With summer just around the corner, Black Tap Anaheim has some tasty new offerings for the month of June that will surely please any pallet. For a limited time, you can try The Little Mermaid Shake, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, the Father’s Day Boss Burger, and the ever-popular Pride Crazy Shake with a specialty donut and candy.
We tried these new offerings which include new takes on craft sandwiches and their delicious crazy shakes. The classic mermaid shake was a sweet creamy mix of strawberry and blueberry with pieces of fruit mixed in. The shake was a stripped-down version of the sugar candy-loaded shakes found on the list but was perfect for those who want to enjoy a treat with flavor.
The Limited Hot Chicken Sandwich was a welcome addition. This hot chicken trend that is sweeping across America has hit Black Tap and this spicy sandwich has come to impress. It is a mature chicken sandwich, that doesn’t come to play but comes to please. Its simple ingredients guaranteed a delicious meal that was not overblown with spice but appeared as an aftertaste when biting into it. Any good sandwich should be served with fries and they complement this entree and make for a filling meal that is an unexpected surprise but a welcome one.
To celebrate Father’s Day we tried the Boss Burger (available one day June 18) double bacon cheeseburger that is indeed suited for a king. Take your loved ones to try this burger on Father’s Day and they will love and be grateful. With two large patties and as well as bacon strips, this will take one special dad to devour it all. The challenge of finishing this burger will remind him to enjoy all the savory bites that come along with it. The Boss Burger is one that cannot be missed, whether you are a grad or a dad or want to discover your new favorite burger, we know we just discovered ours.
Celebrate the Disney’s The Little Mermaid Premiere
Description: strawberry and blueberry shake topped with whipped cream & mermaid sprinkles ($14) Availability: May 26th to June 11th
Celebrate the Black Tap Nashville Opening!
Description: crispy chicken, hot chili, black garlic and chili seasoning, pickle chips, buttermilk, and parsley Availability: May 15th – June 15th
Celebrate dads with us!
Description: Double bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and special sauce ($25) Availability: Sunday, June 18th
Celebrate Pride all JUNE Long!
Description: a vanilla funfetti shake base with vanilla frosted rim with nerds topped with a rainbow Donut, rainbow unicorn pop, sour rainbow gummy rope & whipped cream ($26) Availability: throughout the month of June
***We were invited by Black Tap Anahiem to try out the new June offerings. All our opinions and review are that of the writer.***
In anticipation of the upcoming Indiana Jones film, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” here are some exciting new Indiana Jones-inspired products to share with you. With many different brands to help Indy fans everywhere celebrate this last adventure, everyone is sure to find a treasure to take home with them.
A little less than a month till fan events and one-day early screenings come to your local theater, take a look at all the treasures that have been revealed to get you into the spirit before your next adventure. From items that you can display on your shelves or your “studies” at home, to items that “belong in a museum” or even those you can wear out on your next journey take a look at the list below.
Reyn Spooner’s hand-illustrated vignettes portray some of Indy’s most iconic moments, all on a breezy Hawaiian-style shirt. Available today, the “Raiders of the Lost Ark”-inspired print will be available in four of Reyn Spooner’s popular styles: Classic Button Front, Tailored Button Front, Pullover, and Youth Classic Button Front. This exceptional design features many icons of the franchise including the boulder scene and… snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?
Throw me the idol and show me the money! The iconic golden idol from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is back and ready to hold your funds with The Golden Idol Bank by Gentle Giant, Ltd. You can use your new bank to save up for a Treasures Premier Collection Statue, which makes a great décor for your home.
You can add to your wardrobe not one, not two, but three new “Indiana Jones” crew neck sweatshirt designs inspired by Indy’s classic adventures. This Heroes & Villains collection includes the “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” Modern Fleece, “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Modern Fleece, and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” Modern Fleece. Plus, the short-sleeve Indiana Jones Welcome to Cairo Natural Tee and Indiana JonesIcons of Adventure Since 1935 Long Sleeve tee. Your closet will be filled with adventure!
Need something to store your valuables while exploring the unknown? The Indiana Jones Adventure Bag by U.S. Wings is rugged in style, just like Indy’s – but big enough to hold your valuables, whether that be an ancient idol or a 10-inch tablet. The bag is even stamped with a special, personal touch: “Property of Dr. H. Jones, Jr.”
Turn your home into a museum with the Golden Idol and Pedestal Magnet Set by Regal Robot. This magnet two-pack features a bright gold-painted idol, and pedestal with hand-painted distressing accents — and is a perfect fit for any collection, home, office, or fridge! Continue decorating your living space with the Temple Trap Large Wall Décor. This impressive, three-dimensional sculpture is roughly 15 inches in size – the same as the original set dressing from the film, “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Made in the U.S.A., this wall décor creation is cast in nearly 5 pounds of polyurethane resin and hand-painted with realistic stone accents and aging. It even features faux moss embellishments for a truly realistic, ancient feel.
