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    Busch Gardens Honors Military Appreciation Month with Free Park Admission to Active-Duty U.S. Military, Veterans and Their Families Through Annual Waves of Honor Program

    • Busch Gardens parks in Tampa Bay and Williamsburg provide complimentary one-day admission to military veterans and their families now through July 9
    • Active-duty military members and their guests continue to enjoy one-day complimentary admission all year long
    • Busch Gardens has offered free admission to U.S. military for more than 20 years
    • More than 10 million U.S. military guests and their families have visited the parks at no charge through the Waves of Honor program
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    WILLIAMSBURG, VA and TAMPA, Fla. (April 26, 2023) – Busch Gardens honors military veterans and up to three guests with free one-day admission to its parks from now – July 9. Active-duty military and their guests continue to enjoy one-day complimentary admission throughout the year. The offers are part of Busch Gardens’ long-standing Waves of Honor program that salutes active-duty military members, veterans, and their families by offering special pricing and promotions throughout the year.
     
    For more than 20 years, Busch Gardens has been proud to provide complimentary park access to members of the United States military. More than 10 million guests – active-duty military members, veterans, and their families – have enjoyed free admission to the company’s parks.  Whether it’s educational animal experiences or thrilling attractions, Busch Gardens invites military families for a day of family fun on us.
     
    “We take great pride in providing military members and their families the opportunity to create memories at one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, chief executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Extending free park admission to military service members, veterans and their families allows us to show our utmost appreciation to all the brave individuals who serve and sacrifice for our county. We are honored to continue this longstanding tradition as a small gesture of our deep gratitude towards members of our military.”
     
    Eligible U.S. military veterans and retirees can register for complimentary single-day ticket(s) for themselves and up to three dependents before May 14 at www.WavesofHonor.com. After registering, all tickets must be redeemed at the park by July 9.
     
    U.S. active-duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman also can take advantage of one complimentary admission for themselves and up to three dependents per year to Busch Gardens. Additional discounts and offers are available for active military and veterans through MWR and ITT offices on U.S. military bases and online at www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers are available year-round and may differ by park.
     
    About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
    Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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    About Busch Gardens Williamsburg
    Busch Gardens® Williamsburg is an action-packed European-themed adventure park with 17th century charm and 21st-century technology, boasting more than 100 acres of family fun. Home to top-rated roller coasters, more than 50 rides and attractions, live stage shows, monthly special events and delicious culinary experiences. For more information, visit www.BuschGardens.com Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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    Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival to Feature Top Musical Artists and Award-winning BBQ

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    Experience New Bluegrass Talent, Concerts and New Festival Foods, May 4 - 29
    (Branson, Mo. 4/24/23) Silver Dollar City’s award-winning Bluegrass & BBQ Festival fills the 1880s theme park with the sounds of bluegrass and the aroma of smoked barbecue, May 4 - 29. Now pickin’ for 19 seasons, Bluegrass & BBQ features over 35 of the nation’s top bluegrass artists throughout the theme park’s various indoor and outdoor theatres.

    Named “Event of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), top bluegrass artists take the stage during the festival’s twenty-day run, including Grammy-winning “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent and her band, The Rage. SPBGMA Band of the Year The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys performs alongside other popular and legendary bands, like The Grascals, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Cleverlys and Blue Highway. “Guests will tap their toes to numerous artists all day, every day,” notes Amanda Carson, producer of Bluegrass & BBQ. “We have chart-toppers to up-and-comers, along with long-time guest favorites and groups who are sure to become park staples in the future.”

    Satiating appetites throughout May’s springtime weather, The City’s own pitmasters hickory-smoke a variety of meats for up to 16 hours, including pulled pork, barbecue chicken, beef brisket and smoked sausage, all part of the Bluegrass & BBQ Tasting Passport. New recipes and dishes like the ancho chili smoked pork belly skillet, barbecue chicken macaroni and cheese and a bourbon barbecue pulled chicken sandwich with green apple slaw are a few select items from the passport, available for use at 22 eateries throughout The City.

    Silver Dollar City continues to support and nurture the future of Bluegrass music with the annual Silver Dollar City Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest on May 27, sponsored by KSMU radio station. The best and brightest of young bluegrass musicians from across the nation will compete to win the top cash prize.

    While Bluegrass & BBQ heats up the later half of spring, Fire In The Hole continues to stoke flames during the indoor coaster’s “Grand Finale Season.” This year marks the last operating season for the “World’s Most Historic Indoor Coaster” open now through Dec. 30. And, just across the street, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Silver Dollar Saloon Show. With odes to performances over the past fifty years peppered throughout the show, guests join in on the fun with producers "Roots" and "Koontz" as they attempt to whisk together the Frontier Follies 50th Celebration, an endeavor that turns into a zany, folly-filled family show created exclusively for The City.

    Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival is presented by Midwest Ford Dealers.
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    Martina McBride, NE-YO Among the Headlining Acts Taking the Stage at SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival

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    • The Seven Seas Food Festival concert series is included with single day ticket, Fun Card and Annual Pass admission to SeaWorld Orlando
    • Pass Members benefit with exclusive perks such as complimentary festival samples, an exclusive 18-item culinary sampler for the price of 15 samples and much more
    • For a limited-time offer, Florida residents can choose any two parks for $99.99 including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and waterparks
    SeaWorld Orlando continues to serve up the fun during its Seven Seas Food Festival which runs Thursdays – Sunday through May 7, and proudly features over 200 food and drink options from around the world and an incredible concert lineup every weekend. Just added to the already exciting festival lineup is country music songstress, Martina McBride and R&B singer/songwriter, NE-YO who will take the stage at Bayside Stadium and join a variety of other performers for weekends jam-packed with rhythm and flavor.

    All featured performances listed as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival concert series are included with park admission. The ultimate way to enjoy unlimited concerts and more bites for your buck is with an Annual Pass. For as low as $15/month + tax, guests will enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and even becoming amongst the first to ride “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster” when it opens this Spring! Pass Members benefit even more during the Seven Seas Food Festival with exclusive tasting lanyards which offer 18 samples for the price of 15!
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    In addition, Florida residents can take advantage of an exclusive 2-Park 2-Day ticket for just $99.99. This limited time offer which was extended through April 16 gives guests the choice of any two of the following theme parks or water parks:
    • SeaWorld Orlando
    • Aquatica Orlando
    • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
    • Adventure Island Water Park
    SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival runs select dates now thru May 7
     
    • April 15: Chris Lane (Country)
    • April 16: Marshall Tucker Band (Country)
    • April 22: Tito Nieves (Latin)
    • April 23: Kameron Marlowe (Country)
    • April 30: Scott Stapp of Creed (Rock)
    • *NEW*  May 6: NE-YO (R&B)
    • *NEW*  May 7: Martina McBride (Country)
     
    To view showtimes and purchase reserved seating, VIP packages, and sampler lanyards, guests can visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. 
     
    ABOUT:             
    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The Company is one of the world's foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 40,000 animals in need over the last 55 years. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens®, Aquatica®, Sesame Place® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 55-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The Company's theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
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    ‘Rogers: The Musical’ to Premiere June 30 for a Limited Time at Disney California Adventure Park

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    Super Hero and theater fans assemble, because it’s going to be SMASHING!  

    In the first episode of the Disney+ series, “Hawkeye,” fans were treated to an exciting Broadway musical theater sequence featuring the life of Steve Rogers, Captain America. Since then, the fictional “Rogers: The Musical” has been captivating Super Hero fans far and wide, so much so that Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, treated guests at the D23 Expo last September to a popup version of the musical’s show-stopping number, “Save the City,” based on the battle of New York from the first Avengers film. We’ve been stanning ever since and dreaming of seeing this musical come to life!
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    Following this teaser recently shared across various social channels, I’m elated to officially announce that a real-life, all-new short one-act musical theater production of “Rogers: The Musical” will burst onto the stage at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park for a limited-time engagement beginning June 30, 2023. It’s all happening during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort.
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    This production features a talented cast of singers and dancers telling the story of Steve Rogers – Captain America – joined by Peggy Carter, Nick Fury and select members of the Avengers. The musical will take the audience on a journey from Steve’s humble beginnings during World War II to becoming Captain America, leading the Avengers and beyond. It’s a classic tale of heroes, time travel, and romance, oh … and Nick Fury sings!

    The show will be super powered by music, including “Save the City,” from the Disney+ series “Hawkeye”; “Star Spangled Man” from the film “Captain America: The First Avenger”; plus, five new original songs written just for “Rogers: The Musical” at the Disneyland Resort.

