Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced that they will begin 365-day operation in January 2018.
Santa Clarita, Calif. –Six Flags Entertainment recently announced their plans for Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Southern California flagship theme park, to enter into 365-day operation, starting on January 1, 2018.
“With the best collection of thrills in the world and the Six Flags brand expanding globally, this is the perfect time for one of our flagship properties to make the business transition to a 365-day operating schedule in order to maximize travel industry opportunities. Six Flags will now provide a thrilling vacation option to both international and domestic visitors coming to enjoy Southern California,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
The Valencia theme park originally opened in 1971, and has operated on a limited schedule, with Magic Mountain running year-round on weekends and holidays in the off-season, and daily throughout spring and summer.
The most recent attraction to Magic Mountain was Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, which opened this past July to take guests along with Batman, Superman and friends as they face classic DC villains to save their city.
For more information on Six Flag Magic Mountain and their new operating schedule, or to purchase tickets, visit sixflags.com. Check out our coverage of the opening of Justice League: Battle for Metropolis below:
ANAHEIM, Calif. — “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new theatrical adaptation based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, is now at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park in Southern California.
This new theatrical interpretation for the stage immerses audiences in the beloved world of Frozen and takes audiences on the heartwarming journey of Anna and Elsa, with all of the excitement of live theater. Under the direction of Tony Award® nominated Director Liesl Tommy, the show features elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, and show-stopping production numbers. An exceptionally large production, the show features an opening cast and crew of more than 200, six full musical numbers and a 2,200 square foot video wall which combine for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, has produced this new stage interpretation of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” with all of the creativity and resources of its predecessor “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” which ran for a remarkable 13 years at the 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater.
As would be expected from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, new technologies – especially with projections, fabrics and special effects — will delight audiences in new and unexpected ways. Guests are immersed in the world of “Frozen” from the moment they enter the theater and are surrounded by a specially lit “Aurora” curtain. As the musical unfolds, the scenic design and large moving set pieces create a cinema-style energy enhanced by state-of-the-art projections that create dynamic environments for the performers. Custom sound design envelops the audience in music and audio effects. And, of course, there will be snow throughout the interior of the theater – on stage and over the audience.
“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,” which is the number one animated feature of all time. It is the winner of two Academy Awards (2014) for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
“While our production of ‘Frozen’ stays true to the heart and soul of the film, we have adapted it for the stage so it’s truly a musical theater production that befits our beautiful Hyperion Theater,” said Dana Harrel, creative entertainment executive with Walt Disney Imagineering. “The goal of this creative team is to take all audiences – including those who know the film, and those new to these characters – on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa.
“We know that for many in the audience — adults and children alike – this production will be a first or rare theater-going experience, and we want to make it as magical as possible.”
The new adaptation features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”).
“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is directed by Tommy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award® for her Broadway show “Eclipsed.” The choreographer is Christopher Windom and this is his seventh collaboration with Tommy. The musical supervisor/arranger/adaptor is Jason Michael Webb, whose Broadway credits include “The Color Purple,” “Motown: The Musical,” “Violet,” and “Memphis.” Clint Ramos, the principal costume designer, was also nominated this year for a Tony Award® for his work on “Eclipsed.”
“I am approaching ‘Frozen’ as I would any new work – to search the story for what resonates most emotionally, which is the story of the relationship between Anna and Elsa, their coming of age and conquering their worst fears,” explains Director Tommy. “It’s what made the movie so intensely satisfying and fresh. The theatrical version of ‘Frozen’ that my designers and I are creating for the Hyperion builds on the film’s emotional intensity using beautiful performances, thrilling choreography and the most cutting-edge design elements.”
A great amount of creative energies have been employed to bring “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” to the stage. Harrel and Tommy have assembled a team of creative talent from both Broadway and Disney to create this production. The principal designers are Robert Brill (scenery), Charles Lapointe (wigs), David Weiner (lighting), Aaron Rhyne (projections) and Broken Chord (audio), and Ramos (costumes).
The challenge of bringing the animated non-human characters of Sven and Olaf to the stage was assigned to master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed with director Julie Taymor the animal creations of “The Lion King” on Broadway, the magic mirror in “Snow White: An Enchanted Musical” at Fantasyland Theatre, and many other Disney parades, shows and projects, as well as projects for Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera. Curry’s intricate designs created for Olaf and Sven allow the performers to connect with the characters and bring them to life on stage in new ways.
