Sabrina Carpenter In An Exclusive Performance at Walt Disney Studios

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April 28, 2014

Sabrina Carpenter gave an exclusive performance at the Walt Disney Studios this week and I was privileged to be there. Entertaining a large group of select media and WD Studio members with songs from her debut EP “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, Sabrina along with her sister, Sarah Carpenter and the band, performed several songs including Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, White Flag and my favorite, The Middle of Starting Over.

Sabrina took a few moments to chat with me after her performance and shared that she is very excited about the upcoming opportunities. “Everyday there’s something new”. Her songs on the EP, are a reflection of who she is at this stage and she is happy that people will see what she is capable of accomplishing. She mentioned including the factor of love into her songs is something she really wanted to incorporate into her music. “Although some will say I am too young”, at the age of 14, to feel or be able to know love, but she disagrees.

I asked what her goals were for the future, now that her music and acting career has taken off. Sabrina shared, that for the moment she will “enjoy the opportunities to work with my friends” and continue to work on finding her sound, which she recognizes will change as she herself changes over time. Her maturity and confidence was apparent during several one on one interviews, before mine, but as with any young person, she was truthful in sharing how nervous and excited she was performing in front of our group.

This incredibly sweet and very talented young lady is destined for greatness. Sabrina co-stars as the rebellious “Maya Hart” in the Disney Channel’s new series “Girl Meets World” Playing the best friend to lead character Rowan Blanchard who portraits Riley Matthews.

Disney Backstage & Avengers Half Marathon Adventures by Disney Experience

By

Heather Abbott - Travel Correspondent

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April 28, 2014

Adventures by Disney is offering a power-packed special departure of Disney Backstage that includes access to the inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend, a rare behind-the-magic private tour of The Walt Disney Studios, and a glimpse into the life of Old Hollywood on a unique Southern California vacation.

This 6-night itinerary, which departs Nov. 10-16, 2014, offers access to the sold-out, Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon and 5K, including two pre-race group training runs through iconic Southern California areas and access to the nighttime Pasta in the Park party. Enjoy exclusive tours of The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering and The Jim Henson Company. You’ll also enjoy a VIP 2-Day Experience to the Disneyland Resort including FastPasses to attractions throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure plus a special visit to Walt Disney’s private apartment and the Disneyland Dream Suite! Accommodations will be provided by the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This exclusive Adventures by Disney itinerary also includes 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners.

Plus, just like any other Adventures by Disney vacation all the details are taken care of so that you can focus on what really matters – a magical family vacation!

When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!

Theatre Review: Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles

By

Joel Covey

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April 26, 2014

The British are invading Segerstrom Center for the Arts, but only for one more day! “Come Together” to experience one of the greatest, most sensational, tributes to The Beatles ever!

Rain is playing at Segrestrom Hall, but don’t expect a musical stage show, instead be prepared to be transported to a time and place; a place where the music was pure and important. This a rock concert with all the songs you have fallen in love within the massive Beatles catalog.

The Beatles music is something special. Everyone knows them. Their hits are endless and it will be near impossible for you to not join in the chorus. The show follows the progression of the band as they age and change their style from suited up pretty boys to long hair hippies. We begin with them as if they were performing on the Ed Sullivan show. After several songs a screen comes down and clips from that time are played as the members of the band do a quick costume change. This is continued for each era of the band creating different acts if you will.

The band does a tremendous job getting the audience into it making it feel as if we are part of the crazed fanatics. The show, or concert in this case, creates an experience you may not have had before. Just a few songs in and we are treated with the first solo, “Yesterday”.

Paul McCartney, for this show the part is played PAUL CURATOLO, sits peacefully in the spotlight and haze as he begins to strum this infamous tune. This is when I really felt transported to 60’s and nearly forgot that I wasn’t actually watching Sir Paul McCartney. It was such a beautiful moment I teared up a little.

