Todd Martens is a features columnist at the Los Angeles Times who writes about theme parks and West Coast Experiences, among other topics. His weekly newsletter, Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride, covers the ever-changing world of theme parks from SoCal, the theme park capital of the world (sorry, Orlando). Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and has covered a mix of interactive entertainment as its game critic and pop music as a reporter and editor. Previously, he reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. Martens has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.
Latest From This Author
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is the latest film to be given the Cosm treatment, in which supplemental animations seek to envelop guests.
Everyone loves to hate on grown-up fans of Disney theme parks. But what’s the harm in letting people experience a bit of joy, especially now?
Former Imagineers talk about the roadside attractions in Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas and California that sparked ideas for Disney’s famous fictional town of Radiator Springs.
Darth Vader and the so-called classic ‘Star Wars’ characters have arrived at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While many fans are cheering, I mourn the the version of the land that Imagineers sought to create.
His presence — along with that of Leia, Han and Luke — marks a major shift in direction for Galaxy’s Edge.
In the first edition of Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride, find out how Universal got Fan Fest Nights right, my current favorite theme park snack and more.