TODAY IS THE DAY…YEAH! Universal Studios Hollywood Rolls Out the Red Carpet and Swings Opens Its Iconic Gates with Today’s Official Grand Reopening Beginning Today, Guests Can Experience the All-New “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” Ride and “Jurassic World—The Ride,” Featuring the Stunningly Realistic Dinosaur, Indominus rex Tickets Currently Available to CA Residents Only; Click Here to Purchase Tickets Universal City, California, April 16, 2021 – Today is a day to celebrate as Universal Studios Hollywood officially reopens, welcoming guests back to the theme park to experience its dynamic thrill rides and attractions, including the all-new “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” and “Jurassic World—The Ride,” which features the spectacularly realistic new dinosaur, Indominus rex.
The momentous occasion kicked off yesterday for Annual and Season Pass Members who were treated to a special park preview. While most rides will be operational, some rides and attractions will reopen at a later date as the theme park complies with government restrictions. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to work in partnership with health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures that include controlled capacity to enforce physical distancing and required face coverings. In accordance with government guidelines, only California residents may visit the theme park at this time and party size is limited to three households. “We have been looking forward to this moment for over a year and are incredibly thrilled to reopen our theme park today,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. “There is certainly lots to celebrate and we are overjoyed to return team members to work and welcome guests back to enjoy a Universal Studios Hollywood experience that is better than ever.” Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood are on sale for California residents only and can be purchased here. The theme park is continuing to celebrate Annual and Season Pass Members with a series of complimentary Bonus Days on select days through Sunday, May 16; these Bonus Days can be reserved here by Annual and Season Pass Members. Annual and Season Pass Members will be able to resume regular use of their passes starting on Monday, May 17. After more than a year of closure, Universal Studios Hollywood is ready for its close-up and calling “action” on the all-new “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” and “Jurassic World—The Ride,” which features the spectacularly realistic new dinosaur, Indominus rex. Here’s what guests can expect: A stroll along the cleverly themed Pets Place will bring guests to the front of Katie’s NYC apartment building where the innovative “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” ride resides. This all-new tech-savvy adventure inspired by Illumination’s blockbuster The Secret Life of Pets films, answers the question, “What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home?” This impressive new ride combines 64 technologically-advanced animated figures with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping designed to take guests on a journey to meet some of their favorite Illumination characters from the movies, including Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke, along with a host of other animal friends, who have all been transformed and transported into the live-action world. From blinking eyes to eyebrow movements, from head tilts to head nods, from moving mouths to smiles, from ear curls to lip curls, from full torso twists to physically walking, the depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride. The grand reopening of Universal Studios Hollywood also brings guests face-to-face with “Jurassic World—The Ride’s” all-new, extraordinarily realistic dinosaur, the Indominus rex, who stakes her claim at the ride’s finale in a forceful battle with her arch-rival, the Tyrannosaurus rex. Breaking new ground with highly complex innovations, this fully-articulated lifelike Indominus injects intense new thrills, excitement and intrigue to the already dynamic ride. Spanning nearly 55 feet horizontally from head to tail and over 22 feet vertically, the Indominus’ imposing presence will be amplified by the fluidity of her motions and synchronized movements that deliver an unprecedented level of authenticity. From the subtle blinking of her eyes, the flexing of her arms and claws and clenching of her jaw as she bears her razor-sharp teeth, the colossal Indominus rex will lunge from her hillside setting, stalking guests just before they descend the giant waterfall drop to escape her grasp. Of course, these new experiences are among the many welcoming attractions and themed environments that await guests upon their return to Universal Studios Hollywood, including “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and the critically-acclaimed rides, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride,” Despicable Me’s “Super Silly Fun Land,” and “Springfield, U.S.A.,” home of America’s favorite animated family, “The Simpsons.” The theme park’s signature attraction and world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of an authentic production movie and television studio and where they can experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D,” will also open. The safety and well-being of guests and team members is a top priority for Universal Studios Hollywood, and the following guidelines outline the theme park’s new health and safety protocols, also highlighted in this video and detailed on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Health and Safety Guidelines All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC guidelines and conduct temperature checks prior to their arrival. Guests should evaluate their own risk before they visit, and it is not recommended that older adults or individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit. People who are asymptomatic can still spread COVID-19 if they are infected. Any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and Universal cannot guarantee guests will not be exposed during their visit. For information on CDC guidelines, click here. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, details are subject to change without notice. Now that we're getting a lot of news coming in (that's not just about things closing down) we figured we'd start up our Weekly News Wrap-Up. A one-stop shop for all your theme park and travel news! Universal Studios Hollywood reopening on April 16thUniversal Studios Hollywood to Reopen on Friday, April 16, Kicking Off with Special Annual and Season Pass Member Bonus Days Beginning on Thursday, April 15 Got the Need for Speed? Six Flags Great Adventure to Launch ‘Coaster Power Hours’Roller coaster-centric event to include music, food, and fun Universal Orlando Announces Opening Date for VelociCoasterJURASSIC WORLD VELOCICOASTER TO OPEN AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ON JUNE 10, 2021 – BRINGING TO LIFE THE MOST INTENSE COASTER EVER, INSPIRED BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT’S BLOCKBUSTER FILMS DELUSION RETURNS TO ITS HORROR ROOTS THIS FALL, PARTNERING WITH 13TH FLOOR ENTERTAINMENT GROUPTwo of the biggest names in Halloween and horror entertainment are joining forces to produce LA’s most popular interactive event. This fall Jon Braver, Delusion Creator and Director, will once again bring this one-of-a-kind immersive and interactive horror theater to life. Disneyland Resort Will Open All-new Land; Avengers Campus Welcomes Super Hero Recruits Beginning June 4, 2021Avengers Campus, an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Super Heroes, will open June 4, 2021, at Disneyland Resort, inside Disney California Adventure Park. SeaWorld San Diego Brings Back the Thrill of Rides and Roller Coasters on April 12 with Enhanced Health & Safety MeasuresCalifornia residents are invited to enjoy a full theme park experience with rides, roller coasters, animal exhibits, presentations, the reopening of Sesame Street Bay of Play, and extended hours with limited capacity Knott’s Berry Farm Announces Grand Reopening for May 21Knott’s Releases Details on the Anticipated 100th Anniversary Celebration and the Debut of “Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair” with Tickets and Reservations Available April 26 Silver Dollar City NEW Street Fest 2021All-New Outdoor Festival with Street Performers, Musicians and the Introduction of the Tasting Passport Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Announces Job Fair April 17Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks, will host a virtual and in-person job fair Saturday, April 17 to fill positions from May through Sept., 2021. The park will offer positions in eight diverse departments, with many positions paying $15 per hour. Drive-Thru Haunt, Scream n’ Stream Returns With Horror Nights Creative Veteran; Dates AnnouncedScream N’ Stream, Florida’s premiere drive-through haunted attraction, is back- returning this fall for its second year with an all-new horrifying adventure on select nights beginning on September 18th through October 31st. READY TO PLAY? LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT IS OPEN!Theme Park Officially Reopens Park, SEA LIFE® Aquarium and Water Park After 13-Month Closure due to COVID-19 The Shows Will Go On Safely at Busch Gardens Tampa BayTHE SHOWS WILL SAFELY GO ON AT BUSCH GARDENS: AWARD-WINNING “TURN IT UP” ICE SKATING SHOW AND NEW “CIRQUE ELECTRIC” SHOW TO OPEN ON FRIDAY, MAY 28 With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures, park guests can take a physically distant seat at live shows once again. Celebrate Cinco De May at SeaWorld Orlando During the Seven Seas Food FestivalCelebrate Cinco De Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando During the Seven Seas Food Festival, Friday through Sunday April 30-May 9, and Wednesday May 5! Located outdoors with limited capacity and physical distancing, guests are in for a treat with festive menu items, family-friendly entertainment and live performances throughout the day! THE SHOWS WILL SAFELY GO ON AT BUSCH GARDENS: AWARD-WINNING “TURN IT UP” ICE SKATING SHOW AND NEW “CIRQUE ELECTRIC” SHOW TO OPEN ON FRIDAY, MAY 28 With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures, park guests can take a physically distant seat at live shows once again. Tampa, Fla. (April 15, 2021) - As Busch Gardens continues to prioritize the health and safety of its guests, ambassadors and animals in its care, soon guests will be able to enjoy indoor world-class entertainment beginning Friday, May 28. From “Turn It Up!”, the park’s award-winning ice-skating production to an all-NEW acrobatic show, “Cirque Electric,” modified operations in the park’s theaters will make it possible for guests to once again enjoy incredible shows as they explore Busch Gardens’ 300 acres of exhilarating rollercoasters and fascinating animal habitats. In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include enhanced cleaning and sanitization, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, many modifications will be in place at Busch Gardens’ theaters upon reopening, including:
“Bringing more live entertainment safely back to the park is another huge step in returning to world class entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park President. “Since our reopening in June, our park teams have been incredibly innovative and adaptable with bringing our productions to life in new ways and we’re thrilled to expand our offering to include new programs in addition to fan-favorite shows.” Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, guests will be able to enjoy the following productions on select days beginning Friday, May 28: Turn It Up! Thursday – Monday, multiple shows per day The Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to Busch Gardens’ spectacular, year-round ice-skating shows, including “Turn It Up!” With contemporary performances, dazzling aerial moments and eclectic pop music, it’s no wonder this production has earned a spot on “USA TODAY’S 10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards. ALL NEW: Cirque Electric Friday – Monday, multiple shows per day For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric,” an all-new acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, will soon thrill guests at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers. Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes Enjoy each show again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and experience great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more! For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more! Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information, reservations and tickets. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Expanded Health and Safety Measures: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety ### 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, AZA-accredited zoos with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.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. *Some restrictions apply Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando During the Seven Seas Food Festival, Friday through Sunday April 30-May 9, and Wednesday May 5! Located outdoors with limited capacity and physical distancing, guests are in for a treat with festive menu items, family-friendly entertainment and live performances throughout the day! WHAT: It’s fiesta time at SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival for one week only with all of the sights, sounds and flavor of Cinco De Mayo! WHEN: Celebrate Cinco De Mayo during the Seven Seas Food Festival April 30-May 2, May 5, and May7-9 at select times from 12:30-6:00 p.m. DETAILS: For full Cinco De Mayo at SeaWorld details visit: https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/seven-seas-food-festival/?scroll-to=cinco-de-mayo
SAFETY: SeaWorld Orlando is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. SeaWorld Orlando is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the resort, including key operational changes, visit Seaworld.com/orlando/park-info/park-safety. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook, Instagram and the SeaWorld Orlando Blog for the latest park updates and information. About SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The Company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 38,000 animals in need over the Company’s history. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Aquatica®, Sesame Place® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 60-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests. Theme Park Officially Reopens Park, SEA LIFE® Aquarium and Water Park After 13-Month Closure due to COVID-19 CARLSBAD, Calif. (April 15, 2021) – Streamers burst through the air and LEGO® costume characters, employees and guests applauded this morning as LEGOLAND® California Resort officially reopened its gates after being closed for 13 months due to COVID-19. Resort President Kurt Stocks was joined by his children to pull the ceremonial switch repowering the Park for families to play, create and explore. “Today is a historic day for LEGOLAND California Resort as we are thrilled to open our gates again and invite guests to enjoy the rides, shows and attractions that have put smiles on children’s faces for more than 20 years,” said Stocks. “It’s definitely been a challenging year for all of us and we can’t wait for families, including my own, to create new memorable experiences and immerse themselves into the wonderful world of LEGO.” Hundreds of guests scanned their tickets within the first hour of the Park opening and were excited to drive miniature cars, ride roller coasters, explore Miniland U.S.A. and create with LEGO bricks once again. Fan-favorite rides such as Dragon Coaster, Fun Town Police and Fire Academy, Driving School, LEGO® TECHNIC™ Coaster, and Coastersaurus were boarded for the first time in more than a year by eager children and their families. Guests also enjoyed socially distant character meet and greets, live entertainment, and a wide variety of food options. The Resort’s SEA LIFE® aquarium and LEGO® CHIMA™ Water Park also officially reopened for all guests to enjoy. Guests can purchase tickets and reserve their spot along with pass holders and existing tickets holders through LEGOLAND California’s new reservation system for their desired Park visit. Hotel reservations for stays at LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel can continue to be made online as well. To ensure a safe and healthy experience for its guests, the Resort is implementing safety guidelines which include reduced capacity, cashless payments, social distancing practices and enhanced cleaning regimes. Face coverings will be required for all guests two years of age and up as well as all staff members and temperatures will be taken upon check in. For more Resort information and to make reservations, visit: www.legoland.com/california. LEGOLAND® California Resort includes LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park, LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel. All are geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. At LEGOLAND California, you’ll find more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the new LEGO® City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride where guests experience more than 2,000 real sea animals including real sharks, rays and tropical fish. SEA LIFE aquarium is home to more than 5,000 living creatures and incorporates LEGO® models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails. LEGOLAND Water Park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River plus Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park comprising 10 acres of water fun! The nation’s first LEGOLAND Hotel features 250 rooms, all themed either as pirate, adventure, kingdom, LEGO® Friends and LEGO® NINJAGO™! North America’s first LEGOLAND Castle Hotel features 250 rooms, fully themed as Knights and Dragons, Royal Princess and Magic Wizard. For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346). About Merlin Entertainments Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe's number one and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 129 attractions, 21 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews. |
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