Universal Studios Hollywood Powers Up SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with a Dynamic Red Carpet Celebration2/16/2023
Let’s-a go! Universal Studios Hollywood Powers Up SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with a Dynamic Red Carpet Celebration Welcoming the Highly Immersive and Interactive Land to the World-Famous Theme Park Destination  Universal City, California, February 15, 2023 – Universal Studios Hollywood rolled out the red carpet to mark the eagerly-awaited arrival of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ to the world-renowned Southern California theme park. The energetic event was punctuated by a momentous countdown, spectacular fireworks display and special appearances by Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, signaling the opening of this incredibly interactive and immersive land. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD officially opens to the public on Friday, February 17, 2023. Joining in the celebration were Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow, Nintendo Co., Ltd; Shinya Takahashi, Director, Member of the Board, Senior Managing Executive Officer; Nintendo Co., Ltd.; Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal; Mark Woodbury, Chairman & CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, Tom Mehrmann, President & COO, Pacific Rim, Universal Parks & Resorts; and Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood.  “The opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD represents one of the most exciting times in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood and is truly emblematic of the extraordinary entertainment experiences we create within our theme park portfolio,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. “Collaborating with Nintendo and the creative genius of Shigeru Miyamoto to bring their gaming world to life as part of an entirely new theme park entertainment genre has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to sharing this innovative land and groundbreaking ride with our guests.” SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an all-new, visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park. From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweeps guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they become an integral part of their exhilarating universe. At a glance, this is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”: This all-new, technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions. The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting digital coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes. Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup. Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with the official Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning Key Challenges throughout the land. When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores. Guests with a Power-Up Band may enjoy an enhanced experience when meeting Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They are available in six design options with character themes and can be purchased both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located within the theme park and on Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests can enjoy many interactive areas, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars positioned within the land, employing augmented reality technology. Guests can also collect keys after winning the Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three keys will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr. Toadstool Cafe™: The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Café will serve a delicious menu perfected by Chef Toad where he greets guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake. 1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory offers an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowser. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations. For more information and details, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Red Carpet Photos
During the 2023 Season, Riders Join History Aboard the
World's Most Historic Indoor Roller Coaster 
(Branson, MO 2/13/2023) Proclaiming 2023 the Grand Finale of the world's most historic indoor roller coaster, Silver Dollar City officials announce the original Fire In The Hole is boarding last riders during the upcoming season. For those who are park fans and Fire In The Hole aficionados, or for those who have never experienced the internationally-awarded Silver Dollar City before, all riders have the opportunity to become part of the journey of this legendary coaster. To celebrate, park creative teams are deep in the process of planning Fire In The Hole special events, parkwide fun and promotions, kicking off March 11 with Spring Break and culminating at the end of December.
"More than 25 million guests have been entertained by the Fire In the Hole adventure since the attraction opened a half-century ago," said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Attractions. "Today's riders include grandparents who remember riding when THEY were kids, and now they share the fun and unique experience with THEIR grandkids!"
The ride's storyline is modeled after the real-life mining town, Marmaros, that was located atop Marvel Cave and home to residents of long-ago Ozarks. The attraction, novel in its introduction in 1972, has fire-brigade themed trains that twist, turn and drop into a burning town where riders are the volunteer firefighters, saving the citizens and battling the flames before getting soaked themselves.
The announcement of the Grand Finale season coincides with preparation of unprecedented growth slated for the next ten years at Silver Dollar City's Branson properties. While there is no official word what is ahead, park leadership says they are keenly aware that the iconic ride holds a place in the record books of attractions of the world, therefore, what comes next must carry on the legacy.
Industry experts support the claims. "Fire In The Hole is a true classic from years past - a unique ride that's a must-ride every park visit," said Duane Marden, one of the attraction industry's key experts and founder of RCDB (Roller Coaster Data Base). "Custom-built, enclosed roller coasters are an uncommon thing and Silver Dollar City has operated Fire In The Hole longer than any other. I'm grateful that Silver Dollar City is giving guests fair notice to enjoy this classic ride for one final season."
