Home Blog Page 169

Local Heroine Saves the Day! Calico Gold Heist Foiled!

*This is a fictional article based off Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Ghost Town Alive”. You can learn more about the seasonal event by clicking here*

The town of Calico was rocked by an attempt to steal Peg Leg’s famous gold nugget from the Miner’s Bank of Calico earlier today. Three separate groups were caught at the scene of the crime, facing off against local authorities before being brought to justice. One of those groups was led by local townswoman, Miss Violet. This was seen as a major blow to the townsfolk, as Miss Violet was a trusted citizen of Calico. Who can the town rely on after such a devious crime?

As the investigation continues, new information has come to light, providing a new and exciting twist with the heist. After speaking to inside sources and members of the press that were present at the scene, Miss Violet may not have been part of the heist at all!

Miss Violet caught wind of the other two groups plans to rob the local establishment and took action. She armed herself, rallied a group of trusted allies, and marched to the bank to stop the bandits from claiming their prize. The mission was covert in nature, allowing Miss Violet and her band of defenders to pose as criminals with the intent to steal.

During the epic struggle, Miss Violet dashed into harm’s way, causing a distraction that would give the town sheriff time to arrive at the scene and apprehend the criminals. Though she was taken in with the rest of the bandits, Miss Violet stayed silent, not wanting to arouse suspicion into her true objective: serving justice. One of her trusted friends, known to locals as Quinn the Moose, spoke up during the aftermath and vindicated Miss Violet’s name with the local authorities. “Miss Violet saved the day. She distracted the robbers and is a town hero”, said Quinn.

Miss Violet proudly holds up a copy of the Calico Gazette, shedding some light on her heroic deeds earlier this afternoon.
Miss Violet proudly holds up a copy of the Calico Gazette, shedding some light on her heroic deeds earlier this afternoon.

After hearing the news and plans to foil the bank heist, Miss Violet was proclaimed a local heroine, restoring her good name with the people. Immediately following the announcement, local townspeople began reaching out to help the young woman, who is trying to keep the town hotel from economic collapse. Rumor also states that Miss Violet may have many a suitor interested in taking her to the Founder’s Day Hoedown, which will be the epicenter of festivities for the entire county.

Though the real perpetrator behind the gold nugget heist may still be at large, it’s nice to know the town has brave and courageous souls like Miss Violet. A large group of criminals is now off the streets and under the careful eye of judge and sheriff. In such troublesome times, the world needs more who will rise up to the call of justice and take action to protect the people of Calico. If you see Miss Violet while you’re in town, make sure to say hello and give proper thanks to the woman that saved the town from almost certain calamity.

Stories just like this one happen every day during Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Ghost Town Alive” event. Chose your side, make your own story, and be a part of the adventure. You never know what exciting things await!

Knott’s Berry Farm Comes Alive This Summer

Summer is in full swing over at Knott’s Berry Farm, featuring new shows, old favorites, and golden opportunities for guests of all ages. To headline the season, Knott’s has debuted a brand new stage show called “Beach Blanket Beagle”. The new musical takes the park’s entertainment to a whole new level, blowing past seasonal offerings out of the water. It’s definitely a show to get excited about!

“Beach Blanket Beagle” is centered around vintage beach and surf culture, showcasing a large assortment of classic songs from the Beach Boys, The Crystals, and Elvis Presley. Each song is weaved in with a clever story that brings plenty of dazzle. The show features rain, intricate moving stage transitions, and real fire dancing. It’s sure to be an instant classic, fitting in perfectly with the Boardwalk theme and Knott’s new coaster, HangTime. At a staggering 150 feet, the record setting attraction is a California dream, taking riders on an epic surf at speeds of up to 57 MPH. In case you missed our opening coverage, you can catch up on the new sensation by clicking here.

The ever popular “Ghost Town Alive” has also returned, bringing guests a fully interactive, one of a kind experience. Every visit is an adventure, as guests will be transported back to the days of the wild frontier and be given the opportunity to become part of their own individualized story. You can search for a hidden treasure, go toe to toe with infamous bandits, tap your feet at the town’s annual hoedown, and so much more.

