Disney California Adventure Park Opens its First Attraction Featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy, Launching Summer of Heroes

‘Fantasmic!’ Nighttime Spectacular Opens with New Magic on July 17, the 62^nd Anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, and Breathtaking New Views Await Guests on the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America Attractions, Reopening July 29

At Disney California Adventure

At Disney California Adventure, guests experience an epic new adventure and high-energy thrills on Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! It’s the only Disney attraction in the universe where guests step into a Guardians of the Galaxy story, as they help Rocket rescue this cosmic gang of misfits. With multiple ride profiles, guests never know which adventure they’ll encounter.

Welcoming its first attraction to feature Rocket, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax and Groot, the Disneyland Resort celebrated the grand arrival of Guardians of the Galaxy ­– Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure Park. The action-packed, new attraction, filled with the irreverent humor of the smash-hit “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, opened May 27 to launch Summer of Heroes.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! brings an all-new epic adventure to the Disneyland Resort, and it’s the only Disney park in the universe where guests can step into a Guardians of the Galaxy story. With Rocket in control, you’re in for one heck of a ride.  It’s a fantastic way for guests to experience the Super Hero universe like never before.

This is just the beginning of what will become an even bigger Super Hero presence at Disney California Adventure, was the promise made at the unveiling of the attraction and the extraordinary, 183-foot-tall Fortress.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! entices guests with an original storyline based on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, comics and animated television series, with a rapid rise into chaotic adventure and surprising visuals. The fast-paced action rocks to the beat of music inspired by the films’ soundtracks, including classic rock and pop music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and early ‘80s. And with multiple ride profiles, guests never know which adventure they’ll get.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opened just weeks after the cinematic premiere of “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2.” The stars of the films are featured in the attraction.

Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with Gunn, Marvel Studios’ Feige and most of the main talent from the films, along with Quesada of Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Themed Entertainment on the story of the attraction, developing an experience where guests step into a story with these characters for the first time.

In addition to the new attraction, Summer of Heroes began May 27 with Guardians of the Galaxy characters and Super Heroes appearing in Disney California Adventure for new exploits and Heroic Encounters. While some of these will be year-round, others will be available only from May 27-Sept. 10. Summer of Heroes inaugurates an ever-expanding universe of Super Hero stories at Disney California Adventure that will become even bigger over time.

The Collector’s Fortress

The Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! adventure begins as guests enter the grandiose Fortress. They discover that the Guardians have been imprisoned by the arrogant, acquisitive Taneleer Tivan, known as The Collector. Guests join a daring escape plan devised by Rocket, who once again proves his uncanny ability to break free from any prison or captivity.

The dominating fortress, adorned with antennae, satellite dishes and mysterious apparatus, is accented in shimmering hues of blue and gold. At night, with special lighting, it pulsates with imposing power. A gilded, eight-foot-tall statue of The Collector stands at the entry, towering over his VIP guests. As they enter to view the unique “Tivan Collection” of relics and species from all over the universe, they find his latest acquisition: The Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Fortress Lobby

The Lobby of the fortress is both fascinating and creepy – filled with display cases that hold artifacts and living creatures, which The Collector has obtained and made available for public viewing. In a welcome video, The Collector explains how he has trapped the Guardians of the Galaxy high atop his fortress in secured glass cages that are wired with power from a massive generator and suspended over a deep abyss.

The Collector’s Office

Before leaving the Lobby and entering The Collector’s Office, guests hold up their hands to be “bio-scanned” for security clearance. In the Office, even more of The Collector’s relics are on display and, as in the Lobby, the collection contains some hidden references that will delight dedicated Super Hero fans and Disney fans.

Suddenly, Rocket appears, telling guests he needs their help. Using their security clearances, he can hijack the gantry lift to the top of the fortress, disable the generator, and free his friends.

The Gantry Lift

Of course, Rocket’s plan faces challenges. After guests enter the gantry lift, Rocket overrides The Collector’s recorded tour spiel with music from the tape player of Star-Lord (aka Peter Quill). Soon, the gantry is shooting up into the fortress, then plummeting downward as Rocket attempts to take control of the generator.

It’s here that guests experience one of the attraction’s six different ride profiles, each synchronized to one of the songs on the “awesome mix tape”:

• “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
• “Give Up The Funk” by Parliament
• “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
• “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
• “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group
• “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley

Guests soon learn that, even if the rescue is successful, the resulting chaos may create problems of its own!

The Technology 

To help create the attraction, Disney Imagineers used Virtual Reality technology to pre-visualize the Tivan Collection, The Collector’s Office and other parts of the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! experience.

The ride system has more high-speed ride time than ever before, and the thrill factor gets going as soon as the gantry lift doors close and the music starts blaring. Each song is accompanied by a different up-and-down ride profile and story scenes, making every visit to the attraction unpredictable.

Rocket makes multiple appearances in the attraction, including as an Audio-Animatronics character who invades The Collector’s Office to ask guests for a hand with his escape plan.

From the anticipation guests will feel as they enter The Collector’s Fortress to the sense of discovery as they tour the Tivan Collection to the elation of participating in a successful breakout, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is an unforgettable adventure into the Super Hero universe at Disney California Adventure.

At Disneyland Resort

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort this summer will experience new magic at both theme parks as classic attractions reopen at Disneyland Park in July and the Summer of Heroes festivities continue through Sept. 10 at Disney California Adventure Park, home of the thrilling and hilarious new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Monday, July 17, marks both the anniversary of the 1955 grand opening of Disneyland and the premiere of a newly enhanced “Fantasmic!,” the popular nighttime spectacular.

Beginning July 29, the Disneyland Railroad will once again take guests on a Grand Circle Tour of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom. Classic Rivers of America attractions – the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – will relaunch July 29 as well, bringing new adventures and breathtaking new views. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island reopens Friday, June 16.

