Electronics company Massive Audio® Inc. announces the introduction of their new Doctor Who Headphone Collection under license from BBC Worldwide North America. The Over-Ear Bluetooth and Wired collection of headphones are to be released October 1st and will be available for sale in retail stores and online in early October.
In April 2015, the company released TARDIS and Dalek Bluetooth speakers, which have been a hit with fans. They now follow those speakers up with their new headphone collection, which includes the TARDIS and DW insignia Bluetooth and Wired Over-Ear Headphones.
These high-quality, stylish headphones will appeal to fans of the hit BBC AMERICA sci-fi series and headphone aficionados everywhere. The Bluetooth Headphones feature built-in buttons for full control over tracks, volume, and phone calls, as well as a bass boost option. They also have a built-in microphone that allows for phone calls without the need of a boom. The rechargeable battery is fueled via the included USB cable and lasts 30 hours with constant music. The Wired Headphones come with an inline control box with the same features and microphone. Both include a Doctor Who-branded carry bag and flat tangle-free wire packed in a collector’s-style windowed gift box. Massive is known for its excellent sound quality, and these headphones are no exception. Ranging from $69 – $119, they are a must for the new season of Doctor Who.
“Following the success of Massive Audio’s TARDIS and Dalek speakers, Doctor Who headphones seemed like the perfect next step. Whovians are sure to enjoy listening to the Doctor’s newest adventures through these high-quality headphones,” said Soumya Sriraman, EVP Film, Home Entertainment, and Licensing for BBC Worldwide North America.
Over-Ear Headphones feature:
• Bluetooth headphones offer a 30-foot wireless range
• Auxiliary IN/OUT for linking multiple headphones together
• Tangle-free flat wire with control box & microphone (Wired Version)
• USB flat wire charging cable (Bluetooth version)
• Built-in omni-directional microphone for phone calls with noise cancelation
• Multi-function interface for Volume / Play / Pause / >> / < < / Phone / Power / Mute
• 57mm speakers tuned for accurate sound reproduction
• Fantastic low frequency bass reproduction with bass boost button
• Foldable hinges for easy travel and storage
• Doctor Who-branded carry bag
U.S. Retailers Include:
Think Geek
Hammacher Schlemmer
Hot Topic
Hastings
Game Stop
BBC SHOP
WhoNA
Alien Entertainment
Amazon
Golden Apple
Other various online and book stores
U.S. & Canadian Distributors Include:
Diamond Comics
Entertainment Earth
Ingram Micro
Move over Walt Disney Concert Hall; there is a new iconic building and tourist attraction in Downtown Los Angeles and it is one awesome piece of work. Costing about $140 million to build, The Broad contemporary art museum is a giant honeycomb-looking structure housing 2,000 masterpieces from around the world.
The mega-gallery, which opened to the public on September 20, was developed by philanthropists and longtime art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad. “We built this collection and this museum so that contemporary art could be accessible to all,” says Eli Broad.
The Broad museum is a giant honeycomb-looking structure housing 2,000 masterpieces from around the world (picture courtesy of The Broad)
Located on Grand Avenue, in the art and cultural center of LA, The Broad’s unique and innovative design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro along with Gensler, rivals the shimmering, wavy architecture of it neighbor, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which was created by Frank Gheary.
“We wanted something that would not clash with Walt Disney Concert Hall, but we didn’t want it to be anonymous either and we found just what we were looking for in the design,” said Eli Broad, when construction on the project began two years ago.
Once the public enters The Broad they are transported upward by a 105-ft escalator (picture courtesy of The Broad)
What the architect created was a unique, three-story “vault-and-veil” design, with a strong, concrete and glass base surrounded by a flowing, honeycomb-shaped exterior component. With this style, the museum contrasts Disney’s shiny and smooth metallic finish by being porous and brittle and bringing in lots of natural light.
The exterior “veil” of the building is a structural exoskeleton comprised of 2,500 fiberglass reinforced concrete panels and 650 tons of steel that drape over The Broad and appear to lift up at two corners to expose street-level entrances. A highlight of the honeycomb exterior is the “oculus,” located in the center of the building on the Grand Avenue side. This architectural feature is a huge, curved indentation in the side of the building, making it look like it was hit by a giant golf ball.
The 120,000-sq-ft, three-story museum building houses nearly the entire Broad collection, while providing 15,000 sq-ft of exhibition space on the ground floor and 35,000 sq-ft of column-free space on the third floor, with filtered natural light from skylights and windows.
The “vault” component of the building is the heart of the interior, where the museum store’s its overflow of world-class art. The heavy, opaque volume of the “vault” is always in view, hovering midway in the building. Its carved underside shapes the lobby below and the public circulation routes.
Once the public enters The Broad from the street level, they are transported upward by a 105-ft escalator, tunneling through the vault toward the light above to arrive onto the third-floor gallery. Visitors then descend through the vault via a winding stair that offers glimpses into the vast holdings of the collection through overlook windows into storage areas.
“Our goal has been to honor the responsibilities of the museum as a collecting institution by making the curatorial functions visible front and center,” says Elizabeth Diller, principal-in-charge of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “The porous exoskeleton that we call the veil admits filtered natural daylight, channeling light into the public spaces and galleries.”
Besides the art inside the building, the construction of the new museum also brought improvements to the streetscape on Grand Avenue and the construction of public amenities such as a 24,000-sq-ft public plaza, landscaped with a grove of 100-year-old Barouni olive trees and a tilted lawn; a new mid-block crosswalk and planted median, connecting The Broad on the west side of Grand Avenue with MOCA and the Colburn School on the east; and a pair of wide stairs and an elevator connecting the plaza with the planned Hope Street Metro Regional Connector Rail station at 2nd Street.
At the western end of the plaza will be Otium, a new free-standing restaurant developed by Bill Chait and Chef Timothy Hollingsworth that will open later this fall. The Broad has also constructed a 155,000-sq-ft, three-story, 344-space, subterranean parking garage.