An entirely separate two-act Broadway production of “Frozen” is currently being prepared by Disney Theatrical Productions and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” for spring 2018 at a theater to be announced. It will have a pre-Broadway engagement starting in summer 2017 in Denver.
Santa Clarita, Calif. – Beginning on May 15, 2016, the world’s most accomplished cyclists will compete in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California, a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG. Cyclists will make their way from the heart of San Diego to Sacramento over the course of eight days across nearly 800 miles of California’s most beautiful terrain. The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 2 Finish for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California on May 16, 2016. Stage 2 will begin in new host city South Pasadena and travel 92 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita. Despite being a sprinter’s finish, the profile on the way to Santa Clarita is filled with long gradual climbs that could take a toll on the sprinters’ legs. Riders will face several Lexus King of the Mountain points in the Angeles National Forest including Highway 2, Big Tujunga and Little Tujunga Canyon. Throughout the route, riders will see numerous California bridges and tunnels. The City of Santa Clarita, host to the most stages in race history (12), will welcome riders for a wide, flat finish in front of the Old Town Newhall Library on Lyons Avenue on May 16. Race organizers are predicting an exciting group sprint finish, so residents are encouraged to attend and join in on the excitement. “We are looking forward to hosting this world-class event in Santa Clarita for a twelfth time. It is exciting for the City and exciting for the community,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The Stage 2 Finish will bring international eyes to the City’s arts and entertainment district of Old Town Newhall.” If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visitsantaclaritatourofCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visitamgentourofcalifornia.com. About the Amgen Tour of California The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions. Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2 HC, meaning “beyond category”), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. More information is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com. About Amgen Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology. Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. About AEG Founder and operators of the Amgen Tour of California, AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Company, owns or controls a collection of companies including facilities such as STAPLES Center, StubHub Center, Sprint Center, The O2, Mercedes-Benz Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. LIVE and PlayStation Theater; sports franchises including the LA Kings (NHL), two Major League Soccer franchises, two hockey franchises operated in Europe, management of privately held shares of the Los Angeles Lakers; AEG Live, the organization’s live-entertainment division, is a collection of companies dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring and a variety of programming and multi-media production. For more information, visit AEG today atwww.aegworldwide.com.
Los Angeles, Calif. – The Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today TheArts Activation Fund, which will award $200,000 in grants to support the creation and installation of art and cultural projects throughout Los Angeles.
Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced the launch of a $200,000 grant program that will support the work of local artists and bring new vibrancy to public spaces across L.A.
The Arts Activation Fund, a partnership between Mayor Garcetti’s Great Streets Initiative and the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), will provide funding to artists with inspiring ideas for public art projects and cultural events in their neighborhoods.
“Art has the power to transform our perception, attitude and behavior — and is especially impactful when it lives in places that are accessible to everyone,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Arts Activation Fund will support the creative genius that thrives in our city, and give Angelenos an opportunity to reimagine public spaces in their neighborhoods as vibrant, exciting, and creative places.”
The $200,000 fund, established with the support of the L.A. City Council, will be allocated to between eight and 15 projects, with each project eligible to receive as much as $15,000. The program is designed to fund a range of projects across the City that complement the unique character of their neighborhoods. In this spirit, the fund will prioritize artists with proposals for their own neighborhoods, and whose projects have strong support from their local communities.
The projects can take the form of temporary objects, installations, or experiences that are free to the community and situated in public places or within public view anywhere in the City. They will be conceived, developed, and presented within a two- to three-month timeline. Individual artists, collectives, limited partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and commercial businesses across the City are all eligible to apply.
“Through the work in my committee, we reactivated the Mural Ordinance, revived the Arts Development Fee resulting in millions of dollars for new public art, and guided the new Arts Activation Fund, which will contribute to Los Angeles as a city that values its arts and culture,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, Chair of the City’s Arts, Parks, and Los Angeles River Committee. “I want to thank DCA General Manager Danielle Brazell and her staff for their work to identify even more opportunities for artists to shine in the City of Los Angeles.”
The Arts Activation Fund propels Mayor Garcetti’s effort to improve public spaces across the City through community place-making and public art. Last year, the City launched a $200,000 Great Streets Challenge Grant Program that funded eight community projects to reimagine their Great Streets as public spaces.