“Fantasmic!,” which tells the story of Mickey Mouse and his vivid imagination, returns to the Rivers of America in Frontierland with its classic theme song and engaging storyline guests have treasured for 25 years. Mickey’s exploration now features new scenes with characters from “Aladdin,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” One dazzling sequence finds Aladdin and Jasmine discovering “A Whole New World” as they float on their flying carpet over a bed of fog on the Rivers of America.

Those sensational “Fantasmic!” adventures come alive with new mist screens and innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology to create visuals that are brighter and more vibrant than ever before.

The Disneyland Railroad, one of the park’s original attractions, returns with its iconic steam-powered locomotives for new adventures. The Disneyland Railroad will now travel across the rocks on a trestle that extends out into the Rivers of America, and for the first time ever it will make a left-hand turn on its tour of the park. Along the way, guests will enjoy a view of Walt Disney’s legendary Dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World, which have been carefully restored to their original splendor with a bit of new magic added to both.

Guests on board the Disneyland Railroad also will discover a breathtaking new view along the north bank of Rivers of America. A gorgeous new Columbia Gorge section highlighted by five new picturesque waterfalls can be seen from the trains as well as from the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. This new adventure complements the scenes guests have come to know and cherish through the years. Landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers–the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande–are carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests and wildlife, and the waterfalls.

In addition to the returning classics in Frontierland and New Orleans Square, the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade continues nightly performances in Disneyland through Aug. 20, featuring such favorite scenes as Cinderella’s ball, the appearance (and disappearance) of Elliot, the smoke-breathing, tail-wagging “Pete’s Dragon,” and the glittering “To Honor America” finale.

The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, recently renovated, 975-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is open daily year round, and Summer of Heroes runs through September 10. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

Sol Spin Brings Topsy-Turvy Thrills to Fiesta Village and Adventures Await in the Lively Town of Calico as Ghost Town Alive! Returns to Knott’s Berry Farm

Also, Prepare for a Summer Full of New Thrills and Bigger Spills at Knott’s Soak City Waterpark

At Knott’s Berry Farm

Sol Spin will send brave guests on a ride of lifetime by taking them on a thrilling topsy-turvy adventure over six stories high as they rotate in all directions in one of the ride’s six spinning floorless gondolas. This one-of-kind ride will leave thrill seekers astonished by its smooth and gravity-defying movements, circling above the park and into the Orange County skyline, for an upside down adventure like no other.  Height requirement for Sol Spin is 54 inches.  Sol spin is the newest thrill ride added to the park since Coast Rider’s arrival in the Boardwalk area in 2013.

Through September 4^th, Ghost Town Alive! returns to Knott’s Berry Farm for another action-packed summer complete with bandits, cowboys, robberies, judges, a good ol’ western hoedown, and much more! Guests can visit the beloved town of Calico and experience an authentic western adventure by becoming a star in this summer’s story of the Wild West, where the power to unlock adventures is in the hands of every guest.

This summer, the story continues a year after the notorious Mayfield Gang escaped the custody of Sheriff Wheeler. Word around town is the Mayfield’s have been spotted back in Calico and the townsfolk are in need of some help in capturing the bandits and keeping the town safe. Ghost Town Alive! will offer guests a firsthand experience to play an important part in this unfolding story of the wild west, with specific tasks and activities and an essential role as an honorary citizen of Calico.

“Ghost Town Alive! has taken Knott’s summer entertainment and the idea of ‘playing in a theme park’ to a whole new level. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to not just interact with the citizens of Calico, but will have the ability to influence how the story takes shape,” said Jon Storbeck, General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm. “Our Entertainment team has been working all year in developing new storylines, adding new characters and activities that make up the lively town of Calico”.

Along with the return of Ghost Town Alive! The park will also debut Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue, a jaw-dropping magic show starring the World’s Most Famous Beagle, Snoopy and showcasing the mystifying and amazing magic of Magician Extraordinaire Greg Wilson!  The whole PEANUTS GANG will amaze and confound with their magical exploits and lavish musical production numbers in this family friendly show!  And who knows, guests might find themselves part of the act!  Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue will mesmerize on select dates, through August 20 in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. (Dark Wednesdays)

The circus returns to town! The renowned “Traveling Circus” returns for another season of exhilarating performances. Set on the Calico Mine stage in Ghost Town, come witness a spectacle; see awe-inspiring stunts, and death defying acrobatics in “Circus of Wonders.” The astonishing 30 minute spectacular will be action packed with all-time favorite circus attractions such as the Trapeze, Tightrope, Aerial Acrobatics, Trampoline, and of course, clowns, incorporating lighting and pyrotechnics, making this nighttime show a totally unique event! Select dates, through August 20.

The live entertainment continues with the explosive Wild West Stunt Show and the high kickin’ Calico Saloon Show, all in Ghost Town.

At the Wagon Camp Stage, get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies mount their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, gut-bustin’ country comedy show that will have audiences clamoring for more!  In the evening a group of krazy talented performers will have guests kicking up their heels with vine dancing, a down home jug band and dueling fiddlers and banjos!

Knott’s also invites guests to celebrate Fourth of July weekend and Labor Day weekend at the park for a special nighttime firework display.  The Buena Park skyline will glow with a brilliant fireworks show on July 1-2 & 4, and September 3rd, exclusively at Knott’s Berry Farm.

At Knott’s Soak City Waterpark

The weather is warming up in sunny Southern California just in time for the opening of the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Orange County’s largest outdoor water park is opening its gates to guests for an unforgettable summer season running through September 10. During Knott’s Soak City’s opening weekend the newly expanded water park will be debuting seven new slides on two new slide towers, Shore Break and The Wedge, a fully remodeled Longboard’s Grill, additional seating areas and new spacious cabanas.

