SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

THEME PARK ROUNDUP

 

By

Steve Zall and Sid Fish

 

Winter 2013

Trimming the tree, caroling with friends, holiday parties, shopping for gifts – there’s so much to do during the holidays you might forget to check out the season’s events at our local theme parks, such as:

 

Disneyland Resort Debuts

‘World of Color − Winter Dreams,’

 A Merry New Spectacular for the

2013 Holiday Season

 

Holiday Season Includes Christmas Parade, Jingle Cruise, ‘Holiday Magic’ Fireworks and Snowfall in Disneyland Park

 

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are filled with an abundance of merriment, tradition and new experiences this year, including the debut of “World of Color − Winter Dreams.” The all-new version of “World of Color” in Disney California Adventure Park brings the spirit of the holidays to life with music, humor and the joy of the season.

 

 

 

Hosted by Olaf the snowman, from the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature “Frozen,” the “World of Color − Winter Dreams” show combines new animation with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar films, such as “Bambi”, “Fantasia” and “Toy Story”. The show includes new music and special effects, including new methods for utilizing the massive “stage” of water, color, and light that comes to life with the power of nearly 1,200 fountains.

 

 

 

Also new in Disney California Adventure, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” takes over Paradise Gardens with a daily celebration inspired by the warmth and joyous spirit of Latino culture and holiday traditions. From Nov. 15 through Jan. 6, 2014, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” offers special activities such as live Latino music, dance lessons, crafts, and face painting for children and a “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.” The festivities also include traditional holiday foods and appearances by some popular Disney characters. The grand finale of “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” will be the special celebration of Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) Jan. 3 through 6, 2014 in Paradise Garden.

These new experiences join a merry lineup of Disneyland Resort holiday traditions that begin Nov. 12, including “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park, plus special seasonal décor on Buena Vista Street, along with whimsical décor in Cars Land and a bug’s land in Disney California Adventure. Characters also make holiday appearances and the skippers of Jingle Cruise add some new holiday fun.

 

 

 

At Disney California Adventure Park

In addition to all the holiday cheer in “World of Color – Winter Dreams” and “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!,” Disney California Adventure gets a spectacular seasonal makeover:

• A whimsical “snowcar” (the Radiator Springs version of a snowman) stands at the entrance to Cars Land, and each address along Route 66 – Flo’s V-8 Café, Fillmore’s, Cozy Cone Motel, Luigi’s Casa della Tires and more – features holiday décor that reflects the personality of the “Cars” character who lives there.
• A dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree adorns Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street. The tree and surrounding buildings, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s, are decorated with vintage-style ornaments.
• Children of all ages may visit a classic department store Santa at Elias & Co., the main department store along Buena Vista Street.
• Wintertime fun rocks the night at “Mad T Party” as Alice and the Mad Hatter add their own brand of off-kilter holiday spirit to the nighttime celebration in Hollywood Land.
• “A bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
• A Holiday edition of the street show, “Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party”, includes festive décor, costumes and holiday tunes. The showinvites guests of all ages to “seize the day”, dancing and singing on Paradise Pier with the Disney Channel’s inventive animated boy geniuses.

 

 

 

At Disneyland Park

Two new experiences come to life in Disneyland this November, revealing the worlds of exciting new films, the comedy adventure “Frozen” and the epic adventure “Thor: The Dark World.” In Tomorrowland, Thor: Treasures of Asgard invites guests into a column of light and color which magically transports them from Disneyland to the home world of Thor, the Mighty Avenger. In Fantasyland, guests meet the enchanting sisters from “Frozen” – the fearless and optimistic Anna, and Elsa, who has the power to control snow and ice.

 

 

 

Also new, the popular Jungle Cruise attraction dashes through the holiday season as Jingle Cruise. The adventurous skippers in Adventureland celebrate the holidays by decorating their dock and boathouse with ornaments sent from home, augmented with their own plants, flowers, rope and items from their jungle surroundings. Passengers aboard the Jingle Cruise are treated to a stocking full of new Yuletide patter as they sail past familiar jungle scenes: “All those baby elephants want is their two trunk teeth”.

