• Published on

    LA’S LEADING IMMERSIVE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE ‘HOLIDAY ROAD’ RETURNS FOR 4th YEAR

    Picture
    Tickets on Sale Now; Opens Thanksgiving Weekend on Friday, November 24
    ​LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2023) – LA’s leading immersive holiday event, Holiday Road, is back for the 4th year and promises to be brighter and more enchanting than ever. Welcoming over 100,000 people every year, Holiday Road includes larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, new film activations and all the holiday cheer. Greater Los Angeles area residents, celebrities and adults and children alike are expected to return to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas for the annual holiday experience and family tradition. Holiday Road opens Friday, November 24 during Thanksgiving weekend and takes place for 22+ dates through the end of the year. Tickets are now on sale at HolidayRoadUSA.com.
     
    Holiday Road includes an immersive mile-long walking trail, interactive photo moments, festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, top food trucks and more. Guests will be transported into a winter wonderland complete with everything from the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, impressive light tunnels, Christmas tree forests, countless candy canes and much more! Kids can take their photo with live Santa and sing with carolers on select dates. This year will also offer new lantern art and immersive scenes as well as a first-time collaboration and activation with Amazon MGM Studios for the upcoming holiday comedy film Candy Cane Lane.
     
    Eddie Murphy stars in Candy Cane Lane, a new holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest and inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life. Also starring Tracee Ellis Ross and directed by Reginald Hudlin, this new holiday classic is available exclusively on Prime Video beginning December 1, 2023.
     
    "We are thrilled to be celebrating our 4th annual Holiday Road this year," said Holiday Road co-founder, Ben Biscotti. "We look forward to bringing holiday cheer to the whole family again this year, with new surprises, including lantern art, immersive scenes and Candy Cane Lane activation where guests can come take a photo at the Carver’s house and experience the film’s magic!”
    • ​Main Attractions:
      • Immersive Walking Trail – near mile-long walking trail filled with immersive scene after immersive scen

    Photos with LIVE Santa – stop by and take your photo with Santa this year
    • Dates:
      • November 24 - 25
      • December 1-2
      • December 8-9
      • December 15-16
      • December 22-23

    LIVE Christmas Carolers – listen to some of your favorite holiday songs by our LIVE Carolers as you stroll through our winter village scene
    • Dates:
      • November 24 - 25
      • December 1-2
      • December 8-9
      • December 15-16
      • December 22-23
     
    • Candy Cane Lane Activation - take a photo at the Carver’s house and experience the magic of Candy Cane Lane, coming to Prime Video beginning December 1 - share your excitement online with #CandyCaneLaneMovie @PrimeVideo
    • Face Painting - stop by our face painting booth and have your child’s face painted with themed and festive options for all ages
    • Souvenir Shop - pick up a gift full of holiday magic for the kids such as light-up toys and branded merchandise
    • Winter Market – check out local vendors who specialize in selling holiday gifts, decorations and apparel
    • Holiday Bars – stop by one of our premium holiday bars, where the grown-ups get to enjoy a savory cocktail to jumpstart their holiday spirit, lush wine to help them unwind and craft beer to keep up the cheer
    • Food Trucks – presenting some of the best food trucks every night
    Dates: Holiday Road will be open to the public for 22+ dates November 24 – December 27
    • November 24-26
    • December 1-3
    • December 8-10
    • December 14-24
    • December 26-27

    Times: 5:00pm – 9:30pm
    Location: King Gillette Ranch: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
    Tickets: https://holidayroadusa.com/
    Price: Ticket prices start at $24.99 and up
    • 2 years and under are free admission
    • Each ticket will grant you access to the event at the day and time of selected slot
     
    Holiday Road is also available for private events and corporate sponsorships and features a private 100-person VIP bar that can be closed off for private parties.
     
    What began as a drive-thru experience during the pandemic has grown significantly into the premiere holiday attraction and immersive holiday experience in LA. Holiday Road is committed to ensuring the safety of all patrons and staff. To see what health and safety measures the staff will be taking, visit here.
    Picture
    ABOUT CANDY CANE LANE
    Directed by Reginald Hudlin
    Written by Kelly Younger
    Produced by Brian Grazer, p.g.a., Eddie Murphy, Karen Lunder, p.g.a., Charisse Hewitt-Webster, p.g.a.
    Executive produced by Doug Merrifield
    Starring Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, Stephen Tobolowsky
    Genre: Holiday Comedy Adventure
    Rating: PG
     
    Synopsis
    Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Eddie Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters and save Christmas for everyone.
     