RSVLTS is also paying homage to the classic “Indiana Jones” adventures! With their vast new debut collection, which features Boulders, Snakes, Idols, Tikiana Jones, and It’s the Mileage, there are many new ways to showcase your favorite characters, places, and icons from the original films in your wardrobe. All RSVLTS button-down shirts have their own take on Indiana Jones that features a soft and stretchy material, as well as a fresh new style.
Hasbro’s “Indiana Jones” Adventure Series is gaining many new action figures and related accessories inspired by “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” The Indiana Jones and Helena Shaw figures are detailed to resemble characters from the latest film. The Indiana Jones figure features a satchel and coiled whip; while both character figures include a detachable backpack, flashlight accessories, and a Build-An-Artifact piece. Fans can collect all figures in this Adventure Series assortment to acquire the pieces needed to assemble the Skull Temple, inspired by “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” This Skull Temple is a great complement to the other figures in the wave.
The adventure begins at BoxLunch! Shop new, exciting pieces including the Our Universe “Indiana Jones” Patch Utility Overshirt and “Indiana Jones” Map Color Block Long Sleeve T-Shirt, both perfect for your next trip to the museum. Your littlest explorer will be comfy cozy in the “Indiana Jones” Map Infant One-Piece, complete with a snap-button closure and plane graphic to help chart future adventures. You can also shop for keychains, pins, stickers, and more.
Looking for even more adventure? You can soon shop your favorite “Indiana Jones”stories on shopDisney, and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort!
Going on archeological treks around the world—just like Indiana Jones, himself—can be tiring work. Keep yourself hydrated with this new Stainless Steel Tumbler. Plus, kids will love to dress like Indy for all their upcoming adventures with the Faux Button-Down T-Shirt or Costume Accessory Set.
You know I’ll be wearing my new Tie-Dye T-Shirt to the theater to see “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” later this month! This super comfy short-sleeve tee is complete with a print of Indy’s signature fedora hat and whip.
Get ready for your next adventure with this Indiana Jones-inspired mini backpack from Our Universe! Featuring a stylized portrait of Indiana Jones running from the iconic boulder on the front zippered pocket and “Indiana Jones” lettering on top, this backpack has a silhouette of the adventurer on the back. With adjustable straps, a metal idol zipper pull, and a removable boulder coin purse, this bag is perfect for your next trip to the museum.
Our Universe Indiana Jones Boulder Portrait Wallet – BoxLunch Exclusive
Keep your essentials safe on your next adventure with this Indiana Jones-inspired wallet! Featuring a portrait of the iconic boulder scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark on the front, the back includes icons of Indiana Jones and a snake. This wallet opens up to reveal seven card slots, a clear ID sleeve, and a zippered pouch with a metal idol zipper pull, perfect for bringing the legendary adventurer with you wherever you go.
77013: Escape from the Lost Tomb
Enjoy hours of thrilling adventures with this detailed playset inspired by the Indiana Jones™ Raiders of the Lost Ark movie. Indy has fallen into the snake-infested Well of Souls while looking for The Ark of the Covenant. You need to help him escape by climbing the massive Anubis statue and finding the hidden passage. But watch out for a scary mummy and the snakes coming through the wall!
Indiana Jones™ Ark of the Covenant Picture Frame, 4×6
Whether you choose to display a favorite 4×6 photo of your latest globe-trotting destination, your posse of adventurers, or your pet capuchin monkey, make it stand out in this resin and acrylic picture frame featuring a base styled like the Ark of the Covenant lid. Indiana Jones and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” fans will love this frame—just no pictures of snakes, please.
Indiana Jones Temple of Doom Bridge DLX PVC Diorama
Everybody hold on! Indiana Jones has a plan, and you aren’t gonna like it! Depicting Indy, machete in hand, as he crosses the rope bridge in Temple of Doom, this approximately 11-inch Gallery Diorama is made of high-quality PVC and comes packaged in a full-color window box. It features details sculpting and paint applications.
Many of these brands and retailers are ones that are known for their attention to detail when it comes to your other favorite Disney properties, it is exciting to see so many partnering with Lucasfilm. These are just the beginning of exclusive merchandise announced from these brands. Hasbro alone has more collectibles to reveal throughout the year. Whatever product jumps out at you and inspires you to take your adventure, stay tuned and get excited for more, because Indiana Jones is back and he is here for more.
Embarking on a cruise adventure offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or preparing for your first voyage, knowing what to pack can significantly enhance your overall experience. To help you make the most of your cruise vacation, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential items to pack. From practical necessities to personal comforts, these items will ensure you’re well-prepared for a memorable journey on the high seas.
Travel Documents:
Before setting sail, gather all necessary travel documents, including your passport, identification, visas, cruise tickets, and any required medical certificates. Keep them in a waterproof and easily accessible folder or bag to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Clothing Essentials:
Cruise vacations often involve a variety of activities, from poolside relaxation to formal dinners and on-shore excursions. Pack a range of clothing options, including swimwear, casual outfits, and elegant attire for formal evenings. Don’t forget essentials such as comfortable shoes, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight jackets for breezy evenings on deck.
