The end of the year is almost here and people are looking for something fun to do with their friends on New Year’s Eve! Universal Studios Hollywood will be ringing in 2019 with EVE, Hollywood’s most dynamic New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring live music, dazzling fireworks, and non-stop fun on rides and attractions. Also, the all-new Ultimate EVE package is a featured addition to this year’s event, inviting guests to celebrate in style with exclusive private lounges, buffet dinner, private cash bar, complimentary midnight champagne toast, VIP fireworks viewing areas and unlimited Universal Express access.
All-New Ultimate EVE Package Features Exclusive Private Lounges, Buffet Dinner, Champagne Toast, VIP Fireworks Viewing Areas and Unlimited Universal Express Access.
To purchase tickets for EVE or the Ultimate EVE package, click here.
Universal City, California, November 29, 2018 – Universal Studios Hollywood rings in 2019 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest and most exciting New Year’s celebration, including an all-new Ultimate EVE package, on Monday, December 31, with extended theme park hours to 2:00 a.m.
EVE is included in the price of theme park admission and invites guests to spend the day and night enjoying its many popular rides and attractions with a special park-wide party starting at 9:00 p.m., featuring multiple DJs and live music entertainment hubs, that will culminate simultaneously at midnight with a traditional New Year countdown and a spectacular fireworks display.
The all-new Ultimate EVE package is a featured addition to this year’s event, inviting guests to celebrate in style. Package highlights include theme park admission starting at 6:00 p.m., access to private lounges, buffet dining, private cash bars, reserved VIP viewing areas for the dazzling fireworks display, a complimentary, midnight champagne toast, commemorative 2019 party favors and unlimited Universal Express access to all rides and attractions.
Starting at 9:00 p.m., Universal Plaza, Simpsons Plaza located in Springfield™ and an area near “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride” will transform into three uniquely-themed party hubs, featuring a variety of music, from rock ‘n’ roll to electronic dance music to Latin pop, and the celebration will continue with enhanced DJ shows and after-party entertainment until 2:00 a.m.
A selection of food and beverages, including specialty desserts, champagne, beer, wine and specialty cocktails, as well as 2019 memorabilia will be available for purchase.
To purchase tickets for EVE or the Ultimate EVE package, click here.
With its festive environment, guests can toast the New Year with the spirit of the holidays already resonating throughout Universal Studios Hollywood.
The highly-anticipated return of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM brings glistening snowfall for the first time ever to Hogsmeade village along with “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle,” a breathtaking digital light projection experience, which continues through January 6, 2019.
Universal Studios Hollywoodis 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 CityWalk entertainment, 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.
“Blood on Thy Hands,” 10 by 10 Variety Show, Comedy Mashup, The Society Comedy Troupe and Note by Note Music Showcase
Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita invites you to attend upcoming shows at The MAIN, located at 24266 Main Street, in Old Town Newhall. Tickets are now on sale for a variety of shows taking place in December.
Bridgeway Theatre Company presents “Blood on Thy Hands,” an original work from director Stephan Nieman and writer Sarah Hoftstedt.
Bridgeway Theatre Company presents “Blood on Thy Hands,” an original work from director Stephan Nieman and writer Sarah Hoftstedt. It is a contemporary story featuring three of Shakespeare’s leading ladies analyzing life after their story ends. Des (Desdemona from Othello), Lia (Ophelia from Hamlet) and Julie (Juliet from Romeo and Juliet)are in their own version of purgatory, in which they connect with each other to share their perspective of how they died, while discussing the objectivity of male control in their lives and what love means to each of them. Performance dates and times are November 30 at 8:00 p.m., December 1 at 2:00 p.m., and December 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 for seniors and students, and $20 for adults.
The 10 by 10 Variety Show occurs on the first Thursday of the month and features music, film, storytelling, magic, comedy and more! Ten performers, from a variety of genres, are selected to perform a 10-minute piece of their choosing. Every month is different, so you never know what you will see on stage! Performances this month include storytelling with Michael Dougherty, Vicki Juditz and Bart Richards; comedy from Lang Parker and Richard Meyer; comedy and juggling by Ivan Pecel; music with Tracy Lee Nelson, Steve Messick and John Bergstrom; and magic by Glenndalf. The show is Thursday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. and free to attend.