“Public spaces in our neighborhoods and along our City’s Great Streets provide an open canvas for us to use our creative strength to animate and activate our communities through arts and culture,” said Danielle Brazell, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. “The Arts Activation Fund connects local artists to these spaces and the people indigenous to them to reinforce neighborhood identities and celebrate L.A.’s diversity.”
For more information, and to submit a proposal for funding through the Arts Activation Fund, visitdcaredesign.org/artsactivate. To find out more about Mayor Garcetti’s Great Streets initiative, visitwww.lamayor.org/greatstreets.
Starting in February 2016, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disneyland Park in California or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will transport guests to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer. (Disney)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Star Wars: The Force Awakens has quickly become the highest grossing film in American history, and soon guests at Disney Parks will be able to interact with one of the film’s most intriguing and chilling new characters, Kylo Ren.
Every day at Disney Parks, guests step into Star Wars experiences such as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple and Star Wars Launch Bay, where they come face to face with some of the greatest heroes and villains of the saga. Starting in February, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disneyland Park in California or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will transport guests to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer.
As seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is a dark warrior with a mysterious past. Kylo Ren is strong with the Force and serves as a leader of the First Order, seeking to destroy the New Republic, the Resistance and the legacy of the Jedi.
Star Wars Launch Bay is designed to showcase a variety of Star Wars characters over time. In addition to Kylo Ren, guests may also come across a garrison of First Order Stormtroopers or the heroic Wookiee, Chewbacca, holed up in a secret Resistance base.
The Force has awakened at Disney Parks with the addition of new and reimagined Star Wars experiences, just in time for fans of the blockbuster new movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, to step into the Star Wars saga every day.
The new experiences further expand the Star Wars presence ahead of the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
STAR WARS SEASON OF THE FORCE AT DISNEYLAND PARK — As the Force awakens at the Disneyland Resort, Star Wars Season of the Force brings exciting new experiences to Disneyland Park to celebrate all things Star Wars. Season of the Force in Tomorrowland entertains fans of the famous film saga and guests looking forward to the future Star Wars-themed land. Among the elements entering this galaxy are Star Wars Launch Bay, an interactive space in the newly named Tomorrowland Expo Center; Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a cinematic overview of the Star Wars saga; a new adventure in Star Tours Ð The Adventures Continue, and the reimagined attraction, Hyperspace Mountain. Opening Dec. 8, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple enhances this popular show with new characters and a new villain. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland) –STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY — In the heart of Tomorrowland, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars. Disneyland park guests are welcomed to this multi-sensory space with the iconic phrase, ÒA long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.ÉÓ Once inside, they may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, step into a Star Wars-themed cantina, and have access to Star Wars merchandise. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)ANAHEIM, Calif. – As the Force awakens at the Disneyland Resortdebuts Nov. 16, bringing exciting new experiences to Disneyland Park to celebrate all things . Adding to the annual Holidays season and the dazzling 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, Season of the Force in Tomorrowland will entertain fans of the famous film saga and guests looking forward to the future -themed land.
ANAHEIM, Calif. – As the Force awakens at the Disneyland Resort, Star Wars Season of the Force debuts Nov. 16, bringing exciting new experiences to Disneyland Park to celebrate all things Star Wars. Adding to the annual Holidays season and the dazzling 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, Season of the Force in Tomorrowland will entertain fans of the famous film saga and guests looking forward to the future Star Wars-themed land.
Among the elements entering this galaxy are Star Wars Launch Bay, an interactive space in the newly named Tomorrowland Expo Center; Star Wars:Path of the Jedi, a cinematic overview of the Star Wars saga; a new adventure in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and the reimagined attraction, Hyperspace Mountain. Opening Dec. 8, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple enhances this popular show with new characters and a new villain.
To further immerse guests in the saga, Star Wars-themed décor will celebrate iconic characters and moments from the films, and Star Wars-inspired food and beverage will be available.
Season of the Force arrives just in time for the holidays, giving guests in Tomorrowland a glimpse into the world of the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is scheduled to premiere Dec. 18, 2015. The Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort runs from Nov. 13, 2015 through Jan. 6, 2016.
