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    Knott's Berry Farm Fiesta Village Update - November 1, 2022

    Well, the Halloween season is over and it's time to get back into normal updates before holiday events start (we're already getting invites for events which is awesome!). 

    Today's update takes us to Knott's Berry Farm and a look at the progress in Fiesta Village as we get ready to see what the renovation and remodel of this land looks like in 2023. 

    We also have a slideshow from our last night at Knott's Scary Farm. Enjoy! 

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    Welcome to Knott's Berry Farm!

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    There are walls all over Fiesta Village now!

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    Thankfully they left some holes for us to look through. Nothing much on this side yet, I don't recall from the video or artwork what they're doing here.

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    The Mercado has had some wood removed, and likely will have some wood replaced before it's all done.

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    Looking forward to these game booths getting removed and having this area be more opened. They've always been an eyesore IMO.

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    La Papa Loca has been completely gutted. Just like with the Ghost Town renovation a few years back, we're anticipating seeing a lot of new wood in this area soon.

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    Even on the other side, the Hat Dance and Dragon swing are closed, all of the concrete has been removed.

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    The construction stretches' all the way to La Revolucion

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    If you want to ride La Revolucion you have to enter all the way over here now. Would guess this will close for a time during construction.

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    And of course, Montezoomas Revenge is still getting it's renovation done. No new track that we can see and no visible work on the station.

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    Still sad to see the loop gone

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    And some track removed, which will likely be new brakes, etc

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    Before scary farm we headed to the Haunted Lounge at the Knott's Hotel

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    And just because, a slideshow of our last night at Knott's Scary Farm 2022. Looking forward to the 50th anniversary in 2023! 
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    Walt Disney World Teases Return of Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios

    Mickey Mouse takes center stage when Fantasmic! makes its long-awaited return on Nov. 3, 2022, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

    ​The legendary nighttime spectacular invites guests into Mickey’s imagination for a larger-than-life show featuring stunning effects, thrilling stunts, dazzling pyrotechnics and a rousing score based on classic Disney animated films. It’s all painted on a grand canvas of dancing water overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises. (Matt Stroshane, Photographer)
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    HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 2023 REVEALS FIRST ALL-NEW HAUNTED HOUSE

    UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 2023 REVEALS FIRST ALL-NEW HAUNTED HOUSE, 
    INSPIRED BY THE USA & SYFY HIT SERIES “CHUCKY,” TO DEBUT NEXT FALL AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
    AND UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
    Orlando, Fla., Universal City, Calif. (October 31, 2022) – On this hallowed eve, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights announces the first haunted house of its 2023 lineup, inspired by the USA & SYFY hit series, “Chucky” – unleashing the iconic killer doll at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood next season.

    Sign up for email updates for Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood and stay tuned for more Halloween Horror Nights 2023 news.
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    Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Celebrates a Decade of Holiday Cheers with All-New Shows, Interactive Experiences and Festive Fireworks

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    • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town returns daily from Nov. 14 – Jan. 9 
    • The reimagined Holiday in the Sky show will feature added dancing fountains, a new soundtrack and the largest fireworks display that will shine bright with bursts of lights 
    • For as low as $14 per month, guests who purchase an Annual Pass receive unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and a sneak preview of Christmas Town on Nov. 13 
    TAMPA, Fla. (October 28, 2022) – Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Busch Gardens Christmas Town returns as the longest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area offering brand new experiences to celebrate the holidays and create memories to cherish for a lifetime. Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplifting shows, iconic holiday light displays, culinary delights and award-winning attractions such Iron Gwazi every day from Nov. 14 through Jan. 9. Running for 57 consecutive days, the beloved event is included with park admission. Some of the all-new activities that make this year’s Christmas Town its biggest celebration yet include:  
     
    • New! Holiday in the Sky – The evening sky comes to life with a colorful display of festive fireworks while an added spectacular water fountain show dances to the rhythm of a reimagined soundtrack with classic holiday tunes. Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select event nights.   
    • New! A mesmerizing and enchanting musical light and projection show will adorn the Serengeti Overlook building. Guests will not want to miss this spectacle, which will run daily every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m.  
    • New! Christmas with the Celts – A wonderful combination of Christmas Carols and Irish dance will captivate guests with the spirited and energetic entertainment of Christmas with the Celts. The renowned group of vocalists, musicians and dancers will perform live at Stanleyville Theater’s stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 16 through Dec. 25. 
    • New! Land of the Sweets – At this sweet winter wonderland, guests will find the Sugar Plum ballerina stilt walker and her Cavalier soldier, the newest characters to join the Sugar Plum Princess in her magnificent new realm.  
    • New! Right in the heart of Jungala, guests will be in awe with a new 32-foot-tall Christmas tree surrounded by a red and white winter wonderland.  
    Returning fan-favorites include Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola, a unique experience where jolly elves guide guests to interact with Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season. Parked outside, guests will see Santa’s sleigh for the merriest photo opportunity. Joyful songs fill the air and holiday tales come to life for Storytime with Mrs. Claus while Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is joined by Clarice and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, where guests get to meet and greet to find the most famous reindeer of all. Additional entertainment includes: 
     
