Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is best in Quality

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September 22, 2015

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.

Relaxing at the Luxurious Hyatt in Indian Wells

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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September 21, 2015

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

For more information on staying at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, visit: http://www.indianwells.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html. For more information on visiting Indian Wells, go to: www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/

Anki OVERDRIVE Races into Retail Stores in preparation for Holiday Rush

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 21, 2015

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.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort Deliver Extra Dazzle with the Diamond Celebration, Nov. 13 Through Jan. 6

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 16, 2015

‘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 60^th 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 DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT – Teaser Trailer

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 15, 2015

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's THE JUNGLE BOOK- Trailer

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 15, 2015

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016.

Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight Brings Match-3 Puzzle Play to Console and PC

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 15, 2015

With the launch of Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight, Disney Interactive is bringing the fun of one of Disney¹s most popular mobile titles, Frozen Free Fall, to the living room with 195 FREE levels. This new title for console and PC delivers the fun match-3 style puzzles fans love plus an exciting multi-player mode that¹s perfect for competitions with family and friends.

Frozen Free Fall has been downloaded more than 100 million times, and combined players have spent more than 62 billion minutes playing the game, which is more than all the time fans have spent watching Frozen in theatres.

By re-imagining the title for new platforms, Disney Interactive is brining the gameplay fans love to a whole new audience. Disney Interactive is committed to creating new experiences for family gamers and will continue to explore new distribution methods and monetization models.

The only free-to-play match-3 style game available on console, Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight lets players match colorful ice crystals and unleash power-ups to progress through challenging levels and unlock new characters including Marshmallow and more! Multi-player mode also lets fans compete with friends and family to see who is the ultimate Snowball Fight champion.

We tired the game on PS4 and enjoyed how easy it was to navigate around using the controller. The graphics were crisp and clear. This is one of those games that you can get addicted to and you can’t stop playing until you beat the level. Disney did a great job bringing the mobile game to the Console. I personally like having a big screen and using a controller when playing video games. Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight is good for all ages especially for family nights and those rainy days when you can’t leave the house. Get your copy now by click on the link below.

Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight is available for digital download on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Steam.

The Daileyfest Sets the Barre for Fitness and Fundraising on Sunday, September 13

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 11, 2015

The Dailey Method San Diego, an innovative fitness regimen combining pilates and strength training with a ballet barre, joins forces with The Dailey Methods of Rancho Bernardo Poway and Carlsbad to combine fitness, family and fundraising at the Daileyfest on Sunday, September 13. The event is benefitting Heartlight San Diego, a non-profit organization that provides after school fitness programming for youth. Everyone, whether a pilates pro or fitness newbie, is invited to celebrate a family-friendly morning of health and wellness from 9 a.m. to 1:00pm at the Embarcadero Marina Park.

“One of The Dailey Method’s core values is to encourage everyone to live healthy lifestyles and by partnering with The Dailey Method Rancho Bernardo Poway and Carlsbad, we are empowering all of San Diego to be a part of The Dailey Method community,” said Ashley Adam, owner of The Dailey Method San Diego. “We partnered with Heartlight San Diego, which offers youth programs that promote active lifestyles, to get attendees of all ages involved in the fun. By joining forces we are able to spread the importance of health and fitness to families everywhere.”

The Daileyfest will kick off with a Dailey Interval class followed by a Dailey Express class. The 45-minute workouts are designed for students to work at their own pace, combining high and low intensity movements. The Daileyfest will wrap up with a group meditation and a Dailey Baby class, where attendees are encouraged to participate with their infants. The festival experience continues all day with aerial yoga performances, a laser maze, an obstacle course, a live DJ, a braid bar and health and wellness vendors including Teeki, Beyond Yoga, OH! Juice, NutsforPaleo and many more local businesses. The Daileyfest is an all green event—down to the solar powered stage and sound equipment.

“It’s critical that we teach the importance of exercise to the younger generations,” said Adam. “Heartlight San Diego’s programs appeal to children of every fitness level, stressing the bottom line—fun. We’re lucky to partner with an organization that puts fun back into working out and builds healthy habits that will last these kids a lifetime.”

All net profits from the festival will go towards Heartlight San Diego. The non-profit organization will host a kid’s area, where parents can pay for child care while they enjoy taking The Dailey Method classes. Children under three will be supervised by Heartlight San Diego, while older kids (ages 4-12) get the opportunity to learn a dance routine to perform at the Daileyfest.