Many long-standing holiday traditions delight Disneyland guests throughout the season, including:

• Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle - A sensational holiday lighting and special-effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the 60-foot tall Disneyland Christmas tree in Town Square. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, ending with a touching rendition of “White Christmas,” along with a climactic snowfall swirling upon Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.
• “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade - On Main Street, U.S.A., Disney characters celebrate the magic of the season, wrapping gifts, baking holiday treats and preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus, who shouts a jolly greeting to spectators along the parade route. New for 2013, winter skiers (on roller skis) glide around a frost-covered pine tree, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from “The Princess and the Frog” join the Candlelight Costume Ball, and a corps of Finale Dancers in gorgeous Dickens-era costumes lead the way for Santa and his reindeer.

• “it’s a small world” Holiday becomes a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its façade and, inside, the children of many nations in their holiday attire. New for 2013, the smiling clock at the front of “it’s a small world” reveals a sparkling, new projection show. After dark, on every quarter hour, the façade of the attraction is transformed into an enormous clockwork mechanism with advanced 3D-projection technology. The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the clock.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.
• Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus greet Disneyland guests at Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Big Thunder Ranch, in Frontierland. Children and families can chat with St. Nick, meet Disney characters, and enjoy games, music, crafts and seasonal entertainment
• Guests may book the seasonal favorite “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour which provides entry into “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday along with reserved seating and a holiday treat while enjoying “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. The tour also includes a view of the holiday décor in Disney California Adventure, a keepsake remembrance and entertaining information about Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations, guests may visit any Disneyland Resort Guest Relations location or call (714) 781-TOUR (781-8687).

 

 

 

Holiday Magic throughout Disneyland Resort

• Guests in the Downtown Disney district get into the holiday spirit at the Downtown Disney Winter Village, visiting the quaint cottages, browsing for gifts in the “shopping chalets” and enjoying a 30-foot Christmas tree. Guests also lace up their skates to make spirits bright along the newly themed Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink. The rink hours are scheduled for 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
• Disneyland Resort hotels join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus. Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks extend the family fun and offer more time for guests to enjoy all there is to see and do at the Disneyland Resort.

For more information about the Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays. For ticket and hotel offers, visit www.disneyland.com/offers.

Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences. The resort’s three hotels are the luxurious 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 970-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its day-at-the-beach fun.

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is open daily year round, and Winter Magic runs through January 6. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

 

 

Knott’s Merry Farm Southern California’s Holiday Tradition

 

Live Entertainment, Spectacular Decorations and New Festive Fun for All

 

Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with the spirit of the holiday season as it wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm! The perfect place to make holiday memories and traditions invites guests to celebrate with new attractions, live entertainment, a crafts fair, festive food, lavish holiday decorations, and more.

 

 

New for 2013, the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town will be home to Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Here, the young and the young at heart can share their wish lists with jolly ol’ St. Nick and take home a picture of the occasion. You can also indulge in holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, sundae bar, decadent hot chocolate topped with hand carved chocolate shavings, winter wine and craft beer tastings, and more. Savor the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats, including fresh made-to-order Maple Lollipops in Ghost Town’s Main Street, churros from the Churro Factory, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men in the Farm Bakery, as well as the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. (Some experiences require additional fees)

 

 

Also new for 2013, the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad celebrate Christmas on Engine 41. Climb aboard a vintage railcar and meet an ever-changing group of Ghost Town residents eager to share their Christmas plans with you, November 28 – January 5 (except 12/25) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Dreaming of a white knuckle Christmas?Hang on tight on the ultimate wooden sleigh ride, GhostRider®, and Knott’s newest attraction, Coast Rider, will have everyone in the family clinging to the handrails.

