Six Flags Magic Mountain, the undisputed “Thrill Capital of the World,” has announced an exciting lineup of events and the introduction of the new Six Flags Annual Pass program. During a season that already includes the largest array of guest experience improvements in the park’s 50-year history, the summer kicks off with an exciting event lineup, a new pass that provides more flexibility and value than ever before, and coming soon, the addition of the park’s record 20th coaster.
Events include:
Coca-Cola July 4th Fest (July 2 – July 4) – One of Southern California’s most spectacular fireworks shows runs nightly July 2 through July 4 at 9:15pm. Guests can celebrate the red, white and blue with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, live music, limited-time culinary offerings, and the most thrilling collection of world-class coasters. This event is included with theme park admission.
WONDER WOMAN™ Flight of Courage – The park’s record 20th coaster—the most at any theme park on the planet—makes its debut this summer as the tallest, longest single-rail coaster in the world. Riders will take flight single file, on an incredible journey up a towering 13-story first drop, reaching speeds up to 58 miles-per-hour while soaring through a series of dives, banks, rolls, and turns over 3,300 feet of track.
Fright Fest (Select Nights September 10 – October 30) – One of Los Angeles’ most thrilling Halloween events, Fright Fest, returns with Thrills by Day and Fright by Night featuring a bone-chilling lineup of haunted attractions. Plus, face your fears in total darkness on the park’s most popular monster coasters…without the lights.
Holiday in the Park (Select Evenings November 24 – January 1) – Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a magical winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights, beautifully themed areas throughout the park, festive shows and delicious holiday food and treats.
Six Flags has also made technological improvements throughout the park for more streamlined operations in rides and culinary locations. It includes the addition of several digital ride wait time monitors and mobile food ordering through the Six Flags App. Plus, park beautification enhancements consist of more shaded guest seating areas and an array of drought-tolerant plants.
Six Flags Announces New Annual Pass Program
Six Flags unveils a new pass program featuring different levels of benefits tailored to suit each guest’s preferences. This flexible new program offers the option for 12 easy monthly payments:
Annual Thrill Seeker Pass;
$140.00 or 12 payments starting at $11.67;
Includes admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles and Phoenix (blockout dates apply), plus general parking and special savings on food and merchandise;
Annual Extreme Pass;
$195.00 or 12 payments starting at $16.25;
Includes admission to all Six Flags Outdoor Parks plus preferred parking, two Junior Passes (valid for guests 42” and under) and special savings on food and merchandise; and
Annual Ultimate Pass;
$350.00 or 12 payments starting at $29.17;
Includes access to all Six Flags Outdoor Parks plus front gate parking, two Junior Passes (valid for guests 42” and under), a ten-meal dining plan, and special savings on food and merchandise.
For a limited time, guests also have the option to purchase Passes valid through Labor Day including:
Summer Pass for only $99.99, which includes admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain; and
Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles Pass for only $99.99, including admission to the water park and general parking.
Guests can purchase and manage their Six Flags Annual Pass now by visiting sixflags.com/magicmountain or through the Six Flags App, where they can access a full list of benefits associated with their pass.
To celebrate the countdown to the theatrical release of Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” Disney+ invites fans to explore the history of Buzz Lightyear and get a sneak peek at the making of the all-new film. Pixar Animation Studios’ “Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear” explores the evolution of an icon, tracing Buzz Lightyear’s route from toy to the hero featured in the new film. Check out the trailer and key art celebrating today’s launch of the documentary on Disney+.
Featuring filmmakers, storytellers, artists and members of the “Lightyear” voice cast, “Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear” details how Buzz’s original action-figure design was realized, and how that look was translated years later into a human hero. Delving into the cultural impact of the galaxy’s most famous Space Ranger and his significance to Pixar filmmakers, this doc grapples with what actually is beyond infinity. It is directed by Tony Kaplan and produced by Sureena Mann.
