​Orlando, Fla. (October 29, 2024) – Universal Orlando Resort is sharing a first, up-close glimpse at some of the Universal Monsters that will come to life like never before in the all-new “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” attraction at Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. The groundbreaking ride will feature 14 of the most ambitious and life-like animated figures ever created – each one depicting one of the legendary Monsters that will prey upon guests in what promises to be Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet.
 
“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein – conducts her twisted and misguided experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed. Guests then embark on a terrifying ride through the darkness as they try to evade Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.

Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.

Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and will be the next gamechanger for theme park entertainment. With a total of more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. And anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room property that will offer one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).

The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, 11 spectacular hotels that are destinations unto themselves, and more – forever changing the landscape of the award-winning destination.


“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.”  


SELECT MULTI-DAY TICKETS AND PACKAGES GO ON SALE NEXT WEEK, WITH MORE ON THE WAY SOON
Next week, guests can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale. Specific products launching in this first phase include:

• A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks – including one day admission to Epic Universe. These products will go on sale on Tuesday, October 22.
• Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on Tuesday, October 22 for stays beginning May 22, 2025.
• Annual Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets to Universal Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public. Passholders can take advantage of this priority opportunity beginning Thursday, October 24.

See below for more details about the Universal Epic Universe-inclusive products that will be available for purchase beginning on October 22. Additional ticket products for Epic Universe – including single-day tickets for the general public, additional multi-day ticket options, Florida resident tickets, Universal Express passes and more – will be available at a later date before the park opens.

More details about Universal Epic Universe – including additional ticket products – will be released in the months ahead.
 
Click here to access renderings of Universal Epic Universe. For more information about the tickets and packages that will be on sale beginning October 22, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse. 
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About Universal Orlando Resort  
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. 
 
Universal Orlando Resort is home to three, soon-to-be four, exhilarating theme parks that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and – opening in 2025 - Universal Epic Universe. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eleven hotels that offer something for every style and budget: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (opening in 2025), Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025), Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening February 25, 2025), Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites. 
 
Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal. 
 
About Universal Epic Universe – Opening in 2025
Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in beloved cross-generational stories that empower them to be the epic heroes of their adventures. Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current offerings, Epic Universe will feature breathtaking, multi-sensory environments, impeccable design and innovative technology throughout – creating an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment. Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more. Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, - including sister properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the majestic Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – which is located at the theme park. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.

OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. (10/17/2024) — Silver Dollar City, America’s #1 Theme Park, today announced plans to invest half a billion dollars over the next decade on the construction of new family adventures, including the development of 1,200 acres adjacent to the Ozark Mountain theme park. The strategic plan represents the largest investment in the company’s 65-year history and begins with the debut of the Silver Dollar City Resort, the first theme park resort in America’s Heartland

HERSCHEND Herschend is the parent company for a family of entertainment brands with a collective vision and mission of bringing families closer together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. The company’s roots date back to 1950 when the Herschend family founded their first attraction, a small cave tour in the Ozarks, which later expanded into the famed Silver Dollar City. Today, Herschend Enterprises is recognized as the largest family-owned themed attractions organization in the U.S., with 11,000+ employees across 26 properties that collectively entertain more than 14 million guests annually.
Operating companies within Herschend Enterprises include Herschend Family Entertainment (Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts, Adventure Aquarium®, Newport Aquarium®, Kentucky Kingdom®, and Wild Adventures®), Herschend Live (Harlem Globetrotters®), Herschend Entertainment Studios (Splash & Bubbles® and Chuggington®) and Herschend Adventure Holdings, LLC (Pink® Adventure Tours). For more information, visit herschendenterprises.com.

CARLSBAD, CA (October 10, 2024) – Tis the season for fa-la-la-la-LEGO® fun! LEGOLAND® California Resort’s Holidays event is turning Carlsbad, CA, into an “elf extravaganza” this festive season. Elves are using festive décor, twinkling lights, garland and even falling snow for the Holidays kicking off Nov. 23 and running select days through Jan. 5.  All festivities are included with general Park admission and select annual passes.

