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    Universal Orlando Resort Unveils New Details About Dark Universe

    Universal Orlando Resort Unveils New Details About Dark Universe – An Ominous World Of Legendary Monsters Coming To Universal Epic Universe In 2025
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    Guests of All Ages will Explore the Shadowy Village of Darkmoor, Home to Universal Monster Legends Like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and More
    Orlando, Fla. (June 20, 2024) – “It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre – will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike.

    Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe – they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.
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    WELCOME TO DARKMOOR
    The journey to Dark Universe begins the moment guests enter its electrifying portal, which harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor. As guests step foot inside, that same energy will pulsate throughout the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor – the towering focal point of Dark Universe. Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures where they can get made up to look like their favorite monsters, spin through the woods aboard a thrilling family coaster, enjoy unique dining establishments, enter Frankenstein Manor to brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and more.
    Here’s more information about the thrilling yet unsettling attractions and entertainment experiences that await visitors to Dark Universe:
    • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters. Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.
    • Curse of the Werewolf – Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” Guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.
    • Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – Guests of all ages can become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Here, monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.
    • Meet the Monsters – There’s always someone…or something…looming in the shadows of Dark Universe – including Monsters who are eager to meet and greet everyone from kids to adults, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories.
    Guests can also sink their teeth into delicious fare and shop all-new merchandise and apparel during their visit to Dark Universe at highly-themed dining and retail locations, including:
    •  Das Stakehaus – Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant, this establishment is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. Surrounded by artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night, guests can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
    •  The Burning Blade Tavern – Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout. While enjoying a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages, guests will hear stories of the infamous “Hounds” – boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor – all while surrounded by an impressive display of the monster heads they consider their “trophies.”
    •  De Lacey’s Cottage – Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.
    •  Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos from retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
    ​To prepare for the electrifying chills and thrills that await in Dark Universe, guests can now purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to the new land – including apparel, accessories and more. The collection is available for a limited-time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk and on shop.universalorlando.com.

    Stay tuned – more details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/epicuniverse.
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    Cedar Fair and Six Flags Announce Senior Management Team That Will Lead Combined Company Following Completion of Planned Merger of Equals

    SANDUSKY, Ohio & ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: FUN) (“Cedar Fair”) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) (“Six Flags”), today announced the senior management team that will lead the combined company following the completion of their previously announced merger of equals (the “Mergers”).

    As previously announced, upon closing of the transaction, Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags, will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company’s Board of Directors.

    After completion of the Mergers, the following leaders will report to Zimmerman in the combined company:
    • Tim Fisher, Chief Operating Officer (currently in same position at Cedar Fair)
    • Brian Witherow, Chief Financial Officer (currently in same position at Cedar Fair)
    • Brian Nurse, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary (currently in same position at Cedar Fair)
    • Christian Dieckmann, Chief Strategy Officer (currently in same position at Cedar Fair)
    • Gary Mick, Chief Integration Officer (currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Six Flags)
    “We are fortunate to have a proven team of leaders who bring decades of park operating experience and significant expertise in integrating businesses and achieving synergy targets for the combined company,” said Zimmerman. “Their insights and complementary skill sets will be instrumental as we combine two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies and forge a new future together.”
    The closing of the Mergers is expected to occur on July 1, 2024, subject to satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions set forth in the merger agreement, including the satisfaction of regulatory conditions. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate under the name Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, trade under the ticker symbol “FUN” on the NYSE, and be structured as a C Corporation. The combined company will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio.

    Additional Info available at Business Wire

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    Las Vegas Trip Report: June 2024 - Is Las Vegas REALLY back?

    Hey everybody, 

    Want to share a bit of fun from our Las Vegas trip this past weekend! Our main reason for going to Vegas for the first time since 2022 was to see the Beatles: Love Cirque Du Soleil show which is closing in just a few weeks. If you haven't seen it we HIGHLY recommend it. 

    On our trip we also made a quick stop at Buffalo Bills (not to ride the coaster and log ride), so we have some pics from there. Sadly, it's not good news. 

