Category Archives: Theme Parks

“SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP” Winter 2025 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Here’s what’s happening this Winter at our local theme parks:


Disneyland Resort Celebrates the Christmas Season with Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

The annual event has returned for another season of festive cheer, running through Jan. 7, 2026


Guests are invited to celebrate the most magical time of the year by revisiting cherished traditions or discovering new favorites. The celebration features popular seasonal overlays such as “it’s a small world” Holiday and Cars Land, appearances by beloved Disney characters dressed in their winter best and dazzling holiday décor that transforms every corner of the resort.

This year’s 70th Celebration is fused with seasonal spirit, as guests will spot nods to the celebration amongst winter bunting, trees and lights, including a 70th-inspired holiday wreath on Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and enhancements on Toy Story Midway Mania! With heartwarming entertainment, themed treats and spirited experiences, the holidays shine brightly throughout The Happiest Place on Earth.

Disneyland Park

  • Each evening, as snow falls and music fills the air, more than 80,000 twinkling lights, “icicles” and snow-capped turrets transform Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle into a shimmering wonder.
  • Embellished with nearly 1,800 Victorian-inspired ornaments and 100 oversized faux candles, a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree lights up Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends” returns to Fantasyland Theatre featuring Santa, Disney characters, classic Holiday tunes, crafts and more. He’ll also greet guests at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park, which has been transformed into a holly, jolly, joy-filled playground.
  • Guests can wave hello to Santa Claus himself in the grand finale of “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” in Disneyland park, following a festive procession of reindeer, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, characters and more as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A.
  • The annual gingerbread display in Haunted Mansion Holiday* stands at approximately 13 feet and resembles a house decorated for the holidays, except this year, it hosts a whole murder of black crows with piercing red eyes that glow. At least 13 are on the table at any moment, their eyes ominously watching as guests pass by the ballroom. Four crows flick and move from their perches and on the tower while one attempts to redecorate the Christmas lights on the house – to his electrified chagrin.
  • 50,000 lights illuminate the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday, with an additional 350,000 mini-lights brightening the trees, hedges and animal topiaries surrounding the attraction. Thousands of additional lights adorn the nearby shops and food kiosks.
  • The Plaza Point holiday shop on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A., allows guests to personalize ornaments for purchase and watch artistry in action, as cast members hand paint names on ornaments.

Disney California Adventure Park

  • Upon entering Disney California Adventure Park, guests may spot a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree with vintage-style ornaments, keeping with the theme of Buena Vista Street – which is inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s.
  • “World of Color Happiness!” debuted during the start of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration and will run through the holidays, lighting up the 3.5 acres of Paradise Bay, as more than 1,200 fountains bring the show to life.
  • A whimsical “Snowcar” greets guests at the entrance of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park, before guests enter Radiator Springs to witness a spectacle of lights and holiday décor decking the streets for the “haul”-idays.
  • The live entertainment for Disney Festival of Holidays features an extensive range of genres, including R&B, soul, polka, traditional Latin, Hawaiian and more.
  • The food and beverage offerings across Disney Festival of Holidays are inspired by foods traditionally eaten during different cultural holidays, like the barbacoa tamal de res.
  • Six Festive Food Marketplaces spread across Disney Festival of Holidays feature new menu items such as the al pastor mac and cheese. Guests ordering the returning fan-favorite Holiday Duet get two half-portions of two types of macaroni and cheese.

Downtown Disney District

  • Guests can enjoy nightly “snow” on the west end of the district, adding a whimsical touch to the holiday entertainment at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage & Lawn.
  • On weekends, the cheerful sound of holiday carolers fills the air at Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage through Dec. 28.
  • In Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, guests can participate in a hunt for special hidden character-themed ornaments hung on holiday trees throughout Downtown Disney District to earn a keepsake through Jan. 7, 2026.**
  • For a limited time, Downtown Disney District offers seasonal food and drinks that are packed with holiday flavors like “The Almond Brittle Cake” from Salt and Straw and the Gingerbread old fashioned at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill and Patio for guests age 21 or older.
  • Holiday-themed products make perfect gifts for loved ones, like the Sugar Plum Body Scrub from Nectar Life, merchandise from the Mickey Mouse Family Christmas Collection at World of Disney and the Gingerbread AT-AT Walker from The LEGO Store.
  • Disney’s support of the Marine Toys for Tots program began more than 75 years ago when Walt Disney and his animators designed the original Toys for Tots logo. Starting today, and through Dec. 13, 2025, guests and cast members can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive supporting Toys for Tots by donating new, unwrapped toys at collection bins located inside Avengers Reserve, World of Disney and Star Wars™ Trading Post. On Dec. 13, U.S. Marines will be on hand near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage to accept donations on behalf of the United States Marines Toys for Tots Foundation.

Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

  • Santa makes stops at all three on-property hotels, matching his attire to fit each hotel’s theme. At Pixar Place Hotel, he embraces the artistry of Pixar animation with a colorful artist smock in front of his workshop. As the Disneyland Hotel transforms into a mid-century modern wonderland, Santa greets visitors in front of wintery trees wearing a stunning red suit with swirling fuchsia details. Reflective of the hotel’s rich, craftsman-style grandeur, Santa’s style at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa features an elegant coat, embroidered vest, a custom-made bejeweled belt buckle and a stained-glass candle pin on his hat.
  • Guests can toast to the season at Great Maple in Pixar Place Hotel, which will host a holiday pop-up dining experience now through Dec. 31, 2025, with special prix fixe menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Pixar Place Hotel features 31 uniquely decorated trees celebrating 10 Disney Pixar films, 1,192 custom ornaments created by the Resort Enhancement computer artists each glittered by hand using 50 pounds of glitter and enough light strands to stretch the entire Disneyland Railroad twice.
  • The Disneyland Hotel gets a winter makeover, adorned with colorful décor and sprinkled with flurries of snowflakes, creating an enchanting holiday stay for guests. It will also feature a winter castle-themed holiday confectionary crafted from fondant and different sugars.
  • Once again, a gingerbread replica of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa graces the hotel lobby this year. This year’s creation features a scene from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” Guests can find seasonal treats from the Great Hall Cart nearby.
  • Now through Jan 6, 2026, Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch, and a new dinnertime character experience, Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast. Guests can also dine with Goofy and his pals dressed in their merry best at Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays at the Disneyland Hotel.

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues 
Select experiences from the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration remain available for guests to enjoy throughout the fall season for a once-in-a-lifetime blend of offerings, including “Paint the Night” parade, “Tapestry of Happiness” on the facade of “it’s a small world” and “World of Color Happiness!” on select nights. 

Guests will notice special touches on areas and attractions, including the 70th enhancements on Toy Story Midway Mania!, decorative accents and the colorful castle photo opportunity in the esplanade. Interactive MagicBand+ locations and the Key to Disneyland lock stations remain available. 

Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment and shopping complex. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and Pixar Place Hotel. When it opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced the world to a new concept in family entertainment and continues to use creativity, technology and innovation to bring storytelling to new heights. Open daily, year-round. For more information, guests can visit Disneyland.com

To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.
*Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
**Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit is subject to cancellation or change without notice including, without limitation, dates, keepsakes and prices. Purchase limits apply. There is only one keepsake per map. Maps are valid for redemption through 1/7/2026, or while keepsake supplies last.


Knott’s Merry Farm Returns to
Knott’s Berry Farm for Another Year

The annual event features holiday fun for all


The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, taking place from now until January 4. Experience a Knott’s Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings.

A Winter Wonderland of Holiday Fun

The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, taking place now through January 4. Experience a Knott’s Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. Knott’s Merry Farm offers Christmas activities for families and joyful experiences inspired by the spirit of the holidays.

  • This holiday season, park-goers of all ages can enjoy Christmas shows like Home for the Holidays, a musical revue featuring classic Christmas tunes, holiday lights, magical dancing toys, and dazzling snow, all set on an elaborate, transforming wintertime stage. The holiday season at Knott’s Merry Farm also means a return of the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters.
  • ‘Tis the season for delectable holiday dining food that can’t be found anywhere else and only offered this time of year. Guests can indulge in traditional holiday classics with a twist, including the Meatball Hoagie with Cranberry Gastrique and Mash Potatoes.
  • The streets of Calico play host to a Christmas Crafts Village offering one-of-a-kind gift ideas and a magical Snow and Glow experience dancing to the beat of holiday music. Guests can experience Santa’s Christmas Cabin, a nightly Parkwide Holiday Lighting Moment, plus so much more this wondrous winter season at Knott’s Merry Farm.

Live Shows for the Holidays

Guests of all ages can embrace the joy of Christmas at Knott’s Merry Farm, with classic shows like the holiday ice show featuring Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters, the nightly parkwide holiday lighting moment, plus so much more!

Show availability does vary by day. Download the official Knott’s Berry Farm Mobile App for a complete list of entertainment offerings and showtimes. Showtimes are subject to change without notice.

A Flurry of Seasonal Sweets, Eats, and Drinks

Treat your taste buds to a delectable menu of holiday fare, including savory mains, delicious desserts, and irresistible snacks. Our hot cider, gourmet hot chocolate, and other delightful drinks will keep you warm all night long.

Christmas Crafts Village

Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts, as well as artist demonstrations of chainsaw wood carving, and elegant glass blowing.
*Additional fees may be required for select activities at this attraction.

Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Hotel are located in Buena Park. Knott’s Berry Farm is open daily and Knott’s Merry Farm runs on select nights from November 21 through January 4, 2026. For more information please visit www.knotts.com.

Download the official Knott’s Berry Farm Mobile App for a complete list of entertainment offerings and showtimes. Showtimes are subject to change without notice. 



Holidays at LEGOLAND ® California Return with Yuletide Builds & Bricktastic Cheer!

Festive takeover at the Merlin Entertainments theme park in Carlsbad with lights, laughs & LEGO® joy run through January 4 presented by The Hallmark Channel!


Have your ‘elf’ a merry little brick-built holiday at LEGOLAND® California Resort as the Park transforms into a LEGO® winter wonderland. Running select days through Jan. 4, families can unwrap fun with a new holiday-themed ride, larger-than-life LEGO builds, falling “snow,” twinkling lights, sweet treats and more. All seasonal offerings are included with general Park admission and select annual passes.

The holiday spirit shines brighter than ever with the Resort’s iconic, three-story-tall LEGO Christmas tree built from more than 360,000 bricks, sparkling nightly with dazzling lights. Guests can also capture family photos in front of the giant LEGO wreath or new brick-built Santa and Sleigh, enjoy festive bites, and get a head start on holiday shopping at the all-new LEGO Shop – opening Thanksgiving week, following a grand remodel.

This year, Elves Frode & Ivy are back with holiday cheer across the Park. Guests can: 

  • Snap “elfies” with new and returning LEGO holiday character favorites, including LEGO Gingerbread Man, LEGO Snowman, LEGO Reindeer Girl, and LEGO Nutcracker, as well as LEGO Wizard!
  • In true LEGOLAND style, be sure to check out the new LEGO Santa and his life-size, 17-foot sleigh complete with two LEGO reindeer…the perfect spot for holiday photos!
  • Rock around the giant LEGO tree to festive tunes and show off your coolest holiday moves, while also taking in cheerful seasonal shows, including Santa’s Elf Tree Lighting, Brass Band Holiday Bash, Elf Build Workshop and Once Upon a Brick-Mas.
  • Clap, cheer, and march along with The Nutcracker and his brass ensemble as they bring holiday spirit to life as Nutcracker’s Marching Band, roaming throughout the Park.
  • Get holiday thrills with Elves Frode & Ivy on the Park’s festive new ride, Elf Driving School
  • And, of course, the Park will be filled with lots of jolly holiday Brick Models, LEGO Builds, and experiences, like the Elf Hat Scavenger Hunt.
  • Plus, many merry drinks & treats, such as: Gingerbread White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Bark Frappe, Mocktail Jack Frost, Pumpkin-Tini, and the Yeti’s Ice Cream Overlay.
  • Catch holiday fireworks Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, and nightly, Dec. 20-31, as the sky bursts with joyful color.
  • Zombie University: Step into the world of Zombie University and join LEGO Zombie Cheerleader and her crew as they conduct cheer tryouts with some drop-dead killer moves in Fun Town.
  • Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch: LEGO® T-Rex Guy is planting the seeds for fun as he turns Dino Valley into his very own fall festival! Stomp through his Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch, snag sweet treats from T-Rex Guy and his pal Scarecrow, and build your own LEGO pumpkin.
  • Lord Vampyre’s Very Important Monsters (V.I.M) Costume Party: Everyone is invited to compete in the famous costume contest hosted by Lord Vampyre. Make sure you wear your best monster, best homemade or best group costume for a chance to win! 
  • The Monster Rock Off: Witness Monster Rocker, Tiger Woman, Wolf Guy, and Zombie Cheerleader in their LEGO Monster band as they battle it out for the title of best rocker. This is an epic, live rock concert full of classic rock n’ roll songs – plus, you get to decide who wins the rock off! 

Kids’ New Year’s Eve – Friday, Dec. 31 
Ring in 2026 early with LEGOLAND California’s annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve party! Families can enjoy live entertainment, special treats, and a dazzling fireworks show, counting down to “midnight” at 7 p.m. Special 3D viewing glasses transform the fireworks into exploding LEGO bricks for an unforgettable way to welcome the new year. 

Holly Jolly Sleepover 

Get the most out of holidays at LEGOLAND by staying the night at LEGOLAND® Hotel or LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel. Wake up in a winter wonderland and enjoy early access to rides before the Park opens, show off jolly dance moves at the ultimate holiday dance party, and meet & greet with merry LEGO characters.

LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone! As Certified Autism Centers, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America ensure families of all abilities can make magical holiday memories with trained staff, sensory-friendly resources, and accessible offerings.  

And the excitement doesn’t stop there—get ready for lift-off! Launching in early 2026, LEGOLAND California Resort will debut Galacticoaster! This brand-new immersive space-themed indoor roller coaster will be the Park’s first new roller coaster in more than 20 years! 

For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit the website or follow on Facebook. To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit the Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay.  

LEGOLAND California Resort and Sea Life Aquarium are located in Carlsbad. Legoland is open on select days, and the LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel are open daily year-round. For more information call 760-444-5600 or visit www.legoland.com/california/.



SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration Returns Brighter Than Ever – Over One Million Sparkling Lights, an All-New Sea Lion Christmas Special and Beloved Holiday Favorites

Celebrate the holidays with San Diego’s largest Christmas tree, an all-new holiday sea lion show, daily photos with Santa Claus, real reindeer, snowfall, and more – All included with park admission


SeaWorld San Diego’s annual Christmas Celebration returns this holiday season, blending iconic charm with heartwarming holiday surprises through January 4. The park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, illuminated by over one million sparkling lights that dance across every corner. From the radiant spectacle of San Diego’s largest Christmas tree set against the breathtaking Mission Bay skyline, to glowing pathways that guide you past radiant trees and through a mesmerizing, music-activated tunnel of lights — this marks the brightest holiday season in the park’s recent history. Every inch shimmers with festive cheer, serving as a radiant beacon of joy and hope for all who visit.

Within this enchanting wonderland, SeaWorld San Diego unveils fresh entertainment for guests of all ages including a special holiday treat – the all-new Clyde and Seamore Christmas Special. The beloved sea lions return to the stage with their signature holiday comedy, delighting both children and adults alike and rekindling cherished memories while captivating a whole generation of guests. Joining Santa Claus this year, the park welcomes the debut of Storytime with Mrs. Claus, complete with a joyful caroling pre-show featuring cheerful North Pole elves. For a touch of winter magic rarely seen in Southern California, guests will experience nightly snowfall, real reindeer, holiday fireworks, and up-close encounters with enchanting marine animals!  

Unwrap the Magic of All-New Holiday Entertainment and Festive Traditions

  • ALL-NEW Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special – The prank-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore are back, along with their trainers, for a hilarious holiday time in this Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show offered during the afternoons and evenings!
  • ALL-NEW Over One Million Holiday Lights – Explore the magic and wonder of SeaWorld’s beautifully decorated outdoor park grounds decorated with one million holiday lights. Each night, the iconic 320 ft. tall SkyTower Tree of Lights, San Diego’s biggest Christmas tree, will light up in the sky, along with a 30 ft. Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Garden Plaza with twinkling lights and Christmas songs programmed to the movement of multiple lighting designs.
  • ALL-NEW Storytime – Toymaker Trouble with Mrs. Claus and the Elves – As Christmas approaches at the North Pole, and Santa’s elves are preparing the final order of toys for Santa’s sleigh. The head Toymaker Elf Sparky is severely lacking in Christmas Spirit, a key ingredient to Santa’s gift making process. With the help of Mrs. Claus and two of her most trusted elves, the elves will be reminded what makes Christmas truly special.
  • Returning Favorite – Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show –Mission Bay Theater will host the family-friendly holiday show to celebrate the joy of friendship and holiday traditions with fan-favorite Sir Winston the Walrus.
  • Returning Favorite – Mrs. Claus Christmas Parade – Mrs. Claus and her band of merry elves will make their way throughout the park singing and dancing to classic Christmas songs during a festive procession with all-new floats and characters for guests to view daily.
  • Returning Favorite – A Stocking Full of Soul – This reimagined fan-favorite invites guests to a festive night of live music, singing and dancing as the park celebrates the holiday season. Experience a soulful celebration of holiday classics in this original production daily at the Nautilus Amphitheater.
  • Photos with Santa Claus – Santa is at SeaWorld daily and guests can renew holiday traditions by visiting the man in red at SkyTower Lawn to take a photo and share their Christmas wishes with him.
  • Santa’s Live Reindeer – Park goers are invited to meet and learn more about Santa’s reindeer, visiting all the way from the North Pole!
  • Snowflake Seeker’s: A Christmas Quest! – Get started on a merry quest and explore the park to find all the colorful winter snowflakes. Mark each location on the map to collect a special gift. 
  • Rudolph’s Christmastown –Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and some of his friends will make spirits bright with photo opportunities and festive backgrounds.
  • A Christmas Wish Fireworks Show – Watch the sky above SeaWorld come alive with festive colors and brilliant pyrotechnics during our holiday fireworks display on Saturday, Dec. 13.
  • Snowfall Throughout the Park – Dreaming of a white Christmas? Guests don’t have to travel north to see a snowfall and catch a few flakes in their hands. Watch nightly for this magical moment at SkyTower Lawn and Wild Arctic.
  • Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show – A canopy of lasers will beam with rays of color and a festive soundtrack. The light show runs nightly at the front of the park.
  • Holiday Cocktails, Desserts, Hot Chocolate & More – Grown-ups will want to get even more festive with an ice-cold brew, a glass of wine or one of SeaWorld’s specialty holiday cocktails. Or for the whole family, experience SeaWorld’s famous hot chocolate with candy toppings and all-new delicious desserts.
  • Dine with Orcas and Santa – Delight in a one-of-a-kind holiday experience featuring a delicious meal surrounded by majestic orcas, the chance to meet Santa, insights from expert animal specialists and refreshing Coca-Cola beverages.
  • Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard – The Festive Food & Seasonal Sips sampling lanyard allows guests to try any combination of food, drink or dessert samples and is valid for up to 10 samples during Christmas Celebration. Pass Members receive two additional samples FREE.

SeaWorld will also celebrate other holidays during December including a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday starting Dec. 1 where guests can enjoy a menorah lighting, holiday décor and Hanukkah music. In addition, a Kwanzaa kinara will be on display, accompanied by a table with a Unity cup and crops. To complete the festivities, the park will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a New Year’s countdown and a spectacular fireworks show.

To make the holiday season even brighter, SeaWorld San Diego is spreading cheer with an exclusive offer of up to 60% off Tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes at www.seaworldsandiego.com for a limited time. Annual Pass Members receive unlimited visits, access to exclusive events and no blackout dates. Pass Members are first for everything, first to ride any new attraction, first to view new animal exhibits and first to know about major park announcements.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Summer Spectacular details and information.



Six Flags Magic Mountain Presents Holiday in the Park through Jan. 4th


Step into a world of holiday fun during Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park, the premier Christmas lights and holiday festival in Southern California. Stroll through dazzling displays of sparkling lights, enjoy festive live shows, and make memories on select rides open for winter fun. With family memories like Santa visits, cookie decorating, and holiday shopping, there’s magic here for every age.

Hungry? Sip hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, indulge in seasonal treats, or share a holiday feast with friends and family. End the night with a cheery stroll through our picturesque midway and see why Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park is the best holiday tradition in Valencia.

Live Shows for the Holidays | Christmas Music

Get ready to get cozy with world-class live entertainment throughout Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park. With dazzling shows and cheery concerts with Christmas music, we’ve captured the magic of the holidays! Check out the Six Flags App for showtimes and details.

Don’t miss tree lighting ceremony, Magic of the Holidays, our brand-new holiday spectacular! The holiday season promises to be merry and bright as the park celebrates with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. The event invites everyone to kick off the evening’s holiday celebration with dancers, singers, and an enormous Christmas tree. Join the citizens of the Holiday in the Park realms as they begin the night with a special tree lighting moment.

Kid-Friendly Activities and Rides

Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park is a seasonal celebration like no other — with fam-tastic rides like Road Runner Express and an assortment of kid-friendly activities including S’mores Fire Pits*, Holiday in the Park is the holiday destination for families in Southern California. Bring the little ones, make some crafts, decorate delicious cookies,* and create holiday memories that’ll last forever!
*Requires additional purchase

A Flurry of Seasonal Sweets, Eats, and Drinks
Our seasonal Holiday in the Park menu features sweet and savory food and drink options for every holiday occasion! Stay nice and warm with a collectible souvenir mug of hot chocolate or make Magic Mountain feel like home with hearty comfort foods. Plus, we’ve got delectable dessert options for the little elves, and delicious handcrafted cocktails for the drinking-age ones!