This year, Santa’s zaniest helpers have taken over Imagination Zone and transformed it into an elf extravaganza. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by training to become an elf at the new Elf Training Academy, taking “elfies” with the all-new LEGO® elf characters, Ivy and Frode, or mastering their jolly good dance moves at the new Holly Hype Dance Party. And don’t miss the North Pole Postal Service where guests can mail letters to Santa by dropping them in a special mailbox, where eager elves will ensure they make their way to the North Pole.

The elf fun continues as you stroll through the Park where you’ll be greeted by the iconic three-story-tall twinkling LEGO Christmas tree built out of more than 364,481 LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks. Capture core memories with Christmas card photos in front of the larger-than-life LEGO wreath, sample sweet treats with a holiday twist, and get a head start on holiday shopping at The Big Shop. Explore festivities, including:

• Holiday Fireworks: Watch the elves light up the sky with an end-of-day festive fireworks show on Saturdays in December and Dec. 21 through 30.
• Holly Hype Dance Party: Join Reindeer Girl and jump, prance and boogie down in this interactive holiday dance party!
• Brickmas Greetings: Meet and greet with our LEGO Toy Soldier, sing along with Toy Soldier’s Marching Band, and get some holiday shopping in at The Big Shop.
• Meet LEGO Santa and Friends: Your favorite holiday LEGO characters are back and ready for holiday hugs, pictures, and selfies. Meet friends including LEGO Snowman, Reindeer Girl, Gingerbread Man, Toy Soldier and new elf characters, Ivy and Frode. Plus, T-Rex Guy has dressed up for the season and is bringing the holiday spirit inside the Resort’s newest land, Dino Valley!
• Jingle Jamboree: Celebrate the holidays with the final show of the day and see favorite LEGO Holiday characters sing and dance to merry tunes.

After the Christmastime celebrations, ring in the New Year on Dec. 31 with dazzling fireworks, delicious treats, festive entertainment, and more at this year’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve. Countdown to LEGOLAND California’s version of midnight (which is a kid-approved 7 p.m.), with fireworks and special 3D glasses that turn the bursts into LEGO bricks!
 
LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone! To ensure every visitor has a fun Holidays experience, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America are Certified Autism Centers after working with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental, and emotional awareness – ensuring families can build a bricktastic vacation and make unforgettable memories.


LEGOLAND California’s 2024 operating calendar can be found here. For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.  To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay. 
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About LEGOLAND®California Resort
LEGOLAND® California Resort includes LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park, LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel. All are geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. At LEGOLAND® California, you’ll find more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the new land, Dino Valley that features three rides, an interactive build and play area and new costume characters.  The family theme park also includes the new LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race and The LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD based on the blockbuster films The LEGO ® Movie™ and The LEGO® Movie™ 2: The Second Part. Discover the world’s first LEGO version of San Diego in Miniland USA with a realistic 30-foot beach, streets lined with 120 palm trees, and 55 San Diego landmarks, including The Rady Shell, Petco Park and Coronado Bridge. LEGOLAND® Water Park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River plus Pirate Reef and LEGO® Legends of CHIMA Water Park comprising 10 acres of water fun! The nation’s first LEGOLAND® Hotel features 250 rooms, all themed either as pirate, adventure, kingdom, LEGO® Friends and LEGO® NINJAGO™! North America’s first LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel features 250 rooms, fully themed as Knights and Dragons, Royal Princess and Magic Wizard. LEGOLAND California is a Certified Autism Center, credited by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com  or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346). 


About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-center gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.
See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Want to enter more than once? Here is how you can. 

• $5 Donation = 1 entry
• $10 Donation = 3 entries
• $15 Donation = 6 entries
• $20 Donation = 10 entries
• $50 Donation = 25 entries 

When you donate please indicate which map contest you'd like to be entered to win, enter your name and online name (if you found this on Twitter/Instagram/ Threads/BlueSky). 

In early December I will be doing a drawing using an online program for drawings. I will record the process so everything is on the up and up. I will announce and contact the winners. 

*Shipping will be included if you win. ​

My story, and why I'm raising money for the American Cancer Society: 

Growing up I always knew I had two half sisters, but I never met them. My sister Hillary reached out to me in 2018 and we made an instant connection. And met in person for the first time a few weeks later. 

