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Universal Studios Hollywood set to open much-anticipated arrival of “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” April 12, 2014

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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Studios HollywoodSM announces the much-anticipated arrival of “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” a 3D Ultra-HD movie motion-simulator adventure.  Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me will come to life in Hollywood in an attraction modeled after the one in its sister park, Universal Orlando Resort® – with the addition of a few surprises unique to the Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM

“Based on the consumer feedback at our sister park, we expect the ‘Despicable Me’ ride experience to be a popular, family-friendly attraction for Universal Studios Hollywood.  The ride continues the story line of the main characters from the blockbuster film through all-new 3D Ultra-HD animation, together with an interactive ride vehicle system,” said Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood.  “In ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,’ our guests will experience the hilarious and heartwarming characters of the beloved film in a whole new way.”

The fully immersive experience will debut in 2014 with the loveable cast of leading characters that have captured the laughter of audiences worldwide: super-villain Gru, his adorable girls (Margo, Edith and Agnes) and the unpredictably hilarious Minions.

“The ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’ attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will continue to push the creative envelope with its exceptional show content, sight gags, special effects and 3D digital animation.  The exterior treatment will feature even more thematic and colorful creative touches that will literally place park guests inside Gru’s world,” said Mark Woodbury, President, Universal Creative.

Guests will experience whimsically themed queues, preshow videos and comedic dialogue that set up the fundamental plot: Gru schemes to create more mischievous Minions from human recruits.

Guests will be transported into Gru’s house as they meander through his living room and encounter visual elements as seen in the film – including the moon-shrinking SR-6 shrink ray – while they zig zag through a zany adventure featuring Gru’s super-villain laboratory.  The exciting journey continues as they swerve, bounce and plunge to get through the frantically humorous Minion training mission while donning specially designed 3D Minion goggles.  Fun and frolic continue in a post-show dance party where Minion walkaround characters invite guests to strut their stuff in an impromptu Minion-inspired dance party.

“Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” was produced in collaboration between Universal Creative and Illumination Entertainment, and was recently honored as Best Animated Special Production at the 2012 Annie Awards, which recognizes Outstanding Achievements in the field of Animation.

Universal Studios Hollywood SM, 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, the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event arena.  World-class rides and attractions include the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “The Simpsons RideTM,” “Revenge of the MummySM —The Ride” indoor roller coaster and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” as well as the award-winning, critically acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride—3D.”

By Universal Studios Hollywood

RELATED LINKS
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com

California, Family Resorts and Theme Parks, International Entertainment News, Los Angeles, Travel, Travel and Resorts, Youth

Disney Parks Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of ‘it’s a small world,’ Invites the World to Join a Global Sing-along at SmallWorld50.com

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It's a Small World--Disney Parks is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic a small world attraction with a global celebration that benefits UNICEF. Capturing the happy, peaceful spirit of children everywhere, the attraction, which debuted at the 1964 World's Fair, now entertains guests at five Disney theme parks worldwide. Fans around the world are invited to join the celebration at SmallWorld50.com where they may record videos of themselves singing a small world and create virtual dolls in the style of those from the attraction. The celebration continues April 10, when hundreds of voices from the Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will be united in a global sing-along.

Sing the Iconic Song, Make a Digital Doll to Benefit UNICEF

NEW YORK/ANAHEIM, Calif./LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla./TOKYO/PARIS/HONG KONG – March 21, 2014 – In a historic, global event, guests and cast members at Disney Parks around the world will unite in song to

celebrate the 50th anniversary of “It’s a Small World,” the classic Disney Parks attraction that opened as a tribute to peace and hope at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Fans from around the world can join the festivities in a first-of-its-kind, online global sing-along at SmallWorld50.com.

On Thursday, April 10, 2014, hundreds of voices from Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will sing the unforgettable theme song of the “happiest cruise that ever sailed the seven seas.”

Fans around the world also are invited to join the global sing-along virtually. SmallWorld50.com launches today as a “global hub” of music and harmony where guests may record videos of themselves singing the classic song and create virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to benefit UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). UNICEF provides health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more to children around the world.