The basic premise of “Ghost Town Alive” is to think creatively and use your own imagination. Calico is filled with townspeople, all with a unique backstories and motivations. Some may have good intentions, while others may have a trick up their sleeve. How you interact with each person will help thrust you into countless possibilities, puzzles, and challenges. As you play along, you become a central part of the story, helping the townsfolk make decisions. A great example can be seen below, as visitors will play a hand in Calico’s town election.

Your influence fuels their actions, which gives you the power to be the author of your own tall tale. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced, being one of the most creative theme park attractions you may ever witness. To celebrate the return of the event, SoCalThrills has written up a special tribute to the Calico Gazette, featuring our own story experience while in the park. Make sure to check out this fun exclusive!

“Ghost Town Alive” runs on select days through September 3rd. Check out all the seasonal offerings and what’s to come next by visiting Knott’s official site!

Some Incredible Updates Headed for Disney Games

Calling All Supers! Incredibles 2 is now in theaters and fans can celebrate the continued story of the Incredibles family in film-inspired content updates across various Disney games including: a brand-new LEGO The Incredibles console game, newly released Disney Heroes: Battle Mode mobile titles, fan-favorite Disney Emoji Blitz and more. 

Here is a full breakdown of the exciting Incredibles 2 content coming to Disney Games:

  • Disney Heroes: Battle Mode:June 13 – 25 During The Incredibles Super-Charged Event, players can boost heroes from Disney•Pixar’s The Incredibles with extra power when they activate the daily bonus. Each day of the event, there will be a new Hero Chip or bonus rewards deal for purchase through the end of the event. Players can earn points by using The Incredibles heroes in both City Watch and Creep Surge to get some super rewards in The Incredibles Contest. Additionally, the game’s first update since May’s launch hits on June 12 with new heroes from Tron: Legacy, new friendships and memory disks and a new attack log for the Creep Surge. Disney Heroes: Battle Mode is available on the Apple App Store, Google Play and the Amazon App Store.

  • Disney Emoji Blitz: June 15 – June 19This incredible update will feature an Incredibles 2Survival Event where Blitzers can play fast-paced rounds of match-3, utilizing emoji super powers and combos to win a Diamond Box. For completing the event, fans of the Parr family will be able to collect one of three Incredibles 2-inspired characters – Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl or Jack-Jack. Once the Super has been collected, players will be able to keep the emoji indefinitely and it will show up on the Emoji Blitz keyboard in smartphone messaging apps. Disney Emoji Blitz is available for free on the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store. Since launch, players have collected more than 150 million Disney, Pixar and Star Wars.  

  • LEGO The Incredibles: June 15– Fans will play as favorite Incredibles characters including, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash and Frozone, experiencing thrilling adventures in awe-inspiring action sequences from both Disney•Pixar films, The Incredibles and Incredibles 2. The game features the Parr family’s range of extraordinary abilities that can be combined through teamwork to create unique powers, helping the iconic heroes tackle crime in a vibrant LEGO world, bursting with fun and excitement. LEGO The Incredibles will be available on June 15 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

  • Disney Magic Kingdoms: Now – June 20 – Collect Jack-Jack and help him reunite with his super family by collecting Maleficent Coins in The Tower Challenge quest. To earn Jack-Jack, players need to send up to five characters at a time to challenge Maleficent’s Tower. Once these characters have finished their challenge, they’ll return with Event Points and Maleficent Coins. Event Points will help defeat Maleficent’s Tower and claim the tiniest member of The Incredibles family. Disney Magic Kingdoms is available now on the App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Store.

  • Disney Stickers: The Incredibles: June 13 – Fan-favorite Supers are now on iMessage! Text conversations with Disney Stickers just got even more fun with 21 new Incredibles 2-themed stickers. Fans can add some incredible moments to their chats when they send animated stickers, featuring Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible, Violet, Dash, Jack-Jack, Frozone, Edna and more. Available for download now on the Apple App Store.

Jurassic Park Celebrates 25 Years at the Greek Theatre

“Welcome to Jurassic Park!”

Over the past two and a half decades, Jurassic Park has created an unparalleled legacy that continues to wow and amaze fans the world over. With groundbreaking and never-before-seen visual effects, Spielberg had created a gold standard in modern cinema. As the world awaits the release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the dino-fueled franchise shows no signs of slowing down. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original film, Universal and Fandango partnered with the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to host a special fan screening of Jurassic Park.