    • “Christmas on Ice” – The Moroccan Palace Theater is the home of Busch Gardens’ longest running holiday show, a winter-wonderland on ice and an unmissable skating show set to classic holiday tunes.  
    • Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Guests can join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show. 
    • Three Kings Journey – The musical tale of the three wise men famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated at Dragonfire Grill. Only during select nights from Nov. 18 through Jan. 8. 
    • Holly Jolly Express – All aboard for Christmas Cheer! The merriest train will transport guests into the celebration as they loop around the park aboard this sing-along journey playing the favorite songs of the season.  
    All-New Seasonal Menu 
    Delicious eats and specialty cocktails await all guests at this year’s Christmas Town. Some of the heartwarming entrees and dessert cabins featured in this year’s all-new menu are:  


    • New! Red Curry Shrimp and Jasmine Rice  
    • New! Wild Mushroom Tart with Boursin Cheese Crema 
    • New! Braised Beef and Roasted Garlic Smashed Potato  
    • New! Unique cabin serving Wine and Chocolate Truffles  
    • New! A “Decorate Your Own Cookie” Cabin for kids 
    And because the holidays are all about tradition, guests will also enjoy the signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate located in various locations throughout the park. 
     
    The absolute best way to experience the jolliest of all seasons at Busch Gardens is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $40 and redeemable at the numerous cabins located throughout the entire park, Samplers offer the best value for guests and will be available in quantities of five and 10. An exclusive 12-item Sampler for the same price as a 10-item is available for all Pass Members. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.   
     
    A Gift to Give and Enjoy All Year: Busch Gardens Annual Passes and Fun Cards 
    For as low as $14 per month and with exclusive benefits valued at more than $400, a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass will allow guests to get a sneak preview of this year’s Christmas Town. Also, pass members get to be the first to ride Serengeti Flyer, the park’s all-new 2023 ride opening in 2023, and have unlimited visits to the park’s seasonal events that are included with admission. 

     
    For a limited-time, guests looking for not just the best gift but also great savings can pay for a day with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Fun Card which provides unlimited access to the park’s world-class attractions, award-winning entertainment, up-close animal encounters, and vibrant seasonal events through 2023 with the rest of 2022 free.  
     
    To be the first to know about event details and special offers, visit ChristmasTown.com and follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website before visiting to learn which event components are available each date. 

     
    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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    The Sights, Sounds and Flavors of the Holiday Season Return for the Entire Family During SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

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    • SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs select dates from November 11-January 3, included with park admission
    • The park will be transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights and new decorations
    • ALL-NEW family-friendly holiday entertainment can be found throughout the park, including an ice-skating extravaganza and nightly holiday fireworks show
    • Guests can taste ALL-NEW flavors of the season with delicious food and beverage offerings
    • Discover the magic of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration with an annual pass as low at $14 a month
    ORLANDO, Fla. (October 28, 2022) – SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning Christmas Celebration is returning this year and it’s bigger and better than ever. Guests will be able to join friends and family at SeaWorld Orlando on select dates from November 11 through January 3 for a memorable holiday experience. Visitors will see the theme park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with more than 3 million beautiful lights and the addition of NEW holiday experiences at Wild Artic Plaza during the event. The main feature of the magical festival is the Sea of Trees – a guest favorite. The wintery, watery wonderland is back immersing guests in a sea of twinkling holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. Dazzling images come to life on more than 100 trees, including a giant glistening centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water. During the celebration, guests will also be able to indulge in ALL-NEW delicious holiday treats, experience fabulous holiday shows and entertainment and watch an impressive NEW holiday firework show.
    Ice Skating at SeaWorld Orlando
    SeaWorld Orlando will be one of the few places Central Floridians can lace up and hit the ice. During the day, park guests will have the opportunity to ice skate at Bayside Stadium. Once night falls, they can sit back and relax as the pros show off what they got with “Winter Wonderland on Ice”. Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels, and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background come together to create an experience the entire family will not want to miss.
    More ALL-NEW Magical Holiday Shows & Entertainment
    There are even more ways for families to get into the holiday spirit this year at SeaWorld Orlando. At the end of the night during the Christmas Celebration, guests can be dazzled by the impressive “Holiday Reflections” fireworks show that showcases an impressive fireworks display set to the sounds of the season in the sky above the Sea of Trees.
     
    Holiday cheer can also be found throughout the park with stilt walkers at the Waterfront and in Wild Arctic Plaza, jump-roping toy soldiers, and Elf Story Chair Stacking in Sharks Plaza. Guests also cannot miss the opportunity for photos with Santa, Rudolph and Bumble! Rudolph and Bumble have found a new home this year in Wild Arctic, while Santa can be found at his new workshop in the Shoppes at the Waterfront. Guests can also dine with Santa throughout the Christmas Celebration for an additional cost.
     
