The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood is offering a double feature and two fan event screenings hosted by pop culture outlet Nerdist for Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” on November 10. All tickets for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” are on sale now.
The “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Double Feature will start at 12:00pm. Tickets are $85 and include an exclusive mini poster, snap back hat, collectible coin, event credential, Bashenga popcorn vessel with 64oz popcorn and 20oz bottled beverage.
The fan event screenings will take place at 7:00pm and 11:00pm, each with their own exclusive items included with a ticket. Each fan event screening costs $60.
Attendees at the 7:00pm “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Fan Event will receive an exclusive mini poster, Wakanda Forever collectible tin with 64oz popcorn, LE 1,000 stained glass pin, event credential and 20oz bottled beverage with their ticket.
Attendees at the 11:00pm “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Fan Event will receive an exclusive mini poster, Wakanda Forever collectible tin with 64oz popcorn, Celebrate: Wakanda Coca-Cola® Can, event credential and 20oz bottled beverage with their ticket.
Daily showtimes for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” starting November 11 are 11:00am,3:00pm,7:00pm and 11:05pm. Showtimes are subject to change.
Guests are invited to arrive early to view a display of costumes from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Fans are also encouraged to cosplay as their favorite Marvel characters.
The El Capitan Theatre has taken enhanced health and safety measures for its guests and cast members. All guests must follow posted instructions while visiting. For health and safety information including theatre policies and procedures visit https://elcapitantheatre.com/safetyinformation/
Illuminate Silverlakes is a brand new festive Christmas party of nighttime enchantment and awe-inspiring installations, will run for select evenings, November 25 – December 30, from 6 pm to 10 pm PST at the Silverlakes Equestrian and Sports Park in Norco, California.
At Illuminate Silverlakes, guests will enjoy delightful visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live musical performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful holiday light displays, tasty seasonal treats and Christmas appetizers, holiday gift offerings, and unforgettable moments for everyone! The family-friendly outdoor experience will take visitors on a magical illuminated journey through the festive grounds, touring six different captivating and fun-filled areas. Share the warmth of an enchanted Christmas season at SoCal’s all-new event.
“After a two-year absence, we know families are excited to gather together once again, and we can’t wait to have them join us in making new holiday memories in a spectacular setting that truly represents the ‘merry’ of Christmas,” says TC Knoch, managing partner of Skyline Production Group. “Each of our six distinct areas is filled with amazing entertainment, food delights, and enough incredible sights to please any Instagrammer or family Christmas card cover!”
A limited number of advance discounted tickets are available now through Monday, October 31, 2022. Advance discounted tickets are $28 for adults ($48 after Oct. 31) and $18 for children ages 3 – 9 ($34 after October 31). To order advance tickets today, visit https://www.showclix.com/event/illuminate-2022
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY MARKET
Guests can stroll through our charming Christmas Holiday Marketplace filled with seasonal crafts, last-minute Christmas gifts, lively and entertaining musical performances, and a visit to Mrs. Claus’ cottage to help decorate the halls with cookie decorating.
ILLUMINATION TRAIL
Holiday adventurers can walk through a tunnel of dazzling lights, guarded on both sides by two gigantic nutcracker soldiers, that lead you around a beautiful lake to various destinations such as Toyland, Electric Forest, Reindeer Grove, and Santa Village.
TOYLAND
Here, oversized Christmas presents, snowflakes, and toys are sprinkled along the trail providing excellent opportunities for Christmas card photos and Instagram fun.
ELECTRIC FOREST
Emerging from Toy land, guests enter onto a magical Christmas tree lane, a pathway of electrified Christmas trees of various shapes, designs, and sizes, all brought to life through amazing illuminations where every 15 minutes, our beautiful 35ft tall pixel Christmas tree comes to life in a show of music, lights, and white Christmas snowfall.
REINDEER GROVE
In the peaceful realm of Reindeer Grove, guests will have a chance to take a picture in the world’s most famous sleigh before you venture through an oversized and whimsical ornament that leads you into Santa Village, where Santa himself is waiting to greet one and all.
SANTA VILLAGE
Here in this rustic village, guests of all ages can visit Santa Claus to share their Christmas wishes, snap a family photo, and savor tasty food and drinks while enjoying the fun, music, and whimsy of this festival setting.
“Everyone here at Silverlakes is excited to see Illuminate come to life this holiday season and the opportunity to show off our incredible property to guests from the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Orange County,” says Scott Megna, executive director of operations, Silverlakes Equestrian Center and Sports Park. “From a great line-up of food and beverage offerings to the incredible mirror effect of the ‘Illuminate’ displays on our lake, we’re confident families will have a memorable and enjoyable holiday visit with us.”
Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, returns to Costa Mesa from November 25th through January 1st for 26 days and nights of attractions, live entertainment and fun! Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with oversized holiday décor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making.
