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Level Up with A Power-Up Band as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Prepares to Open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023Universal City, California, January 18, 2023 – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, so let’s take a closer look at the land’s exciting Power-Up Band™, a fun interactive component designed to help guests level up their experience during their visits within the land.
With the grand opening date quickly approaching, here’s a topline overview of the Power-Up Band and its functionality.
These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.
With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land.
When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores.
The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Checkpoints positioned within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will enable guests to track their status against others. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
While meet and greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and guests are welcome to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app prior to visiting so the fun can start from the moment they warp into the land via the giant green pipe. The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase, beginning February 17, at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk.
The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new, innovative, immersive and highly-themed land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.
For more information, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. -
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GLOBAL SUPERSTARS GOO GOO DOLLS, MAREN MORRIS AND SEAN PAUL HEADLINE LIVE CONCERTS
FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S MARDI GRAS 2023 CELEBRATION, RUNNING FEBRUARY 4 THROUGH APRIL 16
Plus, New Details Revealed about the Festivities Guests can Enjoy, Including Savory Cuisine
Inspired by Carnaval Celebrations across the Globe, a Dazzling Parade and MoreORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 17, 2023) – Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to go beyond the bayou and let the good times roll from February 4 through April 16, 2023 with the return of Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – featuring a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations and, on select nights, live concerts by top names in music like Goo Goo Dolls, Maren Morris and Sean Paul – all included with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Here is an overview of what’s in store at this year’s celebration:
STAR-STUDDED MARDI GRAS CONCERT LINEUP
This year’s concert series will feature eight live performances by popular names in music like GRAMMY-nominated band Goo Goo Dolls, GRAMMY-winning Platinum superstar Maren Morris and GRAMMY-winning artist Sean Paul at the Music Plaza stage – an outdoor concert venue set against the backdrop of the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert line-up.
NEW “MYTHICAL REALMS OF MARDI GRAS” PARADE THEME
Guests of all ages can dance along with high-energy performers and catch beads by the handful during this year’s spectacular parade, which will showcase a new “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” theme inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and more – with a Mardi Gras twist. This year’s imaginative theme will be brought to life within six incredibly detailed and festive parade floats that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator.
TASTE THE INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL
The mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond will come to life as part of an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items for guests to enjoy at this year’s event. While venturing throughout the parkwide celebration, guests will find kiosks featuring delectable food and beverage inspired by iconic fare from around the world – including the classic Crawfish Boil and deliciously fluffy Beignets from New Orleans, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada from Mexico, a Mofongo Flight inspired by the Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, Indonesian Black Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and so much more.
Plus, for the first time ever, Universal Orlando’s other theme parks are joining the fun by featuring a limited selection of Mardi Gras items, including Gumbo, Jambalaya, King Cake and more at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and the Muffuletta Long Board Pizza at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
For a limited time, guests can save $10 on the purchase of a Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card to experience the savory flavors of Mardi Gras, which allows them to enjoy more for less by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card is available for purchase at Mardi Gras food & beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida.
ALL-NEW MARDI GRAS TRIBUTE STORE AND MERCHANDISE
Located within an all-new space in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, this year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store invites guests to an international jazz celebration that leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy where the Mardi Gras celebration continues. Within the new store, guests can shop a new selection of Mardi Gras merchandise that ranges from apparel to accessories and collectibles such as keychains, pins, themed glasses and even some personalized options – allowing them to take a piece of Florida’s Biggest Party home with them. Guests can also devour tasty treats inspired by this year’s celebration within the new retail location.
THE PARTY CONTINUES AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK AND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS
Guests can keep the party going at Universal CityWalk with special Mardi Gras festivities at select venues along with food kiosks featuring delicious menu items that offer a taste of the Mediterranean, the Islands and popular Mardi Gras fare. Pat O’Brien’s will host a Mardi Gras After Party on select nights from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. that includes live entertainment and exclusive food and drink offerings; as well as a special Fat Tuesday celebration on February 21 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. featuring a dueling piano and more. Reservations for the festivities at Pat O’Brien’s can be made by calling 407-224-3663. Plus, the Red Coconut Club will transform for the Mardi Gras season into the Cursed Coconut Club – more details and dates of operation will be shared soon.