Whatever you’re craving, Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park delivers holiday flavors as classic and tasty as cookies and milk on Christmas Eve.

Shop the Best Gifts for the Holidays at Magic Mountain

Skip the crowded shopping malls and have fun while you shopduring Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park! Give yourself the gift of good times during your Christmas shopping and find the perfect present for the thrill-lovers in your life — whether it’s cozy, Magic Mountain-branded apparel or a collectible ornament for your tree, gifts bought at Holiday in the Park are festive, memorable, and fun.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located in Valencia, and Holiday in the Park runs on select nights through January 4, 2026. For more information on Six Flags Magic Mountain, including operating hours and show schedules visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.



Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood Kicked Off with “Grinchmas,” “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

The Annual Event Features Themed Treats, Exclusive Gifts and Special Moments for the Whole Family Daily Through Sunday, January 4


Guests can enjoy the festive décor both in-park and at Universal CityWalk Hollywood along with tasty treats and festive gifts for every member of the family. Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood continue daily until Sunday, January 4.

In addition to partaking in the theme park’s annual “Grinchmas™” tradition, guests can savor scrumptious fare at the Grinchmas-themed Hollywood & Dine restaurant. The whimsical menu includes:

  • Who-Hash: Loaded tater tots with brisket sauce, grilled onions and dressing
  • Klubwich: Turkey, swiss cheese, ham and bacon topped with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, served on toasted bread with curly fries
  • Dumpit to Crumpit Onion Rings: Onion rings loaded with chicken, bacon, jalapenos and white queso
  • Who-Wreath Salad: Mixed green salad, candied pecans, apples, raspberries and pomegranate seeds served with raspberry vinaigrette
  • Stick a Doodle Corn Dog: Corn dog coated in cheddar cheese sauce and cereal, served with curly fries
  • Who-B-Q Roast Beastwich: Beef brisket, honey barbecue corn chips, pickles and barbecue sauce on a spiral croissant bun, served with curly fries
  • Gooey Gobble Melt: Turkey and swiss cheese melt with creamy slaw and cranberry aioli, served with curly fries
  • The Roast Beast-less Loaf: Plant-based meatloaf served with roasted brussels sprouts and garlic herb mashed potatoes
  • Max’s Hot Dog: Giant 22” hot dog with chili, cheese and fried potato strings
  • Desserts: Heart Grew 3 Sizes Cookie, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Grinch™ Donut, Max’s Gingerbread Blondie, Who Pudding, Who-bilation Funnel Cake and Grinchmas Kettle Corn
  • Beverages: Grinch’s™ Heart Lemonade, Who Cold Brew, Who-ville Snowball Fight hot cocoa, Reindeer in Training Ginger Ale, Hot Apple Cider, Classic & spiked hot cocoa

Guests can also find a selection of sweet treats and jolly beverages within Universal Plaza, alongside the “Grinchmas” Who-bilation, complete with a 65-foot topsy-turvy holiday tree. Additionally, a selection of mischievous merchandise featuring The Grinch™ is available for purchase, including new headbands, sleepwear, a backpack, ornaments and Spirit Jerseys.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™” casts a spell on the holiday season with festive décor and magical merriment. Hogsmeade’s popular Three Broomsticks™ restaurant serves its English Holiday Meal complete with roasted turkey breast, gravy, stuffing, honey-glazed carrots, roasted brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped sausage and cranberry glaze. Guests can also cozy up with hot spiced apple cider, hot spiced apple toddy or Hot Butterbeer™.

A new merchandise collection inspired by Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features holiday treasures and stocking stuffers such as ornaments, home décor, apparel and a brand-new interactive Pygmy Puff wristlet and shoulder pal, with an opportunity to personalize select gifts for the special witches, wizards and muggles on the list.

Alongside the joyful holiday celebrations at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, guests can find a selection of seasonal merchandise for purchase and an exclusive Power-Up Band™ offer. The ideal stocking stuffer gift, fans can enjoy a special discount on a second interactive Power-Up Band when they purchase one at the regular retail price in the same transaction. Restrictions apply.

Additionally, an all-new “Holidays at Universal” collection featuring Spirit Jerseys from fan-favorite brands is available. These include designs featuring “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” “Hello Kitty” and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, plus legendary Universal Pictures films Back to the Future and Jaws, which are celebrating their 40th and 50th anniversaries, respectively. Guests can also purchase select items from the “Holidays at Universal” collection by visiting the all-new online store, shopUniversal.com.

For the ultimate Universal Studios Hollywood fan, an Annual Pass makes the perfect gift, especially with the 2026 opening of the highly anticipated “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster. Plus, for a limited time, guests receive three additional months free with a purchase of any new Annual Pass. Check out the 2026 Event Guide to see what’s in store for the new year.

Holidays will also resonate throughout Universal Citywalk with live entertainment as well as a Wicked: For Good-themed holiday tree. Guests can watch the much anticipated blockbuster movie now at Universal Cinema and receive $5 parking with purchase of a same day movie ticket.

Limited time drinks and treats can be enjoyed by all at some of Universal CityWalk’s favorite dining establishments, including VIVO Italian Kitchen , Antojitos Cocina Mexicana , Voodoo Doughnut , NBC Sports Grill & Brew , The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen and the Hello Kitty ® and Friends Cafe.

For the ultimate shopper, Universal CityWalk offers a treasure trove of shops where unique holiday gifts awaits, including NBA Store , LINE FRIENDS SQUARE , Universal Studio Store, Production Central and Cartooniversal, which features fandom favorites from Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World to Universal Monsters and Illumination’s Minions, among others.

Guests must be 21 years or older and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.
Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.


Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season this year!

“SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP” Fall 2025 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Here’s what’s happening this fall at our local theme parks:


Disneyland Resort Celebrates Fall 2025 with Halloween Time and Plaza de la Familia

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort brings memorable, family-friendly autumn experiences and Plaza de la Familia kicks off with lively music and Mexican-inspired cuisine to honor the spirit of Día de los Muertos!

Disneyland Resort celebrates Fall Favorites with limited-time décor, entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise and more to bring family and friends together to delight in silly scares and honored autumn traditions.  

In addition to spooktacular thrills, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues to offer select special anniversary entertainment, experiences and more. Guests can check Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app* for performance schedules. 

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort 
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort brings spellbinding fun, seasonal décor and attraction transformations for guests of all ages through Oct. 31, 2025. Guests can marvel at autumnal decorations around the resort, including the iconic giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin on Main Street, U.S.A. Three attractions in Disney California Adventure Park have taken on Halloween transformations: Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. In Disneyland Park, guests can enjoy the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”  

Additional experiences, such as encounters with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals in unique new Halloween looks inspired by the joyful spirit of the 70th Celebration, the “Halloween Screams” nighttime spectacular with fireworks on select nights, “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, and Disney’s Happiest Haunts: The Villains’ Trail Guided Tour make visiting during Halloween a unique experience for all ages. 

Guests can test their seeking skills in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit – a resort-wide search activity where guests can purchase maps to locate Disney-themed pumpkins within both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District and receive a special keepsake.  

Within the Downtown Disney District, guests can extend the fall fun with festive décor, limited-time food and beverage offerings at select locations, and entertainment. New this year, weekly movie nights will take place at the Downtown Disney Live! stage and lawn every Wednesday from Sept. 24 through Oct. 31, 2025, with an accompanying sweet treat cart.  

Multiple merchandise collections, including the Mickey Mouse Family Halloween Collection, are available for purchase. Guests can nosh their way throughout the resort with autumnal items such as the bulgogi potato and fried elote corn on the cob.  

Halloween experiences at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort include a confectionery display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, themed treatments at Tenaya Stone Spa, an all-new Disney Villains-themed cocktail menu at Broken Spell Lounge at the Disneyland Hotel, plus special treat trails for overnight guests on select afternoons.  

The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort offer limited-time character dining experiences for the Halloween season beginning Aug. 22. At Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, guests can enjoy Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Breakfast Buffet and Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner, a new evening offering. Additionally, the Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween experience returns to the Disneyland Hotel. 

Plaza de la Familia honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos 
Disney California Adventure Park kicks off Plaza de la Familia, a vibrant celebration honoring the spirit of Día de los Muertos through music, food, art and storytelling inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco.” Through Nov. 2, 2025, guests can enjoy live music at the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, themed craft activities, colorful décor and a celebratory menu of Mexican cuisine at Paradise Garden Grill. Releasing in early September, the new Disney Pixar Coco Collection will introduce new apparel, accessories, headwear and more inspired by the film. 

Sing and dance along as “The Storytellers of the Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!” street performance brings to life the everlasting bonds of family. After each performance, guests may pose for photos and make new memories with Miguel, brought to life as a hand-animated dimensional figure. Frontierland in Disneyland Park also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos by adorning the area near Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante with skeleton figures, brilliant marigolds and other decorative items typically displayed on ofrendas. 

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues 
Select experiences from the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration remain available for guests to enjoy throughout the fall season for a once-in-a-lifetime blend of offerings, including “Paint the Night” parade, “Tapestry of Happiness” on the facade of “it’s a small world” and “World of Color Happiness!” on select nights. 

Guests will notice special touches on areas and attractions, including the 70th enhancements on Toy Story Midway Mania!, decorative accents and the colorful castle photo opportunity in the esplanade. Interactive MagicBand+ locations and the Key to Disneyland lock stations remain available. 

Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment and shopping complex. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and Pixar Place Hotel. When it opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced the world to a new concept in family entertainment and continues to use creativity, technology and innovation to bring storytelling to new heights. Open daily, year-round. For more information, guests can visit Disneyland.com

NOTE: To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.



Knott’s Scary Farm Returns to Knott’s Berry Farm for Another Year

The annual event features two new mazes this year


New mazes include The Zoo and Mary: The Haunting of Worth Home. Eight mazes and five scare zones return from last year, as well as Timber Mountain Log Ride Hootenanny.

Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Hotel are located in Buena Park. Knott’s Berry Farm is open daily and Knott’s Scary Farm runs on select nights from September 18 through November 1, 2025. For more information please visit www.knotts.com.

Download the official Knott’s Berry Farm Mobile App for a complete list of entertainment offerings and showtimes. Showtimes are subject to change without notice. 



Brick-or-Treat Monster Party Returns to LEGOLAND® California Resort This Fall for More Monstrous Fun

Excitement awaits as Brick-or-Treat Monster Party makes its fang-tastic return this fall, bringing chills, thrills, and candy spills on select dates from September 20 through November 1


Ghouls, goblins and giggles await! This fall, LEGOLAND® California Resort is getting a frightfully fun monstrous makeover as the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party creeps back on select dates from September 20 through November 1. Families can look forward to the ultimate family-friendly Halloween extravaganza filled with live shows, candy-packed adventures, and meet-and-greets with LEGO® monster characters, all included with general admission.

The wickedly fun begins at the Monster Security Checkpoint, where street performers ensure only the “ghoul-est” guests are allowed into the Monster Party. From there, young trick-or-treaters can meet LEGO® characters like Spider Lady, Monster Rocker, and Mummy before embarking on a sweet candy-filled journey with treats and surprises at every turn throughout the Park.

Guests can sink their fangs into not-so-scary shows, experiences and silly character encounters, including:

  • *NEW* Ghost Cruise: Climb aboard for a boo-tastic boat ride as the classic Coast Cruise transforms for Halloween. Sail past silly scenes and haunted MINILAND USA cities like New York on a floating adventure packed with tricks and ghostly giggles!
  • *NEW* Halloween Driving Schools: Buckle up for a haunted highway full of silly scares and boo-levard detours on this frightfully fun takeover of LEGOLAND California’s newly reopened Driving Schools!
  • *NEW* Monster Halloween Hub: Step into the Monster Halloween Hub, where the Park entrance comes alive with Halloween mischief inviting guests to meet and greet with favorites like Mummy, Monster Rocker, Green Witch, Tiger Woman, and Spider Lady!
  • Zombie University: Step into the world of Zombie University and join LEGO Zombie Cheerleader and her crew as they conduct cheer tryouts with some drop-dead killer moves in Fun Town.
  • Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch: LEGO® T-Rex Guy is planting the seeds for fun as he turns Dino Valley into his very own fall festival! Stomp through his Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch, snag sweet treats from T-Rex Guy and his pal Scarecrow, and build your own LEGO pumpkin.
  • Lord Vampyre’s Very Important Monsters (V.I.M) Costume Party: Everyone is invited to compete in the famous costume contest hosted by Lord Vampyre. Make sure you wear your best monster, best homemade or best group costume for a chance to win! 
  • The Monster Rock Off: Witness Monster Rocker, Tiger Woman, Wolf Guy, and Zombie Cheerleader in their LEGO Monster band as they battle it out for the title of best rocker. This is an epic, live rock concert full of classic rock n’ roll songs – plus, you get to decide who wins the rock off! 
  • Once Upon a Brick – The Tale of the Wolf Guy: Learn the story of Wolf Guy, a monster who gets himself into a hairy situation. This silly comedy is sure to have all guests howling with laughter. 
  • Spider Lady’s Spiderling Build: Join Spider Lady’s web and build your very own LEGO spider creation to add to her web of wonders!
  • Spiders Swarming MINILAND: Watch out as more than 1,200 LEGO® spiders have taken over the LEGO versions of San Diego and Los Angeles!
  • Disco Dragon Coaster: For more electrifying excitement, the Dragon is getting a disco remix with festive decorations, a groovy monster soundtrack, and an illuminating party atmosphere.

Brick-or-Treat savings! Guests can save up to $20 on admission by purchasing tickets early. Visit LEGOLAND.com/California for details.

Even on weekdays, Halloween Season is in full swing at LEGOLAND California! Parkgoers can enjoy hair-raising fun all season long with costume characters popping up around every corner, boo-rilliant Halloween décor, and devilishly delicious fall-themed treats throughout the Park. 

Plus, make it the Ultimate Halloween Sleepover at LEGOLAND® Hotel or LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel where guests can keep the fright night fun going at the exclusive Brick BOOOOO-gie—a kid-friendly monster mash where the dance floor glows, the tunes are to dance for, and the party doesn’t rest in peace until 9 p.m.! Expect ghoulish dance-offs, kid-approved tunes and entertainment that keeps the celebration grooving from dusk to dark.

For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay.

LEGOLAND California Resort and Sea Life Aquarium are located in Carlsbad. Legoland is open on select days, and the LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel are open daily year-round. For more information call 760-444-5600 or visit www.legoland.com/california/.



Ahoy, Candy Hunters! SeaWorld’s Spooktacular Returns with Pirate Adventures, Trick-or-Treat Treasures, and ALL-NEW Spooky Surprises!

Kids Go Free now through October 31 with the purchase of an adult ticket! Families can enjoy this Halloween event filled with new characters, pirate fun, and trick-or-treating.


SeaWorld San Diego is once again transforming into a vibrant autumn wonderland with the return of Spooktacular, the park’s family-friendly Halloween celebration. Every Friday–Sunday from September 5 to November 2, guests will discover swashbuckling adventures, whimsical pirates, enchanting mermaids, and delightfully spooky surprises—plus trick-or-treating throughout the park. Best of all, it’s included with park admission.

All-New Entertainment and Family-Friendly Fall Activities
SeaWorld’s 2025 Spooktacular introduces a lineup of brand-new characters and celebrations that bring fresh energy to this beloved fall event.

  • Spookley the Square Pumpkin Celebration – At the Waterfront, meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin! Making his SeaWorld debut alongside his cheerful companion Jack Scarecrow. Together, they’ll host interactive story times, joyful dance parties, and a meet and greet.
  • Spooktacular DJ Set – Between Spookley the Square Pumpkin celebrations at the Waterfront, guests can enjoy festive, family-friendly music that fills the air with upbeat fall fun.
  • Bone Brothers Talking Skull Quartet – Guests entering the park will be greeted by the Bone Brothers, a spooky-silly quartet of talking skeletons who deliver witty jokes and toe-tapping Halloween tunes. Setting the stage for a day full of festive fun.
  • Heckling Pirate Talking Skulls – Along the path to one of Spooktacular’s treat stations, guests will encounter a rowdy duo of pirate skulls, known for their cheeky banter and playful taunts that add a humorous twist to the trick-or-treating journey.

Returning Fan Favorites
Some of SeaWorld’s most beloved Spooktacular attractions are back again this year, adding extra layers of fun and familiarity to the seasonal festivities.

  • Waterfront Pumpkin Patch – The fan-favorite photo spot, with vibrant fall décor, scenic views of Mission Bay, and autumnal treats that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious.
  • Magical Mermaids – Make their return in a new home at Rescue Jr., where young guests can enjoy special meet-and-greet moments with these enchanting underwater friends.
  • Scurvy Squad Pirate Shanty Band – Now performing at the SkyTower Lawn Stage, delighting crowds with their sea shanties and pirate antics that will have you shaking yer’ pirate booty.
  • Captain Sweet Tooth and First Mate Peggy – The hilarious duo is back as talking skeletons at Bayside Lawn, retelling tales of haunted treasure hunts and candy quests with ghostly flair.
  • Royal Guard Talking Skulls – Keep things lighthearted and regal near the SkyTower, giving spooky greetings to guests with a touch of royal humor.
  • O.P. Otter’s Spooktacular Surprise – Returns to Mission Bay Theater, where SeaWorld’s lovable mascot hosts a high-energy Halloween costume party perfect for the little ones.
  • Trick-or-Treat Trail – Costumed kids will find waves of Halloween fun as they trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies along 10 candy stations. Each station is open from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Fridays and from 1 p.m. – 7p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

SeaWorld reusable candy bags are available to purchase at any retail location. Please note that guests who are ages 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods, and all costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park. In addition, face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park artists.

To add to our celebration, SeaWorld honors a cherished cultural tradition with Dia de los Muertos on November 1 and 2. Guests will be welcomed by stunning Catrina statues, adorned in bold colors and intricate designs, as they explore beautifully crafted ofrendas – altars of remembrance honoring loved ones who have passed. Marigolds, candles, and papel picado fill the air with beauty and meaning. Traditional Latin music and festive food options brings this rich tradition to life in a way that is both celebratory and respectful. Whether you are honoring your own family or learning about the tradition for the first time, it is a moving and memorable experience for all ages.

Kids Go Free
For a limited time, Kids Go Free at SeaWorld. Kids ages 3 to 9 years old, will receive a one-day admission ticket for free with a paid adult ticket, valid until October 31, 2025. SeaWorld San Diego is also offering guests Buy One, Get One 50% off Annual Passes at www.seaworldsandiego.com. Annual Pass Members receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to six free guest tickets, and special savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more. Pass Members are first for everything, first to ride any new attraction, first to view new animal exhibits, and first to know about major park announcements.

Howl-O-Scream Returns with Ultimate Frights
Once the sun goes down, the screams rise. Beginning September 12 and running select nights through November 1, SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a twisted world of terror with the return of Howl-O-Scream. The separately ticketed event designed for brave souls 13 and older, includes intensified haunted houses, unrelenting scare zones, a bone-chilling live show,and hair-raising coaster rides in the dark, Howl-O-Scream pushes the limits of fear and fun.

Brace yourself. Howl-O-Scream, San Diego’s largest, most bone-chilling, adrenaline-pumping Halloween event, storms back into SeaWorld San Diego starting September 12, haunting select nights through November 1. Now in its fifth blood-soaked year, this twisted celebration of terror explodes with reimagined haunted houses, freshly spawned scare zones, and sinister performances. Developed and crafted entirely in-house by the SeaWorld San Diego team. Howl-O-Scream sets itself apart from the competition as a purely original creation: a nightmare engineered to leave guests breathless and begging for mercy. Now and for a limited time during the Monster Sale guests can buy now and save up to 65% off tickets with tickets as low as $32.99 at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream/ .

Reimagined Twisted Houses Bring Fresh Terror to the Night
Two returning fan-favorite haunted houses have received a complete revamp in celebration of five years of fear, bringing even more elaborate scares and detailed storytelling:

  • In the newly reimagined Nightmare Experiment Sweet DreamzZz, guests are led through a converted asylum now run by a mysterious pharmaceutical company testing a sleep aid with horrifying side effects. From hallucinations to uncontrollable rage, the results are disastrous – and you’re the next test subject!
  • Also reimagined this year is Deathwater Bayou Awakening, where a Mardi Gras night in New Orleans takes a dark turn – guests are bewitched and dragged into a cursed bayou, where witches summon an ancient, ravenous deity. With every step, the swamp grows darker and more alive – and escape becomes more unlikely.

Joining the lineup are three fan-favorite haunted houses, now resurrected with a few new twists and deeper nightmares—designed to push returning guests beyond the screams they thought they’d already survived. Circus of the Damned unleashes chaos and confusion in a neon-lit, 3-D clown nightmare, while Simon’s Slaughterhouse delivers a gruesome walk through a deranged meat factory. Area 64: Alien Outbreak brings extraterrestrial terror, luring guests inside a quarantined facility where aliens – and government secrets – have slipped loose.

ALL-NEW Scare Zones Take the Fright Outside the Maze
The terror isn’t limited to the houses. Eight immersive scare zones fill the park with haunting characters and hair-raising frights at every turn, each designed to keep guests on edge with every step. Adding to the lineup of scare zones this year is the new Overgrowth, a nightmarish walk through an overrun greenhouse where a botanist’s mutant plant experiments now feed on passersby. This dark, tangled forest leaves little room to run – or breathe.
Returning favorites include Ripper Row, where the infamous killer still stalks fog-drenched streets, Deadly Toys, featuring demonic dolls and twisted plush playthings and Carnival of Chaos, where deranged carnies wait to recruit new victims.