Comedy Mashup is a group of working comedians and improvisers from all over Los Angeles that come together once a month to put on a show that is half stand-up comedy and half improv.
Comedy Mashup is a group of working comedians and improvisers from all over Los Angeles that come together once a month to put on a show that is half stand-up comedy and half improv. Mad House Comedy’s Ashley Johnson headlines the evening, while “Your Favorite Cast” brings the improv and holiday sketch comedy. The show is Friday, December 7, at 8:00 p.m., and is geared towards an adult audience. Tickets are $12 presale and $18 on the day of the show.
The Society Comedy Troupe is bringing hilarious and energetic team improv to The MAIN. Similar to the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” they ask for audience participation while creating improvised music, comedy and scenes. The show is Saturday, December 8, at 8:00 p.m., and is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $12 for seniors and students, and $15 for all others.
Note by Note is a free musical showcase delighting audiences with a variety of genres. Bands, duos and soloists will perform a wide range of styles, including rock, folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, experimental, western and more! Featured performers in December include Mike Fleming, Abby Lyons, Ric Taylor and Sarah Mee Ran Cave. The show is Thursday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. and free to attend.
Learn more about these shows and purchase tickets by visiting AtTheMain.org/tickets.
Meet Santa! Watch Holiday TV Classics!
Enjoy Family Activities! FREE Hot Cocoa!
Opens Saturday, November 24!
11:00 am for Paley Members
Noon for General Public
Regular Hours: Wednesday to Sundays noon to 5:00 pm FREE Admission
Beverly Hills, Calif. –The Paley Center for Media celebrates the joy of the season with a special family-friendly experience. It’s Holiday Time in PaleyLand features continuous daily screenings of beloved classic holiday TV programs from the Paley Archive. Families can also enjoy special holiday activities like arts and crafts, dreidel games, and FREE hot cocoa!
NEW this year: enjoy an immersive Instagram experience where you can pose in a whimsical Candy Cane Forest. Post your pics using the hashtag #PaleyLand.
Meet Santa and Friends!
Bring the family to PaleyLand and have a visit with Santa
Santa photo with PaleyLand digital frame plus the digital file is $10.
FREE for Paley Members. Become a Member
Breakfast with Santa in PaleyLand for Paley Members Only!
Saturday, November 24, 11:00 am to noon
Kick-off your holiday season with an exclusive sneak peek of PaleyLand for Paley Members Only. Enjoy breakfast bites & treats, get your FREE souvenir photo with Santa or the Paley Menorah, watch favorite holiday TV Classics on the big screen, and express your creativity with arts and crafts in the PaleyLand Workshop.
Santa Clarita, Calif. –The City of Santa Clarita in partnership with Sensys Networks Inc. is pleased to announce GiveMeGreen!, an innovative new smartphone app for bicycle detection at signalized intersections. GiveMeGreen! is the first of many connected and autonomous traveler apps developed by Sensys Networks Inc., the world’s leading provider of integrated wireless traffic data systems for Smart Cities. This initial deployment is a pilot program to improve safety for cyclists and travel convenience for all motorists in Santa Clarita.
The initial pilot is deployed at three intersections along the Chuck Pontius Commuter Rail bike trail, parallel to Soledad Canyon Road. The system consists of the GiveMeGreen! smartphone app which allows the bicyclist using the app to be automatically detected up to 300 feet in advance of the intersection. Once detected, the signal applies the normal pedestrian-crossing signal timing function. This will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to use the same signal phase and will not cause any delay for motorists.
There are also new signs that illuminate only when bicyclists or pedestrians are detected to warn turning motorists on Soledad Canyon Road that bicycles or pedestrians will be crossing the intersection. Finally, the system includes a bicycle-only light at each intersection along the bike trail which confirms to the bicyclist that they have been detected.
“This free app will greatly benefit both bicyclists and motorists by providing better information about the presence of bikes at these intersections,” says Cesar Romo, Traffic Signal System Administrator for the City of Santa Clarita. “GiveMeGreen! not only improves safety, but also improves the ride experience for Santa Clarita’s legions of cyclists with automatic and reliable advance detection.”