The show has many moments similar to this. There is no generation gap here, everyone loves The Beatles! Here is your chance to feel like you are seeing them live, in the appropriate era, creating a whole new appreciation you may have never had for them.

I’ve been used to listening to The Beatles just on the radio or on my computer perhaps in the background. I think many have been subjected to listening to their songs in this matter. Well, Rain takes these extremely familiar songs and turns the amp up to 11. Here you will experience these countless masterpieces as if it were your first time. Rain brings new life to The Beatles. A fun entertaining night out for all, or even that Daytripper out there.

For more information visit SCFTA.org

Final Film in “The Hobbit” Trilogy to Be Titled “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 25, 2014

Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and New Line Cinema jointly announced today that the much-anticipated final film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy adaptation of the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, has now been titled “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” The film, previously titled “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” will be released worldwide December 17, 2014, with select international territories releasing on December 10, 2014.

Peter Jackson stated, “Our journey to make ‘The Hobbit’ Trilogy has been in some ways like Bilbo’s own, with hidden paths revealing their secrets to us as we’ve gone along. ‘There and Back Again’ felt like the right name for the second of a two-film telling of the quest to reclaim Erebor, when Bilbo’s arrival there, and departure, were both contained within the second film. But with three movies, it suddenly felt misplaced — after all, Bilbo has already arrived ‘there’ in the ‘The Desolation of Smaug.’ When we did the premiere trip late last year, I had a quiet conversation with the studio about the idea of revisiting the title. We decided to keep an open mind until a cut of the film was ready to look at. We reached that point last week, and after viewing the movie, we all agreed there is now one title that feels completely appropriate. And so: ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ it is.”

“The Hobbit” Trilogy tells a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, and Orlando Bloom. The film also stars, in alphabetical order, John Bell, Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Billy Connolly, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Lawrence Makoare, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Dean O’Gorman, Mikael Persbrandt, and Aidan Turner.

The screenplay for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

The creative behind-the-scenes team is led by director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, editor Jabez Olssen and composer Howard Shore. The costumes are designed by Richard Taylor, Bob Buck and Ann Maskrey. Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of armour, weapons, creatures and special makeup, which are once again being made by the award-winning Weta Workshop. Oscar®-winning visual effects studio Weta Digital is again handling the visual effects for the film, led by senior visual effects supervisor Joe Letteri. The hair and makeup designer is Peter Swords King. The conceptual designers are John Howe and Alan Lee. Eric Saindon is the visual effects supervisor, with David Clayton serving as animation supervisor.

Under Jackson’s direction, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” was shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second and will be released in High Frame Rate 3D (HFR 3D) in select theaters, other 2D and 3D formats, and IMAX®. Production took place at Jackson’s own facilities in Miramar, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand. Post production took place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a Wingnut Films Production, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” As with the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the final film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM. www.thehobbit.com

Build Your Empire With TownCraft on iPhone and Mac

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 25, 2014

The Aussie developer Flat Earth Games announced today it has released the crafting-building-exploration game TownCraft for iPhone and Mac. TownCraft offers players the chance to satisfy their building urges, crafting a variety of unusual tools and constructing entirely new towns from the ground up. Originally released on the iPad last year, TownCraft for iPhone and Mac adds a whole new level of polish, content, depth, and replay value highlighted by four new levels, 30 new resources, new building types and structures, 44 new quests and much more, all without any in-app purchases ever.

“We’re so glad to finally see TownCraft out on iPhone and Mac today,” said Leigh Harris, Lead Designer. “We put a lot of effort into making the game the best it can be for both new platforms. Our hope is that new players and the community see our dedication and love of TownCraft now and well into the future.”

TownCraft is a simple yet addictive building and crafting game that’s easy to get into, non-violent, and engages one’s desire to discover, create and explore. Set in medieval times, players are alone in the wilderness and must start a new town to become the toast of the kingdoms. Gamers begin by crafting the most basic of tools, tying a sharpened stone to a small piece of wood as a hatchet and, before long, their town will be teeming with travellers from all across the land. They’ll buy wares at the local shops, come to check out the sights, have some food, and drink at the tavern players build. Fish, farm, forage, mine, mill, and explore the bizarre and distinctive world of TownCraft.