    New to us and new to Vegas is the new Spongebob Squarepants attraction at Circus Circus, so we of course have some pics and video from that all new family attraction at a resort that has definitely seen better days. 

    We also did a few other things we've wanted to do for awhile including the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and Tournament of Kings at Excalibur. 

    And of course, with any Vegas trip, resort hopping is always fun. That will include a visit to the conservatory at Bellagio and a few other things. 

    But unlike a typical "trip report" I also have some thoughts on if Vegas is actually "back" to it's pre-Covid status. On a weekend that included a fight at MGM Grand, a concert at The Sphere, the final weekends featuring Adele at Caesars and of course the normal events in Las Vegas, I'll be honest, it didn't seem to be very busy inside any of the hotels or casinos all weekend. 

    But more on that later. Let's get to some fun stuff! 

    Buffalo Bills

    As I mentioned, we made a pit stop in Primm, NV to, well, you know. But I also took some time to get some pics of the resort. And it's just sad what has become of Buffalo Bills. 

    I remember the days of stopping here on a Friday on the way to Vegas, or on a Sunday on the way home from Vegas and not being able to find parking. Even a few times having to park at Whiskey Pete's and take the monorail over. 

    That seems like another lifetime ago, as there were only maybe 30 cars in the parking lot. I wish I was exaggerating. 
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    A few pics of the coaster, we didn't bother going to the back side of the hotel. Didn't seem to be much point.

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    The helix through the rocks, the train and if I remember correctly there is a bit of the log flume in there as well.

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    Moving inside, the station for Desperado. Nothing at all is going on here.

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    Exiting the station.

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    A look at the log flume. No activity here unless you want to count the plethora of spiders.

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    A lot of people were asking about the status of the flume, well here ya go. The flume is completely cracked. I don't see any way this ever reopens.

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    Something tells me water would leak right through at this point.

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    A look at the food court, which used to be absolutely slammed with people stopping for lunch. None of it was even open. Even the buffet is now a Denny's expansion.

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    Apparently the other hotels in Primm aren't doing any better. The Bonnie & Clyde vehicles that used to be at Whiskey Pete's are now here.

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    Apparently the Frog Hopper had to be shut down due to not passing inspection. I honestly did want to think Desperado could some day reopen, but after visiting I don't see it happening.

    Spongebob's Crazy Carnival Ride

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    Alright, let's move to some fun stuff and take a look at the latest Sally Dark Ride, Spongebob's Crazy Carnival Ride at Circus Circus. I'll be honest, we had a hard time finding this. I had heard it was near the Midway, but it's actually just outside of Adventuredome.

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    Current Pricing of the attraction.

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    Overall we really enjoyed the ride, it's appropriately priced and the 2-ride deal is pretty great.

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    Unfortunately Circus Circus has seen better days. It was without a doubt the worst resort we visited all weekend, and the one that smelled like cigarette smoke the most. For a resort that claims to appeal to families this is frankly unacceptable.

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    For us, Circus Circus holds a special place as it's where we got married almost 29 years ago (thankfully the name of the chapel was different then). But our desire to ever visit this resort again is near zero.

    Luxor Elite King Room

    We decided to stay at The Luxor for this trip. I had stayed here before and I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of the Pyramid rooms. They're weird shaped (obviously), but more than that, they're quite loud with all of the noise coming up from the casino/other events. 

    So for this trip we upgraded to an Elite King room in the Tower, and it was fantastic. Would recommend.
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    Sorry for the darkness of the room, we weren't about to open the curtains and let the hot sun in.

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    Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

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    Since our hotel was close we decided we wanted to do do the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. We had a nice walk through the Shoppes. Just a heads up, if you want to do this attraction it is at the very far end of the Mandalay Convention Center, but it's certainly worth it.

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    If you've done any of the Shark Reef experiences at a SeaWorld park you pretty much know what you're gonna get, but this is definitely a fancy version of that.

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    The experience took us about 30 minutes, but you can definitely make it last far longer than that.

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    There are more than just sharks here.