• Shore Break will take single riders on an adrenaline-filled water adventure as thrill-seekers board one of four Aqua Launch chambers to await the chamber’s floor dropping from beneath their feet sending them on a high speed free fall down a 60-foot tall slide and through a series of exhilarating drops and daring loops. Additionally, Shore Break offers two dueling tube slides which will have riders zipping through adventurous drops and turns as they soak up the warm summer sun.
• The Wedge will take families – up to six riders – on an open-raft ride as they descend down navigating hair-raising twists, turns and unexpected dips.
• Longboard’s Grill will return for the 2017 summer season after a complete remodeling and expansion which now offers a newly redesigned sleek restaurant layout. While Longboard’s theme remains the same, the menu includes new and delicious items such as hand breaded chicken tenders, fish & chips and assorted wraps. Plus classic favorites like grilled burgers and hot dogs. A new shaded outdoor seating area has been added by the restaurant’s entrance, welcoming diners to fuel up with delicious meals as they take a break from the sun.
• As part of the water park’s expansion, additional spacious cabanas and seating areas have been added to the park’s blueprint. Guests can relax and unwind in the new row of cabanas which will be conveniently located across the new Shore Break tower. A new seating area equipped with lounge chairs will allow guests to relax in the sun and is also located near the Shore Break complex.

Guests can experience Knott’s Soak City Waterpark and much more with a 2017 Gold Season Pass. A Gold Pass includes unlimited 2017 admission to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Soak City Waterpark with six thrilling new slides and an all new family raft ride. Gold Season Passes can be purchased online starting at $117.00 or 6 easy payments of $19.50. Applicable taxes and fees apply. The Season Pass payment plan is only available online at knotts.com

For more information about Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Season Passes, please visit knotts.com. Join the conversation about the return on the popular Ghost Town Alive! and Knott’s summer entertainment using #GhostTownAlive #KnottBerryFarm #KnottsSoakCity #KnottsSoakCityBeachBash.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round, and Ghost Town Alive! runs through September 4. For more information call 714-220-5200 or visit www.knotts.com, where you can also download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone, or save time and money with Knott’s Print@Home tickets.

LEGO NINJAGO Rooms Added to Legoland Hotel, WaterPark Adds Surfers’ Cove and Star Wars: The Force Awakens Model is Added to Miniland at LEGOLAND California Resort!

The new LEGO^® STAR WARS™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display is now open. The newest model display is in the center of LEGO STAR WARS™ Miniland and includes six scenes that represent the first 30 minutes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens which include: Kylo Ren’s capture of Poe at planet Jakku; Rey’s rescue of BB-8; Poe and Finn’s escape from the Star Destroyer Finalizer; The wreck of Finn and Poe’s TIE Fighter; Rey, Finn and BB-8’s escape from Niima Outpost; and the escape from the Starship Graveyard. Lights, sound effects and animation bring the scenes and characters to life from this blockbuster film.

The Force remains strong at LEGOLAND^® California Resort as guests of the family theme park in Carlsbad will now get to experience a new exciting installment in LEGO^® Star Wars^™ Miniland with the LEGO^® Star Wars^™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display! The latest major model addition includes the 16-foot-long Star Destroyer Finalizer, made of more than 350,000 LEGO bricks. The Finalizer is installed more than 6 feet in the air above guests and is now the longest LEGO Star Wars Miniland model ever created!

In Surfers’ Cove, kids will be able to race their friends at Riptide Racers timed water slides, enjoy an epic splash-ground at Wipeout Lagoon and enlighten their taste buds with the new Beach Street Tacos! Riptide Racers is a competitive water raceway designed for children to jump on a mat and race down one of six slides with family and friends for the fastest time! Each slide stands 17 feet high and is more than 100 feet in length. Wipeout Lagoon is our version of a “spray ground” with multiple water jets splashing on and off and plenty of new LEGO^® models like a surfing dog to create a fun place to cool off this summer.

The LEGOLAND Water Park is open seven days a week starting Friday, May 26. For ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).

LEGOLAND^® California Resort celebrates Independence Day with a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, Red, White and Boom! Throughout the day, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games like tossing water-balloons, burlap sack races, patriotic costume contests and building activities. The fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m. and combines patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics.

Families can now spend their evening fully immersed in the world of LEGO^® NINJAGO^® at LEGOLAND^® Hotel at LEGOLAND^® California Resort! Starting today, guests can officially spend the night in the new fully-themed LEGO NINJAGO rooms before heading into the Park to enjoy the day in LEGO^® NINJAGO^® World and experiencing NINJAGO^® The Ride.

Guests can choose from 18 rooms and two suites to spend a night with Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, Lloyd, Nya and Master Wu. Each room is filled with 11 LEGO^® NINJAGO inspired models. Kids will recognize Zane’s titanium falcon, Nya’s helmet, ninja throwing stars and a massive dragon egg all made out of LEGO bricks. Every children’s sleeping area is themed as a dragon’s cave where ninja dragons are waiting for battle and includes bunk and trundle beds. Plus, kids have their own TV, games, LEGO bricks and a treasure chest hidden in what’s designed to be a bamboo passageway to the mountain temple! Parents will also sleep in ninja style as the king-size bed’s headrest includes a shrine that holds all four elemental weapons.

The LEGOLAND Hotel now offers guests five room options when booking their stay. Guests can choose from a Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom, LEGO^® Friends or LEGO NINJAGO theme. In 2016, LEGOLAND California opened a new land, LEGO NINJAGO World, featuring five attractions all designed to test guests balance, agility, speed and creativity all before they experience NINJAGO The Ride, a first ride of its kind in North America that enables guests to demonstrate ninja skills by simply using their hands instead of a hand-held device .

LEGO NINJAGO rooms are available now for guests to book. For Hotel room rates, ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).

LEGOLAND California Resort includes LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park, all geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. LEGOLAND California features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions including LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland and the all-new Pirate Reef where guests board boats that drop down 25 feet between two battling pirate ships! SEA LIFE incorporates LEGO models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean and features play zones, fun facts, quiz trails, and the all-new Claws exhibit.

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is open daily through September 4, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.

Seaworld’s New Ocean Explorer
to Open In 2017

New attraction will create a realm for
ocean discovery and exploration

SeaWorld^® San Diego will unveil an extraordinary, new attraction in 2017 that will create an expedition of wonder across the seven seas. Ocean Explorer will combine multiple aquariums, exciting rides and digital technologies to engage park guests in an experience centered on exploration and adventure inspiring them to protect the wonders of our oceans.