To kick off the event, participants received a special 25th anniversary popcorn along with complimentary water. Fandango hosted a prize giveaway, photo ops, and much more. The venue also had a T-Rex for those who dared to strike a pose. Merchandise was available for sale, ranging from t-shirts to Funko Pop! figures. Fans even had the opportunity to try out some custom dino-themed drinks. Though, there would be more surprises in store, including a message from director, Steven Spielberg.

The famed director expressed his gratitude to the fan base and took a moment to reflect on the franchise before teasing fans with a trailer for Fallen Kingdom. The crowd was then treated to a special one on one chat with legendary producer, Frank Marshall. Marshall was part of Spielberg’s legendary production team (Opposite Kathleen Kennedy) and is responsible for films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T, and Back to the Future. He recounted his experiences with Jurassic Park, focusing on the innovations and technical challenges that Spielberg presented the team with. “It was a wonderful experience. Steven, I think works better and is more creative when he’s given a challenge”.

The biggest hurdle was also the film’s biggest star: the colossal and terrifying T-Rex. In 1993, despite technological advances, practical and digital effects were not sophisticated enough to create Spielberg’s vision. “Back in those days, we didn’t have CG. He wanted the T-Rex to run up and down the street…we didn’t know quite how to do it”, Marshall admitted. “We had this magic moment up at ILM when Dennis Muren showed us this dinosaur…sort of a wire skeleton running on a computer and he said he can put a skin on this…now we got it!” Combined with practical creature shop effects, Jurassic Park hit the ground running and didn’t look back.

As the interview was coming to a close, Marshall was reunited with actress Ariana Richards. The two had not seen each other since shooting the film when Richards had just turned 13. Famous for her role as John Hammond’s granddaughter, Lex, Richards recounted her audition, thanked fans for their support, and reconnected with Marshall. After so many years, it was a fantastic reunion that can only be topped by visiting the star of the franchise on the way out.

It was a night to remember for all JP fans in attendance. In celebration of the screening and the film’s anniversary, Fandango will be making the original Jurassic Park Trilogy available to moviegoers through their premium streaming platform, FandangoNOW. Fans can chose to rent or purchase the series for instant viewing.

The adventure continues with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which roars into theaters on June 22nd.

A Special First Look at Disney’s Dumbo

Everyone’s favorite flying elephant is making his triumphant debut in Disney’s teaser trailer for their upcoming live action feature, Dumbo. Viewers will get to take flight and journey beyond the animated classic into an expansive story that celebrates differences, family, and dreams.

Circus owner, Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists the help of former star, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to take care of a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him an embarrassment in Medici’s already struggling traveling circus.

Discovering Dumbo has the ability to fly, the circus gets a second chance with the people, attracting the attention of persuasive entrepeneur V.A Vandevere (Michael Keaton). Seeing Dumbo’s promise, Vandevere recruits the magical elephant for his newest entertainment spectacle, Dreamland. Eva Green also joins the cast as spectacular aerial artist, Colette Merchant. As he takes flight, Dumbo and his band of companions will find themselves in the midst of trouble as they uncover Dreamland’s hidden secrets.

The film is directed by Tim Burton with a screenplay by Ehren Kruger. A new poster has also been revealed, which can be seen below!

Dumbo flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.

INCREDIBLES 2 Movie Review

“It’s Showtime!”

The time has finally come for the sequel fans have been waiting 14 years for, one that developed a fervor of interest and excitement the world over. Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2 is here, bringing with it an action packed, emotionally driven, and well balanced second act that is well worth the wait.

Picking up right where we left off in the ending of the first film, Incredibles 2 wastes no time in taking you back into the world of the Parr family. The Underminer is still a threat, Supers are still illegal, and the family is still needing to find a balance between staying together and coming to terms with what it means to be a hero. Though time may not have passed for the Incredibles, time has definitely passed in the real world. A lot has changed since 2004, and Brad Bird is aware of that. Marvel is dominant, super heroes are the norm, and his trendy animated feature is in the midst of an over saturated market. How is it possible to keep a film about heroes and villains fresh and exciting? Bird and his team at Pixar know the answer, and that can be summed up into one word: Family.