Key Features in TownCraft

Play a new world every time – no two worlds will ever be the same thanks to procedurally generated maps.
Test your skills at crafting, with hundreds of different objects to create, shape, and construct.
Build bridges, jetties, workshops and windmills in the effort to create a fully functioning and self-sufficient town.
Order around muck-ridden peasants, who will manage one’s gold mines, stone quarries, crop fields, lakes, shops and taverns.
Play in a world with a real-time day and night cycle – workers will wake up, go to work, hit the tavern to meet some passing travelers later at night, and then get some shut-eye again.
Explore each new world and unearth countless resources, from cotton to canary eggs, gold to grapes, wheat to wax and stone to silver.
Follow an off-beat story as kingdoms vie for control.

TownCraft is produced with the support of Screen Australia, and is currently available for the iPad and iPhone on the APP Store for $4.99 (with no in-app purchases); the Mac version is available HERE (itunes.apple.com/us/app/towncraft/id846559976?ls=1&mt=12) for $9.99. For more information, keep in touch with Flat Earth Games on its Website www.flatearthgames.com.au, like it on Facebook, and follow it on Twitter @fegames.

'Terminator: Genesis' Begins Filming

By

Patrick Campbell

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April 22, 2014

Skynet is returning, and it’s brining Arnold with them. Filming has officially begun on Terminator: Genesis, the fifth film in the long running Terminator series that started with James Cameron’s 1984 film. The first image from the set was posted on Skydance Pictures’ facebook page, along with the accompanying text:

::SKYNET preparation routines complete.
::Initialization sequence complete.
::Reboot initiating in 03m00s.

While not much known about the film at this time, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been hinting at the way the way the film would work:

The director wants me to be exactly the same as I was in 1984. Because the person — I have human flesh, underneath is a metal skeleton — but the human flesh ages just like everyone else does. The skeleton doesn’t change. So it has to be the same body, physically the same thing, even though you may have show a little grey and all those things… So it’s very important that now I step it up with the workout.

The way that the character is written, it’s a machine underneath. It’s this metal skeleton. But above that is human flesh. And the Terminator’s flesh ages, just like any other human being’s flesh. Maybe not as fast. But it definitely ages… Terminator deals a lot with time travel, so there will be a younger T-800, and then what that model does later on when it gets reprogrammed, and who gets ahold of him. So it will be all kinds of interesting twists in the movie, but I feel so good.

We also know that the film will play with the timelines, much like Back to the Future Part II, showing events from the first two films over again, but in new ways, with the possibility of creating an alternate timeline. All the mystery surrounding the project certainly has me very excited, and I can’t wait to see where the film goes. While Paramount hasn’t released an official press release announcing the rest of the cast, we know that Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, J.K. Simmons, and Dayo Okeniyi are all set to start opposite Arnold in the film, which will be directed by Alan Taylor, who directed Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World. Terminator: Genesis is set for release on July 1, 2015.

Are you excited to see the Terminator franchise? Sound off in the usual place below!

Disney.com's Best Moment Ever Sweepstakes. ENTER NOW!

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 22, 2014

Every Disney Princess has had their best moment ever. Merida changed her fate. Tiana opened her dream restaurant. Rapunzel finally saw the lights. Share YOUR best moment ever and enter for a chance to win a Disney Parks vacation and participate in the Disney Royal Family 5K in The Best Moment Ever sweepstakes, running through May 14, 2014.

To enter, submit a photo that portrays a moment of achievement in any activity whether it be recreational, educational or a significant moment in time. With your photo, submit a caption that best describes your moment (less than 140 characters). Check out examples in the Best Moment Ever Photo Gallery and for more detailed instructions, visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver and read the official rules.

