HYPER Offers HyperLink – $49 Apple Watch Stainless Steel Link Bracelet Band

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August 25, 2015

Crafted From The Same 316L Stainless Steel Alloy As The Apple Watch But At The Price Of A Rubber Sports Band

Sanho Corporation – manufacturer of the HYPER line of mobile accessories – announces the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for HyperLink. HyperLink is an affordable yet high quality 316L stainless steel link bracelet band for the Apple Watch. Crafted from the same 316L stainless steel alloy as the Apple Watch, HyperLink is only a fraction of the price of Apple’s offering, or the same as what Apple sells for a rubber sports band.

“We strongly believe there is no better watch band material for the stainless steel Apple Watch than stainless steel itself,” said Daniel Chin, CEO of HYPER. “Unfortunately Apple’s Stainless Steel Link Bracelet Band costs $449 which can buy you another Apple Watch Sport,” he continued. “With no huge markups or expensive corporate overheads, we hope to bring you a similar quality stainless steel link bracelet band, crafted from the same 316L stainless steel alloy as the Apple Watch for only $49. We want to make affordable stainless steel Apple Watch bands a reality!” he concluded.

HyperLink features a classic link bracelet design inspired by luxury Swiss watches, perfect for all day wear, from morning workouts to evening nights out. The bracelet is made of solid links cut from complete piece of 316L stainless steel and precision CNC milled to perfectly fit the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport Aluminum and Apple Watch Gold Edition. 316L stainless steel is extremely hard, scratch and corrosion resistant. HyperLink will be available for both 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch and in colors, Silver and Space Black. An additional diamond like carbon (DLC) layer is applied to the Space Black band to achieve the sleek appearance and for additional durability and scratch resistance.

HYPER is seeking $50,000 via Kickstarter to fund the HyperLink product. Funding begins August 25, 2015 at 8am PST/11am EST and ends on September 30, 2015. Upon successful funding, HYPER aims to ship the HyperLink in October, 2015. HYPER’s previous successful Kickstarter project, iStick raised over $1.1 million last June, 2014.

Crafted from the same 316L stainless steel alloy as the Apple Watch

Precision CNC milled to perfectly fit the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition

Made of solid links cut from complete piece of 316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel is extremely hard, scratch and corrosion resistant

Classic link bracelet design inspired by luxury Swiss watches

Designed for all day wear, from morning workouts to evening nights out

Available in 38mm Silver, 42mm Silver and 42mm Space Black

Additional diamond like carbon (DLC) layer applied to Space Black band for sleek appearance and additional durability and scratch resistance

Kickstarter campaign from August 25 to September 28, 2015

Pricing and Availability

MSRP of HyperLink is $99 (Kickstarter backers can get it at 50% off MSRP, i.e. $49)

Shipping in October, 2015 upon successful Kickstarter funding

Favorite Snack from Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park

By

Lake Sprenkle

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August 24, 2015

Want to make a delicious snack with a Disney twist in your own home? Most grown-ups still consider tomato soup and grilled cheese a favorite comfort food. The Disney chefs took this classic and made it a healthful finger food that’s perfect as an after-school snack or supper for everyone.

In less than hour you’ll have freshly made tomato soup (forget the canned version). Cut grilled cheese into strips that are perfect for little hands – and dipping in the soup is the fun part. Add crunchy apple wedges on the side for a satisfying crunch.

You’ll find it on the menu at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park, but here’s a version for you to make at home.

Tomato Soup, Cheese Dippers and Apple Slices
Serves 4 to 6

Tomato Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups tomato puree
1 sprig each fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, and tarragon
2 cups water
1 teaspoon coarse salt, more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Multigrain Cheese Dippers
8 slices multigrain bread
16 thin slices provolone cheese
Olive oil spray

Green Apple Wedges
3 Granny Smith apples

For tomato soup:

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in tomato puree; cook 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in herbs and water; turn heat to low and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Strain through a medium strainer set over a bowl, pushing soup through with a spatula. Whisk in tomato paste, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

For multigrain cheese dippers:

Make 4 sandwiches, each with 2 slices of bread and 4 slices of provolone.
Spray tops and bottoms of sandwiches with olive oil spray.
Heat sauté pan over medium heat and grill each side 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden.
Cut each sandwich into 4 equal strips. Serve hot.

