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The Day Scare Center is full of activities for younger kids.

Younger kids have a room of their own

At the Make- a- Monster Workshop, children use stickers, pipe cleaners, crayons and paper bowls to create their very own monster to take home.

It's a classic, but it's still fun

The Shadow Wall uses photosensitive paper to capture monster shadows.

Oh so soft!

Another wall, covered in blue fur, laughs when tickled.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

This magnetic wall is covered with monster parts waiting to be assembled into a kooky creature.

You know, Christmas is just around the corner...

Finally, no activity center would be complete without the requisite Disney Interactive offering, including the latest Monsters, Inc.-inspired video game, available on consoles around the room.

"Let's Make a Scream" - Let's not, and say we did

Why is the audience screaming instead of applauding?

Two more activities await you on the top floor. Let's Make A Scream is a game- show type presentation, where three contestants compete to become the most convincing monster. The show itself unfortunately fails to be convincing, or even entertaining. One of my companions called it "10 minutes of my life I'll never get back." Even the contestants looked bored.

Sock Avoidance Training

My advice: skip this show, and make time for another round of 23-19 Sock Avoidance Training. Once you see the movie, you will understand the reference. The game splits participants into two teams of shooters and catchers. You goal is to launch and catch as many socks as possible in the allotted time.

Even Monsters have to follow the rules

Such the Ladies room

While you are in the Headquarters, also be sure to enjoy the clever themed touches all around you. Even the restroom has been decorated in true monster style.

Two movie stars out to meet their fans...

Perhaps the best reason to see the movie at the El Capitan is the chance to meet the stars of the film. Mike and Sulley are there to greet you as you enter and pose for photos.

You'll be really scared when you get the credit card bill

The Disney Store next to the theater has received a true Monster makeover, and has the entire collection of toys, games, costumes, clothing and accessories your child will be begging for after the show.

Because of the popularity of the theater, for the initial run you should order El Capitan tickets in advance. There are two ways to do so - order on-line by visiting the El Capitan Web site, or call the box office at 1-800-DISNEY6. There are two types of tickets available, general admission or VIP:

General Admission:
$13.00 - Adults
$11.00 - Children 3-12
Children 2 or under are free

VIP Admission: (Includes popcorn, soft drink, reserved seating and no need to wait in line)
$22.00 - Adults and Children 3-12
Children 2 or under are free

Yes, even Monsters have them now...

Are the VIP tickets worth the splurge? I think it just depends on where you want to sit and how much time you want to devote to spending in line. I have sat in almost every nook and cranny of the El Capitan, and I truly do not think there are bad seats. If you won't be happy with anything except a center seat, you need the VIP tickets because the middle third of the theater is reserved for them.

If you really don't care where you sit, go for the general admission tickets. If it's just you and a friend, you can arrive 30 minutes before the show, spare yourself the wait in line, and save a few bucks. If you are trying to get a large block of general admission seats together, be prepared to wait. The line forms almost as soon as the prior show has been seated, and it can get pretty long. If you arrive too close to your show time, you'll find that your party will need to split up to find seats.

If you are looking to just see Monsters, Inc., any theater will do. However if you want to have the full Monsters experience, hit the road and head to the El Capitan. It is definitely a day trip for most people, but, again, the experience is the thing.

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Promotional art © Disney / Pixar

Kevin Krock reviews this latest release from Pixar & Disney