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
The Disneyland Resort is turning 70 and throwing a year-long party. There’ll be new shows, the return of a fan-favorite parade and a tour that honors Disneyland history.
Signature attractions at the after-hours event are centered around “Star Trek,” “Dungeons & Dragons” and “Back to the Future.”
Universal’s Epic Universe is largely a triumph, and will instantly become the the favorite theme park of many. It should also change the industry.
An art project called the Goodbye Line prompts passersby to make a collect call and say goodbye — to a loved one, a pet or maybe a part of themselves. People are dialing.
An art project called the Goodbye Line prompts passersby to make a collect call and say goodbye — to a loved one, a pet or maybe a part of themselves.
The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a bigger screen, more processing power and, as a test drive proves, signature Nintendo charms. But how will Trump tariffs affect one of 2025’s biggest consumer product releases?
Watch a parade, enjoy art activities and see David Arquette as Bozo the Clown at the puppetry extravaganza, which returns this April to Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Like many in America, Todd Martens grew up with parents who devoted the bulk of their vacation time to Disney’s theme parks. He now understands them as places to make sense of the world rather than to escape it.