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    Coolest job ever

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    Of course, no shark experience would be complete without the Jaws 3D tunnel. =)

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    Tournament of Kings

    Somehow we've never done Medieval Times, or any similar type dinner show. So we thought we'd go cheesy for our Friday night meal and check out Tournament of Kings at Excalibur. 

    We enjoyed it immensely although K isn't really a fan of eating with her hands. She powered through though. 
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    We sat in Norway, we were honestly expecting the arena to be larger than it was.

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    I will not give up my favorite decoration. I like Captain Solo where he is.

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    Just like in the days of yore.

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    We had a fantastic experience, the cast was super fun and the lighting and effects were stellar.

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    Day 2: Resort Hopping

    On day two we had a lunch date with two dear friends at Caesar's Palace so we slowly made our way from the Luxor over to Caesars, which meant a stop at one of our favorite hotels NY/NY for some gaming and a drink at the chocolate bar.

    ​From there we made our way to The Bellagio to check out the always awesome Conservatory. 
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    Hey MGM Grand! You're next on our list of hotels to stay at.

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    They are wasting no time demolishing the Tropicana.

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    No coaster this trip. I rode it in 2022.

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    Had a lovely Manhattan at the Chocolate Bar. K had something Chocolaty.

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    The conservatory at The Bellagio is always fantastic.

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    Ooooh, a Zeppelin!

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    This could almost be an original Buffay ...

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    Our lunch was at Gordan Ramsay's Pub and Grill! It was restaurant week in Vegas and a few places had extended their restaurant week offerings. All of the food below was only $40 per person.

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    Short Rib Nachos

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    Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. Which was yummy but definitely not Nashville Hot. Which makes sense since it was a British Pub.

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    Banofee Cheesecake

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    Sticky Toffee Pudding

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    As mentioned, Adele is ending her run in Vegas soon. Congrats to those who were able to get tickets. Looked into it, and yeah, I'd rather eat for the year. =)

    The Mirage and Beatles: Love

    As I mentioned, the main reason for our trip was to finally see the Beatles Love Cirque Du Soleil show. We've been wanting to see it for years and hadn't gotten around to it. 

    It was absolutely fantastic. This also gave us a chance to say farewell to The Mirage. 
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    In our Lyft from Luxor to The Mirage. Believe it or not this was our first time in a Tesla.

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    Below is a video I took 17 years ago when the show opened and they had the Love Lounge. The first YouTube video I ever uploaded. LOL! Park Journey wasn't even close to being a thing yet.

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    The show itself was phenomenal. I can't see how they don't find a new home for this show, or even bring it back once the Hard Rock is open.

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    After the show we rushed out to see the Volcano but apparently it had an E-Stop or something. Oh well, we'd seen it before.

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    So long Mirage! See you again when some big ol' guitar is there. I hope it turns out okay.

    Is Vegas REALLY back? 

    So as I mentioned at the top of this report I have some thoughts on the current state of Las Vegas, and if it's truly back to it's pre-Covid level. While of course the hotels and casino's would like you to believe it is, for me it's not quite there yet. 

    We were there on a Friday - Sunday. We visited 10 different resorts (Buffalo Bills, Circus Circus, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, NY/NY, Park MGM, Bellagio, Caesars Palace and Mirage). 

    The only time we ever felt any kind of crowd was when we exited the Beatles show, and that was because there was a second show waiting to come in. Other than that all of the casino's seemed very quiet, we never had to deal with any crowds, never had to wait to sit at a bar, or wait for a table to play at, etc. 

    And this was a fight weekend. Dead and Company was at the Sphere. And all of the other normal Vegas'y things were going on. And it was (for us), pleasantly chill. 

    Sure there seemed to be lots of people walking around the strip, there was a rather large crowd waiting for the Volcano show, but where Vegas actually makes it's money ... didn't seem to be very much going on at all. 

    I'm not sure what needs to be done to fix this. There just isn't any excitement going on inside the Casino's any more. I'm not sure if this has to do with the lack of noise or coins no longer being in use at the slot machines. 

    This "not quite back" Vegas works for us, we're very chill, we don't gamble all that much (although I'm a big fan of the Blackjack/Craps machines), we like to walk around, try different restaurants at various resorts, etc. But that is not what Vegas wants, and it will be interesting to see what happens if it stays like this for the extended future. 

