BONUS Content: #APEXEXPO Survival Guide

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    If you’ve seen the special EXPO Survival Guide insert (pictured above) in this month’s Marketing issue and have already memorized how to get from Morton’s Steak House to Sunset Lounge Karaoke, then join the club. The tear-out feature is so special in fact that we wanted to give it some extra love online. We reached out to Amy Hood, co-creator of the project and co-founder at Hoodzpah Design Co. to find out what inspired the design and more!

    Q: Any specific sources of inspiration for this project?

    A: We drew heavy inspiration from midcentury modern era illustrations and graphics. We looked up 50s era Disney and Hanna-Barbera illustrations to see how they used color and shapes and then created our own style from there. 

    Photo: Amazon
    Photo: Amazon

    Q: Which design aspects of the APEX industry interest you (if any)? 

    A: Being a designer I’m big on UX and UI – or user experience and user interaction. I definitely make decisions on which airlines to fly based on those experiences, and that includes everything from check-in, to staff interaction, to safety brochures and videos, to magazines and movie/TV choices. Flying can already be a very stressful thing so when an airline makes that experience for users/flyers easy and enjoyable, it stands out. 

    Q: Your signature drink at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar

    A: My favorite drink at Trader Sam’s is definitely the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum. But really you go for the ambiance and the fun of it! It’s a chance to pretend you’re on island time. 

    Q: How were the previous versions of the map different from the final product?

    A: The original map was more of a warm color palette instead of the cool, retro blues we ended up with. We realized the illustrations popped way better against the mint blue. It also had a few less illustrations and locations, but in true American fashion, we added more. Because more is more, right?

    Amy is right, more is more. The truth is though, we’ve been withholding even MORE information. We simply didn’t have the space in the print version to provide the full list and details of places to hit up in Anaheim, so for those of you who are super ambitious or simply looking for new spots to check out, bookmark this page for a quick mobile reference once at EXPO.

    Events
    Katy Perry: 09/16 & 17, 7:00 pm
    Honda Center, Anaheim CA

    Octoberfest – OC’s Largest Oktoberfest Opening Day: 09/19 Friday 10:00 am
    The Phoenix Club at the Anaheim Event Center, Anaheim CA
     
    Shirley Maclaine: 09/20 Saturday 8:00 pm
    Segestrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa CA
     
    Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Texas Rangers: 09/20 Friday 7:05 pm
    Angel Stadium, Anaheim CA
     
    Jim Jefferies: 09/20 Saturday 8:00 pm
    City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim CA

    Beaches
    Huntington Beach.  As the crown jewel of the seaside city of the same name, this Orange County beach has it all. Sun, surf and sand collide creating a true surfer’s delight. Near perfect swells and riders that seem to command the gigantic waves that barrel and coil to perfection. Catch a surf or volleyball competition while laying out on the warm Huntington Beach sand. As the sun sets behind the Huntington Beach Pier, take in the breathtaking beauty of this Southern California beach.

    Newport Beach.  Just south of Huntington Beach is the real “OC.” The place where the days are sunny and the nights are warm. Newport Beach provides five miles of pristine coastline, breathtaking ocean views and picturesque cliff-side house.

    Seal Beach.  Home to the second oldest pier in California, Seal Beach is a relaxing world away and features the Leisure World senior center community and the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. At the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, spot endangered species like the light-footed Clapper Rail and the California Least Tern.

    Attractions
    Disneyland® Resort From the charm of Main Street, U.S.A to the whimsy of Mickey’s Toontown, explore eight fantastic “lands” of nostalgia, color and delight. Dreams come true with Disney favorites like Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Live shows and character greetings complete this magical visit.

    Knott’s Berry Farm.  Go head-over-heels for all of the exciting thrill rides at Knott’s Berry Farm, including Supreme Scream, GhostRider and the Silver Bullet.  More action awaits at many of the classic attractions such as Camp Snoopy, Ghost Town and Fiesta Village. Cool off at the Soak City Water Park, which features 21 exciting water rides.

    Marine Mammal Center. A non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline, the center is open to the public every day from 10-4 p.m. free of charge and visitors can tour and learn about Northern elephant seals, Pacific harbor seals, California sea lions and the occasional small whale or dolphin.

    Medieval Times Dinner & TournamentJousting knights, fair maidens and regal horseplay in a faux castle are all a part of the Medieval Times experience, where 1,000 guests are transported from suburban Orange County to the Middle Ages during a two-hour show and dinner. As costumed performers duel it out in the center arena, guests dine on a four-course meal that includes roasted chicken, spare ribs, dessert and two rounds of non-alcoholic drinks. (Vegetarian meals are available, too.) And, you can forget about silverware at this 11th-century feast.

    Shopping 
    The Block at Orange.  Visit one of Anaheim’s premier open-air shopping destinations featuring the best names in fashion. Shops, restaurants and the Vans Skatepark make this a popular meeting place for locals and Southern California visitors.