The new Season of the Force Star Wars experiences include:
Star Wars Launch Bay: In the heart of Tomorrowland, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars. Guests will be welcomed to this multi-sensory space with the iconic phrase, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.…” Once inside, they may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, step into a Star Wars-themed cantina, and have access to Star Wars merchandise.
Special Character Encounters – After entering a themed atrium with authentic replicas of Star Wars props, guests may Journey to the dark side and come face to face with Darth Vader, or they may choose the light side by stopping in at a makeshift Rebel base to meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
Launch Bay Theater – Guests will hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers and other key crew members who continue to bring the saga to life.
The Cantina – This setting, inspired by the unsavory “hives of scum and villainy” in the Star Wars galaxy, is a fun place to explore and take photos near elements of the cantina, such as a holochess game table.
Star Wars Game Center – Guests will play the latest and greatest video games, including Disney Infinity 3.0 with park-exclusive Toy Box levels.
Themed Galleries – Special galleries will be located throughout Star Wars Launch Bay.
The Dark Side Gallery features pieces of Stormtrooper armor and Sith lightsabers.
The Light Side Gallery displays rebel flight helmets and Jedi lightsabers.
Authentic replicas of props and costumes from both the light and dark sides of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will appear in the Preview Gallery.
Models of famous starships and their pilots will be on display in the Starship Gallery.
Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo – Guests may bring home high-end artifacts and treasures, including signed memorabilia, studio models and personalized D-Tech on Demand mobile device cases.
Star Wars: Path of The Jedi: In the Tomorrowland Theater, guests will relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – in this short film compilation. “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” connects iconic scenes from the films in fun new ways, following the journey of Luke Skywalker. It includes moments from the new movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: Fans of this popular attraction will experience journeys involving new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Based on the Star Wars films, Star Tours takes guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they interact with characters from throughout the saga. And it is all in 3D. With an eye-popping digital presentation leveraging Dolby 3D to deliver a vivid and realistic experience, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology, guests are immersed in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple: This popular interactive show is being reimagined, and a new version will open in Tomorrowland Dec. 8 with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor, a new villain from the popular Disney XD series Star WarsRebels.
Hyperspace Mountain: The classic Space Mountain attraction is reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, thrusting guests into the darkness for an action-packed battle between Rebel X-wings and Imperial TIE fighters. A new soundtrack, inspired by the films’ musical themes, adds to the thrills.
Stormtrooper Patrols: In Tomorrowland, guests may to come face to face with First Order stormtroopers who will patrol the area near Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
Galactic Food: Guests will experience Star Wars through their palates, as well, with tasty food and beverages inspired by a galaxy far, far away. The Galactic Grill, in the Tomorrowland Terrace location, will feature a dark side and a light side menu, and Pizza Port will offer new Star Wars-inspired menu items.
Season of the Force at Disneyland, along with Season of the Force experiences at Walt Disney World Resort in December and January, will further expand the Star Wars presence at both resorts ahead of the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Also at the Disneyland Resort, guests continue to enjoy the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, with sparkling décor in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, plus a dazzling array of after-dark shows, all of which are presented nightly. In Disneyland, “Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade” creates a river of color down Main Street, U.S.A., with spectacular special effects, sensational floats, energetic performances and unforgettable music. The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show in Disneyland lights up the resort with dynamic pyrotechnics and magical projections that surround the audience. In Disney California Adventure Park, the magical water, film and special effects presentation “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” pays a fun, surprise-filled tribute to Walt Disney, whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland.
About the Disneyland Resort 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 973-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.
‘Paint the Night’ Parade, ‘Disneyland Forever’ Fireworks and ‘World of Color: Celebrate!’ Bring More Merriment to Holidays 2015 at the Disneyland Resort
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Disneyland Resort will deliver the Holidays with a shimmering sprinkle of Diamond Celebration pixie dust this year beginning Friday, Nov. 13, as holiday festivities are added to the ongoing 60th anniversary celebration. The holiday season will offer unforgettable entertainment, attractions, food and gift items day and night at the Disneyland Resort through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.