Toiletries and Medications:
Pack a well-stocked toiletry kit with travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen. Many cruise cabins provide basic toiletries, but it’s always a good idea to bring your preferred brands. Additionally, include any prescription medications and a basic first aid kit containing items like pain relievers, seasickness medication, band-aids, and motion sickness wristbands.
Electronics and Accessories:
Capture unforgettable moments with a camera or smartphone. Ensure you have all the necessary chargers, adapters, and extra memory cards to keep your devices powered throughout the journey. Consider bringing a power strip or multi-socket adapter as cabins often have limited outlets. Don’t forget headphones, a portable charger, and a waterproof case if you plan on using your devices poolside.
Cruise-Specific Items:
Depending on the cruise line and destination, there may be specific items you’ll need. Check if there are any dress code requirements, themed nights, or specific equipment for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, or formal events. Some cruise lines offer laundry services, but it’s useful to pack a small travel-size detergent for handwashing clothes if needed.
Entertainment and Recreation:
While cruises offer a plethora of onboard activities, there might be downtime during sea days or evenings. Bring books, magazines, or a Kindle for leisurely reading. Card games, portable board games, or a deck of cards can be great for socializing with fellow passengers. If you enjoy swimming or lounging by the pool, pack a waterproof e-reader or a floating device to keep your books dry.
Travel Accessories:
A few well-chosen travel accessories can make your cruise experience more comfortable. Pack a collapsible water bottle to stay hydrated during excursions and activities. Consider a small day bag or backpack for shore excursions to carry essentials like sunscreen, a towel, a hat, and a water bottle. A sturdy, TSA-approved lock will provide peace of mind when securing your belongings in your cabin or during shore excursions.
Packing wisely is essential for an enjoyable and stress-free cruise vacation. By considering the specific needs of your trip, including destination, cruise line, and activities planned, you can tailor your packing list accordingly. Remember to pack travel documents, clothing essentials, toiletries, electronics, cruise-specific items, entertainment options, and travel accessories. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable cruise adventure that combines relaxation, exploration, and exciting new experiences. Bon voyage!
Knott’s Berry Farms Summer Nights has begun and part of the Summer Nights the Flavors of Summer has begun. Featuring an all-new menu that spans the park with different restaurants and areas serving special food items. Some are included in the meal plan that is well known for frequent visitors of the park, however, this menu is best enjoyed using the Summer Tasting Card for $55 (Valid during Knott’s Summer on select dates May 26 – September 4, 2023), where you can enjoy 6 tastings of your choice.
We started at the Boardwalk BBQ where we tried two items from the menu; Summer Pasta and Steak Salad and Mexican Pineapple Pork Sandwich.
The items which are the main entrees offered for the occasion at this location are served from a quick service style line, and can easily be overlooked on the menu if not looking for them.
This steak salad had a fair amount of meat atop the salad. These small chunks of steak gave the salad its name but do little to improve this already streamlined salad. What is in the name is what you get, a pasta salad with steak which also includes a very light dressing.
The taste will suffice for this dish that leaves much to be desired, with no rich or savory flavors that should come in the dressing. This is one only worth trying if you are craving a salad dish.
The Mexican Pineapple Pork Sandwich was a delight to try for our second tasting (pic above). The sandwich was savory and sweet and was loaded with coleslaw and pineapple chunks on sweet bread stuffed with pulled pork. These sandwich’s found at other similar events tend to try to reinvent the concept of the sandwich, what this does so well is simply pairing a meat that is usually so juicy and savory on its own when done right. The sweet Mexican-influenced sauce pairs well with the rest of the sandwich that can fill you up for whatever time of the day you decide to try it.
We next made our way to the Coasters Diner where you can try the Papas Mexicanas served with Lemon Butter and Garlic Shrimp Fries. The Fries were of a smaller cut served in a relatively deeper bowl than expected, this generous portion had melted cheese sitting on top with a larger scoop of guacamole and pico de gallo. All this is stuffed with garlic shrimp that comes with lemon butter to make for one juicy platter to enjoy hopefully with someone else.
The Summer Nights Menu sprawls throughout the park into the temporary booths beyond the concert stage. We decided to try one item from the grilled booth, we went for an item familiar at any bbq, a hotlink. The hotlink is served with a chimichurri sauce atop vegetables, which is actually hot. Be aware if you order this item as it’s very spicy. The sauce is heavily dressed on top with a sweet bun and the vegetables give the special item a juicy quality. Try this one if you dare. If you like spicy and sweet this is the item for you.
After having this spicy item, we decided to try just another item from that menu, something a little more simple and reliable; a burger. The Blue Cheese and Bacon Cheeseburger Slider with a Pickle Mayo was a great choice. For anyone who enjoys blue cheese, this is a great burger. The meat was juicy, and the blue cheese and bacon with pickle mayo gave that crunch that you will find on a loaded burger. This burger is a must-try for any burger aficionado that is visiting the festival.