The Broad is located at is located at 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90012. For more information on visiting, call 213-232-6200 or visit: www.thebroad.org
Welcome to the Grand Daddy of all Halloween Events! Knott’s Scary Farm! Here you will have the chance to experience 11 haunted attractions, 2 live shows, and 3 scare zones where endless amounts of monsters rise through the fog to haunt your dreams! Here you will find reviews for all mazes, shows and scare zones to hopefully help guide you into what to experience first and maybe leave behind if you don’t have the time!
The Mazes:
Trick or Treat
This maze feels to be the shortest at Knott’s Scary Farm, but delivers a great punch with its theming and scares. The Green Witch takes residence in this spooky house and her tricksters are there to terrorize you through out her home. This maze has been around for a while, but it’s still consistent in delivering scares and pulling you into the story. The maze has been tweaked a little bit with two/three new rooms and they definitely add more depth and scares to this maze. What would I like to see changed or different? Keep it the Witch’s house and have her tricksters run around inside, but give the deadly seven a home in this maze and give each of them their own rooms. It would have given a brand new twist for the maze and it would be enjoyable for years to come!
Voodoo
Last year this maze was the most talked about maze with its “choose your path” layout. Now this year it has changed to one big long path where you get to experience all rooms and all scares without having to go through multiple times to get the path you want! Because even though they told you you got to choose your own path… You really didn’t. This was a much better and much improved maze from last year! The scares were on point and the theming is absolutely in incredible from experiencing hillbillies, zombies, and viewing sacrifices and voodoo rituals to raise the dead. I loved the maze this year and I definitely cannot wait to enter it again. It has improved greatly from last year and the ending wasn’t as abrupt and awkward! Kudos!
Paranormal Inc. NEW FOR 2015
If every maze at Knott’s Scary Farm can be this immersive and themed this incredibly well with stunning scares… It would blow Halloween Horror Nights out of the water. This maze has to be the most amazing maze I have ever been in and I don’t even know where to start! The beginning of the maze to the very end left me speechless! The whole haunted sanitarium works perfectly and I believe we are entering the world of the spirits. Whatever it is… AMAZING! My one gripe? Entering a maze in groups doesn’t work at Halloween Events in a theme park. It caused problems and back ups in Quarantine in 2008 and 2009. The back ups are caused with Trick or Treat and their small groups and it’s going to be a nightmare at this maze. Hopefully a more efficient system will be found with getting more groups into the maze quickly. Paranormal Inc. cast! Don’t lose your enthusiasm. You are easily the best maze of the year! I am still trying to keep my jaw up!
The Toothfairy
This is the second year The Toothfairy has visited the Scary Farm and it is, once again, not a maze to be missed! The only change that I noticed in the maze was the ending, which I prefer last years way more! The scenes are dark and twisted and seeing the children that the Toothfairy has kidnapped is definitely not easy to get through for most. I personally love this maze and it is easily a top 3 favorite for me. The lair you try to get through is no easy task with solid scares through out. Good work again to everyone in this maze, don’t lose your enthusiasm!
Pinocchio Unstrung
Any maze that has ever graced the Wilderness Dance Hall has always held one of my favorite themes and Pinocchio Unstrung is no different. The only unfortunate thing is that this maze has ran its course. The sets throughout the maze are still holding up strong! The props though have definitely seen better days and are falling apart. The scares were very minimal, but the ones we did experience were VERY good! I still enjoy this maze, but we hope to see a new theme in this maze next year.
Forevermore
Not only does the Wilderness Dance Hall hold mazes that are fan favorites, but the Mystery Lodge does as well! Forevermore is an amazing maze that has us following the route of the Forevermore Killer influenced by the writing legend, Edgar Allen Poe. This maze has been around for quite some time now and still is one of my favorites! I don’t like saying this, but even with the subtle layout changes that I enjoy, I’m ready for a new maze to take over. The scares in this maze were great here and there and hoping that the opening night jitters will soon fall through. This isn’t just in Forevermore, but the walk towards us and slam your hand on the wall or foot on the ground is not scary. It’s awkward and it makes us feel awkward. Be creative with your scares! Hide and pop out at us! That is what truly scares the guests more than anything!
My Bloody Clementine
Boy, is it great to see the monsters return to the mine ride! With a solid mining theme fit for the old west and amazing digital mapping, the mine ride brings a whole new life back to the Scary Farm. We understand that it is opening weekend and tweaks are being made to the attraction as well as the monsters finding their groove. We are sure that this will be a staple to Halloween Haunt.
Gunslinger’s Grave
Okay, Knott’s. I’m always down for a good Western themed maze to compliment Ghost Town, but this maze has never been a fan for me since the beginning. The addition of werewolves was okay and added a nice boost to the storyline, but it stills falls flat. The monsters in the beginning were absolutely great and without the Gunslinger’s in the beginning telling you what is going on, you would be completely lost with the story. When entering the saloon, there was only one older monster who does an amazing job with their scare, but everyone else in the saloon/bedroom just stood and sat there and stared at you while you walked by. This is where Universal comes in and does a better job with their scares. As much as I don’t like comparing the two, if this was a first maze for a first timer at Haunt. I would have left the house incredibly disappointed and would leave a bad taste in my mouth until I experienced other mazes. It’s time to put the ol’ Gunslinger in the Grave and start with a fresh new theme.
Dead of Winter NEW FOR 2015
Dead of Winter is a new maze housed inside the boardwalk ballroom. This maze wasn’t as scary as most, but the theming was great and the scare actors did their best with what they had to work with and that is always a plus in all haunted attractions. It’s definitely a beautiful maze! Keeping it cool and entering through ice caves that hold terrifying Viking warriors to the Snow Queen’s palace was quite a sight to behold. A lot of things, I felt, were found in Knott’s neighbor theme park (obviously) and some things didn’t make sense to help the story. A lot of these mazes (even with skeleton key) feels like you are missing the first chapter of their story. I wish there were tv’s or audio to help build the story line before entering the maze. Forevermore and Black Magic are the only ones I can honestly think of that help you understand the story.
Black Magic
Black Magic has always been one of my favorite mazes at the Halloween Haunt, but this year lacked with a small change to the maze layout this year. It took me away from the story a little bit, but it’s still a great maze to experience. With a little bit of time the monsters will find their groove and be top notch, but right now it seemed to fall a little flat with one or two scares actually making me jump. The new beginning seance room which used to be the old skeleton key room helps bring the story fully together and help us understand what we are experiencing without having to just throw us into the story. It’s a good start for this maze, but there is much need for improvement.