    “Rogers: The Musical” will run approximately 30 minutes, from Tuesday through Saturday most weeks. Additional details including show dates and times, plus news about the merchandise and food and beverage offerings themed to “Rogers: The Musical” will be shared as opening day gets closer. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and @Disneyland social for more!
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    Both Theme Park reservations and valid 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. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.
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    Viva La Fiesta Festival Coming to Six Flags Fiesta Texas

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    All-New Festival on Saturdays and Sundays from April 15 – May 14

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas — March 11, 2023 — Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  The Thrill Capital of South Texas, is preparing to debut Viva La Fiesta, a month-long celebration of food and culture every Saturday and Sunday from April 15 to May 14, 2023.
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    Viva La Fiesta offers all-new food and shows including:
    • Taste of Viva La Fiesta – Stroll through the park and experience eight festival booths offering a variety of Fiesta-inspired culinary favorites like chicken on a stick and al pastor street tacos. Wash it all down with a selection of craft beer and cocktail options and save room for a fruit cup or paleta for dessert;
    • Festival del Noche Fireworks Spectacular – Six Flags Fiesta Texas is already known for some of the most awe-inspiring firework displays in Texas and Festival del Noche Fireworks Spectacular is no exception. Every Saturday night at 9 p.m., the skies come alive with a pyrotechnic display celebrating the culture and excitement of Viva La Fiesta;
    • Noche De Música – Head to Lone Star Lil’s for a different performance of Latin and Tejano hits every Saturday night:
    • April 15 – Frequenzia
    • April 22 – Selena Forever Tribute band
    • April 29 – Electric Circus
    • May 6 – The Chris Perez Band
    • May 13 – Bidi Bidi Banda;
    • Mariachi los Soberanos – Take a break in Los Festivales as Mariachi Los Soberanos perform beloved traditional Mariachi classics; and
    • Sorority Quest: Adventures in Time – This new stage show kicks off a lineup of shows for the summer season. Four intrepid new pledges go on a quest to find a time capsule from 50 years ago and unlock the secrets of the past. Prepare for an unexpected time-traveling twist that will have you believing in destiny and friendship.
    Six Flags Fiesta Texas is now open weekends for the 2023 season. Viva La Fiesta is every Saturday and Sunday from April 15 – May 14. The daily summer season begins on Thursday, May 18, 2023.   
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     For more information including park hours and to purchase your 2023 Pass, visit sixflags.com/fiestatexas.

    About Six Flags Fiesta Texas
    Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Thrill Capital of South Texas, is home to more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. Opened in 1992, the park was built on the site of an old limestone quarry, which provides a spectacular backdrop for such exciting roller coasters as Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger, The Iron Rattler, Batman: The Ride and Superman Krypton Coaster. In addition, Fiesta Texas boasts an impressive line-up of seasonal events and live entertainment, including Mardi Gras Festival, Fright Fest, and Holiday in the Park.
     
    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of water parks in North America, with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 60 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com. 
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    Scream Break Media Night at Six Flags Magic Mountain