We then made our way on the other side of the tracks, back to Ghost Town, on the edge of Calico we found the Chow House Side Window. There they served a Cucumber, Black Cherry, Mango, and Ginger Mint Agua Fresca. After the food we had, we decided a refreshing drink was in order. We ordered the Ginger Mint Agua Fresca, it was the refreshment we were looking for. An Agua Fresca which has grown in popularity in Southern California is familiar to many guests. The team at Knott’s got that authentic taste with this version of the drink. If it is refreshing, fresh, and sweet, with a special twist of Ginger Mint.
Next is the Prop Shop Pizzeria to try the Chicken, Pesto, and Sundried Tomato Flatbread. The flatbread although a good “pizza” was not great. What you find on the pizza is exactly in the name, those toppings made for the potential for a great pizza however with the way the flatbread is served, not precut and still shaped like a personal pizza, it gives us the thought that perhaps this was a lazy attempt at a flatbread. It was difficult to eat we had to tear the pieces and eat the “slices”. Hopefully, you can find a better way to work on this “flatbread”, because we couldn’t. We simply wish that it was as good as the concept looked like on the menu.
We also had some desserts throughout the day, and the ones we tried varied for us, but what they had in common is that they could be enjoyed as sweet snacks or to help compliment your meals for the day if done right. These sweet treats were not unique items on any summer list, however, their concepts were. The first dessert we tried was at the Gourmet Churro Factory where we enjoyed the Beignets with Lemon Powdered Sugar. The dessert tasted simple as you find it in other venues, the lemon was a light hint, doing little to set it apart from other similar tastes. It was enjoyable as a dessert, just not a standout.
The last dessert we tried was found at Charleston Circle Coffee, a glorified S’mores bar. The chocolate was rich, drizzled on a graham cracker and the bar itself was large almost too rich. It was the sweetest bar we’ve ever had. Marshmallows are large and the crunch that comes with each bite and the sweetness that comes with each taste is what makes this the best dessert you might find at this large and sprawling taste of the summer.
With so many offerings during Knott’s Summer Nights, we hope this gives you an idea of what to try and what to enjoy. This article features a little less than half of all the items available and we are still looking forward to trying more on our next visit. So as you plan your next visit to Knott’s, keep in mind that you should make time to try this summer menu.
So whether you enjoy one of these dishes during the day, while Ghost Town Alive! is happening all around you, or whether you are enjoying the sights and sounds of the summer concerts, perhaps you are simply trying the largest sprawling food tasting in all of Southern California, be sure to try some of these dishes, they were enjoyable.
Brooklyn’s one and only Spider-Man returns! We invite you to swing into action with Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and a whole team of Spider-People across the Multiverse in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, in theaters nationwide Friday, June 2.
In anticipation and celebration of this theatrical release, fans of all ages can enjoy an expansive assortment of products from Hasbro, Funko, Our Universe, Her Universe, Loungefly, shopDisney, and more!
Below is an assortment of products that we liked:
Hasbro: Marvel Legends Series Spider-Punk
Hobie Brown is the British punk Spider-Man is better known as Spider-Punk. This quality 6-inch scale Spider-Punk figure is inspired by his appearance in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse!
Funko: POP Vinyl: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Spider-Gwen
Swing into action with Gwen Stacy as Pop! Spider-Gwen! This Super Hero is exploring the threads of the Multiverse web with her team of spider friends, and now their adventure has led to your Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse collection.
Our Universe: Marvel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Miles Varsity Jacket
Why use your camouflage ability when you can stand out in this stylish piece?! Swing through Brooklyn in this Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse varsity jacket! Inspired by Miles Morales, this jacket features red faux leather sleeves and embroidered patches on the front, plus “Morales” and spider patches across the back. Comes with striped ribbed cuffs and hem, front pockets and front snap-button closures.
Her Universe: Marvel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Ghost-Spider Girls Hoodie and Leggings
An elite crew with all the best Spider-People in it would not be complete without Ghost-Spider! From Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, this cropped hoodie is modeled after Gwen Stacy’s costume. It features black, white and pink color blocking, plus blue web designs on the sleeves and her spider logo printed on the back. Complete your Super Hero look with the matching leggings. (sold separately)
Loungefly: Spider-Punk Cosplay Mini Backpack
Get ready to shred! Giving shape to a Spider-Man from another universe, the front of this bag shows Spider-Punk’s grungy facemask complete with a metal spike mohawk. On the bag’s front zipper pocket, a tattered shirt appears beneath a jacket that sports pin-back buttons on the collar. Look closely and you’ll find an enamel zipper charm in the shape of a safety pin. Studded shoulder straps tie the look together, and the back features a spray-painted spider logo near emblems from Spider-Punk’s story.