New for 2022, and included in all admission tickets, is “North Pole Journey,” an immersive walk-through experience that guides guests to North Pole Village on an important mission to meet Santa Claus and save the holidays.
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with past Winter Fest OC favorites as well as all-new activities, including outdoor ice skating under the stars, a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini golf, trackless train rides, snowboard simulator, and carnival thrills.
Also returning are winter-themed bounce houses, an arts and crafts area, holiday market, and seasonal food and drinks.
Winter Fest OC features a variety of stage and strolling entertainment, including a nightly Holiday celebration featuring snow flurries and Santa, meet and greets with kid’s favorite characters, tribute bands, and more.
All this plus unique winter-themed photo opportunities with the 30-foot-tall giant walk-through ornament, numerous giant Christmas trees, and of course, meeting Santa himself.
“We are so excited to bring Winter and Holiday magic back to the OC and celebrate being together again with our reimagined winter wonderland festival,” said Katrina Carlson, executive producer of Winter Fest OC. “This year, we’re bringing an all-new event with the most popular activities of Winter Fest OC and even more fun for kids and adults alike, including new ice attractions, performances, food and drinks, shopping, and much more. Plus, the immersive favorites from the last two years of our wildly successful Night of Lights OC production will be integrated into the new ‘North Pole Journey’ walk-through experience that’s included in every general admission ticket. We can’t wait to spread the joy of the season with our Southern California community and bring holiday magic to everyone!”
All-New Immersive Walk-Through Experience: “North Pole Journey”
Travel from Forest Gate to North Pole Village in the all-new “North Pole Journey” walk-through experience that will immerse you in the sights, sounds, and smells of five magical lands on an important mission from Santa. Stop in three Holiday Towns and collect an element of the holidays in each that will help Santa take flight.
Enjoy dazzling lights, music, unique photo opportunities, interactive activities, and visits with your favorite Night of Lights and Winter Fest OC characters including Yowie the Yeti, Snow Princess, Toyland Troupe, Toy Soldiers, Polar Bear, and Santa in this unforgettable experience!
Holidays & VIP Experiences
New Year’s Eve Orange Ball Celebration: Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of 2023! Awarded by Reader’s Digest as one of the top New Year’s Celebrations in the U.S.
Fireside Lounge: Enjoy an exclusive fireside lounge area with comfortable seating, fire pits roasting s’mores and an exquisite view of the nightly Holiday celebration. With a private bar, Fireside Lounge is perfect for groups and holiday corporate parties.
Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas: Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas for up to 10 people are available to rent, creating the ultimate premium lounge for families, date nights and girl’s night out. Cabanas can be adjoined to accommodate up to 250 people for memorable office parties. A private server is available for the purchase of specially themed food and drinks. Reserve now as they typically sell out early.
Lowest Prices of the Season
Don’t miss the lowest prices of the season with limited time early bird specials October 17th through 19th, including anytime use general admission tickets of $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 3 to 12 years old.
General admission tickets include the all-new “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, stage and strolling entertainment, nightly Holiday celebration, plus unique photo opportunities throughout Winter Fest OC.
Other select attractions require an add-on ticket or reservation. Visit WinterFestOC.com to see all pricing information, including season passes for 26 unlimited days and nights of family fun, friend outings or date nights.
Discounts will be offered on select days to honor our community heroes: First Responders, Nurses, Teachers, and Military/Veterans with proof of ID.
Who doesn’t think of Halloween when you hear Shaqtoberfest? Certainly not myself. Especially not being a sports fanatic. It was understandable to be completely skeptical of what sort of relationship could possibly be conjured between NBA star Shaq and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (the same team that operates long time Halloween event Los Angeles Haunted Hayride).
So how does it fair as the replacement spooky time offering from Dark Harbor at Queen Mary in Long Beach? Surprisingly well, actually. If you or someone you know loves Halloween, but not brave enough for scary events that are offered at Knott’s Scary Farm or Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, then Shaqtoberfest is your transitional ticket from spooky to scary. Starting at 6 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekend evenings, the event is centered on family-fun Trick or Treat Trails to collect candy. But once the clock strikes the Witching Hour of 8 pm every evening, Shaqtoberfest transitions into a spine-chilling evening that transforms the music and lighting. Interactive but creepy characters have free roam of the grounds. And the Trick or Treat Trails become Twisted Trails for actors waiting to give you a fright.
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The event consists of a fair ground surrounded by comfort food, carnival rides, themed bars, winding trails, and DJ stage. Food choices range from funnels cakes, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, tacos, nachos, cookies, Pink’s Dogs, and Hot Dog on a Stick. There’s even carnival rides to change up what scares you. A ferris wheel, carousel, tilt-a-whirl, Gravitron, and a Whacky Shack funhouse completes the attraction lineup. And to retain some sort of basketball connection, you can throw a severed head into a basket. Heads up! The stage backdrop is themed to a garage with a basketball hoop over the garage door that doubles as a video projector.
