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Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates Earth Day With Massive New Solar Facility Capable of Powering Two Theme Parks

4/19/2019

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. April 18, 2019 — Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating Earth Day with the unveiling of a massive new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility, built in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and solar developer Origis Energy USA, harnessing power from the sun to bring the magic to life for guests visiting from around the globe.

Located adjacent to State Road 429, the facility is expected to generate enough renewable clean energy to operate two of Disney’s four theme parks in Central Florida annually. It will also significantly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by tens of thousands of tons per year, joining the numerous efforts The Walt Disney Company has launched to deliver its 2020 goal of reducing emissions by 50% compared to 2012.

“At Disney, every day is Earth Day, and we hope our guests and cast members will be as inspired and amazed as we are at what this new solar facility means for our community and planet,” said Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This is an ambitious step forward for our renewable energy efforts.”

The solar facility is also providing an important habitat for native wildlife in Central Florida. A team of environmental and horticulture experts from Disney collaborated to help make more than two-thirds of the  facility pollinator friendly, with the goal of creating a nurturing and welcoming habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects, including endangered and at-risk species. This team is also managing and monitoring an experimental test garden at the facility to conduct research and further enhance the habitat. The effort to safeguard endangered pollinators aligns with the Disney Conservation Fund’s ongoing focus on saving wildlife, including butterflies.

The solar facility represents the largest endeavor in solar energy to date for Disney’s global theme park operations. In 2016, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled a 22-acre, 5-megawatt solar facility shaped like Mickey Mouse, as part of a collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. Both facilities are contributing to Disney’s long-term sustainability goals, which include reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions, reaching zero waste, reducing single-use plastics and conserving water resources.

These conservation efforts build on the longtime commitment to environmental stewardship by The Walt Disney Company, a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself, and has grown through the creativity and passion of its cast members.

KEY FACTS:
  • The facility features over half a million solar panels, spans 270 acres and is capable of reaching 50 megawatts of power.
  • During peak sun hours, up to 25% of Walt Disney World’s power needs will be met through solar energy.
  • The facility will generate enough renewable clean energy to power two of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks annually.
  • This is the largest solar facility in Orange County at 50 megawatts.
  • This solar facility will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 tons per year, the equivalent of removing about 10,000 cars from the roads annually.
  • Disney environmental and horticulture experts helped make more than two-thirds of the facility pollinator friendly with plant species that attract insects like butterflies and bees.
  • This solar facility provides power to Walt Disney World Resort, the largest single-site employer in the country.

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FLORIDA’S TALLEST LAUNCH COASTER TIGRIS NOW OPEN AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

4/19/2019

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Thrill-seekers can now #TakeOnTigris – Pass Members enjoy exclusive ride time this spring.
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​TAMPA, Fla. (Apr. 18, 2019) – Just in time for the holiday weekend, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay will officially open Tigris, a triple-launch steel roller coaster, tomorrow, Friday, April 19, 2019. The new attraction is Florida’s tallest launch coaster and the ninth coaster in the park’s collection, solidifying Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as Florida’s thrill ride leader.
 
“We are proud of the legacy we’ve built as we have welcomed millions of thrill-seekers from around the world to the Tampa Bay area,” said Stewart Clark, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “Tigris is the perfect addition to our unrivaled collection of adrenaline-pumping attractions.”
Tigris will catapult riders through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, breath-taking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, reaching a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour. Tigris will race riders along more than 1,800 feet of steel track designed to mimic the awe-inspiring agility of the world’s largest and most powerful cat –the tiger.
 
Tigris joins a top-rated list of favorites for coaster enthusiasts, including Cheetah Hunt, the park’s longest coaster, SheiKra, a 200-foot tall floorless dive coaster, Falcon’s Fury, a 335-foot freestanding drop tower, Montu, an inverted coaster, Kumba, and Cobra’s Curse, to name a few.
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The best way to experience Tigris and all of the attractions at Busch Gardens as well as more than a dozen seasonal events throughout the year is with an Annual Pass.  Guests can choose from four unique passes for the benefits and value they want most. Pass Members will also enjoy exclusive ride time on Tigris for the first two weekends in May before the ride opens for the day to general guests.
 
