South Coast Winery is a relaxing place for wine lovers and those who want to getaway (picture courtesy of South Coast Winery)
I’ve stayed in lots of luxurious and unique hotel rooms around Southern California, but I’ve never stayed in one that sits among lush vineyards. That is until this past weekend when I experienced South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.
Situated on 63 lush acres in Temecula’s burgeoning wine country, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is a relaxing and idyllic destination for wine lovers and those who just want a relaxing getaway. The property boasts award-winning wine tasting, a gourmet restaurant, full-service spa (currently closed), a large pool area with cabanas, and a hotel with villas located in the vineyards.
My getaway to the resort began recently when a friend and I checked into a spacious, 575 square-foot villa suite, with stunning mountain views and a patio set among the grapes. The room also features a luxurious king bed, a living room with fireplace, dining area with microwave, refrigerator, kitchen sink and dining table, and a marble and granite bathroom with oversized Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower.
The resort’s private villas are located in the lush vineyards (photo by Greg Aragon)
After checking in to the villa, we decided to sample some of the winery’s most popular varietals. The front desk sent a golf cart to pick us up at our room and take us to the tasting area, where we sat outside on a large outdoor patio and sampled a flight of red wines. The smooth, fruity and earthy journey of wines included award-winning Grenache, Tempranillo, petit verdot and merlot.
Wine tastings are a great way to sample award-wining varietals (photo by Greg Aragon)
From the tasting we took a stroll around the rolling estate. Founded by Jim Carter, the winery opened in 2003, followed by the restaurant and resort in 2006, and then the spa in 2007.
About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Today, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has garnered more than 5,000 awards and medals for the grapes it’s grown and wine it’s produced. In 2016, it broke records with its fourth win in the California State Winery of the Year Wine Competition.
“I wanted to share the complete wine country experience,” says Jim Carter. “Guests not only enjoy the finest wines paired with the finest foods, but they stay in a private villa right in the middle of a vineyard. We are Temecula Valley’s only full-service winery-resort that gives them a glimpse of our lifestyle in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California.”
The winery produces 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling. This includes robust reds such as tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, petit syrah, merlot and pinot noir, to whites including sauvignon blanc, viognier, pinot grigio, chardonnay and riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, desert wines and other specialty offerings.
Amongst the vineyards are bunny rabbits and old windmills (photo by Greg Aragon)The resort offers deals that include an overnight stay and a horse and carriage ride (photo by Greg Aragon)
While walking around the vineyards and dirt walking paths lining the resort, we spotted numerous bunny rabbits, old wind mills, hot air balloons, and a romantic, pumpkin-shaped horse carriage being pulled by two Clydesdale horses. The resort is currently offering packages that include an overnight stay, wine and either a ride in a hot air balloon or a horse carriage.
After touring the property we headed back to our villa and relaxed on the patio, with a bottle of South Coast Boulder Red 2.0. A bit Southern France and a tad Southern California, this wine features a balanced and clean taste, with the right amount of silky tannins.
The resort offers dining on its beautiful outdoor terrace (photo by Greg Aragon)
For dinner we strolled over to the resort’s signature restaurant, The Vineyard Rose. Housed in an elegant, Tuscan-inspired dining room with open beams and a relaxing wine bar and terrace, The Vineyard Rose Restaurant serves contemporary California cuisine sourced from the season’s freshest, locally-grown ingredients. Because of the current California regulations, indoor seating is unavailable, but the restaurant boasts beautiful outdoor dining on its front patio or back veranda.
Our dinner at The Vineyard Rose began with a tasty shrimp cocktail and a glass of South Coast pinot grigio. For the main course I devoured seared day boat scallops with cauliflower, pork belly, asparagus tips and pea tendrils. My friend enjoyed grilled filet mignon with potatoes, wild mushrooms, asparagus and red wine reduction.
The grand pool area boasts private cabanas and poolside service (photo by Greg Aragon)
In the morning we stepped into summer paradise at the resort’s grand pool area, where we rented a cabana for the day. The large tent cabana provided shade from the sun and featured comfortable lounge chairs and a couch, and service from the poolside café. To meet current safety requirements, the pool is currently open by reservation only.