Opening in theaters in one week (June 17), “Lightyear”—the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans), the hero who inspired the toy—follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. The film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”).
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa, September 9, 10, and 11. Disney100 kicks off at the biggest Disney fan event in the world celebrating 100 years of wonder as The Walt Disney Company enters its second century. The festivities begin Friday morning, September 9 with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony and a kick-off to Disney100. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will showcase what’s on the horizon from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disney Live Action.
On Saturday morning, the Studios will give fans a sneak peek at the latest from Marvel and Lucasfilm. Saturday afternoon, Disney Branded Television will preview their exciting slate. On Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and that afternoon, guests will enjoy a special presentation of Disney Princess – The Concert.
These incredible presentations will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,900-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):
Disney100 kicks off at D23 Expo on Friday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m. with an epic presentation that includes the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, featuring Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Legends will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. Look for the names of the 2022 inductees to be announced in the coming weeks.
On Friday at 3:30 p.m., guests will be treated to new details, first looks, sneak peeks, surprises, and announcements regarding upcoming theatrical and Disney+ titles from Disney Live Action, Pixar Animation Studios,and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Studio heads, filmmakers, and cast members will come together onstage with the inside scoop on some of these studios’ most exciting titles.
Filmmakers, celebrity talent and surprise guests join representatives from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, among others,onstage in Hall D23 to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles on Saturday, September 10, at 10 a.m. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what’s in the works.
Disney Branded Television, home to some of the most iconic stories and characters in the Disney canon, including Peabody Award winners Doc McStuffins and The Owl House, and culture-defining movie franchises like High School Musical and Descendants, presents an exclusive showcase of upcoming content that will carry on the legacy of excellence in storytelling with a look at the new Disney+ Original series National Treasure, American Born Chinese, and The Santa Clause, on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. The showcase will include talent appearances and never-before-seen sneak previews of original content for Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior.
On Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m., join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a look at Disney’s boundless future. With announcements and updates on the magic happening around the world in parks, on the high seas, at home, and beyond, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the big dreams of Disney Imagineers. Every Disney fan will want to be a part of this special presentation full of exciting news and surprises.
Sunday afternoon at 4:15 p.m., Disney Concerts presents a special performance of Disney Princess – The Concert, featuring Tony® nominee Susan Egan (Broadway’s original ‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast, ‘Meg’ in Disney’s animated feature Hercules), Broadway.com® Audience Award-nominee Isabelle McCalla (’Princess Jasmine’ in Aladdin, The Prom), Disney Channel star Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home,Broadway’s final ‘Belle’ in Beauty and The Beast), and Broadway World Award–winner Syndee Winters (Broadway’s ‘Nala’ in The Lion King, Hamilton).
Music Director Benjamin Rauhala (Fiddler on the Roof, The Secret Life of Bees) and enchanting Prince Adam J. Levy (Moulin Rouge) will also join the quartet. The acclaimed cast will perform favorite Disney Princess and Frozen songs, including classics such as “Part of Your World,” “Let It Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind” and “Almost There.” The performers will share exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.
D23 Expo 2022 ticket info:
A limited number of single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for a one-day adult admission. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.
Life…found a way, and left behind an epic adventure for Jurassic World Fans at Funko in Hollywood to celebrate the release of Jurassic World: Dominion.
From a life size Funko pop display of iconic proportions that features the epic Jurassic Park Jeep getaway scene..T-Rex and steamy Ian Malcolm included, to the debut of Loungefly’s stunning Jurassic Park bag set, and everything in between, the world of the Jurassic has never felt more real.
Funko’s line of Jurassic World: Dominion Pop figures, mystery series, and store exclusives were also on display, bringing the entire franchise’s most memorable moments front and center for fans of all ages.
Film props and set pieces were also discovered, including the iconic Barbasol can that started the adventure in 1993. Ian Malcolm’s costume, Alan Grant’s field journals, and many other incredible trinkets are on display, transporting fans directly into the films. It truly was a love letter to the entire series.