Scare Zones:
Ghost Town
The best scare some you will ever experience in any Halloween Event. The stage is already set for these terrifying creatures as Ghost Town takes on a new for after dark. The original sliders were found in this very scare zone and they are better than ever slipping and sliding all around you. What’s great about this scare zone are the different townspeople that inhabit this town and what creature they have transformed into by the Green Witch. I can sit in this scare zone for hours and just watch how amazing these monsters can scare!
Fiesta Village
This was a scare zone we didn’t really get a chance to spend much time in, but from what we did experience. The monsters were absolutely fantastic! They timed their scares perfectly and worked with their surrounding areas with ease! What an awesome scare zone added to Haunt!
CarnEvil
The monsters in this scare zone are always fun to watch and is the hardest scare zone to scare in because of how well lit it is in there. The monsters, just like Ghost Town, has a wide band of characters from circus performers, freak show creatures and animals! What is the most disappointing thing about this scare zone is is that the theming is very slim to none. More circus theming in this scare zone would definitely be a great sight to see!
Shows:
Elvira’s Asylum
It’s always fantastic to have one of the greatest Halloween icons grace her presence for us at Knott’s Scary Farm and Elvira is new different. From her scandalous jokes and the dancers fun and modern dances to more scandalous jokes and awesome acrobatics scattered throughout. This show is definitely not to be missed if you’re a fan of Elvira or you just want some time to rest your feet for a show. This show wasn’t as strong as last year in my opinion, but you can never not see Elvira! It’s still a fun show!
The Hanging
The staple show of Halloween Haunt has returned with its countless amounts of screwed humor and blood splatter! Make fun of today’s media and celebrities, the hanging leaves no stone unturned in offending the audience with its hilarious sexual jokes, violent deaths and fight scenes! If you’re not easily offended by these types of jokes, the hanging is a great way to have a laugh in between all the scares you will experience through out the park. Was I happy with who they hung this year? Yes, I was! Should multiple terrible human beings have been hung?! Oh yes! But one is better than none!
Haunt has definitely improved their Haunting game and hopefully with time, they will be back on top of the game! Paranormal Inc. Should be the prime example of what all mazes should be and I know Knott’s Scary Farm can make all mazes as detailed and terrifying as this maze! It was another amazing year and I cannot wait to be back!!!
Sparkling 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration Will Continue to Thrill Guests With Dazzling Nighttime Shows in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks
The Disneyland Resort will continue its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration through Summer 2016, extending the three spectacular after-dark shows created for the special anniversary – the “Paint the Night” parade, the immersive “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show and the all-new “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.” The exciting celebration, which also features sparkling décor, themed food and merchandise, will conclude on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5, 2016.
For six decades, the Disneyland Resort has explored the frontiers of immersive storytelling and entertainment technology, bringing exciting attractions and inventive entertainment to life for guests from around the world.
For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Mickey Mouse and some of his friends are dressed up in sparkling Diamond Celebration costumes, and the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure Park are glistening with diamond medallions. Ingenious new window displays at the Main Street Emporium in Disneyland provide additional Diamond Celebration surprises, and even the resort cast members, who help make the magic for every guest, have a bit of extra sparkle in their Diamond Celebration name tags.
The three new nighttime entertainment spectaculars raise the bar on creativity and entertainment technology, and they have been enchanting Disneyland Resort guests since they debuted May 22, 2015.
In Disneyland Park:
“Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade” – This luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.” With dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances, fun surprises and spectacular floats, “Paint the Night” is more vibrant than any parade in 60 years at the Disneyland Resort. Even the choreography glows, as parade performers light up with their props and costumes. Tinker Bell leads the procession in a magical, musical overture, closely followed by a float reminiscent of the giant bass drum that led the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Lightning McQueen races in with his buddy Mack Truck, who makes a hefty impression at 54-feet long, covered from headlights to tail pipe in gleaming light. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” glide through the night in a shimmering palace of ice and snow, and beloved characters from “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Toy Story” appear, with Mickey and his pals creating a breathtaking grand finale.
“Disneyland Forever,” presented by Honda – The dazzling fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. One minute they will be standing on Main Street, U.S.A., and the next they could be stampeding across Simba’s Pride Lands, dancing with King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” traveling “Under the Sea” with the Little Mermaid, flying over London with Peter Pan, dripping in honey with Pooh in a whimsical dream of heffalumps and woozles, or shivering as Queen Elsa brings a glimmering blanket of snow over Disneyland.
For the first time in Disneyland fireworks history, Nemo from the Disney●Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo,” “just keeps swimming” in the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, as the Matterhorn is transformed into the fiery peak of Mt. Wannahockaloogie, a special monument from that film. Two original songs enrich the show: the “Disneyland Forever” theme “Live the Magic,” and the inspiring closing song “A Kiss Goodnight,” written by another Disney Legend, Richard M. Sherman, and sung by Ashley Brown, star of the Broadway production of “Mary Poppins.” The “stage” for “Disneyland Forever” fireworks extends from the sky above to the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., the façade of “it’s a small world,” the Matterhorn and mist screens along the Rivers of America, with specially designed digital projections offering guests different experiences at each location.
In Disney California Adventure Park:
“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas to entertain guests in this fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular in Disney California Adventure. Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate!” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score. Guests take an inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments around the world and the dream of Disneyland. “World of Color – Celebrate!” reminds guests that, if they always hold onto their dreams, anything is possible.
Disneyland Diamond Days** Offers Dazzling Prizes
Disneyland Diamond Days – an exciting text-in-for-a-chance-to-win sweepstakes – awards daily and weekly prizes as part of the Diamond Celebration. Weekly prizes include authentic one and two-carat diamonds that are custom-engraved for Disney. The one-carat diamonds are paired with a stay in the Disneyland Dream suite. Additional weekly prizes include a bejeweled crown inspired by the Disney film “Sleeping Beauty,” and private experiences in the park such as a party in Fantasyland or an exotic Jungle Cruise dinner package. The available prize will vary each week. Daily prizes also will be awarded during the Diamond Celebration, and each daily prize package for that day includes an individualized tour of the parks with dining, preferred access to select attractions, and VIP viewing at some of the dazzling, new nighttime spectaculars. Daily prize winners must be present on the Disneyland Resort premises at the time of entry and at the time of prize redemption in order to be able to enjoy these special experiences and theme park admission is not necessary to enter or win a prize in the sweepstakes. Further details may be found at Disneyland.com/Diamond Days.