Nothing like a bubble bath after a long, fun day at the winery resort (photo by Greg Aragon)
I concluded the evening with a glass of wine and a bubble bath in my villa’s giant Jacuzzi tub.
South Coast Winery is located in Temecula wine country (photo by Greg Aragon)
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa is located at 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591. For more information on staying at the resort and current specials, including the Horse & Carriage Package or the Hot Air Balloon Package, call 951.587. 9463 or visit: www.southcoastwinery.com
The Johnsons and “black-ish” return to ABC with a special one-hour television special on SUNDAY, OCT. 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. The two back-to-back episodes, which will air ahead of the official season seven premiere, will follow the Johnsons as they navigate the upcoming election, with Junior (Marcus Scribner) embarking on his journey as a first-time voter and Dre (Anthony Anderson) launching an exploration into local politics.
The special will be presented in part as an animated episode. Oscar® winner Matthew A. Cherry (“Hair Love”) is set to direct. An official premiere date for the highly anticipated seventh season will be announced shortly
In “Election Special Pt. 1,” (10:00-10:30 p.m. EDT), Junior is excited for his first time voting but discovers he has been purged from the voter polls so he does a deep dive into why – trying to understand the systems in place for voter registration. “Election Special Pt. 1” is directed by Matthew A. Cherry and written by Eric Horsted.
Then, in a special animated episode, “Election Special Pt. 2,” (10:30-11:00 p.m. EDT), Dre’s colleague Stevens (Peter Mackenzie) makes an ill-advised decision to run for Congress, so Dre enlists his family’s help and campaigns against him but gets caught up with fundraising and private interest groups. “Election Special Pt. 2” is directed by Matthew A. Cherry and written by Graham Towers & Ben Deeb.
In its upcoming seventh season, “black-ish” will continue to tell stories that shine a light on current events through the lens of the Johnson family, addressing the global pandemic, systemic racism and the movement for social justice and equality.
The series stars Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson, Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., Miles Brown as Jack Johnson, Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson, Laurence Fishburne as Pops, Jenifer Lewis as Ruby, Peter Mackenzie as Mr. Stevens, Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy and Jeff Meacham as Josh.
ABC’s “black-ish” was created by Kenya Barris and is executive produced by Barris, Courtney Lilly, Laura Gutin Peterson, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland, E. Brian Dobbins and Michael Petok.
Disney+ has shared the new trailer, key art and new images from the highly anticipated second season of Lucasfilm’s critically acclaimed series, “The Mandalorian.”
The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey, facing enemies and rallying allies as they make their way through a dangerous galaxy in the tumultuous era after the collapse of the Galactic Empire.
“The Mandalorian” stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito. Directors for the new season include Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rick Famuyiwa, Carl Weathers, Peyton Reed and Robert Rodriguez.
Showrunner Jon Favreau serves as executive producer along with Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson, with Karen Gilchrist serving as co-executive producer.
The new season premieres Friday, October 30, streaming only on Disney+.
Mickey Mouse and friends are heading to Disney+ in the all new-animated shorts series, “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse.” From the team behind Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts, the new Disney+ original series will debut on Mickey’s birthday, Wednesday, November 18, with two new shorts rolling out every Friday beginning November 27. Ten shorts will premiere this year, with 10 additional shorts set for Summer 2021.
In “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse,” it’s nothing but fun and excitement for Mickey and his best pals – Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto – as they embark on their greatest adventures yet, navigating the curveballs of a wild and zany world where the magic of Disney makes the impossible possible.
The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse
Each seven-minute short is filled with laugh-out-loud comedy, modern settings, timeless stories, new music and the unmistakable classic art style of the “Mickey Mouse” shorts. The series will include stories inspired by various lands at Disney parks and cameos by classic Disney heritage characters.
Marked by a contemporary art style that harkens back to Mickey’s 1928 beginnings, the “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts premiered on Disney Channel in 2013 and ran for five seasons, consisting of a total of 96 episodes, and garnered seven Primetime Emmy Awards, two Daytime Emmy Awards and 21 Annie Awards.
The shorts inspired a global line of consumer products, toys and clothing as well as the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first ride-through attraction in Disney history starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. All five seasons of the shorts are currently available to stream on Disney+.