    The magical holiday fun continues in Sesame Street Land with the return of the popular Sesame Street Christmas Parade, where guests can see all their favorite Sesame Street characters getting into the holiday spirit. For an additional cost, families who come to the park on Saturday mornings can have breakfast with their friends from Sesame Street. Elmo's Christmas Wish is also back this year on event mornings at SeaPort Theatre. Visitors can join Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe and Rosita as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

    ALL-NEW Decadent Holiday Treats and Drinks
    Guests to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the holiday season with ALL-NEW food and beverage offerings this year. Traditional flavors like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint can be found all around the park in new and unexpected ways. There will also be a very special holiday doughnut from an Orlando-based doughnut shop.  Some of the NEW food offerings guests can taste at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:
     
    • Monty Cristo Waffle – ham, turkey, Swiss cheese & cranberry glaze
    • Santa's Sweet & Savory Treat Doughnut Chicken Sandwich – honey Sriracha & pickles
    • The Main Event – fried turkey breast, andouille stuffing, cranberry gastric & brown gravy
    • Corn Husk Enconchada Tamale – carnitas & ancho mole poblano sauce
    • Christmas Bread Pudding – brioche bun, white chocolate, raspberry sauce & whipped cream
    • Arroz con Dulce – cinnamon dust & Caribbean rum raisin
    • Fresh Baked Deep-dish cookies – M&M, S'mores & Chocolate chip
    Guests will be able to sip NEW seasonal drinks while strolling around the park. They can drink either a hot or frozen hot chocolate, or a frozen eggnog or coquito. There are also several NEW holiday cocktails to try, including:
     
    • Holiday Peppermint Eggnog – eggnog, white chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka & peppermint schnapps
    • Christmas Beer Sangria – apple cider, Tito’s vodka, maple syrup, Christmas ale& cinnamon
    • Chai Swizzle – chai tea, Bailey's Irish Cream, simple syrup & cinnamon
    • Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy – Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey, Jack Daniels Winter Cider & chai tea
    For even more holiday dining experiences, guests can head to SeaFire Grill where they can watch their favorite holiday movies while tasting delicious holiday treats. They can also share seasonal culinary delights and refreshing Coca-Cola beverages with friends and family in the NEW Christmas Dining Hall at Voyagers Smokehouse.
     
    More to Celebrate at SeaWorld Orlando
     
    Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld! From December 18 through December 26, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.
     
    Kwanzaa Festivities: Guests can be part of SeaWorld's celebration of Kwanzaa! Taking place from December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the Kinara. Story Time with Big Bird will also feature Kwanzaa stories throughout the celebrations.
     
    New Year’s Eve: Guests can spend the final day of 2021 enjoying SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, then ring in the New Year as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky at midnight on December 31.
     
    Best Way to Enjoy the Holiday Cheer
    One of the best ways for guests to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a SeaWorld Orlando 2023 Fun Card, which offers park admission through December 31, 2023, for one low price of $132.99. Guests will have admission to SeaWorld Orlando for a full calendar year to experience thrilling rides, amazing animal encounters and energizing entertainment. For even more unbeatable benefits, guests can purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass for as low as $14/month + tax with no down payment. With an Annual Pass, 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 more! Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. Annual Passes and Fun Cards can be purchased at SeaWorldOrlando.com.
     
    About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.
    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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    The Final Weekend of Tricks and Treats is Among Us. Don’t Miss Out on this Over-the-Top Halloween Event for the Whole Family!

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     Enjoy the spooktacular Halloween season at Tricks and Treats, an immersive family-friendly Halloween event that is perfect for guest of all ages. The new even invites guests to join in on festive fun with a trick-or-treat trail, Halloween-themed games and activities, special live entertainment, along with the most delicious fall-inspired foods, sweets, and drinks. Experience this over-the-top experience before it’s too late! California’s Great America will host the final weekend of Tricks and Treats October 28th - October 30th.  

    Upon entering the park, guests will be immediately immersed in the Halloween fun with a choice of four themed areas to start from. The Main Stage sits adorned with a giant pumpkin as the event’s centerpiece of all festivities. During the day, it is a picturesque family backdrop perfect for capturing fall-inspired memories. As the evening approaches, guests will notice the large festive Jack o’ Lantern coming to life with a fiery light, taking on a soft uncanny glow.  

    From there, guests can choose their path by embarking on the festive Lands of Treats or one of the mischievous Lands of Tricks, each with its own mystery and fun in store. The Lands of Treats is made up of Everfall and Sweet Tooth Acres, both rich with joyful memories of bonfires, Halloween sweets and cozy fall feels. Guests will enter an autumnal fall festival, and sugar-spun candy farm decor displayed everywhere imaginable. For those looking for more mischievous fun, the Lands of Tricks offers Spooky Spires and Ickyville. These playful areas will have guests drawn to a splat-tastic monster party and an eerie classical speakeasy populated by gothic surprises.  
    Tricks and Treats runs from 4pm – 10pm on Friday (10/28) and 12pm – 10pm on Saturday (10/29) and Sunday (10/30). 

    ​For more information on all the exciting things that are going on at California’s Great America, visit us online at cagreatamerica.com or download the Great America app for your smartphone. Join the conversation by using #CGATricksandTreats on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.