Part of the fun is the aspect of implementing Shaq into Halloween. The design team must have had an assuming time when coming up with ways to sneak the name of the successful business owner into Halloween themes. So there’s “Shaq-enstein” in front of a windmill facade and the “Pumpkin Shaq” in the Pumpkin Patch. Whilst being an oversized chicken statue nearby, guests were asking themselves “where’s the chicken ‘Shaq’ next?” The big guy himself in fact actually does own a fried chicken business called Big Chicken. Hopefully this will fly in for next season. We hope the Shaq theme continues to expand in the future. Shaq-ula? Were-Shaq? Creature From the Shaq Lagoon?
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Themed bars have become an enjoyable novelty for alcoholic enthusiasts. What better way to have a collection of the most popular themes than in one location at Shaqtoberfest. The Homecourt Bar carries basketball, Diesel’s Boathouse ropes in sea dock, Captain Shaq’s Hideaway weighs anchor in the stern of a pirate ship, Tiki Terror Bar oversees a shimmering view of the Queen Mary, & VIP Slam Dunk Lounge hangs in the gangway of the historic ship. A variety of environments for a variety of tastes.
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Cinched to the ground is an enormous Beast lying just for the midway area. It’s actually a giant inflatable big enough to walk inside of. Guests enter its gaping jaws, swallowed inside past the swinging uvula, and navigate the creature’s dark insides and chambers before existing the other side. No scare actors here to come at you from hidden crevices.
Shipwreck Graveyard is like a themed land to itself. There’s the Deadman’s Wharf trail, oversized props and figures, plenty of photo-ops, live characters, and even a themed bar. The design team really knocks it out of the park with decorating to impressive standards.
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Deadman’s Wharf takes a dive into the depths of undersea exploration. A dismantled submarine, diving suit, monstrous whale, colorful reef, and a maddening anglerfish fill up this compact trail. It’s no wonder the surrounding Shipwreck Graveyard has to makeup for the limited space, but still pleasantly separates itself from the rest of the festivities with approachable set pieces for photographs.
Midway Madness springs up the big top tent for big scares. The crazy clowns have taken over the fairgrounds to chase you with chainsaws into a covered funhouse of terror. A large spider tantalizes guests into the jaws of a waiting snake. Sharp shooters take aim as guests become the unsuspecting target. Creepy clowns make sure there’s no “crate escape” possible.
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Lost City Boardwalk is the most kid-friendly of the trails with a 1920’s atmosphere. The theme is not an issue with the dimly lit casino, fueling station, bank vault, bustling sidewalk, and jailhouse. The round design of cardboard skeletons works well for the daytime family dynamic, but is ironically lost in the night version. More actors are needed to fill out each building. There is also not enough for the actors to work with given the current space. The only portion that has any chance of success is the inmate skillfully owning the jailhouse for the best scares. A competent effort but loses points in the scares.
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Pirate’s Cove is well decorated and highly detailed walk on the wooden planks of a pirate ship. After skimming the outer deck, the hull opens inside the hall of barrels, draping canvas, heavy cannons, bony skulls, and looping ropes. The stern of the ship is where a hidden bar is tucked away. The path spits out on the other side of the ship to admire the statues of pirates, treasure chests, and a silent but deadly creature of the sea. A moody version at night and certainly fun to point out the intricate scope packed into the limited space.
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Pumpkin Patch is by far the longest trail filled to the brim with fresh pumpkins, packed haystacks, stuffed scarecrows, dry cornstalks, and old-fashioned farm trucks. Children and adults can bounce, slide, and race on giant inflatables. There are a couple shacks closed during the family-fun day time hours. But come nightfall, they are open to reveal some gory props seldom seen in the rest of the festival. The rotating colorful lights and EDM in the background gets you into pumpkin picking dance mood. The barn provides a movie set quality design but lacks enough actors to fill the space to give this trail that lasting wow factor.
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Overall this brand new Halloween festival kills. The event is wide enough to roam freely. Not too overwhelmingly scary, crowded, or in-your-face like other theme park Halloween offerings. You can get tipsy from the bars, fill your belly with food from county fairgrounds, and explore at your leisure. From a cheerful family day trip, to a whimsy evening of mild frights perfect for a chill date night.
Shaqtoberfest is open select nights from now until October 31, 2022. Located in Long Beach, CA alongside the historic Queen Mary ship. General Admission tickets start at $29.99 for children and $34.99 for adults. Expedited Access at entry and at trails with priority seating called “Fast Break” is offered starting at $44.99 for children and $49.99 for adults. The $99.99 VIP Slam Dunk admission grants Expedited Access at entry and at trails and preferred seating at bars, rides, Bounce, VIP Deck access, plus one signature cocktail or beverage. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.shaqtoberfest.com.