“The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” is produced by Disney Television Animation with Emmy Award-winning artist and director Paul Rudish serving as executive producer and supervising director. Christopher Willis, the Emmy Award-winning composer of the “Mickey Mouse” shorts, also provides the music for this series.
Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween will take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, September 25 -November 1. The only way to experience the limited time Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween is with a tasting card purchased in advance at knotts.com (a tasting card is required for event entry).
Event hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm -9pm and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm. Regular tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $35 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11) are $20 (plus tax) and include three tastings plus a trip through the Camp Snoopy Trick-or-Treat Trail.
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 Fall-O-Ween hotel packages are also available at Knotts.com. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.
Food items listed are from Booth locations and tasting card items
A. Wagon Wheel Pizza
• Butternut Squash Soup in a Bread Bowl with Chives
• Perilous Pizza-Pizza slice with Buffalo Chicken, Jalapeno’s, Ranch and Mozzarella
Cheese
• Cauliflower Pizza Slice with a Vegan Cheese and Bell Peppers
• Boysenberry Smoothie-GF, V
B. Spurs Booth- Slaughterhouse booth
• Asian Chicken Drumsticks
C. Pemmican Pickle
• MAD Shirley Temple, Grenadine, Sprite and a Cherry
D. Calico Fry Co.
• Pastrami Tater Tots, Hot Pastrami, Diced Garlic Pickles, Mornay Cheese Sauce over Tater Tots, served with Boysenberry Mustard
• Battered Buffalo Cauliflower Florets, Deep Fried Cauliflower BITES tossed in our House Buffalo Sauce over Spring Mix and Cotija Cheese
E. Sutter’s Grill
• Open Face Reuben Sandwich, Hot Pastrami on a Thick Rye Bread with Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing
• Pastrami Tater Tots, Hot Pastrami, Diced Garlic Pickles, Mornay Cheese Sauce over Tater Tots, served with Boysenberry Mustard
• Battered Buffalo Cauliflower Florets, Deep fried Cauliflower BITES tossed in our House Buffalo Sauce over Spring Mix and Cotija Cheese
F. Sutter’s Funnel Cake
• Graveyard Funnel, Chocolate and Vanilla Funnel Cake with Oreo Dirt Crumbles, Chocolate Ice Cream, a Chocolate Drizzle and Worms
• The Great Pumpkin Bun, Deep Fried Cinnamon Roll with a Pumpkin Icing and sprinkles
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle
G. Ghost Town Grub
• Graveyard Funnel, Chocolate and Vanilla Funnel Cake with Oreo Dirt Crumbles, Chocolate Ice Cream, a Chocolate Drizzle and Worms
• The Great Pumpkin Bun, Deep Fried Cinnamon Roll with a Pumpkin Icing and sprinkles
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle
H. Fireman’s BBQ- Endgame Booth
• Spicy Sausage with a Bacon Onion Jam on a Hoagie Roll
• Corn on the Cob with a Spicy Hot Taki Mayo
• MAD Shirley Temple-GF, V
I. Wilderness Broiler- Paranormal Booth
• Headless Meatball Sandwich, a Large Beef and Pork Meatball on a Hawaiian bun
with Provolone Cheese in a Marinara Sauce with a Side of Sweet Potato Chips
• Vegetarian Meatball Sandwich, Plant Based Meatballs in a Marinara Sauce with
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese and a side of Sweet Potato Chips
• Sweet Potato Waffle Chips with a Curry Mayo Dip -GF, V
• Blood Orange Lemonade-GF, V
J. Wilderness Dance Hall Patio
• Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese with Bacon and a Panko Crumb Topping
• Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya with Diced Green Onions
• Assorted Boysenberry Beer-V
• Boysenberry Wine-GF, V
• Glass of Red or White Wine- GF, V
• Boysenberry Sangria –GF, V
• Seasonal Cider-GF, V
