Tag Archives: theme parks

“Scene in LA” February 2022 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

It appears that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has reached its peak as far as new case numbers goes, but the damage it has done still reflects on the Southern California theater scene, with many major venues still canceling or delaying their productions until the numbers subside. Those venues that have managed to stay open are enforcing strict Covid protocols so PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED, AND FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING THE PERFORMANCES AT MOST THEATERS IN ORDER TO ATTEND PERFORMANCES. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates or are already running this month:

OPENING


“Teenage Dick” a brilliantly hilarious take on Richard III. Professionally filmed in HD with multiple cameras in front of a live audience during the in-person run in Boston. Teenage Dick will be made available as a digital stream exclusively. Written by Mike Lew, and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, it runs February 3 through February 27 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“A Little Night Music” Inspired by the 1955 Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical involves the romantic lives of several couples in Sweden around the year 1900. This new production will look at what it means to present gender on stage in the American musical theatre in 2022, with some fresh takes on several of the classic roles in the show. Written by Hugh Wheeler, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Ryan O’Connor, it runs January 22 through February 27 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-673-0544 or visit www.greenwaycourttheatre.org.

“Coloropolis” Welcome to Coloropolis, where individuals are identified only by the color of their clothes. This is a constantly growing community, changing with every stroke of The Writer’s quill. After setting the stage and providing their characters with “free-will,” The Writer leaves Coloropolis to the whims of its inhabitants. What follows is an abstract, funny, biting, satirical “lord of the flies” amongst the Primaries and Non-primaries in their newly developing world. Despite its absurdity and humor, the play tackles a broad spectrum of issues societies face as they develop. Written by A.P. De La Caridad, and directed by Travyz Santos Gatz and Tor Brown, it runs February 4 through February 27 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“How We Got On” Set in 1988, the highly theatrical play tells the story of three African-American teens in a wealthy, Mid-Western suburb as they struggle with cultural isolation, family pressures, and the elusive adolescent task of discovering, asserting, and valuing themselves. Written by Idris Goodwin, and directed by Jaime Robledo, it runs February 4 through February 19 at the Broadwater Black Box in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.sacredfools.org.

“Something Rotten” is the hilarious Broadway smash hit that tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer convinces them that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting all at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the very first musical! Shakespeare is the “rock star” of plays and works hard to make sure the brothers fail in their efforts to produce what they are calling “a musical.” Written by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick, with music by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs February 4 through February 13 at the Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 800-745-3000 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.

“All’s Well That Ends Well” focuses on a young healer, Helena, as she ropes in a fantastic cast of fools, romantics, and cynics to pursue Bertram, her runaway groom, in a clash of wit and deception. Capturing both a fairytale essence and human complexity, Shakespeare’s bittersweet comedy goes on a journey of forgiveness, hope, and love where you least expect it. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Nike Doukas, it runs February 6 through March 6 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3121 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“The Andrews Brothers” A USO performance from the Andrews Sisters is in jeopardy when they fail to appear shortly before curtain. Thankfully, three earnest stagehands are determined to go on with the show! Written by Roger Bean, with music by Roger Bean, Michael Borth, and Jon Newton, and directed by Jeffrey Polk, it runs February 11 through February 27 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www.musical.org.

“Marry Me A Little” a bittersweet musical two-hander that weaves 17 of Sondheim’s lesser-known songs into a tale of love and loneliness. The story of two single strangers who unknowingly live one floor apart is told entirely through songs written early in Sondheim’s career or cut from his groundbreaking Broadway musicals. A must-see for Sondheim aficionados, this smart, funny, sophisticated and moving evening is a fascinating look at the Sondheim songs that “got away.” Written by Craig Lucas and Norman René, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Kari Hayter, it runs February 11 through February 27 at the INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“You Haven’t Changed a Bit, and Other Lies” From the hilarious “The Role Reversal Tango,” to the tongue-firmly-in-cheek tribute to the not-so-firm “Upper Arms” of the over 60s set, to the heart-wrenching “Whatever Happened to Our Love Song,” the Mayer team’s brilliance shines through as audiences follow the adventures of aging – lovingly dissected, shredded, massaged and put back together again – through the eyes of three married couples – Jewish, Italian, Irish – who have known each other for over 35 years. It’s time for a renewal of vows. But much has changed…perhaps too much? Will all three couples make it to the altar again? Only time, and the Mayer team, will tell. Written by Jerry Mayer, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs February 12 through March 27 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/andotherlies.

“Assassins” examines the motives of the nine notorious Americans who took their shot at the President of the United States, Assassins is the twelfth Sondheim musical mounted by East West Players in its fifty-six-year history of producing theatre in Los Angeles. This wickedly subversive spectacle explores the national fixation on celebrity and its violent intersection with the American dream. Written by John Weidman, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Snehal Desai, it runs February 17 through March 20 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-609-7006 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

“Power of Sail” Distinguished Harvard professor Charles Nichols (Emmy & Tony Award winner Bryan Cranston) finds himself in hot water after inviting an incendiary white nationalist to speak at his annual symposium. His colleagues are concerned, his students are in revolt, but Charles is undeterred in his plot to expose and academically thrash his invited guest. Written by Paul Grellong, and directed by Weyni Mengesha, it runs February 17 through March 27 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Marvin’s Room” tells the story of two sisters, Lee and Bessie, who could not be more different and, though sisters, have not seen each other for almost two decades. During that time, Lee has been raising two challenging boys on her own. Bessie has been caring for their father, along with his soap opera-obsessed sister. Now the two are thrown together as Bessie has just been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Written by Scott McPherson, and directed by Thomas James O’Leary, it runs February 18 through March 27 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

