Tag Archives: Theme Parks

Level Up with A Power-Up Band as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Prepares to Open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023.

January 18, 2023 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

As Universal Studios Hollywood counts down the days until SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens on Friday, February 17, find a deeper dive into the interactive Power-Up Bands that level up one’s experience in this exciting and immersive new land.

Universal City, California, January 18, 2023 – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, so let’s take a closer look at the land’s exciting Power-Up Band™, a fun interactive component designed to help guests level up their experience during their visits within the land.

As Universal Studios Hollywood counts down the days until SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens on Friday, February 17, find a deeper dive into the interactive Power-Up Bands that level up one’s experience in this exciting and immersive new land.

Level Up with A Power-Up Band as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Prepares to Open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023.

With the grand opening date quickly approaching, here’s a topline overview of the Power-Up Band and its functionality.

These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.

With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land.

When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores.

The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Checkpoints positioned within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will enable guests to track their status against others. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.

While meet and greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and guests are welcome to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app prior to visiting so the fun can start from the moment they warp into the land via the giant green pipe. The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase, beginning February 17, at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk.

The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new, innovative, immersive and highly-themed land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.

For more information, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates the Holiday Season with “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas” – Friday, November 25, 2022 and Running Daily Through Sunday, January 1, 2023.

October 6, 2022 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Holidays officially begin at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, November 25 through Sunday, January 1, with the return of popular seasonal activities “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.” All Holiday Festivities are Included in the Price of Theme Park Admission. Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Experience the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season.”

Universal City, Calif.– October 6, 2022 – Universal Studios Hollywood rings in the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season” with the return of fan favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and “Grinchmas™” beginning Friday, November 25, 2022 and running daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023. All holiday festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade™, which is transformed with festive décor and merriment. Guests can savor a delicious Hot Butterbeer™ while enjoying a special holiday a capella performance from the Hogwarts Frog Choir. Activities also include holiday shopping for exclusive items within the village shops, including personalized ornaments and notebooks, and dining on hearty holiday fare at Three Broomsticks™.

As night falls on the snowy town, Hogwarts™ Castle will come to life in a dazzling spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” The impressive light projection show will amaze audiences with its stunning imagery and animation as the castle infuses the land with joyous wonderment and features music and sounds from the Harry Potter film series.

The cheerful “Grinchmas” Who-bilation will return in jolly fashion to Universal Plaza, located in the heart of the theme park. Festive park-goers can marvel in amazement at the topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. Every evening, a jovial tree lighting ceremony will excite guests as they listen to the Grinch himself tell his story along with the Who-ville Whos, ending in a snowball flurry, bringing joy and merriment to all.

Hogwarts™ Castle will come to life in a dazzling spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.

A variety of activities are available to guests looking to get into the “Grinchmas” spirit. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be available for photo opportunities throughout the day. Cindy-Lou Who leads daily story time for young visitors looking to learn of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the Who-ville post office will be accepting postcards with holiday messages. Additionally, an array of sweet holiday treats, including hot cocoa, will be available for purchase.

Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40 foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The infamous Voodoo Doughnut will tempt guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Los Angeles Life and Style

Universal Studios Hollywood Serves Up Terrifying Treats and To-Die-For Merchandise When Halloween Horror Nights Kicks Off Thursday, September 8, 2022.

September 6, 2022 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Universal Studios Hollywood Serves Up Terrifying Treats and To-Die-For Merchandise Featuring Haunted Houses: “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” and More When Halloween Horror Nights Kicks Off Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Universal City, Calif. – September 6, 2022 – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is tempting guests with a terrifying menu of horror-inspired cuisine and a selection of exclusive merchandise themed to the 2022 event, which runs select nights Thursday, September 8 through Monday, October 31.

Universal Studios Hollywood Serves Up Terrifying Treats and To-Die-For Merchandise When Halloween Horror Nights Kicks Off Thursday, September 8, 2022. Plaza de los Muertos offerings.

Fans of The Weeknd, who bravely step into his all-new haunted house for an unprecedented experience, can follow the Blinding Lights to the all-new The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare Bar, a space reminiscent of a late-night club as featured in The Weeknd’s music videos and short films. Guests can enjoy mixed drinks aptly named for the multi award-winning artist’s tracks plus nosh on light bites such as pizza fries.

Inspired by the nearby “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” haunted house, fans can dine at the Killer BBQ From Outer Space. The circus-themed eatery will serve up a variety of savory and sweet items including: BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Loaded Mac & Cheese, shareable 22” All-Beef Hot Dog, Loaded Nachos, Funnel Fries, Acid Pie and specialty cocktails. Killer Klowns afficionados will also scream in delight for Jojo’s Ice Cream, dishing out tasty treats inspired by the horror-comedy, including the Killer Kone, Ruijing Popkorn Shake and Acid Pie Shake.

