Frontier Developments has announced its new game, Jurassic World Evolution, and revealed the first trailer (see below). Based on Universal Pictures’ iconic film franchise and created in collaboration with Universal Brand Development, the game expands on the official Jurassic World mythology and puts players in charge of cinema’s greatest tourist destination, where they will have the opportunity to create and manage their own Jurassic World. Launching in summer 2018, Jurassic World Evolution will be coming to PC, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox One all-in-one games and entertainment system.
https://youtu.be/NWagBjDMwTU
Jurassic World Evolution evolves players’ relationship with the Jurassic World film franchise, placing them in control of operations on the legendary island of Isla Nublar and the surrounding islands of the Muertes Archipelago. Players will build their own Jurassic World as they bioengineer new dinosaur breeds and construct attractions, containment and research facilities. Every choice leads to a different path and spectacular challenges arise when ‘life finds a way.’
“As long-time fans of the entire Jurassic series we’re thrilled to be putting players in charge of their own Jurassic World,” said Frontier’s Chief Creative Officer, Jonny Watts. “We’re excited to bring over fifteen years of management, simulation, and creature development expertise to a destination and franchise that remains an inspiration to us.”
The game is scheduled to release next summer and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom will be in theaters June 2018.
I always dreamed of staying in a French chateau, sipping wine beside a serene lake. And while I knew this day would come, I didn’t think it would be in the Palm Springs desert. But this is exactly what I discovered on a recent getaway to The Chateau at Lake La Quinta, the only lakefront hotel in the Palm Springs area.
Located in the small resort community of La Quinta, The Chateau is a chic boutique hotel with 24 guest rooms, including two private bungalows, a gourmet restaurant with full bar, and a pool and Jacuzzi. Set on beautiful Lake La Quinta, the resort is designed like a European manor and features rolling lawns with lush gardens and numerous outdoor nooks to sit and relax beside the water and take in the beauty.
My recent rendezvous at The Chateau began when a friend and I checked into a gorgeous suite overlooking the lake. Like all Chateau rooms, ours boasted complimentary Wi-Fi, designer furnishings, a comfy king bed, fireplace, giant flat screen TV, mini-fridge and coffee pot. It also came with a luxurious bathroom with upscale tiling, a two-sink vanity, and a huge soaking tub with a separate walk-in shower.
The Rooms at The Chateau are spacious and luxurious
Beyond the room, one of our favorite spots at the resort was the pool area. Tucked in the corner of the property, with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the pool is heated and has lots of deck chairs for sunbathing and a couple large cabanas for relaxing in the shade.
The pool is a great escape from the heat and offers stunning mountain views
When it came time for dinner, we experienced Melange, the Chateau’s signature restaurant. Led by Chef Nestor Ruiz, Mélange showcases California family farm-sourced ingredients and offers a menu of classic and contemporary dishes, all with a side of lake-front charm.
Our meal at Melange began with a fresh crab cake appetizer, with Maryland-styled jumbo lump crab, served with dijon mustard burre blanc sauce. While eating, we had a couple Bloody Mary’s from the bar and absorbed the classy, modern décor of the restaurant.
Melange serves delicious, eclectic Californian fare
For the main course I devoured the Ahi Tuna Crab Stack, with cajun-spiced Ahi tuna, lump crab, garlic risotto and sautéed spinach. My friend enjoyed a succulent Newport farm-raised pork chop, served with sweet corn, red and green peppers, mashed potatoes and fresh apple brandy demi-glace. For dessert, we split a decadent and delicious cheesecake.
Back at the room, we watched the last rays of the sun reflect off the water and concluded the evening on the patio with a glass of wine and a warm desert breeze.
In the morning, we had coffee beside the lake and then had breakfast on the outdoor patio at Melange. Against the ever-present backdrop of the shimmering lake, I had a Mélange Frittata with eggs, veggies, mozzarella cheese, and breakfast potatoes, while my friend had Huevos Rancheros with eggs over blue corn tortillas, topped with tomato-chili sauce, refried beans and sliced avocado.