“Detained” is based on interviews with longtime U.S. residents held in immigration detention, and with their family members, advocates, attorneys and representatives of ICE. Inspired by their stories, Detained explores how families fight to stay together as increasingly cruel U.S. immigration legislation keeps them apart through mass deportations and immigration detention centers. It offers a heart-wrenching and in-depth look at the human lives behind the policies, and celebrates the strength and determination of the ordinary people who must fight against an unjust system while keeping their hope and faith in humanity intact. Written by France-Luce Benson, and directed by Mark Valdez, it runs February 19 through May 15 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“It’s Alive, IT’S ALIVE!” Joined onstage by music director John Snow on upright bass; Scott Peter on piano; and singer/dancers Kyle G. Fuller and Tomoko Karina, Fleck uses musical numbers, dance sequences and broad characters to create a hilarious and uniquely ribald theatrical rollercoaster that skewers our fears and assumptions about everything from COVID-19 to our identity as earth dwellers at this precarious moment. Written by John Fleck, and directed by David Schweizer, it runs February 19 through March 20 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“The Rage Fairy” In this absurdist comedy, a manic fairy with a chaotic attachment style goes looking for love in all the wrong places–including in the arms of a literal murderer. Subsequently, she is haunted by a cadre of murdered girls, even as she tries to maintain the illusion that all is well with her dream man. The play deals with issues of love and codependency and what happens when we are unable to integrate the good and the bad. It’s wildly funny and oddly relatable in a way that will have audience members leaving the theater laughing and then unable to sleep for a week. Written and directed by Antonia Czinger, it runs February 19 through March 13 at the Sherry Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rage-fairy-tickets-246986261557.

“Billie! Backstage with Lady Day” Actor-singer-playwright Synthia L. Hardy brings the story of Billie Holiday to vibrant life. In Billie! Backstage with Lady Day, Billie is being interviewed by unseen reporters as she unfolds the story of her turbulent life. Billie, accompanied by a live four-piece combo, sings her greatest hits, including God Bless the Child, Strange Fruit, Good Morning Heartache, Lover Man, many more. Written by Synthia L. Hardy, and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, it runs February 25 through February 27 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Celestial Events” a fun, feel-good comedy about friendship, love and shared experience in the city of L.A. The paths of 12 Angelenos cross in mysterious ways on the eve of a once-in-a-millennia meteor shower. Written by Deborah S. Craig, Christian Durso, (co-writing captains), Anna Rose Hopkins, John Lavelle, Adriana Santos, and directed by Tom Amandes and Adrian Gonzalez, it runs February 25 through March 13 at the Actors Company LA in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.iamatheatre.com.

“This Joint Is Jumpin’” Together with a group of talents from a new generation of performers, she’ll present lots of dancing (with dancers who know how), lots of singing (with great songs from a time where lyrics made sense and melodies were tuneful), live music, and comedy sketches (funny stuff with no four-letter expletives) that keep things fast-paced. Written by Maybin Hewes, with music by Ron Rose, and directed by Judy Rose, it runs February 26 through March 6 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.


CONTINUING


“Native Gardens” In this brilliant new comedy, cultures and gardens clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into feuding enemies. Pablo, a rising attorney, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, have just purchased a home in the suburbs of Washington D.C. which is a bit of a fixer-upper, and Tania, a botanist, plans to transform the yard with native plants. However, their new neighbors Frank and Virginia are a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden. An impending barbeque for Pablo’s colleagues and a delicate disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out border dispute exposing both couples’ notions of race, taste, class and privilege. Written by Karen Zacarias, and directed by George Kondreck, it runs through February 12 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“The Spitfire Grill” Recently released from prison, feisty parolee Percy Talbott steps off the bus in Gilead, a location she selected because of a picture she found in an old travel book. Sheriff Joe Sutter takes Percy to the local restaurant, a run-down place, since it’s the only guest room in town and because he doesn’t know what else to do with her. Soon she finds herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It’s for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin’ at The Spitfire Grill. A heartfelt musical about healing the wounds of the past and finding your chosen family. Written by James Valcq, with music by Fred Alley, and directed by Steve Steiner, it runs through February 13 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“The How and The Why” Evolution and emotion collide in this thought-provoking and sharp play about science, family, and survival of the fittest. On the eve of a prestigious conference, an up-and-coming evolutionary biologist wrestles for the truth with an established leader in the field. This intimate and keenly perceptive play explores the difficult choices faced by woman of every generation. Written by Sarah Treem, and directed by Allen Barton, it runs through February 20 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.CrimsonSquare.org.

“To Grandmother’s House We Go” a timeless dramedy about grown children returning to the nest and the emotional toll these extended childhoods exact on parents and grandparents. Written by Joanna McClelland Glass, and directed by Linda Alznauer, it runs through March 6 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.


