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    UNIVERSAL’S ENDLESS SUMMER RESORT – DOCKSIDE INN AND SUITES IS NOW OPEN

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    Dockside Inn and Suites offers Universal Orlando guests beautiful design combined with impressive rates as low as $77 per night making it Orlando’s unmatched value hotel experience
    ORLANDO, Fla. (December 15, 2020) – Today, Universal Orlando Resort welcomed the first guests to its newest hotel – Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites – with an impressively low starting rate of $77 per night.
    Dockside Inn and Suites is the second hotel in the destination’s Value category, joining sister property Surfside Inn and Suites. The extra-affordable resort adds 2,050 guest rooms, featuring standard rooms and spacious 2-Bedroom Suites. With exclusive theme park benefits like Early Park Admission and rates as low as $77 per night, the all-new hotel creates a value experience that is unmatched in the Orlando area, and quite possibly anywhere in the nation.
    Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team, Dockside Inn and Suites makes guests feel like they have escaped to the perfect sunset with the cool, calm feeling of a beach retreat in a hotel that over delivers on value. It’s the destination’s eighth property in partnership with Loews Hotels & Co, providing Universal Orlando guests with a variety of hotel options for every style and budget, complete with exclusive theme park benefits to its three theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay. ​
    At Dockside Inn and Suites, guests can experience:
    • 2-Bedroom Suites – These suites, which make up more than half the rooms at both Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites, sleep up to six and offer guests an unrivaled value. With two separate rooms, families no longer need two connecting rooms for extra space. There is also a kitchenette area, a picnic table for meals and gathering, and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas so multiple people can get ready at once. The 2-Bedroom Suites begin as low as $115 per night.
    • Exclusive Theme Park Benefits – Hotel guests receive exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission to the theme parks, complimentary and convenient shuttle bus transportation, charging privileges with their room key and more.
    • Pier 8 Market – The all-American Pier 8 Market offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features extra-affordable options with most dishes under $12, ranging from themed comfort foods to convenient on-the-go options.
    • Awesome Amenities – The lobby bar, Sunset Lounge, serves specialty cocktails and is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the theme parks. The hotel features two pools and two pool bars as well as a Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center, Universal Studios Store, Starbucks and more.
    To learn more about this brand new hotel or to make a reservation, call 1-888-464-3617 or visit https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/universals-endless-summer-resort-dockside-inn-and-suites.
    Universal Orlando continues to implement its enhanced health and safety procedures and guidelines focused on “screening, spacing and sanitization” across its entire destination, including its hotels. Key measures include requiring face coverings, requiring temperature checks for guests and team members, enhanced cleaning of guest rooms and public areas, managing capacity at food and beverage outlets, offering several contactless experiences and more. For more details on our safety measures, please visit: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/safety-faqs.
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    First Harmonious Platforms arrive in World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot

    ​The first of five floating platforms to be part of “Harmonious,” the new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT, moves into position to begin testing of its onboard show equipment on the theme park’s World Showcase Lagoon, Dec. 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Once completed, these platforms will create a sparkling fountain, providing new energy to World Showcase during the daytime; after dark, they’ll become part of one of the largest nighttime shows ever created for a Disney park. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
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    CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SETS 2021 DRY DOCKS FOR THREE SHIPS AND DEFERS THEIR RETURN TO OPERATIONS UNTIL AFTER WORK IS COMPLETED

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    MIAMI, Dec. 9, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line has established dry dock plans for three of its ships, and as part of its gradual, phased-in return to operations in 2021, will defer the deployment of the vessels until after the work is completed.

              In a letter to guests and travel agents, Carnival advised that it has cancelled cruises on Carnival Magic (up to and including the embarkation on Sept. 24, 2021), Carnival Paradise (up to and including the embarkation on May 31, 2021) and Carnival Valor (up to and including the embarkation on Sept. 11, 2021).
             
    ​Guests will have the option of a 100 percent future cruise credit combined with a generous onboard credit, or a full refund.
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    Taste of Merry Farm 2020 at Knott's Berry Farm

    2021 Attractions Bear Y Tales Cedar Fair Knott's Berry Farm Knott's Merry Farm Merry Farm
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    Last week we were invited out to check out the Taste of Merry Farm at Knott's Berry Farm. This was actually our first visit to the park since leap day as we hadn't been able to make it to any of the other "Taste" events. 

