Contributing writer

Brady Macdonald

Brady MacDonald is a freelance writer based in California. He’s covered the theme park industry for more than 25 years. He writes about travel, entertainment, business, food and beer. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, New York Newsday, Philadelphia Inquirer, Seattle Times, Orlando Sentinel and Orange County Register.

Visitors to Disneyland enter Sleeping Beauty castle during the 70th anniversary Disneyland on July 17, 2025, in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

It’s the cheapest time of the year to visit Disneyland right now

August 21, 2025 at 7:31 a.m.

Tickets cost $104 during 16 select dates in late August and early September.

Universal Epic Universe is home to two of the best dark rides in the world: “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” and “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.” (Universal/TNS)

Does Epic Universe have the 2 best dark rides in the world?

May 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

The new Florida theme park gives Universal two chances to reclaim the crown from Disney.

The Lego Festival at Legoland California focuses on imagination, exploration and play. (Courtesy of Legoland)

World’s first Lego Festival coming to parks across US

March 18, 2025 at 11:53 a.m.

The Lego Fest takes place at Legoland parks around the globe from May 3 through June 8.

Top 10 new theme park attractions in the world for 2025

January 15, 2025 at 6:25 a.m.

The new year is already shaping up as a good one for roller coaster enthusiasts, thrill ride junkies and theme park fanatics.

Rain closed Knott’s Berry Farm for 10 days in early 2023, resulting in a $14 million drop in revenue and 400,000 fewer visitors for that quarter. (File photo by Sam Gangwer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

U.S. theme parks blame ‘extreme weather’ for attendance drops and financial loses

August 23, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

U.S. theme parks have endured an onslaught of wild weather this year ranging from unprecedented rainfall and excessive heat warnings to Canadian wildfires and California hurricanes.

Constance Hatchaway, also known as The Black Widow Bride, outside the game room of a Haunted Mansion-themed Airbnb in Fullerton, CA, on Monday, July 17, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

This Haunted Mansion Airbnb is just like sleeping inside the Disneyland ride — If you dare

July 24, 2023 at 1:08 p.m.

It took two months and $200,000 to transform the run-of-the-mill subdivision home into the Ghostly Retreat worthy of comparisons to the venerable Disneyland haunted house.

HangTime, the only dive coaster in California, opened in May at Knott’s Berry Farm. The coaster rises 150 feet above the boardwalk and takes riders through a vertical drop, midair suspensions and gravity-defying inversions. (Photo: Knott’s Berry Farm)

California amusement park now requires chaperone for all visitors under 18

July 22, 2022 at 7:55 a.m.

The chaperone must have a valid ID, provide a phone number and remain with the minors throughout the entire visit.

The fireworks shows at Disneyland always draw crowds on Main Street U.S.A. in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. (Photo: Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register/SCNG)

California theme parks fire up Fourth of July fireworks shows

July 1, 2022 at 11:46 a.m.

Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other California theme parks will celebrate Independence Day with All-American foods, patriotic music, holiday-themed games and fireworks spectaculars.

Morgan Carberry poses for a picture with Mickey and Minnie during Disney Merriest Nites at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. (Photo: Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register/SCNG)

When will Disneyland let Mickey Mouse hug visitors again?

March 7, 2022 at 11:55 a.m.

Disneyland Paris and the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World have begun allowing up-close interactions between characters and visitors.

Work crews have begun installing white temporary tents just outside the east security entrance to Disneyland. (Orange County Register)

Disneyland installs COVID-19 temperature tents for Downtown Disney reopening

July 7, 2020 at 9:24 a.m.

Disneyland is putting the finishing touches on new health and safety precautions at the entrances to Downtown Disney as the Anaheim theme park prepares to reopen the outdoor shopping mall...

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