The Her Universe Fashion Show returned to San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) with a standing-room-only crowd celebrating “The Power of Fashion.” Critically acclaimed as one of the must-see events each year at SDCC, host Ashley Eckstein (founder of Her Universe, Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano) further demonstrated her commitment to inclusiveness, empowerment and mental health awareness. Powerful designs, powerful moments and powerful statements ruled the night. Actress/host Tiffany Smith (Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal) joined the show as Eckstein’s co-host.
Presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic and DreamWorks Animation’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and in partnership with Cartoon Network, BoxLunch and The Pop Insider, The Her Universe Fashion Show opened with Eckstein dazzling the crowd with a transformative She-Ra and the Princesses of Power – inspired gown designed by 2014 Her Universe Fashion Show winner Andrew MacLaine with custom accessories by designer Harmony Leiker. Eckstein announced that the companies initially came together when she was cast to voice an upcoming character in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series from DreamWorks Animation.
Photo Credit: Mark Edwards
Her Universe and Hot Topic also surprised the packed audience of over 2,000 fans with the announcement that a Haunted Mansion Fashion Collection by Her Universe is coming to Hot Topic stores nationwide this fall. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Disneyland ride, Eckstein wore a custom couture pantsuit inspired by the famous Haunted Mansion wallpaper, designed by 2015 Her Universe Fashion Show winner Leetal Platt.
Other highlights from the night included the first-ever Her Universe Wizarding World collection of wearable dresses inspired by Harry Potter film characters Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and Fleur Delacour.
Ashley Eckstein also made a powerful statement with her On Our Sleeves™ themed dress for mental health as part of her ongoing work with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Batman Beyond, the landmark animated television series that illuminated the imagination of a new generation of Batman fans with its creation of an altogether new hero, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and you get the gift! Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has remastered the heralded series for its first-ever presentation on Blu-ray in the all-encompassing Batman Beyond: The Complete Animated Series Limited Edition, arriving on Digital ($49.99 SRP USA, $59.99 SRP Canada) starting October 15, 2019, and in a stunning box set ($99.99 SRP USA, $119.99 SRP Canada) on October 29, 2019. Distribution in Canada will be day-and-date with the USA, Pre-orders are now available.
The extraordinary Batman Beyond: The Complete Animated Series Limited Edition package features approximately 1,500 minutes of entertainment spread over four Blu-ray™ discs, plus the two bonus discs of enhanced content. In addition to a newly-remastered Blu-ray presentation of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, there are 15 featurettes on the bonus discs, highlighted by two new inside looks at the beloved television series, led by Nostalgic Tomorrow, a gathering of Batman Beyond production talent and cast led by executive producer Bruce Timm and actors Kevin Conroy and Will Friedle, the voices of Batman and Terry McGinnis, respectively. The bonus discs also spotlight four episodes with audio commentary from Timm and select members of the production team.
Collectibles within the stunning packaging include an exclusive chrome Batman Beyond Funko POP, and four beautifully-designed lenticular art cards produced especially for Batman Beyond: The Complete Animated Series Limited Edition. This ultimate collectors Blu-ray box set will be individually numbered for a Limited Edition release of 50,000.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Batman Beyond premiered on January 10, 1999 to instant ratings and critical success. Of the 52 original Batman Beyond episodes, 41 have been fully-remastered from either their original 35mm film source or the uncommon format “OCND,” the original camera negative digital (a digital scan of original negative). Lines and resolution have been enhanced, and dust and dirt have been removed however, cell dirt remains to not disturb the original picture. Included in the remastering was the removal of grain, resulting in enhanced colors. The remastering process does cause a slight aspect ratio change (approximately 3% loss of screen image).
Due to time-worn irreparable damage, the remaining 11 episodes were “Smart Rezzed” from standard definition Digibeta video. The process provides for significant enhanced resolution and improvement of the original source material in converting from standard to high definition, though it does sacrifice horizontal lines for clearer image and color representation. While still a marked improvement over the original video, viewers will notice a slight difference between the Remastered and the Up-Rezzed final footage. The 11 affected episodes are: “Eyewitness,” “Final Cut,” “The Last Resort,” “Armory,” “Sneak Peek,” “The Eggbaby,” “Zeta,” “Plague,” “April Moon,” “Sentries of the Lost Cosmos” and “Speak No Evil.”