    It was great being back out at the park, trying some food and just walking around one of our favorite places. 

    I will admit, it felt kind of weird, but overall the park has done a great job of making the best out of a bad situation. Let's head in! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Hi Knott's!! We've missed you!! 
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    You can also check out our video walk-through of the event
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    It was a beautiful day 
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    First treat of the day were the fried green beans and tater-tot thing. The green beans were actually not very warm which was weird as the park had just opened. But the Tots were great!! 
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    Next up was the Cranberry Chocolate Tart and a Boysenberry Smoothie. The Tart was way too sweet for me, but the Smoothie was fantastic. I hope it stays on the menu somewhere. 
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    Moo
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    Love the new look of the Schulz Theater 
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    Lots of new stuff to look at over here 
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    Lots of holiday goodies in the gallery & gifts shop 
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    Nice touch with the Hangtime car 
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    For the coaster nerds out there 
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    This looks fantastic!! 
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    If there was a Rose Parade in 2021 I could see this driving the parade route
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    Let's head over to the Boardwalk 
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    Mashed Potatoes. Good. Cranberry Sauce. Good. Stuffing. Good. Chicken Strips. Good. Jack and Coke Frosty. Gooooood!! 
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    Calico Square looked fantastic of course 
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    BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese and a Boysenberry Beer 
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    Last up is Camp Snoopy 
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    A couple of selfies 
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    Hey Chuck!! 
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    Love the decorations over here 
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    Especially the Penguins!! 
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    If you are so inclined, Mask Up and head to Knott's for the Taste of Merry Farm. 
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    Most dates are sold out but there is some availability after Christmas. You can see available dates and get your tickets at https://www.knotts.com/. 
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    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN GRAND OPENING FEBRUARY 4, 2021!

    2021 Attractions Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan
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    WE ARE MARIO!

    ​SUPER NINTENDO WORLD AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN GRAND OPENING FEBRUARY 4, 2021!
    Guests will Unleash their Passion to Play at the World’s First*1 New Expansive Nintendo Theme Park Area
    Exclusive New Images and Video of the Land and a Sneak Peek of World’s First Interactive Mario Kart Theme Park Ride Revealed
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    OSAKA (NOVEMBER 30, 2020) -- Universal Studios Japan will hold its grand opening of the world’s first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD on FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – bringing to life a highly themed and immersive land featuring Nintendo’s legendary worlds, characters and adventures where guests will be able to play inside their favorite Nintendo games. The grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will kick off the park’s year-long 20th Anniversary Celebration.
    ​
    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature Mario Kart- and Yoshi-themed rides and attractions, as well as restaurants, shops and other experiences that can only be found at Universal Studios Japan. The colorful and interactive area offers a new theme park experience that lets guests immerse themselves in the world by wearing a Power-Up Band, an innovative technology to help bring gameplay to life and allow guests to keep score. Guests with a Power-Up Band can also punch ? Blocks, collect virtual coins and more to bring the experience of playing Super Mario games to the real world.
    Universal Studios Japan released exclusive new footage of the world’s first*2 Mario Kart theme park ride, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge as well as new images of the land, rides and the interior of Bowser’s Castle.
    The world of Nintendo games comes to life!
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    Sneak peek of Bowser’s Castle released.
    Today, images of one of the icons of the new area, Bowser’s Castle were made public for the first time. The inside of the castle has a mysterious atmosphere with stone walls, spiked fences and heavy iron doors along with a massive stone statue of Bowser at the center of a grand staircase. The powerful scale of the statue makes one feel as if Bowser will suddenly start to move.
    Jump into the world of the game in the world’s first Mario Kart theme park ride experience!
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    “At the heart of the castle lies the world’s first ever Mario Kart theme park ride based on the Mario Kart series of games, which have sold over 150 Million units. Universal Creative has partnered with Nintendo to bring a real-life racing adventure to Universal Studios Japan with Mario  Kart: Koopa’s Challenge! Guests will put on their headset which takes them through the Mario Kart universe to experience never-ending excitement and thrills,” stated Thomas Geraghty, Sr. Director, Innovation & Global Executive Producer for Mario Kart.

