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    UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ANNOUNCES  ILLUMINATION’S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST

    IT’S SO MUCH FUN, IT’S A CRIME…
    UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ANNOUNCES ILLUMINATION’S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST – A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND DIABOLICAL FAMILY ATTRACTION INSPIRED BY ILLUMINATION’S POPULAR MINIONS FRANCHISE – COMING TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA IN SUMMER 2023 

    Upcoming Attraction will Be Part of a New Minion Land, Featuring the Beloved
    Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Attraction, a New Minion Café and More
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    Orlando, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2022) – Next summer, guests will engage in loads of diabolical fun for kids, teens and adults as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Developed in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.

    Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way. The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Guests who are up for the challenge will grab an interactive blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway to put their skills to the test. They’ll wind and glide through various scenes where they earn points by blasting a variety of items and causing as much mayhem and destruction as possible. It’s a unique, mischief-filled experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime.

    Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in Summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave. This new area will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises. 

    More details about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and Minion Land will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.
    About 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.
    About Illumination 
    Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films, including Despicable Me—the most successful animated franchise in cinematic history—as well as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and The Secret Life of Pets and Sing films. Illumination’s soon-to-be released The Super Mario Bros. Movie will join a studio library that includes two of the top 10 animated films of all time. Illumination’s iconic, beloved franchises—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $8 billion worldwide. Illumination has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures. Illumination’s upcoming films in 2023 include The Super Mario Bros. Movie and     Migration. 
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    Twisted Christmas Movie Marathon Returns To The Frida Cinema on December 17th

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    • Twisted Christmas, the highly immersive movie marathon event is returning to the Frida Cinema in Downtown Santa Ana, Saturday December 17th, 2022. 
    • Twisted Christmas features a double feature of holiday horror movies, vendors, a scare zone, pictures with our twisted Santa and haunted holiday characters roaming the entire theater!
    • Tickets are on sale now at https://thefridacinema.org/film/twisted-christmas-2022/ for â€‹$25. Tickets will be $30 dollars at the box office the day of the event.
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    Saturday, December 17th, 2022 at 7pm, Twisted Christmas, the highly successful immersive holiday horror movie marathon event returns to the Frida Cinema in Downtown Santa Ana after a 3 year hiatus to fulfill your Christmas nightmares!

    During Twisted Christmas, you will be able to enjoy a marathon of 2 holiday-themed horror movies in our theater room. Next door in our Dark Marketplace, travel through our winter vortex to meet and greet with our twisted Santa, or you can shop for last minute gifts at one of our
    vendor booths. All throughout the theater you can expect to interact with any number of our creepy Christmas characters including elves, Krampus and a special appearance by Grimsby Grimdyke, mystic from beyond. 

    Twisted Christmas is being put on by Dark Alley Productions, a new event production company based in Orange County created by two friends with a passion for immersive experiences
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    Countdown the final hours of the year with a spectacular fireworks display at Knott’s Merry Farm

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    The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests have a chance to say goodbye to the final moments of 2022 at Knott’s as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st. The enchanting Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final event of the year as the park rings in 2023 with a park wide-party unlike any other and everyone is invited.

    The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing and more. Guests are invited to count down the final moments of 2022 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this night extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the skies above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition by celebrating the New Year ’s Eve at Knott’s.
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    This year’s line-up of can’t miss entertainment are:
    • At the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s skies wonderfully light up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.
    • Visit Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at Wagon Camp for the best entertainment this side of the Santa Ana freeway that will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’.
    • DJ Howley brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration, with high energy music and dancing taking place at the Calico Mine Stage.
    • Next to the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will be posing for pictures with guests to celebrate the New Year in their favorite party outfits.
    • Surf on by Boardwalk BBQ where you can catch PianoMania Dueling Pianos. These two talented musicians go head-to-head in a musical battle you won't want to miss.
    • The Calico Mine Stage will blast unforgettable pop and rock music courtesy of the band Mic Dangerously and the Royal We.
    • Family-friendly comedian, Chipper Lowell, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and audience participation to the Bird Cage Theatre.
    • Jitterbug Pop Swing Band, Dance Instructors, and the Jitterbug Jumpers are on hand to play the slickest standards ever. Swing, sway and jump with the hippest cats in town. The Jitterbug Pop Swing Band provides the tunes and you’re invited to dance the night away in the legendary Boardwalk Ballroom. Dance instruction classes included!
    • A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Restaurant is serving up a special New Year’s Eve Buffet. Walk up only.
    Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours on New Year’s Eve are 9am to 1am.

    A 2023 Knott’s Season Pass is a great way to visit on New Year’s Eve. A new 2023 Season Pass includes unlimited visits in 2022 and 2023 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2023 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2023 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. For more information visit knotts.com
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    THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER DEBUTS ALL-NEW COLLECTION OF INTERACTIVE OLLIVANDERS WANDS

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    THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER DEBUTS ALL-NEW COLLECTION OF
    INTERACTIVE OLLIVANDERS WANDS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT
    UNIVERSAL PARKS ACROSS THE GLOBE
     
    The Collection Brings 13 New Interactive Wands – Including a Wand Unique to Each Destination –  Inspired by the Beloved Harry Potter Film Franchise to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort
    Universal City, CA (Dec. 5, 2022) –  A brand-new collection of authentic, interactive Ollivanders wands has arrived at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the globe, bringing 12 all-new wands  – plus an additional one that is exclusive to each destination – to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort.