Prizes include:

· 1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a 4 days/3 nights Disney Parks Vacation for 4 to The Walt Disney World® Resort:

o Roundtrip coach Airfare*
o 2 Nights at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel
o 1 Night at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney Worldc Resort
o 4 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option
o 4 Tickets to the runDisney “Royal Family 5K” as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort on February 20, 2015

*If winner resides more than 250 miles from Orlando International Airport

· 1 FIRST PRIZE WINNER will receive a $1,000 Disney Store shop card
· 3 SECOND PRIZE WINNERS will receive a $100 Disney Store shop card

Visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver to enter now.

Danny Boyle and Leonardo Dicaprio Reuniting for Steve Jobs Biopic

By

Patrick Campbell

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April 21, 2014

Just a few weeks ago, it sounded like David Fincher and Christian Bale would be teaming up for the first time for the new Steve Jobs biopic, written by The Social Network scribe, Aaron Sorkin. It would be a re-teaming for the director and screenwriter, and it made many fans, myself included, giddy at the thought of those two working together again, and with Christian Bale to boot? It sounded like it had a lot of potential. But last week, Fincher departed the project over an issue with controlling the marketing, and over a dispute on his salary. Sony Pictures, now daunted with the task to replace someone as big as Fincher for the project, has turned to none other than Academy Award winner Danny Boyle, with Leonardo DiCaprio circling the role of Steve Jobs.

THR was the first to report on the possible new team up. As much as the idea of Fincher and Sorkin teaming together again, I find the idea of Boyle and Sorkin working together just as interesting. Boyle is a very visual director, and the idea of him tackling a film like this has me intrigued. His last biopic, 127 Hours, about the rock climber, Aron Ralston, who was forced to sever his own arm off to save his life, starred James Franco, and had a very interesting and unique style. It’s something that Boyle has had since his early work on films like Trainspotting and Shallow Grave, so I’m curious to see how he would handle a film like this. The film is rumored to not be a straight forward biopic, but to be three separate moments in Job’s life, each spanning thirty minutes in real time, right before the launch of three separate Apple products. The first being in 1984, at the launch of the first Macintosh; the second would be in 1988 with the launch of Jobs’ first post-Apple product the NeXT; and finally ending in 2001 for the debut of the iPod. Those reports first surfaced in 2012, so who knows what could change by then.

Of course, the other component of the story is the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio is circling the project to star as Steve Jobs. DiCaprio is a great actor, and one who has been tackling so many great roles the last few years, most recently with his Oscar nominated turn in Wolf of Wall Street. I think DiCaprio is more than capable of turning out a great performance as the late Jobs, and I’m sure it’ll be another Oscar worthy performance. In fact, with Boyle, Sorkin, and DiCaprio all set for the film, this film is definitely one with huge Oscar potential, which I’m sure is what Sony Pictures is hoping for. It’s important to note that no deals are locked in place yet, but it sounds like all parties are hoping to make this a reality sooner rather than later.

What do you think of the idea of Boyle and DiCaprio taking over the Sorkin written project? Will you miss Bale and Fincher, or is this a good fit? Sound off in the comments below.

Celebrate Earth Day with Babble and Join the Twitter Chat!

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 21, 2014

This Earth Day, even the littlest green thumbs can join in on the celebration! From exploring the outdoors to starting a garden, there are so many ways parents can show kids how to appreciate and care for our planet. But it all starts with you. To help make Earth Day a family affair, parenting platform Babble.com is hosting a Twitter chat with celebrated scientist and mom, Stephanie Wear, on April 22 at 2pm EST / 11am PST .

Stephanie is a lead scientist for coral reef conservation at The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest environmental organization. She also happened to be named one of Babble’s “Moms Who are Changing the World” in 2011. When she isn’t saving the world, this supermom of two enjoys exploring coastal North Carolina with her family. And her family is the reason why she loves what she does.