A full schedule of all activities is below.
8:30 a.m. Check In
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Dailey Interval Class
10:15 a.m. Heartlight Performance
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Dailey Express Class
11:15 a.m. Meditation
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dailey Baby Class

Daileyfest tickets are priced at $40 for adults, $10 for children. To purchase tickets or for more information on the Daileyfest and The Dailey Method San Diego, please visit www.thedaileymethod.com/sandiego. Use Promo code DAILEYFEST for 15% off of your ticket!

Apple Introduces iPad Pro Featuring Epic 12.9-inch Retina Display

By

Robbie Bulus

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September 10, 2015

Apple® introduced the all-new iPad Pro™, featuring a stunning 12.9-inch Retina® display with 5.6 million pixels, the most ever in an iOS device, and groundbreaking performance with the new 64-bit A9X chip, rivaling most portable PCs. The new larger iPad Pro is thin and light and provides all-day battery life. There are more than 850,000 apps in the App Store℠ designed specifically for iPad®, and the new iPad Pro will enable a new generation of advanced apps for everything from productivity, design, illustration, engineering and medical, to education, gaming and entertainment.

Apple also introduced Apple Pencil™ for iPad Pro, a precision input device available for purchase separately, which makes drawing and sketching feel remarkably fluid and natural. The touch subsystem of the Multi-Touch™ display in iPad Pro has been redesigned to work with Apple Pencil to dramatically reduce latency and deliver incredible accuracy for activities like fine art illustration and detailed 3D design. Advanced sensors in Apple Pencil measure both pressure and tilt for a fast and fluid drawing experience, while a built-in Lightning® connector makes for quick and easy pairing and charging. Apple Pencil also works with popular apps like Mail, Notes, Procreate and Office 365 for iPad, offering new levels of creativity and productivity.

Apple’s new Smart Keyboard further extends the utility of iPad Pro, offering a full-sized keyboard in a thin, durable design so you can take it anywhere. The Smart Keyboard, available for purchase separately, attaches to iPad Pro’s innovative Smart Connector port, eliminating the need for a separate battery, on/off switch or Bluetooth pairing. The Smart Keyboard is covered in custom woven fabric and features keys that provide the accuracy, stability and satisfying key feel of standard keyboards, but is also easily foldable and can transform into a Smart Cover®. The Smart Keyboard also works seamlessly with new QuickType® features in iOS 9 to make typing even faster and easier.

“iPad Pro is the most advanced and powerful iPad we have ever made. Its beautiful and large 12.9-inch Retina display has 5.6 million pixels and provides an immersive experience for content and apps. The iPad Pro is far and away the fastest iOS device we have ever made — its A9X chip beats most portable PCs in both CPU and graphics tasks, but is thin and light enough to hold all day,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The innovative Apple Pencil and new Smart Keyboard enable users to customize their iPad Pro experience to the particular apps they use and the work they do, making iPad Pro ideal for everything from professional productivity to advanced 3D design.”

Innovative Design
iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch Retina display, with 5.6 million pixels and refined Multi-Touch technology, is the most advanced and highest resolution display ever in an iOS device. It delivers greater contrast, more uniform brightness and improved energy efficiency through photo alignment technology, oxide TFT and variable refresh rate. A new four-speaker audio design provides powerful, clear and rich stereo sound, and a refined unibody enclosure of anodized aluminum gives iPad Pro a sturdy feel with a thin and light design that is easy to hold.

Powerful Technology
iPad Pro delivers groundbreaking performance and energy efficiency, so you can tackle the most demanding tasks. Apple’s powerful new 64-bit A9X chip, with third-generation 64-bit architecture, provides desktop-class CPU performance and console-class graphics. Ultra-fast wireless connectivity keeps you connected wherever you go with 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO technology, support for a wide range of LTE bands and other fast cellular network technologies (DC-HSDPA, HSPA+).* All-day 10-hour battery life** delivers the efficiency that users have come to expect from iPad.

iOS 9
iOS 9, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, brings more intelligence to iPad with proactive assistance, powerful search and improved Siri® features, all while protecting users’ privacy. New multitasking features designed specifically for iPad allow users to do more at the same time, while built-in apps become more powerful with a redesigned Notes app, detailed transit information in Maps and an all-new News app*** for the best news reading experience on any mobile device. The foundation of iOS is even stronger with software updates that require less space to install and advanced security features to further protect your device.