K. Gourmet Churro Factory
• Pumpkin Spice Churro Sticks with a Candy Corn Sugar and Bavarian Cream Dip
• “I See U” Sour Apple Cream Puff
L. Chowhouse Ice Cream
• Orange Sugar and Chocolate Fudge Cookiewich with Pumpkin Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Orange Creamsicle Icee Float-Orange Cream Icee with Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Blood Orange Lemonade-GF, V
M. Calico Saloon
• Assorted Boysenberry Beer-V
• Boysenberry Wine-GF, V
• Glass of Red or White Wine-GV, V
• Boysenberry Sangria –GF, V
• Pumpkin Cider-GF, V
• Boysenberry Smoothie-GF, V
N. Judge Roy Bean
• Shrimp and Vegetable Curry bowl over Rice with Cilantro
• Assorted Boysenberry Beer-V
• Boysenberry Wine-GF, V
• Glass of Red or White Wine-GV, V
• Boysenberry Sangria –GF, V
• Pumpkin Cider-GF, V
O. Gourmet Coffee Hut-Voodoo Booth
• Acai Bowl with Pumpkin Granola, Banana’s, Berries and Almond Butter
• Boysenberry Smoothie-GF, V
P. Charleston Circle Booth-Infected booth
• Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese with Bacon and a Panko Crumb Topping
• Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya
Q. BoardwalkPierBooth-PumpkinEaterBooth
• Spicy Sausage with a Bacon Onion Jam on a Hoagie Bun
• Corn on the Cob with a Spicy Hot Taki Mayo
R. Coasters Diner
• Creepy Cheesy Burger Slider with Onion Rings, and a Knotty Sauce with some Fries
• Diablo Fries- French Fries, Chili, Shredded Cheese, Hot Cheeto Powder, Crispy Jalapeno Strips
• Vegetarian Slider with Cheese, Tomato and a Green Spinach Aioli on a Pretzel Bun
• Beeting Hearts Salad-Mixed Greens, Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Red Beets, Butternut Squash and Toasted Pepita’s with a Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Blood orange Lemonade-GF, V
• Assorted Boysenberry Beer-V
• Glass of Red or White Wine- GF, V
• Frozen Bloody Lemon Slime Margarita-GF, V
S. Boardwalk BBQ Booth #1
• Grim Reaper Sandwich-Prime Rib Sandwich, Shredded Cheese on A Hoagie Bun with a Horseradish Sauce-GF
• Burnt Ends Riblets on Garlic Mashers
T. Boardwalk BBQ Booth #2
• Assorted Boysenberry Beer -V
• Glass of Red or White Wine-GF, V
• Boysenberry Sangria-GF,V
• Pumpkin Cider-GF, V
U. Log Ride Funnel Cake
• Graveyard Funnel, Chocolate and Vanilla Funnel Cake with Oreo Dirt Crumbles, Chocolate Ice Cream, a Chocolate Drizzle and Worms
• The Great Pumpkin Bun, Deep Fried Cinnamon Roll with a Pumpkin Icing and sprinkles
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle
V. Log Ride Mix It Up
• Orange Creamsicle Icee Float-Orange Cream Icee with Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
W. Strictly On-A-Stick
• Hot Cheeto corn dog with Nacho Cheese Dip
X. Dippin’ Dots
• Orange Sugar and Chocolate Fudge Cookiewich with Pumpkin Hand Scooped Ice Cream
• Hocus Pocus Float, Fanta with Peach Sherbet
Y. La Papa Loca
• Diablo Fries-French Fries, Chili, Shredded Cheese, Hot Cheeto Powder, Crispy Jalapeno Strips
• Jalapeno Poppers with a Chipotle Ranch
• Sweet Nachos, Boysenberry Flour Tortilla Chips with Cinnamon Sugar and a
Boysenberry Jam Dipping Sauce
Z. Fiesta Dogs
• Devil Dog, All beef Dog with Hot Peppers
• Chili Colorado Served with Mexican Rice, and a Flour Tortilla AA.Fiesta Booth – Tooth Fairy Booth
• Cookies and Scream Whoopie Pie
• Coniferous Cannoli with a Pumpkin Mascarpone filling and Pecans
• Full Moon Mint Julep-Blackberry, lemonade, mint, lychee fruit floating as garnish
• Buenaveza Salt and Lime Lager -V
• Michelada
BB. Cantina
• Green Monster Chicken Tamale with a Green Chili Verde Tamale, Red Jalapeno Sauce, Cotija Cheese
• Grilled Chicken Taco with a Corn Salsa and an Avocado Crema on a Corn Tortilla
• Frozen Bloody Lemon Slime Margarita-GF, V
• Buenavela Salt and Lime Lager -V
• Michelada-GF, V
For all details regarding Taste of Fall-O-Ween and the park’s current health and safety screenings, please visitknotts.com.