Entertainment, Dining and Shopping Experiences Add to the Celebration
The popular, nighttime “Mad T Party” has been transformed into the sparkling “Diamond Mad T Party,” featuring dazzling decor, interactive fun, dancing and delectable food and drink.
Restaurants and food carts in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure offer drinks and cupcakes specially created for the Diamond Celebration, and drinks are available in “Made with Magic” sippers which light up to accompany the new after-dark shows. Additional “Made with Magic” merchandise items include newly designed ear hats, wands and paint brushes.
More than 500 merchandise items were specially created for the Diamond Celebration, including apparel, accessories, art, collectibles, headwear, home décor, jewelry, pins, souvenirs, toys and more. They can be found at shops throughout Disneyland Resort, including Disney Showcase and Main Street Emporium in Disneyland, Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure, World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District and more.
The Diamond Celebration invites resort guests to experience the dawning of a new era of Disney magic while enjoying the memory-making magic that has always been at the heart of a Disneyland Resort visit. Now, more than ever, the Disneyland Resort is the place where dreams come true.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C., Mexico and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age of majority as of date of entry. Sweepstakes ends 6:59 AM PT on 2/5/16. Each day, the daily drawing entry period starts at 7:00 AM PT and ends at 10:59 AM PT. Each week, the weekly drawing entry period starts Friday at 7:00AM PT and ends at 6:59 AM PT the following Friday. Each eligible daily entry automatically entered into applicable weekly drawing and final prize drawing. Limit one (1) sweepstakes entry per person per day (from 7:00 AM PT to 6:59 AM PT the next day), regardless of method of entry.
Enter daily drawing by correctly texting word of the day to short code 227853 (Castle) or by using sponsor tablet (available only at the Disneyland® Resort (“Resort”)). Word of the day can be found in ungated areas of the Resort (areas of Resort that do not require paid admission) or at http://www.Disneyland.com/DiamondDays (the “Sweeps Site”). Entrant must be physically present at the Resort premises (which includes ungated areas) at the time of entry into daily drawing. Potentialdaily drawing winners will be notified (via text or phone) at approx. 11:00 AM PT each day andmust contact Sponsor within 60 minutes of notification or prize will be forfeited. Daily prize can only be claimed on Resort premises and only on the same day as entry. Entrants may enter the weekly drawing via text, sponsor tablet or online (at the Sweeps Site). Only certain prizes determined by the Sponsor will be awarded in any given week; specific prizes to be awarded in the weekly drawing will be announced online at the Sweeps Site the preceding week. Correct word of the day must be included in all eligible entries.
Msg. & data rates may apply. One response text confirming receipt will be sent upon text entry and potential winner may receive a notification text. Text entries from Mexican phone carriers may not be possible in the U.S. For Official Rules including full details on how to enter, free alternate methods of entry, full list of prizes, privacy policy and notification, visit http://www.Disneyland.com/DiamondDays. For help, reply HELP to short code 227853. Sponsor: Disney Memories, 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, U.S.A.
At Disney Parks, they are preparing to celebrate the excitement around all things Star Wars with brand-new themed experiences. Guests in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park in Southern California will soon be able to experience their favorite Star Wars stories when Season of the Force begins November 16.
Season of the Force at Disneyland park will take guests to a galaxy far, far away with these special experiences:
Star Wars Launch Bay
This new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens and much more. Here’s a look inside!
Choose Your Destiny with Special Character Experiences
Dark Side – Encounter one of the most iconic villains from Star Wars, Darth Vader.
Light Side – Fly casual at this makeshift Rebel base, and meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
Explore the Dark and the Light in Themed Galleries
Dark Side Gallery – Get a look at authentic pieces of stormtrooper armor as well as famous Sith lightsabers once wielded by masters of the dark side.
Light Side Gallery – Explore a gallery filled with Rebel flight helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi Knights.
Preview Gallery – See props from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Starship Gallery – Discover models of famous starships and their pilots from throughout the Star Wars saga.
Join the Battle in the Star Wars Game Center – Play the latest games from the Star Wars galaxy, including Disney Infinity 3.0 – featuring park-exclusive Toy Box levels.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Coming in December, experience a twist on the Jedi Training experience when you will encounter new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
This popular attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Limited-Time Experiences
Hyperspace Mountain – Climb aboard a reimagined Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle.
Revisit favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films at Tomorrowland Theater.
Try new themed food.
Choose your side during Season of the Force, beginning November 16 at Disneyland park in California. And keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for dates and details on these new Star Wars experiences coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Details on Season of the Force, Coming November 16 to Disneyland Park in California by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Disney Infinity: Toy Box 3.0 app is now available for free for iOS, Android and Amazon devices. The new app delivers Disney Infinity’s Toy Box mode, with console-like graphics and functionality, tailored for mobile devices and tablets.
Mobile has consistently been the most popular platform for Disney Infinity in terms of the number of players, and the overall engagement of the community. In fact, mobile players upload and download more Disney Infinity Toy Boxes through mobile devices and tablets than on any other platform.
Disney Infinity: Toy Box 3.0 app has been packed with many of the most popular new areas of the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Toy Box mode, including the Toy Box Hub, the El Capitan community center and farming simulation. Also, we were sure to include all of the popular existing Toy Box features, such as Toy Box sharing, networked multiplayer, INteriors and of course, players can unlock toys and Power Discs in new Daily Challenge mini-adventures.
This becomes a seamless community experience for players, and with that in mind, Toy Box 3.0 players can easily share Toy Box creations with friends and the community on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Wii U. Mobile players will also be able to download and play any of the Toy Box levels created on console.
For those who already play Disney Infinity on console, you can unlock your existing characters via web codes that are included in the packaging with the figures. Mobile players will have access to all of the Disney Infinity characters, as well as the Toy Box Speedway Expansion Game via in-app purchase. And three new trial characters will be available for free each week.