The highlight of the reveals came from Funko’s upcoming board game release from their Legacy Adventures brand. The new game, The Legacy of Isla Nublar, will create a completely immersive and customizable game experience, featuring a timeline that spans the entire Jurassic franchise, giving the keys to the kingdom directly to all who play the game. With twelve stages, anything can happen, with plenty of dinosaurs, moments of peril, and incredible designs.
The game, which came to be through an instantly successful crowdfunding campaign in March, will release in Fall 2022 and retail at $120. The price tag is definitely worth the value, as the Legacy team spared no expense at making this a must have for any Jurassic or tabletop fan.
We can’t wait to see what else Funko has in store and welcome you to visit Funko Hollywood for yourself to see the world of Jurassic World: Dominion!
Check out the full gallery below and go see Jurassic World: Dominion when it releases in theaters June 10th.
“In the Heights” is in the house at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. This acclaimed Tony-award winning musical is brought to life with the creator behind popular hits like Hamilton, Encanto, and Moana, Lin-Manuel Miranda. This celebration of family and community tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.
It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. This hip musical will win you over with its sweet story and hot tunes.
The musical tribute is certainly a treat for the eyes and hears for anyone immersed in or fascinated by Latin culture. The familial story of honor, pride, sacrifice, and fulfilling dreams is universal and relatable to any overwhelming background. Obstacles will always arise even when we least expect it. Finding the strength to overcome barriers is a hurtle everyone will face. No matter the outcome, lessons will be learned. We choose to accept and bear them or let it consume and rule us.
The sprinkle of colorful flavors from dance styles and powerful vocals reach heights above the New York skyline. The show also has little moments to collect your thoughts and absorb the story from a candlelight vigil to proudly waving flags of Latin heritage. A salsa dance club scene really spices things up. The essence of reaching out for one’s dream flows off the stage and paints itself onto the audience.
If you or your family enjoyed Disney’s recent animated feature hit Encanto, and are ready for a more mature contemporary take on Latin Culture with breathtaking vocals, exhilarating dance choreography, and enthralling jubilation, then you won’t want to skip a beat with “In the Heights”.
The stellar cast stars Rubén J. Carbajal as “Usnavi”, Daisy Marie Lopez as “Nina”, Hosea Mundi as “Benny”, Claudia Mulet as “Vanessa”, Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield as “Abuela Claudia”, and Kevin Solis as “Piragua Guy”.
In the Heights Showtimes Info:
Running now through Sunday, June 26 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays at 8 pm; Saturdays at 2 pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Tickets range from $17 – $84 (prices subject to change) and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Group discounts available. $15 Student Tickets are available. Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. Parking is free.
SeaWorld San Diego’s electrifying summer event, Electric Ocean, featuring both daytime and nighttime entertainment, returns with fun for guests of all ages now until August 14. After a day of summer fun visiting penguins, sharks, sea lions, belugas and more at animal exhibits, learning about dolphins and orcas at live educational presentations, plus the excitement of kid-friendly rides and thrill roller coasters including the recently opened Emperor floorless dive coaster, guests can continue their visit after dark during extended summer hours.
Dive into incredible environments of light and music while experiencing fan-favorite SeaWorld attractions like they have never seen them. Join playful sea creatures and lively party hosts for family-friendly dance parties all around the park. Experience new entertaining performances that will hype up fans to last all night long. Plus, end the night with an illuminating fireworks spectacular that can be seen from all around the park.
Electrifying Entertainment
All New!Summertime Concerts – Bayside Amphitheater, SeaWorld’s popular performance venue, is reopening this summer with an incredible lineup of concerts for guests to enjoy evening music on select Saturdays during Electric Ocean.