While the theme park remains closed, Knott’s Berry Farm introduces its newest family-friendly outdoor food and retail experience celebrating the Halloween season and the flavors of Fall with Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween.
Taking place Fridays through Sundays beginning September 25th, Knott’s pays tribute to the year’s spookiest season with a Fall food experience unlike any other. The spirit of Halloween comes to life with a cornucopia of Harvest and Halloween décor that will transform the park for the season. Guests of all ages can dress up in their most festive costumes* to experience one-of-a-kind themed food and treats, exclusive event merchandise including specialty items from local crafters, an all-new “Into the Fog” art show with over 45 new art pieces celebrating the scary season, and so much more.
Plus included with a junior tasting card, young guests will have an opportunity to take a trip through the fully themed Camp Snoopy Trick-or-Treat Trail presented by Hershey, loaded with multiple treat stations and special spooky decorations. All Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween activities will be conducted at a safe and socially distant space for families to enjoy.
Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween will take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, September 25 -November 1. The only way to experience the limited time Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween is with a tasting card purchased in advance at knotts.com (a tasting card is required for event entry). Event hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm -9pm and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm. Regular tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $35 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11) are $20 (plus tax) and include three tastings plus a trip through the Camp Snoopy Trick-or-Treat Trail.
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 Fall-O-Ween hotel packages are also available at Knotts.com. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.
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 Fall-O-Ween 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 Fall-O-Ween 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
Store occupancy is limited to less than 50% of the normal building capacity Queue lines outside of store locations are marked with six-foot markers where needed.
*While guests are encouraged to come dressed in their most festive costumes, approved face coverings still are mandatory. Costume masks are not allowed as a substitution for required face coverings.
Regal which began opening theatres on Friday, August 21 at locations across its network of more than 500 theatres, has announced that on Tuesday, September 8, additional locations and markets including theatres in the OC area will open with the release of Tenet.
Reopening plans include a wide range of new health and safety measures that adhere to the latest CDC and public health guidelines, including innovative sanitization procedures, new social distancing protocols, and mandatory mask policies for Regal employees and guests.
Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, now open in the U.S., will headline new movies coming to theatres like Unhinged, The New Mutants, Greenland, The Personal History of David Copperfield and Broken Hearts Gallery, along with the strong slate of highly-anticipated movies scheduled to release throughout the remainder of 2020, including Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow, No Time to Die, Soul and many more.
Regal Locations in Orange County:
Regal Foothill Towne Center
Regal Garden Grove
Regal La Habra
Regal Edwards Anaheim Hills
Regal Edwards Westpark
Regal Edwards Metro Pointe
Regal Edwards Big Newport & RPX
Regal Edwards University Town Center
Regal Edwards Brea East
Regal Edwards Aliso Viejo & IMAX
Regal Edwards Kaleidoscope
Regal Edwards Market Place
Regal Yorba Linda & IMAX
UPDATE: Regal Irvine Spectrum NOW OPEN!
ABOUT REGAL
Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group, operates one of the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuits in the United States, consisting of 7,128 screens in 539 theatres in 42 states along with the District of Columbia and Guam as of August 30, 2020. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the company’s theatre circuit provides its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable moviegoing experience. We are committed to being “The Best Place to Watch a Movie!” Additional information is available on Regal’s website: REGmovies.com.
Walt Disney World has sent an update on some of the festive experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Building off of their recent experiences of operating in a new environment, they have reimagined the holidays which will, of course, apply current our current health and safety measures while still keeping the joy and magic of the season. And while things are looking a bit different at Walt Disney World and beyond, it’s going to be fun to celebrate.
Guests love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, you will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.
Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men. Elves and Reindeer. And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for Guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights.
Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. These experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by Guests and Cast Members alike, but Disney is glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.
Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.
Shifting gears to Disney Springs, Guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, Guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping.
And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that the gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, Disney is not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.
Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
Mario has come a long way since jumping on that first Goomba in World 1-1 of the original Super Mario Bros. game. Now, 35 years since the launch of that game in Japan, he is starring in new games on the Nintendo Switch system, lending his likeness to brands like LEGO®, PUMA and Monopoly, and watching as fans battle it out using Super Mario power-ups in Splatoon 2.
In a new video (watch below) presentation released, Nintendo detailed several games, products and in-game events that are all arriving for the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. This includes games new to the Nintendo Switch family of systems like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a collection of three Super Mario games of the modern era, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy; Super Mario Bros. 35, a 35-player online battle in the world of the original Super Mario Bros. game; and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, an enhanced version of the Super Mario 3D World game which originally launched on Wii U.
Additionally, the video revealed other Super Mario experiences launching this year, like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, which brings the fun of the Mario Kart series to the real world using the Nintendo Switch system to control a real-life, physical Kart; the launch of the classic Super NES game Super Mario All-Stars on Nintendo Switch Online later today*; and a new Nintendo product called Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros., a mini gaming device inspired by the retro Game & Watch systems that plays the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels and Ball games.
“We look forward to everyone joining us on a Mario journey 35 years in the making,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. “We are marking this significant milestone with a wide variety of games and experiences that all generations of Mario fans, from here to the Mushroom Kingdom, can enjoy together.”
Super Mario 3D All-Stars: Optimized versions of 3D Mario games Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy are coming to Nintendo Switch in one package. In addition to having higher resolutions than their original versions, the games have been optimized for a smooth gameplay experience on Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 3D All-Stars also includes an in-game music-player mode to play the music and songs from all three games. Players can also listen to music on their Nintendo Switch systems when the screen is off. A limited production of Super Mario 3D All-Stars launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on Sept. 18 and will be available until approximately March 31, 2021.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Created in partnership with Velan Studios, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brings the fun of the Mario Kart series into the real world by using a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite** system to race against opponents using a physical Kart. The physical Kart responds to boosts in-game and in the real world, stops when hit with an item and can be affected in different ways depending on the race. Players place gates to create a custom course layout in their home, where the only limit is their imagination. Race against Koopalings in Grand Prix, unlock a variety of course customizations and costumes for Mario or Luigi, and play with up to four players in local multiplayer mode.*** Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, which is available in a Mario Set or Luigi Set, launches on Oct. 16 at a suggested retail price of $99.99.
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.: This new collectable device is inspired by the original Game & Watch systems first released in 1980. The original handheld device included a game, and could also be used as a watch to tell time. The original Game & Watch series sold more than 43 million worldwide. Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. features a modern +Control Pad. In addition to playing classic games Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2) and a special version of Ball with a Mario makeover, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. also functions as a clock, with 35 little touches to discover, including some guest appearances from Mario’s friends and foes. Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. launches on Nov. 13 at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: Multiplayer mayhem pounces onto Nintendo Switch! This enhanced of Super Mario 3D World, which originally launched for the Wii U system, features co-op gameplay both online* and through local multiplayer in a variety of creative levels. Additional details about what new things this game has to offer will be revealed later. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury launches for Nintendo Switch onFeb. 12, 2021. New amiibo figures Cat Mario and Cat Peach will also be released at the same time as the game.
Super Mario Bros. 35: Welcome to Super Mario Bros. … with 35 players! In this competitive online battle game, 35 players will compete to be the last Mario standing … or running. Enemies defeated will be sent to other players’ courses, but that also works the other way around! Players can activate special items to try and outpace their opponents. Super Mario Bros. 35 launches on Oct. 1 as a digital-only game exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members.* The game will be playable until March 31, 2021.
Super Mario All-Stars: The classic Super NES game that includes upgraded versions of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3 with enhanced 16-bit graphics is joining the catalog of games available with Nintendo Switch Online … later today!*
Super Mario Events: From now until March 2021, there are many events to mark the 35th anniversary of Super Mario.
