A Touch of Disney Limited-Capacity Event Coming March 18

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February 24, 2021

It’s time to experience some of the sights, sounds and flavors of the Disneyland Resort with A Touch of Disney, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at Disney California Adventure park. A Touch of Disney offers some of the world-famous food and beverages from around the resort, plus a chance to see Disney characters, shop for the latest Disney merchandise and pose at unique photo locations.

A selection of iconic food and beverage items from both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will be available for guests to enjoy, from churros and the world-famous DOLE Whip® to the classic Monte Cristo sandwich usually found in New Orleans Square. Many items will be served snack-sized, so guests can delight in a variety of bites and sips from mid-day through the evening. These guest-favorites will be available at locations around the park, including Smokejumpers Grill, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Award Wieners, Cocina Cucamonga and six seasonal and creatively themed marketplaces.

Select retail locations also will be open, selling the latest apparel, accessories and souvenirs, including new, adorable Disney NuiMos. Pop in and out of the shops along Buena Vista Street or guests can head to Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff along Pixar Pier for a selection of treats including themed candy apples.

While exploring the park, guests can capture photos at iconic locations and discover new photo-worthy spots – some that are available only for those who attend A Touch of Disney. Guests might catch a wave from Mickey Mouse and his pals doing some unexpected things, or see Mater and Lightning McQueen in Cars Land. To help set the stage for A Touch of Disney, a new, specially curated soundtrack of reimagined Disney songs will be broadcast throughout the park, along with updates and reminders about many Can’t-miss experiences. Attractions remain closed for now.

A Taste of Disney Info:

● Dates: Beginning Mar. 18; offered Thursdays – Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.

● Pricing: The introductory $75 ticket includes admission, parking for the experience at Mickey & Friends parking structure, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience, and a $25 A Touch of Disney dining card valid towards the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol).

● Tickets: A Touch of Disney tickets will be available only on Disneyland.com beginning March 4, for select days from March 18 through April 5, 2021. Tickets for this experience will then be released for dates on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at Disneyland.com for a specific date (subject to availability). Ticket prices are subject to change.

● Dining: Beginning March 11th, table reservations for Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining will be made available for A Touch of Disney. Table reservations do not provide admission to A Touch of Disney and dining at those locations requires A Touch of Disney ticket that is valid on the same day as the table reservation. Reservations are recommended, and additional details are coming soon.

Downtown Disney District will remain open seven days a week with unique dining and shopping that includes Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante e Bar, World of Disney and Star Wars Trading Post, which recently opened in a new location. Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of the Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed beginning March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.

With the health and safety of everyone in mind, A Touch of Disney will operate with limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

*Tickets for the experience will not be available at the Resort, are non-refundable, and may not be resold or transferred for commercial use. The number of tickets available are limited and no discounts apply. Each guest may purchase up to eight tickets. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Disney PhotoPass is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions. Online registration required. Experience elements and information including, but not limited to, offerings, menu items, merchandise, and services, are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice. No refunds are given for any such changes or cancellations whether due to inclement weather or otherwise.

Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates 50 Magical years, Begins Oct. 1

By

Socalthrills Staff

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February 19, 2021

On Oct. 1, 1971, Walt Disney World Resort officially opened to guests for the first time, the culmination of years spent imagining, planning, and developing Walt Disney’s magical dream. In the five decades since the vacation destination continued to expand with new stories and characters and adventures to cherish for a lifetime. And now with a major milestone approaching, guests can share in “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary.

This 18-month celebratory event will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent décor will appear as if by magic. Shining at the center of it all will be Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50th-anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to join the festivities.

Walt Disney World Beacons of Light

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow.

Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.

The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.

And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

Mickey and Minnie: Dressed for the Occasion

As hosts of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.

Joining Mickey and Minnie, Walt Disney World cast members will be at the heart of this event. They will demonstrate yet again why they are renowned for their commitment to service, consistently exceeding guests’ expectations by going above and beyond to make visits to The Most Magical Place on Earth special.

Six Flags Magic Mountain presents Cruis’n the Park Car Show

By

Socalthrills Staff

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February 18, 2021

For the first time ever, world-famous West Coast Customs and the Thrill Capital of the World, Six Flags Magic Mountain, will showcase a drive-thru car show that winds along the park midways. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will include 100 of the world’s best automotive displays from muscle cars and hot rods to low riders and mini trucks. Themed music and entertainment will be integrated into each featured section providing many jaw-dropping vehicle art displays.