ALL-NEW Vile Vignettes with Disturbing Stories That Bite Back
Vile Vignettes, spine-tingling horror stories come to life, are back with two new tales of terror:

  • In Summon the Spirits, an amateur paranormal investigator arrives in Ripper Row determined to contact a victim of Jack the Ripper. As the séance begins, something darker answers instead.
  • Dolly Delightful, an eerily perfect porcelain doll, finally breaks free from her pristine box – and has quite the temper. Guests must watch out as she has an appetite for dismembering any limbs that get too close to the try me button on her box.

These stories join returning favorites like Dark Magic and Misfortune, where illusions and curses blur the line between reality and your greatest nightmares.

Monster Stomp Slashes Its Way Back After a Killer Run
After leaving audiences screaming for more last year, Monster Stomp on Ripper Row returns to the stage in all its sinister glory. This electrifying live show blends thunderous percussion, eerie vocals and haunting visuals into a gothic rock spectacle set in the streets of Victorian London. A twisted take on the legend of Jack the Ripper, the show quickly became a standout favorite, offering a thrilling – and chilling – break from the terror outside. Dark, theatrical and endlessly entertaining, Monster Stomp proves some nightmares are too good to stay dead.

This killer event will have more announcements – stay tuned for more devilish news about our entertainment, new themed food and bars, hidden speakeasies, plus more. Intended for a mature audience, Howl-O-Scream offers the most fun and frightening Halloween experiences in one place. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event. Monster Sale tickets are limited and must be purchased by August 17 to save up to 65% off. Tickets purchased during the Monster Sale can be used on any event night from September 12 to November 1. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream/.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Summer Spectacular details and information.



Six Flags Magic Mountain Hosts Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®

Horrors await your presence at the park this fall.


Six Flags Magic Mountain sports a collection of premier, pay-to-panic Haunted Mazes. If you’re twisted enough, you can gain access to their collection of forbidden labyrinths with the purchase of a Haunted Attractions Pass.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located in Valencia, and Fright Fest runs on select nights, September 19 – November 2, 2025. For more information on Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain, including operating hours and show schedules visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.



Halloween Horror Nights Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood, Kicking Off Southern California’s Most Extreme Halloween Event, now through Sunday, November 2

Event Scares with Eight All-New and Returning Terrifying Haunted Houses, the Menacing Terror Tram, Frightening Scare Zones and Daring Live Entertainment; and Introduces a New Halloween Horror Nights Dining Pass


With eight all-new and returning haunted houses, the infamous Terror Tram, multiple scare zones and live entertainment, Halloween Horror Nights is Southern California’s scariest Halloween event inspired by the biggest names in horror.

At a glance, Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood features the following:

  • “Fallout” will take guests into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Prime Video’s critically acclaimed series.
  • “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” based on Blumhouse’s hit movie where nothing is as it seems at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.
  • “Terrifier,” inspired by the slasher film franchise that brings the twisted world of Art the Clown to life.
  • “WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks” immerses guests in the world of WWE, going head-to-head with Uncle Howdy in an experience that features The Wyatt Sicks and honors the legacy of Bray Wyatt.
  • “Jason Universe” features horror movie icon Jason from the infamous Friday the 13th films.
  • “Poltergeist, based onAmazon MGM Studios’ supernatural cult horror classic, will bring guests “into the light.”
  • “Scarecrow: Music by SLASH” puts retribution at the forefront in which Mother Nature seeks vengeance on the homesteaders for their sins of the past that will be carried out by farmland scarecrows. SLASH’s original score will deliver an unnerving sense of fear as guests navigate the ominous corridors of the haunted house.
  • “Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America,” the final chapter where three ghostly legends of Latin America await.
  • “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse” enables guests to disembark the Studio Tour tram and set off on foot to encounter some of the most iconic villains from Blumhouse’s popular horror franchises over the past 15 years.
  • “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” a live stunt show that takes visitors on a fiery, rock-fueled adventure while they fight to survive the night.
  • “Chainsaw Clownz,” a troop of chainsaw killers confront guests in this scare zone as they enter the event.
  • “Carnival of Carnage,” an all-new scare zone featuring a maniacal fun house.
  • “Noche de Brujas,” a scare zone that extends the terror from “Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America.”
  • “Murder of Crowz,” the popular scare zone returns with a flock of menacing crows doing anything – and everything – to defend their nest.

“Chainsaw Man: The Chaos” makes its Hollywood debut exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights within the DreamWorks Theatre. This all-original horror anime short film arrives directly from Universal Studios Japan based on the popular Japanese manga and anime series streaming now on Crunchyroll. The film will play in-language and recounts the tale of Denji and the Devil Hunters as they battle the Halloween Horror Nights Devil and his army of zombies. Denji, resurrected into Chainsaw Man, a devil-human hybrid with protruding chainsaws from his body, ultimately takes control in a quest to combat the Devils. It’s an extreme showdown that dares guests to survive a chaos of screams and blood.

The specially curated food and beverage items available at Halloween Horror Nights rank among the most indulgent offerings at the event, and for good reason. Executive Chef Julia Thrash and her culinary team bring the same level of details to these treats as Universal’s entertainment team brings to the haunted houses.

This year’s added bonus includes the arrival of a Halloween Horror Nights Dining Pass, inviting guests to feast on select food and beverage options for a single price. The Dining Pass is available for purchase here and at participating theme park restaurants. Each Dining Pass entitles guests to six items, consisting of two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert or beverage items. All eligible menu items will be designated by a Universal Studios Dining Pass logo on the restaurant menu boards. The Dining Pass is redeemable at participating food and beverage locations only and is valid on the selected visit date. Additional restrictions apply.

The following highlights a sampling of the horror-inspired foods available during Halloween Horror Nights, inclusive of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

Fallout(located on the Upper Lot)

  • Loaded Cram Fries – crispy chili-glazed spam served over pub fries
  • Brahmin Burger – all-beef burger topped with smoked brisket, pickles and BBQ sauce
  • Roasted Radroach Legs – blackened turkey wings served with pub fries
  • Roasted Stingwing – plant-based meatloaf served with insta-mash and mushroom gravy
  • Gulper Stew – creamy clam chowder topped with green onions and crispy bacon
  • Iguana on a Stick – cheesy cornflake crusted corn dog​
  • Yum Yum Deviled Eggs – coconut panna cotta filled with Chamoy pineapple bits and topped with mango topping and tajin
  • Vault Dwellers Wedding Cake – red velvet sponge cake with cream cheese mousse
  • Rad Away – chipotle pineapple brown sugar lemonade served in a blood bag (non-alcoholic)
  • Sunset Sarsaparilla – hot honey root beer topped with sweet cold foam (non-alcoholic)
  • Quantum Fizz – blue raspberry Sprite with a sour blue raspberry rim (non-alcoholic)
  • The Nuclear Blast – vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, orange and lemon juice, simple syrup and Sprite soda tapped with a dehydrated lemon wheel

Five Nights at Freddy’s (located on the Lower Lot)

  • Freddy Fazbear Pizza – classic cheese pizza or cheese pizza topped with tasty pepperoni

Terrifier (Clown Cafe cart located adjacent to the “Terrifier” haunted house)

  • Sunflower Glasses – lemon raspberry cookie sandwich
  • Art’s Delight (served at Mulligan’s and VIP Restaurant as part of the RIP Tour) – vodka, lemonade, vanilla syrup and lemon juice with a black sugar rim, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry drizzled marshmallow
  • Art’s Bloody Masterpiece Donut – Vanilla donut with raspberry filling, black and white sprinkles and a red chocolate drizzle

Jason Universe Barbecue (located on the Lower Lot)

  • Pamela’s Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese – creamy mac and cheese topped with smoked brisket and BBQ sauce
  • Camp Creamy Gouda Fondue – gouda and Angry Orchard fondue served in a sourdough bread bowl with sliced apples
  • Crystal Lake Campfire Dog – 22” all-beef hot dog topped with smoked beef brisket, Angry Orchard fondue and crispy onions served with chips
  • Mess Hall Turkey Leg – smoked seasoned turkey leg served with chips
  • Jason Universe Mask S’more – fire-roasted marshmallow, graham cracker, milk chocolate and blood splatter
  • Mommy’s Special Margarita – Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, tequila, honey and lime juice with a salted rim and lime wheel
  • Pam’s Punch – Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, white rum, black cherry syrup and lemon juice topped with a dehydrated apple chip

SLASH Bar(located on the Lower Lot by “Jurassic World—The Ride”)

  • Chicken Satay Tacos – coconut turmeric chicken topped with pickled carrot and onion drizzled with a creamy turmeric sour cream and cilantro
  • Thai Beef Tacos – Thai marinated beef topped with pickled carrot and onion drizzled with a creamy turmeric sour cream and cilantro
  • Thai Curry Tacos – Thai curry plant-based steak tips topped with pickled carrot and onion drizzled with a creamy turmeric sour cream and cilantro
  • Slash’s Top Hat – vanilla bean sponge cake with mango habanero gelee, pineapple compote and a crisp honey crunch
  • Slash’s Snake Pit – raspberry ginger Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar with a gummy snake (non-alcoholic)
  • Night Train – vodka, spiced rum, blue curaçao, lemon juice and Sprite, topped with a Cabernet Sauvignon float
  • The Danse of the Dead – whiskey, blackberry syrup, lemon juice and old fashioned mix topped with a mint sprig and fresh blackberries
  • Beautiful Dangerous – gin, aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup, grenadine and Mediterranean tonic water with a pink sugar rim and rosemary sprig

Chucky’s Dive Bar (located behind Animation Studio Store)

  • Playtime’s Over – tequila, watermelon puree, habanero, lime juice and agave with a chamoy and tajin rim and chamoy gummy bears
  • Friend Till the End – vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup and Sprite with orange boba popping pearls, topped with cotton candy
  • The Charles Lee Ray – bourbon, fire whiskey, pumpkin puree and ginger ale topped with dehydrated mangos

Dia de Los Muertos (located in Universal Plaza)

  • Carne Asada Nachos – tortilla chips topped with carne asada, pico de gallo, queso fresco and guacamole
  • Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce – Beef birria topped with onions and cilantro on a corn tortilla and served with red consomé sauce
  • Esquites – Corn off the Cob – corn sliced off the cobb topped with grated cotija cheese, cilantro and tajin
  • Fried Cinnamon Tortilla Chips – fried tortilla chips tossed in cinnamon sugar
  • Pineapple Spears – pineapple spears with chamoy
  • The Drowned Bride – citrus vodka, blue curaçao, vanilla and lemonade with lemon popping boba pearls
  • La Muelona Margarita – tequila, cherry, lime juice and agave with a red sugar rim, dehydrated lime and maraschino cherries
  • La Siguanaba Gin Mule – gin, blue curaçao, dessert pear, blood orange and ginger beer with a black sugar rim and black licorice laces
  • Muerte Mango Michelada – Modelo Especial or Modelo Negra, mango michelada mix with a chamoy and tajin rim
  • Don Julio Margarita – Don Julio Reposado, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind vodka, Jameson orange whiskey, lime juice and agave with a black sea salt rim and a dehydrated lime wheel
  • Pepino Margarita – tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave and sparkling cucumber with a chamoy, tajin rim and fresh cucumber slices
  • Spicy Jalapeno Margarita – tequila, jalapeno, lime juice and agave with a chamoy. tajin rim and sliced jalapenos
  • Familia Frozen Strawberry Margarita – Don Julio Blanco frozen strawberry margarita with a Don Julio Reposado float, chamoy and tajin rim

Universal Tower Snack Bar(located near Universal Plaza)

  • FRITOS® Scoops!® The Walking Taco – topped with beef chili and cheddar cheese served over FRITOS Scoops
  • Tostitos® Salsa Verde The Walking Taco –Beef birria, red consomé, red onion and green onion served over Salsa Verde Tostitos® chips
  • CHEETOS® FLAMIN’ HOT® Fire Dog – 22” all-beef hot dog topped with chili and cheese served in a CHEETOS FLAMIN’ HOT coated bun

Fans and guests can gear up for Halloween Horror Nights with a hauntingly stylish array of new products inspired by this year’s most anticipated haunted houses and horror icons. From eerie t-shirts and hoodies to sinister drinkware and headwear, every piece is crafted to bring the horror home. Additionally, guests can purchase one-of-a-kind popcorn buckets, including HamiKuma, based on an original character from Universal Studios Japan, and the popular collaboration Hello Kitty Chucky.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood celebrates the terrifying time of year with a selection of food and beverage items at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Voodoo Doughnuts and Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville®.

A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are available, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the Early Access Ticket,which provides entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), in advance of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. event opening time, the R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions.

For a deeper dive into the scares, check out the Discover Universal Blog. For more information, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Halloween.


Whatever you do for Halloween this year, we hope you have a fabulous time!

“SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP” Summer 2025 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Here’s what’s happening this summer at our local theme parks:


Disneyland Resort Honored Official 70th Anniversary on July 17, 2025, with Debut of New Attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life”

  • New attraction based on Walt Disney’s life premieres at Main Street Opera House
  • Other tributes to Disney heritage include “So Much That We Share: A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers” at Main Street Cinema and new addition of “it’s a small world” finale verse
  • Special ticket and hotel offers available to continue enjoying Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration

Originally dedicated by Walt Disney with the hope that Disneyland would be “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world”, Disneyland Resort continues its historic 70th Celebration with even more experiences for guests to enjoy this summer and beyond, honoring its longstanding history and heritage as The Happiest Place on Earth.

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” debuts at Disneyland Park
The all-new “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” attraction makes its public debut at the Main Street Opera House, featuring a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling.

In a heartfelt pre-show tribute video to the attraction called “Memories of Walt”, those who worked alongside Walt Disney – and those inspired by his vision – share personal stories and reflections about Walt Disney.

The lobby of the Main Street Opera House includes an all-new gallery experience titled “Evolution of a Dream”, displaying images, artifacts and art – some never before seen – that show Disneyland before, during and after Walt’s dream became a reality. Guests will also find another special exhibit that highlights the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology, from Walt’s day leading to the advancement of where we are today.

More tributes to Disney heritage
Over at the Main Street Cinema, guests can experience “So Much That We Share: A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers” to view the heartwarming three-and-a-half-minute film titled “The Last Verse”. The short film, which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman brothers’ iconic song, “It’s A Small World,” was originally created for the song’s 60th anniversary and unveils a new verse written by legendary composer Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution. This third and final verse to the beloved song can now be heard in the finale scene of the “it’s a small world” attraction in Fantasyland at Disneyland park.

Celebrate seven decades of happiness with special offers
To welcome as many families and guests as possible, Disneyland Resort always provides a range of ticket, dining and hotel options, as well as promotional offers throughout the year. When planning their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com/offersfor a list of available offers that could help them save money, such as the limited-time Disneyland Anniversary Ticket Offer, available to purchase now for visits through August 14, 2025.

With many new and different choices in attractions, entertainment, dining and rotating limited-time offerings, guests may consider extending the fun with a multi-day vacation or overnight stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Guests can make reservations now with limited-time savings up to 20% on select stays of 3 or more nights at Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel from Aug. 17-Dec. 19, 2025,* subject to availability and restrictions.

The Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim and features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment and shopping complex. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and Pixar Place Hotel. Disneyland is open daily, and Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration runs through August 14, 2025. For tickets and more information visit www.disneyland.com.



Knott’s Berry Farm Presents Knott’s Summer Nights Running Now through September 1, 2025, on Select Days Only

Runs concurrently with Ghost Town Alive through September 1, 2025, on Select Days Only


The summer adventure continues long after the sun goes down, with a nighttime summer party that will liven up the evening. Knott’s Summer Nights offers exciting ways to enjoy the nighttime festivities.

With live music, unique summer food offerings, Instagram-able photo opportunities, interactive experiences and family-friendly games, Knott’s Summer Nights will be an event to remember.

Download the official Knott’s Berry Farm Mobile App for a complete list of entertainment offerings and showtimes. Showtimes are subject to change without notice. 

Live New Adventures in the Old West

Ghost Town Alive! returns to Knott’s Berry Farm for the 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. 

Ghost Town Alive! offers guests a firsthand experience to play an important part in the unfolding story of the wild west, with specific tasks and activities and an essential role as an honorary citizen of Calico.

Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Hotel are located in Buena Park. Knott’s Berry Farm is open daily and Knott’s Summer Nights with Ghost Town Alive runs through September 1, 2025. For more information about Knott’s Merry Farm, please visit www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the festive conversation using the hashtag #MerryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.



A SLAM DUNK: The Nike and LEGO® Play Arena Returns to LEGOLAND ® California Resort After Hit Debut

The popular event returns this summer!


Back by popular demand, the Nike and LEGO® Play Arena returns to LEGOLAND® California Resort from now to August 10, inviting kids and families back into the game for another summer of active, creative fun. The return kicks off just in time to celebrate the launch of the highly anticipated Nike Dunk x LEGO set — with sets also available for purchase at LEGOLAND California Resort, as well as the retail date of Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO Collection on August 1.

This exciting basketball-themed experience – a global collaboration between Nike and The LEGO Group – brings together active and creative play to fuel the future of youth sport in a one-of-a-kind arena designed just for kids and their families. Admission to the Nike and LEGO Play Arena is included with general admission to LEGOLAND California Resort.

Guests can get in the game at the Nike and LEGO Play Arena, where a lineup of interactive, basketball-inspired activities awaits. Kids can design their own LEGO Minifigure Athlete Trading Card, complete with stylish Nike gear, and use LEGO bricks to build and display their own LEGO Mini Basketball Jerseys. Families can take on the LEGO 3-Point Shot Challenge, testing their skills on a custom-built court that brings the fun of basketball to life in LEGO form. To top it all off, guests can capture the moment with a photo at the vibrant Wall of Fame—the perfect keepsake from this playful, action-packed experience.

And that’s just the start of an epic summer bursting with creativity, connection, and the magic of imagination at LEGOLAND California Resort. At the center of the excitement is the Summer Block Party – a high-energy, season-long celebration packed with live entertainment, interactive shows, surprise character appearances, and nonstop opportunities to play, build, and explore. Adding to the fun is the grand return of theLEGO® World Parade, a vibrant procession of LEGO themed floats and fan-favorite characters that bring the streets of LEGOLAND to life in spectacular fashion.

Here’s what’s happening all summer long with more play, more energy, and more LEGO fun:

  • Now Open – LEGOLAND® Water Park and Chima Water Park: Splash into summer with thrilling slides, splash zones, and cool-down spots perfect for all ages.
  • All-New Driving Schools: Where kids can learn the rules of the road and earn their very own LEGOLAND driver’s license.
  • Ultimate LEGO Sleepover: Stay the night in newly themed rooms at the LEGOLAND Hotel or Castle Hotel featuring LEGO® DUPLO, LEGO® NINJAGO, and LEGO® Friends designs.

For more information about LEGOLAND California Resort, including hours of operation, visit LEGOLAND.com/California. For more information about the Nike and LEGO Play Arena and LEGOLAND California Resort, visit: https://www.legoland.com/california/playarena/ 

LEGOLAND California’s 2025 operating calendar can be found here. For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.  To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay. 



SeaWorld San Diego Takes Summer to New Heights with a Spectacular Lineup – Featuring an All-New Parade, Iconic Concert Series and High-Energy Shows

The largest standalone jellyfish exhibit in the country is a must-see in Southern California!


SeaWorld San Diego is turning up the heat with the return of its stand-out Summer Spectacular, running now through Monday, September 1. This electrifying celebration features all-new entertainment, including a vibrant summer parade and a throwback concert series with some of the most influential artists in hip hop and R&B from the 90s and early 2000s. With dazzling fireworks, thrilling stunt shows and fan-favorite characters, as well as the mesmerizing NEW Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience and coasters after dark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from day to night.

With these exciting additions and extended summer hours of operation, 2025 offers more reasons than ever to visit the park. The best way to experience the event at the best value is by becoming a Pass Member and receiving unlimited park admission all summer long with no blockout dates. Plus, now and for a limited time during the Memorial Day Sale, guests can get up to 55% off Tickets, Fun Cards and Passes.

Summer Live Shows & Entertainment

  • ALL-NEW The Rhythm of the Reef Parade – A tide has risen in celebration of the wonders of the sea! Journey with SeaWorld’s ocean crew and fan-favorite SeaWorld characters as they embark on an exciting and colorful adventure full of endless discovery. Featuring a fresh theme and more parade floats than ever, this spectacular procession is set to dazzle audiences like never before. The parade begins at the Whale Shop.
  • ALL-NEW BMX Blast! Powered by BODYARMOR Stunt Show – BMX Blast! is a high-energy stunt show celebrating the history of extreme sports in Southern California. Sing along as a live band cranks out the pop-punk hits of the late nineties while world class stunt riders showcase tail whips, bar spins and back flips. Guests won’t want to miss these big tunes, big ramps and big air! Shows are located at Nautilus Amphitheater.
  • FAN-FAVORITE Enchanted Wonders Fireworks – Enchanted Wonders Fireworks takes place in the skies high above SeaWorld San Diego. As the sun sets and the night sky comes alive, guests will be treated to a dazzling display of color, beloved music from Blue Horizons and Shamu Rocks and lyrics created just for SeaWorld.
  • FAN-FAVORITE Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove – The sword-swinging pirates make their grand return for an even more action-packed escapade this summer. Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with this water stunt spectacular, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. Watch as daring pirates battle against mesmerizing mermaids in a thrilling display of water stunts and acrobatics. This action-packed stunt show will have guests on the edge of their seats and fully immersed in the alluring world of mermaids and pirates. Shows are daily at Bayside Amphitheater.
  • FAN-FAVORITE Shamu and Crew: Together Again Live Performance Show – Sing and dance with Shamu and Crew (Sam, O.P., Coral, Shivers, Pete and Penny) as they reunite to rebuild Shamu’s Happy Harbor for their SeaWorld Anniversary Celebration! With a little elbow grease, teamwork and a touch of nostalgia Shamu and the Crew will start the Anniversary Celebration with some style! The show is located at Mission Bay Theater.