The primary focus of the film is Helen’s return as Elastagirl. Chosen to help change the public’s image of the Supers, she takes center stage and becomes the breadwinner of the family. Bob (Mr. Incredible), has reservations, as the new task comes with a catch: He has to stay home while Elastagirl saves the day. In the first film, Mr. Incredible was the headliner and the big star. Sneaking out to fight crime and help save the world, Bob wants nothing more than to have the chance to be the revered hero. Instead, he must play Mr. Mom, learning how to handle adolescent rebellion, new math formulas, and Jack Jack’s insanely overpowering new abilities. It’s a chance to grow and evolve, and though it may be fun to see Bob suit up as Mr. Incredible, it’s even more satisfying to see him suit up as a parent. There are some really touching scenes, creating a real relatable connection that a lot of people will appreciate.

Meanwhile, getting more time with Helen as Elastagirl is fantastic, proving that she holds her own and stays true to the sassy young woman we saw in the opening credits of the first film. Elastagirl doesn’t need to be a supporting character, and her confidence speaks for itself on screen. She’s clever, rolls with the punches, and doesn’t take things for granted. In a time where female empowerment is at its peak, Elastagirl is a great role model. New Supers come into the fold, allowing her to take charge and see the impact she’s made on them. She also gets a chance to see how that impact has shaped her own persona with the very people she works to save. It’s a time for self discovery, and she handles it with poise and grace.

Everyone in the film has a chance to go through their own personal journey of self discovery. Even Jack Jack has his own story arc, which is both wildly entertaining and fun. The only thing we can ask for is more time to learn what’s really going on with him. Similar to the first film, we are learning little by little. The cookie crumbs are left for us to follow and ultimately will leave us wanting more. Jack Jack isn’t wasted, and is a shining example of the film’s ability to smoothly transition between plot lines. Between each of the characters, there are multiple subplots running at the same time. Though, this is not to say it is clunky and distracting, as each part is in sync, complimenting the other plot points and supporting the main story. It creates a good rhythm, giving us time with each character while still maintaining the hero side of it all. There are still plenty of action packed moments.

All the while, the animation looks amazing, showing a fresh new look to the franchise, while still maintaining the vintage vibe that was created in the first place. It’s cleaner, more detailed, and is an upgrade that Edna Mode herself would be proud of. As always, Michael Giacchino brings the jazzy, cool vibe everyone expects from the series. From story, to design, to execution, it’s all a great mix. In a lot of ways, the film moves beyond the first movie in tremendous ways. A sequel’s challenge is coming up with something new, but also staying loyal to elements established in the first act. Incredibles 2 does exactly that, in a way that is personal and beyond a super hero matinee. You get real heart, complexity, and the type of mature undertones you’d expect from a Pixar film. It’s more than just a kids movie, and in the end, serves a greater purpose.

The Focus of Food, Love, and Family in Disney-Pixar’s Bao

MY LI’L DUMPLING – In Disney•Pixar’s all-new short “Bao,” an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty-nest syndrome welcomes another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Her newfound happiness is short-lived however, as she soon realizes that nothing stays cute and small forever, and even dumplings grow up. Directed by Domee Shi, “Bao” opens in theaters on June 15, 2018, in front of “Incredibles 2.” ©2018 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Just as Marvel Fans expect an end credits scene with every new feature, Disney-Pixar fans expect an exciting and original animated short with every new Pixar release. Bao is no exception, adding to the long standing tradition of short features that are just as famous as the films they are apart of.

The director and creator of the new short, Domee Shi, discussed her inspiration behind Bao and the dual focus of the film that connects food and family. “Bao has two meanings in Chinese. Bao means steambun…said another way, it means treasure or something precious”. Shi wanted to create something weird, unique, and food based. The idea formed back in 2014 when she was working as a story artist on Inside Out.

“I was feeling this itch to make something on my own”, Shi said. In college, she honed in on her obsession with food, creating animated web comics and drawings of her favorite food fantasies. For Bao, Shi figured that food would be a universal element that everyone can enjoy.

BAO concept art. ©2018 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Food was just the beginning, as she also wanted to take her own family experiences and create a family based story. “It was a perfect fit. In Chinese culture, food and family go hand in hand”. The trick was to meld a weird food story with her relationship with her mother. Growing up, they were an inseparable duo. “We did everything together. We ate together, commuted and went to school/work together…she would often hold me close…found it difficult to let me go”.