About Six Flags Magic Mountain Cruis’n the Park Car Show

The 30-minute cruise through the park will be presented and narrated by Ryan Friedlinghaus, CEO of West Coast Customs, via a specially designed app available for free download. There will be something for every auto enthusiast along the event route, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and watercraft, all to be viewed from the safety of guests’ own cars.

“It has been a dream of mine for over 10 years to put together a family event like this!” said West Coast Customs Founder & CEO, Ryan Friedlinghaus.

“I’m excited to say it is official as we are about to make some new history together with Six Flags Magic Mountain. It’s the first-ever drive-thru car show in a theme park where LA’s top vehicles from all different categories, mini trucks to low riders and everything in between, will be displayed. This event will take you on a trip down memory lane and also make new memories for families to share together.”

Six Flags Park President, Don McCoy, continues by saying, “We’re thrilled to host this event with West Coast Customs. We know that people are searching for fun and safe activities to do with their families. This is a really innovative concept that is sure to offer a fun experience for car lovers of all ages”.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

The West Coast Customs Cruis’n the Park Car Show will run for a limited time – every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from February 26 – March 14. To control and manage capacity, limited reservations will be available each date and will be required by all guests in advance using Six Flags’ new online reservation system.

Special event admission tickets for this first-ever event will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be sold per car. Admission discounts are available for active Memberships and Season Passes, and reservations will be required. Ticket sales will not be available at the gate. For more information on West Coast Customs Cruis’n the Park Car Show, visit their website at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

The safety of guests and team members is always Six Flags’ top priority. The new West Coast Customs Cruis’n the Park Car Show at Six Flags Magic Mountain will offer a contactless experience that follows CDC, state, and county health and safety guidelines. To prevent overcrowding and provide proper social distancing, a limited number of cars will be allowed on each date.

A full list of safety requirements for the event is available on the park’s website at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain, including LA County’s guidelines for vehicle-based events. Event requirements include the use of masks if windows are down, no smoking, littering, stopping, or exiting vehicles.

Due to the limited size of certain areas and terrain within the park, only cars, SUVs, vans, and pick-up trucks are permitted. No convertibles, busses, RVs, commercial vehicles, dually pick-up trucks, trailers, or motorcycles will be allowed. A maximum speed of three mph and maintaining a safe distance between cars will be strictly enforced.

As part of Six Flags’ comprehensive safety procedures, all employees are required to wear masks and are temperature-checked and health-screened each day. Gloves are worn as appropriate, per guidelines. As directed by current state regulations, no additional services will be available. Six Flags encourages guests to plan accordingly for restroom breaks, gasoline, and food. Only portable toilets will be available at the entrance and exit.

Marvel Studios “WandaVision” New Episode 7 Clip

By

Russell Tom

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February 18, 2021

An all-new clip from Episode 7 of Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” is now available featuring Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who’s not quite ready to accept that everything around her is unraveling. Episode 7 streams tomorrow exclusively on Disney+.

About “WandaVision”

Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.

“WandaVision,” the first Marvel Studios series created exclusively for Disney+, stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff, Paul Bettany as Vision, Kathryn Hahn as Agnes, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in “Captain Marvel.” Kat Dennings reprises her role as Darcy from “Thor” and “Thor: The Dark World,” and Randall Park reprises his role as Jimmy Woo from “Ant-Man and The Wasp.” The series is directed by Matt Shakman with Jac Schaeffer as head writer. Featuring nine episodes, “WandaVision” is now streaming on Disney+.

Mortal Kombat debuts New Trailer, Poster and Images

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 18, 2021

From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan (“The Conjuring” universe films, “Aquaman,”), Todd Garner (“Into the Storm,” “Tag”), McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh (“Men in Black: International,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”).

About Mortal Kombat

In “Mortal Kombat,” MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. Fearing for his family’s safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with.

Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high-stakes battle for the universe. But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family but to stop Outworld once and for all?

The diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts. The ensemble includes Lewis Tan (“Deadpool 2,” Netflix’s “Wu Assassins”) as Cole Young; Jessica McNamee (“The Meg”) as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson (“Bombshell”) as Kano; Tadanobu Asano (“Midway”) as Lord Raiden; Mehcad Brooks (TV’s “Supergirl”) as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Ludi Lin (“Aquaman”) as Liu Kang; with Chin Han (“Skyscraper”) as Shang Tsung; Joe Taslim (“Star Trek Beyond”) as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero; and Hiroyuki Sanada (“Skyscraper”) as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion. Also featured are Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; Matilda Kimber as Emily Young; and Laura Brent as Allison Young.