In celebration of Los Angeles’ diverse culture, the Plaza de los Muertos is returning to Universal Plaza. Guests can toast the living and the dead with two bar options this year. The Dia de Los Muertos Bar will serve craft cocktails such as Calavera Juice, Sugar Skull Punch and Smoked Margarita in a festive light-up skull mug along with a Michelada option. A new Margarita Bar serves an assortment of libations, including a mixed Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita and Muerte Margarita along with a variety of frozen margarita options. The Little Cocina will offer an array of food options such as Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce, Cheese Tamale, Esquites, Churro Bites, Chamoy Pineapple Spears and more. Additionally, a light-up Sugar Skull popcorn bucket, which includes free refills, will be available for purchase.

The Halloween Horror Nights terrifying event menu will include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items for those with every type of appetite.

Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk partakes in the terrifying festivities with seasonal specials, including Ghost, Jack-o-Lantern and Tombstone decorated yeast doughnuts and a Halloween Sprinkle cake doughnut.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is tempting guests with a terrifying menu of horror-inspired cuisine and a selection of exclusive merchandise themed to the 2022 event, which runs select nights Thursday, September 8 through Monday, October 31.

Halloween Horror Nights guests can elevate their experience with a variety of apparel, souvenirs, drink ware and collectibles featuring their favorite haunted houses as well as items from the artist signature series showcasing the legendary Universal Monsters. In addition, for the first time ever at Universal Studios Hollywood, merchandise based on fan favorite character Lil Boo celebrating “Every Day is Halloween” will debut in stores.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood begins on Thursday, September 8 and runs select nights through Monday, October 31. Tickets purchased online or at the Universal Studios Hollywood Front Gate provide guests with Early Event Admission to select houses, beginning at 6pm each night of the event (subject to change). Various ticket options are available for purchase, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2pm Day/Night, 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.

The horror also comes to life on the east coast at Universal Orlando Resort with 10 terrifying haunted houses. The event runs select nights now through Monday, October 31.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Los Angeles Life and Style

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Independence Day with Its Dazzling July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

June 28, 2021 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Independence Day with Its Dazzling July 4^th Fireworks Spectacular. The Sizzling Salute to the Stars and Stripes is Included with Theme Park Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal City, California, June 28, 2021 – Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to experience its annual July 4^th fireworks celebration with a dazzling burst of colors against the night sky from multiple locations within the theme park.

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Independence Day with Its Dazzling July 4th Fireworks Spectacular. The exhilarating energy of Independence Day will permeate the theme park as guests enjoy musical performances, along with popular rides and attractions. At 9:00 p.m., the holiday is capped off with the extravagant fireworks display synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites.

This exciting fireworks spectacular is included with theme park admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The exhilarating energy of Independence Day will permeate the theme park as guests enjoy musical performances, along with popular rides and attractions. At 9:00 p.m., the holiday is capped off with the extravagant fireworks display synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites.

The festivities will punctuate the skyline as guests stroll along a cleverly themed Pets Place to the front of Katie’s NYC apartment building, home to the innovative “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” ride.

Only the deafening roar of the extraordinarily realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, featured in “Jurassic World—The Ride” could possibly drown out the fireworks display.

These new experiences are among the many attractions and themed environments at Universal Studios Hollywood available to help guests usher in a joyful Independence Day. Highlights include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and the critically-acclaimed rides, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land,” and “The Simpsons Ride” located in “Springfield, U.S.A.,” home of America’s favorite animated family.

The theme park’s signature attraction and world-renowned Studio Tour takes guests behind-the-scenes of an authentic production movie and television studio where they can experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.”

As a precursor to the evening’s pyrotechnics, “WaterWorld” is an exciting action show that involves hundreds of stunts and fiery special effects.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood 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. Attractions 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™”, the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” featuring the spectacularly realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, and the all-new ride “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” 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 DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.” 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 thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” Universal CityWalk, located adjacent to the theme park, features such popular restaurants as VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut, along with dynamic shopping and entertainment options, including Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres.

Universal Studios Hollywood/Universal CityWalk Hollywood Safety Guidelines

All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC guidelines. Guests should evaluate their own risk before they visit, and it is not recommended that older adults or individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit. For information on CDC guidelines, click here. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, details are subject to change without notice.

As Universal Studios Hollywood counts down the days until SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens on Friday, February 17, find a deeper dive into the interactive Power-Up Bands that level up one’s experience in this exciting and immersive new land.

Los Angeles Life and Style – City Life Communications – L. A. Life and Style – SCV Style – Entertainment Magazine