“I don’t work to protect the environment for the environment’s sake,” Stephanie told Babble in 2011. “I work to protect it for the billions of people that require clean air, clean water, and a healthy ocean to survive. It sounds cliché, but I do it for my children and their children, too.”

This is why Earth Day is so important and worth celebrating: it’s not just for us — it’s for the future generations of the world.

So join our Twitter chat with Wear this Earth Day, April 22, at 2pm EST / 11am PST to be part of the conversation! Just follow @BabbleEditors to send your questions and thoughts on all things nature using the hashtag #BabbleEarthChat.

Disney Junior's Give a Book, Get a Book to Donate Up to One Million Books to U.S. Communities in Need

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 21, 2014

Disney and First Book will provide for the donation of up to one million books to U.S. communities in need and will present families with free digital books from Disney Publishing Worldwide, through a new program announced today, Disney Junior’s Give a Book, Get a Book. Storytelling is the foundation of the initiative designed to inspire parents and caregivers to spend time each day sharing stories that help develop the critical thinking, vocabulary and language skills a preschooler needs. The program includes a redemption code offering a free Disney Digital book and a way for families to experience giving back by donating books to the community of their choice. Disney Junior’s Give a Book, Get a Book, also includes public service announcements, free storytime events at Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Disney Store locations, and interactive Radio Disney events.

The program was announced by Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide and First Book Board Member, Dr. Martha Bernadett during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at the Disneyland Resort.

Ms. Kanter said, “With each and every one of our Disney Junior series, we let a child experience the magic and learning that comes with a story well told, and deepen the emotional connection and sense of wonder and adventure that have defined storytelling at the Disney company for generations.” She continued, “The Give a Book, Get a Book program is a way for families to share stories and enter the world of giving in a simple yet effective way.”

Coinciding with the program announcement today, lifelong children’s literacy advocate LeVar Burton, Cofounder and Curator-in-Chief of the award-winning Reading Rainbow app, spoke about the importance of building literacy and of storytelling in the digital age. Disney Junior stars Ariel Winter and Tim Gunn (of “Sofia the First”) and David Arquette (of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) also participated in a storybook reading for event attendees and their families. Genevieve Goings (of Disney Junior’s “Choo Choo Soul”), who hosts the Give a Book, Get a Book public service announcements on Disney Channel, emceed the event.

“There are few things more powerful than stories to connect children to the world and help them imagine what they can become,” said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. “Yet, books and stories are in short supply for kids in need. That’s why we’re proud to be joining forces with our friends at Disney to put brand new books into the hands of children who so desperately need them.”

“Through the donation of 30 million books over the last 15 years, Disney Publishing Worldwide’s collaboration with First Book has brought the magic of reading and storytelling to millions of children, unleashing their imaginations and opening their worlds,” said Andrew B. Sugerman, Executive Vice President, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “We’re thrilled to expand this program with Disney Junior’s Give a Book, Get a Book.”

Families can now take advantage of an all-new website, GiveaBookGetaBook.com, featuring tools and resources for parents and caregivers that promote the value of storytelling and offer interactive activities. Beginning April 21 in Disney Store locations and later this summer at other nationwide retailers, there are two ways to Give a Book, Get a Book. For a limited time, with the purchase of any specially-marked Disney Junior book or product, receipts or packaging will include a redemption code allowing kids and families to direct the donation of a book to First Book in the region of their choice and to access a free Disney Digital Book to share as a family. Additionally, Give a Book, Get a Book bookmarks with redemption codes will be distributed to visitors at participating public libraries and Radio Disney events throughout the summer. With the help of families across the United States, Disney and First Book will donate up to one million books through this program.

Also starting April 21, Disney Store locations will provide an enhanced interactive “Storytime Powered by Give a Book, Get a Book” featuring two new stories from Disney Junior favorites, “Sofia the First” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” In addition to the in-store readings, Disney Store locations will host special storytime events at Boys & Girls Clubs of America in multiple markets across the U.S. Children at these events will be given a free book along with a redemption code bookmark.

