Category Archives: Theme Parks

Blumhouse Brings “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” and “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams,” to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood Beginning Thursday, September 7

Blumhouse, the Prolific Horror Film Company, Brings Two New Live Entertainment Experiences,
“The Purge: Dangerous Waters” and “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams,”  to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Beginning Thursday, September 7

Click 
Here to Purchase Tickets to This Year’s Event, Featuring Eight Thrilling Haunted Houses, Three Original Scare Zones and the Signature Terror Tram.

Universal City, Calif. (August 31, 2023) – Acclaimed horror production company Blumhouse brings two new live entertainment experiences, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” and “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams,” inspired by some of its blockbuster films, to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. A trio of bone-chilling scare zones and the park’s signature Terror Tram, coupled with the terrifying line-up of eight haunted houses, round out this year’s screams, beginning on Thursday, September 7.

It’s been a decade since The Purge first declared all crime legal for 12 hours as part of the government’s annually sanctioned Purge and an iconic horror franchise was born. Now, for the first time, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” takes the blockbuster film franchise into an entirely new environment…open waters, in an all-new live show.

It’s a race against time when a politician and his entourage escape to an island to avoid The Purge.  Sanctuary is fleeting when the island is quickly overrun by Purgers and the hunt is on. Located in the WaterWorld venue and featuring adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns and massive explosions, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” celebrates an evening of anarchy without thought of punishment or fear of retribution.

“Blumhouse: Behind the Screams” is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, and fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films as they step through the silver screen for an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters.

More terror will come to life in three new scare zones designed to torment guests as they navigate their way through Halloween Horror Nights. These include:

·    “El Terror de las Momias” is a Latin-themed scare zone and an extension of the “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” haunted house that takes guests on a desperate attempt to escape an ancient army of unearthed mummies.

·    Located on New York Street, the “Toyz” scare zone dares guests to play in the toy box of terror where a wicked toymaker used dark magic to bring his evil toys to life.

·    A welcome wagon of “Ghostz,” featuring a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghosts, gather at the entrance to Halloween Horror Nights to rattle nerves.

The full lineup of fear continues with eight haunted houses plus the Terror Tram experience:

·    “The Last of Us” is based on Naughty Dog and Playstation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game.

·    “Stranger Things 4” transports guests to Hawkins, Indiana where they will face off against the evil Vecna in the fourth season of Netflix’s original series.

·    “The Exorcist: Believer” features a terrifying new chapter as Chris MacNeil fights a nefarious demonic force which has possessed two girls.

·    “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time ever in a chilling new story.

·    “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the series and films.

·    “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale in the Evil Dead franchise, based on the 2023 box office hit.

·    “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes Latin American folklore’s most terrifying ghosts and creatures.

·    “Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.

·    “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-famous Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from the Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s epic blockbusters.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General AdmissionUniversal ExpressAfter 2 P.M. Day/Night, and the premium R.I.P. Tour, as well as the Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change), and the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass. Click here for more information about each ticket type, Terms and Conditions and to purchase tickets.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from Thursday, September 7 through Tuesday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood and Friday, September 1 through Saturday, November 4 at Universal Orlando Resort. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out and tickets should be purchased in advance.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights Reveals Epic Full Line-Up for 2023.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights Reveals Line-Up for 2023,
Including “Evil Dead Rise” Plus Original Houses, “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” and “Holidayz in Hell.”

Devious Larry Larva Hijacks the Iconic “Terror Tram” in “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” Tempting Terror-Themed Treats and Collectible Merchandise Round Out Southern California’s Most Terrifying Horror Event.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets and Here for a First Look at Terror Tram

Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-famous Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from the Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s blockbusters.

Universal City, Calif. (August 9, 2023) – This year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood completes its 2023 line-up with the demonic “Evil Dead Rise” and frightening original houses, “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” and “Holidayz in Hell.” The notorious “Terror Tram” returns with “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” to petrify guests starting Thursday, September 7 and running select nights through October 31.

The full line-up of the fear that awaits follows in eight haunted houses and Universal Studios Hollywood’s exclusive Terror Tram:

  • “The Last of Us” engrosses guests in a struggle to survive against fearsome Clickers, Bloaters, and more from Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning video game.
  • “Stranger Things 4” transports guests to Hawkins, Indiana where they will face off against the evil Vecna in the fourth season of Netflix’s original series.
  • “The Exorcist: Believer” invites visitors into a terrifying new beginning in horror, as two families battle a sinister demonic force that has possessed their young daughters.
  • “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time ever in a chilling new story.
  • “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films.
  • “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale, based on New Line Cinema’s return to the iconic horror franchise and 2023 box office hit.
  • “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes the most terrifying ghosts and creatures from Latin American folklore.
  • “Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.
  • “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-famous Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from the Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s blockbusters.