As adventurers on a global expedition of scientific exploration, guests will travel to Ocean Explorer’s remarkable undersea animals aboard submarines know as Submarine Quest. Embarking on these mini subs, the signature ride of the attraction, visitors will become researchers on a mission to collect data and learn how they can help animals. This three-minute experience will include an onboard digital navigation dashboard, as well as a few other surprises along their journey, enhancing the riders’ understanding of the ocean ecosystem.

The heart and destination of Ocean Explorer will be a series of undersea research bases housing specially-designed aquariums and interactive activities displaying unique as well as elusive ocean animals.

Guests will discover these newly created aquariums, known as research pods, throughout Ocean Explorer. Enriching educational displays, technologies and graphics will be key components of each pod.

Ocean Explorer will also feature an exhilarating wave swinger ride where guests will literally fly through thousands of real bubbles in chairs suspended from the tentacles of a giant jelly. Three additional family-friendly rides will round out the fun of this immersive, new attraction.

Construction on Ocean Explorer began in summer 2016 on a 3-acre site where the Animal Connections exhibit and the Circle of Flags were located on the southeast side of the park. This multi-million dollar attraction is scheduled to open in summer of 2017.

At SeaWorld Camps, kids of all ages can get into some serious summer fun at SeaWorld’s camp programs, where activities include interacting with animals and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they are cared for and trained. Day Camp is available for kindergarteners through 6^th grade (five-day sessions) on select weeks between June 19 and Aug. 18. Five-night Resident Camps for 5^th through 12^th graders take place June 18–Aug. 20. For more information call (619) 222-4SEA or visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com/Education.

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood Casts a Dazzling Spell on “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” with Its All-New Summertime Enhancement, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle”

Guests Will Experience the Immersive Land in a Whole New Light, Beginning June 23

Beginning June 23, guests are invited to see “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM” in a whole new light when Universal Studios Hollywood introduces its all-new “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts ^TM Castle,” featuring a dazzling light projection experience against the backdrop of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will shine brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin that culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky.

The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection, designed to dance across the stunning Hogwarts castle, will be accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

This new summertime feature will take place multiple times a night during its run.  Live rehearsals with annual pass previews and very limited guest access will begin in June in preparation for the June 23 grand opening.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.

The architecturally stunning land also includes the incredibly captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, now enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

To learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood and the various Annual Pass options, including the new California Neighbor Pass, please visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets.  Additional information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year round. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

Disneyland Resort Celebrates the Holidays with New Fun and Entertainment, including Festival of Holidays, the Nighttime Spectacular ‘World of Color—Season of Light’ and the Debut of Princess Elena of Avalor

Festival of Holidays Invites Guests to Enjoy Heartwarming Festivities from Many Cultures with Music, Dance, Food and “World of Color—Season of Light’ Creates a Sparkling Winter Fantasy with Classic Holiday Songs and Treasured Disney Animation

It’s the season for celebrations during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, inviting family and friends to make magical memories together.  This year, guests will have even more to celebrate as they discover the new Festival of Holidays, with music, dance, food and heartwarming holiday festivities inspired by cultural traditions from around the world.

Also new for the season is the holiday-themed “World of Color—Season of Light,” a nighttime water spectacular that will inspire guests with cherished holiday music and treasured Disney animation. This fourth all-new production of “World of Color” creates a sparkling winter fantasy with magical storytelling, brilliant lights, lasers and high-definition projectors, along with fountains that shoot as high as 200 feet to create the giant screens of water.

Princess Elena of Avalor also makes her debut at the Disneyland Resort during Festival of Holidays, performing in a colorful cavalcade.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is a time many guests celebrate as an annual tradition, visiting the parks for Disney-themed treats, snowfall on Main Street U.S.A., the glistening décor and holiday entertainment. This year, guests will find Santa Claus in a fun, new location at Disney California Adventure Park, at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and guests at Disneyland Park will enjoy the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday, Jingle Cruise and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Now celebrating its 20^th holiday season, “it’s a small world” Holiday has added some “Hidden 20s” for guests to discover on their voyage.

At Disney California Adventure Park

• The new Festival of Holidays celebrates holiday festivities of diverse cultures with music, dance and craft-making, plus food at the Festive Foods Marketplace. The daily lineup of entertainment includes nearly 50 performances of nine unique shows, with special Disney characters, street parties, cavalcades, musical ensembles and dance performances. The celebrations include Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas/Navidad and Three Kings Day. Guests can look for performances of traditional Indian dance that builds to a Bollywood party, a Klezmer band with a new global sound, the Mariachi Divas and an a cappella vocal group that puts an R&B spin on holiday songs.
• Princess Elena, the first Disney Princess inspired by diverse Latin American cultures, will make her Disneyland Resort debut as part of the Festival of Holidays. She will perform a song in “Princess Elena’s Musical Grand Arrival,” and she will appear at a character greeting location. Guests will recognize this brave and adventurous teenager from the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor.”
• The popular Disney ¡Viva Navidad! also returns as part of the fun at Festival of Holidays, with a wonderful finale to celebrate Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes). The special festivities for Three Kings Day will run Jan. 5-8, 2017, including music and storytelling in Paradise Garden. Treats for this holiday will include traditional Rosca de Reyes bread.
• “World of Color – Season of Light” brings the warmth and heartfelt spirit of the holidays to this stunning, nighttime water spectacular, with its 1,200 powerful fountains shooting water as high as 200 feet to help tell the story. The show’s musical soundtrack features some well-known musical artists performing popular holiday tunes, including “Let it Snow” by Dean Martin and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Michael Buble and Idina Menzel. With classic holiday music, humor and memorable moments from Disney animated films, this becomes an ideal way for guests to conclude their holiday visit.
• Jolly old St. Nick arrives at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for Santa’s Holiday Visit. His joyful elves have transformed the trail into a magical playground of holiday fun and games, including opportunities for guests to join the ranks of Santa’s elves.
• The residents of Cars Land decorate for the holidays, beginning with a whimsical “snowcar” that greets guests on the road to Radiator Springs. Each address along Route 66–from Flo’s V-8 Café to Luigi’s Casa della Tires–features holiday décor that reflects the personality of the “Cars” character who lives there.
• “a bug’s land” transforms for the holidays, too, as Flik and his bug friends deck their land with oversized lights and ornaments.
• A dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree adorns Carthay Circle, drawing guests into the holiday magic along Buena Vista Street. The tree and surrounding buildings, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s, create scenes of another era with vintage-style decor.