For apples:
Core and slice each apple into 6 wedges.

To serve:
Evenly divide dippers and apples slices with 3/4 cup soup.

Favorite After-School Snack from Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Happy National Waffle Day from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 24, 2015

Happy National Waffle Day from Disney Parks Food and Beverage! What better way to indulge on this delicious holiday than with one of our top 8 waffles from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts:

Mickey Waffles
Look for these breakfast classics are resort hotels across property, and at Plaza Inn at Disneyland park.

Buffalo Chicken Waffle Slider from Trilo-Bites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This fiery new snack is simply wild!

Waffle Cone from Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure park
Cool down with this sweet, hand-scopped treat.

Waffle Sandwiches from Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Park
Go sweet with the fruit and Nutella waffle sandwich, or try one of the savory lunchtime waffle sandwiches—either way you can’t go wrong.

Waffle Fries at Golden Oak Outpost in Magic Kingdom Park
Creative toppings make these waffle fries a tasty meal.

Sweet and Savory Waffles from the Belgium Global Marketplace at Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Try the Belgian waffle topped with berries or chocolate ganache and whipped cream for dessert or the Potato and Leek Waffle with beer-braised beef and smoked gouda cream for a hearty snack when the festival returns on September 25.

Maple Waffle Breakfast Cone from BoardWalk Bakery
A practically perfect breakfast on the go.

Buffalo Chicken and Cornbread Waffles from the Fantasy Fare Food Truck at Downtown Disney
This sweet and spicy treat is sure to satisfy.

What’s your favorite Disney Parks waffle? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy National Waffle Day from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Ubisoft and Disney Interactive Jump Back on the Dance Floor with Just Dance: Disney Party 2

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 22, 2015

Ubisoft, in collaboration with Disney Interactive, announced the development of Just Dance: Disney Party 2, the second Disney title from Just Dance, the best-selling* music video game franchise of all time. This news comes just days after Disney fans got a sneak peek of the game at the D23 EXPO 2015. The game will feature tracks from the hottest Disney Channel shows and movies, including “Evil Like Me” and “Rotten to the Core” from the hit Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants.” Just Dance: Disney Party 2 will hit store shelves this Holiday 2015 for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Nintendo’s Wii™ and Wii U systems.

“The first Just Dance Disney game was a beloved hit among our fans,” said Tony Key, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ubisoft. “When it came to working with Disney again on Just Dance: Disney Party 2, there was no question we wanted to give families another way to experience some of their favorite songs through dance.”

Just Dance: Disney Party 2 features a variety of hit songs, with more than 20 tracks from fan-favorite television shows and movies from Disney Channel, the #1 cable TV network on a Total Day basis in Total Viewers and the #1 TV network for kids and tweens. Just in time for the holidays, every Disney Channel fan and their family can get up and moving to tracks from movies such as “Descendants,” “Teen Beach Movie” and “Teen Beach 2,” as well as Disney Channel shows like “Girl Meets World,” “K.C. Undercover” and “Liv and Maddie.”

The Just Dance development team worked closely with Disney Interactive and Disney Channel to incorporate character looks into the game, letting fans enjoy gameplay that is true to the most popular shows and films. With the karaoke feature on Xbox One, players can also sing along while they dance to their favorite tunes! Check out a selection of tracks announced for the game so far:

“Austin & Ally” (“Chasin’ the Beat of My Heart”)

“Descendants” (“Did I Mention”)

“Descendants” (“Rotten to the Core”)

“Descendants” (“Evil Like Me”)

“Descendants” (“Set It Off”)

“Girl Meets World” (“Take on the World”)

“K.C. Undercover” (“Keep It Undercover”)

“Teen Beach Movie” (“Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’”)

“Teen Beach Movie” (“Falling for Ya”)

“Teen Beach 2” (“That’s How We Do”)

“Teen Beach 2” (“Gotta Be Me”)

“Teen Beach 2” (“Twist Your Frown”)

“Violetta” (“En Mi Mundo”)

* Data from NPD Institute in NCSA and from GfK Institute in EMEA – April 2015

Looking Back at D23 EXPO 2015 Disney Theme Park Merchandise

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 22, 2015

I know that many of you, our Disney fans, were with us all weekend long at D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. I mean what an experience, am I right? New film releases, new attraction and lands announced and of course, merchandise!