Splashes and Skyrides

Guests looking for more splashes can grab some friends and enjoy Shipwreck Rapids. For the best summer view, guests can take a relaxing break and treat themselves to beautiful views on Bayside Skyride, a gently gliding gondola that soars above the park and scenic Mission Bay, or enjoy another view from above on SkyTower with breathtaking views up to a hundred miles in every direction, from the beauty of Mission Bay to the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean to San Diego’s historic skyline and waterfront.

2025 SeaWorld Summer Spectacular Concert Series

The 2025 Summer Concert Series takes place every Saturday* from now to August 23 at 6 pm for an unforgettable musical journey featuring R&B, hip-hop and rap hits from the ’90s and early 2000s. With the bay’s scenic views as a stunning backdrop, this is the ultimate spot to move to the sounds that defined a generation. Musical performances include:

  • Saturday, August 2 – I Love the 90’s Tour
  • Saturday, August 9 – Trina
  • Saturday, August 16 – Ginuwine
  • Saturday, August 23 – The Turnt Up Tour

All concerts are included with park admission and those looking to secure a great seat can opt to purchase reserved seating in advance. Reserved seating can be purchased at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/summer-spectacular/buy-tickets/.

With extended summer hours and thrilling new additions, 2025 offers more reasons than ever to visit. Come be part of the excitement!

NEW- Jewels of the Sea

SeaWorld San Diego is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience, the largest standalone jellyfish exhibit in the country, is now open to the public.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of jellyfish, in this groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind attraction at SeaWorld Parks. Jewels of the Sea showcases the enchanting beauty, fascinating biology, and mysterious allure of these otherworldly animals.

Designed to be both captivating and educational, Jewels of the Sea offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a variety of jellyfish species through engaging, interactive exhibits. The experience features three distinct galleries, each offering a unique perspective on jellyfish and showcasing the variety of jelly species and their locations from the shallow levels of ocean to the deep unknown. Guests begin their journey with an introduction to the fascinating world of jellies, answering key questions about their stings, life cycle, and anatomy. The murals on the walls will guide guests from shallow mangrove forests, where upside-down jellies live, through coral reefs, and into a deep ocean trench, symbolizing deeper exploration.

The exhibit opens with nine unique varieties of jellies species displayed through over 15 aquariums. Highlights include one of the largest jellyfish cylinders in the country, a cascading water globe filled with jellyfish, and a fully interactive LED gallery that brings the wonders of the ocean to life. Throughout Jewels of the Sea, the wall corners are rounded to symbolize the flow of ocean currents. The lighting pulses from the arch to the cylinder tank, mimicking the movement of jellies in ocean currents.

The exhibit provides a deep dive into the jellyfish life cycle, anatomy, and conservation – one of the key reasons SeaWorld San Diego chose to create this experience. The exhibit also underscores SeaWorld’s commitment to marine education and the preservation of ocean ecosystems.

In conjunction with the exhibit’s grand opening and to highlight the crucial role that jellyfish play in understanding ocean health, SeaWorld partnered with Washed Ashore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation to present a powerful new art installation. Located just outside Jewels of the Sea, the life-sized Lion’s Mane Jellyfish sculpture, made entirely from upcycled marine debris, serves as a striking reminder of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Crafted from discarded materials like ropes, plastic bottles, and foam buoys, the sculpture stands as a symbol of the urgent need to reduce waste and protect our oceans.

To further enhance the experience, SeaWorld is offering the exclusive Jelly Up-Close Tour. This behind-the-scenes journey provides guests with a closer look at SeaWorld’s jellyfish propagation program, along with an opportunity for hands-on interactions with these fascinating creatures in an educational setting.

The best way to enjoy this mesmerizing new exhibit is with an Annual Pass, offering:

  • Unlimited visits all year long
  • Exclusive access to seasonal events
  • Complimentary guest tickets during select times
  • No blackout dates
  • Exciting discounts on in-park experiences

Don’t miss your chance to dive into this one-of-a-kind adventure! Visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com to plan your visit and take advantage of these limited-time savings.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Summer Spectacular details and information.



Fans Of the Movie Jurassic World Rebirth are Invited To Universal Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood, Now Through August 10

Experience Jurassic World—The Ride for a close-up encounter with the Mosasaurus and Meet Dolores the Aquilops from the new blockbuster film!


Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests, movie buffs and Jurassic World fans everywhere to celebrate the worldwide blockbuster movie Jurassic World Rebirth at the theme park’s all-new Universal Mega Movie Summer event running now through August 10.

Fans can experience the thrill of Jurassic World—The Ride, the theme park’s marquee attraction that features an incredible up-close encounter with the Mosasaurus along with other dinosaurs from the Jurassic World franchise. The iconic 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale now reverberates with the menacing roar of a Mosasaurus and includes erupting geysers to shower guests with water and help them beat the heat.

A centerpiece to the experience includes the all-new opportunity to meet Dolores, the adorable Aquilops from the new film, alongside her handler, an animal specialist who’s on hand to share facts and stats about this tiny Ceratopsian herbivore.

Fans of the Jurassic World franchise will also have the chance to meet other dinosaur favorites Blue the Velociraptor, Juliet the Triceratops and Baby Tango, as well as see four new Dilophosaurus that are featured on the ride.

The experience also welcomes guests to step into a thrilling scene from Jurassic World Rebirth and pose near a larger-than-life Spinosaurus to create a memorable photo op perfect for instant social postings.  An entertaining scavenger hunt featuring several sneaky Compsognathus dinosaurs will both entertain and keep guests on their toes as they navigate around the area.

To enhance the in-world experience, fans can sample prehistoric delicacies at Jurassic Cafe and all-new themed beverages at Isla Nu-bar such as The Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise. A selection of exclusive themed merchandise available at Jurassic Outfitters invites guests to purchase a piece of Jurassic World with all-new apparel, toys and popcorn buckets.

To catch Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World Rebirth on the big screen, CityWalk’s Universal Cinema , an AMC® Theatre, is the ideal movie theatre for the best movie going experience in L.A. Just before guests venture into the theatre, they will be greeted by a massive, full-scale Quetzalcoatlus perched above an ancient temple. This exciting feature will remain at CityWalk until July 21. Within the theater, film buffs can marvel at original costumes from the film and indulge in themed drinks and exclusive popcorn buckets.

The Universal Cinema is the only theatrical venue in the world to feature both a six-story 70MM IMAX® with 4K laser projection and the new PRIME at AMC® theater, featuring 4K laser projection, superior acoustics and heated, plush, recliner seats with built-in subwoofer technology.

All of these experiences are part of Universal Mega Movie Summer, when iconic films leap from the silver screen and into the theme park. This year’s event also features the 50th Golden Anniversary of Jaws, the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future, Wicked and How to Train Your Dragon as part of its programming. In anticipation of Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster, guests can enjoy a sneak peek of the Dodge Charger ride vehicle that will be featured on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, when it opens 2026.

Universal Mega Movie Summer complements the slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™” highly immersive land that features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “ Jurassic World—The Ride ”; Illumination’s award-winning “ The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ” and “ Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”; Springfield, U.S.A. and “ The Simpsons Ride™”; “ TRANSFORMERS™:  The Ride-3D” and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride ,” as well as the theme park’s signature, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year-round, and Universal Mega Movie Summer runs through August 10, 2025. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

© Nintendo. Nintendo trademarks are properties of Nintendo.
Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2024 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved.HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)



Whatever you do for fun this summer, we hope you have a fabulous time!

“SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP” Winter 2024 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Here’s what’s happening for the holiday season at our local theme parks:


The Holidays at Disneyland Resort Bring Classic Traditions, New Family Favorites and the Debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Entertainment includes visits with Santa Claus at the Fantasyland Theatre and live performances at Disney Festival of Holidays


The Happiest Place on Earth is now full of bright décor, festive fun and more as Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returned this year (through Jan. 6, 2025). Guests of all ages can recreate heartfelt traditions and discover favorites such as boarding “It’s a Small World” Holiday and other beloved attraction overlays, celebrating the multicultural Disney Festival of Holidays and witnessing plenty of wintry décor throughout Disneyland Resort.

Guests can ride the newly reimagined attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, now open in Bayou Country in Disneyland Park. In addition, guests can meet Santa Claus and select Disney characters at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park, search for decorative ornaments hidden throughout Downtown Disney District in Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit and experience new cultural performance groups at Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure Park. Plus, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and some of their friends are debuting new looks at Disneyland Park and Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are offering an all-new winter-inspired breakfast and brunch.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disneyland Park

Adding more excitement to the holiday season, Princess Tiana’s story comes to life in a new way at Disneyland Resort when the attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened Nov. 15, 2024, at Disneyland Park. With original music, favorite songs and intricate details throughout, guests can join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis as they encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou.

The attraction builds upon Princess Tiana’s storytelling that guests can experience uniquely at Disneyland Resort, whether it’s shopping at Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets or dining at Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant. The reimagined merchandise locations now open in Bayou Country in Disneyland Park, Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club, feature themed merchandise inspired by the attraction that further immerses you into the world of Princess Tiana.

Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

The welcoming and vibrant Disney Festival of Holidays have returned to Disney California Adventure Park, highlighting a diverse season of celebrations in Southern California with a wide range of flavorful food and beverages, a variety of live entertainment, unique festival merchandise and more.

Guests can experience new and returning menu items at the Festive Food Marketplaces. The scannable Sip and Savor Pass, available for purchase in four-coupon or eight-coupon versions, can be digitally redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages from participating marketplaces and dining locations in Disney California Adventure Park.*

Upbeat live entertainment expands the tapestry of diversity and brings high energy to the holiday fun. A slate of new cultural performance groups – along with returning favorites – are performing joyous music and dance across a range of genres. Plus, guests are able to enjoy holiday rhythms as iconic Disney characters march to the beat of festive music during the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade.

Paradise Gardens is home to the returning Disney ¡Viva Navidad! cultural celebration, which includes daily crafts, specialty dishes at Paradise Garden Grill, live music and décor inspired by Latin American traditions – with a dash of Disney flair. Here, guests may encounter Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, The Three Caballeros and Mirabel from Disney Animation’s “Encanto.” The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party performs on select days, featuring The Three Caballeros accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and more. On days when Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party is not scheduled, guests may encounter Mirabel from “Encanto” or Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” in festive street performances that celebrate the holidays and the gift of familia, outside the entrance to Paradise Gardens Park. Guests can check Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app for performance schedules.

Holiday décor, entertainment and dining

Beloved Disney characters come together for a merry musical celebration during “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” in Disneyland Park. Every night, festive fireworks and stirring music bring the season to life during the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park. “Snow” is scheduled to fall every night along the Rivers of America, near “It’s a Small World” Holiday and portions of Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park. Hundreds of fountains dance to festive music and shimmering “snowflakes” fills Paradise Bay each evening during the nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” in Disney California Adventure Park.

Guests are also able to enjoy dozens of limited-time, holiday-themed food and beverages, including returning hits like the Mickey Gingerbread. Among the novelties available during the season is the Holiday stainless steel tumbler. For amazing bites and sights, Plaza Inn dining packages with special parade viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and a dessert party including seating for “World of Color – Season of Light” are available to book on Disneyland.com.

Guests can hear holiday stories about Walt and the Disney family during the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour.** Highlights include holiday themed treats and reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”

Several new holiday merchandise collections can be found throughout Disneyland Resort including the Mickey Mouse Family Christmas, Holiday Red and Snowman collections. Ideal for gifting to friends and family, an assortment of merry merchandise decks the halls at holiday shopping locations like World of Disney, Emporium, Elias & Co. and more.

This year, Santa Claus and select characters visit and create photo memories with guests at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park, which also features cookie decorating, craft making, storytelling and atmospheric music throughout the day. Santa makes stops at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel daily through Dec. 24. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and some of their friends make appearances in Disneyland Park in all-new outfits reminiscent of writing heartfelt letters during the holidays. Select characters also dress for the occasion on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park.

At Disneyland Park, “It’s a Small World” Holiday transports guests through a world tour of good cheer, while Jack Skellington from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” brings whimsical sights and seasonal surprises to Haunted Mansion Holiday. In Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree have undergone transformations to become Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Shining holiday décor embellishes both theme parks, Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. From Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, snow will also fall on the reimagined west end of Downtown Disney District. Throughout Downtown Disney District, guests can search for special ornaments along the all-new Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit through Jan. 1, 2025. Guests can purchase an activity map at select shopping locations in Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort to help their search and redeem it at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders for a holiday keepsake.***

Guests can plan their stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort this holiday season, located just a short stroll from both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District; check Disneyland.com for the latest hotel offers.

The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort feature special holiday offerings and entertainment. The lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa displays an impressive gingerbread house inspired by pastries and candies in the lobby, as well as Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Café with seasonal décor and select characters sporting new pajamas. Plus, Tenaya Stone Spa is presenting bookable holiday experiences like the Underneath the Tree Signature Massage and Warmth of Holiday Foot Treatment. “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!” at Disneyland Hotel once again features Chef Goofy and his pals dressed in their holiday best. New décor adorns the colorful, contemporary setting of Pixar Place Hotel for its first holiday season.

The Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim and features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment and shopping complex. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and Pixar Place Hotel. Disneyland is open daily, and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort runs through January 6, 2025. For tickets and more information visit www.disneyland.com.

*An event Sip and Savor Pass will expire on the stated date and will not be valid at any other event or at any other time. Passes are nonrefundable, subject to restrictions, and not valid for Theme Park admission. Other restrictions apply. Both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry.

**Separate fee and tour reservation required, and both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry. Other restrictions apply. Subject to availability and change or cancellation without notice.

***Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit is subject to cancellation or change without notice including, without limitation, dates, keepsakes and prices. Purchase limits apply. Whether you choose to search for the ornaments or not, return your map for a small keepsake. 1 Map = 1 Keepsake. Maps are valid for redemption through 1/1/2025, or while keepsake supplies last.



Knott’s Merry Farm Returns Bigger and Brighter in 2024 with New Spectacular Tree Lighting Ceremony

Guests can enjoy the holidays now through January 5, 2025


The holiday season at Knott’s Merry Farm promises to be merry and bright as the park debuts the new ‘Tis the Season Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event in Calico Park invites everyone to kick off the evening’s holiday celebration with dancers, singers, and, of course, Snoopy. Also this year, guest favorites return along with new food offerings and new merchandise as the park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights and miles of beautiful garland.

Christmas in Calico continues as the Snow and Glow experience fills the buildings and paths with thousands of lights dancing to the beat of Christmas music while “snow” gently falls throughout Ghost Town. The Wilderness Dance Hall transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin, where the entire family can create fond memories by taking photos with Santa Claus and his friends. At The Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company presents a reimagined Charles Dickens classic, A Calico Christmas Carol. The theatre will also present the heartwarming Knott’s version of O. Henry’s classic tale of love and sacrifice, The Gift of the Magi, 1885.

Knott’s own vocal quartet, the Calico Carolers, transports guests back in time to a Victorian Christmas as they perform the season’s songs throughout the streets of Ghost Town. A down-home dose of Christmas cheer is in store for those who join Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies for a foot-stompin’ show with energetic music and comedy for the whole family. Yuletide cheer is in store with Home for the Holidays, where joyous merriment takes over the Calico Mine Stage with dancing and fun set to popular holiday tunes.

Over at the Walter Knott Theater, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang take to the ice in Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas. This guest favorite returns with the Knott’s Ice-Skating Ensemble and Snoopy retelling the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” re-imagined Peanuts style.

At the Fiesta Plaza Stage, guests can enjoy Latin Caribbean and New York salsa as well as current American top 40 songs, but with a Latin band format and rhythms provided by Adelaide Pilar.

It’s not a holiday celebration without festive food. Throughout the park, guests can indulge in traditional holiday classics with a twist, including a Merry Farm favorite, the crispy breaded “Turkey Ball” filled with perfectly seasoned stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce, or the vegan and gluten-free pistachio orange cookie.Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is back with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts, including chainsaw wood carvings and elegant glass blowing.

Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is back with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts, including chainsaw wood carvings and elegant glass blowing.

Turn your Merry Farm experience into a holly jolly hotel getaway with an overnight stay at The Knott’s Hotel. The Knott’s Merry Farm Holiday Package includes hotel accommodations, Knott’s Merry Farm admission for one day for each registered guest, and hotel parking. Upgrade to the Hotel Breakfast Package for an unforgettable holiday celebration. For hotel reservations, please visit knotts.com.

Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Hotel are located in Buena Park. Knott’s Berry Farm is open daily and Knott’s Merry Farm runs through January 5, 2025. For more information about Knott’s Merry Farm, please visit www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the festive conversation using the hashtag #MerryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.



Holidays at LEGOLAND® California Returns with an Elf Extravaganza!

The Merlin Entertainments theme park in Carlsbad, CA, will be ‘bricking the halls’ starting November 23


Tis the season for fa-la-la-la-LEGO® fun! LEGOLAND® California Resort’s Holidays event is turning Carlsbad, CA, into an “elf extravaganza” this festive season. Elves are using festive décor, twinkling lights, garland and even falling snow for the Holidays kicking off Nov. 23 and running select days through Jan. 5.  All festivities are included with general Park admission and select annual passes.

This year, Santa’s zaniest helpers have taken over Imagination Zone and transformed it into an elf extravaganza. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by training to become an elf at the new Elf Training Academy, taking “elfies” with the all-new LEGO® elf characters, Ivy and Frode, or mastering their jolly good dance moves at the new Holly Hype Dance Party. And don’t miss the North Pole Postal Service where guests can mail letters to Santa by dropping them in a special mailbox, where eager elves will ensure they make their way to the North Pole.

The elf fun continues as you stroll through the Park where you’ll be greeted by the iconic three-story-tall twinkling LEGO Christmas tree built out of more than 364,481 LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks. Capture core memories with Christmas card photos in front of the larger-than-life LEGO wreath, sample sweet treats with a holiday twist, and get a head start on holiday shopping at The Big Shop. Explore festivities, including:

  • Holiday Fireworks: Watch the elves light up the sky with an end-of-day festive fireworks show on Saturdays in December and Dec. 21 through 30.
  • Holly Hype Dance Party: Join Reindeer Girl and jump, prance and boogie down in this interactive holiday dance party!
  • Brickmas Greetings: Meet and greet with our LEGO Toy Soldier, sing along with Toy Soldier’s Marching Band, and get some holiday shopping in at The Big Shop.
  • Meet LEGO Santa and Friends: Your favorite holiday LEGO characters are back and ready for holiday hugs, pictures, and selfies. Meet friends including LEGO Snowman, Reindeer Girl, Gingerbread Man, Toy Soldier and new elf characters, Ivy and Frode. Plus, T-Rex Guy has dressed up for the season and is bringing the holiday spirit inside the Resort’s newest land, Dino Valley!
  • Jingle Jamboree: Celebrate the holidays with the final show of the day and see favorite LEGO Holiday characters sing and dance to merry tunes.

After the Christmastime celebrations, ring in the New Year on Dec. 31 with dazzling fireworks, delicious treats, festive entertainment, and more at this year’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve. Countdown to LEGOLAND California’s version of midnight (which is a kid-approved 7 p.m.), with fireworks and special 3D glasses that turn the bursts into LEGO bricks!

LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone! To ensure every visitor has a fun Holidays experience, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America are Certified Autism Centers after working with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental, and emotional awareness – ensuring families can build a bricktastic vacation and make unforgettable memories.

LEGOLAND California’s 2024 operating calendar can be found here. For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.  To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay. 

LEGOLAND California Resort and Sea Life Aquarium are located in Carlsbad. Legoland is open on select days, and the LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel are open daily year-round. For more information call 760-444-5600 or visit www.legoland.com/california/.



Six Flags Magic Mountain Celebrates 10 Festive Years of Annual Holiday in The Park Event

Families, friends, and thrill-seekers are invited to join in the merriment starting November 28


Six Flags Magic Mountain, the undisputed Thrill Capital of the World, lights up the holiday season with the park’s 10th Annual Holiday in the Park, on select days from November 28 through January 5. Beginning at 5:00pm, the magic of the season takes over as the park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than two million twinkling lights amidst a thrilling collection of world-class coasters and family attractions, visits with Santa, festive treats and more. From coasters to cocoa, it’s a holiday spectacular for all to enjoy!

Guests of all ages can enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday season as the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland.

Three new festive Holiday in the Park shows include:

  • NEW! Unwrapped: Holiday Magic – As the magic of Holiday in the Park takes over each night, witness this dazzling new opening ceremony featuring an ensemble of energetic dancers and costumed characters, holiday light displays, and festive music.
  • NEW! Elf-a-Palooza – In a dazzling all-new show, Santa’s larger-than-life toy soldiers are joined by the spirited tinsel toy elf dancers where their playful antics and choreographed dance moves are sure to fill the audience with joy and wonder.
  • NEW! Reindeer Dash – A thrilling new slider show that showcases the incredible skill and magic of Santa’s reindeer as they gear up for their most important night of the year. Perfect for all ages, this lively holiday spectacle is packed with music, laughter, and a contagious festive cheer that will make your holiday season unforgettable.

