Spooky Empire’s May-Hem!
Spooky Empire’s May-Hem convention is currently taking place until 1st June at The DoubleTree at Universal Studios 5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.
We popped along to the three day weekend that started yesterday to see what was going on and we can report that there’s something for everyone at the fun event!
This is the first of two Spooky Empire conventions that will be held in 2014 and the main attraction of the event is the fantastic guest list covering not just the horror genre but SciFi, Fantasy, Rock n Roll and more.
There is a chance to celebrate two film anniversaries starting with actors from the original 1954 “Godzilla” film. Akira Takarada (pictured above left) and Haruo Nakajima (the man behind the Godzilla mask – pictured above right) are making a rare convention appearance together to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the original film and of course the most recent hit the “Godzilla 2014” redo.
The second appearance honors the 30th Anniversary of “A Nightmare on Elm Street”. It’s a chance to meet original cast members (pictured above top to bottom)Robert Englund “Freddy Krueger”, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss and Ronee Blakley.
“Once Upon a Time” fans get a real treat when cast members make a rare first time appearance together. You can meet the lovely Lana Parrilla “Regina” (pictured above) at her first convention appearance, Lee Arenberg “Grumpy”, Rebecca Mader “The Wicked Witch”, and Sean Maguire “Robin Hood”. The cast is available for autographs, photo ops and a Q&A!
To round off the fabulous guest list full of headliners is writer and director John Carpenter (pictured above). John Carpenter’s list of classic films include “Halloween”, “They Live”, “Escape From New York”, “Christine” and countless more.
Spooky Empire always brings a little rock ‘n’ roll to the mix and this year they’ve added “Misfits” members Doyle and Dr. Chud, “The Ramones” own Marky Ramone (pictured above), and even Ex-“Runaways” members Lita Ford (pictured below left) and Cherie Currie (pictured below right).
Wrestling fanatics will not want to miss out on our Friday event “In the Pit with Piper” featuring the one and only “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka (pictured below). This will be and event to go down in history!
There’s lots more celebrity guests available for meet and greets and autographs all weekend including Disney’s own Pat Carroll (Ursula – pictured below) from “The Little Mermaid, Jamie Kennedy “Scream” and “Ghost Whisperer”, Laurie Holden “The Walking Dead” and even a gathering of the original “Halloween” cast with Nick Castle, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers, Will Sandin, Nancy Loomis and Tommy Lee Wallace!
Spooky Empire is not just about the guests though as they also have some monstrous events lined up. as always. The schedule of events also includes a huge vendor room, live performances, panels with Q&As, a Tattoo Festival with special guest artists, Charity Poker Tournament, Monster Museums, films, and for the first time it featured a Dia De Los Muertos Opening Party.
Closing out the weekend is Spooky Empire’s annual costume contest on Sunday afternoon. This year’s contest is sponsored by Orlando’s “Legends: A Haunting at Old Town”. $1,000 in cash prizes and more for winners! You can get your discount advance tickets online now! Just $50 for a 3 day pass ($60 at the door). Daily passes available as well! Visit spookyempire.com for more information or call the Spooky Empire Hotline at 954-258-7852
Lots more photos at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