Director, Domee Shi and Producer, Becky Neiman discuss family and personal connections with Pixar's latest short, Bao.
Director, Domee Shi and Producer, Becky Neiman discuss family and personal connections with Pixar’s latest short, Bao.

For Bao, she would cook that experience into a budding relationship between a cute dumpling and a Chinese mother that wants to keep him close forever. It all came together, transforming and evolving as she constructed the short with her production team at Pixar. The entire team became immersed in the culture, learning about the food traditions, styles, and mannerisms of Chinese grandma’s in the San Francisco Bay area. Shi’s own mother came in, teaching the crew how to make dumplings. The goal was to generate a level of realism, since food is an element that we pay very close attention to. Everything had to be as perfect as it can be, not only for the sake of aesthetics, but also to prevent viewers from being pulled out of the story should the realism not take hold. Every frame was carefully constructed and referenced.

Laced through it all would be an intricate tale, focusing on the relationship between mother and child. As Shi’s directorial debut, Bao will be a perfect representation of those dynamics and also be a great example of cultural diversity. Becky Neiman, the short’s producer, spoke up about their work on the project and how it’s become part of a growing trend with the studio. “I think the story is really relatable. It connects with a lot of people. The themes are very universal: Food, Family, and Love…It’s very culturally specific, which is super exciting for us all to see on screen”.

Director, Domee Shi and Producer, Becky Neiman pose for photos with Shi's mother.
Director, Domee Shi and Producer, Becky Neiman pose for photos with Shi’s mother.

Neiman believes that the best stories come from those who can tell a personal story. Coming from a background they know very well, it opens up a lot of opportunities to reach a larger audience. Shi agreed, who was happy to see the growing cultural shift in the industry, especially at Pixar. “I think Pixar has started really embracing really creative and unique storytellers. They’ve always wanted to tell unique stories. It’s been awesome that Bao, Sanjay’s Super Team, and Coco have been the start of a really great trend”

Take a look at some of the amazing behind the scenes images from the newest Pixar short. Bao will debut alongside Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2 on June 15th.

Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2 Not a Kids’ Film According to Cast

The cast and crew of Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2, came together to discuss the film, their experiences, as well as a surprising revelation that will challenge the way we look at modern kids films. Led by director, Brad Bird, the cast went into details about the mature undertones of the film and how they relate to audiences. The overall consensus was that the film was not created with the intention of being exclusively a children’s movie, but rather a movie suited for all ages.

“Kids are strangely treated like beards”, Brad Bird said jokingly. Describing his experiences with adult fans, Bird focused on those who felt they needed kids to be with them to enjoy the film without risk of judgement or ridicule from fellow adults. “It’s an art form…It’s for anyone that likes movies”. The rest of the cast chimed in, reminding fans that there is more than meets the eye with the film.

Holly Hunter, who plays Elastagirl, reflected on her work with the first film as well as the maturing themes of the sequel. “It was a movie that stood on its own. It’s not a kids movie. In a way, this one is particularly more not a kids movie”. The undertones come from the role reversals of both her character and her husband, Mr. Incredible. As seen in the official trailer, Elastagirl is chosen to be the face of Supers worldwide. Mr. Incredible is tasked with being the caregiver, supporting the family instead of fighting crime. It’s a dynamic that the actress emphasized is a character revelation. “The movie has complexity that is really astonishing. It has 5 different movies, and they all work in concert with each other They all need each other..It’s an incredible a fabric that’s been woven together. It’s very sophisticated.”

Though the goal of the conversation was not to discount children’s love of the franchise. “Kids totally dig it…even small kids love Jack Jack and love Dash,” said Hunter. A perfect example of this, is Huck Milner. Taking the helm as the new voice of Dash, he has been a long term fan of both the character and the original film since early childhood.

“I saw the first movie when I was 5…My dad showed me it. I really loved it too. My favorite character was Dash. When I got the audition, I was watching the movie over and over again. When my mom got sick of it, I used the audition as an excuse to watch it again”. The entire cast agreed that the film is an intricate love for viewers of all ages. “You don’t need to be a kid. I made it for you, I’m not a kid”, Bird added. “I made it something I would want to see”.