The best way to experience Universal’s Mardi Gras is with a stay at one of Universal’s eight incredible hotels. Each hotel will have exclusive Mardi Gras offerings such as Cajun Jambalaya Pasta at Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders at Velvet Bar at Hard Rock Hotel, Crawfish Etouffee at Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel and more. Universal Orlando hotel guests can also enjoy exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.
INCREDIBLE OFFERS TO GET THE CELEBRATION STARTED
Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with theme park admission. Starting today, Florida Residents can take advantage of a new offer to partake in the festivities that gives them two days of free admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket (valid for use through June 29, 2023; blockout dates apply) – and for just $25 more they can add one day of admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay. Plus, Florida residents and Universal Orlando Passholders looking to stay close to the celebration can save 35% on select rooms at all Universal Orlando hotels during select dates this Mardi Gras season.
U.S. and Canada residents wanting to join the festivities can still save 25% on a 5-Day/5-Night Vacation Package to visit Universal Orlando this spring and experience Mardi Gras (blockout dates apply).
EXCLUSIVE PERKS FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PASSHOLDERS
Universal Orlando Passholders also get access to Universal’s Mardi Gras (blockout dates apply) and receive exclusive perks, including a Mardi Gras themed magnet, the opportunity to reserve a spot to a ride a float, access to a special viewing area to enjoy the Mardi Gras parade and more. Additional details about passholder benefits for this year’s celebration will be shared soon.
For more information about Universal’s Mardi Gras and additional offerings like the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
Let Yourself Woah at Universal Orlando Resort
When you’re ready to Let Yourself Woah, the place to go is Universal Orlando Resort.
For more than 30 years, Universal Orlando has immersed guests in amazing “woah” moments that free them from the stress of their worlds. Across the award-winning destination, they can let go and live in the moment with those they care about most as they embark on incredible theme park adventures, like causing mischief with the Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” coming face-to-face with ferocious dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, walking the corridors of Hogwarts castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and so much more.
Universal Orlando is home to three epic theme parks that feature some of the world’s most exciting and innovative experiences, including Universal’s Islands of Adventure – named the #1 Amusement Park in the World for five years in a row by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice; Universal Studios Florida – home to the most technologically-advanced stunt show yet, The Bourne Stuntacular; and Universal’s Volcano Bay - a tropical oasis like no other that features an actual beach right in the middle of Orlando.
Universal Orlando’s hotels are destinations unto themselves and include the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites. And Universal’s entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers immersive dining and entertainment for every member of the family. -
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Floats, Food and Fun with a New Orleans FlairSAN ANTONIO, Texas -- January 17, 2023 -- Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Thrill Capital of South Texas, announces the return of the spectacular New Orleans-style celebration, the Mardi Gras Festival. Each operating day through February 26, Six Flags Fiesta Texas will “let the good times roll” as it transforms into a Texas version of downtown New Orleans, complete with beautifully adorned parade floats, special live entertainment, Mardi Gras-themed park décor and classic Cajun cuisine.
The Mardi Gras Festival features 11 authentic floats handcrafted by world-renowned float designer, Kern Studios, making it the biggest parade in park history. The intricately designed floats will represent a variety of themes, including the Mardi Gras King and Queen, Dia de los Muertos, and other celebrations from around the world, like Rio’s Carnival.
Mardi Gras and music go hand-in-hand, and this year features several shows including the following:- NEW – Fat Tuesday’s Jamboree at the Bon Ami Bayou – The Bonami Family brings the party to you and performs their favorite Cajun ditties;
- NEW – Party Gras with The Looney Tunes – Tap your feet and feel the music. It’s Party Gras! This blend of Cajun and French Quarter Jazz will have you wanting to join the Looney Tunes in the streets of Los Festivales for this epic party;
- NEW – The French Quarternotes – This band will get you in that New Orleans mood with some great Mardi Gras tunes! Come celebrate hits like “Proud Mary” and “Down on the Corner.” Laissez le bon temps rouler;
- NEW – Vieux Carre Vixens – Grab a seat, wet your whistle at Thirst Buffalo Saloon and enjoy the fast-paced, vivacious entertainment of Madame Lulu and her saloon gals;
- Kings of N’Awlins Swing – Welcome back this amazing group of musicians as they bring the N’awlins Swing sound to you! There’s nothing like the sweet sounds of “When The Saints Go Marching In” echoing through the streets of Rockville;
- King William Brass Band –Let the good times roll with King William Jazz Band in Rockville Plaza! Enjoy this high energy show featuring all your Big Easy favorites;
- Voodoo Krewe – Come along as the amazing performers take you on an authentic New Orleans style journey with a display of song and dance and a voodoo twist;
- Mardi Gras Parade– Join us for the biggest Mardi Gras Parade in park history! Colorful floats brighten up the streets of Rockville while costumed characters toss beads to onlookers who gather up these souvenirs as a reminder of their day. Street entertainers perform alongside the parade as they escort the krewe through the park.