The Batman Beyond cast was spearheaded by Kevin Conroy, the fan-favorite voice of The Dark Knight as established in the landmark Batman: The Animated Series. Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Kim Possible) created the character of Terry McGinnis, Batman’s protégé. Veteran voiceover actresses Cree Sumner (Codename: Kids Next Door, Drawn Together) and Lauren Tom (Friends, The Joy Luck Club, Futurama) were series regulars as Max and Dana Tan, respectively.
The guest cast included a healthy collection of film and primetime television stars spanning from Academy Award nominees Paul Winfield, Stockard Channing, William H. Macy, Teri Garr and Michael McKean; Emmy Award winners John Ritter, Wayne Brady, Seth Green, Tim Curry, David Warner and Patton Oswalt; Golden Globe winners Stacy Keach, Amanda Donohoe and Jill Eikenberry; four Grammy Award winners led by Ice-T; and five members of the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Macy and Ritter along with George Takei, Michael Ansara and Mark Hamill. The cast also included legends of the entertainment industry and several young actors heading toward stardom, like Adrienne Barbeau, Kate Jackson, Angie Harmon, Linda Hamilton, Clancy Brown, Gary Cole, Ed Begley Jr., Wendie Malick, Cary Elwes, Olivia Hussey, Kurtwood Smith, Robert Patrick, Ian Ziering, CCH Pounder, Frank Welker, Johnny Galecki, Pauley Perrette, Michael Rosenbaum and Diedrich Bader.
“Batman Beyond elevated the animated adventures of The Dark Knight to even greater heights, providing an edgier, faster-moving, more contemporary take on crime-fighting in Gotham with an inspiring new character in Terry McGinnis,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has long known the fans’ desire to see this series come to Blu-ray, and we’re excited to finally have the technology to elevate the quality of the original assets to an exquisite high-definition presentation packaged with compelling collectibles in a limited edition set, especially as fans celebrate Batman’s 80th anniversary this year.”
Batman Beyond: The Complete Animated Series Limited EditionEnhanced Content
Nostalgic Tomorrow – A Batman Gathering (All-New Featurette) – Many of Batman Beyond’s core production team and actors gather for an enthralling roundtable discussion of the evolution and execution of the animated series. Join producers Bruce Timm and Glenn Murakami, casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano, director James Tucker, writers Bob Goodman & Stan Berkowitz, and stars Kevin Conroy & Will Friedle as they take a wildly entertaining trip down memory lane.
Knight Immortal (All-New Featurette) – A visual and visceral celebration of the Dark Knight’s 80 years of crime-fighting, narrated by storytellers of the past, present, and future.
“Tomorrow Knight: The Batman Reborn” (Featurette) – Storytellers explore the rise of Terry McGinnis as Batman and Bruce Wayne’s relationship with the young hero as he mentors a new Dark Knight for modern times.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (Feature-Length Film) – The beloved hit animated film from 2000 is included in the box set – fully remastered for your enjoyment.
Audio Commentaries – Enlightening audio commentaries by filmmakers and voice actors for four key episodes: “Rebirth, Part 1”; “Shriek”; “Splicers”; and “The Eggbaby.”
Featurettes – A dozen inside looks at the genesis, production and effects of Batman Beyond.
Disc 1
Rebirth, Pt. 1
Rebirth, Pt. 2
Black Out
Golem
Meltdown
Heroes
Shriek
Dead Man’s Hand
The Winning Edge
Spellbound
Disappearing Inque
A Touch of Curare
Ascension
Commentary on the episode “Rebirth, Part 1” by producers Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini & Glenn Murakami, and director Curt Geda.
Audio Commentary on episode “Shriek” by producers Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini & Glen Murakami, director Curt Geda and writer Stan Berkowitz
“Music of the Knight” – producer Bruce Timm introduces a feature allowing access to key scenes from Batman Beyond, accompanied by the compelling score created for the series.
“Inside Batman Beyond – Meet the Creators” – producers Alan Burnett, Bruce Timm, Glen Murakami, and Paul Dini discuss the creative process behind Batman Beyond and its inaugural season. Jason Hillhouse moderates.
Batman 80th Anniversary Collection trailer
Disc 2
Splicers
Earth Mover
Joyride
Lost Soul
Hidden Agenda
Bloodsport
Once Burned
Hooked Up
Rats!