By completing Super Mario related missions on My Nintendo, fans will have an opportunity to earn rewards, including a special pin set. Pins are available while supplies last. This promotion lasts until March 31, 2021. Learn more by visiting the official website.
From Sept. 8 at 11 p.m. PT until Sept. 22 at 11 p.m. PT, Mario Kart Tour will have a Super Mario Kart Tour event, with special appearances by Mario (Super NES) and Donkey Kong Jr. (Super NES) from the original Super Mario Kart game.****
Historical Super Mario items and 35th anniversary-themed merchandise will be available for purchase at the Nintendo NY store and store.nintendo.com during the month of November.
A 35th anniversary-themed Ninji Speedruns course is coming to the Super Mario Maker 2 game in November.
Later this year, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will have an in-game online tournament using Super Mario series fighters, stages and items.
A Super Mario themed Splatfest is coming to Splatoon 2 in January 2021. Keychains will also be available as a My Nintendo reward closer to the Splatfest.***** In addition, physical Splatfest T-shirts will be available for purchase online later today.The upcoming Splatfest asks the important question: Which Super Mario power-up do you prefer? Supersize with a Super Mushroom or become invincible with a Super Star?
Super Mario Products: In addition to events, many different Super Mario themed products will be hitting store shelves this year.
The PUMA RS-Dreamer Super Mario 64 basketball shoes from our collaborative collection will launch tomorrow, Sept. 4. These shoes will be available exclusively at Foot Locker, Champs Sports, PUMA stores and Puma.com.
Monopoly Super Mario Celebration from Hasbro is now available at retailers worldwide.
Jenga Super Mario sets from Hasbro are now available at retailers worldwide.
The It’s-a-Me, Mario action figure from Jakks Pacific is now available at retailers worldwide.
Black Milk Clothing inspired by Super Mario will be available at BlackMilkClothing.com starting at 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 5. A lookbook sneak peek will be available on Sept. 29.
The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set is now available exclusively at LEGO stores and LEGO.com, with multiple LEGO Super Mario sets now available at retailers worldwide, including the Adventures with Mario Starter Course.
For more information about all these games, products and events, visit the Super Mario 35th anniversary website.
While LEGOLAND California is still awaiting the green light to open, SEA LIFE aquarium is reopening its doors once again on Friday, September 4, 2020. The aquarium, located at LEGOLAND California Resort, is offering tickets for just $10 per person for kids and their families (only $7 for LEGOLAND Hotel guests to add on to their experience) to explore sharks, rays, tropical fish and other sea animals in the two-story aquarium.
About Sea Life Aquarium
Home to 4,000 sea animals, the aquarium has been active and thriving during the temporary break in operation. Guests can explore the 200,000-gallon ocean tank as they walk below Spotted Eagle Rays, Grey Reef Sharks, a Queensland Grouper among other sea animals and learn about bioluminescent tides at Sea at Night.
“SEA LIFE aquarium not only provides additional experiences for our LEGOLAND® Hotel guests, but for all families looking for adventure. With kids going back to school virtually and Labor Day around the corner, it offers a great excursion for families looking to enjoy a fun and educational experience,” said LEGOLAND California Resort President Kurt Stocks.
As guests and employees’ health and safety remain the top priority at LEGOLAND California Resort, guests will experience some differences at the aquarium including reduced capacity (currently set at 25 percent), cashless payments, social distancing practices and enhanced cleaning regimes. SEA LIFE is requiring guests to purchase tickets online in advance to reserve access to the aquarium for their desired dates and time to visit. Face coverings will be required for all guests three years old and upand staff members.
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.
ABC announces a new unscripted series “Emergency Call” to debut this fall. Hosted by actor Luke Wilson and produced by 8HOURS TELEVISION, “Emergency Call” is a daring, new hour-long show documenting the first few crucial minutes of emergencies told through the lens of America’s heroic 911 call takers.
The series is set to premiere MONDAY, SEPT. 28 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.
Hosted by Luke Wilson, “Emergency Call” follows the dramatic moments leading up to the arrival of help rather than the events after the firefighters, police or emergency medical services teams arrive, and focuses on the extreme, suspenseful and sometimes humorous stories that flood 911 call centers.