ITS A SMALL WORLD HOLIDAY (ANAHEIM, Calif.) Guests will discover how the spirit of the season unites cultures across the globe as they sail through its a small world Holiday, just one of the many festive features at the Disneyland park during the holidays. The Holidays are a magical time to create unforgettable memories with loved ones at the Disneyland Resort. This merry season runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, 2016, as Disneyland park becomes a dazzling winter wonderland with festive décor, holiday-themed treats and attractions transformed for the season its a small world Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. This year, the Diamond Celebration adds even more sparkle to the exciting entertainment, which includes A Christmas Fantasy parade, Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, Paint the Night nighttime parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
MAJESTIC CHRISTMAS TREE (ANAHEIM, Calif.) Just for the Holidays, a towering Christmas tree stands 60 feet tall at Town Square at Disneyland Park, fully adorned with nearly 2,000 ornaments and 800 handmade bows. The Holidays are a magical time to create unforgettable memories with loved ones at the Disneyland Resort. This merry season runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, 2016, as Disneyland Park becomes a dazzling winter wonderland with festive décor, holiday-themed treats and attractions transformed for the season its a small world Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. This year, the Diamond Celebration adds even more sparkle to the exciting entertainment, which includes A Christmas Fantasy parade, Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, Paint the Night nighttime parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
In addition to traditional Disneyland Resort holiday attractions like “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” and “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, guests at the Disneyland Resort will enjoy all of the spectacular new nighttime Diamond Celebration spectaculars: “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks in Disneyland Park, plus “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” in Disney California Adventure Park, which will be presented most nights along with the popular holiday version, “World of Color – Winter Dreams.”
Holiday time at the Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many guests, filled with the merriment and magical memories of the season. This year, the sparkling excitement of Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment adds to the holiday excitement throughout the resort. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure bring extra glitter to the season with diamond highlights on their facades.
The Disneyland Resort holiday traditions include soaring Christmas trees in Town Square, Disneyland, and Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure, along with visits by Santa Claus to both parks, and holiday food and merchandise items. Additional highlights include:
In Disneyland:
“A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a Disneyland holiday treasure, presents Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and an array of Disney characters celebrating the holiday season. The daytime parade features 100-plus performers including Santa Claus, who brings jolly holiday wishes from the North Pole. After dark, the Diamond Celebration “Paint the Night” parade will bring its own brand of glittering magic to Disneyland, with dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances and spectacular floats. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights,
“Disneyland Forever” – The dazzling, new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort, with pyrotechnics, original music and viewing locations throughout Disneyland Park. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects.
“it’s a small world” Holiday offers a worldwide celebration of the season, with more than 300.000 twinkling lights on the attraction’s façade. Inside, animated dolls representing children of many nations are dressed in holiday attire, singing holiday songs as well as the classic “It’s a Small World After All.”
Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a spooky but lighthearted mashup of the Halloween and Christmas holidays as imagined by Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures animated classic Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Continuing an annual tradition, a new gingerbread house is created each year for the Mansion, adding a humorous touch to the ballroom scene. This year, the gingerbread house design features gingerbread men constructing a teetering “house of cards.”
Jingle Cruise, an instantly popular addition in 2014, returns to take adventurous guests on a fun-filled expedition. They discover a cargo of holiday gifts and decorations that have been jettisoned over the jungles of the celebrated Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland.
In Disney California Adventure:
For the first time, two splendid versions of the “World of Color” spectacular will be presented most nights during the Holiday season, on Paradise Bay. The nighttime water show with animation, film, music, fountains and special effects is fully programmable, allowing guests to enjoy different experiences. The holiday-themed show, “World of Color − Winter Dreams,” features Olaf the snowman along with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films such as “Bambi,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” the blockbuster Disney film. For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, “World of Color – Celebrate” pays a fun, colorful, surprise-filled tribute to Walt Disney, whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters. Guests may check the park schedule for show times.
“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” is a daily celebration of Latino culture and holiday traditions with music, dancing, vibrant colors and delicious food. Disney characters join the fun in the lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”
“Olaf’s Snow Fest” celebrates its return to Hollywood Land with Olaf, the comical snowman from “Frozen.” Stage 17 is transformed into a charming castle courtyard inspired by the “Frozen” kingdom of Arendelle. Kids of all ages have fun in a giant wintry play area with real snow where they are encouraged to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. Guests who wish to observe the icy fun will have a nearby viewing area. Music and storytelling entertainment will be presented throughout the day.