McQuoid directed from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham (“Wonder Woman 1984”), from a story by Oren Uziel (“Mortal Kombat: Rebirth”) and Russo, based on the videogame created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Michael Clear, Jeremy Stein and Larry Kasanoff served as executive producers.

Bringing the hugely popular property to the big screen, McQuoid led a team of Australian and U.S. filmmakers, including director of photography Germain McMicking (“True Detective,” “Top of the Lake: China Girl”), production designer Naaman Marshall (“Underwater,” “Servant”), editors Dan Lebental (“Spider-Man: Far From Home”) and Scott Gray (“Top of the Lake,” “Daffodils”), visual effect supervisor Chris Godfrey (“Hacksaw Ridge”) and costume designer Cappi Ireland (“Lion,” “The Rover”). The music is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“Blade Runner 2049,” the “IT” films).

New Line Cinema presents an Atomic Monster/Broken Road Production, “Mortal Kombat.” The film is set for release nationwide on April 16, 2021, in theaters and will be available in the U.S. on HBO Max for 31 days from the theatrical release. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Disney’s ‘DuckTales’ Ends in an Epic 90-Minute Series Finale

By

Socalthrills Staff

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February 18, 2021

Disney’s critically acclaimed “DuckTales” will solve some mysteries and rewrite history with an epic 90-minute series finale special MONDAY, MARCH 15, (7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney XD and ungated in DisneyNOW. Executive produced by Matt Youngberg and co-executive produced by Francisco Angones, the Emmy^® Award-nominated “DuckTales” team wrapped production after 75 episodes and more than 15 shorts.

The series continues to be available on Disney Channels and Disney+ around the world. In the U.S., the series is the #1 ratings driver on Disney XD and has reached over 234 million views on social media and YouTube since its launch in 2017.

Culminating in a memorable, dramatic reading of the iconic “DuckTales” main title song, the cast met one final time via Zoom during the recent holiday season—David Tennant (“Scrooge McDuck”), Danny Pudi (“Huey”), Ben Schwartz (“Dewey”), Bobby Moynihan (“Louie”), Kate Micucci (“Webby Vanderquack”), Beck Bennett (“Launchpad McQuack”), Toks Olagundoye (“Mrs. Beakley”) and Paget Brewster (“Della Duck”).

In a joint statement, Youngberg and Angones said, “It has been an absolute honor to adventure along with the Duck Family for three seasons of derring-do bad and good luck tales. Ever since Carl Barks took a silly squawking duck from a funny animal cartoon and sent him looking for pirate gold, these characters have been part of a constantly evolving legacy of invention and reinvention.

We set out to honor all those things that we’ve loved about ‘DuckTales’ since we were kids and introduce new parts of that legacy for families around the globe. Along the way, our stellar crew, unbelievable cast and endlessly supportive fans have become a bit of a family ourselves. And it has been a great joy to solve mysteries and rewrite history alongside them.”

DuckTales

The series finale special will encore non-stop for 24 hours following its premiere. Leading up to the finale, Disney XD will debut new episodes every Monday beginning FEB. 22 (7:00 p.m. EST/PST) and will present a week-long “DuckTales” marathon of every aired episode beginning MONDAY, MARCH 8 (7:30 p.m. EST/PST). In addition, three new “Chibi Tiny Tales” shorts, featuring Chibi-style versions of favorite “DuckTales” characters, will roll out beginning FRIDAY, FEB. 26, on Disney XD, DisneyNOW and Disney Channel YouTube.

Based on the Emmy Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, “DuckTales” chronicles the high-flying adventures of Duckburg’s most famous trillionaire Scrooge McDuck; his mischief-making triplet grandnephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie; temperamental nephew, Donald Duck (voiced by Disney Legend Tony Anselmo); and the trusted McDuck Manor team: big-hearted, fearless chauffer/pilot Launchpad McQuack, no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs. Beakley and Mrs. Beakley’s granddaughter, Webby Vanderquack, resident adventurer and the triplet’s fierce friend.

In the finale titled “The Last Adventure!,” the future of adventuring hangs in the balance as the Duck family uncovers earth-shattering secrets in a final standoff with the Fiendish Organization for World Larceny (F.O.W.L.).