“Since I was a kid, I have always been interested in people who help. People who save people,” said Luke Wilson. “When you’re younger, you might be drawn toward superheroes or fictional characters, but as you get older you come to realize that people who help, real-life heroes, are just regular people who do extraordinary things.
911 call takers don’t just save people; they calm and console people until they are safe. They are the first link in the chain of first responders. For that, I feel very lucky to be a part of this project.”
“An estimated 240 million calls are made every year to 911 call centers across the country,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “While we often hear about some of these stories on the news, we rarely hear about the heroes that are the first point of contact and, at times, essential to saving a life.
‘Emergency Call’ shines a light on these mysterious and brave voices who are driven by their desire to help; and Luke Wilson is the consummate host, navigating us through these extraordinary situations which will have you on the edge of your seat.”
About the ABC Show
“Emergency Call” is executive produced by Adeline Ramage Rooney and Jonny Slow (8HOURS TELEVISION), Grant Kahler (showrunner) and Luke Wilson. The show is produced by 8HOURS TELEVISION, based on an original format by De Chinezen and licensed by Lineup Industries.
Grab your popcorn and your Halloween masks because Freeform is brewing up another year of spine-chilling October programming. The highly anticipated “31 Nights of Halloween” is back all month long with a lineup of memorable Halloween films. From Oct. 1-31, viewers can celebrate All Hallow’s Eve at home with haunting movies, including “The Addams Family” (1991), “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” and “Hotel Transylvania.” Films new to the lineup this year include “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” and “Ghostbusters” (2016), among others.
The Spooktacular Celebration Kicks Off With a Free, in Person, Socially Distant Interactive Experience in Los Angeles: ‘Freeform’s Halloween Road’
“Freeform’s Halloween Road,” is a drive-thru experience filled with tricks and treats for Halloween lovers in the Los Angeles area. For the third year in a row, Freeform is creating an immersive event that will take fans on a thrilling journey through some of the most nostalgic Halloween movies, including “Hocus Pocus,” “Ghostbusters” and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Freeform will fright and delight guests with themed surprises, interactive experiences, live entertainment, and exciting photo moments all from the safety of their own vehicles. Guests can also look forward to additional themed environments from other “31 Nights of Halloween” films.
This FREE experience will take place at Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles, California, and is open to the public from FRIDAY, OCT. 2, through SUNDAY, OCT. 4. Reservations are required to attend. Subscribe HERE for reservations and event details.
Now on to the list of movies and shows coming in October:
Thursday, Oct. 1
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”
HOCUS POCUS – The Sanderson Sisters are 17th-century witches who were conjured up by unsuspecting pranksters in present-day Salem. The key to their immortality involves three children and a talking cat, who also turn out to be their biggest obstacles. (BUENA VISTA PICTURES/ANDREW COOPER) KATHY NAJIMY, BETTE MIDLER, SARAH JESSICA PARKER
Friday, Oct. 2
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Goonies”
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”
Saturday, Oct. 3
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins”
7:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Goonies”
10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Addams Family” (1991)
9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Addams Family Values”
11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Craft”
Sunday, Oct. 4
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”
THE ADDAMS FAMILY- When long-lost Uncle Fester reappears after twenty-five years in the Bermuda Triangle, Gomez and Morticia plan a celebration to wake the dead. But Wednesday barely has time to warm up her electric chair before Thing points out Fester’s uncommonly “normal” behavior. Could this Fester be a fake, part of an evil scheme to raid the Addams fortune? (PARAMOUNT PICTURES) JIMMY WORKMAN, CAREL STRUYCKEN, JUDITH MALINA, RAUL JULIA, ANJELICA HUSTON, CHRISTOPHER LLOYD, CHRISTINA RICCI
Monday, Oct. 5
11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Boxtrolls”
Tuesday, Oct. 6
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS – Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion. (Disney Enterprises, Inc.) SALLY, JACK SKELLINGTON
Sunday, Oct. 11
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Mummy Returns”
10:05 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
12:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
1:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. during a special panel at San Diego Comic-Con unveiled an all-new dynamic lineup inspired by iconic franchises including Super Mario, The...