Returning Holiday in the Park one-of-a-kind themed areas and entertainment:

  • North Pole Junction is home to Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their merry elves. Visit Santa in his cottage or enjoy crafts with Mrs. Claus, snap a holiday photo, pen a letter with your holiday wish list, or take a ride aboard the North Pole Express train. Beginning at 1:00pm on Holiday in the Park days through December 24. Located in Whistlestop Park; 
  • Holiday Village offers a variety of festive eats and treats including Santa’s Hot Chocolate Bar, Blitzen’s Bread Bowls, Mrs. Claus’ Homemade Sweets, and S’mores perfect roasting over an open fire pit.
  • HollyRock! takes guests back in time through a lighted time-travel tunnel into the fabulous 1950’s, for a rockabilly holiday extravaganza featuring thousands of lights, a dazzling 22-foot tree, classic cars, festive “oldies” music, and an open fire pit to roast s’mores. Located in The Underground;
  • Gleampunk District transports guests into the 19th century with the sights and sounds of the Industrial Revolution, in this beautifully lit area featuring thousands of lights along the tree-lined streets and planters. Located near Twisted Colossus;
  • Holiday Square dazzles guests with a kaleidoscope of hundreds of thousands of breathtaking colored lights on trees and buildings throughout the area sprinkled with the wonder of falling snowflakes for everyone to enjoy. Located in Six Flags Plaza; and
  • The Wishing Ridge dazzles all with a whimsical light show choreographed to festive music and thousands of glimmering lights. Located near Viper.

To add to the merriment, guests can take home Holiday in the Park gifts and souvenirs, including novelty apparel, ornaments, and soft plush toys. With a visit to the North Pole Junction, guests can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and take home a souvenir holiday photo.

Enjoy a Taste of Holiday in the Park with a wide variety of specialty holiday-inspired main courses including cranberry ribs, traditional tamales, chicken tortilla soup, loaded baked potatoes, and many more tasty eats. Plus, indulge in festive sweets and treats including freshly made peppermint bark, festive funnel cakes and thrill shakes, and much, much more. Guests can also cozy up with loved ones and roast marshmallows over an open fire pit at one of several locations around the park.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located in Valencia, and Holiday in the Park event days include November 28-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-31, and January 1-5. For more information on Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain, including operating hours and show schedules visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.

Six Flags Season Passes & Memberships

For the ultimate holiday gift, get 2025 Six Flags Season Passes or Memberships during the Six Flags Cyber Sale, November 25 through December 2.  For a limited time choose a Gold Membership starting at just $6.99 a month plus take advantage of huge discounts on add-ons like All-Season Dining and THE FLASH™ Pass. For more details visit sixflags.com/magicmountain.



Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates the All-New Addition of Joyful Holidays in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Along With “Grinchmas” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” From November 29 through January 6, 2025

Holidays Extend to Universal CityWalk with Nightly Tree Lightings and an Array of Shopping and Dining Options


‘Tis the season and Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk ‘tis the place to make unforgettable holiday memories. 

From Friday, November 29 through Monday, January 6, 2025, guests can experience the magic of the season with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ which features an all-new holiday celebration, while enjoying such family traditions as “ Grinchmas™” and “ Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.™” 

Plus, with so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025, an Annual or Season Pass with a savings of up to $50 now through April 23, 2025, when purchasing online, is the ideal stocking stuffer for guests of all ages. Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for details.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD joins this year’s festivities with holiday décor, inviting guests to celebrate alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad within the Mushroom Kingdom. Guests can shop for new, exclusive holiday-themed merchandise, including a holiday sweater featuring a snowman adorned in a Mario cap and scarf, a Mario snowman plush and a Mario snowman headband, along with apparel, drinkware and more.

Toadstool Cafe™, located within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, also sweetens up their menu with an all-new holiday treat as a complement to its popular menu items.

The spirit of the Who-lidays will shine brightly this “Grinchmas” season with an assortment of fun holiday favorites, including an “Always Naughty” Grinch Spirit Jersey ® and a “Dashing through the Nope!” women’s boxy fit t-shirt along with pins, key chains, blanket, home décor and other apparel.

This year, Grinchmas serves up an array of tempting items available at the “Who-bilicious Treats” venue located within Universal Plaza. Highlights include such whimsical favorites as Who Pudding, Whoville Present Cookie, Cocoa Cookie, Grinch Donut, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Who-bilicious Cinnamon Roll, Heart Grew 3 Sizes Sugar Cookie and The Grinch™ Heart Lemonade.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” spellbinds with a collection of treasures and treats offering unique magical gifts for friends and family, from a new line of sherpa items, including a blanket, backpack and trapper hat, to bespoke ornaments, stationery, apparel and home décor inspired by the Wizarding World.

With an opportunity to personalize gifts for all the special witches and wizards in one’s life, items such as robes, key chains, wands, scarves, journals and hats can be engraved with individual names and is available at select locations within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and at the Universal Studio Store inside the theme park.

Holiday-themed fare, including the English Holiday Meal and Pumpkin Pasty, plus a selection of Butterbeer™ – hot, cold or frozen – will further enhance the overall Harry Potter experience.

For other theme park holiday merchandise favorites, guests can visit Super Silly Stuff, the Animation Studio Store, Jurassic Outpost and the Universal Studio Store for a wide selection of collectables primed for holiday gift giving and stocking stuffers. Additionally, select items can be personalized to “Make It You-niversal,” from engraving and embossing to embroidery and embellishment at the Universal Studio Store.

Universal CityWalk joins in on the holiday festivities with nightly tree lighting ceremonies, dining and shopping. In particular, the all-new and very-popular Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe features a selection of delicious menu items, including a 50th Cookie Sandwich, a 50th Anniversary Cake and a Sparkling 50th Drink, offered now through the end of the year to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary. At the Sanrio Smile Shop, located next door, offers a variety of Hello Kitty merchandise and exclusive holiday-themed items from ornament to apparel and a must-have holiday glass tumbler.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen introduces a new seasonal milkshake, the Wintermint Spice Shake, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room. Voodoo Doughnut will feature all-new, seasonal doughnuts such as the Candy Cane, Grandma’s Hot Cocoa, Peppermint Chocolate Bar and Snowball to celebrate the holiday season. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up a variety of festive-themed drinks, including Champurrado, Chestnut Horchata, Mistletoe Mule and Apple Cider Margarita. NBC Sports Grill & Brew cheers to the holidays with a tasty Peppermint Mocha Martini, while VIVO Italian Kitchen presents a new dish, Aranci, which is comprised of crispy-fried risotto, sun-dried tomatoes, pancetta, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, Grana Padano® cheese, marinara, balsamic glaze and oregano.

Guests must be 21 years or older and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year-round, and Universal Studios Hollywood Holidays runs November 29, 2024 through January 6, 2025. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

© Nintendo. Nintendo trademarks are properties of Nintendo.

Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2024 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)



Whatever you do for the holiday season this year, we hope you have a fabulous time!

“SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP” Fall 2024 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish


Experience Unparalleled Terror as Knott’s Scary Farm Kicks Off its 51st Season with New Spine-Chilling Mazes and the Return of Elvira!

The 2024 Knott’s Scary Farm lineup includes a total of 10 mazes, five sinister scare zones and three hair-raising shows.


Attention fans of Knott’s Scary Farm! Southern California’s longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event is excited to announce two new spine-chilling mazes, and an all-new experience dedicated to Scary Farm legend, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark©. This year is also the last chance for guests to experience Wax Works, the nightmarish twisted wax museum classic and Bloodline 1842 for a final battle in the streets of Valdonia.

The 2024 Knott’s Scary Farm lineup includes a total of 10 mazes, five sinister scare zones, three hair-raising shows for a total of 31 terrifying nights beginning September 19 and running through November 2. With more than 50 years of original, never-ending nightmares, unimaginable scares and innovative thrills, Knott’s Scary Farm has left no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled and no fear untouched.

New Offerings:
Eight Fingers Nine: The Boogeyman (Maze) – Become immersed in a living fairy tale in an 18th century colonial township that’s under siege by an inhuman monster who has a sick penchant for eating fingers. As night descends, Eight Fingers Nine emerges from the shadows in search of fresh meat. His vicious bite penetrates deep, causing sleep paralysis which holds his victim in sway while he slowly consumes their flesh. Step lightly and beware the dark, or you may be the main course at his next meal!

Widows (Maze) – The night of the arachnid is upon us! Enter a web-covered nursing home where demonic, eight-legged black widows emerge from their silken tunnels to possess the withered bodies of the elderly residence. Their sole purpose is to secure a mate and hatch a clutch of eggs before sunrise. Will you climb into their web and succumb to their dark desires?

Yours Cruelly, Elvira EXXperience – Walter Knott Theater
Through the years of Knott’s Scary Farm, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark©, graced the stage of the “Ghoul Time Theatre” with her electrifying shows for 20 astounding haunted seasons. Take a journey back to every single show with video highlights, behind-the-scenes footage and memorabilia celebrating the illustrious career of the undisputed Queen of Halloween.

Returning Mazes:
Room 13 – Violent murders at The Blind Tiger interrupt the Prohibition-era revelry on Memory Lane. A dangerously delicious new cocktail named The Devil’s Elixir seems to be at the root of the mayhem, but where did the mysterious green aperitif come from? The answers may lie at the heart of the extravagant Argive Hotel, where many have checked in to Room 13… but none have checked out.

Cinema Slasher – Venturing through the mystical Midnight Theater, guests travel through the silver screen and into a trilogy of slasher movies. As they are swallowed into the world of gothic horror, they become the movie characters who try to escape the wrath of the dangerous Slasher. The theater opens its doors once again, daring those brave enough to buy a ticket to Cinema Slasher!

The Chilling Chambers – In honor of the first maze in Knott’s Scary Farm’s prestigious history, the 10 Chilling Chambers gives a nostalgic nod to Scary Farm’s past while terrorizing the audience of today. Guests are thrust beyond the threshold of an ominous towering cathedral that leads to terrifying classic maze themes from Knott’s Scary Farm’s infamous history.

Bloodline 1842 (Final Year) – Enter the battlegrounds one last time of the war-torn streets of the city of Valdonia. Armed with only your wits and courage, find the remaining Daybreakers and help them destroy the King of the Valhymphri.

The Grimoire – Turn the page and enter the world of an ancient relic whose dark stories exist purely to turn your greatest nightmares into reality. Enter the world of a mysterious spell book and escape the demonic creatures inside or be eternally trapped within!

Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind – Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. A hypnotic session with Professor Mesmer can cure all phobias, including snakes, spiders, darkness, claustrophobia and much more!

Wax Works (Final Year) – Buy a ticket for the final showing of the most amazing wax museum the world has ever seen! The figures look so lifelike you’ll swear you saw them move. And it’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard as victims are horrifyingly submerged into a scorching hot cauldron of bubbling wax.

Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft.

Returning Scare Zones
Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night monsters take over the streets and turn theme-park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm.

Ghost Town Streets is where Scary Farm began! The dark streets of Calico are the original and largest, most fear-filled scare zone that started it all. Terror lurks around every corner as the fog-filled alleys hold monsters of every size. Good luck finding a safe passage through the cursed town.
 
Return to the dark decadence of a bygone era as The Gore-ing 20’s scare zone terrorizes even the bravest and most brutal souls. The revelers at The Blind Tiger, the secret speakeasy on Memory Lane, danced their way into oblivion when their decadence brought upon them a deadly curse.

Step right up and come face to face with your worst nightmares on the Boardwalk. Deviant clowns and circus freaks are dying for your undying attention in the CARNEVIL scare zone. Smell the cotton candy as the maniacal midway monsters close in on you.

The Lake underneath Silver Bullet recedes to reveal the Forsaken Lake scare zone, where gothic creatures ravaged by the dark and murky waters wander from their crypts. Each night brings new terrors as a funeral procession makes its way to the spirit world.

In The Gauntlet, characters return to invade Camp Snoopy, but with an updated twist. Guests will again encounter the King and Queen of the realm, maniacal jesters, brutal barbarians, wicked wizards and lawless peasants. They’ve all returned with an onslaught of fresh terror.

Returning Favorites
The Hanging: The Errors Tour (Show) – Wagon Camp
The town of Calico is once again under siege! It’s up to the Lawman and the Hangman to rise up and battle the evildoers in all out bloodfest featuring the vilest villains of the past year.  Grab a seat at the Wagon Camp and bear witness to the ultimate skewering of pop culture. This show is not for the squeamish!

Conjurers (Show) – Bird Cage Theatre
You won’t believe your eyes when our skilled Illusionist takes the stage in the heart of Calico. Get there early as seats have been known to vanish.
 
Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny (Attraction Overlay) – The Timber Mountain Log Ride residents celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The Ride’s interior features surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns all set to an original soundtrack by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.

Into The Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show – The Factory Store
Into the Fog is an art show specially curated for the discerning Scary Farm fan. The show is home to a collection of original art by unique and talented artists from across the country. These artists have drawn inspiration from Knott’s Scary Farm’s rich decades long history and we’re certain you’ll find an original or print you’ll want to take home with you. Along with the Scary Farm art show, you can find all sorts of souvenirs any Halloween fan will be dying to make their own.
 
Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Calico Mine Stage
Step right up and walk into the mystique and darkness of the malevolent Le Magnifique Carnaval Du Grotesque. A collection of death-defying feats and carnival acts that will delight your darkest desires and fill your senses with terror and delight.

Knott’s Scary Farm Admission
Scary Farm Pass – Enjoy the ultimate Scary Farm experience with unlimited visits to all event nights. A Scary Farm Pass is just $159 for a limited time. Knott’s Season Passholders can currently get a Scary Farm Pass for the discounted price of $155. Limited quantity available.
 
Single Night tickets – Buy tickets at knottsscaryfarm.com and save with prices as low as $59.99. Knott’s Season Passholders receive a discount on single-night tickets. Taxes may apply.
 
Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $150 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm event admission is required and not included.
 
Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet – Boo-fet offers a special chance to dine with the monsters of Scary Farm. Meals include a 2024 souvenir bottle and one digital download photo with a monster at the Boo-fet location. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet early entry will be to the mazes Bloodline 1842, Wax Works and two all-new mazes. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner starts at $45 when purchased online. Taxes may apply. Separate Scary Farm admission is required and not included.
 
Knott’s Scary Farm Vacation Packages – Turn your Scary Farm experience into a gruesome getaway with an overnight stay at the all-new The Knott’s Hotel. The Knott’s Hotel Package includes a one-night stay and hotel parking. Depending on the package, each registered guest can receive daytime admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, admission to Knott’s Scary Farm on the night of arrival, an exclusive Knott’s Scary Farm t-shirt, Fright & Fast Lane for unlimited priority access to all mazes and select rides at the park, Pre-Scare Dinner Experience at the Knott’s Hotel with early entry into select areas and access to the breakfast buffet.
 
Event Parking – All season-long parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights. Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. For those looking to park closest to Knott’s Scary Farm, Preferred Parking is $50 per vehicle at our Grand Preferred Lot and subject to availability.

Knott’s Scary Farm Event Details
Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors for over 50 years of never-ending nightmares and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event runs September 19-22 and 26-29, October 3-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27 and 30-31, November 1-2. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:00 pm – 1:00 am on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13.
 
A chaperone policy will remain in effect for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Under this policy, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted into the park. The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry. One chaperone may accompany no more than ten guests of ages 15 and under per day. In addition, the chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay. Guests 16 years of age or older may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport) with date of birth at entry to verify their age. If unable to verify proof of age, guests may be denied entry into the park. Guests ages 15 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection.
 
In addition, a bag policy will remain in effect for this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm. Clear plastic bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 6” as well as non-clear wristlets or clutches no larger than 5”x 8”x 2” are allowed at Knott’s Scary Farm. All bags are subject to search prior to entry.
 
Knott’s Scary Farm runs September 19-22, 26-29, October 3-6, 9-14, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31, and November 1-2. For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours, and events, visit www.knottsscaryfarm.com or call 714-220-5200. Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.



Brick-or-Treat Monster Party is BACK at
LEGOLAND® California Resort This Fall

Unleash your inner monster when Brick-or-Treat Monster Party returns for family-friendly fun on select dates in September and October


Witches, mummies, and vampires, oh my! Monsters of all kinds are taking over Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND® California Resort as the epic Brick-or-Treat Monster Party returns this Halloween season. Kicking off September 14th, Brick-or-Treat will transform the Park into a fun-filled Halloween getaway with candy, mesmerizing shows, and LEGO® characters. The event runs on select Saturdays and Sundays through October 27th, and all frighteningly fun festivities are included with general admission.

The Monster Party begins when guests enter the Park, and Monster Security Checkpoint Street Performers ensure only “real monsters” are entering the party! Meet LEGO® Monster characters, including Spider Lady, Monster Rocker, Mummy, and more, before “brick-or-treating” through the Park’s candy trails.

It wouldn’t be a Monster Party without shows and entertainment including:  

  • (NEW) Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch: See as LEGO® T-Rex Guy transforms LEGOLAND California’s newest land, Dino Valley, into the best fall festival complete with a Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch! Plus pick up sweet treats from Dino Costume Guy and his friend Scarecrow and build your very own LEGO pumpkin.
  • (NEW) Monster Meet and Greet: Come face-to-face with new costume character Monster Scientist and his full Halloween crew including Mummy, Monster Rocker, Green Witch, Tiger Woman, and Spider Lady!
  • Zombie Cheer Crew: Back and bigger than ever, join LEGO Zombie Cheerleader and her crew as they conduct cheer tryouts with some drop-dead killer moves at the Fun Town stage.
  • Lord Vampyre’s Very Important Monsters (V.I.M) Costume Party: Everyone is invited to compete in the famous costume contest and party hosted by Lord Vampyre. Make sure you wear your best monster costume to dance your skeletons off. Stick around for a “vamp cha cha cha” after the contest.
  • The Monster Rock Off: Witness Monster Rocker, Tiger Woman, Wolf Guy, and Zombie Cheerleader in their LEGO Monster band as they battle it out for the title of best rocker. This is an epic, live rock concert full of classic rock n’ roll songs – plus, you get to decide who wins the rock off!
  • Jam Out with Monster Rocker: Enter the Dead Beats Studio and meet Monster Rocker! Select your rock song and jam out in the studio.
  • “The Great Monster Chase” 4D Movie: This exclusive 4D movie features exciting chases, tongue-in-cheek humor, plus wind, bubbles, water, and other special effects to keep guests jumping and laughing in their seats!
  • Disco Dragon Coaster: For more electrifying excitement, the Dragon is getting a disco makeover with festive decorations, a groovy monster soundtrack, and an illuminating party atmosphere.
  • The Candy Cauldron Trail: This is a wicked walkthrough experience with witches and cauldrons of candy.
  • Once Upon a Brick – The Tale of the Wolf Guy: Learn the story of Wolf Guy, a monster who gets himself into a hairy situation. This silly comedy is sure to have all guests giggling and smiling.

For a limited time, LEGOLAND California Resort is offering Early Bird savings of up to $20 on Brick-or-Treat admission. Visit www.LEGOLAND.com/California for details.

Parkgoers on weekdays can celebrate Halloween all season long with costume characters, Halloween theming and décor throughout the Park, and monstrously delicious seasonal treats. Plus, LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel guests will enjoy access to the Brick Boo-gie Bash. The exclusive kid’s nightclub transforms with a light up dance floor, a playlist packed with kid-approved tunes and interactive dance-offs. Entertainers keep the party popping from 6–9 p.m. every night.

LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone. To ensure every visitor has a fun Halloween experience, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America are Certified Autism Centers and work with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental, and emotional awareness.

For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.  To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay. 

LEGOLAND California Resort and Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad are open daily except October 30, and the LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel are open daily year-round. For more information call 760-444-5600 or visit www.legoland.com/california/.



Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils California’s Largest Haunt –
Fright Fest Extreme

A Record Combined Total of 20 Haunted Houses and Scare Zones Bring the Scare Factor with Haunts Inspired by Stranger Things, Trick ‘r Treat, Army of the Dead, The Conjuring Universe, and the SAW Franchise


Six Flags Magic Mountain, known world-wide as the undisputed Thrill Capital of the World, goes EXTREME this Fall with the park’s 31st annual Halloween event — Fright Fest Extreme, presented by SNICKERS. With 32 nights of fright on select Thursdays through Sundays, from September 7 to November 3, Fright Fest Extreme establishes Six Flags Magic Mountain as California’s largest haunt featuring 11 terrifying haunted houses and nine bone-chilling scare zones.  

Fright Fest Extreme transforms the 260-acre theme park into a haunted scream park of epic proportions, captivating horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers with a record combined total of 20 haunted attractions, including five new haunted houses inspired by Stranger Things, Trick ‘r Treat, Army of the Dead, The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Nun, and the SAW franchise.

Six all-new haunted houses and three scare zones coming to Fright Fest Extreme include:

  • Stranger Things– The students of Hawkins High decide to team up to create a little innocent Halloween fun for their community – but things quickly turn upside down and morph into something far darker.
  • Trick ‘r Treat– Enter a dark and twisted candy trail nightmare on a jack-o-lantern-lit path of supernatural encounters which tap into your deepest fears. With Sam, the infamous Spirit of Halloween, as your guide, learn the rules of the spooky holiday before entering a world where tricks dominate treats.
  • Army of the Dead – The City of Las Vegas is under lockdown following a recent viral outbreak and survivors must look for an escape while battling the undead.
  • The Conjuring Universe – Strap in for a tour of the Warrens’ most hair-raising and gruesome cases, including those that inspired The Conjuring, Anabelle and The Nun. In each investigation, encounters with cursed artifacts make you the target of the possession.
  • The SAW Franchise – Celebrate the 20th anniversary of SAW with an all-new experience honoring the franchise’s legacy of terror by plunging guests into the depths of Jigsaw’s twisted mind. Guests will endure torturous trials and come face to face with some of John Kramer’s most diabolical contraptions before time runs out.
  • Aftermath: Nocturnal Hunt – Three hundred years after a devastating zombie outbreak, Ash City lies in ruins. Guests will stumble into the breeding grounds of the Nocturnals, the former infected who have evolved into bioluminescent predators. In a desperate attempt to escape, will you be hunting them or are they hunting you?
  • Plaza de la Muerte – Step into the spectral celebration of Día de los Muertos, where vibrant colors blend with eerie shadows in an immersive dance of spirits and traditions.
  • Underworlds of Oz – Journey through the dark side of Emerald City and the mystical realms of Oz, where twisted enchantments and ominous shadows consume the golden path, and the line between fantasy and nightmare blurs into a chilling adventure unlike any other.
  • Grimmlore Ridge – Enter a chilling realm where fear takes root and grows wild, leaving the daunting calls of ravens and crows echoing through the twisted branches and shadowed alleyway.