Mind Games
Revenant
Babel
Terry’s Friend Dates a Robot
Commentary on the episode “Splicers” by producers Bruce Timm and Glen Murakami, storyboard artist James Tucker, casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano and Will Friedle, the voice of Terry McGinnis/Batman
Disc 3
Eyewitness*
Final Cut*
The Last Resort*
Armory*
Sneak Peek*
The Eggbaby*
Zeta*
Plague*
April Moon*
Sentries of the Last Cosmos*
Payback
Where’s Terry?
Ace in the Hole
Commentary on the episode “The Eggbaby” by producers Bruce Timm & Glen Murakami, director James Tucker, Producer Glen Murakami, casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano and Will Friedle, the voice of Terry McGinnis/Batman
“Inside Batman Beyond: The Panel” – An in-depth discussion with producers Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Glen Murakami and Paul Dini as season two of Batman Beyond is explored with moderator Jason Hillhouse.
Disc 4
King’s Ransom
Untouchable
Inqueling
Big Time
Out of the Past
Speak No Evil*
The Call, Pt. 1
The Call, Pt. 2
Betrayal
Curse of the Kobra, Pt. 1
Curse of the Kobra, Pt. 2
Countdown
Unmasked
“Inside Batman Beyond: Season 3” – A fascinating discussion on season three of Batman Beyond with producers Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Glen Murakami and Paul Dini.
“Inside Batman Beyond Season 3: Close-Up On...” – producers Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, directors Butch Lukic and James Tucker, and voice actor Will Friedle discuss their favorite moments among final-season episodes.
“Inside Batman Beyond Season 3: Out of the Past” – producers Bruce Timm & Paul Dini, director James Tucker and voice actor Will Friedle sit down together to talk about “The Legend of Batman” musical (which appears in this episode) and other memorable moments.
“Inside Batman Beyond Season 3: The Call, Part 1” – producers Bruce Timm & Paul Dini, director Butch Lukic and voice actor Will Friedle gather to discuss the additional heroes and the exciting action showcased in this episode.
“Inside Batman Beyond Season 3: The Call, Part 2” – producers Bruce Timm & Paul Dini, director Butch Lukic and voice actor Will Friedle talk about the appearance of Starro and Superman in this episode.
“Inside Batman Beyond Season 3: Curse of the Kobra, Part 1” – producers Bruce Timm & Paul Dini, director James Tucker and voice actor Will Friedle reminisce about the personal relationships that highlight the story of this episode.
Disc 5
“Nostalgic Tomorrow – A Batman Gathering” (All-New Featurette) – Nostalgia strikes like it’s 1999. Seated at the table are the Batman Beyond Team: producers Bruce Timm & Glen Murakami, actors Kevin Conroy & Will Friedle, director James Tucker, casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano, and writers Bob Goodman & Stan Berkowitz. Care to join us for a chat?
“Knight Immortal” (All-New Featurette) – A visual and visceral celebration of the Dark Knight’s 80 years of crime-fighting, narrated by storytellers of the past, present, and future.
“Tomorrow Knight: The Batman Reborn” (All-New Featurette) – Storytellers explore the rise of Terry McGinnis as Batman and Bruce Wayne’s relationship with the young hero as he mentors a new Dark Knight for modern times.
“Gotham: City of The Future” – A Close-Up Look at Gotham City Circa 2039, the modernization and the inspirations for its high-tech design and massive scale.
“The High-Tech Hero” – Batman Beyond storytellers discuss the evolution of the new Bat Suit and its futuristic design and capabilities.
“Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics” (Documentary) – The Story of DC Comics and the rise of the Super Hero mythology as a zeitgeist in American pop culture.
Disc 6
“Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker” – Remastered for Blu-ray, the heralded animated feature film spawned by the Batman Beyond series is included on a separate bonus disc in the box set.
For the first time ever, Sony Pictures’ classic film, Ghostbusters, is coming to “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort – bringing the most memorable scenes, characters and supernatural spirits from one of pop culture’s most iconic films to life in immersive mazes based off the 1984 classic at the nation’s premier Halloween events, starting this September.
Ghostbusters has entertained generations with its comedic yet frightening tale of four paranormal investigators on their quest to eradicate supernatural threats from creating chaos throughout New York City. As the film marks its milestone 35th anniversary, guests will have the unique opportunity to live the action and terrifying scares they have seen in the hit film when it comes to life at Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” in Hollywood and Orlando.
