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    UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, HHN AND PARK UPDATE - APRIL 29, 2022

    Welcome to another update from Universal Studios Hollywood. We've had to change the way we do updates since work on the two major LA County theme park additions is moving so quick, if we wait a few days to get pictures posted, they're already outdated. 

    So in this update we've got a lot of pics and video of Super Nintendo World, Halloween Horror Nights Prep and a bit going on around the rest of the park. Strap in, a lot to cover! 


    Written by Gregg Condon
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    Just since last week Piranha Plants and some blocks have been added to Super Nintendo World

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    Sorry for the extreme zoom

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    Don't eat me bro!

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    Yay for Restrooms!

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    They've also circled back around to the warp pipe and are adding some more stuff.

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    A bit of a different angle

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    A closer look at the Piranha plants

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    So many cool details

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    And finally, almost to the lower lot

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    A Plethora of Piranha

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    Bowsers Castle is really coming into shape

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    Starting with HHN coverage outside of the Curious George Parking Structure

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    Looks like something just got dropped off. Appears to be a well of some kind

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    Is it just me or does that look like a LOT of wood for what is left to build here? Hmm.

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    The outside walls of maze #2 appear to be close to being done

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    Some HHN staff admiring their new well

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    Inside the park, some thematic elements are showing up on the facade here as well

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    Brick seems to be the go-to this year. We're good with it!

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    A few random tidbits. Some new (to me at least) glasses. $10 each and they look awesome.

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    Jurassic World Dominion has arrived at the Studio Store

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    More progress on Toothsome this week!

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    From ‘Hocus Pocus’ to ‘Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo,’ Disney Cruise Line Puts a Spell on New Experiences for Halloween on the High Seas

    First-of-its-kind character meet and greet inspired by “Hocus Pocus” awaits guests across the fleet

    CELEBRATION, Fla. – Halloween on the High Seas will return to Disney Cruise Line with more sailings than ever before and new one-of-a-kind experiences for families in September and October 2022. Guest-favorite entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and themed food and beverage items, will await guests on these limited-time voyages as each ship transforms into a ghoulish wonderland.

    First-of-its-kind character meet and greet
    Disney Cruise Line guests will be the first to experience an all-new character meet and greet opportunity across the fleet during Halloween on the High Seas sailings. While all of the Disney characters on board will adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow will debut a never-before-seen look as they dress up as their favorite Halloween sisters, the Sandersons from the movie “Hocus Pocus.”

    Disney Wish debuts all-new magical Pumpkin Tree
    During its inaugural season of Halloween cruises this fall, the Disney Wish, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, will introduce a unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark.

    The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween sailings is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights.

    Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will witness the debut of an all-new Pumpkin Tree in the “Cinderella”-inspired Grand Hall. Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, this enchanted tree that grew perfect gourds with the help of a Wishing Star at night produced the perfect pumpkin that became the coach that carried Cinderella to the Prince’s Ball.

    Other special experiences on Halloween on the High Seas sailings include:
    • Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party: Beloved Disney characters in Halloween attire will join guests for a fun-filled costume party.
    • Halloween Isn’t Just For Kids: Adult-exclusive venues across the fleet will become a ghoulish setting for costume contests and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor.
    • Spooky Movies: To get guests into the spirit of the season, Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in staterooms.
    • Ghoulish Delights: Guests will enjoy special themed food and beverage items.
    • More spooky fun includes mask-making and a ghostly takeover of ship announcements.

    Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select sailings in September and October. Departing from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, San Diego and New York City, each cruise will take families to fascinating destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise outfitted for family fun and relaxation and brimming with special Disney touches.

    To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.
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    CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE REVEALS NEW CARNIVAL CELEBRATION VENUE HIGHLIGHTING 50 YEARS OF FUN

    The Golden Jubilee to Represent the Evolution of Carnival Fun Ships, 
    Including Mementos from Earlier Vessels 
    MIAMI, April 27, 2022 – As part of its ongoing 50th Birthday celebration, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing The Golden Jubilee, which will celebrate the 50-year history of America’s Cruise Line, on its newest ship Carnival Celebration, debuting this November. The new bar and lounge will be part of the ship’s final, to-be-announced zone, and will highlight Carnival’s evolution of ships over the last 50 years, weaving its past with its present and looking to the future. The announcement was made today at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami.