This pilot system demonstrates the flexibility of the Sensys Networks Inc. platform, as it integrates with third-party signs and City traffic controllers.
“We are delighted to be working with the City of Santa Clarita on this pilot program,” says Amine Haoui, CEO of Sensys Networks. “GiveMeGreen! is the first of many connected traveler apps to be released by Sensys Networks Inc. in the coming months. These apps all use the same infrastructure at the intersection, and allow Cities to easily tailor the services they want to provide for bicyclists, pedestrians, truck drivers and many other travelers. This Infrastructure to Everything (I2X) system for connected and autonomous travelers will improve safety, decrease congestion and improve the travel experience for many different types of connected traveler.”
For more information about GiveMeGreen! in Santa Clarita, please contact Cesar Romo at cromo@santa-clarita.com or at (661) 286-4002.
About Sensys Networks
Sensys Networks improves the way people travel through cities. Sensys Networks delivers accurate and dependable detection data to drive reductions in urban traffic congestion for partners and public agencies around the globe. For more information see sensysnetworks.com.
Universal City, Hollywood, Calif. –Earlier in 2018, Universal Parks & Resorts launched the Grow Bolder campaign to encourage kids to take a stand, to be bold and fearless. As the narrator states in the TV spot, “fearless kids aren’t born… they’re made.”
The new Grow Bolder documentary series highlights three real life inspiring, fearless kids:
Charlotte, 10 years old, the entrepreneur and philanthropist
o Three years ago, Charlotte created ‘Stitches by Charlotte’ where hand sewn dolls are donated to children needing comfort before facing scary medical procedures –something she knows all too well having experienced multiple procedures to repair a cleft palate early in her life.
Robbie, 11 years old, the National Park activist
o Last year, Robbie Bond learned that some of his favorite national parks and monuments were being threatened, so he took a bold stand. At 9 years old, Robbie founded a non-profit called Kids Speak for Parks to inspire others to speak up to save America’s parks and monuments for generations to come.
Hannah, 17 years old, the fearless cyclist
o For the first ten years of her life, Hannah Jordan lived in hospitals, sleeping over 20 hours a day as she was living with a glucose deficiency disease, but that doesn’t stop her from achieving her dreams. Watch Hannah’s brave adventure as she’s known as “The Hannibal”, aspiring Olympic cyclist.
The first episode of the 3-part series is available at the below link on Facebook and the next two videos will be posted on Facebook today and tomorrow.
Santa Clarita , Calif. – Just in time for the holiday season – don’t miss the arts and crafts event of the year! Join us for the City of Santa Clarita’s 27th annual two-day Fine Craft Show held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 and Sunday, December 2, 2018from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Fine Craft Show will be outdoors and located at Old Orchard Park, situated at 25023 Avenue Rotella.
This public event is free and features more than 70 artists’ booths with high-quality, original and Made-in-USA crafts for any budget. One-of-a-kind, handmade gifts items include jewelry, paintings, pottery, ceramics, wearables, home décor and woodwork. Holiday shoppers can select unique and beautiful gifts, while enjoying gourmet food trucks and live music in a festive outdoor park setting.
Rain or shine, the event will be held. For more information on the Fine Craft Show, please visit SantaClaritaArts.com or contact the Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3777.
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HONOR LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA WITH
STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HONOR LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. Event will be live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com
Hollywood, Calif. – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that entertainer Lin-Manuel Miranda will be honored with the 2,652nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, November 30th at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star will be dedicated in the category of Live Theatre at 6243 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Pantages Theatre.
“Lin-Manuel Miranda has made history with history! He has brilliantly made the show Hamilton a musical learning experience for young and old. He constantly displays the charisma with and talent we all want to see on the stage forever,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We are proud that Lin-Manuel Miranda star will add to our Hollywood history!”
Emcee Leron Gubler, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce along with “Weird Al” Yankovic and Renee Elise Goldsberry (Tony Award winner, original Angelica from Hamilton will unveil the star.