All New!ADRENALINE! – Guests will be on the edge of their seats in this maximum- energy show of extreme stunts featuring America’s Got Talent Star and renowned daredevil Annaliese Nock. Known for holding the Guinness World Record Holder for most somersaults on a Wheel of Death in one minute, this fearless entertainer and cast of performers will have hearts racing as they maneuver through various acts in this all-new exciting show.
All New!ElectroBlast – A high-energy bioluminescent percussion show that creates a sensory electronic rhythmic dance atmosphere that captivates audiences of all ages! The rhythm and beats will inspire guests to move and groove to the hip-notic sounds of this energized, immersive musical experience.
IGNITE Fireworks: A fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park. The fireworks can be seen from all around SeaWorld’s 100+ acre park.
Club Sea Glow—The party amps up after dark where a DJ will be mixing dance music all evening leading up to the start of our fireworks finale. Party goers are invited to join this family-friendly dance party and get on the dance floor.
Electric Floating Acts: Imaginative characters, artists, acrobats, and entertainers roam throughout the park with illuminating costumes and high-energy atmospheric acts.
Showtimes vary during Electric Ocean evenings. Guests are encouraged to check the park schedule for times.
Glowing Illuminations
Laser Reef Light Show: SeaWorld San Diego caps off the night with a canopy of colors that submerges guests below the ocean in a dazzling display of color and sound.
Light Tunnel: This cosmic light tunnel invites park visitors to feel the vibe and music and dance into the vast depths of Electric Ocean and all that it has to offer! A photo-worthy walk-through with immersive lights changing in various bright colors.
Sea of Life: Illuminous fish sculptures to explore and view as they appear to swim and come to life through the landscaping, riding high above exotic plants and grasses.
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com.
Tootsie is a comedy musical about an unlikeable male actor in a last ditch effort makes the decision to dress and act with a female persona to gain an upperhand in a Broadway career. Whilst balancing a double life of different sexes and lying to the world who he really is; turning lives upside-down with little regard to how it affects everyone around him. Based on the 1982 Columbia Pictures movie of the same name that starred Dustin Hoffman. This musical adaptation takes place in present day New York with set designs of skyward buildings, apartment complex, mediocre diner, bar lounge, and Broadway stage.
The comedy musical is led by Drew Becker as defiant Michael Dorsey and imposter Dorothy Michaels. Ashley Alexandra as Julie Nichols, Dorothy’s innocent co-star and complicated love interest. Payton Reilly as Sandy Lester, Michael’s excitable ex-girlfriend and fellow struggling actor. Adam Du Plessis as Ron Carlisle, the eccentric show director you’ll love to hate. Jared David Michael Grant as Jeff Slater, Michael’s confidant roommate and moral compass friend. Jared Michael Grant as Max Van Horn, a reality star turned actor working with Dorothy and Julie who really loves taking off his shirt.
The “Opening Number” fits and sets up how vain the character of Michael Dorsey is as a difficult actor to work with given a musical that’s practically his own theme song. “What’s Gonna Happen” is a compilation of every woman’s worrisome thoughts and fearful opinions about the world they live in all wrapped up to a hyperactive tune. “I Like What She’s Doing” is a show-stopping number of whirlwind round-up events of Dorothy Michaels turning the Broadway show into a spectacle of their own design featuring quick costume changes and fun dance choreography.
“Unstoppable” ironically is used in promotional materials to advertise this show as being a juggernaut. But in the context of the show, it’s really how the mind-boggling success of playing and lying about being a woman has gotten bloated inside Michael’s head that it finally blows up in his face and ends with an act that can’t be taken back.
“Tootsie” is not going to be a comedy musical for everyone. There’s a certain palette depending on the audience willingness to go along with the sexist and misogynistic brand of humor. If you’re okay that, then you’ll enjoy the zingers and one-liners this show will have to offer. And the actors will eat up and use the energy and reaction from the audience to fuel that entertainment value. The show is purposely made to make you feel uncomfortable.