Returning guest voices include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Giancarlo Esposito, Julie Bowen, Jaime Camil, Jameela Jamil, Catherine Tate, Stephanie Beatriz, Paul F. Tompkins, Jim Rash, Margo Martindale, Jason Mantzoukas, John Hodgman, Retta, Kimiko Glenn, Libe Barer, Jaleel White and Amy Sedaris. Noël Wells and Riki Lindhome guest star as sisters, June and May, respectively.

“DuckTales” is a production of Disney Television Animation and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

Flora & Ulysses “Feeling Like a Hero” Featurette

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 18, 2021

Disney+ has released the featurette ‘Feeling Like a Hero” for the new comedy-adventure “Flora & Ulysses,” premiering exclusively on Disney+ on Friday, February 19, 2021.

Flora & Ulysses

The film is based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers, which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever.

“Flora & Ulysses” stars Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo, and Kate McCucci. It was directed by Lena Khan and produced by Gil Netter.

Based on the novel “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Kate DiCamillo, the film’s screenplay is by Brad Copeland. Katterli Frauenfelder and James Powers served as executive producers.

New Disney Short “Us Again” Debuts with “Raya and the Last Dragon” in Theaters

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 15, 2021

“Us Again,” a vibrant and original new theatrical animated short from director Zach Parrish that brings together dance, music, emotional storytelling, and inspired animation, is set to debut exclusively in theaters worldwide beginning on March 5, playing on the same bill as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ (WDAS) newest animated feature, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” The film is Disney Animation’s first new theatrical short since the 2016 release of “Inner Workings,” which accompanied “Moana” on the big screen. “Us Again” is scheduled to make its streaming debut in June on Disney+.

Parrish is an eleven-year veteran of Disney Animation who served as head of animation on “Big Hero 6” and director of the Short Circuit film, “Puddles,” in addition to his numerous animation credits on features for the Studio. Award-winning choreographers/dancers Keoneand Mari (featured performers on “World of Dance,” and renowned for their collaborations with such top talents as Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish), and acclaimed composer Pinar Toprak(“Captain Marvel”) brought their unique talents to this experimental and musical fantasy. The film is produced by Brad Simonsen (associate producer on “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet”), and executive produced by Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS).

Commenting on the announcement, WDAS President Clark Spencer said, “We’re thrilled to be premiering our first new theatrical short in five years, ‘Us Again,’ exclusively on the big screen alongside our incredible new feature, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon.’ Zach has tapped into elements from his personal life, and collaborated with the very best in the world of dance and music to create this very special film. We are so proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to sharing it with movie theater goers in March, and then in June on Disney Plus.”

Lee added, “One of my priorities has been to bring back theatrical animated shorts and to give artists at our Studio an opportunity to explore new ideas. ‘Us Again’ has so much spirit and energy, and pushes the boundaries of our short-form storytelling.”

Set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. The years fade away as the joy of dancing propels them across the exciting cityscape of their youth and revives fond memories and ambitions. “Us Again” is told entirely without dialogue and set to an original funk and soul musical score reminiscent of the mid-60s.

About “Us Again”

“Working with Keone and Mari was the key to making this film work,” recalls Parrish. “From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted this film to be music-driven. And I felt that dance is a universal language that can translate into any culture. I loved that their dance style felt like it was made for animation, and that there was this genuine, honest and organic connection between them because they were actually a married couple in real life.

The story itself was inspired by my own grandparents, who faced getting older in different ways, along with my own physical limitations in playing sports resulting from getting older and injuries. I started thinking about how someone might look at the world differently as things change and they grow older.”

Simonsen adds, “It was fascinating to see the process and the close collaboration between the music, the choreography and Zach’s vision for layout and animation. The film has a timeless and life-affirming message and an emotional resonance that is uniquely entertaining. Zach’s love of dance and animation, and his willingness to take chances as a filmmaker, made this a true labor of love.”

Keone observes, “Mari and I have always dreamed of having our particular style of movement being incorporated within animation. Our style is very new and young and we were like kids in a candy store working with Zach and the team to capture it and see our movements realized through the characters in the film.”

“From the first time we saw the storyboards, I was already tearing up,” adds Mari. “The characters were easy to relate to and to empathize with. As a married couple, we tried to imagine being their age, and we also thought about our own grandparents in bringing the characters to life through dance.”