Once upon a time, Disney Parks fans had to travel to the magical lands of the Walt Disney World Resort to harness the power of MagicBands and now, after all this time, the original Magic Kingdom will get its opportunity to share in the magic with the exciting news that MagicBand+ is coming to the Disneyland Resort on October 26th.
The ever popular Disney World product will give guests the chance to access their park entry and reservations made by the tap of the wrist, as well as gain access to easy entry for valid Genie Plus reservations through Lightning Lane. Disney PhotoPass photos will also be easily linked to the device, making your next character photo op easier and simpler than ever which means no more fumbling through your pockets and bags for a PhotoPass card or having to navigate through the Disneyland App to get access to your photo code!
No details have been shared on park purchasing opportunities or hotel key access through MagicBand+, but should those functions become available in the future, we will be sure to keep an eye out since those would be resort game changers for many.
That doesn’t mean new surprises aren’t in store, as MagicBand+ will unlock all new experiences for guests, including a new virtual bounty hunter experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters will work in sync with the Play Disney Parks app to reveal hidden bounties and secrets within the depths of Black Spire Outpost.
Guests will also be able to add an additional magical touch to their Disney Parks experience, as MagicBand+ will bring select park experiences and entertainment offerings to life with special color-changing LED lights and haptic vibrations. Avengers Campus has been revealed to be one of the select locations guests can unlock this special feature.
This power will also be unleashed in a way many parks fans will be familiar with, as MagicBand+ will sync to special moments during Disney California Adventure’s World of Color, Fantasmic, and other limited nighttime spectaculars. This feature was first tested during the “Glow with the Show” era of ears for World of Color as well as special products released for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary that linked with the Paint the Night parade and the Disneyland Forever Fireworks.
Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog, we know that the following locations will be have MagicBand+ available in an assortment of 18 collectible and unique designs. Five print designs are exclusive to the Disneyland Resort.
For anyone wondering, it does appear an early release of MagicBand+ will be available to select eligible Disney Parks Cast, Magic Key Holders, and Disney Vacation Club members starting October 19th. A photo ID and proof of membership, Magic Key Pass, or company issued ID are required to gain access to the early product releases.
Unlike MagicBands past, these new MagicBand+ accessories will feature a rechargeable battery for extended use. Take a look at the steps below!
News has not been shared on whether the traditional MagicBand will be able to access some of the new features coming to Disneyland, and for those who collect the classic bands, only time will tell if MagicBand functionality is also included in this latest news. We will make sure to find out!
Who is excited for the debut of MagicBands in Disneyland? What designs will you choose? Do you hope for more magical features in the future? We can’t wait to find out as we enter the merriest time of the year and beyond. Stay tuned!
Tis’ the season to be magical, as the Disney Parks Blog has just revealed some of the latest and greatest surprises coming to the Disneyland Resort this holiday season. Beginning November 11th, guests will get a chance to return to the Merriest Place on Earth and experience some classic traditions as well as find some new presents under the tree with some offerings sure to be a holiday hit for visitors of all ages.
Returning favorites include Disney’s Festival of Holidays, which celebrates the stunning sights and sounds of cherished holidays including Christmas, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Navidad, and Three Kings Day, all featuring world-class entertainment! Joining the list of returning favorites like the Mariachi Divas, and Phat Cat Swinger will be Tina and the Sounds of Celebration. This powerhouse act will bring in a Latin beat that features salsa, meringue, cumbia, and rock Latino.
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” will bring Mickey and all his friends into the heart of Disney California Adventure, alongside the Holiday Toy Drummers, both shows having performances throughout the day you won’t want to miss. It all leads up to the grand finale with the epic return of World of Color- Season of Light, bringing in some new holiday pixie dust with the debut of MagicBand+, set to release this fall!
Though don’t forget to visit Disneyland Park, with the return of “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, along with the iconic “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks. All these holiday nighttime spectaculars will come to life in a new way, thanks to the lights and symphonic vibrations of MagicBand+.
The magic doesn’t stop there, as Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang are coming out in their holiday best, featuring all new holiday themed outfits that will debut this November. The vintage-inspired looks will pop with warm colors of red and green, sprinkled in magic through wintry textures and patterns that include chenille, velvet, herringbone, and the ever traditional plaid, accented with just a touch of gold sparkle.
Don’t forget to find the man with the bag himself, as Santa comes back to the Disneyland Resort to say hello all the way from the North Pole. Make sure to catch him as he makes his journey through Critter Country in Disneyland Park, The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park, as well as the halls of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Plenty of merry laughs and memories await!
Though make sure you are dressed for the occasion, as new exclusive designs will be available for all sizes to give your Disney Parks style that finishing holiday touch. For you hardcore spirit jersey collectors, make sure to grab this brand new design before it flies off the shelves! More exciting merchandise options are yet to come!