The main character is not meant to be a hero or someone to look up to. It’s not the first story to do it, but it’s a difficult one for the audience to be onboard with. The show doesn’t end with disaster being happily wrapped up in a neat little package. A lot is left open-ended, but at the least the story’s protagonist finally gets around to lessons his friends have been telling him from the start. Although somber, it’s a more wholesome conclusion as a modern day version of “My Fair Lady”.
A musical that also features a sexist and misogynistic protagonist with a debatable character arc. If you’re easily offended with jokes about sexes, cross-dressing for despicable reasons, and dishonorable protagonists, then it’s best to skip this show. If you’re open minded, don’t take things too personal or hold grudges, and deal with cringe-worthy moments, then this “unstoppable” show is for you.
Tootsie
Now playing until June 12, 2022 as the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30 pm. Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 pm. Sundays at 1 and 6:30 pm.
Funko Hollywood is about to go under a transformation millions of years in the making, as Jurassic World Dominion takes over the popular fan spot and turns it into the formidable island of Isla Nublar. From interactive set experiences to fan favorite figures, this is an activation you will not want to miss!
The installation will be active and ready for adventure from June 8th to June 30th. Fans will be able to take photos of a massive, life-sized Jurassic World Dominion themed pop figure, view props from the film set, and shop the latest Funko Jurassic related items. The exclusives will include signature Pop! figures, high-end Loungefly accessories, and more!
Funko Hollywood is open Wednesday-Friday from 12PM-6PM, and 10AM-6PM Saturday and Sunday. Make sure to check out more info on Jurassic World Dominion Pop! figures and other Funko products, fans can visit Funko’s official website here.
You can also get a closer look at the new wave of Jurassic World Dominion Funko Items by checking out our gallery below!
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Jurassic World Dominion debuts in theaters June 10, 2022.
The World of Mario Kart is about to come to life in a big way now that Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” will debut in early 2023 for racers of all ages. Nintendo Fans will find themselves immersed in one of the world’s largest, most interactive rides to ever be imagined, seamlessly fusing augmented reality with projection mapping technology that includes real world set pieces, a moving ride track, and a one-of-a-kind experience for all!
The ride will be the premiere attraction when Universal’s Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Hollywood, bringing park guests right into the exciting world of Mario, Luigi, and their friends from the Mushroom Kingdom. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”, will be located right inside Bowser’s Castle, where fans can access the fun through the iconic Warp Pipe from all the classic video games.
Here’s what Team Universal has to say about this exciting new ride:
This innovative achievement will propel guests into a multi-dimensional experience that recreates iconic environments from the Mario Kart games and where no two races are alike. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is also one of the most complex rides ever built within the entertainment industry.
The sophisticated ride is a multi-sensory cornucopia of color, sound and movement that invites guests to navigate familiar environs through the creative use and integration of head mounted augmented reality (AR) goggles—a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.
From the depths of the dungeon within Bowser’s Castle, guests will climb aboard stadium-style, four-seat Mario Kart vehicles inspired by the video game, put on their AR goggles …and then with a 3-2-1 GO! signal from Lakitu, they will be off to the races.
The premise is simple but equally inspiring and challenging and will appeal to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through courses underwater and in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win.
“Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.
Universal Studios Hollywood Reveals Details of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s Signature Ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” Opening in Early 2023
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge info:
We can’t wait to hear more about what’s to come, with information promised to be shared soon. You can learn more about Super Nintendo World by visiting the official site of Universal Studios Hollywood or by visiting their other social media: Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ June 22. Watch the new online spot to see a special “fan thank you” from Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez.
In Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.
Doctor Strange Info
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.
The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers.
The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” released in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2022.
The Force was strong with D23 this past weekend, as fans got a reveal of what’s to come to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Star Tours. This amazing first look came from Star Wars Celebration, courtesy of host and Clone Wars alum, Ashley Eckstein.