At Disneyland Park

• Disney characters celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily procession with floats, music, marching “tin soldiers” and holiday cheer. Santa, who makes a jolly appearance in the parade, also will be found welcoming guests at his special location in Critter Country while he visits Disneyland.
• The classic Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle brightens the park nightly with magical snowfall moments along Main Street, U.S.A., concluding with “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks and its stirring snowfall finale.
• Twinkling lights, festive holiday garland and nearly 1,800 ornaments decorate the soaring Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A., an ideal place for guests to begin their holiday traditions. The Christmas tree becomes an enchanting place for guests to take their holiday photos, up close or with all 60 feet of the shimmering tree.
• On Friday, Nov. 18, guests and cast members in Disneyland will celebrate the birthday of Mickey Mouse, applauding him as he appears in a special birthday cavalcade preceding “A Christmas Fantasy”
• Disneyland guests definitely will want to experience the popular seasonal transformations of these park attractions:
  • “it’s a small world” becomes “it’s a small world” Holiday for the 20^th time, celebrating children around the world and the distinctive holiday traditions of their nations. (The Holiday theme debuted in 1997.)
  • Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, with Jack Skellington and his friends from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween.
  • Jungle Cruise is transformed into Jingle Cruise, as the jungle skippers gather jettisoned holiday gifts and decorations to brighten the rugged landscapes surrounding their riverboats.

The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus. One highlight is the gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Designed to resemble the exterior of the hotel itself, the gingerbread house stands 7 feet six inches tall and 12 feet wide. Holiday snacks, cider and hot chocolate are sold from a window in the gingerbread house.

Haunted Mansion Holiday inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, recently renovated, 975-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is open daily year round, and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort runs through January 5. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

There is No Place Like Knott’s Merry Farm For the Holidays –
Celebrate a Joyful & Festive Holiday Season at the Farm

Celebrate With New Holiday Entertainment,
Christmas In Calico & Festive Holiday Activities

 Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates the merriest of seasons as it wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm with thousands of twinkling lights and cheerful holiday décor throughout the park. Spend the most wonderful time of the year at Knott’s Merry Farm relishing the Christmas season with thrilling attractions, festive new live entertainment, a Christmas crafts fair, delectable holiday food, cheerful carolers performing seasonal classics and nightly snow falling on the lively streets of Calico.

Debuting this year, It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown at the new Calico Mine Stage. The Peanuts gang is at it again, this holiday season they have put on the greatest Christmas pageant ever with Charlie Brown directing, of course. Charlie’s one wish is to spend the holidays with his family, especially with Snoopy, who is visiting his family around the world. Will Snoopy make it home in time for Christmas? Join Charlie and the gang for a charming Christmas show as they perform traditional upbeat holiday classics and spread Christmas cheer. Find out if Snoopy returns home in time for a magical and festive holiday season to celebrate Christmas with Charlie, Sally and the rest of the Peanuts. Select dates through January 8.

For the first time ever, the bustling streets of Calico are overflowing with seasonal joy as its gleeful citizens, from this summer’s Ghost Town Alive!, help guests celebrate the holidays with Christmas in Calico. New this year, Calico’s Town Hall offers plenty of holiday activities for all to enjoy. Little ones can pen Christmas letters to jolly ol’ Santa Claus or gather round for a special reading of the holiday classic the Night before Christmas by the Calico citizens. Everyone can also lend a hand around town by delivering gifts to some of the folks in Calico. Just outside Town Hall, cheerful Calico Carolers roam the festive streets sharing the sounds of the season though songs and hand bell chimes.

Just a couple feet away from the new Calico Stage, at the recently added Calico Park, is where this year’s joyous night time tree lighting tradition takes place. This all-new Calico Tree lighting Ceremony features the Calico Bell Choir and the Citizens of Calico as they join together around the tree for an illuminating Christmas celebration filled with, music, laughter and happiness. Tis the season to be jolly, so gather round the electrifying Christmas tree and experience as the colorful lights come alive when Dr. Carter tests his newest electrical Christmas invention in Ghost Town.

It’s our favorite time of year when the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town joyously transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Create fond new memories with the entire family by visiting the jolly fellow himself, Santa Claus. Santa is sure to delight the young and young at heart. Send your season greetings to family and loved ones with special picture of the occasion, pictures can be purchased onsite. Indulge in one-of-kind seasonal treats like Santa’s freshly-baked cookies, mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more.  Knott’s world-famous holiday treats can be found all throughout Ghost Town, including fresh poured-to-order maple lollipops at the Gold Trails Hotel, delectable homemade holiday churros from the Churro Factory and extra creamy Santa’s Milk and Cookie shakes from Coasters.

Returning this year, the PEANUTS® gang, and a cast of world class ice skaters perform in the breathtaking ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! in the 2,100 seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre. In this whimsical show, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the Christmas Ball!  Select dates, through January 8.

The holiday season celebration continues at Camp Snoopy, with an all-new show debuting at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, A Peanuts Guide to Christmas. The Peanuts give their take and unique wisdom in a primer designed to help everyone survive the holidays. The show features delightful mash ups of holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts gang. Relax and unwind at Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland with dozens of local artisans selling their unique crafts and gifts.

The annual Christmas Crafts village includes artistic craft holiday shops featuring power chainsaw sculpting and elegant glass blowing demonstrations. Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through December 8, and is included with theme park admission every day. In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi performances available on select dates during Knott’s Merry Farm.