Lin-Manuel co-stars with Emily Blunt in “Mary Poppins Returns,” an all new original musical and sequel. The film will be released on December 19th, by Walt Disney Studios.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.
Lin-Manuel Miranda was born and raised in Inwood/Washington Heights in New York.
He is an award-winning composer, lyricist, and performer, as well as a 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award recipient. His current musical, Hamilton – with book, music and lyrics by Miranda, in addition to him originating the title role – opened on Broadway in 2015. Hamilton was awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Drama and earned a record-breaking 16 Tony Nominations, winning 11 Tony Awards including two personally for Miranda for Book and Score of a Musical. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hamilton won the 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Both Miranda and Hamilton won the 2016 Drama League Awards for Distinguished Performance and Outstanding Production of a Musical, respectively.
For its sold-out Off-Broadway run at The Public Theater, Hamilton received a record-breaking ten Lortel Awards, as well as three Outer Critic Circle Awards, eight Drama Desk Awards, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical, and an OBIE for Best New American Play. Material from the show was previewed at the White House during its first-ever Evening of Poetry & Spoken Word in 2009, Lincoln Center Theater’s 2012 American Songbook Series, and New York Stage and Film’s 2013 Powerhouse Theatre Season at Vassar College. The Chicago production of Hamiltonopened in October 2016, with a 1st National Tour and London production both opening in 2017. The London Production went on to win seven Oliver Awards in 2018, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Miranda and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire. The Hamilton Mixtape, a concept album inspired by the show’s score featuring top rappers and musicians in the music industry, was released in December 2016. Lin-Manuel received a 2017 MTV VMA Award in the “Best Fight Against the System” category for the video, “Immigrants (We Get the Job Done)” off of The Hamilton Mixtape. In January 2019, Lin-Manuel will return to the role of Alexander Hamilton when the Hamilton tour visits Puerto Rico for an unprecedented three-week engagement. Proceeds from these performances benefit the Flamboyan Arts Fund, an initiative dedicated to preserving, amplifying, and sustaining the arts in Puerto Rico.
Miranda’s first Broadway musical, In the Heights, received four 2008 Tony Awards (including Best Orchestrations, Best Choreography and Best Musical), with Miranda receiving a Tony Award for Best Score, as well as a nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. In the Heights also took home a 2009 Grammy Award for its Original Broadway Cast Album and was recognized as a Finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. In 2016, Miranda won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music for the Original London production of In The Heights. Off-Broadway, In the Heights received a Drama Desk award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance, the Lucille Lortel Award and Outer Critic’s Circle Award for Best Musical and Miranda received an Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics.
Miranda is the co-composer (with Tom Kitt), and co-lyricist (with Amanda Green) of Broadway’s Bring it On: The Musical (2013 Tony Nom., Best Musical, 2013 Drama Desk Nom., Best Lyrics). He contributed new songs to the revival of Stephen Schwartz’ Working and Spanish translations for the 2009 Broadway Revival of West Side Story. In 2014, Miranda received an Emmy Award with Kitt for their song, “Bigger” from the 67th Annual Tony Awards. Miranda contributed music, lyrics and vocals to several songs in Disney’s feature film Moana, earning him an Oscar nomination and Grammy Award for the original song, “How Far I’ll Go.”
Miranda has lent his voice to the audiobook recordings of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saen. His TV and Film credits include: The Electric Company, Sesame Street, The Sopranos, House, Modern Family, Polar Bears, Do No Harm, Smash, How I Met Your Mother, Inside Amy Schumer, Difficult People, Hamilton’s America, Saturday Night Live (2017 Emmy nomination. Guest Actor), Drunk History, DuckTales, BoJack Horseman, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, 200 Cartas, Speech and Debate and Moana.