    The world's first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will immerse guests into the worlds of Nintendo. Guests will race through the iconic courses of Mario Kart with their favorite Nintendo characters and be transported into the Nintendo worlds where they’re not just playing the game, they’re actually being immersed in the game. They will steer into the Mushroom Kingdom and throw shells as they race to the finish line with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach! Win or lose, every race is a brand-new, life-sized Mario Kart experience.

    Universal Studios Japan has partnered with the Universal Creative team and Nintendo's creative team, including Nintendo Representative Director, Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto to create the world's first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge is brought to life through a powerful story and characters, advanced technology in augmented reality, projection mapping, and screen projection combined with a physical set that recreates iconic environments in fantastic detail, only at Universal Studios Japan.

    *1 Based on in-house research of facilities based on the world of Nintendo brand characters.
    *2 Based on in-house research of facilities featuring the world of Mario Kart, theme park original attractions and the games.
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    ​SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will make its debut as the first multi-level land at Universal Studios Japan where Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle tower over the area. It will feature Mario Kart and Yoshi-themed rides and attractions, as well as restaurants, shops and other experiences that can only be found at Universal Studios Japan. It also provides guests with an all-new type of “Asobi” play experience where they will jump, punch ? Blocks and collect virtual coins. Guests can purchase a Power-Up Band in the land and sync it to their smartphones to keep track of their score and compete with other park guests. At Key Challenge attractions, guests can collect keys, gather character stamps and more using their entire bodies in dynamic activities throughout the land. Families and friends will unleash their passion to play in the new SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
    Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Ride)
    The world of Mario Kart and its courses all come to life at the park using state-of- the-art technology! Guests will throw shells and take out opponents to race ahead with Mario and Princess Peach! The all-new, life-sized Mario Kart experience has countless thrills and excitement in the world’s first Mario Kart ride experience.
    ＜Ride Information＞
    Ride Time: Approximately 5 minutes
    Capacity: 4 people (per vehicle)
    Height Restriction: Must be over 122cm *92cm if accompanied by an adult
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    Yoshi’s Adventure (Ride)
    Guests will climb atop Yoshi’s back and follow Captain Toad on a treasure hunting adventure! Captain Toad has forgotten his treasure map. Guests need to find the 3 colored eggs that lead the way to the Golden Egg that Captain Toad was seeking. Guests will encounter a spectacular view of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole while having fun on this ride that’s perfect for the whole family.
    ＜Ride Information＞
    Ride Time: Approximately 5 minutes
    Capacity: 2 people (per vehicle)
    Height Restriction: Must be over 122cm *86cm if accompanied by an adult
    Power Up Band Key Challenge
    Retrieve the Golden Mushroom that Bowser Jr. has stolen!
    Work your way through the games located throughout the area to collect three keys! Waiting for you is a dramatic boss battle with Bowser Jr. Jump, punch and use your entire body and all your instincts to win.
    Recommended Age: 5 years and above
    *Purchase of a Power-Up Band required for this experience.
    ​Revolutionary New Generation Theme Park Experience Made Possible by the Power-up Band!
    Download the Universal Studios Japan app to your smartphone and link it with the Power-Up Band available for purchase in the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area for an all-new way of experiencing the theme park! Collect virtual coins and check your ranking, collect stamps and use the Power-Up Band to experience the world of the games in real life!
    • Sales Schedule and Locations: Please see official website
    • Price: all colors ¥3,200 (tax incl.)
    • Available for purchase at USJ Official Online Ticket Store
    *Available for purchase when purchasing any type of Universal Express Pass.
    COVID-19 Precaution
    Universal Studios Japan is now operating at restricted capacity and fully implementing strict measures to prevent the spread of infection with the health and safety of its guests and park crew the highest priority. Guests at the park are ensured ample personal space and wait times for popular attractions are comparatively short. (*Wait times for each attraction can be checked in real time using the Universal Studios Japan Official App.) We also request that whenever possible, those planning on visiting the park make use of the online ticket store to ensure a smooth entry at the park entrance. Universal Studios Japan will always strive to provide guests the world’s best entertainment through evolving measures and innovation and special experiences that give guests the energy and vitality for tomorrow.
    The health and safety of our guests and team members have been and will continuously be our top priority at Universal Studios Japan and we are taking thorough sanitization enhancement measures in accordance with the “Novel Coronavirus Spread Prevention Guideline for Theme Parks and Amusement Parks'' announced by the central Government and taking advice from health care authorities and medical experts. We will keep providing the guests a thrilling theme park experience where our guests can safely enjoy our entertainment offerings. Please note that exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.
    About Universal Studios Japan
    Universal Studios Japan is wholly owned by Comcast NBCUniversal. Universal Studios Japan located in Osaka, Japan, has succeeded in establishing its position as a prominent entertainment and leisure landmark drawing many guests from distant areas in Japan as well as overseas. "Bringing You the Best of the World" - a theme park where its guests can have the world’s best experiences and create the world’s best memories, Universal Studios Japan offers world-class entertainment such as authentic attractions and shows, based not only on Hollywood blockbusters but also popular entertainment brands, and a variety of seasonal events entertaining its guests to the fullest.
    Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve since its opening and has recently accelerated its growth with the launch of world-class entertainment experiences  such  as The  Wizarding  World  of  Harry  Potter, The  Flying  Dinosaur and Minion  Park and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride. Super Nintendo World, a new area where you can enjoy entertainment based on world-renowned Nintendo characters and their worlds is scheduled to open on FEBRUARY 4, 2021.
    ###
    WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20) Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2020 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
    TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Nintendo properties are trademarks and copyrights of Nintendo. © Nintendo.
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    Holiday In The Park Drive-Thru Experience at Six Flags Magic Mountain