In addition, the Toy Box 3.0 app features forward-compatibility for all 1.0 and 2.0 characters – so you will be able to bring all of your favorites from previous installments of the game into new Toy Box creations.
Ridley Scott’s directorial return since Exodus has The Academy taking notice as The Martian seeks Oscar contention with a near flawless screenplay, captivating acting and an upbeat film that otherwise had potential for hopelessness. The Martian wins audiences over with many victories that it’s counterparts have failed at in recent survival drama genre films. It’s able to pull hearts with a fresh take sans a predictable story of a man that is trying to get home to his family. Instead Ridley Scott follows the novel without trying to add sympathy by having a loving wife or family that drives the lead Matt Damon for survival. The audience is treated to survival story of an incredibly endearing big-headed, yet still humble, man that battles impossibility for his fight for his own life and the greater good.
The Martian follows astronaut and crew botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) on a manned mission to Mars where a terrible storm gets the Ares 3 team into trouble and must abort their mission. The violent storm takes Watney out with debris, and in a rush to get out before the rest of the crew is stuck, they must abandon the presumed dead Watney and launch back home on a 400+ day return trip to Earth. Wantey awakens injured and all alone on a decollate planet to fight for his survival with minimal supplies while attempting to some way notify Earth millions of miles away he is still alive.
While some may cringe at my comparisons, The Martian is the today’s space version of Castaway though with a entirely additional plot of the rescue party. Instead of having nearly no dialogue, the movie intelligently devises a need for Matt Damon’s character to speak often with him documenting his every move with video logs and GoPros with added comedic lines scattered throughout the entire film. The film is actually quite hilarious that had the audience laughing out loud much of the movie keeping the audience engaged and happy.
Much of this is part to Matt Damon’s character being an endearing little brat that keeps much of the snarky dialogue from the novel. Watney takes light to much of his situation and finds the humor in much of the setbacks but stays committed to himself not dying on the planet. Damon proves to be someone that can hold a movie all alone, but to the films benefit we are actually treated to a giant ensemble cast that’s witty and just as interesting.
Ridley Scott finds the perfect ratio of time spent alone with Matt Damon on Mars to the team on Earth working on Watney’s rescue. The NASA team is lead by Director of NASA Teddy Sanders (Jeff Daniels), a true leader that is in it for the right reasons but remains pessimistic on Watney’s saving until it seems feasible in the latter, but is counterweighted by his team that believes in what is morally right opposed to the PR correct decisions.
Mitch Henderson (Sean Bean) provides the sound and opposite dispositions to Sanders along with the comedic relief from assistant Annie Montrose (Kristen Wiig) that brings the peoples voice to the screen of the clear PR problems NASA will face. An ultimately pointless character except to add the “WTF” moments to ridiculousness of the rescue mission and the idea that they left Watney for dead unknowingly. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slace) also counteracts much of NASA decisions and is ultimately the saving grace to find a way to communicate with Watney.
The Ares 3 mission crew remains sidelined for much of the movie until the second half featuring the likes of Jessica Chastain, fan favorite Michael Pena, and Kate Mara that are supported by several others that all provide superb acting. Watney’s crew provides the emotional impact needed for the films success with the focus on their feelings about leaving their crew member behind while still wanting to do everything they can even if that means putting their own lives at risk.
While The Martian is scientifically sound and stays relatively realistic in a world that I am not actually familiar with myself, it’s a far cry from the impressiveness of Alfonso Guano’s Gravity or the terribly confusing and overly complicated Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. In a way this is one of its strong points as the movie remains smart and intelligent, but also doesn’t alienate its audience. There is an abundance of scientific jargon that doesn’t get lost or lose its watchability. In fact, the movie is pretty matter-of-fact and isn’t really about the actual mission to bring Watney home but rather how Watney copes with being alone on a planet for nearly 4 years.
Another annoying comparison would be to think Apollo 13 after the iconic “Houston, we have a problem.” You have the crew at Mission Control and NASA trying to find solutions much like the classic ‘round tube in a square hole’ dilemma while NASA also faces moral challenges for the best way to save the man left behind. The film stays intriguing as it is almost a how-to educational film of what to do if you find yourself stuck on a planet all alone. While that’s nothing you or I will ever have to face, it is entertaining to see how Watney and the NASA team overcomes each obstacle that comes their way.
The film shines with cinematography from Dariusz Wolski (known for Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Alice in Wonderland) with scenic views of the red planet that are unbelievably realistic blurring the distinction from live sets to CGI driven scenes. The space shots are large but are not focused on the beauty that Gravity found, but rather focuses on the space ship and weightlessness one would find inside a space station. Never did it feel like it was trying to showcase the effects and instead uses them strictly for providing a natural believable setting.
The entire film remained enjoyable on every level from start to finish in this 2 hour 21 minute film that never felt to drag or have a loss of pace. While a big movie, yes, it never felt too big or too epic for what it truly was. Space was its setting, and while there are plenty of action sequences and epic disasters, it never felt too big. It pulls the audience to each scene, but doesn’t make anything too incredible where the viewers couldn’t grasp the magnitude of what’s happening on the screen.
This Oscar-worthy film has ample amount of powerful acting and a solid screenplay/adaptation. While I hear the ending is slightly different from the novel, I don’t feel anyone will be let down. Every aspect is solid and I have no doubt Damon should be getting some nominations along with several actors in the supporting cast. It’s a journey that I will surely be taking again.
It may have caught you by surprised, but Halloween is amongst us. It’s that time again with random haunted houses popping up all over Los Angeles and haunted attractions taking over many Southern California theme parks. Universal Studios Hollywood has already kicked off its season with their annual frightening Halloween Horror Nights with several new mazes and upgrades to popular repeats from recent years. Halloween Horror Nights is known for its quality and superior scare scenarios in its mazes. This year is no different with elaborate set pieces, well-known movie scenes brought to life, and more monsters than ever before.