Five returning guest-favorite haunted houses featuring state-of-the-art makeup, props and special effects, include:

  • Condemned Forever Damned – In this dilapidated home where the walls are alive and terror crawls in every corner, guests are left trying to escape the spirits of those who once lived there as they unleash fury on anyone who dares to trespass.
  • Willoughby’s Resurrected – Evil spirits roam the once-affluent Willoughby’s family mansion that now echoes with whispers and footsteps of these restless spirits, creating an atmosphere of perpetual dread.
  • Sewer of Souls – Stumble into an underground world where the air is thick with the despair of lost souls and the darkness is alive with unseen terrors. Guests will be left to navigate through the terrifying tunnels where evil oozes and fear thrives with every step.
  • Truth or Dare – In a warped game of Truth or Dare, guests find themselves questioning their every move. The stakes are perilously high as the dares become increasingly dangerous and the truths reveal hidden fears and dark secrets. Can you handle the pressure, or will the game unravel your sanity?
  • Vault 666 Unlocked – Demonic relics are locked in a dark and sinister antique shop, waiting to be unleashed upon anyone foolish enough to disturb their rest. Haunting and inexplicable occurrences plague those who dare to enter, for the relics do not forgive or forget.

Six additional scare zones around the park that leave guests nowhere to hide and screaming to get out include:

  • City Under Siege – The clowns are back and spreading havoc in every inconceivable manner. As their twisted grins and sinister laughter fill the air, no place is safe from their deranged antics.
  • CarnivHELL – Visitors are invited to step right up and enter if they dare into a once-thriving circus now taken over by a carnivorous band of carnies.
  • Nightmares: A Twisted Fantasy – In this perverse twist on childhood favorite bedtime stories, your worst nightmares come to life, taunting you to sleep with one eye open.
  • Devil’s Triangle – Succumb into the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean, haunted by the many souls lost to the Devil’s Triangle that prey on guests drifting by.
  • The Deadzone – A renegade group of cyberpunk zombies are unleashed and feed on unsuspecting visitors.
  • Exile Hill – Unimaginable sinister souls appear without warning and send chills down the spines of guests that dare to journey through this dark and ominous passage.

For those looking to revel in the Halloween spirit during Fright Fest Extreme, an exciting selection of exclusive merchandise and culinary delights will enhance the spooky experience. Guests can scream louder with limited-edition apparel, collectibles and unique souvenirs inspired by Six Flags Fright Fest and some of the park’s haunted attractions. In addition, a variety of themed food and drinks will be available throughout the park for those looking to satisfy an eerie appetite including sangria blood bags and more.

Tickets for Fright Fest Extreme at Six Flags Magic Mountain are available online now and include:

  • Single Day Admission – A separate admission event ticket will be required for Fright Fest Extreme admission with access to all haunted attractions, entertainment and the world’s largest collection of thrilling rides and coasters. Guests can purchase an express upgrade for priority entry to all haunted houses.
  • Pass Holder Admission – Fright Fest Extreme park admission is included for all 2024 Gold, Platinum and Diamond Six Flags Season Pass Holders, Six Plus Members and Legacy Six Flags Members with a valid Pass. An additional fee for entry to haunted houses will still be required.
  • V.I.SCREAM Tour – Enhance your visit with a guide to the fright! Experience the VIP treatment with a private guided tour featuring unlimited priority express access to all eleven haunted houses, priority express access to select rides and attractions, VIP parking, Fright Fest Extreme exclusive food and beverages, and more. All Tours must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance online. Some restrictions may apply.

Fright Fest Extreme runs September 7-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 26-29, October 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27 & 31, and November 1-3, at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. For more event details, including operating dates and times or to purchase tickets, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.

Stranger Things TM/© Netflix. Used with permission. Army of the Dead TM/© Netflix. Used with Permission. TRICK ‘R TREAT TM and © 2024 Legendary. All rights reserved.TM & © Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. ANNABELLE, THE CONJURING, THE NUN and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Brothers. Entertainment Inc.



Halloween Horror Nights Serves Up a Maniacal Menu of Devilish Bites, and Offers Guests the Chance to Scare in Style with Exclusive Merchandise, all Inspired by This Year’s Sinister Slate of Terrifying Haunted Houses and Shows at
Universal Studios Hollywood

All-Original “Late Night with Chucky” Live Talk Show
Will Taunt Guests With the Infamous Doll’s Brand
of Mischief and Mayhem


Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood lures guests deeper into this year’s terrifying event with a curated menu of devilish bites and beverages plus exclusive merchandise, all inspired by this year’s horrifying slate of haunted houses and original shows. Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights through Sunday, November 3, 2024.

“Late Night with Chucky,” an all-original live talk show located in the DreamWorks Theatre, will feature the notorious doll infusing his self-deprecating sense of humor as takes over Late Night. The interactive attraction will invite guests to submit questions for Chucky to answer via a QR code available in the lobby of the theatre, but if this temperamental host doesn’t appreciate the question, guests may end up like his production team who have been eliminated from their position…permanently.

With eight all-new terrifying haunted houses, a reimagined Terror Tram, multiple scare zones and live entertainment, Halloween Horror Nights is Southern California’s scariest Halloween event that features a killer line-up, inspired by the biggest names in horror.

At a glance, this is Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Hollywood:

  • “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy,” an immersive experience curated by the multi-award-winning artist.
  • “A Quiet Place,” a terrifying new experience based on Paramount Pictures’ critically acclaimed franchise that will incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) into a haunted house for the very first time.
  • “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” inspired by Sony Picture’s horror-comedy.
  • “Insidious: The Further” based on Blumhouse Production’s hit supernatural horror film series.
  • “Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines” an all-female monsters led haunted house inspired by Universal Pictures’ classic monsters.
  • “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface,” which pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the iconic maniacal monster.
  • “Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America,” a sequel to the 2023 hit haunted house.
  • “Dead Exposure: Death Valley,” an original concept house with petrifying radioactive zombies.
  • “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse,” a Terror Tram experience taking fans on a close encounter with characters from Blumhouse Production’s popular franchises, including M3GAN, The Black Phone, Freaky, The Purge and Happy Death Day.
  • “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” a live stunt show that takes visitors on a fiery, rock-fueled adventure while they fight to survive the night.
  • “Chainsaw Punkz,” a troop of chainsaw killers will confront guests as they enter the event.
  • “Luchadores Monstruosos,” an all-new scare zone.
  • “Skull Lordz,” a scare zone featuring a gothic inspired royal court of the dead.
  • “Murder of Crowz,” a flock of menacing crow stilt-walkers will terrify guests.

With such haunted houses and scare zones tapping into guest’s darkest fears, these experiences will also send them spiraling for a reprise with a selection of tempting treats and drinks. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

This year’s terrifying event menu will include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items for those with every type of appetite. The following is a sample of what fans can expect:

The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar(located in Lower Lot by “Jurassic World—The Ride”)

  • Saw Blade Flatbread (Short Rib) – braised short rib, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spicy tomato sauce and ranch drizzle
  • Saw Blade Flatbread (Mushroom) – mushrooms, roasted tomato, mozzarella cheese, green pepper, crispy onion and spicy tomato sauce
  • Too Late – tequila, raspberry puree and peach and lime juice garnished with a grenadine-filled syringe and red light up cube
  • Out of Time – cola, raspberry and ginger syrup and a red light up cube, topped with strawberry heart jellies
  • How Do I Make you Love Me? – rum, peach and passion fruit puree and lemonade served with an orange light up cube and dark chocolate butterfly
  • Is There Someone Else? – vodka, blue curaçao, lime juice and Sprite soda garnished with a multicolor light up cube and a gummy eyeball

Chucky’s Dive Bar (located behind Animation Studio Store)

  • Cult of Chucky – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice and club soda with a chamoy and tajin, topped with chamoy gummy bears
  • Friend Till the End – tequila, Sprite soda, blue curaçao, lime juice and orange popping pearls with an orange sugar rim and a rainbow lollipop
  • Chucky’s Got Jokes – bourbon, amaretto, corn simple syrup, lime juice and ginger beer topped with chamoy drizzled corn and cinnamon powder

City Snacks featuring “A Quiet Place” (located in Upper Lot)

  • Wooden Board Éclair – dark chocolate mousse filled éclair dripped in chocolate ganache
  • Abbot’s Corn Chowder – creamy stew with shrimp, corn, vegetables and cornbread croutons

Dia de Los Muertos (located in Universal Plaza)

  • Carne Asada Nachos – fried corn tortilla chips topped with carne asada, pico de gallo, queso fresco and guacamole
  • Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce – corn tortilla tacos with birria de res served with onions, cilantro and red consomé sauce
  • Pineapple Spears – pineapple spears with chamoy
  • Esquites – Corn off the Cob – corn sliced off the cobb topped with grated cotija cheese, cilantro and tajin
  • Nachos Muertos – cinnamon sugar chips, strawberry topping, oreo bits, chocolate sauce and whipped cream
  • El Cadejo Mangorita – tequila, triple sec, mango puree, lime juice and margarita mix served with chamoy, tajin and a dried chili covered mango
  • Muerte Michelada – Modelo beer, michelada mix, jalapeno syrup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce garnished with chamoy, tajin and a lime wedge
  • El Charro – spicy tamarind vodka, pickle brine, margarita mix and triple sec served with chamoy, tajin and a chocolate dipped pickle spear
  • Horror-Chata – rum, horchata, banana syrup served with whipped cream and dried banana chips
  • Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice served with chamoy, tajin and a tamarind straw
  • Piña Margarita – reposado, cucumber jalapeno tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice garnished with a chamoy drzzled pineapple spear

Monster Eats (located in Lower Lot)

  • Into the Fog Fish ‘n Chips – crispy beer battered cod nuggets with tartar sauce and chips
  • The Fiery Bite Corn Dog – spicy Korean-style corn dog with spicy ketchup and chips
  • She-Wolf Midnight Delight Cheesecake – fried cheesecake dusted with powdered sugar and strawberry claw marks
  • The Bride’s Cookie – black and white cookie

Leatherface’s BBQ(located in Lower Lot)

  • Pam’s Brisket Sandwich – smoked brisket sandwich with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw served with a side of potato salad and BBW baked beans
  • Franklin’s BBQ Ribs – Coca-Cola BBQ ribs served with a side of potato salad and BBQ baked beans
  • Drayton’s Chili Cheese Dog – all-beef hot dog topped with chili and cheddar cheese and served with a side of potato salad
  • Grandpa’s Porch Pounder – vodka, mezcal, passionfruit puree, Sprite soda, citrus sour and grenadine topped with bloody bone candy

Halloween Horror Nights guests and fans can elevate their experience with a variety of new merchandise collections featuring their favorite fiends and most-anticipated haunted houses. Fan favorite character Lil Boo – an adorable yet creepy baby pumpkin – will come to life in an all-new collection, including a popcorn bucket, shoulder plush, backpack and headwear. The new Halloween Horror Nights collection features sickening house tees, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, bat-eared beanie, skull shot glass and much more. Everyone’s favorite killer doll Chucky is back with an updated popcorn bucket featuring new phrases and a stitched up look inspired by Bride of Chucky.

From apparel and accessories to souvenirs and homeware, fans can also shop exclusive products inspired by “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy” haunted house and the Dia de Los Muertos activation at Universal Plaza, only at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

The horror extends to Universal CityWalk with a selection of limited-tie offerings at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Voodoo Doughnuts and Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville®.

Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.

  • General Admission: General Admission ticket to Halloween Horror Nights
  • Universal Express: One-time (per day) express access to each participating haunted house, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
  • Universal Express Unlimited: Unlimited express access (per day) to each participating haunted house, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
  • Frequent Fear Pass: Experience up to 33 nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase) of General Admission to this year’s event. Valid on select nights only; blackout dates apply. Does not include early event access.
  • Ultimate Fear Pass: Experience the scares over and over for up to all event nights (based on selected first visit date during purchase). No blackout dates on return visits. Does not include early event access.
  • After 2 PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the Theme Park after 2:00 p.m. and same day evening General Admission to Halloween Horror Nights.
  • Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 5:30p.m. (subject to change) to select haunted houses prior to event opening. A Halloween Horror Nights admission ticket must be purchased separately.
  • R.I.P. Tour: Enjoy V.I.P treatment with an evening of first-class horror, expert shared guided tour of the haunted house, exclusive experiences along the way and a gourmet dinner.
  • Platinum Annual Pass Members: Platinum Annual Pass Members can reserve their complimentary Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket; select nights apply.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year-round, and Halloween Horror Nights runs September 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, October 3-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31, and November 1-3. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.



Whatever you do for Halloween, we hope you have a fantastic time!

“Scene in LA” May 2021 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Covid-19 vaccinations are now available to everyone 16 and older who wants one, and recent reports indicate that the demand for vaccinations has decreased substantially due to hesitancy about taking the vaccine in the remaining unvaccinated population. Accordingly, we have seen restrictions on live theater eased to the point that reopening is possible on a very limited basis, but few theaters have been able to return to live performances yet, and so online offerings continue to be the mainstay of local offerings.
Our local theme parks have reopened or are reopening soon, at limited capacity, which is a welcome relief to many enthusiasts who are flocking to them in droves. Most require advance reservations online as well as advance ticket purchases. You will need an app in many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions they have reopened. Attendance is limited to California resident visitors in most parks. Please check their websites for details and availability before planning a trip to them:


Disneyland Resort
Disney’s California Adventure
www.disneyland.disney.go.com

Knott’s Berry Farm
(opening May 21)
www.knotts.com

Legoland California
www.legoland.com/california

SeaWorld San Diego
www.seaworld.com/san-diego

Six Flags Magic Mountain
www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

Universal Studios Hollywood
www.universalstudioshollywood.com

 

Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more and more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed anytime on-demand. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from.
Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

 


3-D Theatricals
www.3dtheatricals.org
www.thereceiptswithd.com

A Noise Within
www.anoisewithin.org

Antaeus Theatre
www.antaeus.org

“Blood/Sugar”
www.dianawyenn.com

Boston Court Pasadena
www.bostoncourtpasadena.org

CaltechLive!
www.events.caltech.edu
www.youtube.com

Coeurage Ensemble
www.coeurage.org

“Dogs Are Better Than
People”
www.whitefiretheatre.com

East West Players
www.eastwestplayers.org

Echo Theater Company
www.echotheatercompany.com

For the Record Live
www.ForTheRecordLive.com

Fountain Theatre
www.fountaintheatre.com

Garry Marshall Theatre
www.youtube.com

Gay Men’s Chorus of
Los Angeles
www.gmcla.org

“Gideon and The Blundersnorp”
www.gideonmusical.com

Hero Theatre
www.herotheatre.org

IAMA Theatre Company
www.iamatheatre.com
www.woollymammoth.net
www.queenstheatre.org

International City Theatre
www.InternationalCityTheatre.org

“John Cullum: An Accidental Star”
www.vineyardtheatre.org/an-accidental-star

Kentwood Players
www.kentwoodplayers.org

www.youtube.com/kentwoodplayers


Laguna Playhouse
www.lagunaplayhouse.com

L.A. Chamber Orchestra
www.laco.org/laco-at-home

L.A. LGBT Center
www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre

L.A. Theatre Works (fee & free)
www.latw.org
www.latw.org/black-voices
www.latw.org/setting-stage-learning
www.latw.org/digital-season
www.latw.org/hd-screenings

Loft Ensemble
www.loftensemble.org

Long Beach Opera
www.longbeachopera.org

Morgan-Wixson Theatre
www.morgan-wixson.org
www.youtube.com

Moving Arts
www.movingarts.org

Pasadena Playhouse
www.playhouselive.org

Pepperdine University
www.arts.pepperdine.edu
www.instagram.com/pepperdinetheatre

Robey Theatre Company
www.therobeytheatrecompany.org

Rogue Artists Ensemble
www.rogueartists.org/rogue-lab

Rubicon Theatre
www.rubicontheatre.org

Sacred Fools
www.sacredfools.org

Santa Monica Playhouse
www.santamonicaplayhouse.com

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
www.scfta.org

Sierra Madre Playhouse
www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

South Coast Repertory
www.scr.org

Theatre 40
www.theatre40.org

Theatre 68
www.youtube.com/68centcrewtheatre

The Blank Theatre (fee)

The Blank Theatre (free)
www.patreon.com/TheBlankTheatre
www.theblank.com/livingroomseries
www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo

The Broad Stage
www.thereceiptswithd.com
www.thebroadstage.org/athome

The Geffen Playhouse (fee)
www.geffenplayhouse.org

The Group Rep
www.thegrouprep.com

The Matrix Theatre “Scraps”
www.youtube.com

The Road Theatre Company
www.roadtheatre.org/live
www.youtube.com

“The Romeros Quartet LIVE”
www.stellartickets.com

The Soraya
www.thesoraya.org

The Victory Theatre Center
www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org

The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts


The Wallis Studio Ensemble
www.thewallis.org
www.thewallis.org/streaming
www.instagram.com
www.films.dance

“UnRavelled”
www.UnRavelledPlay.com

West Coast Jewish Theatre
www.wcjt.org

“Who I Am”
www.youtube.com
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day now, but until we finally reach the other side of this pandemic, we encourage everyone to continue to stay safe by wearing a facemask and practicing proper social distancing whenever you are outside in public, and always when required by a place of business, even if you have already been vaccinated.
Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we all continue to navigate the turbulent waters of this ever-changing pandemic riddled world we now live in! As always, we also want to send out a very special thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish these columns.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Returns for 2018 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Returns and Introduces a New Lineup of Tasty Boysenberry Treats and Festive Entertainment, March 16- April 8

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The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is our annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s festival will feature over 75 new and returning boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by the Knott’s culinary team. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing line up of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to refreshingly sweet and tangy drinks and one-of-a-kind specialty desserts that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the tasty treats, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of daily entertainment, live music and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year’s festival has expanded to 24 days, starting March 16 and running daily through April 8.

The historic boysenberry is a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry and is named after its originator Rudolf Boysen. The Knott family was the first to successfully harvest and sell the boysenberry on the land that is now known as Knott’s Berry Farm.

Some of the tastiest and most unique food items are rolled out exclusively during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. This year’s appetizing lineup includes the first ever boysenberry quesadilla made with a boysenberry-infused flour tortilla, prepared with boysenberry salsa, boysenberry sour cream, sprinkled with cotija and mozzarella cheese. Plus, the boysenberry pierogies with onions, bacon and boysenberry sour cream will be bursting with a combination of sweet and savory flavors. Other flavorful items that will be prepared and served to perfection include the slow cooked boysenberry short ribs, the juicy meat is smothered in boysenberry hoisin sauce served over butter basmati rice and complete with chopped green onions will leave guests asking for more. The guest favorite and finger-lickin’ boysenberry chicken wings will be available during the festival; the irresistible wings are smothered in the delicious and popular boysenberry BBQ sauce which is made exclusively at the Farm. The meaty and boysenberry inspired items also include the very filling boysenberry grilled sausage on a bun prepared with a freshly farm-baked roll and topped with boysenberry ketchup, relish and mustard. For guests craving a refreshing drink, Knott’s is offering an all-new boysenberry boba tea which consists of boysenberry milk tea and chewy berry-soaked tapioca balls served over ice. The boysenberry elote is one of the satisfying treats guests will be able to find in the streets of Ghost Town. The lightly grilled corn is smothered in fresh boysenberry butter, mayo and perfectly topped off with cotija cheese. The Festival also offers a variety of sharable snacks for the family including a new vegetarian/vegan option like the highly enjoyable boysenberry hummus served with pita bread and prepared with garden-fresh boysenberries. Sweets and desserts are a key part of the festival and this year the culinary team is introducing the scrumptious, perfectly bite-sized boysenberry coconut macaroons, dipped in a decadent chocolate ganache, which are great to enjoy while strolling through the park. A great option to indulge in a variety of new and returning food items during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $30 which offers 8 of the new food options per card; guests can select any 8 items of their choice. Returning and other signature boysenberry items will be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or in the theme park.

Guests can also take home a taste of the boysenberry festival with limited edition merchandise that can be found throughout the park, such as a new boysenberry bath and body line including soaps, salt soaks, bath bombs, lip balms (introducing three new flavors) and candles. New to the festival this year is Knott’s sugar-free boysenberry concentrate, a low calorie, no sugar version of Knott’s popular drink, a wide selection of boysenberry chocolates including boysenberry versions of milk chocolate bars, truffles, caramel squares, peanut butter and jelly cups. New and exclusive to Knott’s Berry Farm this year is the all-new boysenberry Jelly Belly. The Knott’s Berry Market also features signature boysenberry items like the delicious boysenberry BBQ sauce or the classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry inspired products with a homemade twist will also be available as the Craft Fair returns offering a variety of products like boysenberry cashew nut brittle, boysenberry pie shaped homemade accessories and more.