The residents of Radiator Springs will welcome guests with a “snowcar” at the entrance of Cars Land. Each address along the roadway into the land – Flo’s V8 Café, Fillmore’s Taste-In, Cozy Cone Motel and more – will feature holiday decorations reflecting the personalities of the “Cars” character who lives there.
Flik and his buddies decorate “a bug’s land” with giant Christmas lights and holiday ornaments, adding to the festive spirit.
In the Downtown Disney District, guests may take a break from their holiday shopping and dining to go skating on “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” The Downtown Disney Winter Village around the ice rink will offer shoppers holiday gift items sold from the windows of the charming village houses.
(ANAHEIM, Calif.) – In celebration of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary, Peter Pan sits atop the drum float, a tribute to the original ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ in the all-new after dark spectacular. ‘Paint the Night’ is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar stories to life. Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary celebration has been extended to the Summer of 2016. (Photo by Paul HIffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Disneyland Resort will continue its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration through Summer 2016, extending the three spectacular after-dark shows created for the special anniversary – the “Paint the Night” parade, the immersive “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show and the all-new “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.” The exciting celebration, which also features sparkling décor, themed food and merchandise, will conclude on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5, 2016.
For six decades, the Disneyland Resort has explored the frontiers of immersive storytelling and entertainment technology, bringing exciting attractions and inventive entertainment to life for guests from around the world.
For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Mickey Mouse and some of his friends are dressed up in sparkling Diamond Celebration costumes, and the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure Park are glistening with diamond medallions. Ingenious new window displays at the Main Street Emporium in Disneyland provide additional Diamond Celebration surprises, and even the resort cast members, who help make the magic for every guest, have a bit of extra sparkle in their Diamond Celebration name tags.
The three new nighttime entertainment spectaculars raise the bar on creativity and entertainment technology, and they have been enchanting Disneyland Resort guests since they debuted May 22, 2015.
In Disneyland Park:
The Disneyland Resort will continue its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration through– This luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.” With dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances, fun surprises and spectacular floats, “Paint the Night” is more vibrant than any parade in 60 years at the Disneyland Resort. Even the choreography glows, as parade performers light up with their props and costumes. Tinker Bell leads the procession in a magical, musical overture, closely followed by a float reminiscent of the giant bass drum that led the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Lightning McQueen races in with his buddy Mack Truck, who makes a hefty impression at 54-feet long, covered from headlights to tail pipe in gleaming light. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” glide through the night in a shimmering palace of ice and snow, and beloved characters from “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Toy Story” appear, with Mickey and his pals creating a breathtaking grand finale.
“Disneyland Forever,” presented by Honda – The dazzling fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. One minute they will be standing on Main Street, U.S.A., and the next they could be stampeding across Simba’s Pride Lands, dancing with King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” traveling “Under the Sea” with the Little Mermaid, flying over London with Peter Pan, dripping in honey with Pooh in a whimsical dream of heffalumps and woozles, or shivering as Queen Elsa brings a glimmering blanket of snow over Disneyland.
For the first time in Disneyland fireworks history, Nemo from the Disney●Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo,” “just keeps swimming” in the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, as the Matterhorn is transformed into the fiery peak of Mt. Wannahockaloogie, a special monument from that film. Two original songs enrich the show: the “Disneyland Forever” theme “Live the Magic,” and the inspiring closing song “A Kiss Goodnight,” written by another Disney Legend, Richard M. Sherman, and sung by Ashley Brown, star of the Broadway production of “Mary Poppins.” The “stage” for “Disneyland Forever” fireworks extends from the sky above to the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., the façade of “it’s a small world,” the Matterhorn and mist screens along the Rivers of America, with specially designed digital projections offering guests different experiences at each location.
In Disney California Adventure Park:
“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas to entertain guests in this fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular in Disney California Adventure. Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate!” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score. Guests take an inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments around the world and the dream of Disneyland. “World of Color – Celebrate!” reminds guests that, if they always hold onto their dreams, anything is possible.