New Limited-Time Ticketed Experience Coming to Disney California Adventure

By

Socalthrills Staff

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February 9, 2021

In a letter that commemorates the 20^th anniversary of Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced directly to cast members that a new offering is headed to the resort, soon. A copy of that letter is below.

We look forward to sharing more details about this all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, planned to begin in mid-March, soon!

Dear Cast Members,

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we welcomed our first Guests to Disney California Adventure Park. While I’m relatively new to the Disneyland Resort, I was so excited to visit Disney California Adventure that first year and have enjoyed seeing the park evolve over the last two decades and the role it has played in creating a multi-day destination for our Guests.

From the ongoing expansions and enhancements focused on bringing more Disney storytelling to the park, including Cars Land, to our upcoming mission to suit up the next generation of Super-Heroes at Avengers Campus, we continue to add new and vibrant experiences for Guests to enjoy.

I’m pleased to report that Avengers Campus is making incredible progress. From the futuristic architecture, theatrical lighting, unique audio, creative food, beautiful costuming, and innovative merchandise, the land will be an immersive experience that we know our guests are going to love. And while we aren’t ready to reveal Avengers Campus to the world just yet, I am excited about another very special opportunity we have at Disney California Adventure Park that speaks to our top priorities: getting more Cast Members back to work and engaging with our Guests in different and relevant ways.

Currently planned to begin mid-March, we will debut an all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, focused on our world-famous food and beverage offerings from around the resort, the latest merchandise and unique, carefully crafted entertainment experiences…all to be offered multiple days a week. With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place, Guests once again will get to step into a magical Disney environment — an environment that will provide memorable and fun experiences our Guests are craving.

Teams across the resort are currently developing this distinctly Disney experience, so there are many more details to come, but I wanted you – our Cast Members – to hear this news first. Stay tuned for the official announcement coming soon.

What I’m most thrilled about is that this initiative — along with the recent reopening of our outdoor dining on Buena Vista Street — enables us to bring about 1,000 Cast Members back to work. While that is clearly not all we want to accomplish, it’s a start. Teams are working as we speak to start recalling identified Cast in the coming weeks.

This past year has presented extraordinary challenges, but that has not curtailed in any way our ability to move forward with a spirit of optimism. Thanks to each and every one of you for your contributions to making the Disneyland Resort a place where dreamers around the world are always welcome. Stay safe and stay well.

Sincerely,
Ken
Disneyland Resort President

Disney California Adventure past events

Disney California Aventure

Knott’s Berry Farm Welcomes Spring with a new Food and Retail Experience

By

Russell Tom

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February 9, 2021

A new food and retail experience is blooming at Knott’s Berry Farm as it celebrates the little berry that put the park on the map, with Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival. Guests can catch a taste of the popular springtime Boysenberry Festival, as it offers all-new boysenberry-inspired savory foods, sweet treats and refreshing drinks that can’t be found anywhere else. While the theme park remains closed, the food and merchandise-focused outdoor event offers over 80 boysenberry-infused food and drink items which are included on the event tasting card.

Guests can choose from a lineup of tantalizing delicacies such as beer cheese soup with a boysenberry drizzle and brown butter croutons, beef tips served with creamy boysenberry mashed potatoes, and boysenberry BBQ carne asada pizza garnished with cilantro and onions, plus options for all dietary preferences. Thirst-quenching drinks include boysenberry lemonade with basil, boysenberry ICEE floats with vanilla soft serve, boysenberry mint and pineapple aqua Fresca and so much more.

Guests can also shop from a wide variety of boysenberry-inspired merchandise including event apparel, kitchenware and pre-packaged take-home sweets. In addition, they will find handmade and personalized gifts from over 20 artisan local crafters offering unique boysenberry items.

Knott’s Berry Farm Taste of Boysenberry Festival

The event will take place on select dates beginning March 5th through May 2nd. All Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival activities will be conducted at a safe and socially distant space for families to enjoy.

The only way to experience the limited time Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival is with a tasting card purchased in advance at knotts.com (a tasting card is required for event entry). Scheduled dates are 3/5-7, 3/12-14, 3/19-21, 3/26-4/11, 4/16-18, 4/23-25 and 4/30-5/2. Adult tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $45 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings, and junior tasting cards (ages 3-11), including three food tastings, are $20 (plus tax).