Our local theme parks now are operating at full capacity, which is a welcome relief to everyone! Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
Disneyland Resort
Disney’s California Adventure
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott’s Berry Farm 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

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of reopening, with many events to experience on a virtual basis. A few 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
Chalk Repertory Theatre www.chalkrep.com
Coeurage Ensemble www.coeurage.org
East West Players www.eastwestplayers.org
Echo Theater Company www.echotheatercompany.com
El Portal Theatre www.elportaltheatre.com
Films.Dance www.films.dance
For the Record Live www.ForTheRecordLive.com
Fountain Theatre www.fountaintheatre.com
Garry Marshall Theatre www.youtube.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. Theatre Works (fee & free) www.latw.org/black-voices
www.latw.org/broadcasts
www.latw.org/hd-screenings
www.latw.org/setting-stage-learning
Loft Ensemble www.loftensemble.org
Long Beach Opera www.longbeachopera.org
“Lovers and Other Strangers” www.showtix4u.com/event-details/52157
Morgan-Wixson Theatre www.morgan-wixson.org
www.youtube.com
Moving Arts www.movingarts.org
Odyssey Theatre www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Pepperdine University www.arts.pepperdine.edu
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
Shakespeare Center LA www.shakespearecenter.org
Sierra Madre Playhouse www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
South Coast Repertory www.scr.org
The Actors Gang “We Live On” www.theactorsgang.com
The Blank Theatre (fee)
The Blank Theatre (free)
www.patreon.com/TheBlankTheatre
www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo
The Broad Stage www.thebroadstage.org
The Geffen Playhouse (fee) www.geffenplayhouse.org
The Latino Theatre Company www.latinotheaterco.org
The Matrix Theatre “Scraps” www.youtube.com
The Road Theatre Company www.roadtheatre.org
www.youtube.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
Theatre 40 www.theatre40.org
Theatre 68 www.youtube.com/68centcrewtheatre
Theatre West www.theatrewest.org
“Who I Am” www.youtube.com
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, but please continue to exercise caution in everything you do, and follow whatever directions the venues may issue regarding them. Most of all, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider the effect you are having on others by not doing so. We don’t want to lose anyone else, so please get vaccinated today if you haven’t done so already!
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. We hope this year will be a safe and healthy one for theatergoers, reviewers, and everyone everywhere.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

“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

knotts boyesenberry festival 2018 1

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.

knotts boyesenberry festival 2018 2
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.


 

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP Winter 2016 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

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

 

HOLIDAYS AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The Disneyland Resort is a magical place for creating holiday memories with family and friends. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will run from Nov. 10, 2016, through Jan 8, 2017, with the new “Festival of Holidays” and new “World of Color–Season of Light,” plus guest favorites “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Glistening Christmas trees and beautiful seasonal décor adorn the entire Disneyland Resort, and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade is performed daily. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

 

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

 

 

HOLIDAYS AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The Disneyland Resort is a magical place for creating holiday memories with family and friends. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will run from Nov. 10, 2016, through Jan 8, 2017, with the new “Festival of Holidays” and new “World of Color–Season of Light,” plus guest favorites “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Glistening Christmas trees and beautiful seasonal décor adorn the entire Disneyland Resort, and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade is performed daily. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

 

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

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

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

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

HOLIDAYS AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The Disneyland Resort is a magical place for creating holiday memories with family and friends. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will run from Nov. 10, 2016, through Jan 8, 2017, with the new “Festival of Holidays” and new “World of Color–Season of Light,” plus guest favorites “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Glistening Christmas trees and beautiful seasonal décor adorn the entire Disneyland Resort, and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade is performed daily. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

At Disney California Adventure Park

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

Three Kings Day

At Disneyland Park

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

HOLIDAYS AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The Disneyland Resort is a magical place for creating holiday memories with family and friends. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will run from Nov. 10, 2016, through Jan 8, 2017, with the new “Festival of Holidays” and new “World of Color–Season of Light,” plus guest favorites “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Glistening Christmas trees and beautiful seasonal décor adorn the entire Disneyland Resort, and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade is performed daily. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

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

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

Three Kings Day

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

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


 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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


 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Rudolph’s Christmastown

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

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

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Santa’s Christmas Village presented by Coca-Cola

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

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Around the Park

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

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

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

 

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

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


 

 

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

 

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

 SFMM - Holidays in the Park MNR Photo by Craig T. Mathew/Mathew Imaging

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


 

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

 

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

The Grinch and Max at "Grinchmas" at Universal Studios Hollywood 

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Who-ville Post Office – Visitors will have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.
  • Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a memorable keepsake.
  • Story Time with Cindy-Lou WhoCindy-Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small – for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP Fall 2016 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Starts as Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror Begins its Checkout

 

Halloween Thrills Also Include New ‘Frightfully Fun Parade’ at Mickey’s Halloween Party, Plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost

 

MICKEY MOUSE AND MINNIE MOUSE CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN TIME (ANAHEIM, Calif.) ÐÐ During Halloween Time, Disneyland park guests will encounter beloved characters dressed in fun seasonal costumes, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The Halloween Time celebration at the Disneyland Resort, which also features special attractions and entertainment, continues through Oct. 31, 2016. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
MICKEY MOUSE AND MINNIE MOUSE CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN TIME

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort offers two new reasons for guests to visit this year­­––a special celebration at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror with a chance to “drop in” like never before, and the debut of the “Frightfully Fun Parade” at Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event. The parade features some popular Disney villains and a procession of grim, grinning ghosts, while The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow appears for the first time at Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Those treats add to the family-friendly thrills, popular seasonal attractions and spooky decor that make Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort so magical. The season runs from Friday, Sept. 9, through Monday, Oct. 31, offering the popular Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy attractions, themed foods and merchandise, plus spirited decor that features a giant Mickey Mouse jack-‘o-lantern on Main Street, U.S.A.