Pricing & Availability
iPad Pro starts at $799 (US) for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and $1079 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB model, comes in three gorgeous metallic finishes including silver, gold and space gray and will be available starting in November from Apple.com, Apple’s retail stores, through select carriers and Apple Authorized Resellers. For more information, please visit www.apple.com/ipad.

Apple Pencil will be available for $99 (US) and Smart Keyboard will be available in charcoal gray for $169 (US). New polyurethane iPad Pro Smart Covers will be available for $59 (US) in charcoal gray and white. New iPad Pro Silicone Cases will be available for $79 (US) in charcoal gray and white. iPad Pro accessories will be available starting in November.

*Data plan required. LTE is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions. For details on LTE support, contact your carrier and see www.apple.com/ipad/LTE
**Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results may vary.
***Transit information in Maps will be available in select major cities including Baltimore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York City, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto and Washington D.C., as well as over 300 cities in China, including Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. News app availability varies by country.

Apple Brings Innovation Back to Television with The All-New Apple TV

By

Robbie Bulus

-

September 10, 2015

Apple has announced the all-new Apple TV®, bringing a revolutionary experience to the living room based on apps built for the television. Apps on Apple TV let you choose what to watch and when you watch it.The new Apple TV’s remote features Siri®, so you can search with your voice for TV shows and movies across multiple content providers simultaneously.

The all-new Apple TV is built from the ground up with a new generation of high-performance hardware and introduces an intuitive and fun user interface using the Siri Remote™. Apple TV runs the all-new tvOS™ operating system, based on Apple’s iOS, enabling millions of iOS developers to create innovative new apps and games specifically for Apple TV and deliver them directly to users through the new Apple TV App Store™.

“There has been so much innovation in entertainment and programming through iOS apps, we want to bring that same excitement to the television,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “Apps make the TV experience even more compelling for viewers and we think apps represent the future of TV.”

The new Siri Remote dramatically simplifies how you select, scroll and navigate through your favorite content while bringing unique interactivity to the new Apple TV by using a glass touch surface that handles both small, accurate movements as well as big, sweeping ones. Adding touch to Apple TV creates a natural, connected experience, even if the TV screen is on the other side of the room. Developers can take advantage of the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, and the touch surface on the Siri Remote to create games and other app experiences that have never been seen on TV before.

With Siri, you can use your voice to search TV shows and movies by title, genre, cast, crew, rating or popularity, making it easy to say things like “Show me New Girl,” “Find the best funny movies from the ‘80s,” “Find movies with Jason Bateman” and “Find popular TV shows for kids.” Apple TV will search iTunes® and popular apps from Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Showtime, displaying all the ways the resulting TV shows and movies can be played. Siri also offers playback control and on-screen navigation, as well as quick access to sports, stock and weather information.*

tvOS is the new operating system for Apple TV, and the tvOS SDK provides tools and APIs for developers to create amazing experiences for the living room the same way they created a global app phenomenon for iPhone® and iPad®. The new, more powerful Apple TV features the Apple-designed A8 chip for even better performance so developers can build engaging games and custom content apps for the TV. tvOS supports key iOS technologies including Metal™, for detailed graphics, complex visual effects and Game Center, to play and share games with friends.

Pricing & Availability
The new Apple TV will be available at the end of October starting at $149 (US) for a 32GB model and $199 (US) for a 64GB model from Apple.com, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

*Siri availability and functionality varies by country. Subscription required for some content.

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Adds Spookiness To the Sparkle of the Diamond Celebration

By

Robbie Bulus

-

September 10, 2015

Hatbox Ghost Appears for the First Time in Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy Adds Thrills in Tomorrowland

Frightfully good fun adds to the excitement of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration this autumn, as the Halloween season arrives at the resort Sept. 11 and runs through Nov. 1. The annual, family-friendly Halloween experience includes spooky transformations of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, plus special décor, themed foods and merchandise. In addition, the separate-ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party offers guests an opportunity to visit in costume and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland Park, on 17 selected nights.

Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square has become a thrilling Disneyland Halloween tradition, with Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” moving into the Mansion to spark a collision between Halloween and Christmas. As in past years, some eerie new touches have been added to the Haunted Mansion Holiday experience. The Hatbox Ghost, who recently rejoined the Mansion’s happy haunts, is staying to celebrate Halloween and Christmas with Jack Skellington and his friends.