When you look at the span of Pixar Films, the same chord is struck. Every film has the ability to transcend past a simple cartoon, each containing a layered narrative that can be seen and understood by a large array of audiences. Everyone can take something from the experience. From Toy Story, to Up, to The Incredibles, there are universal themes that can be easily recognized and appreciated. “What excited me about the idea in the first place is not the super heroes. It was the family dynamic…Families are a continent of fresh opportunities. It’s so universal”, said Bird.

Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2 flies into theaters on June 15th.

Sailor Moon Returns to the Big Screen This Summer

Sailor Moon will make her triumphant return to the silver screen this summer, as all three feature films are being brought back to theaters nationwide. The features, which span across three of the original anime’s seasons, Sailor Moon R, S, and SuperS, will be presented in their uncut and original Japanese versions. Subtitle screenings will be made available in addition to a brand new English dub version that features the new Sailor Moon voice cast.

The Sailor Moon R Movie made its debut last year, being the first of the three films to be remastered and brought back to the United States. It will be presented as an encore double feature with the Sailor Moon S Movie this July. When August rolls around, the Sailor Moon SuperS Movie will debut, along with a special never before seen short, “Ami’s First Love”. Special limited edition posters will also be distributed to fans while supplies last.

Take a look at the available dates below!

Sailor Moon R & S Movies: Saturday, July 28th (12:55 PM)
Monday, July 30th (7:00 PM)

Sailor Moon SuperS Movie: Saturday, August 4th (12:55 PM)
Monday, August 6th (7:00 PM).

Over 580 US cinemas are participating, including AMC, Regal Theaters, and Cinemark. “We are proud to partner again with Toei and VIZ Media to bring this revered anime title to anime devotees nationwide,” said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. “Fans in hundreds of cinemas across the nation will be thrilled with these exciting animated titles.”

For those who aren’t familiar with the franchise, Sailor Moon is based off the popular manga created by Naoko Takeuchi. Over the course of 25 years, Sailor Moon has spanned two anime series, a live action drama, three feature length films, multiple stage musicals, and various worldwide adaptations. For fans new and old, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of Sailor Moon, her band of Sailor Senshi, and the expansive world of the Japanese Magical Girl anime.

Tickets for both events are available at www.FathomEvents.com or participating box offices.

Redd Takes Over Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean is sailing towards a new horizon, reopening after a series of ride changing updates and alterations to the attraction’s overall story. Crowds were out in full force to experience the new ride, immediately filling up the extended queues and waiting eagerly to get a first look.

The updates focus on the infamous bride auction scene. Part of the original version of the attraction, it has had a controversial history and has been up for debate since Disney announced the changes would be made. Though the auction was a crowd favorite, Disney’s decision to change the original concept may not be as terrible as some see it to be.

Redd takes over the town auction, ushering in a new era for the classic Disneyland attraction.
Redd takes over the town auction, ushering in a new era for the classic Disneyland attraction.

The new scene holds up to the original concept, and does not detract from the overall Pirates story. Redd takes center stage in very memorable fashion, and from the towering crowds, it is safe to say that she will be a hit with many Disney fans. Make sure to keep an eye out, as there will be other surprises in store for guests. A nice tribute to the original version of the attraction is made, which you can see in the ride through video above.

To commemorate the occasion, new collectible cards were handed out. Featuring Redd, the cards have a special pirate-themed name key that allow you to discover your own personal pirate persona. It’s a great little piece of Disneyana, very similar to the famous decoder cards handed out during the grand opening of Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

The front of the card features Redd, while the back of the card has a special pirate themed name key.
The front of the card features Redd, while the back of the card has a special pirate themed name key.

Despite the fun though, there was a storm brewing later that morning. Less than two hours into operation, Pirates shut down due to technical issues. Guests were marooned and stranded for a few hours, waiting to find out if they would have their chance to experience the ride. Even with the ride closure, people’s spirits remained high, focusing on the excitement rather than the wait. Besides, Pirates wasn’t the only new thing in store for everyone.

On her debut outing, Redd found that company was not in short supply.
On her debut outing, Redd found that company was not in short supply.