 

TWILIGHT ZONE™ TOWER OF TERROR FINAL CHECK-OUT CELEBRATION
TWILIGHT ZONE™ TOWER OF TERROR FINAL CHECK-OUT CELEBRATION

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Final Check-out Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park

The invitation to check into the Hollywood Tower Hotel is even more urgent now as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror approaches its final check-out date, Jan. 2, 2017. A special tribute begins Sept. 9 to salute the haunted hotel’s eerie story and exciting adventure at Disney California Adventure Park. During the celebration, guests who arrive after twilight will enjoy “Late Check-Out”–-a chance to venture beyond the fifth dimension into complete darkness.  It’s something guests have never experienced before: free-falling in the attraction’s haunted elevator shaft with all the lights out.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror celebration also includes special musical performances, commemorative merchandise and specialty food and beverage items. Performing at the Hollywood Tower Hotel are the Silver Lake Sisters, characters from the story of this famous hotel who once performed at its rooftop lounge. The sisters make their return to the Hollywood Tower Hotel during Halloween season.

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Spooky Halloween Traditions at Disneyland Park

Throughout the Halloween season, guests will find special treats and thrilling traditions.  Haunted Mansion Holiday returns to celebrate the collision between Halloween and Christmas, and a familiar guest moves into the Mansion: Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

  • Jack Skellington brings a unique spark to the season and, for the first time, his friend Sally joins him in the Mansion graveyard.
  • The annualHaunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house is back with a new theme. This year’s version appears to have been stitched together from pieces of other gingerbread houses and treats. In fact, the ghoulish architect has stitched himself inside the house, and one green arm still may be spotted, sewing the walls together around him.
  • Another Halloween favorite isSpace Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a Halloween-themed reimagining of the popular thrill ride in Tomorrowland, at Disneyland. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are bombarded with eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out to menace the space travelers.
  • The traditional Mexican celebration,“Dia de los Muertos,” is observed with a skeleton display in Frontierland, near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.
  • As a special, after-dark treat during the Halloween season, guests visiting Disneyland on select nights will enjoy the“Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular.
  • During the day, the dynamic“Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” marches down Main Street, U.S.A., throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Haunted Mansion Holiday brings the frightfully fun cheer of “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas" to the Disneyland Resort. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort returns in 2016 from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31 with spooky seasonal décor, themed food and beverage offerings and attractions that get a seasonal overlay for Halloween. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

 

Mickey’s Halloween Party

New this year at Mickey’s Halloween Party is the premiere of the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” seen exclusively on the 17 nights of this separately ticketed event at Disneyland.

  • The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”) brings a warning to guests, riding through the park on his ghostly black steed with a flickering jack-‘o-lantern.
  • Shortly afterward, the parade begins with greetings from Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
  • Grim, grinning (and hitchhiking) ghosts follow along in the procession, joined by other spirits from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction.
  • Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” the creepy Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor.
  • Mischievous Disney villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble, and their wicked gathering includes the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella.

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Mickey’s Halloween Party guests are invited to visit in costume and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for candy and healthy snacks. An extra special treat is the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party and hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* 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. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights:

Friday, Sept. 23; Monday, Sept. 26, Wednesday, Sept. 28; Friday, Sept. 30; Monday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 5; Friday, Oct. 7; Monday, Oct. 10;Wednesday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 21; Monday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 29; and Monday, 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.

HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD HOUSE Ð Now through Jan. 8, 2017, Haunted Mansion Holiday brings the frightfully fun cheer of ÒTim BurtonÕs Nightmare Before Christmas" to the Disneyland Resort. This yearÕs gingerbread house marks the 15th season of this festive tradition in the mansionÕs ballroom. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland)

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount for select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $89 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31, are $99 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking is permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.

For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit  http://www.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 and event dates may sell out. 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 and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check guidelines for all restrictions. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Haunted Mansion Holiday brings the frightfully fun cheer of “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas" to the Disneyland Resort. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort returns in 2016 from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31 with spooky seasonal décor, themed food and beverage offerings and attractions that get a seasonal overlay for Halloween. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)
HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Haunted Mansion Holiday brings the frightfully fun cheer of “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” to the Disneyland Resort. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort returns in 2016 from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31 with spooky seasonal décor, themed food and beverage offerings and attractions that get a seasonal overlay for Halloween. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.
Haunted Mansion Holiday inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

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

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is open daily year round, and Halloween Time runs through October 31. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

 


 

New Terrors are Coming to Knott’s Scary Farm This Halloween Season

 

Whatever You’re Imagining, It’s Here –

Including an Interactive Zombie Video Game Maze

 

 knotts scary farm 2016 1

Knott’s Scary Farm, the largest and most haunting Halloween event in Southern California, has unveiled the 13 haunted attractions that will terrify guests when the event returns for 24 horrifying nights, September 22 – October 31.

Four all-new nightmarish haunted attractions will debut this year; each featuring unearthly surprises, ghoulish monsters and frightening legends that come to life as you step inside.

 

Special Ops: Infected (New for 2016): Armed with cutting edge laser guns, brave guests will face off against hordes of zombies in the groundbreaking all-new Special Ops: Infected interactive maze. Small units of guests will battle the zombie apocalypse through blood soaked city streets and an underground sewer system crawling with nearly one hundred ravenous zombies. The high tech innovative experience thrusts guests into the middle of a live-action video game complete with live actors, real time scoring system, kill streak rewards system and interactive targets, including a juggernaut boss zombie. The new attraction is one of the largest mazes ever created in Knott’s Scary Farm history so form your squad and put your zombie apocalypse survival skills to the test in this action packed, one-of-a-kind experience.