A plethora of horror-themed food and drink items will be available to whet the scariest of appetites. Must be 21 years or older with valid photo identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

  • “Stranger Things” fans can visit Surfer Boy Pizza for a variety of pizza flavors, Scoops Ahoy for tasty ice cream creations and a new 80’s themed Stellar Bar with mixed cocktails.
  • Quick service restaurant Hollywood & Dine will transform into a “Chucky”-themed BBQ featuring brisket and Nashville popcorn chicken sandwiches, pulled pork macaroni and cheese, funnel cakes and themed drinks.
  • The Carl Laemmle Patio will feature Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar with themed cocktails from The Purge and “Chucky” and photo opportunities with scareactors.
  • Universal Plaza will serve up a celebration in honor of Dia de Los Muertos featuring an array of Latin Folklore-themed cocktails, Lil Cocina Taco Stand and a margarita bar.

Horror fans looking to commemorate their Halloween Horror Nights experience can find a selection of merchandised themed to this year’s houses, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more.

Guests also can experience select theme park attractions open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride”

and “The Simpsons Ride™.”

Additionally, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” will be open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience some of their favorite attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™.” Returning for another year, Death Eaters™, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, will roam Hogsmeade™ village looking to find others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General AdmissionUniversal ExpressAfter 2 P.M. Day/Night, the premium R.I.P. Tour, the new Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change),and the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass. For more information about each ticket type and Terms and Conditions, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from Thursday, September 7 through Tuesday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood and Friday, September 1 through Saturday, November 4 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Celebrate July 4th Weekend at Six Flags Magic Mountain, July 1 – July 4, 2023.

VALENCIA, CA – Celebrate summer nights with dazzling fireworks. Catch thrills, then chill watching the night sky light up with our spectacular firework show.

Let freedom ring on July 1 – 4 during our July 4th Fireworks Celebration.

Our coasters will light up like never before with fireworks behind them, creating the perfect end to your Six Flags day. Plan your visit today and see the sparks this 4th of July weekend!

Universal Studios Hollywood Salutes the Stars and Stripes with 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular included with the Theme Park Admission.

Celebrate July 4th with a day of fun at the theme park capped off with fireworks at night! Included in admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood Salutes the Stars and Stripes with 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, Live Music and Themed Décor, All Included with Theme Park Admission

Universal City, California – June 21, 2023 – Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates Independence Day with its annual dazzling display of 4th of July fireworks, live music, themed décor and more. All festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.

Throughout the day, guests can experience Universal Studios Hollywood’s slate of award-winning rides and attractions while enjoying the rhythmic beats of a fife and drum band along with festive décor throughout the theme park.

At 9:00 p.m., the festivities will ramp up as colorful fireworks illuminate the nighttime sky to the tune of familiar Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites.

            July 4th 2023 Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood, for information about Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s social channels InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“The Last of Us” Comes to Life at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.

“The Last of Us,” Inspired by the Critically Acclaimed Post-Apocalyptic PlayStation Video Game, Comes to Life as an All-New Halloween Horror Nights Haunted House, Opening at Universal Orlando Resort, Beginning Friday, September 1 and Universal Studios Hollywood, Beginning Thursday, September 7. Tickets Now on Sale, Including the Premium R.I.P. Tour, at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Select Tickets Available at Universal Orlando Resort.

Click Here for a First-Look and Here to Purchase Tickets

Universal City, Calif., Orlando, Fla., (June 15, 2023) – Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to survive “The Last of Us” as Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game comes to life – for the first time – as an all-new haunted house at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, beginning Thursday, September 7.

Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s “The Last of Us” video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. And now, guests can immerse themselves in a real-life experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world.

Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s “The Last of Us” video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. And now, guests can immerse themselves in a real-life experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world. Tickets Now on Sale, Including the Premium R.I.P. Tour, at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Select Tickets Available at Universal Orlando Resort Click Here for a First-Look and Here to Purchase Tickets

“The Last of Us” haunted houses on both coasts will propel guests into a world of carnage and mayhem as they follow in the footsteps of the game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, who endure a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into various forms of a new threat known as the Infected. As guests encounter the Infected – Runners, Stalkers and Clickers – along with The Hunters, a band of hostile humans, they will need to navigate the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, including iconic locations from the video game such as the creepy and desolate The Hotel Grand and a labyrinth of dark and dank tunnels, in a desperate attempt to escape and survive.