If you are all about the food, Disney has you covered with the return of the Festive Foods Marketplace, filled with a variety of delectable and delicious holiday themed snacks sure to please everyone. The ever popular, Sip and Savor Pass returns, making your tour around these sweet and savory bites easy and fun. These foods will feature cultural and themed fair from around the world, and you don’t have to visit the parks to enjoy it.
To commemorate Diwali at the Disneyland Hotel, The Coffee House will feature an Indian chai Archisha Tea on the menuOct. 17, 2022 – Jan. 9, 2023. The Blue13Dance Company will also perform near The Coffee House at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily Oct. 17 – Oct. 24, 2022, before they head to Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park for the season.
It also wouldn’t be the holidays without a commemorative popcorn bucket and for a limited time, guests will be able to take home a special Toy Story themed bucket featuring the dynamic duo of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. As always, these holiday items are while supplies last, so make sure to keep your eyes out!
Recently, Disneyland also revealed the return of special Guided Tours, featuring iconic moments and historical walks through the legendary stories of Walt Disney. This season marks the return of Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Tour, where guests will learn a bit more about Walt’s own special holiday traditions as they visit various stops along the resort, all leading to a holiday cruise on “It’s a Small World Holiday”. Guests will also get a chance to end their tour on Main Street, USA and catch “A Christmas Fantasy” parade with a reserved viewing area, holiday treats, and a commemorative pin.
Though Halloween is still around the corner, we cannot help but be excited for all the exciting things coming when the holiday magic returns to the Disneyland Resort. Stay tuned for all the latest!
Attention all Jellicle Cats! Its time once again for the Jellicle Ball, as CATS has made its way back to the Hollywood Pantages until October 16 for a run you are not going to want to miss.
Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS is about an annual event among a group of street cats affectionately known as the “Jellicle Cats” called the Jellicle Ball. This event allows the elder cat, Old Deuteronomy, to select just one Jellicle Cat to leave this life and move on to the next of their nine lives. During this event, the Cats are dancing, singing, telling stories, and trying to highlight themselves as most deserving to be selected.
The first thing I noticed was honestly how talented this entire cast is. The opening number “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” really highlighted the dance and acrobatic skills of the cast and got the audience excited for what was to come. I was most moved by the tone set in “The Naming of Cats” which was the entire T.S. Eliot poem recited in chorus in a whisper tone.
The blocking and lighting for this number was ominous and intriguing, which was appropriate because the goal was to help the audience better understand what a Jellicle Cat is. From here, we are all invited to the Jellicle Ball and we begin to learn the wild names and personalities of the Jellicle Cats beginning with a story about Jennyanydots (Michelle E. Carter), which breaks into a full tap number.
Next, we meet Rum-Tum-Tugger (Hank Santos) who was the crowd favorite. His rock anthem was met with applause and screams, as he has a great voice and ability to sing while moving quickly about the stage. Mungojerrie (Brian Craig Nelson) and Rumpleteazer (Taryn Smithson) were a delight with their comedic timing and acrobatics. We then meet the standout of the show, Tayler Harris as Grizabella, an old and dirty cat who was a glamor cat and beautiful in her prime.
Now, the other Jellicle Cats have ostracized Grizabella and they run away from her when she arrives on the outskirts of the Jellicle Ball. Her haunting song, “Memory” pulls the audience’s heartstrings as she lingers near the ball wishing the Jellicles would accept her back into society. Harris’ performance was phenomenal and really sealed the show for me.
The second act was delightful, with an increased use of practical sets. In “Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat”, the cats create a train engine out of garbage and can lids that is visually stunning. Standouts for me in Act II were everything about Gus the Theater Cat (John Anker Bow), The vocal stylings of Bombalurina (Erica Lee Cianciulli) and Mistoffelees (Ibn Snell), The beautiful dancing of Victoria (Yuka Notsuka) and of course the beauty of the final rendition of “Memory” by Grizabella (Tayler Harris) featuring Sillabub (Sam Bello). If you have not seen the show, stop reading now, as I have a spoiler coming (but CATS debuted in 1981, so perhaps its okay for spoilers now).
“Memory” is the song everyone typically thinks of when they think of CATS, but it isn’t until you see the Act II performance that you really understand the gravity of the song and the performance of it. Grizabella, ostracized from the Jellicles, makes one last attempt to be heard as a cat deserving of being part of the Jellicle Ball. She is weak and at one-point collapses during her song, prompting Old Deuteronomy to reach out toward her instinctively as Sillabub helps her to complete her song.
Victoria eventually makes the first move to touch Grizabella, ultimately signaling the welcome back into the Jellicle Cats. Her plight resonates with Old Deuteronomy who ultimately decides to select Grizabella to move on to the Heaviside layer and on to another of her lives. This scene was moving both from the vocals, but also the use of practical sets to raise Old Deuteronomy and Grizabella up into the sky.