Travelers from all over the world are known to come to Silver Dollar City to notch Fire In The Hole in their rider logs of classic coasters. Word from one European expert substantiates the worldwide reputation. "Fire In The Hole is a special ride. As it enters the final season, I feel that it should be celebrated for the ground-breaking ride it is. I sincerely hope I can get back to the park for one last ride." said Justin Garvanovic, founder of the European Coaster Club. "Knowing what a superb park Silver Dollar City is, I fully expect what is coming next will be something very special - wonderful in a brilliant way, as we Brits would say." Silver Dollar City, known for pure old-fashioned family fun, opens March 11, with the 2023 season featuring nine world-class special festivals & events, a demonstrating crafts colony 100 strong, award-winning culinary offerings, entertainment on a dozen stages and 40 rides & attractions. "This Grand Finale season of the original Fire In The Hole is paving the way for continued growth and new adventures at Silver Dollar City," said Thomas. "There will be exciting announcements in the future!" Season passes are now on sale at www.SilverDollarCity.com About SILVER DOLLAR CITY, Branson, MO, opened May, 1960: Silver Dollar City, the 1880s-style theme park nestled in the Ozark Mountains is internationally awarded for excellence in theme, presentation and operations. The picturesque, tree-lined "City" was founded atop the massive National Landmark, the great Marvel Cave; offers 40 rides & attractions, including several roller coasters with record-setting footprints; a demonstrating crafts colony 100 artisans strong; 9 world-class festivals & events featuring a variety of entertainment and live concerts. Home-style foods are in high demand with an emphasis on specialty items, festival specials, tasting passports and famous cinnamon breads and bakery goods. New Interactive Splash and Play Zone, Shaka-Laka Shores, will Debut this Year at Adventure Island2/13/2023
TAMPA, Fla. (February 9, 2023) – Adventure Island, Tampa’s Premier Water Park, will open for the 2023 season on March 4 with the park’s newest addition, Shaka-Laka Shores, opening in late March. The new splash and play zone, located in the heart of Adventure Island, will feature an area with 25 individual elements and a central kid-friendly play structure bound to entertain and engage even the youngest of guests. Shaka-Laka Shores will greet guests as they enter the park and showcase the waterpark’s overarching tropical paradise theme. The newest addition will have more than two dozen playful elements, a variety of interactive aquatic components, all within a zero-depth area - ideal for smaller kids - as well as additional shaded areas. The newly constructed area will also house three new private cabanas featuring convenient access to the new area. Shaka-Laka Shores joins a comprehensive list of exciting water slides, Endless Surf’s 17,000-square-foot wave pool, an additional kid-friendly option in Splash Attack and more. “Shaka-Laka Shores’ vibrant and interactive elements are bound to provide our youngest guests with a playful space to splash and explore,” said Neal Thurman, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “Shaka-Laka Shores will bundle the elements of excitement and interactivity to serve as another great option for families experiencing Adventure Island.” The opening of Shaka-Laka Shores, along with recently opened attractions, Rapids Racer and Wahoo Remix, is part of the waterpark’s largest expansion in more than four decades. Guests are quickly immersed in a revitalized and vibrant theme from a newly designed front entrance and carried over into the park with new lounging areas, additional cabanas, and even new refreshment locations, such as the full-service Hang Ten Tiki Bar. Annual Passes Offer the Best Way to Play Adventure Island’s Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun under the sun, including the new Shaka-Laka Shores, and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers and starting at $10.50 a month with no down payment, all options provide guests with unlimited seasonal admission and unbeatable benefits like free parking, in-park discounts, and monthly rewards. Guests can visit AdventureIsland.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program benefits, new events, special deals and future announcements by following Adventure Island on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. About Adventure Island: Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island® is Tampa Bay’s premier water park, featuring a combination of exhilarating water slides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. At Tampa’s Island Paradise await thrilling slides, such as Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix, Solar Vortex®, Vanish Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® and Colossal Curl™, waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, a children’s splash and play zone, Shaka-Laka Shores, and other family attractions. Guests can dig their toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs or a private cabana. For more information, visit AdventureIsland.com for more information. Spooky Swap Meet Rises Again! April 29 and 30, 2023 Tickets on Sale this Friday, February 10 Where One Person’s Trash Is Another’s Terror - er - Treasure!  Los Angeles, CA - Coinciding with the six month countdown to Halloween aka “Half-o-ween”, Spooky Swap Meet returns to the hauntingly beautiful Heritage Square Museum for a macabre, curated shopping experience, including, new for this year, a walk-thru haunted attraction! Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30, 2023, from 10am-7pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
