Todd Martens is a features columnist at the Los Angeles Times who writes about theme parks and West Coast Experiences, among other topics. 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
In ‘The Morrison Game Factory,’ Lauren Bello created an affecting, story-driven tabletop game about an abandoned board game factory — a tale of love and loss.
Sept. 19, 2024
Playing ‘Spies Among Us’ makes L.A.’s Little Tokyo neighborhood come alive — every location, sidewalk and stoop is potentially part of the story.
Sept. 12, 2024
Hidden in an upstairs nook of a sports bar, Squirrelor’s Tavern is an invitation to escape into a fantasy world.
Sept. 4, 2024
If It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion represent Disneyland’s foundational attractions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance represents its future.
Sept. 3, 2024
There’s a movie studio tour for every type of Angeleno, whether you’re a seeker of movie trivia, cinematic magic or that perfect Central Perk selfie.
Aug. 29, 2024
The adorable, video-game-like animated romp is a respectful and nostalgic 2021 endeavor that livens up the park by celebrating its history.
Aug. 27, 2024
Universal’s Secret Life of Pets, so adorable you’ll wanna adopt it | How Your Favorite Ride Was Made
The Secret Life of Pets uses screens in complementary rather than starring roles, and when it comes to interactivity, the ride encourages playful silliness rather than more overt game-like techniques.
Aug. 20, 2024
“Escape From Godot” is an escape room that is also a work of theater — or vice versa. It upends the conventions of both.
Aug. 15, 2024
Pirates of the Caribbean, which opened in 1967, has become the template for nearly every theme park attraction that has come after it.
Aug. 13, 2024