In each maze, guests will follow in the footsteps of the Ghostbusters – Peter, Ray, Egon and Winston – as they venture through artfully recreated scenes from the film, including the firehouse, New York Public Library and the Temple of Gozer, as an army of ghoulish spirits, hideous specters and ectoplasm-dripping phantasms attack from every corner. As they delve deeper into the maze, guests will come face-to-face with an array of paranormal creatures, from the voracious Slimer to the all-powerful Gozer the Gozerian and in its ultimate destructor form – the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, to brave the demonic spirits and survive the night.
Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 25 years, guests from around the world have visited “Halloween Horror Nights” to become victims inside their own horror film. Multiple movie-quality mazes based on iconic horror television shows, films, and original stories come to life season after season. And, the streets of each park’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing scare-actors lunge from every darkened corner.
“Halloween Horror Nights” begins Friday, September 6 in Orlando and on Friday, September 13 in Hollywood. Additional details about the events will be revealed soon. For more information about “Halloween Horror Nights” and to purchase select tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
For the first time, National Geographic joins Disney’s D23 Expo show floor, delivering unique experiences that inspire curiosity and exploration for fans of all ages. From free solo climbing to the top of El Capitan to exploring the “why” behind the “wow” behind our gray matter, National Geographic will immerse fans in adventure, ignite their curiosities about the world, and surprise them with stories unlike any they’ve seen before, harnessing the spirit of the iconic yellow border.
D23 Expo, guests will engage with National Geographic’s wildly popular series, talent, explorers, and some very special guests, cuddly four-legged friends! National Geographic will also be supporting its Disney+ originals at D23 Expo. Details on experiences, talent appearances, and special signings in the National Geographic pavilion will be made available on the D23 Expo app and include the following:
National Geographic is reaching new heights to accomplish the impossible. Kicking it off on Aug. 23 from 1 to 2 p.m., get inspired at a book signing with legendary rock climber Alex Honnold, featured in the Academy Award-winning film Free Solo, which documented his achievement of his lifelong dream: to climb the face of the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, without a rope.
Then, on Aug. 24 from 3 to 4 p.m., the doctor will see you now! His day isn’t complete unless he’s checked a cow for pregnancy or helped a goat with pneumonia. But it’s all in a day’s work for Dr. Jan Pol from Nat Geo WILD’s No. 1 series, The Incredible Dr. Pol. Hear his amazing animal stories, and cuddle up with his surprise guests—his cutest, furriest, four-legged friends!
Chill out on Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon with Sue Aikens from multiple-Emmy-award-winning series Life Below Zero, and hear about her jaw-dropping lifestyle in the remote corners of Alaska. Get a little taste of the subzero temperatures of Alaska while she signs autographs, takes pictures, and shares her incredible tales.
Throughout the weekend on the show floor, National Geographic is also creating a unique fan experience—Beneath the Blue—a breathtaking underwater world that will take you on an incredible journey to explore the oceans and learn more about the impact of single-use plastic on marine life.
In addition, National Geographic will present incredible panels during D23 Expo, including WOMEN OF IMPACT: Meet the Nat Geo Explorers Changing the World on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Stage 28, featuring women on the front lines of exploration, conservation, and storytelling. They pilot submarines, get up close with lions, tigers, and bears and even breakdancing! Join submersible pilot and founder of a girls’ underwater camp Erika Bergman; a multimedia storyteller and Planet or Plastic ambassador Lilly Sedaghat; and large-carnivore expert Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant to give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to become the next game-changing explorer!
Then, on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the D23 Expo Arena, fans will get a first look at the reboot of Brain Games, National Geographic’s wildly popular series, during Power Up Your Brain With Keegan-Michael Key. Ignite your brainpower and play some fun, mind-bending, interactive challenges with Brain Games host Keegan-Michael Key (Toy Story 4, The Lion King) as he shows you the “why” behind the “wow.” Joining him on stage will be top-class mentalist Lior Suchard, who will no doubt deliver fans an engaging and mind-blowing experience. Explore your mind’s mad skills during this work out of your 3-pound slimy blob!
Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children ages 3-9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $79 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children ages 3-9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts - The Phantom of the Opera - Derrick Davis as ‘The Phantom’ and Eva Tavares as ‘Christine Daaé’ - Photo Matthew Murphy
He’s here! The Phantom of the Opera drops in at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is bringing down the house! This lavish production is a visual spectacle not to be missed. Everything from the breathtaking set design, intricate lighting, glamorous costumes, and overwhelming performances on a grand scale of epic proportions. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America.