In spirit of the new scene, Redd herself has come ashore to greet and mingle with everyone in New Orleans Square. Her debut was a huge success, met with droves of fans, full fledged camera crews, and the smallest of pirates waiting to catch a quick moment with her. Fans who have yet to find themselves in her territory have a lot to look forward to. Redd fits right in with everyone on the square and has a level of charm that rivals that of Jack Sparrow himself. Though it is not known if she will stay in port for a limited time or if she will stay, we recommend venturing out to spend a moment or two with her. It may just be the highlight of your journey.

One of the cutest moments of the day came when Redd spent some quality time with a little pirate friend.
One of the cutest moments of the day came when Redd spent some quality time with a little pirate friend.

More updates are coming to the area, as Pirates will also be receiving a FastPass upgrade. Regular FastPass and MaxPass will be in place, though it has not been confirmed when the new setup will go live. The attraction has a new entrance, with scanning machines and a visible wait time indicator. Keep an eye out on your Disneyland App for changes, as the new system may go up at anytime.

A look at the new entrance updates for the attraction that include FastPass scanners, as well as wait time indicators.
A look at the new entrance updates for the attraction that include FastPass scanners, as well as wait time indicators.

Pirates of the Caribbean is now open to all who seek adventure and dare to set sail towards the new horizon.

 

 

Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters Brings Summer of Fun “Under the Sun”

A hidden gem is nestled in the hills of Laguna Beach, providing a beacon of culture and a spotlight for the arts. Celebrating it’s 86th year, the Festival of the Arts is returning with a full slate of summer fun. The festival will host over 140 Orange County artists from July 5th to September 1st, featuring a wide array of work that includes paintings, photography, custom printing, sculpture, and jewelry. The venue is also home of the iconic, Pageant of the Masters, which is about to kick off its 85th season.

Younger artists will be debuting their own submissions in the festival’s Youth Art Exhibition. 300 pieces will be put on display from children grades K-12. As you can see from some of the work below, all levels of artistic expression are welcome to take part, providing a standing example of diversity and inclusion. The festival is a family centered event that has something for everyone. It’s great to see a place where art is so accessible, regardless of your background.

For those who want to actively participate, the event will be hosting classes, art tours, wine tastings, and an artfully fun fashion show throughout the course of the season. Here’s a look at some of the special activities that can be found at this year’s festival:

*All events are free with admission unless otherwise noted*

  • Art and Story Time
    Mondays, 12:30pm
  • Tribute Tuesdays
    Tuesdays, 5:30pm
  • Art Talks and Tea
    Wednesdays, 1:00 PM
    Sponsored by PBS SoCal
  • Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate
    Thursdays, July 12 – Aug 30, 5:30pm

$20 additional fee for tastings
Sponsored by Charles Schwab

  • Step into the Spotlight Music Series
    Fridays, July 13 – Aug 31, 5:30pm
  • Concerts on the Green
    Saturdays, July 7, 14 & 21, Aug 4, 11, & 18, Sept 1, 1:00pm
    Sponsored by Cambria Estates Vineyard & Winery
  • Family Art Day
    Sunday, July 8, 12:00pm

Sponsored by San Diego County Credit Union

  • Festival Runway Fashion Show
    Sunday, Aug 19, 12:00pm
Some of the sample pieces that will be featured in the festival's upcoming fashion show!
Some of the sample pieces that will be featured in the festival’s upcoming fashion show!

Towards the end of each day, the Festival of the Arts will be home to the famed display, Pageant of the Masters, which features real life depictions of some of the world’s most famous art pieces. The first Pageant of the Masters, held in 1933, was a publicity campaign to promote the Festival of the Arts. 84 years later, the event stands alone and is a centerpiece of the entire festival.

An example of what can be found at the pageant is the historic WWII photo, "Flag Raising Over Iwo Jima". Volunteers, designers, and artists collaborate to produce a living representation of the art.
An example of what can be found at the pageant is the historic WWII photo, “Flag Raising Over Iwo Jima”. Volunteers, designers, and artists collaborate to produce a living representation of the art.

This year’s theme, “Under the Sun” will focus on local inspirations, including work from many of Laguna’s early artisans. Anna Hills, William Griffith, Rex Brandt, Julia Bracken Wendt, and Joseph Kleitsch are a handful of the featured artists.