To learn more and be the first to know about new attractions, events and future announcements, fans can follow the park’s blog or join the social conversation using #TakeOnTigris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and live shows and events, providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.

Tigris Fast Facts: 
  • WHAT Tigris, Florida’s Tallest Launch Coaster
  • WHERE Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • WHEN April 19, 2019
  • MAXIMUM HEIGHT 150 feet
  • TRACK LENGTH TRAVELLED Over 1,800 feet
  • MAXIMUM SPEED 62 mph
  • NUMBER OF TRAINS 1
  • NUMBER OF VEHICLES 3 per train
  • NUMBER OF PASSENGERS 6 per vehicle, 18 total per train
  • MINIMUM RIDER HEIGHT 54 inches
  • RIDE ELEMENTS Multiple launches, looping twists, forward and backward propulsion, inverted heartline roll
  • MANUFACTURER Premier Rides Inc. Baltimore, MD

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VIVA LA MÚSICA RETURNS TO SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO BEGINNING MAY 4TH

4/18/2019

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VIVA LA MÚSICA RETURNS TO SEAWORLD
WITH FESTIVE MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN FOR WHOLE FAMILY
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​SAN DIEGO (April 17, 2019) – SeaWorld guests can spice it up this spring during the return of Viva La Música presented by Coca-Cola. The popular Latin music series will feature four weekends of live performances from award-winning regional Mexican musical artists, plus special culinary offerings, a live DJ and community dancers, all in a family-friendly atmosphere flavored with the fiery flair of Hispanic culture. Viva La Música, included with park admission,* will take place weekends May 4–5, May 11–12 and May 18–19 and June1–2, 2019.

Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Rieleros del Norte and Lupillo Rivera are among the headliners performing two shows a day at the park’s newly renovated Nautilus Amphitheater. In addition to the headlining concerts at Nautilus Amphitheater, Viva La Música will also include a festival area called the Zócalo (located between Wild Arctic and Penguin Encounter). The Zócalo will feature performances by community dance groups and a live DJ to pump up the party atmosphere. Fish tacos, street tacos, nachos and pupusas (thick cornmeal flatbread typically stuffed with beans, cheese, chicharrón and squash) will be available to purchase in this area.
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Viva La Música concert schedule**
Saturday, May 4            Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Sunday, May 5               Pancho Barraza
 
Saturday, May 11         Lupillo Rivera
Sunday, May 12            Pesado
 
Saturday, May 18         Chiquis with special guest Luis Coronel 
Sunday, May 19            La Séptima Banda with special guest El Dasa con Mariachi
 
Saturday, June 1           Régulo Caro
Sunday, June 2              Los Rieleros del Norte with special guest Kevin Ortiz
**Performance schedule and talent lineup are subject to change
 
Need-to-know info:
  • Concerts are at 3:30 and 6 p.m. at Nautilus Amphitheater.
  • Concerts are included with park admission, but a wristband is required to attend.
    • Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the plaza near Explorer’s Café when the park opens. 
  • During Viva La Música, SeaWorld is open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
  • *Park admission does not guarantee a concert seat. 
 
SeaWorld admission is $91.99 for ages 10 and older; $86.99 for ages 3–9.  The best way to enjoy all four weekends of Viva La Música is with a 2019 SeaWorld Fun Card, which allows repeat admission to SeaWorld through Dec. 31, 2019 all for the price of a single-day admission. With a Fun Card in hand, guests can also come back again and again to enjoy all of SeaWorld’s seasonal events in 2019 and the park’s all-new, dueling coaster Tidal Twister, slated to open May 24.
 
About SeaWorld:
SeaWorld San Diego is one of the most popular marine parks in the world and is a global leader in marine animal care and welfare, education, conservation, research and rescue. Through exciting and educational attractions, shows and exhibits, SeaWorld creates fun and meaningful experiences—experiences that matter—where guests can explore, become inspired to care about animals and wild wonders of the world and to act to help protect them. SeaWorld San Diego, which opened in March of 1964, is one of 12 parks operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

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All new Oogie Boogie Bash coming to Disney California Adventure beginning September 6th