    The Golden Jubilee, on Deck 6, in the same location as The Brass Magnolia on Mardi Gras, will feature artwork, memorabilia and original pieces from Carnival’s earlier vessels that will be incorporated throughout the space bringing Carnival’s 50 years of fun full circle. These include:
    • A striking bar beneath two-deck-high ceilings adorned with a multi-piece brass chandelier and surrounded by reproductions of blueprints depicting the evolution of Carnival’s Fun Ships, including some hand-drawn designs by world-renowned architect Joe Farcus.
    • Chairs recreated from TSS Carnivale’s Riverboat Lounge paired with cocktail tables from Carnival Fascination’s Hollywood Boulevard adorned with signed sketches representing movie classics by iconic caricaturist Al Hirschfeld. 
    • Original 17’ by 7’ full-height etched glass, nickel and mahogany partition wall with 24 windowpanes from TSS Mardi Gras’ casino, separating the bar from the promenade.
    • Original decorative etchings of musical instruments as well as polished brass and glass night club doors from TSS Carnivale that will frame one of the lounge’s entrances, allowing guests to physically walk through Carnival’s history.
    • Original bronze statue of Carnival founder Ted Arison and Finnish shipbuilder Martin Saarikangas, given as a gift from the Kvaerner Masa-Yards to the line upon delivery of Carnival Sensation in Helsinki, Finland, in 1993.
    • Reproductions of hand-drawn sketches by Farcus blended into mirrors, offering guests a glimpse into special Carnival moments like Carnival Fascination’s naming ceremony and Carnival Inspiration’s first transit of the Panama Canal.
    • Floor tiles surrounding the bar that feature a stylized maple leaf pattern reminiscent of the maple leaf design motif from the Grand Ballroom on TSS Mardi Gras that carried over from the ship’s former life as Empress of Canada for Canadian Pacific Line.
    • Mirror inserts integrated into the bar front and bottle display inspired by the etched glass inserts of TSS Carnivale’s main lobby doors.

    There will also be round windows instead of squared windows, reminiscent of the portholes on the line’s original ships, to create an ambience similar to the classic cruise ship bar and lounge, as well as a stage for live music and dance floor to enhance the overall feel of nostalgic elegance. 

    The specialized bar menu will take guests on a journey through time as well, featuring an early version of line’s logo introduced in the ‘70s, and the most popular cocktails throughout the decades since 1972, Carnival’s founding year. Offerings will include classic and vintage cocktails such as a Harvey Wallbanger and Tom Collins, reimagined in Carnival’s own unique style with premium ingredients and elevated presentations.  

    “The Golden Jubilee is the ultimate nod to our 50th Birthday – a nostalgic but timeless lounge where our guests can re-live and connect with Carnival’s yesteryears while enjoying a glamorous and elegant space that embraces our current Carnival style,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  

    The adjacent promenade will also serve as a unique look through Carnival’s history featuring:
    • A first-of-its-kind porthole gallery installation that will tell the Fun Ships evolution story through a series of six decorative porthole windows featuring three-dimensional dioramas for each of the five decades of Carnival’s history and one representing the company today and a look to its future.
    • Original vintage engine telegraph from 1955 installed on TSS Carnivale and permanently set to “Full Ahead” sign as a symbol of Carnival’s forward movement.
    • Coins for every ship in the fleet, both past and present, embedded into the promenade’s floor design.
    • TSS Carnivale model, recovered from MS Inspiration, at the entrance to the Carnivale Restaurant.
    • 1:100 scale, 12-foot-long ship model of Carnival Celebration.

    Carnival has announced five zones aboard Carnival Celebration – 820 Biscayne, Celebration Central, The Ultimate Playground, Summer Landing and Lido. Additional details and the final zone on Carnival Celebration will be revealed in the near future leading up to the ship’s inaugural sailing from Miami on Nov. 21. Once in Miami, the ship will sail five-, six-, seven- and eight-day cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

    Carnival Celebration will be the second Carnival ship to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising platform, and will include an award-winning roller coaster at the top of the ship. The ship will debut in November from the redesigned state-of-the-art Terminal F at PortMiami, the line’s third terminal at the port and its largest in South Florida. The terminal will be among the first at PortMiami to be shore-power ready in 2023. 

    For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
    ###
    ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
    Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line with a total of 23 ships, sailing from 14 U.S. homeports and employing more than 40,000 team members from 120 nationalities. Carnival’s newest ship, Mardi Gras, featuring the first roller coaster at sea and the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), sailed from Port Canaveral, Fla., July 31, 2021. As part of its 50th Birthday festivities, Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, is scheduled to debut in late 2022 from PortMiami, as well as Carnival Jubilee from Galveston in 2023.
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    Six Flags Magic Mountain Wonder Woman Flight of Courage Update #10 - APril 25, 2022

    This week we're back at Six Flags Magic Mountain for another Wonder Woman Flight of Courage Update. Lots of progress this week on the track over on the Metropolis side of the construction area. 