In April of 2020 my sister started feeling pain in her back but figured it was from sitting at home doing nothing, as we all were at that time. In May she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which had metastasized from Breast Cancer she had prior to us meeting. They gave her 3 to 6 months. ​

My sister fought for almost 3 years, and she lived. She bought an RV who she affectionately called Dolly and traveled, seeing much of the 48 lower states over those 3 years. 

During that time we became very close and I found myself in San Diego every few weeks to spend time with her and take her to get treatment between her travels. Even going on a few trips with her. 

​My hope through raising funds for the American Cancer Society is to help support others going through what our family did, and to hopefully find a cure for this disease. 

​Thank you for your support. ​

Universal City, California, October 8, 2024 – Universal Studios Hollywood unwraps holiday magic with exciting themed festivities taking place throughout the theme park, including a colorful holiday overlay at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and the return of family favorites, “Grinchmas™” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.™” Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of admission and starts on Friday, November 29, 2024, running daily through Monday, January 6, 2025.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will welcome guests to celebrate the holidays in the Mushroom Kingdom alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. A tree adorned with a Super Star topper, festive wreath and two snowmen—one donning a red Mario hat and scarf and the other a green Luigi hat and scarf—will greet guests for a memorable photo op.

Once inside the Mushroom Kingdom, the spirit of the holidays will shine bright with themed décor. Plus, for the first time ever, guests will be able to enjoy an array of holiday merchandise at select SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail locations and seasonal treats at Toadstool Cafe.

Universal Plaza, located at the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood, brings its centerpiece Who-holiday festivities to life with the spirited “Grinchmas” Who-bilation. Who-cheer and Who-fun will come to life in the whimsically vibrant town of Who-ville, complete with colorful décor, lively entertainment and festive activities.

The sensational Who-inspired doo-wop singing quartet makes a grand return, bringing their legendary sounds and Who-liday cheer. With their infectious rhythms and lively performances, this fabulous quartet will sway Whos and guests alike as they croon to toe-tapping renditions of beloved Who-liday classics.

A towering 65-foot-tall Grinchmas tree will stand whimsically at the heart of Who-ville, adorned with hundreds of vibrant ornaments and thousands of shimmering LED lights. This signature, topsy-turvy marvel will create a captivating focal point for the festivities as nightly tree-lighting ceremonies accompanied by a burst of cascading snow mark the evening.

Grinchmas activities will include photo opportunities with the Grinch™ and his faithful dog Max, story time with Cindy-Lou Who, who shares the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with guests young and old, and a visit to the Who-ville post office to mail a joyous postcard sharing three good deeds.

A themed craft area will provide guests the chance to add holiday cheer to a paper ornament which they can hang on a nearby Grinchmas tree or take home as a holiday souvenir for their own Christmas tree. A selection of themed Who-tacular sweet treats and Grinchmas gear will also be available for purchase.

Hogsmeade™ village rings in “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” with jubilant décor of twinkling lights, magical garlands and cheerful wreaths. The Frog Choir's traditional holiday a cappella performances will resonate with joy, as visiting witches and wizards wander through the village shops in search of enchanting gifts and exclusive keepsake items. A stroll through Hogsmeade wouldn’t be complete without a cup of Butterbeer™ that guests can enjoy in a choice of hot, cold or frozen or the chance to indulge in seasonal holiday fare at Three Broomsticks.™

As twilight settles each evening, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” will illuminate a mesmerizing light projection show that bathes Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in a spellbinding display of color and radiance. The majestic castle will become a canvas of enchanting imagery, bringing to life the magic of the season. Accompanied by a captivating medley of music from the Harry Potter film series, this immersive experience will infuse the air with a symphony of festive sounds, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

The holiday celebrations extend to Universal CityWalk Hollywood, as the iconic outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex steps into the spirit and decks the halls with festive décor and a towering 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, adorned with over 200,000 sparkling LED lights. The excitement continues at 5 Towers with live bands, DJ performances and street performers bringing lively music and joyful rhythms to CityWalk on select nights, ensuring that the holiday spirit shines brightly throughout the season. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.


More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).