Miranda has actively supported the relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in September 2017, creating the benefit single, “Almost Like Praying” as well as releasing its Salsa Remix, benefitting the Hispanic Federation’s UNIDOS Fund, helping relief and recovery efforts on the island. Miranda and Jennifer Lopez released the charity single, “Love Make The World Go Round” as a tribute to the victims of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting. He has continued to respond to tragedy with music, teaming with composers Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and Tony Winner Ben Platt for “Found/Tonight” supporting the March For Our Lives Initiative.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to add stars on the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction. The Walk of Fame is open to the public. No paid admission or assigned seating at star ceremonies.It is understood that the cost of installing a star on the Walk of Fame upon approval is $40,000 and the sponsor of the nominee accepts the responsibility for arranging for payment to the Hollywood Historic Trust, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation. The funds are used to pay for the creation/installation of the star and ceremony, as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame. Download the official app for iPhones and Android devices at http://officialhollywoodwalkoffameapp.com
For more than 97 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has provided leadership, business development resources, networking, and government affairs programs and services to keep the Hollywood business and residential communities safe, relevant and economically vital. Donelle Dadigan, is the Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2018-19, and Leron Gubler is the President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. For more information please visit www.hollywoodchamber.net.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Hollywood, Calif. –Broadway crowd-pleaser A Bronx Tale takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s- where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be.
Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Alan Menken, the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A BRONX TALE is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.
Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro and Tony® winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical- based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story- that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance named as the two attractions coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
New details shared on Mickey’s 90th celebration and the transformation of Epcot
ORLANDO, Fla. – D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared exciting new details surrounding highly-anticipated experiences coming soon to Disney parks.
Destination D fans were the first to see Chapek reveal the names and the first-ever look inside the two signature attractions set for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens at Disneyland Resort next summer and at Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019.
The audience was also the first to hear that Academy Award-winning composer John Williams is creating original Star Wars themes exclusively for these lands, and was treated to a preview of this thrilling new music. Rounding out the galactic excitement, attendees heard more about the groundbreaking, fully-immersive Star Wars resort experience coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
In celebration of 90 years of Mickey Mouse, Chapek shared the many new exciting ways to celebrate the beloved mouse. He also shared more about the multi-year transformation of Epcot, including new spectaculars designed to honor the park’s original vision.
“We are currently in the midst of one of the most extraordinary periods of expansion in our history,” Chapek said. “We are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible as we deliver world-class experiences and attractions, new hotels and entertainment, itineraries and destinations for our guests.”
Attendees were excited to get the first in-person look at the Disney Skyliner gondolas that will transport guests to their favorite destinations when it debuts in fall 2019. The audience also celebrated Disney’s #ShareYourEars campaign by participating in a group photo, led by Chapek and Mickey Mouse. Chapek announced yesterday that Disney will add a second phase to the #ShareYourEars campaign in honor of Mickey’s 90th Anniversary. From Nov. 18-27, participants can take a photo showing off their “Mickey Mouse ears” – or any creative “ears” – and upload it to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. For every public post with #ShareYourEars, Disney will donate US $5 to Make-A-Wish®, up to US $1 million, for a total of up to US $3 million. This is the third year in a row that Disney has run this campaign with Make-A-Wish to grant even more wishes.
Exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was announced at D23 Expo 2015, fans have been eager to learn more. Today, Chapek announced that guests can take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests can join an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance – including a face-off with Kylo Ren. These two new incredible experiences, paired with the land’s interactive components and optional integration with the Play Disney Parks app, will invite guests to become galactic travelers and live their own Star Wars stories in a galaxy far, far away.
Chapek also announced that the music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature original themes created especially for the land by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams. Chapek shared a stirring preview of the all-new music, recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.
Adding to the excitement, Chapek provided a sneak peek at the groundbreaking Star Wars resort coming to Walt Disney World Resort. This multi-day, fully immersive adventure will take guests aboard a luxury starship with all the features expected of a first-class hotel, including dining, recreation, and accommodations, all authentic to the Star Wars universe.
Celebrating Mickey Mouse
For 90 years, Mickey has entertained generations of families and fans. To celebrate the mouse that started it all, Chapek shared the many new ways guests will celebrate one of the world’s most beloved icons.
Imagineers have been hard at work creating Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, using breakthrough technology to transform a two-dimensional cartoon into an amazing real-world experience. The first-ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse – set to open in fall 2019 – will feature a new original story and lovable theme song as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.