The orchestra was fantastic, with Music Director/Conductor Jonathan Gorst at the helm. The show has many different musical stylings that were created with a small off-stage orchestra. The lighting was a bit confusing at times, with some lights flashing at inappropriate times.
Overall, the show was fantastic! I highly recommend coming out to see CATS, whether its your first time or—like our hostess at a nearby restaurant—your 7th time, you are sure to enjoy this performance. You will be grateful that you accepted your invitation to the Jellicle Ball!
Walt Disney Animation Studios has announced that it will team with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers of the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh, to develop Disney Animation Immersive Experience, which will receive its world premiere in Toronto this December and then can be seen across the United States and other areas of the world in the next year.
Creating iconic animated stories for all ages for nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios will join forces with North America’s top creator of experiential projection exhibitions to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation’s canon of films—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopiaand Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Audiences will feel like they’ve entered the incredible worlds of beloved Disney characters and become one with them.
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will debut at Lighthouse ArtSpace Toronto in December 2022, and will subsequently be seen in Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, Denver, Boston, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Columbus in the first four months of 2023. Additional cities are currently being scheduled and Tokyo will be the first city outside of North America to receive Disney Animation: Immersive Experience.
“The collaboration with Lighthouse Immersive is a first for Disney Animation,” said Clark Spencer, president, Walt Disney Animation Studios and two-time Academy Award®-winner (Encanto, Zootopia). “It’s a dream to bring the best of animated storytelling together with the top experts in the immersive art experience. We can’t wait for audiences around the world, of all ages, to experience the great moments from our legacy of feature films in this incredible way.”
“Like so many of us, I have a life-long love of Disney films,” said Lighthouse Immersive founder Corey Ross. “I’ve grown up with them since childhood and so has my family. The work lends itself brilliantly to the immersive experience and I am confident this program will give our guests the opportunity to be engulfed in the world of Disney, making them feel like they’re standing next to their favorite characters and seeing the world through their eyes.”
The creative team for the Disney Animation Immersive Experience is led by Oscar®-winning producer J. Miles Dale (Best Picture 2018 -The Shape of Water) who said, “Trailblazing in a new medium is always exciting, and this is truly going to be the most challenging and rewarding project of my career. Being entrusted with Disney’s rich archive of animation is a great honor, but also a tremendous responsibility.
With such a wealth of material and a treasure trove of memorable characters, it will be a thrill to bring the work of all the great Disney animators and performers to life in a 360-degree immersive environment.” Mexico City-based Cocolab is working with Dale and the Creative Legacy team at Walt Disney Animation Studios to develop the program for Lighthouse Immersive Studios. Special Projects Producer Dorothy McKim (Oscar-nominated, Get A Horse!) is spearheading the project for Disney Animation.
The audience experience will be further enhanced by Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins, (Tony Award®-nominee whose credits include more than 20 Broadway shows including Hamilton, and an Emmy Award® winner for Grease Live). Korins will develop never-before-seen interactive lobby elements that guests can enjoy before or after entering the gallery.
Ross captures the excitement both Disney and Lighthouse Immersive feel for the project as he describes how it begins: “Just imagine journeying through Zootopia with Judy Hopps, diving to the ocean floor with Ariel, flying on a magic carpet with Aladdin, and stepping into Casita with Mirabel and the family Madrigal. This is where the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will take you.”
Collaborating with Lighthouse Immersive is the Creative Legacy team of Walt Disney Animation Studios, helping bring their library of films to audiences in a manner never before experienced.
The schedule of openings, on-sale date for tickets and prices will be announced at a future date. The public can sign up to receive more information at disneyimmersive.com.
As first announced at D23 Expo 2022 earlier this year, Disney 100 Years of Wonder will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Parks around the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary, with the heart of the celebration at Disneyland Resort.
The Disney100 anniversary celebration will officially kick off Jan. 27, 2023, with special limited-time offerings taking place throughout the Disneyland Resort all year long.
Disneyland Resort Cast Members will be among the first to experience the new offerings with special #DisneyCastLife opportunities at the start of the celebration.
When the Disney100 celebration kicks off at Disneyland Resort, here’s just some of what you can expect, with many more details to come:
Beginning Jan. 27, the Happiest Place on Earth will receive new platinum-infused décor throughout the resort, new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more.
At Disneyland Park, Walt Disney’s original Sleeping Beauty Castle will be dressed in style for the anniversary. Celebrating wonder, the castle will be adorned with elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies who illuminate it with their shimmering pixie dust. Two majestic water fountains will grace either side of the moat, while a beautiful wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.
Disneyland Resort guests will be dazzled by two all-new nighttime spectaculars.
“World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. It will tell a new story of how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. It brings some of the most courageous, loving and inspiring characters to life in new ways. The show will also feature a new original song, “Start a Wave.”
