​Celebrate the holidays on the actual backlot sets from one of TV’s most beloved series starting December 21, 2019 through January 5, 2020
 
 
Key Facts:

• Decorated sets include Luke’s Diner, Stars Hollow High School, Lorelai’s house and The Gazebo
• Dining options for purchase feature a holiday-style meal, pizza, hamburgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs and other Lorelai favorites, including Pop-Tarts® and coffee
• Gilmore Girls exclusive merchandise will be available for sale inside Lorelai’s house
• Included as part of the Studio Tour, Classics Made Here Tour and Deluxe Tour
• Opens December 21, 2019 and runs through January 5, 2020

 
 
(Burbank, Ca. – October 22, 2019) – Today, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (WBSTH) announced that this holiday season, Studio Tour guests will be transported back to the whimsical town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, with the return of the “Gilmore Girls Holiday.”  From December 21, 2019 through January 5, 2020, fans of the beloved series can walk in the footsteps of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham), Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), Luke Danes (Scott Paterson), Sookie St. James (Melissa McCarthy) and the whole gang as the Warner Bros. backlot will be transformed into Stars Hollow. The enchanting version of the fictional town will feature original sets and authentic props with photo opportunities available in front of the iconic Gazebo and official Stars Hollow town sign, Luke’s Diner, Lorelai’s house, Stars Hollow High School and more.
 
As guests explore the town square, sipping on hot coffee while enjoying Pop-Tarts® and other fan-favorite treats, they can snap a picture in front of the iconic Gazebo to capture the perfect Gilmore moment. This year the exterior of Luke’s diner will be dressed as seen in the show, providing the ideal setting for fans to reminisce about the many “life changing” coffee chats that were shared inside. The exterior sets of Lorelai’s and Sookie’s homes will be also be festively decorated for the holidays. At the Gilmore residence, authentic props including Lorelai’s 1999 Jeep Wrangler and mailbox (one that Kirk did not sell  via his many entrepreneurial affairs) will be on display, plus much more. As guests step inside the house, original costumes worn by Lorelai, Rory and Luke will be exhibited with an accompanying montage of behind-the-scenes imagery for guests to relive their favorite scenes.
 
“Gilmore Girls touched the hearts of so many fans and spans generations,” said Gary Soloff, Director, Marketing, WBSTH. “This holiday season, our guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind fan experience as they tour the iconic Warner Bros. backlot that will be transformed into the majestic town of Stars Hollow.”
 
Following the success of last year’s “Holiday Lunch at Lorelai’s,” the Studio Tour is bringing back a holiday spread, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available for purchase. Even though Sookie won’t be preparing them herself, Emily Gilmore surely would approve of these culinary treats! Exclusive Gilmore Girls merchandise, such as spirit jerseys, mugs, keychains, notepads, hats and more, will also be available for purchase from the Gilmore Girls pop-up shop located in Lorelai’s house.
 
With the always-evolving exhibits and experiences, WBSTH continues to offer their guests from around the world an intimate look at how Hollywood magic is made. Through behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive looks at costumes and props used in production, fans can get closer to some of their favorite films and TV shows such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Batman, Shameless, Casablanca, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Gilmore Girls and more.
 
“Gilmore Girls Holiday” is included as part of the Studio Tour, Classics Made Here Tour and Deluxe Tour. Tickets can be purchased at  www.wbstudiotour.com.

​PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (Tuesday, October 22, 2019)— Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is about to get a little brighter thanks to Dollywood’s inaugural Flower & Food Festival, a vibrant new event that adds another touch of dazzling color to the natural beauty that already surrounds the award-winning theme park.
 
Coinciding with the park’s 35th anniversary, the first new festival experience at Dollywood since 2006 immerses park guests in the splendor of spring flowers through creative and aromatic displays as well as the freshest food flavors of the spring with delicious and mouth-watering Smoky Mountain cuisine selections. The five-week festival is slated for May 8-June 14.
 
Dollywood’s Dreamer-In-Chief Dolly Parton loved springtime in the Smoky Mountains as a child and continues to draw inspiration from the beauty of what she calls “God’s Coloring Book.” With nearly half-a-million plants and flowers throughout the park, it will be easy for guests to feel as if they are walking through those pages.  
 