    Each original wand within the new assortment pairs a wood type with one of the three powerful cores preferred by master wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the Harry Potter film series – unicorn hair, dragon heartstring and phoenix feather – and comes with a first-ever “wand lore” insert that details the distinct properties of that specific wand and the attributes of its ideal owner. Guests can also use the new wands to cast spells and reveal magical surprises with the right incantation and a gentle flick of the wrist at select locations within the spectacularly themed lands.
    The new collection also brings a unique wand to each Universal park that is exclusive to that destination and not available anywhere else, including:
    • a larch and phoenix feather wand at Universal Orlando Resort
    • a walnut and dragon heartstring wand at Universal Studios Hollywood
    • a cherry and unicorn hair wand at Universal Studios Japan
    • a red oak and unicorn hair wand at Universal Beijing Resort​

    The lineup of new interactive Ollivanders wands is available now at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort, and joins each park’s current selection of wands inspired by beloved characters from the Harry Potter series. For more information about Universal Parks & Resorts, visit www.universalparks.com.
    About Universal Parks & Resorts
    Universal Parks & Resorts, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the globe today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences. With three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, its theme parks are known for immersive experiences that feature some of the world’s most thrilling and technologically advanced film- and television-based attractions. Universal Parks & Resorts in the U.S. are Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Around the world, UP&R includes Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, a license agreement with Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, and the recently opened Universal Beijing Resort. Learn more at universalparks.com.

    About Universal Products & Experiences  
    Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Parks & Resorts, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.  
     
    More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com

    About Wizarding World
    In the years since Harry Potter was whisked from King’s Cross Station onto Platform nine and three quarters, his incredible adventures have left a unique and lasting mark on popular culture. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films based on the original stories have brought the magical stories to life and today, the Wizarding World is recognized as one of the world’s best-loved brands.

    Representing a vast interconnected universe, it also includes three epic Fantastic Beasts films, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – the multi-award-winning stage-play, state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games, innovative consumer products, thrilling live entertainment (including four theme park lands) and insightful exhibitions.

    This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. owned Wizarding World tours and retail also includes the flagship Harry Potter New York, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, and the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops.

    The Wizarding World continues to evolve to provide Harry Potter fans with fresh and exciting ways to engage. For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.

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    Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Return of EVE, Hollywood's Biggest New Year's Event

    Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates a Night to Remember with EVE, Hollywood’s Biggest New Year’s Event Toasting the Arrival of 2023, on Saturday, December 31
     
    Event Features Music, Dancing, Fireworks and Access to Select Rides and Attractions; Included with Theme Park Admission

    Click Here to Purchase Tickets
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    Universal City, California, November 30, 2022 – Universal Studios Hollywood rings in 2023 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music entertainment, a brilliant fireworks display and access to select rides and attractions, on Saturday, December 31 with extended hours until 2:00 a.m.

    Included in the price of theme park admission, EVE is the ultimate way to bid farewell to 2022 and usher in 2023 that begins with a full day of fun, enjoying popular and award-winning rides and attractions, before transitioning to the new year in a park-wide celebration and special midnight countdown.

    Universal Studios Hollywood’s night to remember begins at 9:00 p.m. as an energetic party kicks off with multiple entertainment hubs featuring DJs spinning an eclectic array of music for guests to dance into the new year with their choice of pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM and Latin music. Iconic photo ops located around the theme park will also provide a memorable backdrop to capture and share moments from the big night.

    A lively New Year’s countdown rounds out the event before a dazzling fireworks display punctuates the nighttime sky. A winter snowfall and confetti bursts also add to the festive evening within designated areas.

    A selection of food and beverages, including desserts, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as memorabilia will be available for purchase. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

    It’s a day and night filled with exciting entertainment and one-of-a-kind blockbuster attractions, including mega-attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride,” Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the world-famous Studio Tour. Guests can visit Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™” and experience heart-pounding thrills on “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D” and “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride.”

    While reveling in the New Year, guests can enjoy the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season,” including holiday favorite, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” featuring “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts TM Castle” which brings the iconic Hogwarts castle to life in a stunning spectacle. The Who-bilation continues at “Grinchmas” where joyful park-goers can delight in the wonderous Who-ville and meet its infamous villager, The Grinch and his faithful dog Max, plus the Whos.
    Holiday festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood run daily now through Sunday, January 1, 2023.

    To purchase tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Holidays and EVE access, guests can click here.
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    More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
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    “Magic Happens” parade returns to Disneyland Feb. 24, 2023!

    “Magic Happens” parade will return to Disneyland on Feb. 24, 2023!

    ​This sensational daytime parade had a limited debut in 2020, so we can’t wait for you to see this unforgettable spectacle that celebrates magical moments from favorite Disney stories!
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