Nothing like morning coffee beside your own private lake
Summer is great time to visit The Chateau. Though it can be a little hot outside, the surrounding mountains, palm trees and resorts, have a way of putting one in a rest and relaxation mode. And The Chateau, with its lakefront location, is the epitome of this. If you want to get away from the crowds and relax in air-conditioned luxury or by a pool with great views and cold margaritas, this is the place.
The resort is currently offering a Desert Nights Package which includes a daily $50 Chateau Food and Beverage credit and no resort fee. Rates start from $149.
The Chateau at Lake La Quinta is located at 78120 Caleo Bay, La Quinta, CA 92253. For more information or current specials and reservations, call (888) 226-4546 or visit: www.thechateaulakelaquinta.com
Nestled within the back bay of Newport Beach, the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has held their inaugural Pacific Wine and Food Classic. This two day event features over 100 of Orange County’s tastiest restaurants and the likes of countless exquisite wineries and breweries. Celebrating the long days of summer and sand between your toes, the Pacific Wine and Food Classic culminates all things ‘summer’ within this all-inclusive spirited, culinary celebration.
Fortunate enough to attend the first day of the festival, we were treated to a gorgeous, mildly-warm and breezy day. The skies were as blue as they could be, and the culinary aromas were just as delightful for the nose. Walking into the event, be advised that you will instantly be walking into sand and will ultimately remain in the sand for the majority of the event. This is definitely by choice and makes for a unique food and wine festival experience. Sandals or flip flops are the way to go! While the food and libations were plentiful, we hope additional chairs and tables will be added to future events.
Instantly greeted with your wine glass (plastic, most likely due to being on sand), the wine offerings start right up from a laundry list of wineries from the likes of mega-wineries of Robert Mondavi and Chateau St. Michelle to other perhaps lesser known wineries like San Angelo, Mud House, We Believe and much more. Having the actual wine distributors at the event allowed for more of the popular well-known vineyards to showcase their wide-range of varietals.
If wine isn’t your go to spirit, local brews from The Bruery and Town Park Brew Co. along with other beer choices are available. I was very pleased with Makers Mark and Barcardi having some cocktails available as well. Festival-goers that selected the VIP option were also treated to an interactive Patron lounge, which even included Patron infused ice cream.
As far as food goes, the plethora of outlets cannot all be listed here, but we were quite pleased with easily manageable lines opposed to other food and wine events out there. The American Kobe Wagyu Burgers sported the longest lines for good reason, but even these delectable sliders from The Krave only took a few minutes to get and devour. The large selection of options and layout helped disperse people along the beach and made for an enjoyable ‘eat and drink as you go’ mentality.
The Pacific Wine and Food Classic features restaurants from all over the OC to even a few from the outskirts, like the LBC. To name just a few, this years event featured selections from ADYA, Asian Box (Irvine), Haven Gastropub (Orange), Sadie Rose Baking Co., Legado Bar and Kitchen (Laguna Nigel), Orange Hill, Skyloft (Long Beach). TAPS and The Catch (Brea, Irvine, Anahem), Taco Rosa (Irvine), Bluewater Grill, Urbana (Anaheim), Michael’s on Naples (Long Beach), and so many more.
One highlight for us were some spicy cold noodles from Tru Grits, in the soon to be remodeled Hotel Menage that’s become a Four Points by Sheraton. The dish wasn’t anything to write home about, but like many of this restaurants, the chefs devotion is very evident. Hinson Lau, Executive Chef for Tru Grits, was incredibly welcoming and genuine. We are looking forward to making our way to this corner of Anaheim to check out their new offerings.
The price tag for food and wine festivals, or in this case ‘wine and food’, can come a little steep. However, in most cases, the price is totally justifiable. With the $50 off option with code 50, the Pacific Wine and Food Classic is by far the new stellar OC food and wine exhibition to attend. We look forward to next years.
In case you read this in time, the event concludes August 20th running from 2pm-5pm, with VIP options that allows for 1pm entry.
Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, has released an all-new cinematic trailer that highlights never-before-seen elements of the story mode experience featured in MARVEL VS. CAPCOM®: INFINITE. The action-packed trailer expands upon the key plot points, with heroes from both universes coming together in an attempt to stop Ultron Sigma from infecting all biological life in the newly merged Marvel and Capcom worlds.
More playable characters in MARVEL VS. CAPCOM: INFINITE have been recently confirmed, including Jedah, Dormammu, Firebrand, and Ghost Rider. Additional information and gameplay details on these four characters will be available next week, in conjunction with the Gamescom event in Cologne, Germany. These newly added characters bring the final roster at launch up to 30 characters, with more post launch characters to be revealed in the future.
MARVEL VS. CAPCOM: INFINITE will provide memorable experiences and infinite gameplay possibilities for players of all skill levels. The next evolution of the popular action-fighting series will arrive action-packed at launch, with a variety of accessible single player and multiplayer offerings including:
Offline Modes and Features:
Story – puts players at the center of a fierce battle as heroes from both universes come together to stop Ultron Sigma, the combined form of two robotic villains.
Arcade – recreates the classic arcade experience. Keep winning to move forward and confront the final boss in an epic showdown of skills.
Mission – players can do various tutorial missions, or try their hand at advanced character-specific challenges.
Training – set up a training area with various parameters and hone skills to improve fighting abilities.
Vs. Player 2 – go head-to-head against another player locally.
Vs. CPU – play solo against an AI-controlled opponent.
Collection – the Dr. Light Database contains numerous unlockable items, including cut scenes from the story mode, character/stage information, concept artwork and character/stage audio tracks.
Online Modes and Features:
Ranked Match – battle other players online to advance in the rankings.
Casual Match – battle other players online without the results affecting the rankings.
Beginners League – a special league fought between players of Rank 14 or lower.
Lobby – search for or create a lobby where up to 8 players can engage in simultaneous player-vs-player matches.
Rankings – view the rankings of players from all over the world.
Replay Settings – configure replay settings and view replays.
All of the action in MARVEL VS. CAPCOM: INFINITE takes place in new but familiar settings, as famous locations from the Marvel and Capcom universes fuse together as part of Ultron Sigma’s nefarious plot. Imagined and created through a shared vision between the two companies, the game will feature free-form 2v2 team battles and the ability to harness the power of one of six game-changing Infinity Stones, further deepening the customized gameplay by allowing players to equip and unleash elemental in-game powers during battle.
MARVEL VS. CAPCOM: INFINITE will simultaneously release on the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One® systems and Windows PC across North America and Europe on September 19, 2017.
Knott’s Berry farm celebrated National Roller Coaster Day on Wednesday, August 16, in a big way with a major announcement for a new roller coaster that will debut in summer of 2018. Named “HangTime”, the surfer themed coaster will bring a one of a kind experience to the theme park, being their first big update since Ghost Rider’s recent overhaul.
Announcing the coaster was Vice President and General Manager of Knotts, Jon Storbeck. Celebrating with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, a sneak peek was given at the grounds for the new coaster, along with a full description of the new coaster’s key features.
Ride Features
• 150-foot Vertical Lift
• 96-degree First Drop
• 5 Inversions
• Holding Break at 60 degrees- ride will hang guests looking down over the first drop before starting
• The Negative-G Stall Loop- only the 2nd roller coaster in the Western Hemisphere to have this feature offering unprecedented hang time
• Colorful nighttime track chase lighting that will accompany the coaster train as it travels across the track
HangTime will send riders up a vertical lift hill into a raised 96-degree drop the steepest drop in California. The coaster’s train will come to a halt once the highest peak is reached, and will leave riders suspended at the crest for several seconds at a 60-degree angle, giving the illusion of a disappearing track. Then the train will suddenly descend in a beyond-vertical drop, through 2,198 feet of steel track and five gravity-defying inversions. HangTime will be only the second rollercoaster in the Western Hemisphere to feature a negative-g stall loop, which gives riders the sensation of floating.