And at Disneyland Park, Walt’s original magic kingdom will become a magnificent canvas with “Wondrous Journeys,” a new nighttime spectacular that will ignite the wonder in all of us. It will feature nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date, taking us on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart.
It will continue to build upon the park’s state-of-the-art projection effects, turning Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas that brings characters to life all around you. On select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” will go even bigger with the addition of sparkling fireworks in the sky above Disneyland. This spectacular will also feature an incredible new song, “It’s Wondrous.”
While Mickey’s Toontown is slated to reopen for guests in spring 2023, the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction will open early to kickoff the Disney100 anniversary celebration on Jan. 27!
In time for spring, the “Magic Happens” parade will have its long-awaited return to Disneyland park. “Magic Happens” celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This parade reminds us we don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars were made to wish upon, and magic doesn’t stop at midnight.
Plus, even more special entertainment moments are slated to pop up across the resort.
Additional news and details for the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort will be shared ahead of the debut on Jan. 27, 2023.
As you begin to plan your trip to visit Disneyland Resort for the Disney100 anniversary, please know that theme park reservation availability for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park is currently paused for dates beyond Jan. 8, 2023, and will resume for guests in the coming weeks. Get a FREE QUOTE now for your Disneyland Resort Vacation.
Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry.
Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. More info Click here: Disney Destinations
L.A. Haunted Hayride rolls back in Griffith Park for another Halloween season. And sadly, in more ways than one. The annual spooky Halloween event of scary mazes, fair food, engaging characters, live entertainment, and the supposed crown jewel, the hayride itself, returns to the stretch of the park that marked ingenious design and layout from its debut last year, has somehow fumbled and tossed its pumpkins into a rotting mess.
The new and improved hayride last year was an invigorating jolt of life the event needed to welcome visitors after being held back from the 2020 season. There was so much potential to rise up from. The mothballs flew out and didn’t stick the landing. What is considered new, feels old. Is it time to put the L.A. Haunted Hayride out to pasture? We hope a few lessons are learned and major adjustments can be made for next season.
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“New Terrifying Attractions for 2022” is proclaimed but does not clearly deliver. What exactly is regarded as “new” could be a stretch. New costumes, facade, maze name, tweaks to a maze layout, a giant figure, and a new citizen? The classic pyramid of jack-o-lanterns is positioned inside the main grounds. That’s about the best decision made when you have a line of guests waiting to get their photos.
But everyone agreed the lack of proper lighting made for dark faces. The fair food consisted of choices from Mexican, lemonade, burgers, nachos, and Cinnabon. The menu changed with the BBQ. At least it had an impressive grill themed to a steam locomotive. The ice cream truck is back with ice cream flavors to try. The pickup truck and radio station are back for photo backdrops alongside flats of a main street. The community of Midnight Falls with supernatural townsfolk, neighborhood, and businesses is becoming an underdeveloped and stagnant concept. Still a promising premise, but without any new stories to build and tell, what’s to bring guests back?
Midnight Mortuary invites guests to tour the property to see wait awaits them upon death. The facade is new and creates a more engaging entrance towards the queue. Step inside a funeral home and a wake. Try and a get special on an empty coffin. Roam through the cemetery past tombstones. A stroll inside a mausoleum would be great addition.
The morgue for embalming cadavers is the last portion of this returning favorite that still works. The end of the maze could use a change from oversized spiders and white bed sheets on mannequins. Perhaps an incinerator would fire things up or stepping into a walk-in cooler. And more victims like a live embalming, trapped in a coffin, or burnt corpse can give actors more to play with to engage guests and enhance the environment.
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Laughterhouse is considered a “new” maze. But returning guests will recognize most of the elements here is recycled from last year’s Dead End Diner maze. The diner facade is now a backdrop for the hayride queue. The meat packing warehouse facade and name change pulls you in to a false sense of a brand new experience only to be let down. After a short interior “S” turn, guests are thrown back outside to a truck stop lot with winding covered chain link fences into a blinding fog of strobe lights.
Approaching the barn was lackluster step down from last season devoid of any build-up. The series of wooden pallet walls strikes a visual appeal, but the anticipation leads to disappointment. Gone is a demonic goat and in its place, a giant Resident Evil-like giant carrying a buzzsaw. It’s guaranteed there were probably more strobe lights to hide the minimal number of active actors. It would have been more acceptable to keep the diner facade in the beginning and conclude the maze with the meat packing warehouse.
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Trick or Treat is tired and needs to retire from being a returning maze. The suburban neighborhood of Midnight Falls welcome trick-or-treaters. The homeowners, if they’re even around, greets you even before you ring their doorbells. Facades of the homes could still be reused as photo backdrops in the open areas of the special event. Let’s see a new scare maze set in a school with the eerie school bus that’s already here.