    Holiday In The Park Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    Happy Thanksgiving Eve everybody, and welcome to our first Six Flags Magic Mountain update since, checks calendar, February. Wow. 

    This is definitely the longest we've ever gone between updates from the park, but we've got a great one for you today. We've now experienced Holiday In The Park Drive-Thru experience twice, and we absolutely love it. 

    Below are some pics from Saturday and last night, and a video drive-through from Saturday. We also did a live-stream last night which was a lot of fun, even if Mariah Carey stole all of our ad revenue.

    ​Let's get to the fun! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Hi X2 ... hope we get to ride you soon! 
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    The entrance to the park, we aren't going in this way. 
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    Remember, you must have a reservation to drive through the park! 
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    You start off going through the employee entrance. 
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    Video from our experience on Saturday. I think it's time for a new GoPro, ours is 6 years old and it shows. But still, hope you enjoy! We enjoyed putting this together. 
    Hello old friend. I would say the chances of this being set up in the "Bus Parking" section of the Underground are very high once the park reopens. 
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    Let's head in for some holiday fun! 
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    You start off in Rockin' Universe! 
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    And them move through the Boardwalk. CraZanity was running, and I really did want to jump out for a ride! 
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    Merry Lane looking as festive as ever! 
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    A few things in The Underground, and some cool cars! 
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    All of the performers were great, distanced and wearing masks! 
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    These LED lights need to stay on the Ninja supports! Who's with me!?!? 
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    Always loved this area of the park during the holidays 
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    Some new characters on the hill heading towards Viper 
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    Chances that these penguins are from Astroworld and have been sitting in storage for 16 years? =) 
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    You really do drive through the entire park (except Samurai Summit) 
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    Hi Sylvester!!! We miss you!!! 
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    Our favorite Mrs. Claus. Hope her and her sister Lurane, Lorraine are doing well. =) 
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    Likewise, hope these LED lights on Goliath remain. 
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    Somebody had some fun as Lex Luthor is indeed Jewish (it's canon, we checked) 
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    Steampunk Christmas!! 
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    SANTA! I know him!! 
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    We had an absolutely wonderful time at Holiday In The Park, and we'll be back for sure. It's a totally stress-free evening of fun. The entire experience takes about 40 minutes and the line to get in has been about 25-40 minutes, which isn't bad at all. 

    Plus, you get to drive through a theme park. How awesome is that?!?! 

    Have you experienced the Holiday In The Park Drive-Thru experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 
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