    We also have an all new video where we walk through all of the currently available Single Rider Lines in the park. Something a lot of you have been asking for. I even rode Tatsu for the second time this year. The things I do for you all. =) 

    Enjoy! 


    Written by Gregg Condon
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    Work continues to progress at a quick pace, and we love it!

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    Lots of new supports as well. They're basically starting at one end and working their way towards the station.

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    The Flipt'y doo is done (yes, I know there is a technical name)

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    Airtime Hill! Remember when Riddler's Revenge had the most airtime at the park? How times have changed. And we love it!

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    A lot of this track is probably installed by now

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    From the entrance of Justice League

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    And lastly a couple of looks on the other side of Metropolis

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    We also checked out all of the single rider lines in the park, and they all technically worked. =)

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    Some rides didn't need it during our visit.

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    And of course, the ones that have been around for years are still there.

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    The Twisted Colossus single rider line has not returned yet, but we've heard it's coming.

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    A couple of downers. Arrived to the park at 11:30am and the Priority Parking lane was not open.

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    The membership entrance also wasn't open. I honestly can't remember the last time I used these lanes to get into the park. To be fair, the line moved VERY quickly.

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    Completely non-park related, made our first stop to Crumble, which is right down the road from the park.

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    They were all delicious. The Boston Cream Pie was my personal favorite.

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    Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed!

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    Season Pass Preview at Canada's Wonderland

    Jeff and Nicholas made their way to Canada's Wonderland today for season pass preview day. They got to join in on the media lunch and try some tasty beers. 

    In this update we have some fresh pics of the new signage around the park and the construction progress of the new restaurant. Enjoy! 

    Written by Nicholas Kuyzk 

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    It was a gorgeous day out today.

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    Food and drinks at media lunch!

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    Retheme of the old marketplace buffet, which is now a pub.

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    Like many parks, Canada's Wonderland is now cashless.

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    New "Cookiewich" building is across the path from the original location. Excited ice cream sandwiches are back!

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    New refresh drink stand built near Vortex's first drop

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    New building across from Windseeker

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    Most of the foundation and some structural framing has been done for the new restaurant.

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    We had an amazing day at the park and it's going to be a great season!

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    Wonder Woman Flight Of Courage UPdate #9 - April 18, 2022

    Happy Monday loyal Park Journey readers! Welcome to another update from Six Flags Magic Mountain and for Wonder Woman Flight of Courage. Lots to see since our last update, including a lot of track!! 

    Don't forget to check out our video update below, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Those updates generally get posted a day or two before the blog updates. 

    Written by Gregg Condon
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    Early mornings at SFMM are great, you have the park almost to yourself and can get great shots like this. Even if there is a photobomber (above the O)

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    From the DC Universe side, you can't see much different from this side of the wall. But I did ride Riddler's Revenge and there is a lot of work going on back there.

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    The station is getting reshaped a bit, so it won't be exactly the same as the Green Lantern station.

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    They are also pouring a foundation for a shop/restaurant near the entrance of Batman. We'll hopefully learn what it is soon.

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    Not much change on the former Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth.

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    Most of the action right now is on the Metropolis side.

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    Lots of track and probably more since Friday.

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    Some track waiting to be installed.

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    Love when we can get pics/video of rides from all angles!!

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    Ready for some more track here!

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    I do have to say, some of the supports seem to be scuffed up pretty good (more evident in the video). I do hope they address that before the ride opens.

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    Lots of supports, just like West Coast Racers!

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    From near Superman, you can see a lot of the work for Wonder Woman.

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    Hey Full Throttle!

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    Somebody is going to get pics/video of Full Throttle, Riddler's, Batman and Wonder Woman all running at the same time!

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    A couple of random things from around the park. They are continuing to do some ground clearing near the Golden Bear theater. Don't get excited, likely just landscaping. Also, a reminder, don't mess with the Geese. Not only will they attack you, they're also federally protected.

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    This is new near Roaring Rapids, and it looks awesome!

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    A lot of awesome details for us old-timers!

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    This is also a new picture, note the Tatsu paint job.

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    The area around Full Throttle needs some touching up still. I still have yet to ride Full Throttle this year. It never seems to be open with the park.

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    The Full Throttle Nights stage has been torn down, this seems to be a yearly process though so don't expect it to really go anywhere.

    Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed! We have lots of stuff coming up this week including Knott's Boysenberry Festival on Friday, Disneyland this weekend and maybe, just maybe, a special treat from Florida tomorrow. Stay Tuned!! 
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