While many new shows today rely heavily on digital projection technology, it’s such a relief to see a Phantom show of this caliber be reinvigorated with modern craftsmanship that enhances the theatrical experience to its peak of excellence. The show’s only real use of digital projections get reserved for shadow play with the figure of the Phantom and a flashback scene. A major set-piece is that of a rotating turntable center stage that revolves gigantic circular walls that open, closes, and slides as it transitions between scenes. Characters even walk down a disappearing and reappearing staircase embedded into the wall! The far left and right of the stage are often reserved for a towering theatre box seat set as part of the show’s opera house scenes. The technical direction employed maximizes the available space to no end. A notable moment is when a scene turns at an angle to reveal both onstage and backstage areas of the show for the audience to see the action simultaneously taking place. Pyrotechnics are surprisingly abundant starting with the beautiful chandelier crash and sprinkled throughout the second act.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – The Phantom of the Opera – The Company performs “Masquerade.” Original Tour Cast – Photo by Alastair Muir
Speaking of the chandelier, the theatre centerpiece hangs directly over the audience within the first several rows. It was a thrilling sight to behold as the illuminated prop performs an accelerated vertical drop followed by a darkened theatre, authentic screams of fear and delight. This just shows how intense the moment was, even for diehard fans who have already seen the Andrew Lloyd Webber production dozens of times. A well deserved and effective stunt that left every member of the audience stunned.
Cameron Mackintosh said, “With PHANTOM still the reigning champion as the longest-running production on Broadway after 31 phenomenal years, with no end in sight, I’m delighted that this spectacular new production of PHANTOM has been as well-received in the U.S. as the brilliant original and has already been seen by over 4.5 million people across North America since it opened in November 2013.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – The Phantom of the Opera – Eva Tavares as ‘Christine Daaé’ and Jordan Craig as ‘Raoul’ – Photo by Matthew Murphy
If you’re still unsure about seeing the show, I myself was one of those, but believe me, there’s going to be something for any musical theatre fan to love here. This is a practically flawless revival of the classic tale. Do yourself a favor and go see this show before it’s gone – That’s all I ask of you.
The Phantom of the Opera is Now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts until July 21, 2019.
Tickets start at $35.75 and are available for purchase at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556-2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. The 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, July 20, 2019, will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation. The Center offers many services for patrons with disabilities including removable wheelchair locations, binoculars, and assistive listening devices. To learn more visit SCFTA.org/accessibilityinformation.
Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother and former heir to the throne have plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy, and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile.
With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way.
Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.
Starting July 18th through September 2nd, experience the magic of Disney’s The Lion King at the famous El Capitan Theater! Check out our movie review here.
The El Capitan Theater is one of Hollywood’s famous hot spots to visit this summer! Be one of the first to see the new Lion King, at the theater’s Special Opening Night Fan Event on July 18th at 5:00 pm only! At this special event, fans will receive a movie poster, souvenir popcorn container, and a 20 ounce bottled beverage.
For a limited time, fans who arrive early will get to participate in special photo opportunities. Before the movie, make sure you get your picture on the famous El Capitan Theater stage with an exclusive Pride Rock scene. Fans will also be able to take a photo in the lobby next to a mural wall featuring Timon and Pumbaa.
On Friday, the 19th, moviegoers can enjoy an exclusive Sunrise Screening of Disney’s The Lion King! Starting at 6:00 AM, this unique event will offer guests a bowl of cereal and cereal, provided by General Mills. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will also be providing coffee and tea for all. Receive a special Ocarina cup, 46-ounce popcorn, and a 20 ounce bottled drink with your reserved seat. This Sunrise Screening retails at $35.
Disney’s THE LION KING showtimes are daily from July 19th – September 2ndat 10:00 AM, 1:15 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7:45 PM. The film is also screened at 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Showtimes and dates are subject to change.
For showtimes, tickets, and more information visit The El Capitan Theater online and catch Disney’s The Lion King coming to theaters soon!
Summer is here and you’re most likely planning where to take your family vacation. Look no further! Here are 5 Disney vacations that are perfect for your next getaway!
1. Aulani- A Disney Resort & Spa is your perfect paradise vacation spot. Guests of Aulani will immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Hawaiian culture with fireside storytelling and luaus. The Laniwai Spa offers relaxing and pampering services for almost every member of your family. Aulani also offers different types of excursions as well.
