Monthly Archives: March 2017

Los Angeles Life and Style, Los Angeles Life and Style, Universal Studios Hollywood

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood Elevates “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” to 4K-HD with State-of-the-Art Imagery Projecting at Four Times the Frame Rate for an Even More Immersive Experience

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood Elevates “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” to 4K-HD

Universal City, Calif– The spectacularly captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride at Universal Studios Hollywood’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” takes a technological bow with the introduction of enhanced 4K-HD ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second and designed to offer guests an even more immersive glimpse into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

This progressive enhancement replaces the earlier 3D film component of the ride to create a seamless integration between the ride’s elaborate sets and its spellbinding media. The attraction’s storyline remains the same.

Originally projected at 60 frames-per-second, the new ride media now displays at four times the frame rate offering superior clarity and remarkably sharper images than previously shown, with imagery that is stunningly ultra-realistic.

Hailed by press across the globe as a tour-de-force, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” has enjoyed a vast array of critical acclaim, such as:

“The combination of the stunningly detailed queue and the state-of-the-art ride make Forbidden Journey the best dark ride in the world.”

“All roads lead to Hogwarts castle, home to possibly the most immersive, amazing and utterly convincing dark-ride and queue ever invented. The detail at every turn is exquisite.”

An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is a multidimensional thrill ride located within Hogwarts castle. It features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects designed to take guests on a once-in-a lifetime whirlwind adventure.

Spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees upon an elevated ride track, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ushers guests on a journey alongside Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley as they venture through some of the most memorable scenes from the movie, including a Quidditch match where they narrowly escape a dragon attack, as well as close encounters with Dementors and the Whomping Willow.

A spectacular attraction unto itself, the iconic and picturesque Hogwarts castle sits at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” providing access to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Hogwarts castle is a breathtaking reproduction from the movie, housing narrow stone passageways and chambers that invites guests to walk in the famous footsteps of the film’s heroic character where they will encounter many familiar places along the way, including the Mirror of Erised, Professor Sprout’s Herbology class and a selection of baby Mandrakes, Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Hall of Talking Portraits, the Fat Lady portrait at the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room and the Sorting Hat.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods.

The architecturally stunning land also features Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”

Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. 

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™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster.  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 RideTM.” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  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 studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, completely redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

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, product, and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

 

An American in Paris, Pantages Theater, Pantages Theatre Hollywood

TONY AWARD-WINNING HIT MAKES L.A. PREMIERE AT HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE THREE WEEKS ONLY; MARCH 22 – APRIL 9, 2017

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Hollywood, Calif.  – AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, the most awarded new musical of 2015 and winner of four Tony Awards®, will celebrate its Los Angeles premiere at Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a 3-week engagement; March 22 – April 9, 2017.
Tickets for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS are on sale and are available for purchase at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787, and at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Boulevard). The box office opens daily at 10am except for Holidays.
Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin will be played by Garen Scribner and Sara Esty, who performed these leading roles on Broadway. Joining them are Etai Benson (Wicked) as Adam Hochberg; Emily Ferranti (Wicked, Dreamgirls) as Milo Davenport; Gayton Scott (Gypsy, The Women) as Madame Baurel; and Nick Spangler (The Book of Mormon, Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) as Henri Baurel.
Leigh-Ann Esty (Miami City Ballet) and Ryan Steele (Newsies, Matilda) join the cast as the Lise and Jerry alternates. Rounding out the ensemble are: Karolina Blonski, Brittany Bohn, Stephen Brower, Randy Castillo, Jessica Cohen, Jace Coronado, Barton Cowperthwaite, Alexa De Barr, Ashlee Dupré, Erika Hebron, Christopher M. Howard, Colby Q. Lindeman, Nathalie Marrable, Tom Mattingly, Caitlin Meighan, Alida Michal, Don Noble, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Alexandra Pernice, David Prottas, Danielle Santos, Lucas Segovia, Kyle Vaughn, Laurie Wells, Dana Winkle, Erica Wong and Blake Zelesnikar.tEJ0bEVizZgINz3QTbAGh3U1uwr2odwRmIiMOT7YJyXLkM8sfEy3mD62W--XaWplWiakaRjpQ-O6JfVS673ppYP9lfhjsB9SpBgFSyVysm1yTWi6YeO2WGXMJEcDBhXpd-d0WkzEeQKbLnUw=s0-d-e1-ft
Inspired by the Academy-Award winning film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Directed and choreographed by 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and a book by Craig Lucas.
The creative team also includes Tony Award-winners Bob Crowley (set and costume designer) and Natasha Katz (lighting designer); Jon Weston (sound designer); 59 Productions (projection designer); Rob Fisher (musical score adaption, arrangement and supervision); Todd Ellison (musical supervisor); David Andrews Rogers (musical director/conductor); Christopher Austin and Bill Elliott (orchestrations); Sam Davis (dance arrangements); Telsey + Company/Rachel Hoffman, C.S.A. (casting); Rick Steiger (production supervisor); Dontee Kiehn (associate director and associate choreographer); and Sean Kelly (associate choreographer and resident director).
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The score of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”
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The production opened to widespread critical acclaim at the Palace Theatre on Broadway in April 2015 after its world premiere at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The New York production closed in October, 2016 after playing more than 600 performances.  A West End production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS opens in March 2017 at the Dominion Theatre.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four 2015 Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Best Musical, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and two Theatre World Awards. The musical was included on the Year’s Best lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, the Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy Award.
The producing team includes Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan and Roy Furman by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, Pittsburgh CLO and Théâtre du Châtelet.
The performance schedule for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Opening Night is Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 8pm.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is recommended for ages 6 and up. (Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age.)
Individual tickets for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS start at $35.  Prices are subject to change without notice.
For more information, visit www.AnAmericanInParisBroadway.com.
For tickets or more information about the Los Angeles engagement of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, please visit the official website for Hollywood Pantages Theatre: www.HollywoodPantages.com/AnAmericanInParis.
Disneyland