Watch a Full Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Q&A with Jeff Gahagan, Knott’s vice president of maintenance and construction.:
“HangTime’s disappearing track creates a memorable illusion of the unknown as riders feel like they are hanging over a cliff, staring at the ground in nervous anticipation,” said Storbeck. “People who crave that adrenaline rush will want to ride this coaster again and again. Introducing a coaster like HangTime firmly positions Knott’s Berry Farm as a must see attraction among Southern California theme parks, and we look forward to welcoming our guests to this new experience.”
In, addition, HangTime will have a new LED Lighting Package which will change with various seasons, like 4th of July, Boysenberry Festival and Knott’s Scary Farm. Also at night, the track will light up to look like waves in the ocean.
Knotts Berry Farm also previewed their latest food options at the Boardwalk Barbecue restaurant, which will be located right next to the new attraction. With a varied assortment of steak, pork, chicken, and veggies, the themed venue will add to the growing beach atmosphere.
You can experience an entire season of fun including the thrill of HangTime with a 2018 Knott’s Season Pass, on sale now at the best price of the year. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. The special pricing ends October 29, 2017.
Rev up your engines pals, Mickey and the Gang are racing into your home and onto your screen for a fun, family filled adventure. In their latest collection, “Start Your Engines”, Mickey and friends race across exotic locations, tackle tricky mysteries, and learn some valuable lessons on and off the race track.
The DVD includes 6 episodes from the show along with a bonus episode in the special features. The set also comes with a free roadsters racers flag that highlights each of the tile racers from the show.
My first look into the new series, I was impressed with the quality of storytelling for the next generation of Disney fans. The Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto) are all included along with some other familiar faces in Daisy, Pete, Clarabelle, Chip, and Dale. Rather than focus all on Mickey, each episode shifts gears and tells the story from a different character’s perspective. All of the main characters get a chance to shine and be a part of the story, having themed episodes involve their own trials and struggles.
Though the theme of this series is racing, not every episode focuses on fast cars and checkered flags. Instead, the show takes a more flexible approach, which also makes the series less repetitive. As a children’s program, it can be very easy to fall into the same story structure for each episode. Fortunately, this show breaks out of the mold and is fun for both kids and adults. I highly recommend this series, as it will bring a smile and a few classic Disney references those “big” kids out there would enjoy.
The DVD set is a great step into the show for newcomers, as well as a fun addition for fans of the series. As a special treat, a preview from Disney Pixar’s upcoming film, Coco, is also included.
You can add the set to your collection today by visiting one of your major retailers like Walmart, Toys R Us, or Target. Merchandise from the show can also be found at the Disney Store to continue the fun after the race is over! https://www.disneystore.com/mickey-and-the-roadster-racers/mn/1000005/
To learn more about Mickey and the Roadster Racers, along with other fun Disney Junior programming, please visit www.disneyjunior.disney.com.
The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood hosted their “Throwback Thursday” event on August 10, bringing back the classic Tron as well as Tron Legacy in a special double feature event.
The famous El Capitan MarqueeTron Legacy joins in the double feature exclusive.
To celebrate its 35th Anniversary, fans flocked to the venue in droves to see the films and have a chance to be a part of a rare discussion with the film’s creators and star cast. In attendance was Tron himself, Bruce Boxleitner, in addition to creator Steven Lisberger and animator Bill Kroyer.
Writer & Director Steven Lisberger, Animator Bill Kroyer & Tron himself Bruce Boxleitner!
On center stage, a full discussion brought in the technological achievements of the film, the impact, and the longevity it has sustained with generations of moviegoers. Proud, Lisberger and company focused on what made Tron such a unique film and as a SoCalThrills Exclusive, we have their segment below.
Both shows were shown to a sold out house that included an exclusive raffle for both screenings. Winners received signed copies of Tron and Tron Legacy on Blu Ray/DVD.The El Capitan also announced their next “Thowback Thursday” event, which will honor the 25th Anniversary of the live action classic, “The Mighty Ducks”.
The Mighty Ducks is revealed as the next Throwback Thursday event.
Before each film, all in attendance also got the chance to answer film trivia, show off cosplay, and vintage Tron merchandise.
Fans take a crack at movie trivia about Tron and Tron Legacy
An El Capitan tradition, “Throwback Thursday highlights past Disney films both live action and animated that feature special guests, raffles, and exclusive events.