The first part of the presentation detailed the conception and creation of the ride’s 1.0 version with Dennis Muren, FX master from Lucasfilm, Imagineer Chris Runco, and Disney Legend Tony Baxter. Starting off with a showing of the gone-but-not-forgotten original safety video, the discussion quickly segued into how the attraction was created–Let’s take a closer look for those who may have missed out on the fun:
Baxter: Well, you have to go back to the time, because Disneyland was created using all the popular shows that Walt already created, from Snow White to Peter Pan to the True-Life Adventures to Davy Crockett to even his Man in Space series from the television. Now we had run out of all that.
We’re into a new era where they’re pretty good at entertaining children with what I call ‘babysitter movies’ like Robin Hood and whatever and we realized that for Disneyland to stay relevant it had to link with the key and best popular culture at the time. And there’s no question that George had nailed that, first with American Graffiti…and then Star Wars comes along and of course, Indy not long after that.
And I drew the short straw and I went to Ron Miller, who was CEO at the time and his wife was Diane Disney, Walt’s daughter, and he kind of recognized that they had big hopes for The Black Hole, but no. This is not the Black Hole convention. Anyway, he said ‘why don’t we go up to the Silverado Vineyards,’ that they had up in Napa which wasn’t far from ILM and Lucasfilm, ‘and I’ll just get George to come over.’ I was like, ‘OH.’
You know, I wasn’t in that kind of a circle where you just say ‘I’ll have George come over,’ but we did go up there. George drove up in a BMW and got out and said ‘hi guys,’ you know, and we had potato salad out in the backyard that day and I thought ‘it doesn’t get any better than this.’ And that was the beginning.
“George thought of his products as first class.He said ‘what I do is first class. The only theme park company that I can think of that is first-class is Disney.So if there is going to be a marriage, this is the only way we can do it.
“And so that was how it started.”
Translating a feature film to a dimensional attraction had its own difficulties for Muren: “It seemed really neat, the idea of doing a film–it’s a view out the window with no cuts at all…We could assemble it so it looked like Star Wars, and the trick that I enjoyed a lot is trying to make this uninterrupted form happening thing without you just getting sick, and without it just being jostled and jostled and like fun and a good time.”
“That’s not what any sort of entertainment is coming from film, where there’s PAUSE. ACTION. that paused or reset your mind. More action movies are cut like that so that was sort of designed in it as we were doing it, you know? And if you watch it, you could sort of see where the editing is.”
“We couldn’t do any shots longer than about 20 seconds, but if you’re running something, we’d have to sort of quickly bank off to get the screen blurry, or…have a laser flash flash the frame so we could have a cut. And so every 20 seconds or so we would do this so we could have a four and a half minute film and it was hard to do, but it was a lot of fun.”
Runco not only came up with Captain Rex for the ride, but some of the other droids in the queue as well. “I actually worked on the design of the conveyor belt overhead, which was full of all kinds of junk, including robot parts from MAPO’s junk drawer, you know their leftovers. Halloween stores, costume pieces, and all the baskets had our team’s birthdays on them…and then we put robots in there, and Chris came up with a beautiful idea of the goose droids from America Sings.”
“…They didn’t get to go to Splash Mountain, they ended up as the goose droids and then Chris was busy art directing the field so I built his head based on Chris’ design. Then mouse droids–they’re actually built on those garden LGB trains, and it was kitbashed. I went over to Toys R Us and grabbed a bunch of toys and stuck ’em together and put LEDs and that’s how we made them.”
Bridging the gap between the original Star Tours and the current version Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, guests got to see the original Star Tours film in its entirety before Eckstein brought out the second panel, with Imagineer Meghan Short and ILM VFX Supervisor Bill George.
George spoke a bit on some of the technical challenges of updating the 70 millimeter film to digital, and also on constructing the Leia hologram: “Yeah, that was a really interesting one because I thought, ‘oh my God, this is gonna be so easy to cast a lookalike. She’s got the bun, she’s got the hood, it’s like half a block away, of course it’s going to be her.’ They had so much trouble, both with her visual look and also with the audio.