” ‘it’s a small world’ has inspired hundreds of millions of people through its timeless theme,” said Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Every moment of every day there are Disney guests enjoying ‘it’s a small world’ somewhere around the globe.  The 50th anniversary of this attraction represents a celebration of the shared optimism, hope, and humanity of people throughout the world.”

New Video Features People Around the World Singing “It’s a Small World”

To help announce the celebration, Disney Parks released a video featuring people around the world singing, dancing to and playing “It’s a Small World.” Filmed across six continents in more than 25 countries, the video features international “performers” – including bagpipers in Scotland, Bollywood movie actors in India, a firefighter in New York City, and members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – to create one worldwide video.

That video and others will be part of the launch of SmallWorld50.com, the global website for the attraction’s anniversary. Fans around the world are encouraged to participate online by recording on the Small World 50 website videos of themselves singing “It’s a Small World” and by creating virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to share with their friends through social media.

The Walt Disney Company will donate $150,000 to benefit UNICEF in honor of the 50th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” plus $1 for every sing-along video recorded on SmallWorld50.com and another $1 for every virtual doll created on the website, up to $100,000. Disney began its relationship with UNICEF in 1964 with the debut of “it’s a small world” at the New York World’s Fair. More recently, Disney and UNICEF have worked together to create a brighter tomorrow for thousands of children through programming that helps foster imagination and creativity.

Throughout the day, Disney Parks also will sponsor Google Hangouts that invite people from around the world to participate in the anniversary events. Fans are encouraged to visit SmallWorld50.com for details.

Disney Store adds to the Golden Anniversary celebration with the “it’s a small world” doll collection, inspired by the original Fantasyland attraction, and stores nationwide will offer fans a chance to celebrate at “it’s a small world” events. From Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13, children are invited to visit a participating Disney Store to take a journey on an imaginary boat ride around the globe, learning how to say “hello” in various languages and singing “It’s a Small World” along the way. Guests are encouraged to call their local Disney Store or visit DisneyStore.com to confirm participation and details.

The Creation of a Classic 

One of the most beloved attractions in the history of Disney Parks, “it’s a small world” is featured at all five Disney Resorts around the world. The original attraction premiered at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, created by Walt Disney himself and WED Enterprises, which eventually became Walt Disney Imagineering (the creative masters behind Disney theme parks and attractions).

The attraction features a gentle boat ride through a Lilliputian land populated by colorfully dressed Audio-Animatronics dolls representing children from many regions of the world singing a simple song about universal harmony. A team of WED artistic geniuses, including Disney Legends designer Mary Blair and costumer Alice Davis, created its now iconic style.

In 1963, Walt Disney was asked to create an exhibit for the 1964 World’s Fair to salute UNICEF and children around the world. With Walt’s blessing, Marc Davis, one of the original Disney animators, designed the boat ride attraction through the regions and countries of the world. The first version of “it’s a small world” entertained and thrilled more than 10 million visitors in New York from 1964-65. In 1966, after some major enhancements, including an enlargement of approximately 33 percent, the attraction found a permanent home at Disneyland in California.

In the attraction, hundreds of dolls “sing” the familiar song, “It’s a Small World,” in five languages (English, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish). Academy Award® winning composers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who won two Oscars® for their work on Disney’s feature film “Mary Poppins,” were asked by Walt Disney to create a simple, yet catchy piece that could be sung in many different languages while guests traveled by boat through the attraction. The resulting song, “It’s a Small World (After All),” became one of the most well known and happiest of all Disney tunes.