“As a massive fan – and frequent attendee – of Halloween Horror Nights, we are honored to have ‘The Last of Us’ included in this year’s lineup. It has been an incredible thrill for us at Naughty Dog to collaborate with Universal, bringing the world of the game to life, focusing on even the tiniest details that our fans know so well,” Naughty Dog Co-President Neil Druckmann said. “Having just celebrated the 10th anniversary of ‘The Last of Us,’ it’s a perfect time for our fans to team up with Joel and Ellie and come face-to-terrifying-face with Clickers, Raiders and much more!”

“We are excited to bring ‘The Last of Us’ to life in a terrifying haunted house that is true to the spirit of this popular video game featuring our heroes, Joel and Ellie, Clickers and more,” said Lora Sauls, Assistant Director, Creative Development and Show Direction at Universal Orlando Resort. “The world inside the game offers a multitude of suspenseful and horrifying opportunities to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Halloween Horror Nights,” added John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.  

Tickets are now on sale for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood with the screams beginning Thursday, September 7. Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options, including General AdmissionUniversal ExpressAfter 2 P.M. Day/Night, the new Early Access Ticket,which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change), the premium R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear and Ultimate Fear, which allow guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here for more information about each ticket type and for Terms and Conditions.

For Universal Orlando’s event, guests can now purchase a variety of tickets and vacation packages for Halloween Horror Nights 2023 which begins Friday, September 1, including single-night tickets and event upgrades like the R.I.P. TourExpress Pass and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour. Guests can also stay near the screams with a special vacation package that includes one-night admission to the event, Universal hotel accommodations and admission to all three Universal Orlando theme parks. Package holders also receive theme park benefits exclusive to Universal Orlando hotel guests, such as Early Park Admission during the day and access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate at night. Additional ticket products, including Frequent Fear Passes, will be available soon. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Both events will run select nights through Tuesday, October 31. Additional details, including new haunted houses, will be revealed soon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

MGM’S SUPERNATURAL CULT HORROR FILM POLTERGEIST COMES TO LIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN ALL-NEW HAUNTED MAZES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

MGM’S SUPERNATURAL CULT HORROR FILM POLTERGEIST COMES TO LIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN ALL-NEW HAUNTED MAZES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

New Mazes to be Overrun by Malevolent Spirits at the Nation’s Premier Halloween Events

in Hollywood and Orlando, Beginning September 14

 

CLICK HERE to Look Into the Light

 

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., ORLANDO, Fla. – They’re Here. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will bring guests “into the light” as part of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights events featuring terrifying new mazes inspired by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures’ (MGM) iconic supernatural horror film, Poltergeist, beginning September 14.

Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist garnered critical and consumer success when it first premiered in 1982. Characterized as one of the scariest films of all time, this groundbreaking movie paved the way for a new era of supernatural ghost stories that will come to life for the first time ever at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. This living representation of the film will take guests into some of its most iconic scenes and encounter memorable characters that spawned their first true nightmares.

The mazes will lure guests to the Freeling family house built atop a cemetery where malicious ghosts threaten the lives within.  From the underground graveyard to ghostly apparitions, guests will come face to face with infamous scenes from the film, including the iconic flickering TV screen, menacing Beast from beyond and pool filled with floating corpses. As guests cross into the ‘light,’ they will find themselves surrounded by a surreal landscape of vanishing walls, floating furniture and a creepy clown with a menacing smile.  In a rush against time, guests will be forced to make it back to the world of the living or forever be trapped…

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 25 years, guests from around the world have visited Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood and Orlando to become victims inside their own horror film. Multiple movie-quality mazes based on iconic horror television shows, films and original stories come to life season after season. And, the streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing scare-actors lunge from every darkened corner.

Additional details about Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights will be revealed soon. All tickets and vacation packages are on sale now. For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction and the all-new DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such authentic thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.”  The adjacent Universal CityWalkentertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

Updates on “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood are available online at Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com and on Facebook at: “Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood,” on Instagram at @HorrorNights and Twitter at @HorrorNights as Creative Director John Murdy reveals a running chronicle of exclusive information. Watch videos on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube and join the conversation using #UniversalHHN.

About Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is a unique vacation destination that is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family. For more than 25 years, Universal Orlando has been creating epic vacations for the entire family – incredible experiences that place guests in the heart of powerful stories and adventures.