Kicking off on July 7th, there will be a total of 39 performances and will be directed by Challis Davy. It’s a one of a kind experience and is something everyone should experience in person.

 

Each piece is extremely intricate, featuring work from a large array of different elements that include costuming, set painting, makeup, prop creation, and so much more. The teamwork and dedication for each pageant is astounding. Take a look at some of the images below, giving you an up close look at the work it takes to bring these living pictures to life.

You can learn all about this year’s Festival of the Arts, including pricing, special ticket offers, and full event details by visiting the event’s official site!

Summer Cruise Season is here and Alaska is Calling

Holland America offers numerous cruises around Alaska this summer (photo courtesy of Holland America)

Summer is coming and the great white north is calling. In fact, if you listen closely you can almost hear roaring grizzly bears, splashing killer whales, rustling moose, and squawking bald eagles – all doing their best to attract tourists to share in the splendor of Alaska. So for those who have never taken a trip to the area, now is a great time to look for last-minute cruise specials.

One of the most popular lines sailing around the “last frontier” is Holland America (www.hollandamerica.com), which has ships in the region bringing guests closer to the state’s natural wonders, such as Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm, or the glaciers of College Fjord.

The company currently has numerous cruises around Alaska, ranging from seven to 14 days long, with a multitude of great itineraries and ports. They are also offering a bunch of specials and last-minute deals on Alaska cruises as well as other destinations.

One of the Holland America cruises I am currently looking at is the 7-day Alaskan Explorer, an exciting roundtrip journey from Seattle, Washington with stops to see the cobalt-blue icebergs at Glacier Bay, the authentic Alaska town of Ketchikan, and much more.

The voyage departs August 25 from Seattle and heads north up the Inside Passage for about 900 miles to Juneau. The journey takes about a day and half, so guests will have plenty of time to acquaint themselves with the majestic Eurodam, Holland America Line’s first Signature-class ship. Guests on this graceful vessel can enjoy scores of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, pools and spas, lounging spots and lots of daily activities.

On day three the ship arrives in Juneau, one of the most remote and strangest state capitals in the U.S. Surrounded by water, forest and mountains, Juneau offers glacier hikes, fishing and history. While in port, the ship offers many activities to take advantage of nature and wildlife viewing.

One of the excursions I’m looking into is the Five Glacier Seaplane Exploration. Seeing glaciers from the air is a must-do in Alaska, and doing so by authentic Alaskan seaplane is the quintessential local experience. Seaplanes or floatplanes allow visitors to escape into the true Alaskan wilderness within minutes of leaving the ship.

The seaplane exploration takes off from the historic downtown Juneau waterfront, carrying you over the remnants of Juneau’s mining past. The trip soars over the lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest where riders will get their first glimpse of five distinctly different, majestic glaciers making up a section of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field. The adventure glides over deep crevasses and azure blue meltwater pools of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, plus the famous five-mile-wide Taku Glacier.

On day four, the Eurodam drops anchor in Glacier Bay. Frosted crags descend into mossy forests and a 1,500-ft-deep fjord at this World Heritage Site, which is also one of the planet’s largest biosphere reserves. Stone, ice and water continue to collide, sculpting a dramatic landscape that is the crown jewel of southeastern Alaska’s natural wonders.

Once completely covered by a huge ice sheet, Glacier Bay now features a spruce-hemlock rain forest near the mouth of the Bay and wildlife includes bald eagles, bears, moose and humpback whales. All the sights will be visible from the ship’s decks.

The next stop is Sitka on day five. Set amid lush forests and frigid, glacial waters, this once gold-rush town and remote wilderness outpost was controlled by Russia from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867.

On day six, the ship pulls into Ketchikan, an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. The town is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. A cool Holland America excursion here is the Magnificent Misty Fjords by Floatplane tour. Besides soaring above Misty Fjords National Monument, guests will experience an exhilarating water landing.

On day seven the cruise arrives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where passengers can tour the world-famous Butchart Gardens.

For more information on this cruise and other Holland America cruises to Alaska, and for more info on current specials, visit: www.hollandamerica.com

Adventures by Disney

-Advertisement-LEGO Brand Retail
-Advertisement-

Latest Posts