Sixty plus vendors will have selections of gothic furnishings, Halloween inspired decor, apparel, props, and more. Fortune telling and food will also be available for purchase. Guests of all ages are encouraged to trick-or-treat at the seven stops of Heritage Square’s manors whose exteriors have been decorated and “spooked up” for the weekend by “house hosts” including AdamJessFx, Art’s Sideshow, a Bones' Gulch and Samhain's Lot collaboration, A Mr. He Slasher, LA Haunted Hayride, and Vamp & The Fiends. The extra-daring can also walk-thru an original haunted attraction created especially for Spooky Swap Meet by Fear Farm. For those that like to boogie, LVCRFT and Skeleton Sam will host a Halloween dance party at the top of each hour. Tickets on sale Friday, February 10 at 10am PST at spookyswapmeet.com. General admission is $18 for timed entries between 11am and 7pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday. The VIP ticket option allows for entry at 10am on Saturday, when ticket buyers will be the first to have access to the one of a kind offerings guaranteed to be made available by every vendor participating; cost $28. An Important change for 2023: the event entrance will be located at 3515 Pasadena Ave (the "back" entry to the museum), with free parking across the street at Metro Gold Lot, Heritage Square Station. Parking at Metro lot is first come, first served and limited. Neighborhood parking is also available.There will also be a few VIP parking spots for pre-purchase only ($25). There will be no entry or parking from the Homer Street side except for ADA with placard. “We designed Spooky Swap Meet to allow for both guests and vendors to experience some ‘spring screaming’”, said Spooky Swap Meet Co-Creator Claire Dunlap. “As we enter our third year, we’re proud the event has become a tradition for sellers to clear out their storage units and share the spooky wealth with Halloween fans looking for treasures year round, as well as getting to experience a little spookiness half-way between last October 31st and the next.” For more info visit SpookySwapMeet.com and on Instagram and Facebook at @spookyswapmeet. About Spooky Swap Meet Spooky Swap Meet is created/produced by Scarlett Creative, Inc, owner Claire Dunlap (co-creator/Producer of Midsummer Scream, Season's Screaming and Cemetery Lane) and Instagram influencer Sarah Cooke (@the_pumpkin_queen and owner/creator of GOREnaments). Production Assistance by David Markland (Owner/Chief Creative Officer of Black Cat Orange which brings you Midsummer Scream, Season's Screamings, and Cemetery Lane) and Jon Cooke (Creative Director/Owner/Creator Plague Productions, previously hired by Knott's Scary Farm, Queen Mary's Dark Harbor and 13th Floor Entertainment). Toadstool Cafe and 1-UP Factory Add Awesome Dining and Shopping Experiences to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD2/9/2023
Toadstool Cafe and 1-UP Factory Add Awesome Dining and Shopping Experiences to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Opening at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023 Universal City, California, February 9, 2023 – When SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023, the innovative, immersive and highly-themed land will invite guests to enjoy a taste of the many exciting elements it has to offer, including Toadstool Cafe™ and 1-UP Factory™ retail store. With a giant red-capped mushroom exterior and a lavish interior adorned with an array of larger-than-life mushroom décor and iconic green pipes, Toadstool Cafe is the land’s signature restaurant helmed by Chef Toad himself. This all-original restaurant will feature a carefully curated and eclectic menu perfected and prepared fresh daily by Chef Toad. The full course menu begins with Starters and Salads and includes such delicacies as:
For the Main Course, mouth-watering entrees include:
For kids, ages 9 and under, a special Kids Meal menu includes:
Of course, no meal is complete without delectable desserts and Toadstool Cafe has several sweet tooth options from which to choose:
Beverages include the Super Star Lemon Squash signature drink, in addition to juice, hot tea, fountain soda, premium bottled water, milk and freshly brewed coffee. Collectible drink sippers are also available for purchase. The 1-UP Factory retail store offers an array of themed apparel, souvenirs and collectible merchandise created exclusively for the exciting launch of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. These coveted limited-edition pieces were designed using specialty Grand Opening artwork and will only be available for purchase while quantities last. Additional merchandise includes an extensive selection of themed attire, headwear and candy along with a selection of iconic character plush and toys, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowser. The SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Power-Up Band™ is available for purchase in six recognizable character designs, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy. Choosing a particular character defines the Team guests will be a part of during their experience. These wearable wristbands sync with the free official Universal Studios Hollywood downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land. The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations. For more information, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. |
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