…So I started thinking about the film and there’s that scene in Luke’s garage where you see the hologram and you see her from all around, and I thought if they shot that, they must have done it three or four cameras in different positions while she went through the whole transmission. So, we called up to the ranch and they had the footage and they sent it to us and we watched it in the screening room and indeed, that’s exactly the way they did it. And what gave me goosebumps, was every once in a while there’d be a piece taken out–it would just be black, and those were the pieces that they used for the film.
“So we took the best angle from that and then we shot an actress to get her lips so we could plop her lips over the top. What was interesting is Princess Leia puts her head in like, three basic positions, so we shot the actress with her head locked in position saying the lines all the way through and picked out little pieces here and there and then plopped her lips in.”
Picking out which scenes to include in the attraction was a creative challenge Short enjoyed as part of her time on the project: “We’re very fortunate with Imagineering being able to partner with the creatives from the film and work together to pick a destination that we can add that’s going to excite our audience and the fans, but we also had to be very careful and choose something that was conducive to the simulator and the motion base, and is also going to give us fun 3D events and gags. Fortunately, we do get to work together and look and think about what’s coming.
“One of my favorite examples is Crait, adding that destination is great because…The crystal cavern reminds me a lot of the original ice comet in terms of some of those visuals, but then we get to have fun with ski speeders and that’s that’s totally new motion for us.How can we program this to have that slalom experience and get those red crystals kicking up and hitting our windshield and making those rooster tails?”
“…So this was a lot of fun, but we also opened a month before the film came out, so we were developing visuals ahead of a traditional production schedule and that caused a lot of challenges and we wouldn’t have been able to do this destination without that partnership and working with them to get those creative decisions and answers really, really comparatively early. So I’m very proud of this destination in particular in that partnership.”
Star Tours 35th Anniversary
We can’t wait to take part in the celebration and to honor 35 wonderful years of Star Tours. Make sure to stay tuned and punch it to hyperspace as we get ready to commemorate this iconic milestone!
Hasbro has teamed up with Star Wars to bring the world of the new hit show, Obi-Wan Kenobi to our galaxy, revealing a brand new series of droid figures that are all inspired by the new droid character, LOLA.
The new animatronic edition will come to life in a way never before possible, featuring an interactive touch sensor that will activate more than 45 different light, sound, and movement combinations through 3 modes of play.
Unlock Companion Mode by attaching L0-LA59’s legs, Hover Mode by attaching her stand, or On the Go Mode by removing her from either base. She even responds to background noises with a series of lights, sounds, and movements. Kids ages 4 and up will love this adorable animatronic droid, which makes the perfect addition to any fan’s Star Wars collection. Includes figure and 2 stands. X4 1.5V AA LR6 ALKALINE BATTERIES Required (not included). This edition is now live via Hasbro Pulse for pre-order while supplies last for $89.99.
LOLA will also be available in other editions, including an Interactive electronic figure. Standing at approx. 5 inches tall, this variant of the popular droid will have button functionality at the top of its head that will activate special sounds and lights in her eye and mouth. The figure will also have poseable panels on her head that will allow you to open and close her mouth, tilt her head from side to side, and bring the droid to life for your very own adventure. Retailing at $39.99, this version of LOLA is now available for pre-order via the Hasbro Pulse site, as well as most major retailers.
In addition, Hasbro has just revealed a brand new Bounty Collection Series. This final series will feature LOLA in a two-figure pack. The toys will feature a “Cute Companion” and “Taking Flight” set of poses. The entire Bounty collection will be perfect for play, trade, and collecting and will also include figures from Hasbro’s Series 6 line such as Grogu, R2-D2, BD-1, and many more, starting at $16.99.
Make sure to check out the entire collection via Hasbro Pulse before they sell out. Also make sure to check out the new series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, now streaming exclusively on Disney+!