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Entertainment:

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers endless entertainment options for the festival goers who have a hankerin’ for some good ol’ country fun:

  • Tied up in Knott’s! – “Tied Up in Knott’s!” is a tribute art show to the rich history of Knott’s Berry Farm, its beginnings as a farm and its standing as a Southern California institution for millions of visitors during its (almost) 100-year history. More than a dozen artists will be contributing pieces to the show, which pays homage to Knott’s Berry Farm’s past, present and future in various mediums including: oil paintings, illustrations and digital mixed media. These original pieces will be hung on display at the Wilderness Dance Hall during the duration of the Boysenberry Festival and Guests will have the opportunity to purchase many of the pieces, as well as prints of some of the art.
  • Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree! – Guests are invited to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts Gang in a show that will have families dancing and playing along at the Calico Mine Stage.
    Old Time Melodrama – Knott’s pays tribute to its past at the Legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the musical comedy melodrama with a surprising boysenberry twist!
  • Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – A group of krazy talented performers will have guests toe tappin’, vine dancin’ and knee-slappin’ to a comedic country music show at the Wagon Camp stage.
  • Ghost Town Miners – The joy of scrumptious food and country music encompass guests as the Ghost Town Miners take the stage in a fun musical performance.
  • Easter Beagle – Spring has sprung all around the park including in Camp Snoopy where guests can meet everyone’s favorite beagle as he celebrates the season.
  • Ghost Town’s Town Hall- In honor of the famous berry that started it all, guests are invited to learn the history of the boysenberry and how Walter and Cordelia Knott started the Farm.
  • Old MacDonald Petting Zoo – Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends.

knotts boyesenberry festival 2018 3

The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Additional costs apply for food tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days March 16 – April 8, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.

The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2018 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the recently expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $94 or six easy payments of $15.66 and Gold Passes are $113 or six payments of just $18.83. These offers end April 8, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at www.knotts.com.

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 Boysenberry assets please visit the event’s electronic press kit. Join the conversation using the hashtag #Boysenberry Festival.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP Winter 2017 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Joyful New Fun at Cars Land, Plus Festival of Holidays and More

Guests Will Experience New Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, Along with Returning Holiday Traditions Including ‘World of Color – Season of Light,’ and ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ Parade

At the Disneyland Resort, the holidays begin here and the magic is endless at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks. Now through Jan. 7, 2018, guests will experience festive cheer as the entire resort transforms into a winter wonderland filled with seasonal attractions, joyful entertainment, jolly décor and themed treats that make every day feel like a holiday. This is the place where traditions are shared, memories are made and new experiences make the spirit of the season shine even brighter.

Guests will enjoy holiday favorites throughout the Disneyland Resort, along with the debut of new seasonal transformations in Cars Land as Mater and Luigi put a holiday spin on two popular attractions. Delicious eats and treats also come in holiday themes, from Mickey Santa caramel apples to spiced peanut brittle. Merry new merchandise includes fun items with the “ugly sweater” theme, along with home décor and festive holiday headwear. Another seasonal  favorite is meeting Disney characters who appear in their holiday best to share magical moments with guests.

At Disney California Adventure

    • The residents of Radiator Springs decorate their establishments with festive fun along Route 66, while two Cars Land attractions put the magic in overdrive as they transform for the first time this holiday. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Mater and Luigi add even more cheer to the seasonal fun by singing new holiday tunes for the occasion.
    • The popular Festival of Holidays is back with the sights, sounds and tastes of diverse cultural festivities and plenty of Disney magic! This heartwarming holiday celebration is inspired by Christmas/Navidad, Hannukah, Diwali, Kwanza and Three Kings Day. Guests will experience:

      • The new Holiday Sunset Concerts: Fun dance parties featuring performing groups Phat Cat Swinger (Friday-Monday) and Mariachi Divas (Tuesday-Thursday) at Paradise Park
      • The soulful a capella group The Sound, which joins returning holiday performances by Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company and the Holiday Toy Drummers
      • The lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!,” with authentic music, dance, décor, crafts and special greetings by Disney characters, including Princess Elena of Avalor
      • The Festive Foods Marketplace, serving multicultural holiday fare at marketplace kiosks, including a range of flavors: beef corn tamale a la plancha with spicy rojo sauce, braised lamb cheeks with Mediterranean cauliflower, sweet potato pie and fruit and nut rugelach
      • Fun family activities, with holiday arts and crafts, face painting and cookie decorating

    • The nighttime spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light” celebrates the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays as it illuminates Paradise Bay with a sparkling winter fantasy that combines classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney and Disney•Pixar animated films.
    • In anticipation of the new Disney•Pixar film “Coco,” guests will enjoy the Coco Sneak Peek experience at Bug’s Life theater from Nov. 5-Jan. 7, along with special décor.

  • “a bug’s land” transforms for the holidays, as Flik and his bug friends deck their land with oversized lights and ornaments.
  • At Santa’s Holiday Visit, at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, guests will play festive Elf Games, enjoy cookie decorating and maybe have a chance to meet Santa Claus and his mischievous elves.
  • Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street features a 1920s-inspired holiday theme to emulate Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney first moved to California. A stunning, 50-foot Christmas tree features vintage-style ornaments and surrounding buildings are adorned in old-fashioned seasonal decorations.

At Disneyland Resort

    • Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle is a guest favorite with shimmering icicles and more than 50,000 twinkling LED lights. In the evening, the spectacular “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks and its magical snowfall finale captivate guests and create unforgettable holiday memories.

    • The beloved “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade returns with daily performances. Some favorite Disney characters join Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer along with marching tin soldiers, gingerbread cookies, dazzling floats and lively holiday music. Santa also welcomes the young and young-at-heart for a visit at his special location in Critter County.
    • A 60-foot Christmas tree with nearly 1,800 ornaments welcomes guests on Main Street, U.S.A. This picturesque sight is a popular backdrop for family and friends to take holiday photos year after year.

  • The “it’s a small world” attraction shines brighter than ever as it transforms into “it’s a small world” Holiday to celebrate children around the world and the holiday traditions of their countries. The iconic music of “it’s a small world,” written by the legendary Sherman Brothers, is weaved in between the joyous caroling of holiday favorites “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” As a special treat this holiday season, FastPass will be available for this attraction.
  • Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, celebrating the collision between Christmas and Halloween with Jack Skellington and his friends from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

At Downtown Disney

The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district and all three 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. Guests can follow the scent of gingerbread into the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to find a big treat – a giant gingerbread replica of the hotel itself.

A very special “Holiday Time at Disneyland” tour is available for guests who wish to experience a close-up look at this festive transformation of the Disneyland Resort. This walking tour shares favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world, along with reserved seating for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, delicious holiday treats, a collectible pin and more.

 

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 Disneyland Resort runs through January 7. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.


Celebrate the Holidays at
Knott’s Merry Farm

Enjoy All Things Merry at the Farm with Holiday Entertainment, Christmas in Calico, Delicious Seasonal Treats & Festive Holiday Activities

Joy is in Season again at Knott’s. Now through January 7, Knott’s Merry Farm provides the perfect backdrop for your family’s holiday memories with a park transformation that surrounds you with the glorious sights, sounds and scents of the season. Guests of all ages can enjoy classic shows like Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, the festive ice show. Stroll through the merry streets of Calico for unique seasonal treats that can’t be found anywhere else, traditional live Christmas Carolers, a Christmas Crafts Village offering unique and personalized gift ideas, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, the enchanting Snow and Glow show with nightly falling snow set to thousands of sparkling lights and traditional Christmas music, plus so much more.

Charming holiday shows remain at the core of the Knott’s Merry Farm experience and continue to delight. Audiences can dance and sing along to the live performance of It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown at the Calico Mine Stage. The Peanuts Gang star in this toe-tapping, merry musical sure to bring out the Christmas joy in all. Select dates through January 7, 2018.

The seasonal live entertainment continues with special showings of the breathtaking ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! starring the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters. 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! Showing select dates through January 7, 2018 at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre.

Brand new this year, our culinary team is introducing the Christmas Pizza, a dish that deliciously combines the exquisite flavors of a holiday meal into one perfect bite. The Christmas Pizza, which can be found at Hollywood Hits, has soft dough covered with holiday toppings like sliced turkey, stuffing, turkey gravy and sweet cranberry sauce. Santa’s Christmas Cabin opens its doors to spread the joy of the holidays through delicious seasonal food items and a visit with the jolly fellow himself, Santa Claus. Guests can indulge in one-of-a-kind seasonal treats like 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 new offerings such as hand-made chicken and beef tamales. Knott’s world-famous holiday treats including delectable homemade holiday churros can be found throughout the park.

Families visiting Camp Snoopy won’t want to miss the holiday show, A Peanuts Guide to Christmas, performing daily at the Camp Snoopy Theater. The Peanuts Gang offer their take and unique wisdom on surviving the holidays, while singing you a mashup of their favorite holiday tunes.

Holiday shoppers can stroll through Ghost Town’s Christmas Crafts Village featuring dozens of local artisans selling their unique crafts and gifts. Also available in Ghost Town, inside the 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 through January 7, 2018. The Birdcage Theatre is also home to the toe-tappin’, hand-clappin’, comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies who continue their Knott’s Merry Farm residency this holiday season on select nights.

As the night falls on Ghost Town, the town twinkles brightly to the beat of holiday songs as snow gently falls. With the nightly Snow and Glow, everyone can experience the magic of the holidays as the town is covered with snow, a sight that can’t be missed.

The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale. A 2018 Season Pass includes one free visit to enjoy Merry Farm in 2017, unlimited visits in 2018 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the lowest price of the year, Regular Season Passes start at just $92.00 or six easy payments of $15.33 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or six payments of just $18.33. These offers end January 7, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the festive conversation using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round, and Knott’s Merry Farm runs through January 7. 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 Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort

Winter is the most wonderful time of the year as the family theme park hosts its’ holiday celebration: Holidays at LEGOLAND® California Resort! Beginning Nov. 18 through Jan. 1, children and their families can feel the LEGO® cheer at the annual winter holiday celebration and enjoy shimmering lights, live entertainment, the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree, festive decor and more!

Fun Town will be glimmering in the night sky as buildings are trimmed with twinkling lights and décor and guests will look picture perfect in front of the world 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. Children can practice their belly laugh as the family poses for a photo with life-size LEGO Santa and his reindeer, then head over to the Fun Town stage to dance and sing along with The Yule Tides, Santa’s musical elves who deck all the halls with carols old and new.

The fun continues in Heartlake City which transforms into a winter wonderland for guests to enjoy. Kids can sing and dance as they watch the Friends live holiday show and join in building activities in the Heartlake City stables. A traveling brass band playing festive bluegrass music will fill Heartlake City with the jingles of the season. Guests can indulge in tasty holiday fare such as churros con chocolate, vanilla bean hot chocolate and spiced apple cider, plus enjoy character meet and greets with LEGO Santa and a LEGO toy soldier and collect holiday inspired pop badges.

All new this year, indulge in our Winter Holiday Market during extended Park hours on Saturday Dec. 9 and 16. Guests can enjoy authentic “German Christmas Market” inspired treats like traditional holiday breads, grilled sausages, giant Bavarian pretzel and more. LEGOLAND California is also offering exclusive retail deals for shoppers looking for the perfect LEGO holiday gift.

The family festivities continue at SEA LIFE® aquarium and LEGOLAND® Hotel. 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 games and story time at the castle, plus building contests themed for the festivities.

The grand finale of Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort is when midnight comes early at our annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve party. This celebration 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 2018 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: Dec. 18-23 and 26-31. All Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort activities located inside the Park are included with regular Park admission.

 

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 closed on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays through February, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.


New Live Nativity Musical at Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration Tells the Greatest Story Never Told

Spectacular stage show joins returning SeaWorld holiday traditions, from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to Santa and his elves

SeaWorld San Diego brings the moving story of the Nativity and the meaning of Christmas to life through song and celebration at the all-new live holiday musical, O Wondrous Night, The Greatest Story Never Told, as part of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, now through Jan. 6, 2018. The spectacular stage show, performed under the stars nightly at the marine park’s Nautilus Amphitheater, tells the Christmas story from a new point of view: through the eyes of the animals. This breathtaking musical features more than 30 carols, beautiful storytelling puppets and live majestic animals, including camels, a donkey, llamas, sheep and doves.

In addition to O Wondrous Night, all the seasonal favorites that have made SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration a family holiday tradition are back for park guests to enjoy.  Here’s a look at the holiday fun and festivities of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration:

RUDOLPH’S CHRISTMASTOWN
Returning this holiday season is the most famous reindeer, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, making it the best time of the year to visit. SeaWorld San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast where people can meet this lovable character that has charmed generations for more than 50 years. Families can visit Rudolph’s Christmastown, which has something for everyone, including photo opportunities 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 Misfit Brass band.

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Friends and family can cozy up at Santa’s Christmas Village, where children listen to Mrs. Claus during story time. Kids can 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 the Village, including educational encounters with real reindeer from Santa’s workshop, “Merry Moments” with Santa’s friendly elves and delectable culinary creations.

DOLPHIN ISLAND CHRISTMAS
SeaWorld’s Christmas-themed dolphin show celebrates the holidays with a tropical twist as dolphins and pilot whales perform amazing athletic feats set to island music.

CLYDE & SEAMORE’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
The park’s prank-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore have a hilarious holiday time in this Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show!

HOLIDAY ATMOSPHERE
SeaWorld goes all out, with more than a million holiday lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and 5,000 feet of garland. 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. Outside Nautilus Amphitheater, guests will find the Cat’s Christmas Parlor, where the feline stars of Pets Rule! hang out in their own holiday-themed house.

All of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration festivities (except for arcade-style games and reserved experiences such as Breakfast With Orcas and Santa) are included with park admission. SeaWorld has a variety of admission ticket offers that provide tremendous value perfect for both local residents and tourists, including the SoCal Annual Pass for less than $100.  A visit to SeaWorld helps support animal rescue programs as well as provide millions of dollars in donations and in-kind services to conservation projects around the world.  Seeing animals at SeaWorld supports saving them in the wild. For more information, visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com or call (619) 222-4SEA.

 

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round, and Christmas Celebration runs through January 6. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.


Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates the Yuletide Arrival of the All-New “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” Bringing a Dazzling Light Projection Spectacular to Hogwarts Castle and Festive Holiday Entertainment and Décor to the Immersive Land

Universal Studios Hollywood Brings an Exciting Array of Keepsake Memorabilia and Holiday Gift-Giving Ideas as the Festive Holiday Celebration Continues at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the opening of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM,” transforming HogwartsTM castle with a breathtaking animated light projection show, choreographed to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. kicks off the yuletide season.

Each evening, children representing each of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry houses wield wands and cast a spell that reveals the light projection spectacular:  “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle.” The all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” experience will take place daily now through January 7, 2018.

Hogsmeade village also shines brightly as the quaint town celebrates with festive décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts, along with holiday-themed fare served at Three Broomsticks and the eagerly-awaited seasonal return of hot Butterbeer.

The newly-introduced Holiday Dinner features a sumptuous roast turkey with gravy platter that includes pigs in blankets, a medley of vegetables, braised red cabbage and roasted potatoes served with cranberry sauce, along with Christmas Pudding.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, the familiar sounds of Harry Potter music will resonate throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”  Multiple times an evening, colorful projection mapping will illuminate Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”

The a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, will also perform original holiday themed songs over the course of the seasonal event.

From stockings to ornaments, the addition of specialty keepsakes and gift-giving items complement the land’s immersive holiday festivities as the theme park continues to envelope guests in the captivating world of Harry Potter.

A wide selection of all-new custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” are available this holiday season. Collectibles include a variety of decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland. Wizard robes and wands and an array of Quidditch game accessories are perfect for gift-giving.

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 films, including 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 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 nine retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear, Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods and the Hogsmeade™ Station.

Additional information on Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #UniversalHolidays and #WizardingWorldHollywood. 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 Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter runs through January 7. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.


Whatever you do this holiday season, we want to wish you the very best, and hope that all of your dreams come true!

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP Fall 2017 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Adds More Spooky Fun than Ever Before with Expansion into Disney California Adventure Park

 For the First Time, Oogie Boogie Takes Over Disney California Adventure, Cars Land Transforms for ‘Haul-O-Ween,’ and Nightfall Unleashes Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark

At Disney California Adventure

For the first time, Cars Land in Disney California Adventure will be transformed with a special Haul-O-Ween makeover as the citizens of Radiator Springs don Halloween costumes and decorate their respective homes for the season. The townsfolk celebrate the season by turning Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams.

Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz, Red and DJ will be in “car-stume” – as a super hero, a “van-pire,” a pirate, a clown and a punk rocker, ready to go “trunk-or-treating.” Attractions transform, too, with Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree turning spooky as the Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters getting a seasonal twist to become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.

Also new this year at Disney California Adventure:

  • The popular, new attraction Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms nightly into a new Halloween adventure: Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. As the sun sets, the attraction exterior goes dark and then suddenly powers back up with new lighting effects, a signal that something has gone awry. Inside, creatures are on the loose and Rocket is enlisting guests to help him save Groot – only during the Halloween season.
  • Oogie Boogie takes over Disney California Adventure with his twisted tale of a forever Halloween, inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Oogie Boogie’s oversized silhouette beckons guests through the main entrance of the park and he brings to life a swarm of bats around Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.
  • Mickey Mouse and his pals appear in Halloween costumes to greet guests on Buena Vista Street. Mickey Mouse dresses up as a bat, Goofy as a ghost and Daisy Duck as a witch – all in playful fun.
  • Halloween décor extends along Buena Vista Street to Carthay Circle, where guests encounter a new, 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman holding his jack-o-lantern head to the sky.
  • Disney California Adventure also will be featured for the first time as part of the pre-party mix-in for Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event that features special entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire, and trick or treating at locations throughout Disneyland Park. This year, a ticket to Mickey’s Halloween Party* has even greater value as guests will be able to visit Disney California Adventure as well as Disneyland Park during the three hours prior to the beginning of the party in Disneyland.

Advanced purchase savings are available for select nights of Mickey’s Halloween Party. Through Oct. 17, all tickets purchased at least one day prior to the event are $105 each. Tickets may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400.

At Disneyland Resort

At Disneyland, guests will enjoy frightfully fun thrills on popular Halloween attractions Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, along with themed foods and merchandise, plus lighthearted décor that includes a giant Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern and a Pumpkin Festival on Main Street, U.S.A.

 

Haunted Mansion Holiday celebrates the collision between Halloween and Christmas as Jack Skellington, from the Walt Disney Pictures classic, “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” offers his unique take on the holidays. The annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house is presented in a new design each year and this year it’s the creepy Oogie Boogie in the form of a 7-foot-tall cookie in the Mansion ballroom. He is peeling back the roof of a gingerbread Haunted Mansion, uncovering oodles of gummy bugs and worms. 

Another Halloween Time favorite at Disneyland is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a reimagining of the popular thrill ride in Tomorrowland. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are surrounded by eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out to menace the space travelers.

Disneyland will continue to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos tribute in Frontierland through Nov. 2. This annual exhibit commemorates the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead with a musical trio of iconic skeleton figurines, brightly colored flowers and other decorative items.

 

Mickey’s Halloween Party

Guests are invited to dress in costume for Mickey’s Halloween Party where they will trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland Park for candy and healthy snacks. This year, capturing memories during the party will be easier than ever as guests who have admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party will enjoy the added bonus of unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads during the party, for up to 45 days after the date of capture.

Another extra-special treat is the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a Mickey’s Halloween Party tradition presented exclusively for party guests and hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington.

Also exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party is the “Frightfully Fun Parade” led by The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”). The Horseman rides through the park on his ghostly black steed with a flickering jack-o’-lantern to usher in the parade featuring Jack Skellington followed by a procession of grim, grinning (and hitchhiking) ghosts from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction. The creepy Dr. Facilier from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor. The mischievous Disney villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up trouble. The wicked gathering includes the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella.

Disney villains, as well as Mickey Mouse and friends, appear at locations throughout the park, and the Cadaver Dans ghostly quartet performs on the Rivers of America in Frontierland.

Another popular feature of the party, the opportunity for guests to “mix in” with regular park guests for three hours prior to the party’s start time will allow guests to “park hop” between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks.

Mickey’s Halloween Party Tickets* may be purchased by guests online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 14 nights, including Tuesday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event.

At Downtown Disney

For the first time, the horticulture throughout Downtown Disney will be newly planted to celebrate Halloween. Guests will discover more than 1,600 real pumpkins integrated into the landscaping in new ways, along with additional planter spaces.

For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice.

*Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Advanced purchase savings available only for select party nights and only until one day prior to applicable event date. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines at disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/mickeys-halloween-party/ and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

**Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms found in https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.  Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the Mickey’s Halloween Party must be linked to your Disney account and may be downloaded pursuant to the expiration policy at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-expiration-policy/.  Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

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 Halloween Time runs through October 31. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.


Terrifying New Nightmares In
Store For The 45th Season Of
Knott’s Scary Farm  

 Where Nightmares Never End…  

 

The most haunting Halloween event in Southern California, Knott’s Scary Farm, returns with unimaginable scares and innovative thrills for its 45th season. The fully transformed park will feature 13 uniquely haunted mazes and attractions, including the return of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, for her last performance as she bids farewell to the Scary Farm crowds with an all-new show. Knott’s Scary Farm is back for 25 horrifying nights from September 21 – October 31. This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm experience has all the ingredients of a truly terrifying nightmare, but unlike most dreams, Knott’s Scary Farm is a nightmare you can’t wake up from.

The new season will bring unnerving nightmares to life as it debuts three all-new, unique haunted attractions, each introducing new menacing storylines and heinous never-before-seen characters.