Halloween Horror Nights 2015 features a slew of new attractions including: a new terrifying and ornate maze by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro in “Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness”; an improved and longest maze to date to be based off the Emmy-Award winning series “The Walking Dead”; “This is the End 3D,” the first-ever 3D horror-comedy maze; “Insidious: Return to the Further”; the return of Michael Myers to Horror Nights in “Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home”; a new Terror Tram experience based off the popular “The Purge” franchise; an all-new show from the popular hip hop dance group, Jabbawockeez, and of course fantastic new Scare Zones scattered throughout.
This years event is by far an improvement to last year, but fans of the successful haunted event may still find it a little lackluster and perhaps a little chaotic. Universal Studios Hollywood has been challenged with constant construction over the past couple years with the construction of Springfield from The Simpsons last year and the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter land set to open next spring along with the loss of former maze locations like the former queue of Terminator 2: 3D, now Minion Mayhem.
To facilitate a good compromise has been made by having 2 mazes featured in the world famous Universal Studios Backlot. While it’s incredibly cool to be on location of many movies and a working studio, it can be quite the trek to get to these mazes. Last year guests had to hike out down a hill and through an underground passage just to wait in another healthy line, but thankfully this year Universal Studios has added a tram pickup to take you down to “Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness” and “AVP: Alien vs. Predator” with a little added surprise waiting for you when you’re dropped off.
I will share my thoughts on each maze, but for those of you that have not had the pleasure of visiting Halloween Horror Nights I did want to mention that many of their popular everyday attractions are open for the event with sometimes shorter than normal waits. Opening night saw Transformers hovering around 10 minutes and many other attractions around the 30 minute mark. However, it is worth mentioning most mazes tend to have an hour or longer wait times. I HIGHLY recommend the front of line option, which is an additional fee and bring your total ticket cost over $150, but it’s well worth it and ensures you will get to see everything. Believe me when I say you do no not want to spend two hours waiting in these un-themed temporary queues for an event only 6-7 hours long.
Guillermo del Toro Presents Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness
Crimson Peak is inspired by the visionary filmmaker who directed, co-wrote and produced the upcoming October 16 Legendary and Universal Pictures feature film. The three-dimensional living replica of the film is designed to send guests spiraling through the chilling world and into the footsteps of Crimson Peak’s lead character, Edith Cushing, first as they venture from her home in America, then to the decaying and haunted Allerdale Hall mansion in a remote English countryside.
This is probably the most impressive maze with incredible sets and detail that will surely wow you. With plenty of actors and scares, this one had me in awe when I walked out. This hits the mark and it’s about a story we don’t even know yet. It’s basically a walk-thru trailer.
Insidious: Return to the Further
This year the Insidious maze takes snippets from all three films, which investigates unexplained phenomena in the Lambert family’s eerie Victorian home as guests find themselves at a séance that unleashes chaos and horror. They’ll journey into “The Further” – a supernatural realm that houses tormented spirits – and face deadly ghosts and demons like the Woman in Black and Oxygen Mask Demon, that will stop at nothing to infiltrate the world of the living.
Sounds impressive, but while some great scenery and interior decorating was had, Insidious wont be your must do if your rush. Still definitely enjoyable and I find myself really liking these mazes with realistic home interiors, which leads us to Halloween…
Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home
Michael has returned, and in a big way! Inspired around Michael’s first kill on that fateful Halloween night in 1963 where he brutally stabbed his sister to death. The scene is relived from the outside with a great moving silhouette in the window. After entering the detailed house facade, you are entered into Michael’s world with countless details spread through every room.
This is the first maze you’ll come across and only one on the upper lot this. It gets a line quick, but this is one I would love to do multiple times. I’m not going to spoil it for you, but there are a hell of a lot of actors in this one.
The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far
The Walking Dead has returned, yet again, but Universal Studios has upped the ante. This years maze isn’t just the longest haunted house ever based off AMC’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television series, but also the longest ever built by at Universal Studios Hollywood. This all-new maze will feature twice as many walkers and is based around the 5th season. Fans of the show will absolutely love some very memorable scenes recreated for this maze.
This is the End 3D
While the concept seemed perfect, it unfortunately failed to impress. This is the End 3D is the first ever maze based off a true comedy-horror film, and while some scenes were comical, the concept fell short. The rooms seemed a little small and unimpressive. Part of this was due to the paint that’s need to create the 3D effect, which always makes these mazes seem cheaper and a sense that they were made on a whim. I still like the idea and how some scenes from the movie are actually played out for you, but as we left the consensus from others was “that was awful”. For those of you that hate the smells they use in the mazes, this is by far the worst. I swear I was smelling B.O. for the rest of the night, and it wasn’t me, I think.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator
The impressive and terrifying AVP: Alien vs. Predator maze is back by popular demand. It is almost a repeat from last year but has made some improvements. I always enjoy when they make inside feel like outside, especially being it’s a temporary haunted house. This maze features excellent detail and superior props along with great costumes and monstrous sized scares. Definitely worth a return visit, plus this is built within a true soundstage. Maybe take a moment and think of all the shows that have filmed there too.
Terror Tram: Survive the Purge
The all-new Terror Tram experience, inspired by Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film series The Purge, invites guests to a disturbing “Purge Party”. That tram lures guests into this Purge viewing party for those that do not wish to take part in The Purge, but are quickly informed of our tour guides trickery and that there is indeed no party. It’s a trap!
Well, I am glad it wasn’t The Walking Dead again, but it’s basically the same thing from every year past. They attempted to build some new sets and walk-thru areas, but ultimately it is the same old, same old. It’s always cool to walk through The War of the Worlds set, but at this point they need to do something drastically different for the future. If you have never done it though, then it’s still a must-do.
The most disappointing part however is the tram routes around King Kong 360 3D and Fast and Furious Supercharged. I guess it would be a challenge to have the 3D glasses handed out, but they could still do this after The Purge and before you re-board your tram.
Jabbawockeez
Bill & Ted are no where to be found again, but the award-winning hip hop dance group the Jabbawockeez have landed at the Halloween Horror Nights. It’s a fun high-energy show that really appeals to the younger audience with a vague storyline that is set to popular music of today. While it starts off with them wearing familiar masks from Horror Nights, it quickly becomes just a long synchronize dance number. There is some comedy and good audience participation, but ultimately it’s not a show for everyone. For a dance group with so much critical acclaim, I wasn’t that impressed though I still enjoyed myself.