Raffle prizes being drawn before the film.For those who didn’t win a raffle prize, the Studio Store has you covered!
Past films include Hercules, Alice in Wonderland, and Swiss Family Robinson. In addition to “Throwback” events, the venue is getting the royal treatment with a set of favorite Disney Princess films that will have a limited release over the next month and a half.
A look at the “Dream Big Princess” event in the works at the El Capitan.
To learn more about other offerings from the El Capitan, please visit their website at https://elcapitantheatre.com
Expanding for a longer-than-ever 75-day run, the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from August 31 to November 13, 2017. The Disney Parks Merchandise team has developed more than 75 items celebrating the many ways guests can sip and taste their way throughout Epcot.
“Each year we look forward to designing artwork for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,” explained Creative Manager Doug Strayer. “The art includes nods to Epcot’s 35th Anniversary on October 1, and beloved characters like Figment and Remy. As cast members, we love this event as much as our guests. It’s fun for us to see guests at Epcot wearing the artwork we created.”
Disney Creative Group artists Richard Terpstra, Susan Foy, Dave Holbrook, and Brian Blackmore contributed to this year’s assortment. Their artwork was compiled into a style guide which merchandise product developers referenced when creating apparel, pins, home décor, accessories and more.
Fans of Figment will be delighted to find several new items featuring the lovable purple dragon. Doug said the 1980s-looking Figment artwork was inspired by a classic Epcot attraction.
Another nod to Epcot’s heritage is found within the Passport collection. Look carefully to see stamps containing World Showcase marketing artwork from 1982.
The Brews Around the World collection returns this year with new designs by Susan Foy. Look for the artwork on apparel and drinkware, including a new stainless steel growler and baseball cap with a bottle opener.
For the first time, there will be a “Eat to the Beat” concert T-shirt with a World Showcase-inspired guitar graphic.
Dooney & Bourke handbags with Figment and World Showcase graphics will also be released during the event.
Annual Passholders will also find a specially designed Dooney & Bourke handbag along with several other Passholder Exclusive products such as pins, salt and pepper shakers, and accessories.
Finally, you can help Remy as he ventures around Epcot to collect the ingredients for his signature dish with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt. This year, guests will have 15 spots to look for Remy in World Showcase and Future World.
Look for these items at the Festival Center located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, and at select merchandise locations throughout Epcot. Select items will also be offered on Shop Disney Parks app and the online store.
Everyone’s favorite spooky doll is back in Annabelle: Creation, David F. Sandberg’s new prequel film to not only 2013’s The Conjuring, but also to the 2014 spin-off film, Annabelle. Annabelle: Creation takes us back to 1957, where the audience becomes witness to the humble beginnings of the titular doll’s evil reign. What may at first seem like an unnecessary prequel story actually turns out to be an incredibly fun and creepy two-hour rollercoaster ride for audiences.
When Sister Charlotte and a group of young orphan girls arrive at the home of former doll maker Samuel Mullins (Anthony LaPaglia), and his wife Esther (Miranda Otto), it seems like paradise. A beautiful home in the middle of the country, this is to be their new home, and they take to it quickly. The girls have faced a lot of hardships in their lives, especially in the case of Janice (Talitha Bateman), who is recovering from Polio. But the Mullins are harboring a dark secret that quickly turns this little slice of paradise into a hellish nightmare, and it all starts with the doll, Annabelle.
As David F. Sandberg showed last year with his directorial debut Lights Out last year, he knows how to craft horror, and Annabelle: Creation only solidifies that. While the story may feel a bit formulaic, it’s the craft that goes into the film that makes it worth watching. Sandberg, much like his mentor James Wan, is a classic horror director who cares more about the atmosphere, tension, and dread that he can build in his films, rather than blood or gore. That mindset is on full display with Creation, as Sandberg uses the story to quietly build the tension before letting all hell break loose. For some, the beginning may feel slow, but that build is important because it builds the anticipation for what’s to come. Much like a rollercoaster, Sandberg takes his time as he takes the audience up the lift with tension, before the giant drop into terror the audience will face.