4/17/2019

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Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash go on sale to Annual Passholders starting April 23, and to the general public beginning April 30Separate-ticket party is offered on 20 select nights, while Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is celebrated daily at both parks from Sept. 6-Oct. 31
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ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 17, 2019) – Disneyland Resort is bringing a new event to guests of all ages this Halloween season with Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, at Disney California Adventure Park. This unforgettable night of Halloween fun is packed with exclusive new entertainment, from the new“World of Color” spectacular – “Villainous!,” to an interactive “Descendants”-inspired dance party, a stage show with Mickey Mouse, and a mysterious Disney villains walk-through experience. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will add to the fun of Halloween time, celebrated throughout the Disneyland Resort from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31.
At the new Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, Oogie Boogie (from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”) has cast his spell and he summons the Disney villains to scare up some thrilling surprises. All of Disney California Adventure takes on Halloween flair for the party, from special music and décor to character encounters, treat trails and new live entertainment experiences.
Oogie Boogie Bash, which takes the place of Mickey’s Halloween Party, will begin Sept. 17, for 20 select nights. The after-hours party treats guests to multiple new experiences that are fun for the entire family, including the new “World of Color” nighttime spectacular, “Villainous!,” a villain-themed walk-through experience at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, immersive treat trails featuring Disney villains, the DescenDance interactive dance party, and more. Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disney California Adventure for a scary good time. Guests may check Disneyland.com/HalloweenParty for Oogie Boogie Bash costume policy guidelines prior to their arrival.
Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party go on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa card holders on Tuesday, April 23. General public ticket sales begin Tuesday, April 30.
Highlights of the new separate-ticket event, Oogie Boogie Bash—A Disney Halloween Party, include:
  • The new “World of Color” show, “Villainous!,” exclusive to Oogie Boogie Bash. In this nighttime spectacular, Oogie Boogie weaves a Halloween tale about a young girl (and all-new character) named Shelley Marie. In “Villainous!,” Shelley has a decision to make about her Halloween costume for this year, and finds herself wondering if she could really be as strong and unique as some of her favorite Disney characters. This twisted tale carries Shelley on an unforgettable journey, exploring the villainous side of Disney characters through fountains, lights, lasers, projections and special effects. “Villainous!” shows guests that, deep down, there’s a little villain in all of us.
  • A transformed Redwood Creek Challenge Trail becomes a wondrous and ethereal world of Disney villains unlike anything seen before. Redwood Creek will be completely transformed with lighting, projections, sounds and special effects, creating a dreamlike environment. This new experience unfolds in a series of scenes, each creating a hauntingly beautiful dream-space of color, sound, light and shadow, as stories emerge from the darkest night to create an enchanting world.
  • New and wonderfully wicked, fully immersive treat trailsthroughout Disney California Adventure, where guests may enjoy trick-or-treating under the watchful eyes of iconic characters such as Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” or even Oogie Boogie himself. Additional treat trails will feature oversized cauldrons full of treats for all guests at Oogie Boogie Bash.
  • The new DescenDance, a pulsing party in the Backlot area of Hollywood Land, inspired by the popular “Descendants” franchise from the Disney Channel. Here, guests will find so many ways to be wicked. As the DescenDance begins, a spell is cast, summoning the greatest dance crew from the Isle of the Lost to throw down and lead everyone in moves that are set to the biggest hit songs from the “Descendants” films. Once the DescenDance crew returns to their realm, the Backlot DJ continues to spin tunes that will make any “villain kid” proud, inviting everyone to step onto the dance floor into the night.
  • The guest-favorite “Frightfully Fun Parade,” which will come to Disney California Adventure park for the first time. The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow arrives on his ghostly black steed just ahead of the parade itself, carrying his flickering jack-o-lantern. He heralds the arrival of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse who lead the cavalcade of characters, including Jack Skellington and many mischievous Disney villains who are ready to stir up some trouble along the parade route.
  • The new Mickey’s Trick and Treat show, perfect for young guests, at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land. This new, interactive stage production invites guests of all ages to join Mickey Mouse and his pals as they throw a one-of-a-kind Halloween party that include dancing, not-so-frightening scary-tales, and candy.
  • Character encounters with beloved Disney characters ­– and villains, too. Guests may be surprised at who they discover at this Halloween party, ready for photos and greetings.
  • New Halloween magic, which appears on the façade of Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street. Carthay Circle will be enchanted throughout the night as bats swarm, green energy pulses from within and spellbinding moments transform the iconic tower structure.
  • Entry to Disney California Adventure Park before the partyis included with an Oogie Boogie Bash ticket. The party begins at 6 p.m. PST and guests have the opportunity to play in Disney California Adventure for three hours before the party starts on Tuesday and Thursday nights (excluding Oct. 29 and Oct. 31) or four hours on Sunday nights, plus Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.
Tickets for the new Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Hallloween Party* may be purchased online at Disneyland.com/HalloweenParty, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4636. Guests may check the website for availability for the 20 nights: Tuesday, Sept. 17; Thursday, Sept. 19, Sunday, Sept. 22, Tuesday, Sept. 24; Thursday, Sept. 26; Sunday, Sept. 29, Tuesday, Oct. 1; Thursday, Oct. 3; Sunday, Oct. 6; Tuesday, Oct. 8; Thursday, Oct. 10; Sunday, Oct. 13; Tuesday, Oct. 15; Thursday, Oct. 17; Sunday, Oct. 20; Tuesday, Oct. 22; Thursday, Oct. 24; Sunday, Oct. 27; Tuesday, Oct. 29; and Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply.
For more information and tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com/HalloweenParty. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. Guests may visit the site for additional details.
*The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for a commercial purpose. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress for restrictions. Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.
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About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort opened July 17, 1955. Open daily, year-round.