When the sun sets on the farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town twinkle brightly to the beat of a holiday favorite as snow gently falls on all guests. Park guests can enjoy more of the nightly snow and glow experience in most of Ghost Town, from School House Road to the Saloon and down to the Assay Office. The toe tappin’, hand clappin’, comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies continues their Knott’s Merry Farm residency this holiday season in the Birdcage Theatre on select nights.

The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale! A 2017 Season Pass includes one free admission in 2016, unlimited visits in 2017 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For affordable year-round fun for everyone on your “nice” list, Season Passes start at just $90.00, the best price of the year for a limited time.

For More information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. For all current Knott’s Merry Farm assets please visit the 2017 Knott’s Merry Farm electronic press kit. Join the festive conversation using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round, and Knott’s Merrry Farm runs through January 8. For more information call 714-220-5200 or visit www.knotts.com, where you can also download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone, or save time and money with Knott’s Print@Home tickets.

Live Entertainment, Twinkling Lights and Festive Cheer Await at Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights At LEGOLAND^® California Resort!

 The winter holiday season is always a special time of year and the family theme park is gearing up for its holiday celebration: Holidays at LEGOLAND^® California Resort! Through Jan. 3, children and their families can get in the festive spirit at the annual winter holiday celebration and enjoy festive lights, live entertainment, the world’s largest LEGO^® Christmas tree, snow flurries and more!

As guests enter the Park, they are treated to the famous LEGO Christmas tree. Standing 30-feet tall and constructed out of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO^® bricks, the LEGO Christmas tree is adorned with more than 400 LEGO ornaments and 11,000 LED lights. The fun continues in Heartlake City which has been transformed into a winter wonderland for guests to enjoy. Kids can sing and dance as they watch the LEGO Friends live holiday show and join in building activities in the Heartlake City stables. Occasional snow flurries and a traveling brass band playing festive bluegrass music will fill Heartlake City with the feeling of winter. Guests can also enjoy character meet and greets with LEGO Santa and a LEGO toy soldier and collect holiday inspired pop badges.

The Park’s Fun Town transforms into a winter wonderland with two snow play areas for families to throw snowballs at LEGO^® themed targets, build snowmen using LEGO accessories and join in the Holiday Village Build at the LEGO Clubhouse. Plus, guests can enjoy a holiday show from the LEGO Friends, Jingle Jammers and the Holiday Character Dance Party featuring the LEGOLAND elves, Jingle Joe and Tinsel Toe.

The fun doesn’t stop there as SEA LIFE^® Aquarium and LEGOLAND Hotel join in the festivities. SEA LIFE Aquarium has a special holiday themed daily dive show and winter craft activities. LEGOLAND Hotel has also gotten in the holiday spirit with festive decorations, holiday entertainment and its own LEGO Christmas tree. Kids will also enjoy special holiday themed improvisational games and story time at the castle, plus building contests themed for the festivities.

SEA LIFE^® Aquarium is getting in on the fun with a holiday-themed Daily Dive Show, crafting events and “green” holiday tips. LEGOLAND Hotel is also decking the halls with Holiday décor and themed LEGO building contests. Holiday Snow Days continues with the annual LEGO Christmas tree lighting ceremony and celebrates the New Year with San Diego’s biggest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31.

On Nov. 30, with the help of Santa and Golden Globe Award winning actress Jenna Elfman, the Resort’s LEGO Christmas tree will officially light up the night during the 13th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The 30-foot tall Christmas tree is created out of more than 245,000 green DUPLO^® bricks and is adorned with more than 400 LEGO ornaments including special movie clapper ornaments in honor of “The LEGO^® Movie 4D A New Adventure” premiering Feb. 6 at LEGOLAND California. Plus, 11 lucky kids will be selected through LEGOLAND California Resort’s Facebook page to light the LEGO Christmas tree on select nights throughout the month of December.

The grand finale of Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort is the annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve party. This lively party begins with special musical performances on Fun Town Stage and Heartlake City. Then, the party moves to San Francisco in Miniland U.S.A. where like the famous Times Square party, Kids’ New Year’s Eve features a countdown followed by a huge LEGO brick dropping 22 feet into 2017 and spectacular fireworks at 6 p.m. to end the night.

LEGOLAND California Resort is extending its Park hours for the winter holiday during these dates: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 18-23 and 26 – 31. LEGOLAND California Resort is offering a gift for holiday guests: From Nov. 21, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017, buy a one day admission to LEGOLAND California and return a second day to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium for free between Jan. 2, 2017 and March 1, 2017. All Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort activities located inside the Park are included with regular Park admission (Kids 3–12 $89; Adults $95; Parking $15).

LEGOLAND California Resort includes LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park, all geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. LEGOLAND California features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions including LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland and the all-new Pirate Reef where guests board boats that drop down 25 feet between two battling pirate ships! SEA LIFE incorporates LEGO models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean and features play zones, fun facts, quiz trails, and the all-new Claws exhibit.

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is open on select dates through January 3, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.

Splendor of Season Sparkles and Shines at Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration

There’s snow place like SeaWorld^® San Diego to embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season! SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration^®, San Diego’s premier holiday experience, will leave guests merry and bright. Surrounded by the enchanting glow of more than one million Christmas lights throughout the park, this can’t-miss, yuletide celebration runs through Jan. 1, 2017.

New this year is a very special guest from the North Pole: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, the most famous reindeer of all! SeaWorld San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast where people can meet this lovable reindeer and his friends at the all-new Rudolph’s Christmastown.

Seasonal favorites that have made SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration a family holiday tradition will be back. Shamu Christmas Miracles and Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special will keep the young and young at heart in the Christmastide spirit. Plus, younger kids can slide down sled lanes at Snow Hill.

