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11/14/2023

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

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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
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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
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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.
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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
​

11/14/2023

Hersheypark Unveils New Comet Coaster Trains for 2024

Today at IAAPA Expo 2023, Hersheypark and Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. (PTCI) unveiled new trains for Comet, the oldest continuously operating coaster at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania.
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The design features a three-tone blue color scheme and a glittering metal flake treatment.  The lead car will have new logos that harken back to the early 70's iconography of the Comet but with a new celestial treatment that carries onto the side panels of each car for an out-of-this-world look. The star is now featured prominently blazing across the track, leaving a sparkling ion tail in its wake. The new trains will also boast gold trim and diamond plate details.
The new Comet trains will arrive later this month at Hersheypark and will be available to guests to see and experience when the coaster begins spring operations in 2024.
HISTORY OF CLASSIC COASTER: 
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Located in The Hollow region of Hersheypark, Comet continues to delight generations of riders 42" and taller (Reese's height category and above) during Spring weekends, summer and Hersheypark Halloween. It is one of 15 coasters in an iconic collection at Hersheypark.

Comet was the last coaster purchased by founder Milton S. Hershey. It was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) and opened to the public in May 1946. For more than 75 years, the classic wooden roller coaster has been widely known for its great first drop, several airtime-producing bunny hills and long reign inside Hersheypark. Since its opening in the 1940s, the classic woodie has received multiple different logo treatments and train color schemes like green, black and at least two shades of blue. The modified double out-and-back classic wood coaster has two, 24-passenger trains.
RIDE EXPERIENCE: 
The ride experience begins as soon as the train leaves the station and immediately climbs 96 feet up the chain lift hill. The coaster then rumbles down the first 47-degree drop and flies back up the next hill to make a swooping 180-degree turn that reveals a stunning view of The Hollow. Comet dips back down towards Spring Creek and sends riders on a series of twisting turns and hair-raising hills. A handful of airtime-filled bunny hills give riders a final thrill before arriving back at the station. Comet reaches a top speed of 50 miles per hour during its 3,360-foot journey that lasts 1 minute 45 seconds.

11/14/2023

Universal Orlando Resort Kicks off Holiday Celebrations November 17th through December 31

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR HAS ARRIVED!
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT KICKS OFF ITS DESTINATION-WIDE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, FEATURING CHRISTMAS IN THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, GRINCHMAS, UNIVERSAL’S HOLIDAY PARADE FEATURING MACY’S AND SO MUCH MORE
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Universal Orlando’s Holiday Festivities Run Daily November 17 through December 31 and are Included in Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
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U.S. and Canada Residents Can Take Advantage of a Holly Jolly Ticket Offer and Get 2 Days Free of Admission to Universal Orlando’s Theme Parks with the Purchase of a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket
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ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2023) – Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Holidays celebration officially kicks off this Friday – inviting guests to set their festive side free with a multitude of merry experiences across the award-winning theme park destination. Beginning November 17 and running daily through December 31, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Universal Orlando as they enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a delicious assortment of festive-themed fare, an all-new incredibly themed Holiday Tribute Store and so much more.
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See below for more information about the exciting offerings available at Universal Orlando this holiday season:
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Festive Experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure can unleash their holiday spirit as they experience a mix of merry and mischief across the theme parks, including:
  • Exploring the wizarding holiday wonderlands of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then capping the night with the wondrous spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
  • Meeting the mean, green one himself – the Grinch – and reveling in the spirit of Grinchmas with a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” during “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” at Universal Islands of Adventure
  • Gazing in awe at the larger-than-life balloons, festive holiday floats and beloved characters that wind the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holidays Parade featuring Macy’s
  • Enjoying the sounds of the season with live performances by the top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, at Universal Studios Florida on December 2, 3, 9 and 10
  • And more!
Delight in Holiday-Themed Treats
Guests can savor a taste of the holidays with delicious specialty food and beverage offerings inspired by fan-favorite holiday characters along with returning seasonal flavors, including a Holiday Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato, a Turkey Dinner Sandwich, Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb, and Grinch-themed treats like Grinch Cookies, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich and a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb. At Universal CityWalk, guests can also enjoy the all-new Letters to Santa Holiday Shake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – complete with coquito ice cream, dulce de leche and a chocolate Christmas card.
Shop the All-New Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida
The whimsical Holidays celebration continues with this year’s newly themed Tribute Store, “Universal Tribute Store and Post,” which captures the warm spirit of gift giving during the holiday season. The post office-themed store includes three rooms inspired by the Hogsmeade Owl Post, Who-ville Post Office and Earl’s Garage Delivery Hub – full of seasonal treats and merchandise like Christmas at Hogwarts sweatshirts and an interactive snowy owl plush, a Grinch plush backpack and popcorn bucket, an Earl the Squirrel spirit jersey and plush, and so much more. Guests can also browse select items from Universal’s assortment of Holidays merchandise and make purchases online by visiting www.Shop.UniversalOrlando.com.
The Holiday Adventures Continue at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando’s Hotels
Guests can keep the festivities going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and beverage and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor and feature holiday feasts and activities the whole family can enjoy, including special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, plus menorah lightings and more. Select hotels even offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers.

Access to Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. U.S. and Canada residents can now take advantage of the “Get 2 Days Free with a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket” and spend five days celebrating the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for the price of a three-day ticket. Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal Volcano Bay – click here for more information and to purchase. Plus, guests looking to add a Universal hotel to their holiday getaway can save 20% on a four-night stay in the 2-bedroom suites at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites, and the family suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Guests can also ring in the new year across the destination – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and select venues at Universal CityWalk will be open after midnight on New Year's Eve for the festivities.
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Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration runs daily from November 17 through December 31. For more information and to book a festive getaway, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.
About Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

The 700-acre resort is home to two exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a third next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also find the perfect balance of thrills and relaxation at the Universal Volcano Bay water park, relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget –  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites.
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For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

11/13/2023

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

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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.
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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.

11/10/2023

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 )

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