 

Dark Ride (New for 2017) – Guests will journey through an abandoned carnival ride where cruel characters still linger in the shadows in Dark Ride, Knott’s Scary Farm’s newest maze. The carnival attraction has become a refuge for sideshow freaks and now those shunned performers have created an ominous world where they plan to unleash terror on those who enter. Dark Ride will lead brave visitors through a treacherous path and into the bowels of a long neglected attraction as sinister shadows and horrifying scenes cast darkness over the once pleasant ride.

 

Pumpkin Eater (New for 2017) – Daring guests will attempt to survive the wrath of the murderous 7-foot tall creature that haunts the old woods surrounding The Hollow in this year’s new maze, Pumpkin Eater. The notorious creature is on the prowl, hidden within the dark confines of the haunted town he once terrorized. To escape the sinister Pumpkin Eater’s wrath all who enter must go on a quest through the silent town of victims, face a cave of crawling insects and solve the labyrinth of thorns that blocks the only way out.

 

Trick-or-Treat: Lights Out (New for 2017) – Scared of the dark? Returning more sinister and twisted than ever before, guests are invited to step inside the Green Witch’s haunted home and venture through its dark pathways in Trick or Treat: Lights Out. Armed with only a faulty flashlight, brave visitors must face the terror of the Green Witch’s house completely in the dark. Featuring new state-of-the-art effects, unexpected scares and other eerie surprises, Trick-or-Treat is back to terrorize like never before.

Returning Favorites

Returning for the last and final year at Knott’s Scary Farm, Elvira is back with a bang, in a brand new spectacular farewell show, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. The exclusive performance will pay homage to the Queen of Halloween’s celebrated comedy-horror film, complete with musical numbers, dance and humor. Knott’s Scary Farm will be the exclusive home of Elvira for her final performance this Halloween season.

 

Special Ops: Infected – The city is in need of brave soldiers looking to stop the zombie apocalypse in an all-out war against the undead in this interactive experience, Special Ops: Infected. Armed with specially designed laser guns, brave groups of guests will embark on a mission to find the cure to the infection by navigating through sprawling city streets and buildings. The popular attraction includes blood thirsty zombies, more interactive targets than ever before, along with multiple action-packed surprises hidden around every corner.

 

Shadow Lands – A fulfilling life ensures a soul safe passage into eternity, but what happens to the souls of soldiers slain in battle? The Shadow Lands maze invites valiant wanderers to fight off demon samurais whose souls are cursed to rot within the depths of purgatory. Guests will embark on a quest through a sacred shrine, an ancient Japanese temple and into the midst of the shadow lands.

 

PARANORMAL, INC. – A fan favorite, Paranormal Inc., returns to Hayden Hill for another bone-chilling year. Featuring high flying aerial stunts and scares, guests investigate a haunted hospital. Where demonic spirits have been detected throughout the mysterious halls and new unexpected bloodcurdling surprises are hidden around every corner.

Red Barn – The horrifying, blood-soaked Red Barn re-opens its doors, filled with carnivorous animals seeking to prey on human flesh in the park’s goriest maze. Legend has it, the farmer who owns the barn was transformed into a heinous creature who sends his sadistic sons to procure food and new victims. None dare enter the barn, for those who enter, never escape.

 

The Tooth Fairy – This twisted tooth fairy steals more than just baby teeth as he drags his victims out of their bedroom window and into a world of cruel dentistry. Unbelievable special effects include a blackout room through which guests must feel their way out, a disorienting x-ray strobe light room, and a final encounter with the terrifying tooth fairy himself. Say aahhh.

 

Voodoo – Order of the Serpent: The haunting legend of Papa Legba continues as guests follow him on his foreboding journey to conjure the serpent demon goddess in the outskirts of New Orleans. Trudge cautiously through the cursed swamps of the Deep South, where creatures search the murky bogs for their next bloody sacrifice and demons curse the innocent with Voodoo hexes.

 

The Hanging® – A live stage show on the Calico Mine stage irreverently looks back at the year’s pop culture with killer comedy. Notorious for its special effects, pyrotechnics and high-flying stunts, The Hanging is a no-holds-barred assault on pop culture’s most infamous moments of the past year. A must see parody!

Scare Zones

Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night monsters spill out onto the streets and turn theme park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide at Knott’s Scary Farm.

 

Ghost Town Streets is the original and largest, most terrifying scare zone that started it all. Bands of half-human, half-animal monsters prowl the streets and inhabit the fog, while the notoriously startling sliders lunge from every fog-filled corner of the land. Fiesta De Los Muertos features colorful costumes and larger than life stilt walkers in a dark scare zone. In the Boardwalk, clowns crave your undying attention in the CarnEVIL scare zone. Returning for a second year, The Hollow scare zone will terrorize guests as they find themselves in a war between three covens of witches and their armies of the undead. The fog-filled streets along with the army of the undead treacherously blend into the shadowy night as they frighten all whom they encounter. Featuring an all new fiery finale, The Hollow is a practically all new with a themed maze to accompany it.

 

Knott’s Scary Farm Pass & Admission

The Knott’s Scary Farm Pass returns for the 2017 season and offers unlimited visits to all 25 event nights. Current 2017 Knott’s Berry Farm Season Passholders can purchase the pass at the limited time price of $80 and non-passholders can purchase the Scary Farm Pass for just $90. Prices valid through Sept. 17 or while supplies last. Plus applicable taxes and fees.

Single night tickets – Buy tickets at KnottsScaryFarm.com and save up to $35 off the regular main gate price of $75. Knott’s Season Passholders receive a discount on single night tickets. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders.

Fright & Fast Lane – For the first time ever, ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $80 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm park admission required, and not included.

Combo Tickets offering admission plus Fright & Fast Lane are an especially great value starting as low as $115 plus applicable taxes and fees. This combo is only available online. Save up to $40 with this admission plus Fright & Fast Lane Combo and Knott’s Season Passholders save up to an additional $5.

Scary Farm Boo-Fet + Early Entry – Offered at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse, munch with monsters before Knott’s Scary Farm opens each night. Meals include a 2017 souvenir bottle, which includes unlimited complimentary refills on the event night and $1.00 refills for the rest of the 2017 season. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select parts of Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet dinner is $28.99 + applicable taxes and fees when purchased online and $33.99 + tax when purchased at the door. Separate theme park admission required, and not included.

Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders. All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights.

Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors over the past 45 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns September 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 October 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 1:00 am select Thursdays, Sundays, Monday and Halloween Night and 7:00 pm – 2:00 am Fridays and Saturdays. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13. This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm experience is where nightmares never end!

For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round, and Knott’s Scary Farm runs through October 31. 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.


LEGOLAND California Resort Weaves a Web of Fun with its Annual Brick-or-Treat Party Nights Halloween Celebration

 

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights, presented by Shutterfly®, is returning with exciting entertainment, sweeter treats and even more not-so-spooky thrills this year every Saturday night (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28). LEGOLAND® California transforms into a monster mash bash for the ultimate family fun Halloween party featuring Ghost Cruise adventure, a new pop-badge challenge, a fall festival complete with a LEGO® pumpkin patch building activity, Bluegrass Band Jamboree and a special LEGO Friends meet and greet in Heartlake City, where kids can decorate their own craft and more!

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights is a special event and admission can be purchased for as low as $49 if purchased online in advance. New this year, guests can purchase a full second day Resort Hopper ticket to enjoy LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE aquarium and LEGOLAND® Water Park. Special event ticket holders can enjoy costume contests, trick-or-treating at candy stations filled with tasty goodies and other surprises, festive music and live entertainment. LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE aquarium are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on select dates throughout October and LEGOLAND Water Park is open weekends 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. through October 29. With special event admission to Brick-or-Treat Party Nights on September 30, October 7, 14, 21 and 28, guests can extend their day until 9 p.m. at both LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE aquarium to enjoy all of the Halloween festivities-plus- add on a second day Resort Hopper ticket to extend the fun all weekend long. For exclusive savings and more information, visit www.BRICKORTREAT.com or call 760-918-5346.

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 select weekends through October 29, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.


SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular Returns to Seaworld San Diego for Halloween

 San Diego’s Favorite Halloween Event for Families Returns

 

Watch silly and spooky live shows and presentations, enjoy fun Halloween activities and trick-or- treat for candy and goodies throughout the colorfully decorated park.

Halloween Spooktacular is one of San Diego’s biggest fall festivals, with weekends brimming with family fun. Get in the spooky spirit and catch popular live shows like Clyde & Seamore’s Halloween Bash and Sesame Street’s Who Said Boo?!, join delightful Halloween dance parties and let the little ones trick-or-treat throughout the park in a safe, family-friendly environment. Oh, and be on the lookout for singing pumpkins in the park.

Spooktacular is included with park admission, and takes place every Saturday and Sunday from September 23 through October 29, 2017.

 

Trick-Or-Treat

Let your little ones trick-or-treat to their hearts’ content in the safety of our park. We can’t wait to see their new costumes this year, though we ask that only kids under 10 wear masks. And no tricks here, the treats are on us – and included with your admission. Trick-or-Treat hours are 12 pm to one hour to park close.

 

Dance Parties

Kids aren’t the only ones who love costumes. Meet some of our own costumed sea characters, plus new friends like Tabitha Taffy and Timothy Toffee, all happy to hop in on a selfie or join in an impromptu dance party.

 

Dia de los Muertos

Enjoy a special themed area celebrating Día de los Muertos. Here, colorful papel picado flags, vibrant Ofrendas and large Catrinas will invite guests to learn about this traditional Mexican holiday, and take part in this festive celebration of life.

Clyde and Seamore’s Big Halloween Bash

Our comical California sea lion duo Clyde and Seamore are fan favorites for lots of reasons – but mostly because they’re just so darn fun. Catch their special Clyde & Seamore’s Halloween Bash, joined by their pal, OP Otter, for this limited engagement.

Who Said Boo?!

Elmo and friends dress up in their Halloween best to sing and dance their way through the Count’s Castle for a Costume Party. They arrive at the Count’s Castle for a Halloween party to discover that Count is nowhere to be found. Through fun games, music and dance, Elmo and friends work as a team to figure out “Who Said Boo” in this spooky Halloween adventure.

Decorations Throughout the Park

Is it the tricks? Nope. The treats? Still no. (Okay maybe.) What we love most about our Halloween Spooktacular is decorating the park to create an immersive family celebration. Get into the Halloween spirit – and maybe even bring home some fun decorating ideas.

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round, and Halloween Spooktacular runs through October 29 on weekends only. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.


A Halloween Event Only the Bravest Souls Dare To Enter –
Can You Survive The Night?

New Haunted Attractions Include a New Maze, New Scare Zone, New Haunted VIP Tour, New In-Park Dining and Entertainment,
and Back by Popular Demand,
Suicide Squad: The Six Flags Fright Fest Experience

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain’s 25th season of Fright Fest® will be the biggest and scariest in the Park’s history, including more days than ever before. The exciting line-up of new haunted attractions includes a new scare zone, new maze, a new Haunted Tour and new in-park dining and entertainment options. The expansion also includes more roving “scare-actors” than ever before and additional Fright Fest nights.

Plus, back by popular demand, Suicide Squad: The Six Flags Fright Fest Experience will transform the Park’s DC UNIVERSE area into DC’s Midway City, where some of the “Worst Heroes Ever” from the highly-acclaimed film Suicide Squad will be roaming the streets.  Darkness and chaos will reign as some of DC Comics’ most famous Super-Villains, including Katana, Killer Croc, The Joker, and Harley Quinn, will be found among the mass destruction depicted in the film. State-of-the-art digital imagery and fiery special effects will create an inferno as buildings burst into flames and creatures attack from every angle.  “It feels good to be bad” at Suicide Squad: The Six Flags Fright Fest Experience.

Voted the Best Theme Park Halloween Event by USA TODAY readers, Six Flags Magic Mountain leaves no tombstone unturned to deliver what guests want most…an all-out terrifying experience. Fright Fest will include a total of 13 electrifying mazes and dare-to-enter scare zones, and roaming zombies around every corner. If that is not enough, Six Flags Magic Mountain will add a sinister element to some of the theme park’s monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears in total darkness – literally.

Two new haunted attractions this year incorporate state-of-the-art makeup, props, and special effects.  The new scare zone, Damned ‘N Disguise: Change Before Your Eyes, adds to this year’s horror-filled offering of haunts as the City of METROPOLIS™ is transformed into Magic Mountain’s first-ever, right-in-front-of-your-eyes morphing masquerade!  Dead End, is a new maze sure to raise a few hairs as it lures guests into the meandering, eerie hallways, leaving them to fend for themselves in total darkness.

Also new this scream season is Club 6-feet Under, a frightfully fun night club experience where guests can enjoy devilishly delicious food while a demonic DJ spins hot jams until the wee hours of the night. Additionally, guests can enjoy a meal in the company of creepy creatures, spooky fun and monstertainment every day at the Ghoulish Grub at the Pub, located in Metropolis.

The new Hidden Haunts VIP Tour takes guests to areas around the park that no one dares to enter to hear real-life haunting tales. Plus, guests will be able to get their fill of thrills and chills with front-of-the-line access to all mazes, rides and attractions. It’s the ultimate VIP experience.

Also returning in 2017, the region’s largest outdoor maze ever built, Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising.  Covering more than 40,000 square feet, this massive maze will strike terror into the brave souls entering a post-apocalyptic city inhabited by nomad warriors who rule with bone-crushing iron fists and the dead stalk the living. Larger-than-life props, fire, fog and other special effects make this a must-experience maze.

Three of the most popular mazes return to Six Flags and incorporate state-of-the-art props, Hollywood-quality make-up, and story lines not meant for the faint-of-heart. Enter the world of Red’s Revenge…over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house you go, but in this fairytale, guests and the wolf are hunted by Red and her demonic minions. Vault 666 is an old abandoned research facility where genetic experiments crossing humans with animals were once conducted and just recently the frightening secrets have been unearthed, exposing terror and mayhem from deep within the unsecured vault. Willoughby’s Resurrected is a reincarnation of the Willoughby family’s beloved haunted mansion that includes hair-raising horror down long harrowing hallways and around each nightmarish-turn.

Another all-time favorite is making a comeback with its demented 3D twist, Toyz of Terror 3D, the defunct toy factory haunted by wicked windups, freakish furries and deranged dolls…and if that’s not enough to scare the wits out of even the bravest, guests are now forced to experience the madness in 3D terror. And, don’t miss Chupacabra, where guests come face to face with this elusive blood-thirsty creature as it petrifies the local Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival.

Four additional scare zones around the park leave guests nowhere to hide and screaming to get out unscathed. After entering Fright Fest through the gates of Demon’s Door, face steam-spewing mechanical beasts in TERRORtory Twisted. In Nightmares – A Twisted Fantasy, childhood fears and favorite bedtime stories take on a perverse twist, and freak out on Exile Hill when unimaginable sinister souls appear without warning.

Spooktacular shows include the hypnotists, who put park guests in compromising scenarios in their hilarious stage show located in Golden Bear Theater, and the very popular VooDoo Nights, where Ghoul Rock has gone pop with a musical spectacular sure to entertain. Be sure to dust off your thriller moves and join in the fun in the Full Throttle Plaza.

Guests can literally face their fears in the dark when the lights go out on some of the Park’s iconic coasters, including Twisted Colossus, Full Throttle, Tatsu, Viper, X2, Scream, Goliath, The New Revolution, and others during Fright Fest.

For the little monsters, a Trick or Treat Trail and Halloween Crafts round out the activities during the day.

Fright Fest Operating Hours and Days:

10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.: October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 30, 31

10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.: October 8, 15, 22, 29

For more information on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, visit our website at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2018 Season Passes are currently on sale.  For a limited time, purchase four or more Magic Mountain Season Passes or Memberships and receive a free upgrade to GOLD on each Pass.  GOLD Passes include Hurricane Harbor Season Passes as well as free Parking Passes.  Additional Season Pass perks include free tickets for friends, park admission to Fright Fest®, Holiday in the Park®, plus all of 2018 which now includes 365 days of thrills with no blackout dates. Season Passes can be purchased at the main gate ticket booths or online at sixflags.com. Season Pass purchases are eligible for low monthly payments through the Membership program.

Pass Holders may also purchase a Deluxe Season Dining Pass and receive a free upgrade to our Premium Combo Season Dining Pass, which includes lunch, dinner, and a snack during every park visit. Plus, they will receive a 2018 Drink Bottle for unlimited drink refills. Premium Combo Season Dining Passes may be used at any Six Flags theme park and Hurricane Harbor – Los Angeles.

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.  The Park opens daily at 10:30 a.m., and Fright Fest runs on select days through October 31. For information call (661) 255-4111 or visit us at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.


 

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Presents New Mazes and Attractions

 Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Leatherface are the “Titans of Terror,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s Terrifying New Slasher Film Maze Plus the Infamous Serial Killer Doll, Chucky, Joins Trio of Slasher Icons on Universal’s Famed Backlot

 

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Featuring an all-new slate of unrivaled film production quality mazes and frightful scare zones, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with spine-chilling haunted attractions as part of Southern California’s most extreme Halloween experience.

From the movie studio that invented the horror film genre, prepare for the scariest, most intense Halloween event in Southern California. This year’s event features more mazes than ever with 8 terrifying experiences based on the most frightening films and television shows.

From Stephen King’s The Shining to FX’s award-winning television series “American Horror Story,” this list proves guests are in for a trick and treat this Halloween season:

  • The Shining, inspired by the iconic psychological thriller.
  • “American Horror Story: Roanoke,” based on FX’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning television series.
  • “ASH vs. Evil Dead,” based on Starz’s comedy horror television series.
  • “Saw,” based one of the highest grossing horror film franchises of all time.
  • “Insidious: Beyond the Further,” based on the latest Blumhouse Productions’ thriller, Insidious: Chapter 4.
  • “The Horrors of Blumhouse,” based on Jason Blum’s blockbuster movies, The Purge, Sinister, and upcoming film, Happy Death Day.
  • “The Walking Dead,” Universal Studios Hollywood new permanent attraction inspired by AMC’s record-breaking television series.
  • The Jabbawockeez award-winning hip hop dance crew return by popular demand with an all-new, high-energy performance created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights.”

The thrills continue with Titans of Terror Tram hosted by Chucky, an all-new high-energy Jabbawockeez live show and three new scare zones awaiting you around every dark corner.

Based on The Purge, Sinister and Insidious franchises, as well as the upcoming thriller Happy Death Day, Blumhouse Productions (Split, Get Out, Whiplash ), is teaming with the creative minds behind the nation’s most intense and immersive Halloween event to unleash three twisted Blumhouse films in one bone-chilling experience at each Halloween destination.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, legions of terrified guests will come face-to-face with the most iconic and unnerving moments from the blockbuster The Purge franchise, Sinister movies and soon-to-be released Happy Death Day. In The Purge, guests will attempt to survive the night as they are immersed in the film’s depraved world, where all crime is declared legal as part of the government’s annually sanctioned 12-hour Purge. In what can be described as a living trailer for Happy Death Day, guests will experience a deja-vu scenario as they are forced to relive the last day of their lives over and over again in an attempt to escape a masked killer. The final nightmare will unmask itself in Sinister, where guests will encounter an ancient pagan deity who is determined to trap them in the sordid shadow world of the dead…for all eternity.

Based on the Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures hit horror film franchise, “SAW: The Games of Jigsaw” will bring to life the scariest game yet. In this all-new maze guests will come face-to-face with the work of master craftsman “Jigsaw” and a collection of his most infamous traps from the SAW film series and upcoming eighth installment JIGSAW.

In the new “Titans of Terror” maze, guests will fall victim to the silver screen’s most deplorable killers whose affinity for bladed weapons redefined the horror movie genre as slasher films:  Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) wielding his iconic chainsaw, Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) brandishing his relentless machete, and Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) swiping his trademark glove armed with razor blades.  The new maze will be an assault on guests’ sensibilities as they descend into the forbidden realms of these horror icons.

Taking terror to an unspeakable level of bloodcurdling screams, the “Titans of Terror Tram Hosted by Chucky” will transport guests into a nightmare of carnage pitting guests against these four modern horror icons, this time led by infamous serial killer doll Chucky (Child’s Play franchise). With his faithful army of degenerate chainsaw-wielding Good Guy Dolls, Chucky will unleash havoc upon guests as they navigate a portion of the world-famous backlot.

Further “Terror Tram” encounters will include Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) at the Crystal Lake Motel where he slaughters newly arrived camp counselors; an ominous confrontation with Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) who takes his ultimate revenge on the town of Springwood; and a final foray through the barn from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, where Leatherface and the Sawyer family butcher victims for their cannibal cuisine.

Unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, the “Terror Tram” enables “Halloween Horror Nights” guests to walk along an area of the famed movie and television studio, where such sets as the Psycho House and the Bates Motel from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, and Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds, are located.

Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 20 years, guests from around the world have visited Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood to become victims inside their own horror film. The streets of the event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing “scare-actors” lunge from every darkened corner. Multiple movie-quality haunted houses are erected throughout the event, based on everything from iconic slasher films to hit horror television series to haunting original stories.

Get ready for non-stop terror because the best nightmares never end!

For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.halloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood.

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 Halloween Horror Nights runs through October 31. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP Summer 2017 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

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 62nd Anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, and Breathtaking New Views Await Guests on the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America Attractions, Reopening July 29

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Through September 4th, 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.

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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.

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“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”.

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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)

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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.

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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  • 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.

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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!

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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!

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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).

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 6th grade (five-day sessions) on select weeks between June 19 and Aug. 18. Five-night Resident Camps for 5th through 12th 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

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Beginning June 23, guests are invited to see “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” 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.

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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.