Universal Orlando’s three theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay, are home to some of the world’s most exciting and innovative theme park experiences – including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels are destinations unto themselves and include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and coming this August, Universal’s Aventura Hotel. Its entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers immersive dining and entertainment for every member of the family.

Universal Orlando Resort continues to unveil all-new guest experiences, including powerful attractions, incredible dining options and dramatically-themed hotels. Now open is Fast & Furious – Supercharged, where guests can join the Fast family and step into the blockbuster Fast & Furious films at Universal Studios Florida. And at Universal CityWalk, Voodoo Doughnut is now serving more than 50 types of delightfully weird and sinfully delicious doughnuts.

Six Flags Magic Mountain to operate 365 days a year starting in January 2018

six flags
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:

Disney Parks and Disney|ABC Television Group Bring Audiences Musical Entertainment in Three Holiday Specials Featuring Star-Studded Performances

Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Julianne Hough (“Grease: Live”) and Derek Hough (“Hairspray Live”) are set to host two specials on ABC – “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), and “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” on Christmas morning, Sunday, Dec. 25 (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check local listings). Photos/Disneyland News
Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Julianne Hough (“Grease: Live”) and Derek Hough (“Hairspray Live”) are set to host two specials on ABC – “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), and “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” on Christmas morning, Sunday, Dec. 25 (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check local listings). Photos/Disneyland News

Anaheim, Calif. –Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms.  The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.

descendants-cast-140x105 julianne-hough-140x105 kelly-clarkson-140x105 garth-brooks-140x105 derek-hough-140x105

Julianne Hough (“Grease: Live”) and Derek Hough (“Hairspray Live”) are set to host two specials on ABC – “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), and “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” on Christmas morning, Sunday, Dec. 25 (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check local listings). Julianne, who will also act as executive producer on the Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, and Derek are longtime “Dancing With the Stars” fan favorites with multiple Emmy Awards and mirror ball trophies between them.

Stars of “Descendants 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the global smash hit “Descendants,” will host and perform holiday songs in “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” on Disney Channel on Friday, Nov. 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST). Hollywood Records recording artists Forever In Your Mind and Sofia Carson will also perform holiday songs.

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks join the festivities, performing on all three holiday specials. The multi Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning artists will light up the night singing duets from their newly released album, “Christmas Together” (Pearl Records, Inc.), plus solo performances, all from the steps of the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.

Multi Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson will also perform on all three holiday specials. From iconic locations across the Walt Disney World Resort, the talented singer, songwriter and author will perform songs from her 2013 Christmas record, “Wrapped in Red,” in addition to one of her most popular hit songs.

On each of the specials, ABC and Disney Channel stars will also grant wishes to families throughout the Disney theme parks, part of Disney’s “Share the Joy” campaign, inspiring families to spread goodwill this holiday season by giving back and volunteering to help others.

“Disney Channel Holiday Hits,” an album featuring holiday songs performed during “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will be released from Walt Disney Records on Friday, November 18. The album features four songs: “Jolly to the Core,” a holiday rendition of “Rotten to the Core” from “Descendants” (performed by Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart); “Silent Night” (performed by Sofia Carson); “This Christmas” (performed by China Anne McClain) and “Celebrate,” an original song from Forever In Your Mind.

The holiday specials are being produced by Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.

The multi-platform programming schedule is:

THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.

Musical performances include:

  • Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
  • Kelly Clarkson performing “Underneath the Tree” and “”

Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.

Musical performances include:

  • “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
  • “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
  • “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
  • Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
  • Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
  • Kelly Clarkson will also be performing a song.

ABC stars and Disney Channel stars Jenna Ortega and Isaak Presley, of “Stuck in the Middle,” and “Bizaardvark” stars Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Hu will join Carson and Boyce in surprising families from around the country, who are dedicated to various philanthropic efforts, with once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Musical performances include:

  • Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
  • Kelly Clarkson performing “Underneath the Tree.”
  • Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night,” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel, and also hosts from backstage.
  • “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher, who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.

Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Disney|ABC Television Group

Disney|ABC Television Group is comprised of The Walt Disney Company’s global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, and radio business.  This includes ABC Studios, the ABC Owned Television Stations Group, and the ABC Television Network, which provides entertainment and news programming to viewers via more than 200 affiliated stations across the U.S.  It also includes Disney Channels Worldwide, a portfolio of 116 kid-driven, family-inclusive entertainment channels, including Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama, and Radio Disney brands, as well as cable network Freeform, which targets Millennials. Disney|ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution and Disney Media Distribution round out the portfolio. Disney|ABC Television Group also has equity interests in A+E Networks and Hulu.

About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. More than sixty years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of six of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island; and Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.

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