Those of you who attended the 60 Years of Disney Theme Park Merchandise panel discussion were in for quite a surprise as we took a look at the evolution of ear hats, new artwork set to appear on Twenty-Eight & Main, Disney Boutique, Disney Couture, Princess, Haunted Mansion – Revisited and Pirates of the Caribbean. Of course, it was the What Lies Ahead segment that caught the attention of some folks, with merchandise art reveals for the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and of course, Shanghai Disney Resort. Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the art that was shown.

With the panel also came the world debut of the artists taking part in the We Love Disney compilation album by Verve Records and Walt Disney Records, due in stores October 30. Produced by multi-platinum, 16-time Grammy award winning producer and Verve Music Group Chairman, David Foster, the album will feature some of today’s hottest artists across pop, rock, R&B and country as they deliver their own interpretations of classic Disney songs. I could go on and on about who is featured on this album but why don’t you check it out for yourself including the We Love Disney Box Set here.

The spectrum was broad when it came to finding favorite souvenirs, as there was literally something for everyone. D23 EXPO merchandise, from t-shirts to mugs, handbags to drinkware, flew off the shelves, and of course the R4-D23 was definitely the droid everyone was looking for, and Force For Change t-shirts, fleece and pins weren’t far behind. Tip: Look for Force For Change apparel shortly at select locations at the Disneyland Resort through Labor Day and help us make a difference! If you have the D23 EXPO App, go to Aurasma and watch as the shirt activates before your very eyes.

What did I find? With ALEX AND ANI on hand, it’s no surprise that I spotted my souvenir at their table. While I almost picked up the new Snow White-inspired bangle, available at Disney Parks now, I chose to go a bit simpler with the Mickey Filigree Wrap in the Rafaelian Silver finish. I know you’re shocked! This is one of three pieces ALEX AND ANI pre-launched at D23 that won’t be available in the parks until the fall.

Finally, throughout the weekend, Disney fans were lined up to meet some of their favorite Disney Legends, artists, authors and special guests and the Disney Dream Store did not disappoint. More than 45 special guests and 80 signings took place over the course of the weekend, including a special appearance and signing with the Mouseketeers!

Who were you most excited to meet? What was your favorite part of D23 EXPO 2015?

Looking Back at D23 EXPO 2015 Disney Theme Park Merchandise by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Tickets Going Fast for Rockin’ Burger Block Party, Yelloween Masquerade Party

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 22, 2015

While it’s still summertime, tickets are selling fast for special events at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, opening September 25 for 53 days of fun, through November 16.

If you’re picking and choosing from the hundreds of special events and culinary demos, here are two all-new parties for 2015 – and tickets are going fast.

If you love a designer burger, the Rockin’ Burger Block Party in World ShowPlace lets you pick and choose from more than a dozen sliders at each party – where to begin? How about a coffee-crusted beef short rib burger topped with smoked Gouda, garlic potato string and sangria ketchup? Or a spiced lamb burger topped with feta, pickled watermelon rind and za’atar aioli. Go all out with the mixed grill burger topped with fried egg, bacon grease fries and nacho cheese sauce.

If you’re not a meat fan, there’s still plenty to choose from, such as a shrimp and scallop burger topped with spicy Thai slaw and cilantro-lime mayo (with a side of smoked sea-salted fried edamame), or a grilled grouper patty topped with butter lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and lime aioli.

Along with the burgers, there are finger foods like spicy-sticky pig wings, veggie pot stickers and cheeseburger spring rolls. Mini-rolls, perfect for a bite or two, include moonshine barbecued meatballs, chickpea and roasted corn fritters and Caribbean spiced seafood cakes.