Regarded as the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the west coast, the all-new Arctic Rescue family thrill coaster is now open at SeaWorld San Diego. Park guests are enlisted by the SeaWorld Rescue Team to aid struggling wildlife in distress at the Wild Arctic habitat. Teams are equipped with snowmobiles capable of three launches upwards of 40 mph, reaching heights of 30 feet, and following 2,800 feet of track. Manufactured by Intamin, riders sit in eight rows of two people for a total of 16 people per train. With a 48-inch height requirement, this family-friendly launch coaster packs in an exhilarating punch to the growing lineup of roller coasters in the San Diego park.
Arctic Rescue Entry Photo Gallery
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Although other recent additions such as Electric Eel and Emperor can be overwhelming for most visitors to this zoological theme park, Arctic Rescue is an excellent addition to welcome and offer new and younger audiences a steady path to those bigger and higher thrills. At first glance, many may make immediate comparisons of the newest roller coaster offering to the Manta Coaster located on the other side of the park.
Manta features overhead lap bar restraints, speeds of 43 mph, a 54-foot drop, and snuggles riders inside comfortable seats with full back and headrests while allowing dangling feet. Arctic Rescue has riders lower down into a straddle position, legs apart inside feet rests, and a lap bar restraint that lowers in front of you. With this seating configuration, there’s no need to constantly lean forward like in other motorbike launch coasters found in other theme parks.
Think Disney’s TRON: Lightcycle / Run and Knott’s Pony Express with their backseat restraint, and think more of Universal’s Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. With Arctic Rescue’s seating design, riders have the ability to lean into wild turns weaving side-to-side at dramatic twists and curves.
Lockers and Corridor Photo Gallery
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SeaWorld has similar ride experiences with Intamin’s motorbike family launch coaster design in other properties. Jet Rescue opened in Australia in 2008. Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster opened in San Antonio in 2017. While both share a jet ski ride vehicle approach, all three share an animal rescue storyline that impacts wildlife. In case of Arctic Rescue, it is a spiritual successor to the jet helicopter motion simulator that previously offered a ride experience before reaching the Base Station Wild Arctic animal exhibit.
Nods to the retired attraction can still be spotted with the jet helicopter sitting on a landing pad in Arctic Rescue’s ride path alongside yellow caution signs, wayfinding signages, metal arch cover, billowing wind sock, waving flags, and minimal landscaping. The load station is even named Mission Outpost 97. Most likely a nod to the 1997 opening year of the previous ride occupant.
The station features a charming overhead lighting fixture with an aurora borealis – like effect giving riders a sense of immersion in freezing temperatures that can be found in an Arctic climate. Like its predecessor, Arctic Rescue exits into the Wild Arctic animal encounter. But not without passing a view of your ride photo and lockers for storage of loose belongings before entering the ride.
Load Station and Ride Vehicle Photo Gallery
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A ride or animal exhibit would not be complete without a merchandise line to commemorate and retain the memories upon your visit. SeaWorld offers an assortment of hats, shirts, mugs, tumblers, magnets, and stickers for Arctic Rescue’s opening season. In addition, a new alcoholic beverage will debut on the ride’s opening day.
The new Arctic Rescue Hard Seltzer is a custom-made seltzer created by Hess Brewing. It is a delightful fusion of real juicy raspberries and tangy lemonade, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tart flavors. This blue-colored liquid concoction will get you revved up for any sub-zero adventure.
Merchandise and Drink Photo Gallery
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Arctic Rescue Opening Season merchandise product line
Baseball caps
Mugs
Tumbler, hats, shirts, and plush
Magnet and sticker
Arctic Rescue is only the beginning of an exciting summer 2023 season at SeaWorld San Diego. The open-air Bayside Amphitheater will debut a swashbuckling new pirate and mermaid-themed stunt show titled Pirates Ahoy: The Battle for Mermaid Cove. In light of the opening of the Sesame Place San Diego theme park, the Sesame Street area inside SeaWorld San Diego is being converted to SeaWorld Rescue Jr. And Shipwreck Reef Café is getting some much-needed TLC in preparation for a busy summer season.
Coming Soon Photo Gallery
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Arctic Rescue is now open at SeaWorld San Diego. For more information, download the official app and/or visit their website at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
Slater’s 50/50, the brand best known for their gourmet burger restaurants founded in Southern California, has announced that their new 50/50 Beef & Bacon Hot Dogs are available to consumers at nearly all Ralphs grocery stores across California. The hearty and delicious quarter pound franks are 50 percent beef and 50 percent bacon, making for THE most flavorful premium hotdog on the market.
“These half beef, half bacon hot dogs have really started to take off, and we are super excited that Ralphs has picked them up, just in time for summer and the start of grilling season,” said Jeff Gaunt, Marketing Director for BAR-S Foods Co., manufacturer of the hotdogs. “We’ve spent a lot of time developing the perfect, high-quality frank that kicks the flavor to a whole new level, and we believe we have a product that embodies the Slater’s 50/50 brand perfectly.”
“Slater’s 50/50 restaurants were founded here in California and are known for our over-the-top menu options and mouth-watering flavor combinations,” said Ernie Romo, Chief Operating Officer for Slater’s 50/50. “This hotdog product extension was a natural next move for us, and we know our California consumers will love being able to find them on the shelves at Ralphs and throw them on the grill at home!”