Tasting cards are date specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival hotel packages are also available at Knotts.com. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out. Tickets go on sale to 2020 and 2021 Knott’s Season Passholders from 2/9-2/15. Tickets available to the general public starting 2/16.

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As Knott’s Berry Farm continues to follow state, local and CDC health guidelines, these are the continued safety measures and operational changes we have established to ensure the safety of our guests:

Tasting cards are limited each day to ensure proper physical distancing
Upon arrival, guests will be required to enter a temperature screening and security checkpoint at the main gate
All associates and guests must wear a facial covering while visiting Taste of Boysenberry Festival or the Knott’s California Marketplace store locations and restaurants – masks are not required while sitting at a table or bench to eat
Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected daily and sanitized frequently. This includes but is not limited to cash counters, scanners, EMV readers, pens at cashier counters, register screens, store fixtures, door handles, and shopping baskets
Signage is present to aid guests in the proper direction of travel and as a reminder to practice social distancing
Seating is spaced out throughout the Taste of Boysenberry Festival event footprint
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the event area
All associates will be screened, including temperature and symptom checks using CDC guidelines before being allowed on the property to work
Associates have been trained on the importance of handwashing, physical distancing, and overall hygiene
Separate entrances and exits will appear at some store locations and occupancy will be limited.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Reopening February 12, 2021

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 7, 2021

LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort is reopening its doors just in time for Presidents’ Day on Friday, February 12, 2021, offering guests the royal treatment with access to Miniland U.S.A., The Big Shop, and exclusive access to the Hideaways inside the Park!

The Hideaways gives kids space to climb up, crawl through, slide down, cross over and swing around on ropes, ladders, and tunnels all in a fun and safe, outside play structure. With rooms as low as $169 a night, located just one mile from beautiful beaches, near Carlsbad Lagoon and Trails, the only hotel of its kind in California is ready to immerse guests into a creative world of LEGO®.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is reopening under the latest guidelines set forth from Governor Newsom after being closed for the last two months. To ensure a safe and healthy guest experience, guests will experience some differences at the Hotel including reduced capacity, cashless payments, social distancing practices, and enhanced cleaning regimes. Face coverings will be required for all guests three years of age and up as well as all hotel staff members and temperatures will be taken upon check-in.

“As a father of young children, I understand the desire for families to want to get out of the house, be in a fun environment and enjoy spring while staying safe together as a family,” said LEGOLAND California President Kurt Stocks. “It’s our goal to provide a safe atmosphere and I hope we can soon open up our theme park as well as SEA LIFE aquarium for families to create memories together for years to come.”

Legoland Castle Hotel Activities

Guests at LEGOLAND Castle Hotel can see movies outdoors at night, enjoy an outdoor play structure and meet their favorite LEGOLAND costume characters! Reservations for LEGOLAND Castle Hotel can be made online where guests can choose from three different room themes: Knights and Dragons, Royal Princess, or Magic Wizard rooms. Breakfast take out plus lunch and dinner take out and dine-outside options are available plus an in-room treasure hunt for the kids.

The staff at LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is eager to welcome back guests as LEGOLAND Park, LEGOLAND® Water Park, and SEA LIFE® aquarium await county and state approval for the entire Resort’s proposed reopening. Guests are highly encouraged to visit the Resort’s website for further guest experience and visiting details. For more information, visit www.legoland.com/california.

Raya and the Last Dragon Tickets Now Available

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

February 7, 2021

Fans can now pre-order Premier Access on Disney+ and purchase movie tickets to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” to be among the first to stream or watch the film in select theaters on Friday, March 5.

The all-new film releases simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access.

For the first time ever, Disney+ is offering pre-orders for Premier Access to “Raya and the Last Dragon” for an additional one-time fee of [$29.99] on disneyplus.com. Once subscribers get Premier Access to the movie, they can watch it as many times as they want on any platform where Disney+ is available, with an active Disney+ subscription.

Pre-order Premier Access on Disney+ for $29.99: disneyplus.com/raya

Fans can also purchase advance theater tickets through Fandango to see the movie on the big screen in select cinemas.

Advance theater tickets now on sale at http://bit.ly/RayaTix

“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” features an outstanding voice cast, including Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, Izaac Wang, Thalia Tran, Alan Tudyk, Lucille Soong, Patti Harrison and Ross Butler. Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada are directing, with Paul Briggs and John Ripa co-directing. Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho are the producers, and Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim wrote the screenplay.

Socalthrills.com

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