Inside the Mansion, the 15^th annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house resembles a leaning and careening “house of cards” this year. A corps of zombie gingerbread men in orange-frosting safety vests stands beneath the towering confection to supervise construction while a team of “helicopter bats” hover above the teetering tower. The “helicopter bats” are lowering spiders that will add the final gingerbread cards to the tower from their sticky, suspended webs.

Another Halloween favorite is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a Halloween-themed reimagining of the popular thrill ride in Tomorrowland. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are bombarded with eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out and menace space travelers.

In Frontierland, guests will enjoy the observation of the traditional Mexican “Dia de los Muertos” celebration with a skeleton display near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.

The popular separate-ticket, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party returns this year, expanding to 17 nights beginning Friday, Sept. 25, with an array of special entertainment. For the first time, the “Paint the Night” parade, which made its debut in May for the Diamond Celebration, will be presented during this special event. In addition, the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular and the “Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace are exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check online for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 25; Monday, Sept. 28; Wednesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 2; Monday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 9; Monday, Oct. 12: Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 19; Thursday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 25; Tuesday, Oct. 27; and Thursday, Oct. 29. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $77 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 29, are $84 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.

Throughout Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, guests also will be able to enjoy the 60^th Anniversary Diamond Celebration with its sparkling enhancements on Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and the Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure, plus a dazzling array of after-dark shows. In Disneyland, the “Paint the Night” parade creates a river of color down Main Street, U.S.A., with spectacular special effects, sensational floats, energetic performances and unforgettable music. The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show in Disneyland lights up the resort with dynamic pyrotechnics and magical projections that surround the audience.

In Disney California Adventure, the Diamond Celebration comes alive in “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.” The magical water show – filled with film, lasers, music and special effects – pays tribute to Walt Disney with colorful fun and surprises, honoring the man whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters.

Halloween thrill-seekers will enjoy visiting Disney California Adventure to sample year-round excitement on California Screamin’ roller coaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin’ Over California and Grizzly River Run. Guests may also mingle with the ghosts in The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, or dance the night away in the after-dark Diamond Mad T Party.

For more information about Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc., and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc. ©Disney/CBS, Inc

*Tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one (1) vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Online and mobile purchases unavailable on day of event. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nonsmoking event. Smoking will be permitted in designated areas outside Disneyland® Park in the Main Entrance Plaza.

All New ‘Frozen’-Inspired Stage Musical Coming to Disney California Adventure Park in 2016

By

Robbie Bulus

-

September 9, 2015

Disney’s blockbuster musical “Frozen” has become a true phenomenon around the world and soon, the story of “Frozen” will come to spectacular life in an all-new theatrical production in summer 2016 at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park.

This new show will immerse you in the world of “Frozen” as never before, with elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and surprising scenic transformations.

“Our stage production of ‘Frozen’ will stay true to the heart and soul of the film,” says Dana Harrel, Portfolio Creative Entertainment Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Anna and Elsa will carry the audience on an emotional journey that includes show-stopping production numbers and a few unique theatrical twists. We can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

With a new show set to open at the Hyperion Theater, it’s time for Aladdin to make his final wish and set the Genie free, as the cast of the award-winning “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” prepares to take its final curtain call on January 10, 2016 after nearly 14,000 shows.

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” has taken millions of guests wonder by wonder since its debut in January 2003, bringing with it such fantastic theatrical delights as Aladdin’s entrance on the elephant, a magic carpet ride over the audience, an original song by Alan Menken and the ever-evolving, tour-de-force performance of the wise-cracking Genie. To this day, the incredible talent of the show’s captivating cast has made every turn a surprise, every moment red letter.

“Thanks to our amazing cast and the many, many fans, ‘Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular’ has enjoyed a longer run at Disney California Adventure park than we could have ever imagined,” said Kris Theiler, Vice President of Operations for Disney California Adventure park. “Today, we are excited to share more exciting news about another story that will soon come to life for guests at the Hyperion Theater. With larger-than-life musical numbers, wondrous scenery and lovable characters, ‘Frozen’ will begin entertaining guests in 2016.”

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is scheduled to be performed several times daily through January 10, 2016, so fans of the show still have plenty of opportunities left to catch a magic carpet ride to Agrabah. Additionally, the Broadway production of “Aladdin” continues its successful run in New York. Stay tuned for details on how we plan to celebrate the Disney California Adventure park favorite before, as Genie says, he’s “outta here!”

All New ‘Frozen’-Inspired Stage Musical Coming to Disney California Adventure Park in 2016 by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

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