The robust, quarter-pound franks are bursting with bacon flavor without having to wrap a regular hotdog with bacon strips. They can easily stand alone on the grill, paired with your favorite toppings or pack a big flavor punch in smaller bite-sized portions when entertaining a crowd.
In addition to Ralph’s stores, Slater’s 50/50 Beef and Bacon Hot Dogs are currently distributed in select Kroger stores in Atlanta, Nashville, Louisville, and Columbus, Ohio, as well as other retailers nationwide. The product includes four franks per pack and retails between $5.99-$6.99 per package.
Knotts Berry Farm kicked off the holiday weekend with its unofficial start to its summer with the return of Ghost Town Alive! and Knott’s Summer Nights. Both events have proven to be popular with Knotts visitors year after year and their return usually brings in the summer crowds that stick around all summer long till these events come to an end at the beginning of September.
If you plan on attending Ghost Town Alive!, start your day early at Knott’s Berry Farm. The daytime experience begins at the park opening and concludes at the center of the park with a hoedown to culminate the experience held at 5:30 pm daily.
The immersive experience that runs throughout Calico Park is a mixture of immersive storytelling and character interactions that encourage you as the park guest to play a part in the larger story being told. The story being told is an exciting election, for the new mayor of Calico.
If you are coming to this interactive experience at any point on your next visit, a good reason to come earlier in the day is to involve one’s self in the ongoings of Ghost Town. You’ll want to stick around town longer than you planned, once you get involved in the larger story. Each character you interact with, and each establishment you visit in Ghost Town is an opportunity to interact with the characters who make up the town of Calico and with the townsfolk who run the town.
This experience is great for kids of all ages. You could find yourself at a Town Hall meeting with the mayoral candidates, which could include the town sheriff, the town outlaw, or even the town lawyer. If you visit the Post Office you could meet with the Post Master who might ask you for your help in delivering a few packages while you’re “visiting” in town.
You might even cross paths with the Town Sheriff who might deputize you to help arrest a couple of outlaws and then walk with a posse to take those outlaws to jail.
All of this concludes with a hoedown hosted by the townsfolk of Calico on the stage at Calico Park, where the new mayor is elected and you’re invited to a dance to celebrate the occasion.
So be prepared to experience the best immersive experience you didn’t think needed but is just what you’ve been looking for all along when you inevitably visit! this summer. Get ready to have fun, get involved in frontier living, and learn a thing or two about surviving in the Old West.
During the evening is the start of the nightly programming that makes up Summer Nights. The summertime party that occurs nightly is an invitation to party at Knott’s Berry Farm all summer long. If you are looking to unwind after a fun-filled day or are ready to dance the night away with music offerings throughout the park or even are looking to complement either one of those experiences with a taste of some summer food, then prepare to head over to Summer Nights for this one of a kind party experience.
If you are planning to enjoy live music as a part of the festivities keep in mind that there is an expansion of music offerings this year that reach as far as the New Fiesta Village at the Fiesta Village stage. With an option to travel further out into the park for music offerings, this is another experience that we would encourage you to come earlier. In Fiesta Village you’ll find music with a Latin flair, then hop over to the Midway you’ll find some Beach Boys-inspired tunes being played live on the patio of the Boardwalk Bbq.
The midway of the park is where you’ll find the most familiar sounds of the summer, with rock-inspired music being played on the Calico stage just beyond the main stage which then features music from rock to pop all sorts of offerings in between. With either of these stages being on the midway, or the center of the park it is best to arrive early for the picnic-style seating in front of the stages, this set up encourages visitors to enjoy the food offerings that make up the festivities offerings of the “A Taste of Summer”. All this staging of the event and more make for a feeling that you never left town for a summer party or a bbq you might have in your backyard.
If playing games out on the lawn or in the backyard is what makes for those memorable summer nights for you then be sure to visit the game opportunities along the midway. With simple summer games that are fun for all ages and most summer occasions, you are sure to find a game that suits your level of fun best.
Take the time on your next visit to stop for a stroll along the midway for some classic summer fun, that you can just take in and enjoy without having to think twice if the experience will be too thrilling for your taste. If you look up on one of the roofs just beyond Charleston Circle, you’ll find a DJ there playing some of the best family-friendly club music that all ages can dance along to. All this and more can be your experience at Knott’s Summer Nights.
The reimagined transformation of Fiesta Village has finally opened at Knott’s Berry Farm! The refreshed land brings new Hispanic influences to rides, shows, merchandise, and food. Mariachi music, storytelling, and Bob Baker Marionette Puppet Show performances will play on the newly designed Fiesta Plaza outdoor stage.
The Peanuts gang also gets into the spirit of meeting their fans while wearing traditional garments. Previous attractions have received new paint and color schemes stringing a consistent theme throughout the land. Areas surrounding the Aztec pyramid, market, and Alebrijes Gardens offer distant sections within the land evoking a sense of discovery around every turn. Returning rides include Jaguar!, Sol Spin, Carrusel de California, La Revolución, Hat Dance, Dragon Swing, and Los Voladores. MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress will open at a later date.