“When I was just a little girl, spring was a wondrous time,” Parton explained. “Everything came to life – flowers bloomed in the meadow near our house, and the Dogwood, red bud and fruit trees blossomed with the sweetest smells. I imagined having my own special field of flowers that were a fragrant home to my favorite animal friends in the woods. Now, my Dollywood becomes that special place with everything made of flowers – I can’t wait to share it with everyone just in time for our 35th season!”
 
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival brings Dolly’s dreams to life in an all-new way with floral displays that bloom in a kaleidoscope of colors. In partnership with internationally-acclaimed Mosaicultures flower sculpting team, a multitude of flowers come to life throughout Dollywood as Smoky Mountain turtles, raccoons, frogs, and black bears. Dolly’s rich influence through song comes alive in blooming topiary tributes to “I Will Always Love You” with a floral heart umbrella and to “Coat of Many Colors” with a brilliant butterfly and a marvelous scenic sculpture of her mother sewing the priceless garment. Just like Dolly, these topiaries are larger than life – measuring 10-15 feet tall – and each spring sculpture offers a variety of colors and flowers. 
 
The festival takes its blooms and brilliance throughout Dollywood, starting with photo opportunities before guests step foot through the turnstiles. Once in the park, the Showstreet area of Dollywood becomes a colorful shower of flowers – literally! Guests quickly find themselves under an “Umbrella Sky” with hundreds of multi-colored umbrellas dancing above their heads. “This gives all new meaning to one of my favorite sayings – ‘If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain,’” Parton said. “With these umbrellas, it’s sure to be a sunshine kind of day no matter what!”
 
Flit and Flutter, the colorful characters from Wildwood Grove, venture throughout the park for special meet and greet experiences and photo opportunities during this new event. Special “Instagramable” photo locations and interactive activities allow families to capture special memories that will live on long after the festival flowers bloom.
 
The colorful splendor created by an artful array of flowers and plants is accented by the delicious dishes of spring’s freshest tastes for a mouth-watering festival of flavors. Dollywood’s team of culinary experts dug deep into the traditions of Southern and Smoky Mountain cuisine to plant tantalizing tastes sure to take root on the list of favorite foods for every festival visitor.
 
The fragrant smells of flowers and food are sure to become a guest favorite when this new festival is the main course for Dollywood visitors in spring 2020. Every member of the family should have their 2020 Dollywood season pass early, because it’s going to be an anniversary celebration no one will want to miss! For more information about Dollywood—the Golden Ticket winner for the Best Guest Experience of any theme park in the world—visit Dollywood.com, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or download the Dollywood App.
 
-Dollywood2019-
 
About The Dollywood Company:   A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of more than 35 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 26 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has been named a top three US theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open nine months a year (mid-March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows, and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which received the 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call 1-800-Dollywood or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary. 

​PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (Tuesday, October 22, 2019)—Dollywood commemorates its 35th anniversary season in 2020 with a gorgeous new festival, a calendar packed full of must-see events, and new and returning entertainment offerings featuring some of the greatest performers from around the world.
Dollywood’s “budding” new event, the Flower & Food Festival (May 8-June 14), features brilliant splashes of spring color with numerous vibrant displays of expertly-manicured flowers and plants created by tremendously-talented horticulturists. This springtime event is blooming with fun and discovery around each corner thanks to a number of iconic displays.

In partnership with the internationally-acclaimed Mosaicultures flower sculpting team, Dollywood creates living, larger-than-life sculptures including a butterfly umbrella, a depiction of Dolly’s mother quilting the Coat of Many Colors, various animal scenes and beautiful environmental imaginations. Interactive displays also are found throughout the area. A stunning visual element greets guests on Showstreet, as hundreds of colorful umbrellas are suspended above the pathway creating a dazzling “Umbrella Sky."

In addition to the beautiful flowers and landscaping, a wide-selection of culinary creations that take inspiration from spring in the Smokies will delight guests’ taste buds. Featured items include spring beef over crispy potatoes, heirloom tomato and feta cheese galette, savory lime chicken legs over rice pilaf, and caprese skewers with a balsamic reduction. Refreshing specialty drink options include pink watermelon lemonade slushy, rose lemon spritzer and fresh violet slushy.

In celebration of the 35th anniversary, children born in 2015 or 2016 can take advantage of the free Pre-K Imagination Season Pass. This free pass allows imaginations to roam as kids explore the fun and wonder of Dollywood, including the park’s celebrated new area, Wildwood Grove. Earning the 2019 Golden Ticket Award for Best Kids’ Area of any theme park in the world, Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove is the perfect place for kids of all ages to explore, play and imagine together. To receive the free Pre-K Imagination Season Pass, children born in 2015 or 2016 may begin registering online at Dollywood.com/Pre-K on Nov. 4, 2019. The deadline for registration is Jan. 5, 2020.