    ABOUT HOLIDAY ROAD
    Holiday Road is a holiday event tailored for all ages. The immersive experience showcases thousands of
    festive lights as well as iconic holiday scenes situated throughout the stunning property at King Gillette
    Ranch in Calabasas, CA. The team behind this holiday happening is a partnership comprised of
    television and event producer veteran Ben Biscotti, Co-Founder & President of 1iota Productions, and award-winning event producer & designer Tony Schubert of Event Eleven.
     
    To learn more and join the conversation, use the hashtag #HolidayRoad and follow Holiday Road on
    social media:
     
    Facebook: @HolidayRoadUSA
    Instagram: @HolidayRoad
  • Published on

    Silver Dollar City Reveals All-New Fire In The Hole Vehicle in Orlando

    ORLANDO — Silver Dollar City brought the Ozark Mountains to Central Florida today when the 1880s internationally-awarded theme park, together with Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), revealed an all-new custom-designed pumper wagon ride vehicle on Tuesday at the IAAPA Expo, the largest trade show in the world for the attractions industry. The unveiling was in support of the new FIRE IN THE HOLE, the Heartland’s largest indoor roller coaster, opening spring 2024
    Silver Dollar City Company president Brad Thomas and Darren Torr, CEO of RMC, presented the one-of-a-kind roller coaster vehicle design that includes high-resolution onboard audio, custom drive system and special provisions for riders with disabilities. Named number one amusement park in the U.S. in 2023 by Tripadvisor, this is the second time Silver Dollar City has collaborated with RMC, with the first being 2013’s award-winning and record-breaking Outlaw Run roller coaster, the only wooden coaster in the world to flip riders upside-down when it opened. FIRE IN THE HOLE marks the first time RMC has developed an indoor coaster.
    The design is driven by Silver Dollar City’s commitment to utilize state-of-the-art design and technology while staying true to the park’s Ozark Mountains heritage. The custom-engineered vehicle provides maximum comfort while immersing riders in the coaster's story with details drawing inspiration from fire pumper wagons of the 1880s.

    The all-new FIRE IN THE HOLE is set to open spring 2024 at the Branson, Missouri. theme park with season passes on sale now. Visit silverdollarcity.com for more information and calendar.
  • Published on

    Six Flags Over Georgia Celebrates the Most Magical Time of the Year with Holiday in the Park

    Picture
    Picture
    Atlanta’s Most Dazzling Wintertime Event Returns November 18
    AUSTELL, Georgia — November 13, 2023 —  Six Flags Over Georgia —the Thrill Capital of the South — invites guests to indulge in the sights, sounds and flavors of the season during Holiday in the Park®, happening select dates, November 18 through January 3, 2024.

    “We’re thrilled to present an enchanting Holiday in the Park experience this year, bringing joy and excitement to families and friends throughout the festive season.” said Park President David Zellner. “With dazzling lights and decorative displays, exhilarating rides and a variety of seasonal delights, we aim to create cherished memories for our guests that will last a lifetime."

    This season, the spirit of the holidays will be brought to life with seven unique live shows, featuring new and guest-favorite offerings; including:
    • NEW FOR 2023: The Grand Fir Lighting Spectacular, gather in front of our 28’ LED Christmas Tree for a festive lighting ceremony featuring live singing and dancing set to your favorite holiday music;
    • NEW FOR 2023: Oh What Fun! A Holiday Light Show, Watch our 28’ Grand Fir Tree come to life with a brand-new choreographed light show set to classic holiday music;
    • Bad Bob Humbug, this fan-favorite holiday comedy show is back for 2023. When holiday hater Bad Bob Humbug comes to town, the Sheriff and his Sidekick do their best to save Christmas;
    • Six Flags Carolers, join in on a classic holiday pastime. Our Six Flags Carolers are looking for new recruits. Do you have what it takes to join the choir?
    • Story Time with Mrs. Claus, visit Mrs. Claus at the North Pole to listen to some classic holiday stories;
    • Bad Bob Humbug, this fan-favorite holiday comedy show is back for 2023. When holiday hater Bad Bob Humbug comes to town, the Sheriff and his Sidekick do their best to save Christmas; and
    • Merry Lane, get in the holiday spirit with some of your holiday favorites in our tunnel of dancing LED lights.
    A variety of festive attractions will immerse guests in the magic of the season, including meet and greets with fan-favorite characters, holiday overlays on classic attractions, an interactive visit to The North Pole to meet Santa and the elves and more;
    • NEW FOR 2023: Monster Mansion Meet & Greet, your favorite monsters have left the mansion to decorate the park for the holidays. Join Mizzy Scarlet and Marshall Billy Bob Fritter for a monstrous meet and greet;
    • NEW FOR 2023: Holiday Express, hop on board the Six Flags Railroad for a unique view of the lights and decorations. Plus, listen to your favorite holiday tunes while you ride;
    • The North Pole, visit Santa’s work shop to meet the Big Guy himself! Mrs. Claus and the elves have put together some fun activities, like Letters to Santa and Reindeer Games that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit;
    • Looney Tunes Family Portrait, come meet your favorite Looney Tunes pals all dressed up for the holiday season and take a fun photo;
    • Candlelight Carousel, The historic 1908 Riverview Carousel has been decked out for the season with more than 100,000 lights, 150 Christmas trees and over 250 luminary candles; and
    • Mr. Snow’s Holiday Lesson, hop on board the historic Hanson Cars attraction and join Mr. Snow for a kid-friendly lesson on how other cultures around the world celebrate the holiday season.
    Seasonal Comfort Foods
    Delight in scrumptious seasonal food and drinks at Holiday in The Park. The Six Flags Holiday Market is the perfect place for holiday bites, such as fried donuts and donut sundaes, warm grilled cheese and tomato soup, and holiday themed beverages and spiked hot chocolate. Guests with a sweet tooth will enjoy festive holiday pies, delicious cannoli and s’mores funnel cake sundaes. Savory options, such as the new Harvest Sandwich, Homestyle Platters and Italian favorites at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen round out the scrumptious, seasonal food and beverage offerings available this holiday season.