Water features, mosaic tile artwork, fresh landscaping, structural enhancements, and giant brightly colorful Alebrijes add elemental touches that refresh previously stagnant areas.
The new nighttime street party, Calle Celebración, enlightens themes of family and community with color, music, dancing, stilt walkers, and oversized puppets. Set to the backdrop of moving projections and pyrotechnics atop the Jaguar roller coaster temple.
Fiesta Village Area Photo Gallery
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Entry from Silver Bullet
Papas Mexicanas
Carrusel de California
Sol Spin
Jaguar!
La Revolución marquee
Los Voladores
Los Voladores
Entry from Camp Snoopy
New Stage
Live Musicians
Puppet show
Snoopy Meet and Greet
Projections on Jaguar pyramid
Calle Celebración
Calle Celebración
Lotería Game Booth
Lotería Game Prizes
Fruta Mercado Game Booth
Fruta Mercado Game Prizes
The food and drinks make a bigger and better impression now than it has in years past. A lot of focus went into upgrading the menu, locations, and seating for a more appealing dining experience. Baja Taqueria between the Hat Dance and La Revolución rides serves esquite and street tacos.
Taco proteins include fish, shrimp, beef, or mushrooms. Request the tasty taco sauce served on the side as it was a bit overwhelming. This is a huge improvement over the hot dogs that were previously part of the menu here. By the Fiesta Plaza, Papas Mexicanas will serve up carne asada fries and elote fries. Casa California Restaurante makes significant changes to the building occupants that were here.
The old arcade is now indoor seating while the store is now a restaurant serving build-your-own burritos or bowls, birria quesadillas, and tamales. The freshly made guacamole more than makes up for the extra salty tortilla chips. Regular churros and Oreo-flavored churros can now be found here. Grab a drink at the new outdoor Cantina Del Sur by the stage.
Sabor de Fiesta brings together food and games in festival booths located across from Silver Bullet. The best part is the summer’s tasting card, Flavors of Summer, is also included here. Expect to see potato and chorizo tacos, micheladas, and elotes.
Fiesta Village Food Photo Gallery
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Build Your Own Bowl or Burrito
Taco Selections
Beef Nachos and Esquites
Margarita Flights
Elote and drink selections
Loaded Fries and desserts
Desserts
Chips and Gucamole
Cookie
Piña Colada Trifle
Cupcakesito
Concha de Café de Olla
Chocoflan
New cantina
New cantina
New cantina
Papas Mexicanas
Registers and soda fountains
Indoor Seating Area
Build Your Own Bowl or Burrito
Chips, Gucamole, and Oreo Churro
Esquites with a líme Mayo Crema and Piñata Cookie
Beef Nacho with Avocado Crema
Baja Shrimp Taco
Forager Taco
Take a stroll down Fiesta Mercado to find a variety of unique and authentic shopping items. Inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street, guests can find selections of Chamoy candies, hot sauces, blankets, cups, glassware, magnets, shirts, hoodies, hats, pins, personalized parasols, and zarapes. There’s even a specially designed tiki mug inspired by the Montezuma roller coaster that is limited to 500 made. Collectors best grab this Fiesta Village exclusive before it’s gone!
Fiesta Village Merchandise Photo Gallery
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Fiesta Village is now open at Knott’s Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, CA. We expect to see finishing touches being placed as the weeks go on. So it will be exciting to see what comes next and what changes are made as the crowds convene to this newly reimagined land. The bold colors, green landscaping, enhanced placemaking, coordinated themes, tasty cuisine, refreshing libations, and daily performances really do come together making the best version of what was there before. It brings even more excitement to see what comes next in the park’s future.
The rail line through San Clemente is set to reopen for passenger rail service on Saturday, May 27, as emergency work has stabilized a hillside north of the Pier that last month scattered debris into the rail right of way below.
Metrolink, which operates regional passenger rail service, and its contractors worked with San Clemente, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which operates the popular Pacific Surfliner service, and the Orange County Transportation Authority, owner of the track through Orange County, to clear the way to safely re-establish service on the track.
Metrolink and Pacific Surfliner are working to re-establish their respective services as quickly as possible.
Metrolink is expected to resume service on Saturday. Passengers are asked to look for the latest updates on train schedules at metrolinktrains.com/service-update.
Pacific Surfliner is set to resume rail service through San Clemente on Saturday, as well. One earlier train (794) from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will operate late tonight (Friday). Passengers are asked to visit pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for updated train schedules.
The rail line is being reopened at the start of the Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start to summer and a popular time for travel by all modes, including rail.
The halt to passenger service began on April 27, when the slope behind the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens began to slide, prompting the city to start emergency work to stabilize the hillside.
Crews have finished the bulk of that work, and Metrolink has worked with a contractor to clear debris near the track, allowing passenger service to safely resume.