– See more at: http://disneylandnews.com/2014/03/21/disney-parks-celebrates-the-50th-anniversary-of-its-a-small-world-invites-the-world-to-join-a-global-sing-along-at-smallworld50-com/#sthash.TV8LUChZ.dpuf

https://disneyland.disney.go.com

Family Resorts and Theme Parks, Travel and Resorts

The Happiest Place on Earth is About to Get Spookier: Disneyland Resort Celebrates Halloween Time 2012, Sept. 14 Through Oct. 31

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Halloween Magic at Disneyland. Photo by Scott Brinegar/Disneyland

Mickey’s Halloween Party’ Offers Trick-or-Treating In Disneyland Park on 11 Special Nights

ANAHEIM, Calif,.(July 16, 2012) – The Happiest Place on Earth is about to get spookier as Halloween Time returns to Disneyland Resort this fall with Disney villains, Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes and Mickey’s Halloween Party, along with a special exhibit from , all part of the fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. The season runs from Friday, Sept. 14, through Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

The after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event* which has become an annual highlight of Halloween for trick-or-treating families, will take place in Disneyland Park on 11 special Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights: Sept. 28 and Oct. 2, 5, 9, 12, 15, 19, 23, 26, 29 and 31. Tickets are on sale now for the general public, with information at www.Disneyland.com/Halloween.

Mickey’s Halloween Party invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at Disneyland.. These revelers can also arrive before the party to “mix in” with regular Disneyland guests for three hours prior to the start of Mickey’s private bash. Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

  • The special opportunity to play in Disneyland for up to three hours before the party starts; check www.Disneyland.com/Halloween for party hours.
  • Fun treat stations offering both candy and healthy treats
  • The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of  Mickey’s Halloween Party)
  •  ”Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade, performed twice nightly
  • Dance parties, where guests will “boo-gie” to lively music
  • An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costumes
  • Photo locations with some popular Disney and Pixar Pals, and Disney Villains
  • Favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Halloween-themed attractions Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
  • Parking for one standard-size vehicle

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party are $54* for select nights when purchased in advance, while tickets purchased on the event days and selected nights are $64.  All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Monday, Oct. 29, and Halloween Night, Wednesday, Oct. 31, are $69.

Some favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will dress up in fun, fall costumes.  It’s the ideal environment to eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to “spirited” music and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season.

For Halloween fun at Disneyland, guests enjoy Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland.  The experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe.  Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space.  The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland.  Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the Tim Burton film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design.

Guests will also find some thrills at Disney California Adventure Park this fall. “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” will feature sketches, props, sets and puppets from Tim Burton’s new animated film, “Frankenweenie” from Sept. 14 through Nov. 5, and it includes a sneak peek of the movie. For spine-tingling fun, guests may drop in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.

While visiting Disney California Adventure, guests will want to cruise over to the new Cars Land, a re-creation of Radiator Springs from the movie “Cars” with three exciting new attractions – Radiator Springs Racers, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Flying Tires. At night, Cars Land lights up with a neon glow and “World of Color” illuminates Paradise Bay with a spectacular show of water, color, fire, lasers and projected animation.

Children and adults will want to enjoy all the frightful fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

  • Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is transformed for the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Guests will see more than 300 pumpkins ­­- none of them the same.
  • Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Round in Frontierland will find ranch animals, pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters.
  • Meeting Disney characters will be lots of fun as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in spooky attire greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.

For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, see www.disneyland.com/halloween.  This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc., and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.    ©Disney/CBS, Inc

About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprised of 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 DVC units; the magical, newly renovated, 969-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 www.disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

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* Space is limited and tickets are available while supplies last. Advance purchase savings available on 9/28/12, 10/2/12, 10/5/12, 10/9/12, 10/15/12 and 10/23/12, until one day prior to event date and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Online purchases unavailable on day of event. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. 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. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Tickets are valid for admission to the designated party and to the Theme Park beginning at a specified time prior to party commencement. Offer and event information, including available attractions, entertainment, services and activities, are subject to restrictions and change without notice.  Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive.  Ages two and under: no ticket required.