Sweet endings are over the top, too: cinnamon roll fireball bread pudding with cream cheese glaze, snickerdoodle-crusted apple custard crisp and Valrhona chocolate ganache brownies.

It’s an all-you-care-to-eat affair, with burgers paired with craft beers, wines, cocktails and more. And you can burn a few calories – there’s a DJ, so you can shimmy or quick step your way to the next gourmet burger station. (A fun twist: you get to vote on the best burger of the night.)

Dates are September 25, October 8 and November 6 from 7-9 p.m., with hosts of ABC’s “The Chew” joining the fun on October 8. Cost is $99; $119 for reserved table on main floor, early admission at 6:45 p.m., and a specialty cocktail; or $199 for Nosh Pit seating with a private reserved table, early admission at 6:45 p.m., specialty cocktail and premium bar.

And for one night only, we’re planning our chic yellow and black costume for the elegant Yelloween Masquerade Party, a very special Party for the Senses from 7-9:30 p.m. Octpber 31 in celebration of Halloween. “Yelloween” is a reference to the night’s top pour – golden Champagne. Think elegant, and plan to eat, drink and party the night away with special entertainment. Cost is $169 plus tax general admission; $199 plus tax for a reserved table on the main floor with specialty cocktail toast, and $319 plus tax for a private reserved table, early entrance at 6:45 p.m., specialty cocktail toast, artisanal cheese station and more.

For reservations to these and other special events, call 407-939-3378. Admission to Epcot is required.

Tickets Going Fast for Rockin’ Burger Block Party, Yelloween Masquerade Party by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Mickey’s Halloween Party Expands to 17 Nights At Disneyland Resort During Diamond Celebration

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 22, 2015

New ‘Paint the Night’ Parade Added to Entertainment for Mickey’s Halloween Party, Joining ‘Halloween Screams’ Fireworks

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort receives a Diamond Celebration infusion for 2015, making the season shine as never before as Halloween Time sparkles with Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind celebration of chilling, family-friendly fun will begin Friday, Sept. 11, and continue through Sunday, Nov. 1, with 17 nights dedicated to Mickey’s Halloween Party.

The popular, separate-ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party expands to 17 nights beginning Friday, Sept. 25. The after-hours party treats guests to an array of special entertainment, along with traditional Halloween Time fun. For the first time, the “Paint the Night” parade, new for the Diamond Celebration, will be presented at Mickey’s Halloween Party, along with a new superhero-themed dance party at Tomorrowland Terrace. These offerings are in addition to the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a guest favorite that is exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party. Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland park for a scary good time.

Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

Early entry to Disneyland: The opportunity to play in Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, then go trick or treating – for candy and healthy treats – in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.
“Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade”: The dazzling, all-new Disneyland nighttime parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., for Mickey’s Halloween Party. The parade features favorite Disney and Disney●Pixar characters and songs, along with more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.”
The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party).
An all-new superhero-themed dance party comes to Tomorrowland Terrace. Super Goof invites all of his friends to join the party, which features a DJ, dancers, lively music and superhero dance moves. Super Goof is super-excited to host his very first dance party in Tomorrowland and he is bringing to the stage all of his special “BAM!” “POW! and “ZAP!” Guests are encouraged to show off their “superhero side,” no matter what costume they choose to wear this year.
“Villains Square”: Throughout the evening, the Disney villains will arrive in Disneyland Town Square as the “Bad Apple Party Crashers,” riding a black horse-drawn carriage accompanied by thunder, fog and special lighting effects. These favorite wicked tricksters will appear for photos and character greetings, and guests are invited to “Party Like a Villain.”
Enhancing the eerie atmosphere along Main Street, U.S.A., new animated Halloween images – ghosts, bats, pumpkins, skeletons – are projected on the facades of buildings throughout the evening.
The ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet will perform Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland.
Guests will enjoy special photo locations with popular Disney pals, plus Disney villains. For Mickey’s Halloween Party only, Disney characters will be dressed in their Halloween costumes. During the day and on non-Halloween Party nights, Disney characters will wear their special Diamond Celebration attire.
Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, will be operating.
Complimentary parking for one standard-size vehicle is included with the ticket.