 

Shadow Lands (New for 2016): A fulfilling life ensures a soul safe passage into eternity, but what happens to the souls of soldiers slain in battle? Enter the hair-raising Shadow Lands maze and 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.

 

Red Barn (New for 2016): Take a trip to a blood-soaked barn filled with carnivorous animals seeking to prey on human flesh in the Red Barn gore maze. Legend has it the farmer who owns the barn was transformed into a heinous creature that sends his sadistic sons to ensure his legacy. None dare enter the barn, for those who enter never escape.

 

The Hollow (New for 2016): From within the fog, the legendary Headless Horseman and his army of the undead are ready to unleash a reign of terror in the new scare zone, The Hollow. Guests entering the frightful 6-acre area will be terrorized by the souls of fallen soldiers and local farmers that have escaped their shallow graves.

 

Standalone Skeleton Key Rooms (New for 2016): For the first time, Knott’s Scary Farm will feature standalone Skeleton Key Rooms that are independent from mazes. The four Skeleton Key Rooms will each feature a unique story and theme delivering unparalleled scares, interactive secrets and terrifying surprises:

 knotts scary farm 2016 2

Visions: Guests must investigate the Green Witch Museum in Ghost Town where it is not the building that is haunted, but the various items contained within. Using a Phantom Finder augmented reality device, guests will be able to identify and witness paranormal activity connected to items from the Sarah Marshall Witch Trial.

 

ZOZO: People from all over the world claim to have been visited by the demon ZOZO after a spirit board session. Is the demonic entity known as ZOZO real or are spirit boards just a myth?

 

Slasher: Guests are invited to step into an 80s’ slasher horror film. The masked Angel Maker Killer is on the loose. Every lead has run cold and that’s when you step into the picture. Will you become his next victim?

 

Prey: Navigate a hay maze full of dead ends with only a faulty lantern as your guide. You are not alone. Mutant beasts are lurking around every corner.

knotts scary farm 2016 3

Returning Favorites

 

Back by popular demand, Elvira, the legendary Mistress of the Dark, returns to Knott’s Scary Farm in a spectacular all new show, Elvira’s Danse Macabre, featuring insane dance and comedy performances. The one of a kind performance from the Queen of Halloween will transport guests to a masquerade ball full of music, dance and humor. Knott’s Scary Farm will be the exclusive home of Elvira this Halloween season.

 

PARANORMAL, INC. – The Haunting of Hayden Hill: Last year’s groundbreaking Paranormal Inc. maze will return to Knott’s Scary Farm this year. Featuring high flying aerial stunts and scares, guests investigate a haunted hospital where the patients were tortured for decades by deranged doctors and nurses. Demonic spirits of the murdered victims have been detected throughout the mysterious halls, while evil medical staff prowl for new patients to torture.

 

The Dead of Winter: Wendigo’s Revenge – Deep in the frozen tundra, the realm of a treacherous snow queen has been usurped by her evil minion, the horrific wendigo. She may be dead, but her evil spell hasn’t been lifted: The dead cannibals have risen from their snowy graves as hungry creatures feast on the surrounding villages. During the chaos, the queen’s prized possession, the horrific wendigo, has seized control of her throne, ready to prey upon any unsuspecting visitors who enter the borders of its icy domain.

 

Trick-or-Treat: Take a brave step forward and ring the witch’s doorbell…trick or treat, which will it be?  After surviving her grisly welcome, wander into the Green Witch’s never before seen potion room and bewitched attic. But don’t leave too soon; you’re the special guest at the Green Witch’s deadly dinner party where she and her menacing Tricksters await your arrival.

 

The Tooth Fairy: This twisted tooth fairy steals more than just baby teeth as he drags his victims out their bedroom window and into a world of deranged 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 massive tooth fairy, himself. Say aahhh.

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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 Gunslinger’s Grave: A Blood Moon Rises: Deadly howls and a full blood moon mark your impending doom as werewolves overrun the crime stricken old west town. Walk in the bloody footsteps of a betrayed and left for dead gunslinger on his path of retribution against the Skinwalkers.

 

The Deadly 7, a sadistic crew of terrifying monsters representing each of the seven deadly sins, return to the fog of Knott’s Scary Farm this year. Together they prowl the darkest corners of Scary Farm’s midways and scare zones serving their master, The Green Witch.

 

The Hanging®: Finding Gory – A live stage show in Calico Square 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!

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160 Acres of 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 in 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 fuses dance music, colorful costumes, and larger than life stilt walkers in a dance party scare zone.  It’s the ultimate late night celebration of Dia de los Muertos.  On the Boardwalk, clowns crave your undying attention in the CarnEVIL scare zone. New this season, the Hollow scare zone will terrorize guests as the ominous Headless horseman prowls the fog-filled streets along with his army of the undead, treacherously blending into the shadowy night as they frighten all whom they encounter.