Scare Zones:
The scare zones are well decorative and actually have a ton of detail. Most will go unseen though as everyone will be running through to avoid the cleverly created monsters and be fanning the fog out of their faces. However, I was impressed with the number of scarers in each zone. Sadly, due to the construction in the front of possibly a smaller walkway, the entry was missing the master of ceremonies we have seen in years past. I’m guessing he will return in the future.
• “The Purge: Urban Nightmare,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ disturbing blockbuster films, will greet guests with pure unadulterated fear, bringing to life the turmoil and pandemonium that awaits those vulnerable to masked vigilantes in search of new victims during the government’s annually sanctioned killing spree.
• “Exterminatorz” introduces hideous hybrid creatures—part pests, part human—spawned from years of dangerous chemicals recklessly dumped down the drains by irresponsible humans. These now persecuted pests arise from the cesspools to turn the tables and retaliate on their human oppressors.
• “Corpz” features an army of decaying World War I soldiers known as “The Lost Generation,” who have risen from their dank, muddy graves to haunt the streets of old Paris.
• Krampus, the demonic Christmas Devil, returns in “Dark Christmas,” a Pagan-themed scare zone where demonic creatures hunt disobedient children and drag them to hell.
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is still your most elaborate and impressive haunt event, but it comes at a cost. If done right, it can be worth it, but expect to shell out over $150 for a pass with Front of Line attached to it otherwise admission will run $60-$80 online. It’s a better event than last year and the mazes are still strong with some breakout stars, but there is a park down the 5 that just might get you a better bang for your buck.
Halloween Horror Nights run until November 1st.
Nothing puts me in vacation mode like a big, luxurious hotel room overlooking a sparkling pool and a bunch of palm trees. And if the room is part of the Hyatt brand of hotels, and is located in an exclusive resort community in the Palm Springs area, then it’s all just icing on the Molten lava chocolate cake.
My getaway to the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa began recently when a friend and I checked into a magnificent 5th floor penthouse suite overlooking said pool and trees. I should note that the suites here are so nice, that in 2013, President Xi of China stayed in one!
The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa sits on 45 acres of lush garden acres of trees, ponds and bridges
Decorated in soft, desert earth tones, our 945-sq-ft, modern suite featured extra-wide, double entry doors and came with a classy living area with a large sectional couch that can double as a sofa bed, a 47” wall-mounted flat screen TV, a dining room with seating for four, and a kitchen area with a granite wet bar and integrated refrigerator and a half bathroom.
The penthouse’s master bedroom is partitioned by French doors with etched privacy glass and features a comfy king bed, another large flat screen TV, an office desk area with free wireless Internet and a wall of windows looking over the resort. The master bathroom is also a work of art, boasting a huge sunken tub, frameless glass shower and dual vessel sinks.
The interior of the room is definite luxury, but the highlight for me was the gigantic balcony overlooking the pool area, hotel grounds and the gorgeous Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains in the distance.
Suites at the Hyatt boast incredible views of the hotel grounds and the gorgeous Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains
When not lounging in the hip, jet set room, we were relaxing poolside or enjoying the rest of the hotel property. Nestled on 45 acres of lush garden acres of trees, ponds and bridges, the 530-room Hyatt resort is a quintessential Palm Springs experience. Hotel highlights include seven swimming pools, including a water slide and adult pool with cabanas; tennis, biking, badminton, bocce ball & table tennis facilities; four restaurants and bars; an 88,000 sq-ft of indoor and outdoor function space; two world-class golf courses; a Camp Hyatt kid’s club; and the full-service Agua Serena Spa.
Spanish for tranquil waters, Agua Serena is an oasis at the Hyatt. Replete with private garden patios, trickling fountains, and incredible views of the onsite lake and nearby mountains, the spa offers numerous treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind. My visit was highlighted by an hour-long deep tissue, athletic restoration muscle rub that invigorated my whole body and relieved discomfort from lactic acid build-up with cross fiber muscular technique and stretching.
The Agua Serena Spa is an oasis with private garden patios, trickling fountains and numerous rejuvenating treatments
After the massage, I met my friend for dinner at Lantana Restaurant, the hotel’s signature dining spot. While sitting on the terrace, overlooking the golf course, we began our meal with fried calamari, with tempura breading, jalapeños and cilantro citrus aiol, along with a couple glasses of merlot from Napa Valley.
For our main courses we devoured wild caught seared sea scallops with herb polenta, pickled carrot and tomato jam; and a succulent,12oz, grilled Tomahawk Pork Chop with cherry chutney and sautéed green beans. For dessert we split a memorable molten chocolate cake with liquid bittersweet chocolate truffle center, and vanilla ice cream.
Lantana Restaurant is the Hyatt’s signature dining spot
After dinner, we grabbed a drink at Agave Sunset, the resort’s signature tequila bar and lounge. Located next to the hotel lobby, the lounge features desert-inspired cocktails, an impressive wine collection, and the resort’s private-label Agave Sunset tequila. This premium double barrel tequila was created by Herradura especially for Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. In addition to signature drinks, Agave Sunset bar and lounge offers Southwest bar fare.
When we left Agave Sunset, the desert night was so warm and comforting that we put on our swimsuits and took a dip in the sparkling, lighted pool. In the morning, we were back at Lantana’s for breakfast. This time, I experienced a tasty salmon frittata with egg whites, cream cheese and capers, and my friend had chorizo and eggs.
The Hyatt Indian Wells boasts 7 pools among other luxury amenities
Anki, the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) company continues its revolution in the world of play today with the release of Anki OVERDRIVE in the U.S. and Canada. Utilizing the power of robotics and AI, Anki is able to bring a previously unattainable level of intelligence and gameplay to the physical world, blending the best of toys and videogames into a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
In Anki OVERDRIVE, players take control of the Supercars of the future via handheld mobile devices as they battle and race against friends, family or AI controlled commanders. The game introduces an innovative magnetic modular track system that allows gamers to custom build epic battlefields within seconds. Challenge friends in a variety of game modes, or, go head-to-head with elite AI commanders in a quest to become champion of the Anki OVERDRIVE Tournament. On the road to victory, players can kick their skills into overdrive by customizing their Supercar’s speed, weapons, and defenses through in-game upgrades.