During Halloween Time, on non-Mickey’s Halloween Party nights, Disneyland guests will see the “Paint the Night” parade along with the new Diamond Celebration “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular.

Also for Halloween Time, Jack Skellington makes his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. This year, for the first time, Jack is joined by a fearsome new friend, the Hatbox Ghost, who took up residence in the Mansion just as the Diamond Celebration was getting underway. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” and transforms the Mansion with a collision of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer.

Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland is one of the guest favorites during Halloween Time. The unique Halloween-themed experience launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe, where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

In Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed with a holiday skeleton display.

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 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. Tickets for Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31, are sold out. 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.

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

*Mickey’s Halloween Party 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. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. 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.

Moroccan Martinis and Historic Pueblos in Desert Hot Springs

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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August 22, 2015

Desert Hot Springs is a desert oasis. Set atop ancient hot and cold aquifers, the town is known for abundant resorts and mineral spas, world-class drinking water, secret celebrity visitors, and a few other hidden gems.

I began a recent getaway to Desert Hot Springs by checking into the El Morocco Inn and Spa, an enchanting boutique hotel with an alluring, Arabian theme. Set against a backdrop of Joshua trees and jagged mountain ranges, the inn offers 12 unique guestrooms, full-service spa, pool and Jacuzzi, lush gardens, a Sultan’s tent, gourmet breakfast room, poolside bar, and lots of colorful Moroccan-styled architecture – all tucked into an unassuming residential neighborhood in the middle of the Palm Springs Desert.

El Morocco Inn and Spa is an enchanting and exotic boutique hotel

The fun started when a friend and I checked room 103, dubbed “The Arabian Alcove.” True to its name, this enchanting den features an alcove living room complete with a curved sofa, bistro style dining setup and a Moroccan Martini Bar with microwave and mini-fridge. The bedroom, separated from the living room by a beaded Moroccan archway, features a cloud-like, four-post king bed, draped with a romantic canopy net.

And like all guestrooms, The Arabian Alcove is only a few steps from the property’s natural, hot mineral water swimming pool and Jacuzzi spa. The water comes from ancient hot and cold aquifers that the city of Desert Hot Springs sits atop. For thousands of years, Native Americans in the region used the waters for survival.

Guest rooms boast a fun Arabian Theme

Today, the city’s cold water is rated among the world’s best for drinking, and its hot mineral water has propelled the town into a spa resort haven attracting celebrities and visitors from around the country – and world.

Once nestled into our room, we explored the city and found another desert jewel: Cabot’s Pueblo Museum (www.cabotsmuseum.org), a 75-yr-old, hand-built, hideaway with 35 rooms,150 windows and 65 doors. Set in Desert Hot Springs’ scenic hills , the design of the pueblo looks like an old-west movie set, and was inspired by the Hopi Indians.

The builder behind the rustic mansion was Cabot Yerxa, a renaissance man, who began building it in 1941 at age 57, and who helped found Desert Hot Springs. It began in 1913, when Cabot homesteaded 160 acres of dry, unforgiving land, where few English-speaking people lived. According to articles Cabot wrote for a local paper, he would walk 14 miles to get water from a trickling clay bank at a place called Two Bunch.

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a hand-built masterpiece built in the desert

At one hillside location he found remnants of Native Americans and decided if they could survive there, so could he. So he dug two wells and discovered hot and cold mineral waters deep below his property. With water available, he built his 5,000-sq-ft, Southwest Indian pueblo-styled mansion and put it together with anything he could find laying around the desert, including abandoned cabin pieces, used tires, tin cans, old telephone poles, buck board wagon, and more.

The museum features many Native American artifacts and sculptures

Back at El Morocco Inn and Spa, we enjoyed a “Morocco-tini” at the hotel’s nightly happy hour, hosted by hotel owner Bruce Abney. Held at the hip, poolside bar, the event is a chance to meet fellow guests and talk with Abney, who designed the inn after visits to the North African country.