Dollywood’s 35th anniversary season begins on March 14 with Festival of Nations (March 14-April 20). The epic stage production of Namaste India and Ole! headline the festival. Namaste India provides guests a journey across India via the myriad dance forms for which the country is known, and Ole! features the self-proclaimed “Gypsy Kings of Comedy.” Popular returning acts are Drumstruck, JigJam and the Invaders Steel Orchestra. International food favorites pair well with the diverse entertainment offerings for an escape around the world in the heart of the Smokies.

Another Dollywood guest favorite, the Gazillion Bubbles Show, marks its return during Summer Celebration (June 20-Aug. 2) and promises to leave every child and child-at-heart with a smile on their face, thanks to “gazillions” of bubbles and guest interactions that make up every performance. Park hours are extended each evening during the festival with a fabulous fireworks finale every night.

Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass presented by BUSH’S® (April 24-May 3) features the biggest names in bluegrass music and the tastiest barbeque anywhere. Everyone’s favorite way to end the summer, Rock the Smokies, returns on Aug. 22 with contemporary Christian superstars TobyMac and Crowder highlighting the event.
​
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Southern Gospel Jubilee (Sept. 25-Oct. 31) provides fun fall days and nights in the Smokies. Recently named the number one theme park Halloween event by USA Today’s 10Best voters, Great Pumpkin LumiNights features thousands of imaginatively-carved pumpkin displays, fun family activities and delicious harvest-themed food.
The season ends with Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 7-Jan. 2), the 12-time Golden Ticket winner for Best Theme Park Christmas event. This festive event is sure to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit thanks to five million twinkling lights, award-winning performances, classic Christmas menus and special features like the Parade of Many Colors and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
Every member of the family should have their 2020 Dollywood season pass early, because it’s going to be an anniversary celebration no one will want to miss! For more information about Dollywood—the Golden Ticket winner for the Best Guest Experience of any theme park in the world—visit Dollywood.com, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or download the Dollywood App. For details about the 35th anniversary season, visit Dollywood.com/35.
 
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About The Dollywood Company:   A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of more than 35 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 26 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has been named a top three US theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open nine months a year (mid-March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows, and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which received the 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call 1-800-Dollywood or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary. 

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that it has appointed Mike Spanos as President and Chief Executive Officer effective November 18, 2019, and as a member of the Board of Directors effective immediately. Mr. Spanos will be relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with his family.

The company’s announcement follows a thorough search process led by a special committee of the Board of Directors. Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO, will resign as a director and an officer of the company effective November 18, 2019. As of that date, Richard Roedel, who has served on the Board of Directors since December, 2010, will be appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Spanos, 55, most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, Asia, Middle East and North Africa (AMENA). AMENA is a sector with $6.0 billion in revenue that spans more than 43 countries with 20,000 direct and 115,000 indirect employees across food and franchise beverage operations, contributing $1.2 billion in operating profit. Under his leadership, the company set a new strategic direction that accelerated both top line and operating profit growth over multiple years through a transformational agenda, first in the Greater China region and then across the AMENA sector, generating significant shareholder value in relation to accelerated revenue, profit, and market share growth.

“Mike is a proven value creator and results-oriented leader, with a strong track-record in operationally intensive businesses both in North America and internationally,” said Jon Luther, Six Flags Independent Lead Director. “His strong strategic ability, marketplace intuition and people leadership skills make him ideal to lead Six Flags.”

Mr. Reid-Anderson added, “As a major investor in Six Flags, I have the utmost confidence in Mike’s ability to further supercharge our growth initiatives, continue to drive innovation, and deliver significant short, medium and long-term value for our stakeholders.”

“I am thrilled to join the dedicated and talented employees of Six Flags,” said Mr. Spanos. “Jim has built an amazing legacy, and I look forward to the next horizon of growth. It is a privilege to be able to lead such a superb organization.”

Mr. Spanos previously held commercial general management roles of increasing responsibility at PepsiCo since 1993, first starting as a frontline territory manager in North America. He has served across multiple international markets for more than seven of his 25 years with PepsiCo, including assignments in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Before joining PepsiCo, Mr. Spanos served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1993. He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy with a B.S. degree in History, and received his M.S. degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with $1.5 billion in revenue and 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 58 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.