 

Knott’s Scary Farm Pass & Admission

 

  • Single night tickets are $40 – $52 depending on the event night when purchased online (plus applicable fees). Knott’s Season Passholders receive discounts on single night tickets when purchasing online. Tickets purchased at least 24 hours in advance at the theme park ticket booths are $49 for all nights, and day-of-event tickets purchased at the ticket booths are $72.
  • Fright Lane with Skeleton Key offers unlimited priority access to all mazes and unlocks ONE time access to all four standalone Skeleton Key Rooms filled with unnerving terrors, interactive secrets and exclusive scenes. Guests will also receive a commemorative lanyard and collectible keychain. Fright Lane with Skeleton Key passes start at $75. (Separate theme park admission required, and not included)

        

  • Combo Tickets, offering admission and Fright Lane with Skeleton Key are an especially great value offering savings of up to $37, versus purchasing each item separately at the ticket booths.

 

  • Fast Lane offers unlimited priority access to many of Knott’s world-class coasters starting at $70 per person. Fast Lane is valid during regular Knott’s Berry Farm operation and for Knott’s Scary Farm operation on the date of intended use. (separate theme park admission required, and not included)
  • Boo-fet dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse invites guests to feed the beast before Knott’s Scary Farm opens each night. Meals include a collectible 2016 souvenir cup, which includes unlimited complimentary refills on the event night and $0.99 refills for the rest of the 2016 season. After dinner, enjoy early entry into Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals.  Boo-fet dinner is $27.99 +tax when purchased online and $32.99 +tax when purchased at the door. (Separate theme park admission required, and not included)
  • Knott’s Scary Farm parking is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online (plus applicable taxes and fees) or at the parking booth upon arrival. All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights.

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Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors over the past 43 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape.  This year, the event returns September 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.  Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00pm – 1:00am select Thursdays, Sundays, and Halloween Night and 7:00pm – 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays.  With more than 1,000 monsters roaming the park and lurking in the fog – whatever you’re imagining, it’s here…

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.

For park operating hours, show times and more visit the Knott’s Berry Farm website at www.knotts.com. Join the conversation using the hashtag #NewAtKnotts

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 Sweetens its Annual Brick-or-Treat Party Nights Halloween Celebration

 legoland fall 2016 1

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights at LEGOLAND® California Resort, presented by Shutterfly®, is back and sweeter than ever! The biggest kids’ Halloween celebration in San Diego offers children and their families trick-or-treating and entertainment throughout the Park. Every Saturday night (Oct. 1,8,15,22, & 29) starting at 5 p.m., LEGOLAND California transforms into a not-too-spooky Halloween party featuring a new Ghost Cruise adventure, a new pop-badge challenge through Fun Town, a new theater show in Castle Hill, a fall festival complete with a LEGO® pumpkin patch building activity and blue-grass style music in LEGO Friends Heartlake City, treat stations with specialty items including a LEGO® commemorative Brick, roaming candy carts throughout the Park and two bonus treat stations inside SEA LIFE® Aquarium. Plus, LEGOLAND® Hotel joins in the fun with its own Halloween party on Oct. 31 with candy giveaways, a dance party and a special visit from Brick-Or-Treat Characters exclusively for Hotel guests!

legoland fall 2016 2

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights is a special event and admission can be purchased for as low as $35 if purchased online in advance. Special event ticket holders can enjoy costume contests, trick-or-treating at treat stations and candy carts filled with tasty goodies and other surprises, festive music, live entertainment including the hilarious “Boo Crew,” a dazzling animated Spirits of Brick-or-Treat light show, and new Ghost Cruise adventure. The LEGO themed treat stations and candy carts offer a safe, fun and entertaining trick-or-treating experience for all to enjoy.

Guests can also “boo-gie” down at frighteningly-fun dance parties: Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party atop the Model Shop in Miniland U.S.A., Pirate Booty Boogie at SEA LIFE Aquarium, plus sing and dance along to the music and mayhem in the Monster Fighter Mash featured at the Fun Town Stage. An all new show, “The Curse of the Hallowmeenie” debuts at the Castle Stage in Castle Hill. Special event guests can also enjoy entertainment from The Witchettes, Bluegrass Band Jamboree and a special LEGO Friends meet and greet in Heartlake City, where kids can decorate their own craft!

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In the Halloween spirit, community sponsor Union Bank is donating 300 tickets to allow winners to visit this year’s Brick-or-Treat festivities during the first weekend of the month-long celebration. LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on select dates throughout October. With special event admission to Brick-or-Treat Party Nights on October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 guests can extend their day until 9pm at both LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium to enjoy all the Halloween festivities. 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 on select dates through October, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.


 

Get Ready to Carve out a Ghoulishly Good Time at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular

 

Whoever said Halloween is only a night of fright hasn’t celebrated this boootiful holiday at SeaWorld San Diego®!  SeaWorld announces its Halloween Spooktacular®, San Diego’s premiere not-too-spooky family-fun extravaganza. This must-see fangtastic experience kicks off Sept. 24–25 and runs every weekend in October.

And how’s this for the ultimate treat without a trick: SeaWorld is offering one child, aged 3 to 9, free admission with one full-paid adult admission through October, making this fun-filled day at the park an even greater value!

New this year for Spooktacular will be a family-friendly celebration of the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. Large, beautifully dressed Catrina statues will welcome guests as they discover ofrendas (offerings) of mementos and flowers honoring loved ones who have left us.

Children 12 and under are encouraged to dress up in their finest Halloween costumes for a howling good time at this year’s festivities that includes free candy at 12 underwater-themed trick-or-treating stations. Guests can also creep over to the Clyde & Seamore’s Big Halloween Bash performance at the park’s Sea Lion and Otter Stadium, where those prank-loving sea lions, Clyde® and Seamore®, and the always-mischievous O.P. Otter® get their Halloween on. Plus, Mission Bay Theater will be the ghostly home for Sesame Street’s Who Said Boo?, starring Elmo and his friends as they sing, dance and romp their way through Count’s Castle.