That’s part of what makes Annabelle: Creation so incredibly satisfying. Sandberg slowly invests you in the lives of these young girls, and you begin to care for them, especially in young Janice. The characters all feel familiar, and as Sandberg crafts the tension throughout the film, the dread the audience feels comes from them fearing for these girls. Even the idea behind how Annabelle came to be is understandable, and you can empathize with the Mullins. The loss of a loved one is never easy, and for some it’s even harder to accept, so for them to have gone so far to try and bring her back in any way is an understandable response. The humanity of these characters, and the way that Sandberg can craft them, is truly special. Much like with Lights Out, and pulling from what James Wan has done with The Conjuring, Sandberg knows that the audience needs to care for his characters, feel their fear, and really put the audience in the middle of it.
There’s a true craft to the horror as well. The way that Sandberg brings his characters to life, he also puts that time and effort into each scare. He builds for it, knowing the audience is anticipating it, and tries to subvert expectations every time. It’s smart, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, with no idea of what may happen next. One scene in particular, which involves a dark hallway, a pop gun, and some incredible sound work is one of the most intense scenes in the film. Sandberg puts the audience smack dab in the middle of the situation, and for some, they may forget that they’re not the character in the film. It takes a special talent to be able to make the audience feel like they’re caught in the middle of this scenario. Sandberg makes it look like child’s play, proving once again that he’s a director to watch.
It’s also refreshing to have a horror film that is as fun as it is scary as well. Sandberg manages to add fun and levity to the proceedings throughout, leaving the audience a bit off kilter. Those small moments of humor are a necessary addition to the film and gives the audience a chance to catch their breath, calm down, and get ready to the next drop in this rollercoaster of a film. This really does feel like a theme park ride, and Sandberg takes full advantage of that at every turn. Every scare, every character beat, and every joke feels meticulously crafted for a specific beat, with each sticking their respective landing.
With The Conjuring director James Wan producing, and David F. Sandberg at the helm as director, Annabelle: Creation is not only a great addition to The Conjuring franchise, but also a sequel that is much better than the original in every respect. In a world where prequel stories usually feel like unneeded additions to franchises, Annabelle: Creation manages to not only feel relevant, but tries hard not to take away the mystique of the doll itself. The film never tries to over explain the character, and that’s for the best, making the doll still feel terrifying, while giving the audience a back story they didn’t know they wanted. Fans of The Conjuring franchise can rest easy knowing that the film delivers on the scares and fun that the series is known for. Tense, scary, and overall just fun, Annabelle: Creation is a late summer treat for audiences that will give them their money’s worth. This is a great cap to a mediocre summer season, while also being an easy contender for one of the best horror films of the year.
The Lion King returned to the big screen this past weekend at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Ahead of a highly anticipated Blu Ray release for the Walt Disney Signature Collection, the film is back out of the vault and in the spotlight for a limited engagement that will run until August 20th.
The Famous El Capitan Marquee.Enjoy the Show!Hakuna Matata
Hosting a special sing-along version of the film, the venue is pulling out all the stops with special appearances by Timon, a unique breakfast experience, as well as decorations to get the whole family celebrating with Simba and his pals.
Right next door, special merchandise and treats await at the Disney Studio Store and Ghiradelli Soda Fountain. For the film’s debut, a limited edition pin series was released that immediately sold out.
A look at the latest pin release for The Lion KingSweet Treats. Chocolate, Ice Cream, and more are available.All the Lion King Merchandise is out for the big event!
The El Capitan is one of a kind and a fan favorite. It’s an experience, one that fits magically with the films that shine on the silver screen. Unlike your traditional movie house, this venue allows you to connect with the characters, movies, and atmosphere of not only Disney but of Old Hollywood. Centered in the heart of the bustling movie capital of the world, this theater shines with special screenings of every new Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm release. It also hosts a special event, called “Throwback Thursday”, which brings back classic Disney films that include surprise guest appearances, raffles, and surprises. Films such as Alice in Wonderland, The Parent Trap, and Robin Hood have been enjoyed by fans new and old. There’s always plenty to see and do.