Six Ways to Step into the Magic of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Disneyland Resort

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ANAHEIM, Calif. —Guests are discovering new ways to celebrate the tale as old as time, “Beauty and the Beast,” at the Disneyland Resort. For a limited time, Fantasyland in Disneyland Park will bring the animated feature to life in new ways, and Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure Park will offer guests a spectacular sampling of the new, live-action film set to make its premiere in theaters March 17, 2017. Six enchanting experiences now await guests visiting both theme parks.

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  • Red Rose Taverne: For a limited time, the Village Haus Restaurant in Fantasyland transforms into the Red Rose Taverne, a lively French tavern inspired by the tale as old as time. Each room of this quick-service eatery showcases a different chapter of the beloved story with wall paintings, beautiful décor, crimson drapery and intricate stained glass. Guests will enjoy new food items inspired by the film, such as the Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich, Poutine Flatbread and Lemon Rose Cake.
  • Royal Reception: Conveniently located next to the Red Rose Taverne, guests will find special treasures to take home – such as toys, collectables and clothing – inspired by both the animated feature and the new, live-action film.
  • What a Guy! What a Beauty!: Guests may visit with the haughty Gaston as he preens around the Fantasyland area. The devilishly dashing villain is sure to be admired by friends and foes alike. Belle herself may also be found visiting with aspiring royalty in Fantasyland.
  • Maurice’s Treats: In nearby Fantasy Faire, new dipping sauces paying homage to “Beauty and the Beast” are available at Maurice’s Treats. Guests can order a special sauce to complement existing tasty snacks, including Marinara, Strawberry and of course, the Grey Stuff – it’s delicious!
  • The Royal Theatre Presents “Beauty and the Beast”: Whimsical storytelling characterizes this comical performance of the classic tale presented daily by the thespian duo Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones. Guests can enjoy daily performances of the show at the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” Sneak Peek: Through March 26, guests can experience an exclusive sneak peak at the new retelling of the classic tale at Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. The live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” opens in theaters March 17 – more than 25 years after the animated feature debuted.

Disneyland, Los Angeles Life and Style

Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park: Beloved Attraction Celebrates 50 Years of Swashbuckling Fun and Adventure

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ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 13, 2017) – Since its debut at Disneyland Park in California in 1967, Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean adventure has thrilled hundreds of millions of guests from around the world. An immersive and engaging entertainment experience, it’s steeped in detail and rollicking pirate fun. It debuted as a technological marvel and storytelling masterpiece and, for decades, this award-winning attraction has been considered one of the pinnacles of theme park experiences worldwide.14-No_Escape-331x248-1

The original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, which inspired a global phenomenon and launched a highly popular film franchise, celebrates its 50th anniversary at Disneyland on March 18, 2017.

Today, guests enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at five Disney theme parks around the world: Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort; Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort; Tokyo Disneyland Park at Tokyo Disney Resort; Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris; and Shanghai Disneyland at Shanghai Disney Resort.

Here are some of the fun facts, trivia and milestones associated with one of Walt Disney’s greatest entertainment achievements.