2. Hop aboard the Disney Cruise Line and sail to Alaska! Explore the natural beauty as you sail among fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers. Disney Cruise Line also provides Port Adventures for children aboard. Capture all the wonders of Alaska this summer with the Disney Cruise Line.
3. Explore Northern Europe and the Mediterranean with Disney Cruise Line. Sail everywhere from the Netherlands to France on the Western European tour. Travel from Barcelona to Rome on the Mediterranean tour. Join in excursions of ancient ruins and spectacular architecture on your European vacation.
4. Join Adventures By Disney on a trip to England and France! Immerse yourself in the historical monuments of London. See London’s castles and get a private tour to see the Royal Crown Jewels. Then, make your way over to see the City of Lights, Paris!
5. This summer, Adventures By Disney will take your family on a magical getaway with a European River Cruise. Customize unique experiences and excursions to fit every family and every family member. There is something for the thrill-seekers and more tame experiences for those who wish to take in all the sights. With Adventures By Disney, you can cruise these select rivers: Seine, Rhone, Rhine, and Danube.
Allow Disney to be your destination this summer and create memories to last a lifetime!
This Halloween season, The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is celebrating its 10 year anniversary!
The Queen Mary was considered one of the greatest ships in 1936. Now docked at the Port of Long Beach, guests from all over Southern California come to visit. For select days in the fall, the Queen Mary is transformed into an experience of your worst nightmares.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor starts on September 26th and runs through November 2nd. This famously haunted ship is docked in Long Beach, California. Every Halloween season, many people flock to the site to experience the many spooky frights and monsters that inhabit the Queen Mary ship.
With six truly terrifying mazes, there’s plenty of scares to go around. For 23 nights, over 200 monsters haunt the Queen Mary and not a soul is safe. The creators and producers have made this year the most fearsome yet for the 10th anniversary. All that this haunted ship has to offer guests will be revealed at Midsummer Scream on August 4th.
General admission tickets for Dark Harbor start at $20. There are plenty of packages available for guests looking to make the most of their frightful experience. Grab an Ultimate Scream Experience, RIP Passport, or reserve a creepy cabana for you and your friends.
Celebrate The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor 10th Anniversary with all your boys and ghouls this Halloween season!
The La Brea Tar Pits is the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site found in an urban location in the world (photo by Greg Aragon)
Los Angeles has many fascinating sights, but nothing can match the history of mystery of the La Brea Tar Pits. This area of bubbling asphalt along Wilshire Blvd has intrigued scientists and visitors since it was discovered more than 100 years ago. As of today it is the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site found in an urban location in the world.
I recently took an expedition to the La Brea Tar Pits to examine the fossil remains and to also see the new Second Home Serpentine Pavilion, a colorful temporary structure that is both a giant piece of art and a functioning public space.
My tour of the tar pits began in the main gallery, where I encountered large ground sloths, massive mammoths, and menacing saber-toothed cats. I also got a chance to look inside a real working lab to watch scientists prepare specimens found on site.
The biggest and most impressive display in the gallery is the Columbian mammoth. Standing nearly 14 ft-tall and weighing some 17,000 pounds this giant proboscidean mammal roamed what is now Los Angeles between 11,500 and 1.6 million years ago. The Columbian mammoth is recreated at La Brea Tar Pits with actual skeletal remains and also with a giant, life-sized model.
The giant Ice Age bear and the saber tooth cat were unearthed at the tar pits (photo by Greg Aragon)
Another ancient animal found onsite is the giant ice age bear, which lived 12,000 to 1.5 million years ago. With the help of a giant replica, the museum brings this massive creature to life, giving visitors a scary glimpse of the largest carnivore during the last ice age.
The discovered bones of other extinct animals on display include the American Lion, which resembled today’s lions; the extinct camel, which lived about 45 million years ago; the California saber-tooth cat, with its huge fang-like teeth; the Dire Wolf; and the American mastodon.
So visitors can get an idea of how the bones are cleaned and prepared, there is a working lab in the middle of the museum that is surrounded by windows so guests can watch paleontologists at work.
While touring the museum I learned a lot of history about the tar pits. Over the last 50,000 years, Ice Age animals, plants, and insects were trapped and preserved in sticky tar, which is actually asphalt. More than 100 excavations have been made at the Tar Pits since the early 1900s, and most of the fossils discovered here are housed onsite. The discoveries range in size from huge, extinct mammoths and sloths to “microfossils,” or tiny remains of plants and animals that give us clues about how ancient ecosystems and climates changed. Since opening, the museum has excavated over 3.5 million fossils from the Tar Pits, and they are still digging.