Food is another big part of the Mardi Gras experience. From beignets and hurricanes to mouth-watering gumbo and jambalaya, Taste of Mardi Gras Food Festival is serving up plenty of Cajun cuisine from seven different locations in the Rockville area of the park. Adult beverages like New Orleans Hurricanes and a Bourbon Street Fish Bowl are also on the menu, as well as a wide variety of seasonal and craft beer.
If food, drinks, parades and live entertainment are not enough, guests may also visit The Houngan House of Voodoo. This voodoo-themed walk-thru attraction features a voodoo priest who lures inquisitive guests through room after room of his cursed French Quarter shop filled with magical dolls, potions, charms and gris-gris. This attraction is included with park admission.
For more information on the Mardi Gras Festival visit, https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/events/mardi-gras-event-1
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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Disneyland has teased Disney100 food that will be available at the park.
All items Available beginning January 27, 2023. For more details, visit DisneyParksBlog.com. (Pics: David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)
Lemon Tea Cake (various locations around the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.) - lemon curd, lemon zest glaze and a fresh slice of lemon.
Disneyland guests can enjoy their favorite non-alcoholic beverage with the Disney100 Mickey Mouse Sipper at various locations at the Disneyland Resort
Mr. Banks Shortbread Tart (Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif.) - caramel and chocolate ganache in a shortbread tart, purple-colored white chocolate mousse, sea salt, edible silver stars and silver crunch pearls.
Lemon Chiffon Pie (various locations around the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.) - classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream.
Platinum Trifle (various locations around the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.) - layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece.
Violet Pretzel (Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif.) – cream cheese-filled pretzel drizzled with salted vanilla cream and lavender sugar.
Disneyland guests can enjoy their favorite non-alcoholic beverage with the Disney100 Poison Apple Mug at various locations at the Disneyland Resort
Disney100 Cocktail (Boardwalk Dining and Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park) - empress Gin, pea flower, honey, lavender and lemon juice garnished with an edible flower.
Disneyland guests can enjoy their favorite non-alcoholic beverage with the Disney100 Thermo Tumbler at various locations at the Disneyland Resort
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Orlando, FL and Los Angeles, CA (Friday, January 13, 2023) - Park Journey, the Okay'est Theme Park Blog Around, and ThrillGeek, the news source for trending theme park and pop culture news, have announced plans to merge in January 2024. Clint Gamache, owner of ThrillGeek, and Gregg Condon, owner of Park Journey have been working out the details since mid-2022 and have plans to slowly make the transition throughout 2023.
Beginning on January 1, 2024, content previously featured on Park Journey will be featured exclusively on ThrillGeek. The Park Journey team will continue their decade-long coverage of Theme Parks and Halloween events concentrated mostly in Southern California, with extended coverage of theme parks throughout the US and Canada. Throughout the remainder of 2023, both sites will continue as they are today but will start cross-sharing content on both platforms.
"We are excited about this change as it brings the best of Orlando theme park coverage and combines it with our coverage of theme parks and Halloween events outside of Central Florida", says Gregg Condon, founder, and Webmaster of Park Journey. "What you can expect to see is the same amazing coverage of Orlando Theme Parks, Halloween events, and pop culture you've grown to love on ThrillGeek combined with the coverage of Theme Parks and Haunts you've come to tolerate on Park Journey".
"I've known Gregg for quite a while, and his team over at Park Journey provides the same fun, honest and reliable theme park news and updates that ThrillGeek is also known for," says Clint Gamache, owner and founder of ThrillGeek. "I am beyond thrilled for this opportunity to expand ThrillGeek's coverage and become one team providing honest, fun, and reliable news and updates from Disney, Universal, and beyond."
Added Gregg, "It's important to note that as of right now, neither website is changing, we are taking our time to make sure fans and contributors of both sites have time to embrace this change".
Stay tuned for more updates on https://thrillgeek.com/ and https://www.parkjourney.com/ in the coming weeks and months.