Monsters of all sizes can do the mash at the Spooktacular dance party! DJ Cotton Candy will spin sweet beats that will set the bewitching vibe for the ghoulishly fun costume party! On the dance floor, guests can mingle with candy-inspired characters such as Colonel Candy Corn, Lolly Pop N’ Lockit, and Goody Gumdrop, the King of Candy, plus new this year, Tabitha Taffy and Timothy Toffee.

Youngsters can also let their creative Halloween juices run wild while decorating cookies, painting pumpkins, and, at the kinetic sand bar, building sandy masterpieces.

In addition to taking advantage of SeaWorld’s free single-day child ticket with one full-paid adult admission, dads and mummies can unwrap the same offer at Dine With Shamu® where each child dines free with the purchase of a full-paid adult, all at poolside tables near SeaWorld’s family of killer whales. Plus, a child age 10 to 12 can participate for free in SeaWorld’s Dolphin Interaction Program or Beluga Interaction Program with one full-priced adult participant per interaction (children must be at least 4 feet tall to participate).

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round, and Halloween Spooktacular runs through October 31. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.


 

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Features Jabbawockeez

 

Diverse Dance Crew Amplifies New Show with Dynamic Multi-Color Laser Projections; Adds First-Ever Female Dancer to Energetic “Halloween Horror Nights” Performance

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Jabbawockeez, the acclaimed, award-winning hip hop dance group, universally recognized as America’s best dance crew, returns to Universal Studios Hollywood for a new electrifying original series of performances, enhanced by spectacular multi-color laser projections and the addition of the first-ever female dancer, as part of this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights.”

“Halloween Horror Nights” began on Friday, September 16, 2016.

With the addition of the first-ever female dancer to the popular dance crew, the Jabbawockeez will take to the stage within the Special Effects Show venue donning their signature white masks. The diverse group of dancers will perform a repertoire of innovative, synchronized choreography accompanied by a stunning laser lights display that will come to life in a full spectrum of color.  The all-new, high-energy Jabbawockeez show, created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights,” will once again underscore the dance crew’s unique brand of humor as they transport guests into a new realm of gravity-defying dance, elevated to new heights by special effects and pulse-pounding music.

Currently starring in a new production, “Jreamz, Journey Within,” in their own theatre at MGM Grand Las Vegas, the Jabbawockeez are considered dance movement pioneers having shattered the glass ceiling for dance groups worldwide as the first dance crew to ever headline their own show in Las Vegas.

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Tickets are available for purchase at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood, including the Frequent Fear Pass which allows guests to visit multiple times throughout the event.  Guests purchasing the all-new After 2 p.m. Day/Night Combo ticket can enjoy the park’s popular daytime attractions such as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Fast and Furious—Supercharged” on the world-famous Studio Tour by day, then step into the mazes and attractions located throughout the park to experience the terror of “Halloween Horror Nights” for one admission price.

“Halloween Horror Nights” guests can also purchase the popular Front of Line ticket, enabling them to enjoy one-time priority access to all mazes, attractions, all-new Terror Tram, and Jabbawockeez performance.

“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. The popular event features a new slate of unrivaled film and television production quality mazes, frightful scare zones and a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” experience – all uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties.

This year’s slate of mazes includes, “American Horror Story,” inspired by Ryan Murphy’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television anthology series on the FX network; “The Exorcist: The Possession of Regan MacNeil,” based on the iconic supernatural horror film; “Freddy vs. Jason: Dream Battle,” inspired by New Line Cinema’s 2003 film that brought together the biggest horror icons in history: demented killer Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and notorious hockey mask killer Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th); “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers,” which pits guests against the unsavory wrath of manic killer Leatherface and his mentally unhinged brother, Chop Top; “Halloween:  Hell Comes to Haddonfield,” an all-new maze inspired by the second film in the classic “Halloween” horror franchise; “Krampus: The Christmas Devil,” based on Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures’ Christmas-themed horror film that brings to life the fabled anthropomorphic “half-goat, half-demon” horned creature who terrorizes those devoid of holiday spirit; “The Walking Dead,” an authentic living representation of AMC’s hit television series that takes the realism of the show to an entirely new level with the permanent attraction, as well as “Eli Roth Presents Terror Tram,” marking the first time ever that the signature attraction comes to life through the twisted mind of the filmmaker; and an all-new performance by the award-winning hip hop-dance crew Jabbawockeez.

All-New Terrifying Mazes

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“The Exorcist: The Possession of Regan MacNeil”

For the first time ever, supernatural thriller, The Exorcist, will take possession of “Halloween Horror Nights” in an all-new horrifying maze “The Exorcist: The Possession of Regan MacNeil.” The maze will recreate some of the film’s most haunting scenes, ushering guests into its unparalleled terror as if their very souls were possessed by the devil.  All senses will kick into high gear as guests experience every iconic levitating, head-spinning, vomit-wrenching, skin-crawling moment from the film. Guests will become paralyzed by fear as they witness the power of the supernatural, scream uncontrollably as they join in Regan MacNeil’s possession, and run in terror as they attempt to escape the horrific battle between innocence and evil.