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It just got real: all new Jurassic World The Ride Ad

4/17/2019

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JURASSIC WORLD’s Iconic Tyrannosaurus rex and Mosasaurus Invade Universal Studios Hollywood in Dynamic New Ad Campaign, It Just Got Real, as Anticipation Builds for the New Mega Attraction, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” Opening This Summer
Universal City, CA, April 17, 2019 – Pandemonium disrupts several elaborate film productions underway on Universal Studios’ bustling movie studio backlot, sending cast and crew running for their lives.
As panic and chaos ensue, the source is revealed: JURASSIC WORLD’s unstoppable Tyrannosaurus rex tramples her way across sets and sound stages to ignite Universal Studios Hollywood’s new marketing campaign, It Just Got Real, in support of the theme park’s eagerly awaited mega attraction, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” opening this summer.

Click here to watch the It Just Got Real spot.

“Jurassic World—The Ride” will debut an original storyline that takes place within the theme park as depicted in Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s film, JURASSIC WORLD, on the day the Indominus rex escapes.

The exciting thrill ride will soar to new heights with the addition of several iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus that will mesmerize onlookers in her natural habitat from behind a three million gallon glass encased Aquarium Observatory tank.
“Jurassic World—The Ride” comes to life under the direction of the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award®-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrowand Frank Marshall.

The aesthetics of “Jurassic World—The Ride” will be dramatically enhanced welcoming guests to a reimagined space reflective of the JURASSIC WORLD films. In addition, there will be a fresh new entry statement, stonework landscaping and a contemporary redesign of the iconic JURASSIC WORLD gates, illuminated with billowing flames.

Engaging and interactive queue-line videos featuring facts and information about the dinosaurs within the ride will set the tone for the expedition ahead, as guests learn more about these imposing prehistoric creatures that first roamed the earth more than 65 million years ago.

Once aboard specially designed rafts, guests will navigate the lush environs of dense vegetation, traversing new areas besieged with towering dinosaurs meandering at just an arm’s length away from visitors. Encounters with such docile creatures as the Stegosaurus and Parasaurolophus will quickly turn awry as predatory Velociraptors and Dilophosaurus begin to wreak havoc, turning guests from spectators to prey. When the Tyrannosaurus rex begins to battle one of the attraction’s new ferocious dinosaurs, the rafts will spill down a treacherous 84-foot waterfall as the sole means of escape.

Located adjacent to the ride will be a new elaborately themed “Raptor Encounter” where Blue, the most beloved Velociraptor from the JURASSIC WORLD franchise, will engage guests in daring face-to-face encounters.

In addition, a new interactive “Dino Play” area will incorporate educational components within an inspired space where children of all ages can explore and excavate giant dinosaur fossils.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the new California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details.Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
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More information is available atwww.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the highly-anticipated Summer opening of “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.” The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacentUniversal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.


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