    Fright Fest Scream Break Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
    ​On Saturday, March 25th, I was invited out to Six Flags Magic Mountain to check out a brand-new after-hours event for this year: Scream Break. As the name implies, this event is a spring break haunt event, merging aspects of the two into what is best described as a monster-themed party. It’s a bit unusual in concept, but absolutely works, and led to one of the most fun evenings I’ve had at the park in quite some time.
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                Before the festivities began, we were invited to sample a few of devilish treats available during the event. On the menu was Monster Mac, a mac and cheese dish topped with your choice of Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, or Pulled Pork. As someone who generally finds fancy mac and cheese dishes to be overrated, I have to say that this one surprised me as it was really good. I tried both the brisket and chicken options, and while I preferred the latter since it seemed to blend a bit better, both were quite tasty. To drink, we were treated to the event’s signature beverage. Dubbed Spiked Skull on the Beach, it is a cocktail consisting of strawberry sprite topped with whipped cream, gummy worms, and cherries, and offered with or without a shot of soju. This was also really good, and came in a souvenir cup themed to the event.
    ​            Once we finished up with the refreshments, it was time to get the party started. For haunted attractions, Scream Break features two mazes and three scare zones. As we were released into Full Throttle Plaza, I decided to start things off with the mazes. Regulars who have attended Fright Fest will be familiar with Condemned and Vault 666, the two mazes in use for Scream Break, but both have been plussed up a bit for the event. The first, dubbed Vault 666: Initiation, is quite similar to its regular Fright Fest version, but has been given a few small tweaks. Despite its age, this remains one of the stronger mazes the park has done, and with the quality of talent it was probably the scariest thing at Scream Break. The other maze, Condemned: House Party, completely dispenses with the scary aspect of the maze’s traditional version and replaces it with a college party inside the decrepit house. Again, the talent in the maze sold the theme, making for an extremely fun maze that is enhanced even more by the crowd getting into the action.
                The park’s three scare zones were spread along front section of the park. The first (I think it was called Frat Party, but I missed a sign confirming it) was in the maze area near Full Throttle Plaza, and kept up the party vibe found within Condemned. Second was Bloodborne Hollow, a graveyard-themed scare zone along the path past Bugs Bunny World. Lastly was the Grave Rave, centered around a DJ stage right at the entrance to DC Universe. All three had a decent amount of scaractors present, with a few stilt walkers and at least a half dozen other ghouls roaming around to interact with guests. Unlike Fright Fest, where everyone is out to get you, at this event two of the three zones were less about the fright and more about the fun, with monsters dancing alongside guests or trying to entice them into joining their shenanigans (Bloodborne Hollow is closer to a traditional scare zone). Like Fright Fest, however, the quality of actors at this park combined with them being given a fairly long leash makes these interactions a delight, and the scare zones were consistently the busiest areas of the park for the evening. I do wish a bit more of the event’s footprint was occupied by scare zones (would have loved to see something in the Screampunk District or DC Universe proper), but what they had was sufficient for the size of the event.
                For those who want coasters, this park has you covered, with six of the park’s legendary thrill rides operating in the dark: Batman The Ride, Full Throttle, Goliath, Scream, Twisted Colossus, and Wonder Woman Flight of Courage. All six were open for the entire event on Saturday, all running at least two trains (Twisted Colossus and Wonder Woman had three), and as such wait times were minimal throughout the entire event. While coasters can be ridden any time of year, night rides with short waits make Scream Break worth attending even for those who may not care for the more traditional haunt aspects of the evening, and a majority of those selected do offer pretty good night rides.
                I went in to Scream Break with fairly modest expectations, but the event ended up exceeding all of them. It’s not a huge event, but is a good size for the three-hour duration, and what it lacks in quantity it certainly makes up for in quality. Many haunt-style events have at least one obvious weak point, but in my opinion every element of Scream Break was excellent and nothing felt like filler. This one is absolutely worth checking out, especially for Six Flags season passholders (who get free admission to Scream Break), but even for more general haunt fans who might not ordinarily venture up to the park (daytime admission is not required). I will say that those who are hardcore horror fans might find it a bit of a letdown if they need actual terror to be satisfied, as might those who don’t really care for the party atmosphere, but for most others it’s likely to provide a highly enjoyable evening. If Six Flags Magic Mountain can keep up this level of quality with their other seasonal events, they’re definitely going to be one to watch going forward.
    For those venturing out to Scream Break, here are a few tips to maximize your time and enjoyment of the event:
    • If you’ll be in the park prior to the event, pick up your event wristband as early in the day as possible. This is especially true for passholders, as a limited amount of wristbands are available each night for the event (though they were still handing them out at 5 P.M. on a Saturday, so I’m guessing it’s a fairly large number). The bigger advantage is avoiding the line…I got mine with no wait around 4 P.M., but I heard others who waited until ~7 P.M. to pick them up were waiting ~20 minutes due to the slow process. Also, make sure to go to the correct location: Passholders need to get them at passholder services near the main gate, while those with Scream Break tickets redeem them at the stand next to Full Throttle.​
    • The rides open at 9 P.M., and you will not be allowed to venture out of Full Throttle Plaza until that time. The mazes, however, open at 8 P.M., so I’d recommend trying to do them once each before hitting the coasters. If you want to do the mazes a second time, wait until the second half of the event to return as lines will be much shorter. Condemned generally had the longer wait of the two mazes, so I’d probably do that one first.​
    • If you aren’t interested in trying the event-exclusive food offerings, eat before Scream Break starts. While food service is available during the event, it is pretty limited. I am not sure whether or not dining plans are valid during the event either.​
    • On a Saturday, the coasters weren’t walk-ons, but were generally only 10-15 minute waits. Wonder Woman was the longest wait of the coasters, with the rest mostly being a two or three train wait in the station.​
    • During the event, I was able to do each maze twice, ride every coaster once, and spend a half hour or so checking out the scare zones. There is enough time to do everything at the event, but you will likely need the full duration to do everything. I recommend getting to the mazes shortly after they open to ensure you can see it all without feeling rushed.​
    • Make sure to actively engage with the actors. This isn’t a haunt event where they’re just there to jump at you and make you run away screaming. If you play along with them, you’ll get some extremely fun interactions.
    Scream Break at Six Flags Magic Mountain runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through April 16th. Tickets are $39.99, or free for passholders on a space available basis. The event runs from park closing until midnight, with admission beginning at 7:30 P.M. each evening.
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