No visit to Knott’s Merry Farm is complete without catching a performance of the world famous ice show, It’s Christmas, Snoopy! Starring Santa Snoopy and presented in the iconic Charles M. Schulz Theatre November 28 – 30, Dec., 1, 7, 8, 14 – 17, 19 – 24, 26 – 31, Jan., 1, 3 – 5. Experience a unique live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi in an intimate setting of the historic Bird Cage Theatre, November 28 – January 5 (except 12/25).

 

 

Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village as it transforms Ghost Town into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artists and artisans selling their unique wares including a chainsaw sculptor and glass blower. Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursday and is included with daily with theme park admission (available November 28 through December 24). Ghost Town also celebrates of the sounds of the season with its very own Dickensian vocal quartet, Calico Carolers and interactive country Christmas blue grass quartet, the Ghost Town Miners.

When the sun sets on the Farm, Calico Stage lights up with the celebration of the season in Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting. Join us for a musical, whimsical tree lighting featuring a cast of Toy Soldiers, Snowmen, Elves and America’s most famous beagle, Snoopy! Over in Camp Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy invite you to dance, sing and join in on the holiday fun in Lucy’s Wish List show in Camp Snoopy Theatre (November 28 – January 5). Guests will marvel at the wonder of Snoopy’s Magical Nights of Lights, where thousands of twinkling lights merrily light up the nighttime sky accompanied by a festive soundtrack that brings the Christmas spirit to life. It’s the perfect holiday bow atop your festive day of play at Knott’s Merry Farm.

The perfect stocking stufferis now on-sale! 2014 Season Passes include one-time free visit in 2013, unlimited visits in 2014, as well as the other exciting seasonal events happening year-round at Knott’s Berry Farm. Season Passes offer exclusive discounts, special Pass Holder events, Bring-a-Friend Days and more. For affordable year-round fun for everyone on your “nice” list, Season Passes can be purchased online at knotts.com starting at $78.00 or with six easy installment payments of just $13.00 until January 5, 2014.

Joy is in season at Knott’s Merry Farm! To learn more visit knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Join the festive conversation using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm on the Knott’s Facebook or Twitter page.

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round, and Merry Farm runs through January 5. For more information call 714-220-5200 or visit www.knotts.com, where you can also download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone, or save time and money with Knott’s Print@Home tickets.

 

Snow in Forecast at LEGOLAND^® California Resort for
Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights!

Snow, snow, and more snow! LEGOLAND^® California Resort is gearing up for the biggest snowfall in San Diego for its holiday celebration, Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights. The winter celebration begins with more than 50 tons of real snow, festive treats, holiday entertainment and family fun activities.

During Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights, the Park’s Fun Town transforms into a winter wonderland where families throw snowballs at LEGO themed targets and build snowmen using LEGO^® accessories. New this year, children can enjoy their first snow-tubing experience gliding down 7-foot tall snow-covered tube runs! Park guests can also sing along with holiday entertainment including live music featuring LEGO Friends Live, Jingle Jammers, the Big Test Holiday show and the Holiday Character Dance Party! Holiday Snow Days continue with the lighting of the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree and concludes with San Diego’s biggest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party.

The 30-foot tall Christmas tree is created out of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO^® bricks and is adorned with more than 400 LEGO ornaments. A surprise celebrity guest will pull the switch that lights the tree during the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2, and one lucky child selected through LEGOLAND California Resort’s Facebook Page will light the LEGO Christmas tree nightly Dec. 1 through Dec. 24.

Fireworks spark each night Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. The best view to see the festive fireworks display is in the Park’s Fun Town. And don’t miss a stroll through Miniland U.S.A, which is decorated for the season with LEGO holiday scenes including Santa arriving on top of the White House in Washington, D.C.

LEGOLAND California Resort is featuring holiday treats including Bavarian Bratwursts, buttery mash potatoes, sweet potato fries, churros, warm spiced apple cider, and holiday cookies. All delicious treats are available for purchase throughout the celebration.