    Have you visited Vegas recently? Did you get the same impression as us? 

    Hope you enjoyed this look at our weekend and commentary! 
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    Universal Studios Hollywood Invites Guests to Double Their Fun With the Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free Ticket Option,

    Universal Studios Hollywood Invites Guests to Double Their Fun
    With the Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free Ticket Option,
    Available for Purchase Now Through October 9, 2024
     
    Visit Here to Purchase Tickets
    Universal City, California, June 13, 2024 – Beginning today, Universal Studios Hollywood is offering guests a chance to experience the two of the best days in L.A. with the purchase of a Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free General Admission ticket, available now through October 9, 2024.

                With a bevy of original and dynamic immersive lands, thrill rides and attractions, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is twice as nice when the second visit is free.

    The process is turnkey so the fun can start as soon as possible. Guests can purchase the special Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free ticket option online at Universal Studios Hollywood now through October 9, 202,4 and enjoy their second day free for their return on select dates, with all visits completed on or before December 18, 2024.

    There are no blockout dates for the first visit as part of this special, limited time offer, which excludes Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited. Blockout dates apply to the second visit, and restrictions apply.

                Families, friends, kids and adults can all share in the adventure by exploring the theme park and its signature world famous Studio Tour, which offers an insightful peek at the inner workings of an authentic movie and television production backlot along with an array of special-effect attractions, such as the reimagined “Earthquake—The Big One,” “King Kong 360-3D,” “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” as well the Jupiter’s Claim original film sets from the horror epic, Nope.

    Now through August 11, 2024, guests will also have a chance to experience the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary which features reissued Glamor Trams and an array of nostalgic enhancements, including an opportunity to step off the tram and onto a legendary movie set where an original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram awaits. The area also provides opportunities for additional memorable photo opportunities and social media posts, including a giant King Kong backdrop and the theme park’s original hanging Jaws shark.

    From the moment guests traverse the theme park’s red carpet entry and pass through its  signature arch, they are met with exhilaration and excitement that carries through to its immersive lands, dynamic thrill rides and attractions, including the interactive land SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” highly immersive land features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “Jurassic World—The RideIllumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem; Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™”; “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride—3D and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride.”

    For more information, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
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    Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates 4th of July With Elaborate Firework Displays, Live Performances and Themed Décor

    Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates 4th of July
    With Elaborate Firework Displays, Live Performances and Themed Décor,
    All Included with Theme Park Admission
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    Visit Universal Studios Hollywood to Purchase Tickets
    Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display, live performances, themed décor and more. All festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.
     
    Guests are invited to bring family and friends to celebrate Independence Day at Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the theme park’s slate of award-winning lands, rides, and attractions, then transition to the rhythmic beats of a fife and drum band, festive décor and an exhilarating fireworks display beginning at 9:00 p.m.
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    SeaWorld San Diego Announces All-New Howl-O-Scream Show and Launches 24 Hour Flash Sale at 6/6/6

    Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego is returning this fall with an all-new spine-tingling show, Monster Stomp, and on Thursday, June 6, at 6:00 pm, for 24 hours only, guests can grab tickets at thrilling prices.

    Intended for a mature audience, Howl-O-Scream offers screams, suspense, and surprises, and this year, guests can expect an all-new show, Monster Stomp! In the misty corners of Victorian-era London, a fiend known only as Jack the Ripper walks the streets. Watch him take the stage in a way you’ve never seen before in this modern rock and rhythm spectacular. Hold onto your seat as electrifying percussion, dancing, and singing combine for a show that’s as darkly entertaining as it is exhilarating.

    The scare doesn’t stop there! On Thursday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m. for 24 hours only, guests can purchase Howl-O-Scream single night tickets for just $39.99.

    Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event and tickets purchased during the one-day sale can be used on any event night from September 27 to November 2. Drop-dead prices this low won’t last long.

    ​Howl-O-Scream 24 Hour Flash Sale starts on June 6

    Howl-O-Scream event runs from September 27 – November 2 on select dates.