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Haunted Hayride has fallen from grace. The gas station theme still works to start the journey. The first show scene is able to pull together with the spirit of Halloween giving life to the scarecrow jack-o-lanterns. After the barn, it’s still a hodgepodge of discombobulated and disjointed show scenes with disregard to cohesion. It’s been like this before, but even more apparent now that the hayride makes no show stops.
That’s right, the tractors do not stop at the scenes and just keeps driving. Some enclosed scenes had a laser light or just completely dark with no actors. Overhanging mummies look like they should be more hidden. The event commonly feels like it’s plagued with technical problems. There was a significant amount of stationary props and set pieces hiding in the dark. The guests are pulled from a glowing lake, silent guillotine, laughing clowns, UFO crash sight, a biker hangout, and inflatable spiders you can probably find from Home Depot.
The hayride needs to tell a story of why we are on this ride. Hosted by a twisted operator like Captain Spaulding? Uncovering phenomenons like Gravity Falls? A fix is needed, and quickly.
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Monte Revolta and His Band of the Living Dead is about the only saving grace and worthy enough for a visit. Guests can pass through security and not have to present a hayride or maze ticket. People are welcome to shop in the store, grab a bite to eat, and interact with the fun townsfolk while jamming to the only live entertainment on the stage.
In fact, some of the residents could inspire their own scare mazes. For example, the exterminator could be collecting and housing bugs instead of killing them. Mayor Monte has the alluring charisma of Beetlejuice. The Midnight Falls citizens are approachable and very willing to chat and take photos with out-of-towners. Between shows, the atmosphere is dead. A live DJ would brighten up the mood between sets. The band covers musical tributes to popular horror movies. They even dress up for each number.
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It breaks my heart to see and experience L.A. Haunted Hayride take a stumble. It can do better. It needs to do better. The Halloween event still has legs, it just needs to spread its wings. The hayride runs out of fuel and falls flat for the 2022 season. Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group perhaps suffered a fallout from putting together their new event only a few miles away in Long Beach at the Queen Mary, Shaqtoberfest.
The event runs on select nights now until October 31, 2022. Different ticket options are available from $29.99 to $109.99 for Hayride only, General Admission to all attractions, VIP for limited waits, and Platinum for immediate entry to all attractions. More information at www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness has come to life and gone off the rails, bringing the exciting adventure of Rainbow Ridge into your home with the release of Funko Games’ Disney Big Thunder Mountain Railroad game.
Just in time to celebrate the “World’s Most Magical Celebration”, Big Thunder transforms one of Disney Parks’ most beloved attractions into an incredible, immersive experience that is filled with sudden drops, stops, twists and turns. Make sure to keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the mine car at all times, as this is sure to become an instant classic and game night staple!
The game features the iconic Big Thunder mountain peak, absolutely beautiful playing cards, icons, and special game pieces, each designed to bring the thrill of the gold rush to you with the classic Disney Parks charm that we all hold dear.
The game is designed for 2-4 players and takes approximately 45 minutes to navigate, featuring customizable deck building with a large assortment of variations for each player. The game also features iconic references to various Big Thunder elements, giving fans a chance to discover changes of fate, including uncovering dinosaurs, explosive dynamite, gold, and other hidden treasures.
To make the game even more exciting, we had the opportunity to take the game into the fiery trails of Frontierland and played right next to Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, creating a fun and memorable experience that really took the Disney story to new heights. Whether you’re at home, on a Disney vacation, or gathering with friends, Big Thunder is a fantastic addition to your game collection and brings it all together with a bang!
You can purchase Disney Big Thunder Mountain Railroad game by visiting Amazon and can learn more about what’s new and upcoming from Funko Games by checking out their official site!
Things are “Unhinged” with the return of the legendary scares of the Winchester Mystery House after a two year hiatus this holiday season. This year promises to bring new chills and thrills, featuring a brand new story line, new characters, and truly terrifying scenes never before seen!
Unhinged: Nightshade’s Curse invites daring guests into a fully immersive, real-life paranormal thriller. The walk through will showcases multiple route through the darkened corridors of the infamous mansion, bringing guests face to face with some of the most bone-chilling ghouls, spirits, and scenes that have no shortage of thrilling twists and turns.
The storyline will bring guests into some of the darkest hours of the mansion, winding the clocks back to the year 1949. Madame Nightshade, the mansion’s latest proprietor, will bring new life to the haunted establishment, touring guests through the house in the hopes of bringing to light some of the house’s most terrifying mysteries, as well as give guests a chance to discover her very own Spirit Carnival, which she has convinced the town to bring to the hallowed region.
Guests will uncover the secrets of the mansion with a variety of activities, including Madam Nightshades’ Spirit Carnival, the Spookeasy Bar, and much more. Guests can prepare for scare on 13 select nights through October 31st.
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