“This has been an exciting journey for us as we’ve embarked into a new territory of consumer robotics,” said Boris Sofman, Anki co-founder and CEO. “Last year, we were very fortunate to see a tremendous response to Anki DRIVE, but that was just the beginning. We’ve taken that original concept and improved on it in every single way to bring a new level of physical play that further blends the worlds of robotics, toys, and videogames into something truly magical. Anki OVERDRIVE means so much more to us in that it not only represents the future of how we play but how these technologies can help enhance our daily lives.”
After launch, exciting new game modes and features will be available on a rolling basis at no additional cost. Anki OVERDRIVE is also backwards-compatible. Owners of the original Anki DRIVE will be able to download the Anki OVERDRIVE app for free and use Anki DRIVE cars and tracks in specific modes of Anki OVERDRIVE.
The Anki OVERDRIVE Starter Kit will retail at $149.99 and will come with two Supercars and 10 separate modular FlexTrack pieces, allowing gamers to build eight different battle courses. Players will also be able to expand their battlefield by adding expansion pieces to the starter kit to build massive megatracks with endless variations and new gameplay possibilities. Expansion track packs and accessories vary between US $10.00 – $30.00 per pack and expansion robotic Supercars retail at $49.99. For additional information on the game or to find participating retailers carrying Anki OVERDRIVE, please visit www.anki.com.
‘Paint the Night’ Parade, ‘Disneyland Forever’ Fireworks and ‘World of Color: Celebrate!’ Bring More Merriment to Holidays 2015 at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort will deliver the Holidays with a shimmering sprinkle of Diamond Celebration pixie dust this year beginning Friday, Nov. 13, as holiday festivities are added to the ongoing 60th anniversary celebration. The holiday season will offer unforgettable entertainment, attractions, food and gift items day and night at the Disneyland Resort through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.
In addition to traditional Disneyland Resort holiday attractions like “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” and “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, guests at the Disneyland Resort will enjoy all of the spectacular new nighttime Diamond Celebration spectaculars: “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks in Disneyland Park, plus “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” in Disney California Adventure Park, which will be presented most nights along with the popular holiday version, “World of Color – Winter Dreams.”
Holiday time at the Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many guests, filled with the merriment and magical memories of the season. This year, the sparkling excitement of Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment adds to the holiday excitement throughout the resort. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure bring extra glitter to the season with diamond highlights on their facades.
The Disneyland Resort holiday traditions include soaring Christmas trees in Town Square, Disneyland, and Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure, along with visits by Santa Claus to both parks, and holiday food and merchandise items. Additional highlights include:
In Disneyland:
“A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a Disneyland holiday treasure, presents Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and an array of Disney characters celebrating the holiday season. The daytime parade features 100-plus performers including Santa Claus, who brings jolly holiday wishes from the North Pole. After dark, the Diamond Celebration “Paint the Night” parade will bring its own brand of glittering magic to Disneyland, with dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances and spectacular floats. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights,
“Disneyland Forever” – The dazzling, new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort, with pyrotechnics, original music and viewing locations throughout Disneyland Park. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects.
“it’s a small world” Holiday offers a worldwide celebration of the season, with more than 300.000 twinkling lights on the attraction’s façade. Inside, animated dolls representing children of many nations are dressed in holiday attire, singing holiday songs as well as the classic “It’s a Small World After All.”
Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a spooky but lighthearted mashup of the Halloween and Christmas holidays as imagined by Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures animated classic Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Continuing an annual tradition, a new gingerbread house is created each year for the Mansion, adding a humorous touch to the ballroom scene. This year, the gingerbread house design features gingerbread men constructing a teetering “house of cards.”
Jingle Cruise, an instantly popular addition in 2014, returns to take adventurous guests on a fun-filled expedition. They discover a cargo of holiday gifts and decorations that have been jettisoned over the jungles of the celebrated Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland.
In Disney California Adventure:
For the first time, two splendid versions of the “World of Color” spectacular will be presented most nights during the Holiday season, on Paradise Bay. The nighttime water show with animation, film, music, fountains and special effects is fully programmable, allowing guests to enjoy different experiences. The holiday-themed show, “World of Color − Winter Dreams,” features Olaf the snowman along with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films such as “Bambi,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” the blockbuster Disney film. For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, “World of Color – Celebrate” pays a fun, colorful, surprise-filled tribute to Walt Disney, whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters. Guests may check the park schedule for show times.
“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” is a daily celebration of Latino culture and holiday traditions with music, dancing, vibrant colors and delicious food. Disney characters join the fun in the lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”
“Olaf’s Snow Fest” celebrates its return to Hollywood Land with Olaf, the comical snowman from “Frozen.” Stage 17 is transformed into a charming castle courtyard inspired by the “Frozen” kingdom of Arendelle. Kids of all ages have fun in a giant wintry play area with real snow where they are encouraged to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. Guests who wish to observe the icy fun will have a nearby viewing area. Music and storytelling entertainment will be presented throughout the day.
The residents of Radiator Springs will welcome guests with a “snowcar” at the entrance of Cars Land. Each address along the roadway into the land – Flo’s V8 Café, Fillmore’s Taste-In, Cozy Cone Motel and more – will feature holiday decorations reflecting the personalities of the “Cars” character who lives there.
Flik and his buddies decorate “a bug’s land” with giant Christmas lights and holiday ornaments, adding to the festive spirit.
In the Downtown Disney District, guests may take a break from their holiday shopping and dining to go skating on “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” The Downtown Disney Winter Village around the ice rink will offer shoppers holiday gift items sold from the windows of the charming village houses.
The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris [Shailene Woodley] and Four [Theo James] into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before.
After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, Jeff Daniels, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Keiynan Lonsdale, Jonny Weston, Mekhi Phifer, Daniel Dae Kim, Nadia Hilker and Bill Skarsgård Directed by: Robert Schwentke Based on: The novel “Allegiant” by Veronica Roth Produced by: Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Pouya Shahbazian
Disney+ has announced that an all-new episode of “The Simpsons” is now streaming exclusively on the streaming service. The full-length episode, titled “Yellow Planet,”...