“I wanted to create something totally different for folks,” says Abney. “It needed to be an experience rather than just an overnight stay.”

After traditional Moroccan hand-washing and a couple potent Morocco-tini’s, I relaxed on a sofa in the hotel’s “Casablanca Room,” where a TV plays an endless loop of the classic Bogart film, which is set Morocco during WWII. In the morning I hit the inn’s daily complimentary continental breakfast buffet. Featuring an array of fresh juices, avocados, pastry, crème cheese, tomatoes, bagels, cereals, yogurts coffee and teas, the feast is a perfect way to start a Moroccan morning in Desert Hot Springs.

Moroccan hand-washing and Morocco-tini’s are highlights of a stay at the El Morocco Inn

The El Morocco Inn and Spa is located at 66810 4th Street, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240. For more information, call 888.288.9905 or visit:www.elmoroccoinn.com

New Trailer for Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 19, 2015

Disney Interactive has released the new trailer which debuted at D23 Expo 2015 for Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic, one of three Star Wars™ Play Sets to be released for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, which launches in North America on August 30. Developed by Ninja Theory, in partnership with Avalanche Software, this Play Set features iconic moments inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy, Episodes I-III.

The Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack will include the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Base and video game software, the Star Wars Twilight of the Republic Play Set, Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker character figures, and a web code card that unlocks content for PC and mobile devices.

The Star Wars Twilight of the Republic Play Set will be included in the game’s Starter Pack and lets players embark on an intergalactic adventure with Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his trusty Padawan Ahsoka Tano to uncover secret plots, defeat villains and bring peace back to the galaxy. Featuring an original story set in the Episodes I-III timeline, players will travel through four iconic locations, use the Force™ and Lightsabers™ in epic battles, and master their combat skills.

Two additional Star Wars Play Sets will be available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition this year: Star Wars™ Rise Against the Empire following the classic trilogy, and one based on Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™. In addition, players will be able to unlock all Star Wars characters in each Star Wars Play Set. All characters are playable immediately in the newly enhanced Toy Box, along with entire line-up of characters previously released for Disney Infinity.

All figures and Power Discs from the 1.0 and 2.0 editions of Disney Infinity will be compatible with Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition in the enhanced Toy Box and, for the first time, Power Discs will be sold in labeled franchise-specific packs of four. Other Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Play Sets such as Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, figures, and Toy Box Expansion Games will be sold separately.

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is rated E10+ by the ESRB and will be available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, PC and iOS and Android devices.

Tickets On Sale for Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 19, 2015

Tickets are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood as Southern California’s premier Halloween event unveils a slate of new mazes, an exciting hip-hop dance show, a new cutthroat Terror Tram experience and terrifying Scare Zones, beginning Friday, September 18, 2015.

Tickets to this year’s event are available for purchase at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/hollywood, including a “Killer Deal Nights” ticket option with discounts of up to $25 on select dates as well as a Front of Line ticket option which enables guests to enjoy priority access to each “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, “Terror Tram,” Jabbawockeez show and theme park attractions. Advance purchase is recommended as event nights will sell out.

“Halloween Horror Nights” dates are: September 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, October 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, and November 1, 2015.

“Halloween Horror Nights” brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties. This year’s line-up includes:

All-New Mazes and Show:

“Guillermo del Toro Presents Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness” 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. With a foreboding “Beware of Crimson Peak” message that echos from Edith’s past, guests will navigate a labyrinth of paranormal tortured souls who have born witness to the estate’s dark history of unspeakable acts…and who continue to reside in vengeful, ghostly forms.
Bringing together the most sinister of scenes from all three films, “Insidious: Return to the Further,” 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.
“The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far,” inspired by season 5 of AMC’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television series, this all-new maze will feature twice as many walkers in the longest and most gruesome maze ever built at Universal Studios Hollywood. Following in the footsteps of “The Walking Dead” cast, guests will begin their journey at the Terminus safe-haven compound, where an unspeakable hunger has consumed the demented souls of those dwelling within. As the chaos ensues, guests will encounter even greater atrocities as they stumble upon dismembered “W” walkers, witness the horror of victims besieged by the living dead, and step onto the loading dock of the Del Arno Food warehouse to face hordes of “W” walkers.
The hilarity of this genre-defying blockbuster movie, This is the End, will take a dark turn in this all-new maze experience, “This is the End 3D,” that will come to life in hypnotic 3D. The end of the world will begin as guests head to the ultimate A-list party at James Franco’s new Hollywood Hills home before the Apocalypse strikes, and they find themselves trapped in a life-or-death struggle against the demons of the underworld. With the fate of humanity at the crossroads of heaven and hell, “This is the End 3D” will offer defining moments for those guests brave enough to tempt the devil as their destiny hangs in the balance to be damned for eternity or raptured to heaven engulfed in a sea of blue light.
Halloween, hailed as one of the greatest horror films of all time and starring Jamie Lee Curtis in her acting debut, will come to life in the demented new experience, “Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home.” The haunted maze will take guests through the tormented town of Haddonfield, where on one fateful Halloween night in 1963, a six-year-old child by the name of Michael Myers inexplicably and brutally stabbed his sister to death with a kitchen knife. Guests will relive the terror that a maniacal Michael Myers inflicted upon the once quiet town after his escape from a psychiatric hospital to take bloody revenge on new and unsuspecting victims.
The visually stunning, yet terrifying “AVP: Alien vs. Predator” maze is back by popular demand to entangle guests in the middle of an epic and primal war between the universe’s most deadly species in a horrifying haunted attraction inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox cult sci-fi franchise. This menacing maze will bring to life the violent creatures cohabitating our world as it pits two rival alien species in a fight to the death with Earth as their battleground. “AVP: Alien vs Predator” will uncover a dangerous alien spaceship carrying a race of hunter aliens known as Predators and a threatening new alien life form that uses human hosts to propagate its species. After crash landing in a remote section of America and escaping to the countryside, the Alien and Predator become hunter and prey with guests caught in the crossfire.
The all-new “Terror Tram: Survive the Purge” experience, inspired by Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film series, invites guests to a disturbing “Purge Party,” luring them with exclusive access to the world-famous backlot and thrusting them into the film’s depraved world in which all crime is declared legal as part of the government’s annually sanctioned 12-hour Purge, and where citizens take to the streets to dispose of the country’s less desirable humans without fear of retribution. Recognizing that not all citizens choose to hunt during The Purge, the newly endorsed “Purge Party” welcomes guests to honor this proud national tradition by watching the night’s dramatic events unfold on large video screens set up around the famed Universal backlot – until the experience quickly turns into an unforgettable living nightmare.
Jabbawockeez, the highly-accomplished, award-winning hip hop dance group and universally recognized as America’s best dance crew, will bring their innovative choreography, intricate synchronized style and signature white masks to Universal Studios Hollywood in an electrifying all-new show created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights.” Currently starring in the acclaimed “PRiSM” show at the Luxor in Las Vegas, and following up with a newly reimagined performance at MGM Grand Las Vegas this fall, the Jabbawockeez are considered dance movement pioneers, having shattered the glass ceiling for dance groups worldwide as the first dance crew to ever headline their own show in Las Vegas.

Scare Zones:

“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.

As a complement to the nighttime event, Universal’s most popular rides and attractions will also be open to guests.

Tickets to this year’s event are available for purchase here: www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/hollywood

Halloween Horror Nights 2015: Annual PURGE commences at Universal Studios Hollywood & Universal Orlando

By

Nico Schmelter

-

August 17, 2015

Beginning Friday, September 18, the annual Purge will commence at “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort as both parks debut all-new disturbingly-real experiences, inspired by Universal’s popular franchise film series created by writer and director James DeMonaco and produced by Blumhouse Productions and Platinum Dunes.