    Indulge in a VIP Experience at Blue Ridge on Peachtree
    Guests can indulge in a VIP experience for up to six inside of their very own, heated igloo, featuring a family style holiday meal, sparkling cider, unlimited hot chocolate, specialty treats, reserved show seating and more. VIP packages are available for purchase online now at sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
    Holiday in the Park returns for 29 select days, November 18 through January 3, 2024. The best way to visit is with a 2024 Six Flags Season Pass, which includes visits for the remainder of the 2023 season. For more information on Holiday in the Park and to purchase a 2024 Pass, visit sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of water parks in North America, with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For 62 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
     
    About Six Flags Over Georgia
    Six Flags Over Georgia, the Thrill Capital of the South, is home to more than 40 rides and attractions including 12 world-class roller coasters and the seven-acre Hurricane Harbor water park. Six Flags White Water, the South’s Most Thrilling Water Park, boasts more than 24 state-of-the-art water slides, interactive children’s areas and wave pool. Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water are the premier destinations for thrilling, family fun.
  • Published on

    National Roller Coaster Museum Receives Restored Ottaway Steam Locomotive from Chance Rides

    Donation is part of a legacy of Chance family’s history with miniature locomotives
    PLAINVIEW, Texas (Friday, November 10, 2023)– The National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives (NRCMA) is honored to announce the donation and arrival of a rare, fully restored Ottaway Steam Locomotive and passenger cars from Chance Rides of Wichita, Kansas.  While this donation is not a roller coaster, its importance in the history of the industry expands a unique part of the NRCMA collection.
     
    “We are beyond thrilled to be able to preserve such a unique part of amusement park history,” said Jeff Novotny, President of the NRCMA Board of Directors. “We look forward to preserving and maintaining this special piece of amusement park history for years to come.”
     
    “My father got his start in the attractions industry helping to build Ottaway trains,” said Chance Rides CEO, Dick Chance. “To be able to restore and donate this piece of our family history and know it will be appreciated for generations to come, is truly special.”
    Ottaway Locomotives were the spiritual predecessor to Chance’s popular C.P. Huntington miniature trains. While there are no current plans to run the train as an attraction at the museum, the locomotive will run “in place” thanks to a compressed air conversion, also completed by Dick Chance.
     
    In the coming weeks, the museum will work on integrating this donation into its master plan, which includes interactive exhibits and historic ride vehicles. While construction continues at the museum’s main facility in Plainview, Texas, it is still reliant solely on the generosity of industry fans and facilities. Donations can be made online at rollercoastermuseum.org or by mailing the NRCMA at P.O. Box 5424, Arlington Texas 76005.
     