FUN FACTS ABOUT PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ATTRACTION267-742x580
  • Pirates of the Caribbean was the last Disneyland attraction personally supervised by Walt Disney. It was designed by WED Enterprises (now called Walt Disney Imagineering).
  • The attraction originally was envisioned as a New Orleans-themed Blue Bayou Mart featuring a Pirate Wax Museum, housed in a 70-foot deep basement. The basement now serves as the grotto section of the attraction.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean was loosely inspired by such Hollywood films as “Captain Blood,”
    “The Sea Hawk” and “The Buccaneer,” plus Disney’s “Treasure Island,” “Kidnapped” and “Swiss Family Robinson.”
  • It cost $15 million to build New Orleans Square, the home for Pirates of the Caribbean. This is equal to the amount the United States paid for the real New Orleans in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
  • The attraction façade was partly inspired by the Cabildo building in Jackson Square in New Orleans that served as the seat of the Spanish colonial government in 1799. It is also noted for being the site where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803.
  • Guests ride through the attraction in a 1,838-foot canal.
  • Approximately 120 animated characters (human characters plus nine different types of animated animals) appear in the Audio-Animatronics cast of Pirates of the Caribbean.
  • Several original designers and Imagineers for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction have since become Disney Legends, an honorary title bestowed on individuals by The Walt Disney Company.
  • Disney Imagineer X Atencio, who wrote the attraction’s memorable tune, “Yo-Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” is the voice of the Jolly Roger skull and crossbones, seen just before guests plunge down the waterfalls.
  • In the lyrics of the song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” the phrase “Yo Ho” is uttered 18 times.
  • Guests ride through the attraction for approximately 15 minutes, on one of the longest rides at Disneyland Resort.
  • Approximately 400 million guests have ridden Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park since its opening in 1967.
  • In 1997, Pirates of the Caribbean won the Thea Classic Award from the Themed Entertainment Association. The Thea Classic Award is given to an outstanding “compelling place and experience” which has been in operation for a minimum of 20 years.
  • The Blue Bayou restaurant in New Orleans Square allows diners to observe passing boats traveling through a bayou, which is the first scene of the attraction. This table service restaurant continues to be the only dining establishment that looks into a dark ride attraction at Disneyland Resort.
  • The concept of Pirates of the Caribbean has come full circle with the attraction initially inspiring the successful film franchise and then the films (starting with the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” in 2003) inspiring exciting additions to the attraction.
  • Both Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa from the blockbuster films appear in the attraction and the ghostly image of Davy Jones appears on a waterfall.
  • Guests can spot Captain Jack Sparrow at three different points during their journey.
  • Approximately 400,000 pieces of gold coins and set pieces were added to the attraction during a lengthy refurbishment in 2006 when some of the film characters were added to the story.
  • The Aztec pirate chest used in the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” appears in the Treasure Room as the last thing guests see in that scene.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

January 3, 1965 Walt Disney talks about models for the forthcoming Pirates of the Caribbean attraction on an episode of “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” called “Disneyland 10th Anniversary.”
March 18, 1967 Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has a soft opening for guests of Disneyland.
April 19, 1967 Official Grand Opening ceremony of Pirates of the Caribbean attraction takes place at Disneyland.
December 15, 1973 Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opens at Magic Kingdom Park, Florida.
April 15, 1983 Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opens at Tokyo Disneyland Park.
April 12, 1992 Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opens at Disneyland Paris.
June 28, 2003 Disneyland hosts the premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” the first in a series of highly popular films inspired by the attraction.
July 9, 2003 “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” opens in theaters.
June 24, 2006 Disneyland hosts the premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Additionally, Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland Park re-opens after a lengthy refurbishment in which characters from the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” films were added into the attraction.
July 7, 2006  “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” opens in theaters.
Also, “Pirates of the Caribbean” film characters added to the Magic Kingdom Park attraction.
May 19, 2007 Disneyland hosts the premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” the third film in the series.
May 25, 2007 “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” opens in theaters.
Additionally, Disneyland’s Tom Sawyer Island re-opened as Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island with the addition of themed elements related to the film franchise.
May 7, 2011 Disneyland hosts the premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth film in the series.
May 20, 2011 “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” opens in theaters.
June 16, 2016 Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure attraction and Treasure Cove themed land open at Shanghai Disney Resort.
May 26, 2017 “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the fifth film in the series, opens in theaters.

ENDURING LEGACY

In addition to four Pirates of the Caribbean films, with the fifth – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” releasing in May 2017 – the legacy of Pirates of the Caribbean continues to expand across the globe.