Epcot After-Hours Wind Down

By

Heather Abbott - Travel Correspondent

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April 20, 2014

Now through September 15, Adults can enjoy the new Epcot After-Hours Wind Down following the nightly Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show. Choose from one of four spots in World Showcase for end-of-day relaxation with appetizers and beverages. Choose either La Cava Del Tequila at the Mexico Pavilion; Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion; Tutto Gusto in the Italy Pavilion, or Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Each location will have small bites paired with a beverage flight (additional beverages can be purchased) from 9:20 – 11 p.m. It’s a magical time as the park quiets down.

The cost for the Epcot After-Hours Wind Down is $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Epcot park admission is required. This is a great way to not only extend your day at Epcot but also to avoid the rush to exit the park after Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!

Knott's Announces Updates to Classic Calico Mine Ride & Camp Snoopy

By

Richard Lau - Contributing Writer

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April 18, 2014

On Thursday April 17, we were invited to Knott’s Berry Farm for an Exclusive event to see what plans are underway for enhancement to Camp Snoopy and the Calico Mine Ride. The creative teams are working tirelessly to have Camp Snoopy more themed to fit the High Sierras. Some of the favorite attractions will get a new paint scheme to tie into the wilderness. For example Lucy’s Tugboat that looked like a steam boat had now been transformed into a Raft. Another attraction that will be getting a makeover soon is the Rocky Road Truckin’ Company, instead of having the trucks look like just regular semis, they will get a new skin with a logging company theme. In addition new Peanuts fun will be coming to Grand Sierra Railroad. Linus Van Pelt will narrate the eight minute journey, pointing out the rustic sights and halarious Peanuts’ camping adventures along the way.

Video: Camp Snoopy Sneak Peak

Artist rendering of the new attractions coming in 2014 at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy.

In addition they are adding in three new attractions; Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies, Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer and Linus Launcher. Finally Snoopy and the Peanuts gang will have their very own permanent meet and greet location where the former Joe Cool’s GR8 SK8 attraction was. Now guests can meet the loveable Snoopy, Charlie Brown and his friends there.

Now what every miner has been waiting for is to strike it rich at the Calico Mine Ride. Soon the mountain full of prospectors will be running into the mine to see if they can strike it rich. Are you brave enough to go inside and see what’s in store? I have been looking forward to seeing this classic attraction brought back to life. I am pleased to confirm that Garner Holt Productions (GHP) has been working hard on bringing the miners and other surprises to life. Once completed there will be about 40 animatronics inside the mountain. GHP was also the ones that brought new life to the Timber Mountain Log Ride.

Video: Behind-the-Scenes Calico Mine Ride Sneak Peak

We were lucky enough to get a quick tour of a very small portion of the attraction. Crews were everywhere working hard refurbishing this classic ride. We also were able to take a sneak peak into the base of the “glory hole” this is the large open cavern in the attraction where you will see most of the animations. Updates to Camp Snoopy and Calico Mine Ride will open Summer 2014!

Check-out our Extensive Photo Gallery below of our Exclusive Construction tour.

Socalthrills.com

Sabrina Carpenter In An Exclusive Performance at Walt Disney Studios

Disney Backstage & Avengers Half Marathon Adventures by Disney Experience

Theatre Review: Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles

Final Film in “The Hobbit” Trilogy to Be Titled “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”

Build Your Empire With TownCraft on iPhone and Mac

'Terminator: Genesis' Begins Filming

Disney.com's Best Moment Ever Sweepstakes. ENTER NOW!

Danny Boyle and Leonardo Dicaprio Reuniting for Steve Jobs Biopic

Celebrate Earth Day with Babble and Join the Twitter Chat!

Disney Junior's Give a Book, Get a Book to Donate Up to One Million Books to U.S. Communities in Need

Epcot After-Hours Wind Down

Knott's Announces Updates to Classic Calico Mine Ride & Camp Snoopy

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