    About the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives:
    The NRCMA is an unaffiliated, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of historic roller coasters and amusement park artifacts. Its goal is to document, archive and preserve the history of the amusement park industry and is completely dependent upon donations of facilities and par fans alike. Visit: rollercoastermuseum.org to learn more.
  • Published on

    Universal Studios Hollywood Hosts Its 18th Annual “Day of Giving” Philanthropic Event, Welcoming 300 Homeless School Children from Operation School Bell for a Day of Theme Park Fun

    Employee Volunteers on Hand to Provide Children with School and Clothing Necessities, Including Uniforms, Books, Shoes and Backpacks
    Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates its 18th annual “Day of Giving” philanthropic event as hundreds of employee volunteers participate in select community outreach activities across Los Angeles. The theme park will serve as home base for Operation School Bell, hosting approximately 300 homeless children for a day of theme park fun.
     
    The children were the recipients of an assortment of new clothing and school supplies, from shoes to uniforms and backpacks to books and toiletries. The afternoon was spent enjoying Universal Studios Hollywood and some of the theme park’s most engaging rides and attractions, including the newly opened SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and the world-famous Studio Tour.
     
    “Day of Giving” is an annual Universal Studios Hollywood tradition designed to inspire and connect employees with diverse community organizations, many of which are beneficiaries of the company’s in-house philanthropic organization, Discover A Star Foundation, whose mission is to empower individuals and families to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. The day-long event also supports other non-profit organizations across Los Angeles, including TreePeople, LA Regional Foodbank, Foster Love and Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration.
    All Photos: Diego Aguilar (NBCUniversal )
  • Published on

    Epic Resort Destinations To Debut Mattel Adventure Park’s Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer Car and New Images of Barbie Beach House at IAAPA Expo

     Twin Mill Racer Car on display at IAAPA; construction on Barbie Beach House now underway
    Picture
    GLENDALE, Ariz. (November 9, 2023) – Attendees of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando, Florida will be among the first to catch new glimpses at Mattel Adventure Park’s newest attractions, the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer Roller Coaster and Barbie Beach House, from November 13-17. A real-life coaster car from the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer will be on display at the Chance Rides booth (2606), as will all-new images of the Barbie Beach House, which is currently being built.

    The Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer will take to the skies at the 9-acre Glendale, Arizona theme park located at VAI Resort opening just south of State Farm Stadium in 2024, but attendees of IAAPA can get a new sneak peek of the coaster ahead of its maiden voyage. Manufactured by Chance Rides, a Wichita, Kansas-based ride and amusement manufacturer, the coaster will set a new standard for amusement park enthusiasts and further solidify Mattel Adventure Park as a must-see destination for adrenaline-seekers of all ages.
    “We are elated to debut the Twin Mill Racer coaster and introduce some of the other Mattel-branded attractions underway at Glendale’s VAI Resort at the IAAPA Expo,” said Mark Cornell, President, Epic Resort Destinations. “Arizona has long been known for its beauty, but it will soon be a must-visit destination for amusement park enthusiasts. Mattel Adventure Park is a place where adventure, imagination and family fun converge like never before, and we are excited to share some highlights with industry peers prior to introducing them to the world.”

    The Twin Mill Racer is just one of many attractions currently underway at Arizona’s most-anticipated indoor/outdoor theme park and will take Hot Wheels fans on a 65-second thrill ride over a 2,503-foot track. The coaster, which loads and unloads inside with air-conditioned comfort, goes from zero to 50 mph in under three seconds before blasting riders outside, taking them on two vertical loops (one of which tops out at 116 feet) and navigating a series of corkscrew and hairpin turns before making its way back into the building. 

    “We are taking thrills to new heights with the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer,” said Cindy Emerick, Epic Resort Destinations Attractions Development Engineer. “The Twin Mill Racer track layout features a wicked corkscrew threaded through two vertical loops that authenticates the Hot Wheels experience. We are excited to bring this iconic racing playset to life in a heart-pounding and exhilarating thrill ride.”
    Picture
    While Twin Mill Racer will be one of the most identifiable attractions at Mattel Adventure Park when it opens next year, construction also continues on the Barbie Beach House, a dream destination for Barbie fans of all ages. Boasting state-of-the-art technology while simultaneously delivering a serious dose of nostalgia, the Barbie Beach House features an innovative “Flying Theater,” a Barbie Dream Closet experience that brings Barbie to life using hologram technology, and a Barbie Beach Rooftop perfect for kicking back with a signature beverage. 

    “We’re looking forward to joining our peers at IAAPA to share more of what’s to come at Mattel Adventure Park,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “We are committed to delivering new and unique experiences for fans with rides like the Twin Mill Racer roller coaster and Barbie Beach House, which will bring the brands to life in ways they never have before.”

    IAAPA attendees are encouraged to visit booth 2606 to meet the Mattel Adventure Park team.

    For more about Mattel Adventure Park or to check out the live construction cam, check out MattelAdventurePark.com.