Characters from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise continue to be celebrated throughout Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – in Entertainment shows, interactive experiences, character greetings, themed hotel rooms, and activities and events aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

In 2016, Treasure Cove opened at Shanghai Disney Resort, marking the first land at any Disney theme park inspired by the adventure and swashbuckling fun of pirates. The anchor of that land is the latest iteration of the classic attraction, known there by the name Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It has won industry awards including Outstanding Achievement – Attraction from the Themed Entertainment Association and a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project. Additionally, an original story about Captain Jack Sparrow opened as “Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular,” also in Treasure Cove.

After a lengthy refurbishment, Pirates of the Caribbean attraction will re-open at Disneyland Paris in summer 2017 with the inclusion of Captain Jack Sparrow from the film franchise.

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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, 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” theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort opened July 17, 1955. Open daily, year-round.

– See more at: http://disneylandnews.com/2017/03/13/pirates-of-the-caribbean-at-disneyland-park/#sthash.tIL8JG7l.dpuf

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant, Margaritaville Restaurant, Universal Studios City Walk, Universal Studios Hollywood

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant Kicking Off with a Grand Opening Celebration Performance by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band on Thursday, March 30

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Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will appear at Universal City Walk on Thursday, March 30. Inspired by the famous song, California’s First Margaritaville Restaurant is Now Open, Serving Lunch and Dinner.   (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)

California’s First Margaritaville Restaurant is Now Open, Serving Lunch and Dinner

Universal City Walk, Hollywood, Calif – The countdown is on to 5 O’Clock as Universal CityWalk toasts the arrival of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant to the destination—the first-ever in California—with an exclusive performance by singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band on Thursday, March 30.

Fans can enter to win tickets to Buffett’s invite-only performance on the Margaritaville stage at www.citywalkhollywood.com/margaritavillesweeps.

For a preview of Margaritaville, click here. 

Margaritaville is more than a restaurant, it’s a state of mind as the spirited new venue brings a seaside retreat to Universal CityWalk that continues to resonate as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers. Margaritaville is now open, serving lunch and dinner.

Margaritaville at Universal CityWalk Hollywood invites guests to escape the everyday as they dine in a casual environment amid palm trees, thatched enclaves, island music and surfboard tables and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, live music and entertainment and signature dishes such as LandShark Lager Fish & Chips, Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya ®, Volcano Nachos or a Cheeseburger in Paradise ®. 

The venue’s expansive 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar located at the center of the restaurant offers a selection of refreshing specialty drinks, including the Who’s to Blame® Margarita or the 5 O’Clock Somewhere boat drink.

For over 20 years, Universal CityWalk has boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences.  With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway from new restaurants, shopping experiences and visually-aesthetic design features to its multi-million dollar Universal Cinema renovation, the spotlight shines brightly on CityWalk as it continues to invest in an ambitious revitalization and remain best in class.

This significant undertaking coincides with Universal Studios Hollywood’s recent epic transformation in which 75 percent of the world-class theme park was completely reimagined.

Introduced in 1993, CityWalk was constructed in collaboration with visionary architect Jon Jerde as the prototypical one-stop leisure destination that redefined the mall of yesteryear as a vibrant multi-sensory outdoor complex. With grand neon signs and larger-than-life decorative sculptures complimenting the diverse offerings, this whimsical street was reflective of L.A.’s eclectic landscape and distinguishing characteristics.

More information on Universal CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com or at http://www.citywalkhollywood.com/Dine/Casual-Dining/Jimmy-Buffett-s-Margaritaville/. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and Instagram @CityWalkLA.

Margaritaville is a global brand inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and author, Jimmy Buffett, whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation. Since launching its first restaurant location in Key West, Fla. in 1987, Margaritaville has become America’s leading lifestyle escapism brand.

Today, Margaritaville features nine destination resorts/hotels across the Southeast United States and Caribbean and eight additional locations in active development; four gaming locations; and more than 60 food and beverage locations including signature concepts such as Margaritaville Restaurant, award-winning JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill, among others. More than 15 million travelers every year change their latitude and attitude with a visit to a Margaritaville residential real estate destination, vacation club/vacation home rental, restaurant and full-service AAA Four-Diamond resort.

Consumers can also escape everyday through a collection of Margaritaville lifestyle products including apparel for men and women, footwear, frozen concoction makers, home décor and more. Additionally, the brand’s food, beverage and spirits lines – including Margaritaville tequilas, rums, LandShark Lager and Island Tea – deliver authentic, tropical escapism to fans around the world. Margaritaville, a state of mind since 1977.

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™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster.  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 RideTM” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  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 studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, completely redesigned Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.