Besides all the incredible bones on display, the museum is also showing a movie called Titans of the Ice Age, which is an additional $5 on top of admission. In this mesmerizing 3D adventure, narrated by Christopher Plummer, viewers will discover an icy world on the brink of extinction, where humans share the frozen tundra with majestic beasts. The movie is a great way to see how these magnificent creatures lived 10,000 – 50,000 years before humans, and how they became trapped in tar, preserved in time, and are being unearthed today at the Tar Pits.
Outside the museum are actual bubbling tar pits, including the large Lake Pit that welcomes visitors near the front entrance. Leftover from asphalt mining work in the 1800s, the pit is highlighted by mammoth trapped in tar.
The Serpentine Pavilion allows the public to experience architecture “through shape, light, transparency, color, and materials” (photo by Greg Aragon)
Across the lawn from this pit is the new Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Spanish architect selgascano. Organized by Second Home, a London-based workspace business, the 866-sq-ft chrysalis-like structure is covered in a translucent, multi-colored fabric membrane, allowing the public to experience architecture “through shape, light, transparency, color, and materials.”
The pavilion offers the public a flexible, multi-purpose social space in which to enjoy public programs and events focusing on the intersection of art, design, science, and nature. The Second Home Serpentine Pavilion will be at La Brea Tar Pits from June 28 to November 24, 2019.
The La Brea Tar Pits is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036. Adult admission is $15 and parking is $15. For more information, call 213.763.3499 or visit www. tarpits.org
Summer is here in sunny, beautiful California! There’s no better way to spend your summer vacation than by visiting Disneyland Park! Here are 10 ways to maximize the fun on your Disney trip this season.
1. Visit a galaxy not so far away and head on over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Explore all the planet of Batuu has to offer. Immerse yourself in one of a kind experiences. Guests can build their own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop or build their own droid at the droid depot. Then, hop aboard the Millennium Falcon and our your pilot skills to the test on Smugglers Run. After you’ve proven yourself to Hondo Ohnaka, head over to Oga’s Cantina for unique libations and an exciting atmosphere!
2. If you can’t get enough of Star Wars, head over to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland where you can experience the return of Hyperspace Mountain.
3. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Haunted Mansion attraction in New Orleans Square. Guests can choose to take part in an after-hours celebration, The Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years of Retirement Unliving.
4. Celebrate with a splashdown at Splash Mountain at Disneyland! This attraction is celebrating its 30 year anniversary.
5. Another anniversary worth celebrating is the 64th Anniversary of Disneyland Park! On July 17th, visit Disneyland to watch “The Happiest March on Earth”.
6. Speaking of marching, there is still time to enjoy Mickey’s Soundsational Parade but its run ends on July 17th. Starting July 18th through August 1st, catch “Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade”.
7. Disneyland Park will light up the night with the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. This nighttime spectacular will from August 2nd through September 30th.
8. For the more adventurous types, hop on board the wildest ride in the wilderness! Enjoy the thrills of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, located in Frontierland.
9. As night falls, watch the newly refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle light up as you await the nightly fireworks.
10. The night sky comes to life with the return of the Disneyland Forever firework spectacular! There’s no better way to end your summer nights!
Revel in all the excitement and magic the Disneyland Park has to offer this summer!
It’s official Universal Studios Hollywood’s mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” is now open and It Just Got Real.
Inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films, this spectacular new thrill ride features the film’s stars, Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong, who reprise their roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu, and soars to new heights with the addition of iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus.
“Jurassic World—The Ride” captures the essence of the blockbuster movies and comes to life in collaboration with the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.
The elaborately themed all-new “Raptor Encounter” where Blue, the beloved Velociraptor from the JURASSIC WORLD movies, engages with guests in daring face-to-face encounters, along with the addition of two new dinosaurs, a Baby Raptor with her Raptor Handler and a life-size Triceratops who greet guests outside the “Jurassic World—The Ride” entrance, further enhance the entire experience. Plus, a new interactive “Dino Play” area is designed to inspire children of all ages to explore and excavate giant dinosaur fossils.
Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails served at Jurassic Café and all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar add to the dynamic guest experience while an array of souvenir collectible, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dimensional dinosaur sculptures from the Jurassic Outfitters store invite guests to savor a piece of this exciting thrill ride even after they have gone home.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
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