Following the kickoff of World’s Biggest Mouse Party earlier this year, the festivities continue at the Disneyland Resort with Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, which will bring new entertainment, food and merchandise to the resort. On January 18, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will light up the night at Disneyland Park with all-new music, projections and lasers that set the scene for an epic dance party that takes over almost the entire park. The party will get even bigger when the fan-favorite Mickey’s Soundsational Paradereturns to the resort January 25, featuring a new float with Mickey himself, who will lead the celebration down Main Street, U.S.A.
Over at Walt Disney World, now there’s more magic than ever. From Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom will feature new food, merchandise and entertainment, including a new dance party with Mickey, Minnie and their friends, and a chance to meet Mickey and Minnie together in their new birthday outfits. On the high seas, Disney Cruise Line will welcome Mickey & Minnie Surprise Party at Sea, an all-new high-energy deck party on the Disney Fantasy next summer.
Chapek also announced an all-new cinematic nighttime experience, Wonderful World of Animation, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1 as part of the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show will use state-of-the-art technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey.
Adding to the excitement, Chapek shared a look at the recently opened Mickey: The True Original Exhibition in New York City. The exhibition provides visitors with an interactive experience inspired by Mickey’s impact on popular culture, from Instagram-worthy design elements to larger-than-life multimedia installations. The exhibition runs through Feb. 10, 2019, and tickets can be purchased at Disney.com/MickeyTrueOriginal.
Transformation of Epcot
Fans were thrilled to hear more about the multi-year transformation of Epcot, designed to honor the park’s original vision while making it more timeless, more relevant, more family and more Disney.
At World Showcase, Chapek revealed that the Ratatouille experience coming to the France pavilion will be called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Guests will also enjoy a brand new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along, created by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live action “Beauty and the Beast” films. There will also be an update to the O Canada! 360-degree show.
For IllumiNations fans, Chapek announced an all-new, transformative spectacular set to debut in 2020. It will celebrate how Disney music can inspire people from around the world, featuring massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers. Before that new show debuts, there will be a limited-time experience Epcot fans will love, called Epcot Forever, a true celebration of this timeless park. Debuting in fall 2019 and set to classic Epcot tunes, the show begins with a spark of imagination that quickly grows into an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and choreographed, special effects kites.
Stunning New Resorts
During his presentation, Chapek unveiled details about Reflections,adeluxe, nature-inspired resort coming to Orlando that will feature more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas.
Chapek also offered a sneak peek at Disney’s Riviera Resort, inspired by the European grandeur Walt Disney experienced in his travels along the Mediterranean coastline. Projected to open in fall 2019, this proposed resort will be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property.
With so many exciting projects underway, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products will continue to elevate the guest experience with world-class experiences and products. For more information on any of these announcements, please visit https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/.
Santa Clarita, Calif. – Grab your broom, don your ruby red slippers and travel to the wonderful land of Oz – long before Dorothy and her friends burst onto the scene. Wicked, the award-winning Broadway musical, is returning to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited time, and the City of Santa Clarita is offering residents the chance to see it before it flies away.
The City’s Recreation and Community Services department is planning an excursion to see “Wicked” on Sunday, January 13, 2019, and has a limited number of tickets available to the public. Tickets can be purchased for $114 per person ($125 for non-residents), and include reserved mezzanine seating at the theatre and charter bus transportation to the show.
Participants will depart from The Centre (20880 Centre Pointe Parkway) at 10:30 a.m. on January 13. Upon arrival in Hollywood, participants will have time to have lunch at a restaurant of their choosing before the show begins at 1:00 p.m. The price of lunch is not included in registration for this excursion.
Wicked, back at the Pantages in Hollywood by popular demand, is the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba and Glinda, who you may know better as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Wicked, back at the Pantages in Hollywood by popular demand,is the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba and Glinda, who you may know better as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz.” The play is recommended for children eight years and older, and those under five years of age will not be admitted into the theatre.
For more information about this opportunity and to register to see Wicked with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Jennifer Lindstrom, Recreation Coordinator, at (661) 250-3731 or visit santa-clarita.com/Seasons.
For more information about tickets and Wicked visit:
Bring the family to PaleyLand and have a visit with Santa