Maze location:  Adjacent to The Mummy Ride

 

“American Horror Story”

“American Horror Story,” FX’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television series, has terrorized television viewers for five suspenseful installments, and for the first time ever, three chapters will come to life in a new frightening “Halloween Horror Nights” maze. Guests will venture through Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking horror anthology, encountering a plethora of iconic scenes and memorable characters designed to jolt them to their very core. Twisted “Murder House” scenes from Installment 1 will unleash the evil spirits that possess the Harmon estate, spiraling guests through decades of the tortured dead who previously resided there. From Installment 4’s “Freak Show,” guests will join a troupe of biological misfits in a sinister sideshow where they will be stalked by the murderous and deformed Twisty the Clown. Finally, guests will succumb to the warped desires of The Countess after checking in to the haunted “Hotel Cortez,” conceived from the beginning as a torture chamber for its customers, from Installment 5.

Maze location:  Metro sets on the backlot

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“Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield”

Escaped mental patient Michael Myers makes a homecoming return in “Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield,” an all-new maze inspired by the second film in the classic “Halloween” horror franchise. Echoing the infamous words uttered by the film’s Dr. Sam Loomis, “You can’t kill the Boogeyman,” the twisted maze will shed new light on the terrifying lunacy of Michael Myers as he scours the streets of Haddonfield and stalks the halls of Haddonfield Memorial Hospital in ruthless pursuit of victims.

Maze location:  Adjacent to the Jurassic Park ride

“Freddy vs. Jason”

In “Freddy vs. Jason,” demented killer Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) returns to the scene of the crime, this time accompanied by notorious hockey mask killer Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) to inflict twice as much terror. Inspired by the 2003 film that brought together two of the biggest icons in horror history, this new experiential maze will thrust guests into an epic battle between Freddy and Jason and a showdown in which the fate of only one mass killer will survive.

Maze location:  Metro sets on the backlot

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“Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers”

The unspeakable terror embroiled within “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers” maze will pit guests against the unsavory wrath of demented killer Leatherface and his mentally unhinged brother ChopTop as they unite in misery to expand the family’s cannibalistic enterprise and slaughter a new generation of innocent victims. With the perverse duo at the helm of a grotesque BBQ restaurant staged inside a dilapidated roadside gas station, unwitting guests will come to realize the new terror that awaits as the blood brothers continue their hedonistic prey on human flesh.

Maze location:  Adjacent to the WaterWorld attraction

“Krampus”

Tis the season for “Krampus” as the terrifying dark Christmas legend is manifested into a maze based on the Christmas-themed horror film. The dead of winter sets the stage for the terror that’s about to unfold one cold, dank and dreary Christmas Eve as the fabled anthropomorphic “half-goat, half-demon” horned creature emerges to terrorize those devoid of holiday spirit. Guests will navigate the dysfunctional Engel family home to encounter the evil ancient spirit of Krampus – the ominous shadow of Saint Nicholas – and his band of Dark Elves and sinister Gingerbread Men, who cause the family to fight to see the light of day.

Maze location:  Metro sets on the backlot

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“The Walking Dead”

“The Walking Dead,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s all-new daytime permanent attraction, will have a starring role at “Halloween Horror Nights.” By elevating the scares with more walkers and effects for the nighttime event, “The Walking Dead” creates a no-holds-barred experience that significantly intensifies any other iteration previously developed within the theme park. Coupled with authentic walker make-up effects, sophisticated animatronic walkers, substantially more detailed set design and costuming, and highly recognizable props replicated from the series, the attraction delivers an uncompromised realistic environment that brings guests even further into the most-watched show in cable television history.

“Eli Roth Presents the Terror Tram”

Horror auteur Eli Roth (“Hostel”) and his digital network Crypt TV take the helm of the infamous “Terror Tram,” marking the first time ever that the signature attraction comes to life through the twisted mind of the filmmaker. “Eli Roth Presents Terror Tram” will expose guests to the fabled legacy of serial killer clown “Hollywood Harry,” the story of a former jovial celebrity clown turn depraved murderer, and the minefield of carnage he left behind. The all-new “Terror Tram” experience follows the sordid tale of former Los Angeles resident Harold Kappowitz whose alter ego “Koodles the Clown” went from cheerful circus performer, to the lovable star of his own children’s network television show…before he was overcome by his genuine “killer instincts.”

The Walking Dead attraction

The Purge: Election Year” Scare Zone

A terrifying twist on this year’s scare zone, “Halloween Horror Nights” introduces a new themed experience, inspired by Universal Pictures’ disturbing blockbuster trilogy, “The Purge: Election Year,” that permeates all areas of the park. Iconic scenes from each of the frightening films will recreate the turmoil and pandemonium that exists when masked vigilantes hunt for victims during the government’s annually sanctioned killing spree. Like civilians in the movie fighting to survive, guests must rely on their cunning wit, luck and speed as they attempt to outsmart and outlive the anarchy brought about by those who believe in an “eye for an eye.”  An original scare zone element will be “The Purge: Gauntlet of Fear” that delivers unbridled fear as guests are funneled through an area of the park to try and escape the horrors of the mass slaughter that awaits them.

Location:  Throughout the entire theme park and areas of the Metro sets backlot

Universal’s most popular rides and attractions are also open to guests, including “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” “Jurassic Park–In the Dark,” “The Simpsons Ride” and “Revenge of the Mummy–The Ride.”

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Periscope; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year round, and Halloween Horror Nights runs through November 5. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.