SEA LIFE^® Aquarium joins in the holiday fun with an underwater LEGO Christmas tree, holiday-themed Daily Dive Show and a ‘green’ crafting event. The LEGOLAND Hotel also is getting in the holiday spirit with nightly entertainment, holiday- themed LEGO^® daily model build contests and holiday décor exclusive to Hotel guests.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve is the biggest annual family-friendly party allowing kids to ring in 2014 without missing their bedtime! Like the famous ball dropping in Times Square, Kids’ New Year’s Eve rocks the night with special musical performances from Grammy nominated musical artists, a huge LEGO brick dropping 22-feet into the air and a spectacular fireworks display at 6 p.m.

LEGOLAND California is extending its Park hours for the winter holiday during these dates: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 7, 14,21,22,23, and 26-31. LEGOLAND California Resort is offering a gift for holiday guests. From Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, buy a one-day admission to LEGOLAND California and return a second day for free between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2014. All Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights activities are included in the price of LEGOLAND California admission ticket.

For more Holiday Snow Days information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

LEGOLAND California Resort includes LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park, all geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. LEGOLAND California features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions including LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland and the all-new Pirate Reef where guests board boats that drop down 25 feet between two battling pirate ships! SEA LIFE incorporates LEGO models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean and features play zones, fun facts, quiz trails, and the all-new Claws exhibit.

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is open daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Holiday Snow Days runs through December 31, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.

 

 

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

 

Is Tons of Fun for the Whole Family

 

Shamu, Santa and snow…It’s all part of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration^®! With special holiday-themed animal shows, real snow, live reindeer and more than one million holiday lights, SeaWorld^® is the place to be this Christmas season.

 

 

 

Only SeaWorld can offer this kind of unique experience: Shamu and friends celebrate with the Shamu’s Christmas nighttime killer whale show; back this year is SnowWorld^®, a winter wonderland of snowmen and family fun, with a fun snowball target game for kids; SeaWorld’s prankster-loving pinnipeds (California sea lions) have a hilarious holiday time in Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special; Elmo ponders what his Christmas wish should be in Elmo’s Christmas Wish, a live stage show at Sesame Street^® Bay of Play^®; Christmas characters— including the Peppermint Princess, a jack-in-the-box, Santa’s Elves, and the Nutcracker—delight guests of all ages; and the nightly lighting of SeaWorld’s 320-foot Christmas Skytower Tree of Lights, is sure to put guests in the spirit of the season. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebrationtakes place on select dates between Nov. 16, 2013 and Jan. 4, 2014. Holiday festivities are included with park admission.

 

 

 

Here’s a detailed look at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2013:

• NEW! -- Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special: SeaWorld’s prankster-loving pinnipeds Clyde^® and Seamore^® have a hilarious holiday time in this new Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show.
• NEW! -- The Pets Rule Christmas: A new specially themed show featuring the shelter-adopted stars of the park’s Pets Rule! show. As the winter season begins, the pets partake in holiday hijinks.
• NEW! – Elmo’s Christmas Wish: Elmo, with help from his friends, decides what his Christmas wish should be in Elmo’s Christmas Wish, a live show on the Furry Photos stage at Sesame Street^® Bay of Play^® and is followed by a meet and greet with some of the characters.
• Shamu’s Christmas: Shamu^® and friends celebrate Christmas with music and merriment, including live singers, a saxophonist and community Christmas choirs spreading good cheer. Shamu Stadium transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas trees, decorations, and beautiful scenes on the 80-foot-wide LED screens.
• SnowWorld: This winter wonderland at Arctic Plaza provides festive fun for the family including lots of snow, a snowball target area, and, for the little ones, hills to sled down.
• Christmas Vacation for the Madagascar Gang: Alex, Gloria, the Penguins, King Julien and Mort celebrate the holidays vacationing in San Diego, in Madagascar Live! Operation: Christmas Vacation, performed at Mission Bay Theater.
• Santa’s Cottage: Features real reindeer for guests to meet up-close and, on select dates, the opportunity to get a photo with Santa. Plus, Mrs. Claus invites guests to bring their Christmas cheer to help her light a festive, 24-foot tree (on select dates).
• Breakfast with Shamu and Santa: A seasonal event during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Advance reservations are recommended as some seatings sell out quickly. Call (800) 257-4268 for details and reservations.
• Holiday Atmosphere: SeaWorld will be decked out, with more than one million holiday lights throughout the park, and a 40-foot tree with an animated light show. Outside Pets’ Playhouse, guests will find the Cat’s Christmas Parlor, where the feline stars of Pets Rule! hang out in their own Christmas-themed house. Plus, Southern California’s largest Christmas tree—SeaWorld’s 320-foot Christmas Tree of Lights—shines bright above the whole park from dusk to midnight.