Here’s a look at all the fun and festivities of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration:

Rudolph’s Christmastown

Rudolph’s Christmastown is a must-see holiday experience at SeaWorld, making it the best time of the year to visit the park! Relive fond days of yore and create priceless new memories with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the character that has charmed generations for more than 50 years. Rudolph’s Christmastown has something for everyone:

• Stroll through the vibrantly decorated plaza featuring nostalgic vignettes from the story of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, including the Island of Misfit Toys and Bumble’s Cave.
• Take one-of-a-kind photos inside Sam the Snowman’s Snowy Wonderland snow globe, or say hello to and snap pictures with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius. (It’ll be easy to spot Rudolph with his nose so bright!)
• Enjoy the nightly tree-lighting ceremony of the 40-foot Happiest Christmas Tree, accompanied by The Elf Band.
• Hands-on games like Bumble Catch Ring Toss, Yukon Cornelius’ Strike it Rich Disc Drop and Sam the Snowman’s Snowball Toss offer a fun challenge.

Santa’s Christmas Village presented by Coca-Cola

Cozy up with friends and family at Santa’s Christmas Village presented by Coca-Cola, where treetops glisten with twinkling lights and children listen to Mrs. Claus during story time. Kids will get a chance to share their wish list and take pictures with Santa at Santa’s Cottage. Parents can also check in for a pager that will hold their spot in line to meet Santa so that the family can explore what the rest of Santa’s Christmas Village has to offer, including educational encounters with real reindeer from Santa’s workshop, “Merry Moments” with Santa’s friendly elves and delectable culinary creations.

Around the Park

SeaWorld Christmas favorites return for another merry season! More than one million energy-efficient holiday lights will illuminate the park, creating a heartwarming atmosphere perfect for photo opportunities. The lights of SeaWorld’s 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights, the largest Christmas tree in Southern California, will dance in sync with classic holiday songs. Animal exhibits such as Shark Encounter^® and Penguin Encounter^® get a splash of the festive spirit with specialty-themed décor inside. Outside Pets’ Playhouse, guests will find the Cat’s Christmas Parlor, where the feline stars of Pets Rule! hang out in their own holiday-themed house. New this year is Snow Hill, a wintery themed area packed with real snow and sled lanes geared for smaller children (through Jan. 1 only).

The park’s specially-themed shows will warm hearts and chase the frosty air away:

• Shamu Christmas Miracles: Thrilling seasonal music rings out as amazing killer whales, gifted trainers and a talented female vocalist share a story of reflection and understanding, of peace and friendship and of the everyday miracles that surround us all year long. Park visitors will experience the power and beauty of Shamu’s family in this touching holiday favorite.
• Dolphin Island Christmas: This daytime dolphin show celebrates the holidays with a tropical twist. Dolphins and pilot whales perform amazing athletic feats.
• Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special: SeaWorld’s prank-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore have a hilarious holiday time in this Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show.
• The Pets Rule! Christmas: A specially-themed show featuring the shelter-adopted stars of the park’s Pets Rule! As the winter season begins, the pets partake in holiday hijinks.

All of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration festivities (except for arcade-style games and reserved experiences such as Breakfast With Shamu and Santa) are included with park admission. Guests can pay less than a day and visit the rest of 2016 and all next year with the purchase of a 2017 Fun Card. SeaWorld is open year-round and has a variety of admission ticket offers that provide tremendous value perfect for both Southern California residents and tourists. Visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com or call (800) 257-4268 for information.

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round, and Christmas Celebration runs through January 1. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

Six Flags Magic Mountain Lights Up the Season Even Brighter This Year For HOLIDAY IN THE PARK®

NEW “Santa’s Wild Sleigh Ride” Virtual Reality Coaster, Two NEW Themed Areas, New Show, Extended Days and Hours — Plus More Than One Million Lights, Holiday Entertainment, and Falling Snow, the “Thrill Capital of the World” is Transformed into a Winter Wonderland

Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” lights up the season even brighter this year during its annual holiday extravaganza, Holiday in the Park®. With more than one million lights and now six uniquely themed areas — including two brand new sections, the new Gleampunk District and Santa’s Star Spangled Plaza — the park is transformed into a spectacularly-lit winter wonderland for guests to enjoy this holiday season. The event is also extended and will run weekends only through December 11 and then daily December 17 through January 1, 2017, with the exception of Christmas Day.  Holiday in the Park begins each evening at 5 p.m. with falling snow.

Many areas of the park feature time-honored and unique holiday themes. The visual look of the park takes on the distinct spirit of the holidays and guests will experience quaint and authentic touches that will remind adults of their fondest childhood memories, and create new, exciting moments for children that will last a lifetime.

This is the third year the park hosts this magical annual holiday event for all Southern Californians to enjoy. Not only are they bringing back the unique Six Flags holiday traditions that guests have come to love, but they have extended the run and are adding more holiday themed areas and entertainment to treasure for years to come. With well over one million lights, snowfall around the park, new and exciting holiday entertainment, and many delicious one-of-a-kind seasonal treats, this is their biggest winter spectacular yet!

One of the highlights of this year’s event is “Santa’s Wild Sleigh Ride, ” a NEW innovative Virtual Reality (VR) experience created in partnership with Hallmark Channel, on The New Revolution. The traditional coaster experience transforms riders into a completely immersive virtual world. The realistic theme puts riders in the middle of the action similar to a video game experience as they ride on a sleigh with Santa and his reindeer to help battle a mischievous Elf trying to foil Santa’s mission to deliver toys on Christmas Eve. From the moment riders board and don Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus, they engage in interactive gaming throughout the entire ride by launching snowballs at flying targets. Riders will experience high-definition imagery and storytelling which syncs with the unique track configuration and creates a one-of-a-kind seamless “real world” to “virtual world” thrill ride experience. The New Revolution is North America’s first fully-integrated VR roller coaster from Samsung Gear VR. Hallmark Channel is the leading destination for original holiday programming with its signature eight week “Countdown to Christmas” event, which kicks off October 29 and features 24/7 seasonal fare, including 19 new original movies.