All the partners, including OCTA, San Clemente, Metrolink and LOSSAN, are continuing to work together to coordinate any future work and will keep the public informed of any significant updates.
Journey to the Isle of Tiles with beloved Disney and Pixar characters and take on challenging crossword-style puzzles in Disney Spellstruck! Flex your spelling skills with Mickey Mouse, Tiana, Stitch, and others in a puzzle word game adventure. Play with friends in online versus mode, complete daily challenges, and test your spelling power as you claim the top spot on the leaderboards!
The game is available NOW only on Apple Arcade. Click here to download. (Subscription to Apple Aracade required $4.99/month. iPhone / iPad / Mac or Apple TV Device required)
A DISNEY-INSPIRED PUZZLE ADVENTURE
Embark on a magical puzzle adventure with over 60 levels spanning four distinct worlds. Each world features iconic Disney and Pixar-inspired landmarks including Radiator Springs, Skull Rock, and Rapunzel’s Tower. All the worlds are under the spell of Blank and the Letter Lackeys, and need your help! Test your spelling skills and save the Isle of Tiles to rescue corrupted characters.
UNLOCK NEW CHARACTERS AND POWERS
Test your spelling skills in adventure mode or multiplayer and defeat your opponent to unlock popular Disney and Pixar characters. Master unique superpowers to gain an advantage against Blank and other players from all over the world.
PLAY AGAINST WORD PUZZLE EXPERTS
Challenge other players in 1v1 multiplayer games and discover who is the biggest word-puzzle brain out there! Use Game Center to play against your friends and family.
COMPLETE DAILY CHALLENGES
Play the Daily Challenge to test your skills in a unique word puzzle every day. Defeat Blank’s Letter Lackeys to unlock unique characters only accessible by completing daily challenges.
ACHIEVEMENTS, LEADERBOARDS AND MORE!
Are you the #1 Disney SpellStruck player in the world? What’s your highest single-word score? Check the Game Center leaderboards to find out! Unlock achievements and show your word-spelling mastery to your friends on Game Center.
Watch the magic of storytelling unfold, as Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is being reimagined and transformed into Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort! Disney has shared some new artist concept renderings and details, as they begin to see touches of Pixar popping up here and there at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, with much more to come!
This 15-story high-rise hotel overlooks Disney California Adventure Park. Guests may have already noticed the hotel’s exterior has a bright new look! While Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel continues to welcome Guests during this transition, we want to share a colorful glimpse of what Pixar Place Hotel will look like in the future once the transformation is finished this winter. When complete, Pixar Place Hotel will be the only fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States!
The lobby will continue to evolve over the next few months and will begin to blend beloved Pixar imagery with the hotel’s contemporary setting. When the transformation is complete, iconic images from Pixar films will be at the front desk, with characters pictured larger than life in curated artwork.
This winter, as Guests enter the hotel lobby, they will be greeted by the Pixar Lamp playfully balancing atop its ball! A whimsical, colorful character-inspired mobile will hang above, welcoming Guests to the new, reimagined lobby atrium.
A “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad will be a part of the new Pixar Place Hotel when Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is reimagined at the Disneyland Resort. The hotel will weave the artistry of Pixar into a comfortable, contemporary setting. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
Later this summer, overnight Guests can splish and splash at an all-new water play area inspired by Nemo and his friends, where Crush the sea turtle goes with the flow atop a 186-foot-high waterslide and Hank can be seen hanging out at the pop-jet splash pad.
Later this year, a family play court will be added to the deck with activities inspired by Pixar’s famous short films. Interactive games and imaginative free play celebrate favorite friends from “La Luna,” “Bao,” “For the Birds,” and “Burrow.” And when it’s time to relax, Guests may enjoy food and drinks under the love-struck umbrellas from “The Blue Umbrella.”
By night, the pool deck is the ideal spot to take in amazing views of the Disneyland Park fireworks, and lounge by cozy character-inspired fire pits with family and friends.
This fall, the hotel will unveil a new restaurant at the resort, Great Maple. This Southern California-based modern American eatery specializes in playful takes on upscale comfort food. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, the ground-floor restaurant — with a beautiful outdoor patio — will be easily accessible to Hotel Guests, local diners, and theme park goers!
Signature dishes to start dreaming about? Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts, the Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, and the Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs! Great Maple will also have a full bar including beer, wine, and cocktails.
Great Maple’s culinary creativity will abound throughout the hotel, offering food and beverage service at the pool, as well as a new grab ‘n’ go coffee shop and café near the lobby, and eventually at the hotel’s new concierge lounge.
During the refurbishments of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, overnight Guests still enjoy the great benefits of staying on property at the Disneyland Resort such as early park entry and a special entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, along with close proximity to Disneyland Park and the Downtown Disney District.
*Applicable theme parks, days and times of operation, and attractions, experiences, and offerings for the early entry benefit may vary, be subject to availability, capacity, change, and cancellation without notice, and are not guaranteed.
