles at Once
✔️ Don’t get stuck on one puzzle—divide and conquer! ✔️ If a puzzle seems unsolvable, move to another task and return later with fresh eyes. ✔️ Check for hidden connections between different clues.
5️⃣ Know When to Ask for Hints
✔️ Monitor your progress at 15, 30, and 45-minute marks. ✔️ If you’re falling behind the average escape time, ask the Game Master for a hint. ✔️ Remember: Winning with a hint is better than not escaping at all!
💡 Pro Tip: Some escape rooms add false clues (red herrings) to throw players off track, while others keep every clue relevant. Be aware of each escape room’s style.
🏆 Best Escape Rooms in Arizona, Nevada & California
Want to test your escape room skills? Here are some of the best-rated escape rooms my team has enjoyed:
✔️Escape Westgate (Glendale, AZ) – Challenging puzzles and Variety of themes. ✔️ Baffled Escape Rooms (Peoria, AZ) – Engaging puzzles and excellent customer service.
🎰 Las Vegas Escape Rooms
✔️ Official SAW Escape Room (Las Vegas, NV) – Based on the SAW horror movie franchise, very intense! ✔️ Escapology Las Vegas – High-tech escape rooms with thrilling themes.
🎬 California Escape Rooms
✔️ 60Out Escape Rooms (Los Angeles, CA) – Movie-quality set designs and unique storylines. ✔️ The Escape Game San Diego – Interactive puzzles with realistic scenarios.
💡 Want us to review your escape room? If you have an escape room in Arizona, Nevada, or California, contact me on Facebook for a detailed review!
📌 Final Thoughts – Mastering Escape Rooms Like a Pro
Escape rooms are all about teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Whether you're playing for fun or to set a record, using these escape room tips and tricks will increase your success rate and enhance the experience.
📢 What’s your best escape room time? Share your record in the comments below! 🕵️♂️🔐
The Walking Dead Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood 🧟♂️🎢
Imagine waking up in a post-apocalyptic world where walkers, biters, and zombies roam free, just like in AMC’s hit series, The Walking Dead. Now, you don’t have to just imagine it—you can experience the terror firsthand at Universal Studios Hollywood’s The Walking Dead Attraction!
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to fight for survival alongside Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, and the other survivors, this year-round haunted house is your chance to step into the action.
Here’s everything you need to know about Universal Studios Hollywood’s The Walking Dead Attraction, including location details, special effects, hidden Easter eggs, and survival tips to make your experience unforgettable.
Universal Studios Hollywood - The Walking Dead Attraction
🔎 Fun Facts & Easter Eggs from The Walking Dead TV Show
Universal Studios worked closely with AMC’s The Walking Dead creative team to make the attraction as authentic as possible. Here are some cool hidden details inside the attraction:
✅ 18 Hidden Artifacts from the TV Show – Look for props and set pieces from The Walking Dead, such as Daryl’s crossbow, Hershel’s severed head, and Michonne’s pet walker chains. ✅ The Walkers are Played by Real Actors – Unlike most theme park haunted houses, this attraction has a mix of real actors and animatronic walkers. ✅ Universal’s Scare Experts Were Trained by The Walking Dead Team – The zombie actors were personally trained by the show's stunt coordinators to make them as terrifyingly realistic as possible. ✅ Custom-Built Attraction – Unlike some attractions that repurpose existing buildings, this was built from the ground up specifically for The Walking Dead experience.
📌 Final Thoughts – Is The Walking Dead Attraction Worth It?
If you're a fan of horror, zombies, or The Walking Dead, this permanent haunted attraction is a must-visit at Universal Studios Hollywood. With Hollywood-quality sets, realistic walkers, and Easter eggs from the show, it’s an experience that truly brings AMC’s post-apocalyptic world to life.
📢 Have you survived The Walking Dead attraction? Share your experience in the comments below! 🧟♂️🔥
🎢 What was The Walking Dead Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood?
📍 Location: Upper Lot, Near the Park Entrance 🗓️ Opening Date: July 4, 2016 🔥 Type: Year-Round Haunted House Attraction
This was fully immersive, live-action horror experience transports guests straight into the world of The Walking Dead. Unlike Universal’s annual Halloween Horror Nights mazes, this permanent attraction was open year-round and features real scare actors, animatronic walkers, and cinematic-quality sets from the TV show.
📢 The Closing of The Walking Dead Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood 🧟♂️🔚
After thrilling fans for over six years, The Walking Dead Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywoodofficially closed on March 4, 2020. The year-round haunted house, which brought iconic moments from AMC’s hit TV series to life, was one of the park’s scariest and most immersive experiences. Featuring live scare actors, animatronic walkers, and authentic set designs from Greg Nicotero and the Walking Dead creative team, the attraction had become a fan-favorite for horror lovers. However, as Universal Studios evolves with new attractions, The Walking Dead walkthrough was permanently shut down to make room for future projects. While its closure disappointed many zombie apocalypse enthusiasts, guests can still experience horror at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, where The Walking Dead occasionally returns as a seasonal maze.