Disneyland Diamond Days** Offers Dazzling Prizes
Disneyland Diamond Days – an exciting text-in-for-a-chance-to-win sweepstakes – awards daily and weekly prizes as part of the Diamond Celebration. Weekly prizes include authentic one and two-carat diamonds that are custom-engraved for Disney. The one-carat diamonds are paired with a stay in the Disneyland Dream suite. Additional weekly prizes include a bejeweled crown inspired by the Disney film “Sleeping Beauty,” and private experiences in the park such as a party in Fantasyland or an exotic Jungle Cruise dinner package. The available prize will vary each week. Daily prizes also will be awarded during the Diamond Celebration, and each daily prize package for that day includes an individualized tour of the parks with dining, preferred access to select attractions, and VIP viewing at some of the dazzling, new nighttime spectaculars. Daily prize winners must be present on the Disneyland Resort premises at the time of entry and at the time of prize redemption in order to be able to enjoy these special experiences and theme park admission is not necessary to enter or win a prize in the sweepstakes. Further details may be found at Disneyland.com/Diamond Days.
Entertainment, Dining and Shopping Experiences Add to the Celebration
The popular, nighttime “Mad T Party” has been transformed into the sparkling “Diamond Mad T Party,” featuring dazzling decor, interactive fun, dancing and delectable food and drink.
Restaurants and food carts in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure offer drinks and cupcakes specially created for the Diamond Celebration, and drinks are available in “Made with Magic” sippers which light up to accompany the new after-dark shows. Additional “Made with Magic” merchandise items include newly designed ear hats, wands and paint brushes.
More than 500 merchandise items were specially created for the Diamond Celebration, including apparel, accessories, art, collectibles, headwear, home décor, jewelry, pins, souvenirs, toys and more. They can be found at shops throughout Disneyland Resort, including Disney Showcase and Main Street Emporium in Disneyland, Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure, World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District and more.
The Diamond Celebration invites resort guests to experience the dawning of a new era of Disney magic while enjoying the memory-making magic that has always been at the heart of a Disneyland Resort visit. Now, more than ever, the Disneyland Resort is the place where dreams come true.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C., Mexico and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age of majority as of date of entry. Sweepstakes ends 6:59 AM PT on 2/5/16. Each day, the daily drawing entry period starts at 7:00 AM PT and ends at 10:59 AM PT. Each week, the weekly drawing entry period starts Friday at 7:00AM PT and ends at 6:59 AM PT the following Friday. Each eligible daily entry automatically entered into applicable weekly drawing and final prize drawing. Limit one (1) sweepstakes entry per person per day (from 7:00 AM PT to 6:59 AM PT the next day), regardless of method of entry.
Enter daily drawing by correctly texting word of the day to short code 227853 (Castle) or by using sponsor tablet (available only at the Disneyland® Resort (“Resort”)). Word of the day can be found in ungated areas of the Resort (areas of Resort that do not require paid admission) or at http://www.Disneyland.com/DiamondDays (the “Sweeps Site”). Entrant must be physically present at the Resort premises (which includes ungated areas) at the time of entry into daily drawing. Potentialdaily drawing winners will be notified (via text or phone) at approx. 11:00 AM PT each day andmust contact Sponsor within 60 minutes of notification or prize will be forfeited. Daily prize can only be claimed on Resort premises and only on the same day as entry. Entrants may enter the weekly drawing via text, sponsor tablet or online (at the Sweeps Site). Only certain prizes determined by the Sponsor will be awarded in any given week; specific prizes to be awarded in the weekly drawing will be announced online at the Sweeps Site the preceding week. Correct word of the day must be included in all eligible entries.
Msg. & data rates may apply. One response text confirming receipt will be sent upon text entry and potential winner may receive a notification text. Text entries from Mexican phone carriers may not be possible in the U.S. For Official Rules including full details on how to enter, free alternate methods of entry, full list of prizes, privacy policy and notification, visit http://www.Disneyland.com/DiamondDays. For help, reply HELP to short code 227853. Sponsor: Disney Memories, 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, U.S.A.
– See more at: http://disneylandnews.com/2015/09/22/disneyland-resort-diamond-celebration-extended-through-summer-2016/#sthash.uMt7vypb.dpuf
A SPARKLING SEASON (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Jack-o’-lanterns representing each themed land in Disneyland Park surround the iconic “Partners” statue during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, which runs from Sept. 11 through Nov. 1, 2015. The Diamond Celebration continues during the Halloween season with dazzling entertainment and decor, in addition to the return of Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. This year, the family-friendly Mickey’s Halloween Party expands to 17 nights at Disneyland Park, where guests are invited to trick-or-treat in costume, celebrate with favorite Disney characters and enjoy special presentations of the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular and the all-new “Paint the Night” parade. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland) –
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2015) – Frightfully good fun adds to the excitement of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration this autumn, as the Halloween season arrives at the resort Sept. 11 and runs through Nov. 1. The annual, family-friendly Halloween experience includes spooky transformations of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, plus special décor, themed foods and merchandise. In addition, the separate-ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party offers guests an opportunity to visit in costume and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland Park, on 17 selected nights.
Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square has become a thrilling Disneyland Halloween tradition, with Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” moving into the Mansion to spark a collision between Halloween and Christmas. As in past years, some eerie new touches have been added to the Haunted Mansion Holiday experience. The Hatbox Ghost, who recently rejoined the Mansion’s happy haunts, is staying to celebrate Halloween and Christmas with Jack Skellington and his friends.
Inside the Mansion, the 15th annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house resembles a leaning and careening “house of cards” this year. A corps of zombie gingerbread men in orange-frosting safety vests stands beneath the towering confection to supervise construction while a team of “helicopter bats” hover above the teetering tower. The “helicopter bats” are lowering spiders that will add the final gingerbread cards to the tower from their sticky, suspended webs.
Another Halloween favorite is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a Halloween-themed 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 bombarded with eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out and menace space travelers.
In Frontierland, guests will enjoy the observation of the traditional Mexican “Dia de los Muertos” celebration with a skeleton display near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.
The popular separate-ticket, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party returns this year, expanding to 17 nights beginning Friday, Sept. 25, with an array of special entertainment. For the first time, the “Paint the Night” parade, which made its debut in May for the Diamond Celebration, will be presented during this special event. In addition, the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular and the “Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace are exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party.
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 online for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 25; Monday, Sept. 28; Wednesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 2; Monday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 9; Monday, Oct. 12: Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 19; Thursday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 25; Tuesday, Oct. 27; and Thursday, Oct. 29. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event.
Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $77 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 29, are $84 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.
Throughout Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, guests also will be able to enjoy the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration with its sparkling enhancements on Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and the Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure, plus a dazzling array of after-dark shows. In Disneyland, the “Paint the Night” parade creates a river of color down Main Street, U.S.A., with spectacular special effects, sensational floats, energetic performances and unforgettable music. The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show in Disneyland lights up the resort with dynamic pyrotechnics and magical projections that surround the audience.
In Disney California Adventure, the Diamond Celebration comes alive in “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.” The magical water show – filled with film, lasers, music and special effects – pays tribute to Walt Disney with colorful fun and surprises, honoring the man whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters.
Halloween thrill-seekers will enjoy visiting Disney California Adventure to sample year-round excitement on California Screamin’ roller coaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin’ Over California and Grizzly River Run. Guests may also mingle with the ghosts in The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, or dance the night away in the after-dark Diamond Mad T Party.
For more information about Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.
*Tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one (1) vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Online and mobile purchases unavailable on day of event. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nonsmoking event. Smoking will be permitted in designated areas outside Disneyland® Park in the Main Entrance Plaza.
###
About the Disneyland Resort 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, 973-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.
– See more at: http://disneylandnews.com/2015/09/10/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort-adds-spookiness-to-the-sparkle-of-the-diamond-celebration/#sthash.RnRhK9b3.dpuf
The new image, which depicts a wand-wielding Harry Potter in the foreground with a bustling snowcapped Hogsmeade village and a spectacular view of the iconic Hogwarts castle in the background, captures the spirit of this dynamic new immersive environment as the theme park readies for the West Coast’s debut of the “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
More than five years in the making, and 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” will be masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.
Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. “Like” Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook, and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
About Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue. World-class rides and attractions include the renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour featuring the intense “King Kong 360 3-D” attraction and the all-new “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride as the Studio Tour’s grand finale. Other popular rides include the 3D-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride,” “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour” which runs on select evenings.
About Warner Bros. Entertainment: Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.
Upcoming Rides and Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood withThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Immerse yourself in the adventures of Harry Potter™ at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle, and experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magic and excitement.
https://www.wizardingworldhollywood.com
Los Angeles Life and Style – City Life Communications – L. A. Life and Style – SCV Style – Entertainment Magazine