In keeping with the patriotic flare of The New Revolution, the new Santa’s Star Spangled Plaza will feature thousands of red, white and blue lights as well as 10-foot tall toy soldiers on stilts, and a beautifully lit Christmas tree. Santa’s wild sleigh along with other elements from the VR movie will be displayed throughout the area for fun photo reminders of your wild sleigh ride and virtual reality journey.

Take a step back in time in the NEW Gleampunk District: A Steampunk Holiday experience. Thousands of lights will illuminate the tree-lined streets and planters of the newest and largest themed area of Holiday in the Park. Guests will be transformed into the 19^th century with the sights and sounds of the industrial revolution. Unique acrobatic artistry with a holiday flair highlights the Kwerkmas show in Gearworks Theater, an exceptional live show featuring trapeze artists, gymnasts and aerial stunts the entire family will enjoy. On the façade of Gearworks Theater, a fantastic journey takes you on a video adventure into the inner workings of the Steampunk Candy and Toy Factory. Entertaining guests on the midway throughout the area are the Streetpunk Holiday Players, and a don’t forget your photo in an iconic steampunk sleigh.

As guests enter Holiday in the Park, the Six Flags Plaza area is transformed into Holiday Square with a kaleidoscope of breath-taking color, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights on trees and buildings throughout the area while snowflakes and carolers delight guests as they enter this magical scene. Snowy Nights, the live holiday show, features contemporary music and themed dancers on the Full Throttle stage. Crafts, spiced-up holiday treats, falling snow and larger-than-life toy soldiers are the focal point in the Winter Wonderland area, beginning on the midway past the Viper exit and extending up through the Mining Town area of the park.  A classic Santa Claus village anchors this picturesque snow-capped setting. DC UNIVERSE comes to life as Rockin’ Universe, featuring three dancing light shows, each customized to contemporary holiday music.  As one of the largest programmed light shows on the West coast, each five-minute display includes multiple lighting variations with tens of thousands of lights synchronized to holiday musical favorites.

Park guests can delight in all the wonderful tastes and aromas of the season with a large variety of Holiday in the Park-exclusive culinary treats, handmade candies and holiday-inspired gifts and souvenirs. The event is sure to delight holiday revelers of all ages when they get their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy hot chocolate and peppermint fudge, watch the visual spectacle at Full Throttle Sports Bar, and experience an enhanced light show with specially-made 3-D glasses.

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2017 Season Passes are on sale. For a limited time, purchase four or more Magic Mountain Passes and you’ll get a FREE upgrade to a GOLD Pass that includes FREE Hurricane Harbor Season Passes, a FREE season parking pass, and visits to all Six Flags theme parks.  Additional Season Pass perks include free tickets for friends, park admission to Fright Fest, Holiday in the Park, and more. Season Passes can be purchased at the main gate ticket booths or online at sixflags.com.  Online Pass purchases are eligible for low monthly payments through the Membership program.

Season Passholders may also take advantage of our best value in Dining by purchasing a 2017 Season Dining Pass.  For one low price you can enjoy a variety of meal options on each visit.  Dining passes may be purchased at the park or online at sixflags.com.

Save time and money.  Buy and print your tickets at home and go straight to the gate.  Plan ahead and save up to $25 on Six Flags Magic Mountain general admission when you purchase your tickets in advance of your visit date.  Get more details and buy now at sixflags.com

Six Flags Magic Mountain, the undisputed thrill capital of the world, is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit.  For park days and hours of operation, please call (661) 255-4111 or visit us at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

Universal Studios Hollywood Rings in the Holiday Season with “Grinchmas,” Merry Mischievous Minions and Delicious, All-New Hot Butterbeer, as Universal CityWalk Decks the Hall with Free Concerts and Special Appearances by Saint Nick

Theme Park’s New California Neighbor Pass Adds Christmas Cheer as Perfect Stocking Stuffers

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.^SM as Universal Studios Hollywood^™ and Universal CityWalk_® deck the halls for a wintry calendar of cool holiday activities and scrumptious treats that families and friends far and wide can enjoy.

A grinchy-green “Grinchmas^™” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.  Holiday whimsy also will permeate throughout “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry mischievous Minions spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Delectable hot Butterbeer^™ will complement the menu at Three Broomsticks^™ and Hog’s Head pub when “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^™” at Universal Studios Hollywood debuts this newest addition of the favorite beverage to its offerings of scrumptious fare.  Like its traditional and frozen counterparts, hot Butterbeer is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread that’s been perfectly fine-tuned as a Hogsmeade holiday treat.

Universal Plaza, the elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will once again serve as the backdrop for the “Grinchmas” event where the towering 60 foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree will beautifully twist and spiral as the ideal photo opp for guests.  “Grinchmas” runs weekends on December 3-4 and 10-11, and daily from December 16 through January 1, 2017.

As part of the fab-Who-lous event, Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage by the “Grinchmas” tree, performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style.  The Who-liday Singers – a hip boy-band ensemble – will perform nightly a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

The spirited “Grinchmas” event will also capture guests’ imagination with a variety of inspiring activities designed to create long lasting memories. These include:

• Who-ville Post Office – Visitors will have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.

• Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a memorable keepsake.
  

• Story Time with Cindy-Lou Who – Cindy-Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small – for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The spirit of “Grinchmas” also will come to life aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with engaging performances by unforgettable Who-ville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the family favorite at the original film sets from the blockbuster film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood are included in the price of theme park admission.  More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

The spirit of the season continues with a wintertime transformation of Universal CityWalk, beginning the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 25 through Sunday, January 1, 2017.

A spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season in the “5 Towers” plaza. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and offer special photo opportunities at “5 Towers.”

The iconic, dancing water fountain situated at the heart of CityWalk also will make a splash this holiday season. This modern and impressive fountain displaying over 230 individual power jets will project streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.

Free concert performances at “5 Towers” and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

To learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood and the various Annual Pass options, including the new California Neighbor Pass, please visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets.  Additional information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year round, and Grinchmas runs through January 1. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.