Guests will attempt to survive the night as they are immersed in the film’s depraved world, where all crime is declared legal as part of the government’s annually sanctioned 12-hour Purge.

The “Terror Tram: Survive the Purge” experience at Universal Studios Hollywood will pit guests against morally-compromised citizens, who take to the streets to cleanse the country of those deemed as less desirable, without fear of retribution. Recognizing that not all citizens choose to hunt during The Purge, a newly endorsed “Purge Party” will welcome guests to honor this proud national tradition by watching the night’s dramatic events unfold on large video screens set up around the famed Universal backlot – until the experience quickly turns into an unforgettable living nightmare.

Once aboard the “Terror Tram,” guests will find themselves at the mercy of affected vigilantes looking to annihilate people by the thousands. Strolling about the famed studio backlot – the very place where the horror film genre first took root – guests will need to rely on cunning wit, luck and speed to outsmart and outlive the anarchy unleashed by once average citizens now transformed into sadistic felons.

“This year’s ‘Terror Tram’ preys upon the vulnerability of our guests as they wander the darkness of our world-famous backlot surrounded by iconic horror sets and consider the theoretic possibility of a real Purge experience,’” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “We consistently strive to raise the bar in delivering ideal scares, and the backlot at night infested with reprehensible characters is one way of truly scaring the living daylights out of our guests.”

Universal Orlando’s horrifying “Purge” maze will expand upon the incredibly popular and terrifying films and place guests in the midst of a chaotic Purge night where the tradition has commenced. As they navigate the maze, they will quickly realize that they are the targets for this year’s Purge. Guests will be hunted by dozens of masked vigilantes who will stop at nothing to purge as they are entitled.

“Building on the success of last year’s scare zone, this time our guests will live their very own ‘Purge Night’ within the confines of an all-new house experience,” said Michael Aiello, Director of Entertainment Creative Development. “Just like in the film, guests will find themselves within arm’s reach of the most sadistic collection of killers imaginable. Their only want and need is to express their right to purge and purge they will.”

Disney on Broadway’s “THE ORIGINALS" performance at D23 Expo

By

Robbie Bulus

-

August 17, 2015

Disney on Broadway’s “THE ORIGINALS” stars Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” (Ashley Brown), “Tarzan” (Josh Strickland) and “Genie” (James Monroe Iglehart) from Aladdin. The “originals” entertained and delighted D23 EXPO attendees on Saturday August 16 by performing favorite musical highlights from the Disney on Broadway catalogue. Tony Award®-winner James Monroe Iglehart also served as host for this 70-minute, live performance that featured a five-piece band of Broadway’s best musicians with special behind-the-scenes videos and interviews. Below is a highlight of the concert.

Ashley Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress. Ms. Brown also starred as Mary Poppins in the national tour of Mary Poppins where she garnered a Garland award for “Best Performance in a Musical”. Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and she has starred in the national tour of Disney’s On The Record. Ms. Brown recently returned to critical acclaim starring in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Oklahoma. She previously played Magnolia opposite Nathan Gunn in Francesca Zembello’s Show Boat at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Ms. Brown has performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall (four times), the Cincinnati Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra (two times). Ashely starred in The Sound of Music at the St. Louis MUNY which garnered her a Kevin Kline award and her own PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” which received a PBS Telly Award. Other television credits include NBC’s The Sound of Music. Ms. Brown’s long-awaited album of Broadway and American Songbook standards is available on Ghostlight/Sony. Ashley is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Josh Strickland is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. In 2006, Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly’s World. Strickland debuted his first single “Report to the Floor”, which skyrocketed to the top five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance”. Mr. Strickland is currently starring in Vegas! the Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas.

James Monroe Iglehart won a 2014 Tony Award® for his performance in Aladdin. He originated the role of Bobby in the Tony-winning musical Memphis. Other NYC: The 25th Annual…Spelling Bee and The Wiz. Film/TV: “Gotham”, “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitt”, “The Good Wife” and “The Electric Company” (the Silent E Soloist). James is a member of the hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme. His greatest gift is his wife, Dawn. This is an absolute blessing — a real-life wish come true!

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