View Gallery

  MICKEY’S HALLOWEEN PARTY — Mickey’s Halloween Party is a private-party celebration held for 11 special nights in October at Disneyland park, offering adults and children a chance to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at the Resort. Highlights include new surprises in “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade, performed twice nightly. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland)
Travel and Resorts

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Announces ‘Sixth Night Free’ Offer to Enjoy All the Fun This Spring. Guests Receive a Sixth Night Free Plus Daily Continental Breakfast When Booking a Five-Night Consecutive Stay at New Disney Resort on Oah

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Guests Receive a Sixth Night Free Plus Daily Continental Breakfast When Booking a Five-Night Consecutive Stay at New Disney Resort on Oahu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles Life and Style Travel News

Ko OLINA, Hawaii (January 19, 2012) – There’s lots and lots of fun for all ages at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Everyone – adults, teens and kids – can enjoy amazing adventures with one of the greatest pools on Oahu, the secluded beach and lagoon, guided excursions and activities, delectable dining and enchanting entertainment.

And now Aulani offers a sixth night free plus complimentary breakfast,* when guests book a five-night consecutive stay at the spectacular oceanfront resort with a touch of Disney magic. Now there’s an opportunity to experience even more of the resort’s family activities, world-class entertainment and dynamic water playground.

With this special offer, guests can extend their stay and also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast daily in the resort’s lounge, The ‘Ōlelo Room.  The continental breakfast features a selection of fruits, pastries, coffee and hot teas, plus the opportunity to learn some Hawaiian language in the popular ‘Ōlelo (“Word”) Room lounge which features wooden sculpture representations of common objects and labels that convey their Hawaiian names.

This Aulani special spring offer is available for purchase now through February 29, 2012. Visit DisneyAulani.com or call toll-free (800) 824-1146 and mention offer code E7D. This offer will be available for stays most nights* from March 1 through March 17, 2012; and April 15 through May 31, 2012.

Set on a beautiful lagoon along the coast of Oahu, Aulani welcomed its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011. The family vacation paradise offers something for everyone in an unforgettable experience combining the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian islands with the magic of Disney storytelling and guest service.

Each day of their stay, Aulani guests can customize their experience – relaxing on the beach or in the 18,000-square foot Laniwai spa, playing in the pools and snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, or discovering the island on special excursions. Among the unique experiences at Aulani are the Makai Preserve stingray adventure, the Painted Sky teen lounge and spa, and the Menehune Bridge, a water play area full of fun and surprises. Aulani also features two signature restaurants – the oceanfront, full-service ‘AMA ‘AMA and the buffet-style Makahiki – offering foods inspired by Hawaii.

Young guests even have their own kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House. Here children can explore Hawaiian culture through supervised entertainment, including interactive touch tables, wildlife and nature programs, arts and crafts, Disney movies and traditional Hawaiian games.

Aulani is situated upon 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and less than an hour from Waikiki Beach. When all phases are complete, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, each featuring rooms that offer thrilling views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent, lush surroundings.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes Resort fees and taxes.  Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Offer excludes suites and three-bedroom Grand Villas.  Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room.  Offer applied once per reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms.  Check for offers for other lengths of stay.  Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and subject to room occupancy limitations.  Advance reservations required.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Breakfast entitlements expire upon checkout, and are for guests ages 3 and older in the traveling party. 

About Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Uniquely designed for families and inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani is a family paradise with a touch of magic. Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, a perfect location on a beautiful beachfront lagoon, and renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.

California, Travel, Travel and Resorts

Amgen Tour Cyclists Garner Gov. Schwarzenegger Nod During Stop in Sacramento

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AMGEN TOUR CYCLISTS GARNER THUMBS UP FROM GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER DURING SACRAMENTO STOP: NEXT STOP: SANTA CLARITA – FEBRUARY 19, 2008

Summary Report by Margie Anne Clark
Sacramento, CA – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today delivered remarks at the Sacramento finish line of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. This is the third year for the Amgen Tour of California, an internationally sanctioned, professional cycling road race involving 136 riders from 27 countries.
The course covers nearly 700 miles in eight days and is run in seven stages, beginning in San Francisco on February 17 and ending in Pasadena
on February 24. Riders finished stage two of the seven stage race in Sacramento.
The cyclists will put pedal to the metal and cruise into Santa Clarita this weekend amidst cheering crowds and VIP events.Seen in the photo above, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulating cyclists at the 2008 AmgenTour of California.Photo by William Foster, Office of Governor Schwarzenegger.
http://www.citylifecommunications.com