Upcoming events at the El Capitan
The Lion King will continue its rule until August 20th, which multiple showings each day. Shortly after, A Goofy Movie will screen for the first time along with a meet and greet with Max Goof. Tickets are currently on sale and the venue will host the show from August 25th to September 4th. For those hardcore fans, a costume contest, raffle, and “surprises” await for anyone who buys a ticket for their opening night showing.
Dream Big Princess: What’s next at the El Capitan Theatre.
Other upcoming events include Disney’s “Dream Big Princess” celebration that will bring back Brave, Moana, Tangled, and Princess in the Frog for a limited run. All seats are reserved, and for those who want the star treatment, you can upgrade any ticket to “VIP” which will give you an exclusive popcorn tin and drink of choice.
If you’d like to be part of the magic, take a look at some more of the exciting future events by visiting their website: https://elcapitantheatre.com/ You can also purchase tickets and speak to a Cast Member about the venue by calling 1-800 DISNEY6.
The Legendary Blues Brothers Band took the stage on Saturday, August 5th to commemorate the opening of the state of the art Orange County Great Park. An epic undertaking by the City of Irvine and Fivepoint Communities, the 14 year project was debuted to the general public with special events that ended with a live concert by the iconic 1980 film’s headline duo.
The Blues Brothers take the stage in Irvine, CA.
Partnered along with a powerful ensemble of talent, Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd rocked through the over hour long show with plenty of blues hits that included songs from the original film. The band also payed their respects and tribute to the late John Belushi, who lived on through the night’s performance.
Fans got to participate in the show, singing and dancing along with the stars on stage and in the crowds.
One lucky fan jams on stage with the band to the applause of the crowd.
The show took place in the newly created Soccer Stadium located in the heart of the park, which will be one of countless facilities used for major sporting events as well as concerts, benefits, and other community activities. 53 acres of the grounds are complete, with plans for massive expansion still underway. When completed, the facility will be home to more than 194 acres of sports and outdoor activities.
A quick look at some of the facilities the park will host in 2018.
The rest of the grounds are slated to open in Spring 2018.
A look at some of the newly open segments of Orange County Great Park’s grounds.
On the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, both the Mayor of Irvine, Donald Wagner, and the CEO of Fivepoint Communities, Emile Haddad, were excited to bring the Blues Brothers and the park to the public spotlight. “This is just the start,” said Wagner. “This is going to be your great park. I couldn’t be happier to welcome you here”.
Irvine Mayor, Donald Wagner addresses the crowd with Fivepoint CEO Mayor Donald Wagner addresses the crowd with Fivepoint CEO Emile Haddad.
Closing out the night, The Blues Brothers came back on stage for a special encore performance. Cheers of “Elwood” coaxed the band back onto the stage and to the crowd’s delight, another signature song was performed along with a large line of fans from the audience to send the park off to a new future and promising start.
This fall and winter, guests at Disney California Adventure Park will discover a new seasonal experience that celebrates the everlasting bonds of family while drawing inspiration from the traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
From Sept. 15 through Nov. 2, this immersive celebration will include special entertainment featuring musicians and dancers, activities including a representation of iconic Mexican folk art, and special décor and food inspired by this lively, colorful tradition.
The celebration at Disney California Adventure features the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated motion picture, “Coco,” with special themed experiences inspired by the film. Select elements of the celebration will move to “a bug’s land” beginning Sunday, Nov. 5, where they will be presented alongside a special sneak peek of the film, which continues through the holiday season until Jan. 7, 2018.
Guests who cruise into Cars Land between Sept. 15-Oct. 31, 2017, will find that Ramone, one of the citizens of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos. Ramone celebrates this time when families gather to remember their loved ones with a full-sized Sugar Skull Car and a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.
Disneyland Park will continue to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos skeleton display in Frontierland, from Sept. 15-Nov. 2, 2017.
For more information about attractions, entertainment and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, please visit Disneyland.com.
This Father's Day, soar to new heights of gift-giving with an incredible collection of DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon treasures from BoxLunch! On...
