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
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
You never know what you’ll be asked to do during the participation-driven experience. Act in a moving-picture show? Participate in a mustache contest? Help a gang rob a bank?
Aug. 12, 2024
After a year of boardroom drama and box office disappointment, Disney seems to be rounding a corner. Fans at its biennial D23 convention feel the difference.
Aug. 13, 2024
Disney announces at the D23 fan convention that the World of Avatar and a ‘Coco’-themed boat ride are in the works for Disney California Adventure Park.
Aug. 11, 2024
The game-like endeavors are designed to get guests to view their local libraries — and the world outside of them — a little more imaginatively.
Aug. 7, 2024