Chris Hayner

Chris Hayner is a senior entertainment editor, writer, host, and producer at GameSpot and Fandom. He also hosts the Big Kid podcast and writes for his Substack, Haynerland.

GameSpot •

Disney Cruises Are For More Than Just Kids (And Aren't Child-Filled Hellscapes)

Whether you've been on a cruise or not, chances are you've heard of the Disney Cruise Line. What if Disney World was a boat en route to the Bahamas, complete with all of that "Disney magic" you've come to expect from the company's vacation destinations. That said, if you're like me, you figured these were designed to entertain families (read: children) and didn't think it would amount to much of a vacation for those without kids.
GameSpot •

How Disney+'s Behind The Attraction Picked Which Rides To Showcase--Including One Bizarre Choice

The newest arrival to the Disney+ streaming service, Behind the Attraction, looks at the complicated and long history of creating Disney's most iconic rides and experiences at its theme parks around the world. From creator Brian Volk-Weiss (The Toys That Made Us), the series strikes a familiarly snarky tone as it tackles some of the most beloved rides Disney has ever come up with. Still, there are some episodes that may have you scratching your head--and there's a reason for that.
GameSpot •

Universal Orlando's VelociCoaster Connects Jurassic World And Jurassic Park

When construction began in early 2019 at the Jurassic World area within Universal Studios Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park, nobody was quite sure what was going on. After all, Universal Studios Hollywood had completely re-themed its Jurassic Park area to match the new series of films. That wasn't to be the case for Islands of Adventure, though. Instead, the new VelociCoaster attraction preserves the iconic land, while connecting it to the modern franchise.

"It's amazing that here at Is
GameSpot •

Avengers Campus: 5 Can't-Miss Experiences At Disneyland's Marvel Expansion

After almost a year of delays, Avengers Campus at the Disney California Adventure theme park is open. Originally, the new Disneyland Resort expansion was set to open last July. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw those plans out the window. Now the Marvel-themed land is here and there are plenty for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to sink their teeth into, from a surprising number of character meet-and-greet opportunities to a pair of rides.
GameSpot •

9 Things We Learned At Universal Studios Hollywood's Reopening

After being closed for over a year, California's has reopened and while some things remain the same, there are also a number of differences. From new safety protocols to additions to the park, there's plenty to talk about when plotting a visit. What's more, with Disneyland's grand reopening coming on April 30, Universal should be a pretty good indicator of what to expect should you be planning to visit there.

To see for ourselves what the new Universal Studios is like, GameSpot visited the park
GameSpot •

Mario Creator's Autograph Is Hidden In Super Nintendo World At Universal Studios

Super Nintendo World has officially opened to the public at Universal Studios Japan, letting guests be fully immersed in the world of Mario, Yoshi, and other classic Nintendo characters. The featured attraction in the new theme park expansion, which is also coming to Universal's parks in Florida and California, is a Mario Kart ride. That particular attraction also happens to house the land's best Easter egg, an autograph from the creator of Super Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto.
GameSpot •

How Universal Studios' Super Nintendo World Interacts With Your Switch

When you visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, you're immersed in the world of the Mario games. In fact, the theme park land's two rides are based on the Mario Kart franchise and Yoshi, Mario's dragon sidekick. The Nintendo-based fun doesn't end at the park, though. In fact, the wearable Power Up Band that you can purchase in the park can also be used with your Nintendo Switch at home.
GameSpot •

Bringing Ghostbusters Scares And Laughter To Life At Halloween Horror Nights

It's been 35 years since Ghostbusters first hit theaters in 1984, giving the world one of the best horror-comedy movies of all time. Since then, the franchise has spawned a sequel, cartoon adaptations, video games, a reboot, and an upcoming continuation of the original film. What it hasn't led to, however, is a haunted maze at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. At least, not until this year.
GameSpot •

How Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Balances Canon With A New Disneyland Story

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has now opened at California's Disneyland, letting fans of the franchise visit a new planet where the resistance and the First Order are battling for control. Still, while Galaxy's Edge is firmly planted in the latest trilogy of Star Wars films, care has been taken by the creative minds behind the land to create as unique an experience as possible for everyone who crosses its threshold.
GameSpot •

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: What Works And What Doesn't In Disney's New Land

At long last, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has arrived at California's Disneyland--and it's coming soon to Florida's Walt Disney World in August. The new area takes up 14 acres at the theme park as it attempts to completely immerse visitors in the world of Star Was on a new planet called Batuu. But does it deliver on the hype?? The answer is: Yes--but there are some caveats.

GameSpot had the chance to visit Galaxy's Edge and experience everything the new Star Wars land had to offer two days before
GameSpot •

How Stranger Things Became Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights' Most Impressive Maze Yet

Sure, you can watch Stranger Things at home. Chances are you've done that countless times and loved it. What if you could visit the Upside Down in real-life, though? Yes, an actual Upside Down--some kind of dark dimension filled with slime and dead trees and monsters--might not be your idea of a good vacation. But what if you could take a stroll through a replica that probably won't kill you?