 

 

 

All Christmas Celebration festivities are included with SeaWorld admission. The best way to enjoy SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a Fun Card. Guests who purchase a 2014 SeaWorld Fun Card can enjoy all of SeaWorld’s Christmas festivities in 2013, plus come back again and again in 2014 and enjoy SeaWorld’s 50^th Celebration Sea of Surprises, all for the price of single-day admission (blackout dates apply). For ticket prices, show schedules and more information, visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.comor call (800) 25-SHAMU.

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round, and Christmas Celebration runs through January 4 . For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com.

 

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain Celebrates

Toys for the Holidays

Free Admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain

 

Get into the spirit of the season and help spread some holiday cheer! Six Flags Magic Mountain will offer free admission to anyone bringing a new, unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more to the theme park on December 7^th, 8^th, 14^th and 15^th for the annual TOYS FOR THE HOLIDAYStoy drive. Price tag and/or receipt should accompany the toy. Used, dirty or broken toys, open puzzles and toy guns will not be accepted. Books, CDs, DVDs, and video games are not considered toys…they may be donated, but will not earn a free ticket.

 

 

In the more than 27 years since Six Flags Magic Mountain has been implementing toy drives, more than 500,000 toys have been collected for Southland youngsters making it one of the single most successful long-running holiday toy drive campaigns in the United States. All toys collected during this year’s four-day event will be distributed with the help of UPS to thousands of children through local charities including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern California.

 "The demand for toys is greater than it’s ever been as the number of underprivileged children in the Southland continues to grow,” stated Bonnie Rabjohn, Park President of Six Flags Magic Mountain. “We’re calling for all Southern Californians to contribute to the toy drive and help make this holiday season brighter for children of all ages and backgrounds."    

Free admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain with a toy donation includes unlimited use of the thrill park’s world-class roller coasters and thrill rides such as Full Throttle, X2, Goliath, Tatsu, Colossus, LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom, SUPERMAN: Escape from Krypton, and more.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is open weekends only through December, and select holidays, including December 21 – January 5. For more information call 661-255-4100 or visit www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

 

 

 

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates ‘Grinchmas’ as The Entertainment Capital

 

of L.A. Welcomes the Arrival of the

 

‘Wholiday’ Season

 

Universal Studios Hollywood marks the "Who-liday" season each December with "Grinchmas”, an annual celebration of the holidays. Featuring nightly tree lighting ceremonies, a playground of fresh snow and daily celebrity readings of the Dr. Seuss classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission, and is an experience perfect for the whole family.

 

 

The Grinch is set to deck the halls at Universal Studios Hollywood^SM as “Grinchmas” returns to The Entertainment Capital of L.A.^SM with “Whobilation” throughout the theme park, featuring The Grinch and his faithful dog Max, a lively performance at the original “Who-ville” movie sets aboard the world famous Studio Tour and a soaring “Grinchmas” tree at the heart of the park’s all-new, visually spectacular Universal Plaza.

The Universal Plaza, an elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will serve as the new venue for the towering “Grinchmas” tree – a whimsical centerpiece twisting and spiraling 60 feet above visitors below and providing the ideal location for warm, holiday memory-making, while The Grinch and his adorable dog Max entertain guests nearby with fun-filled photo opportunities.

 

 

Aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, fans of the blockbuster film, “Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will have the chance to enjoy a close-up view of the original Who-ville film sets with a one-of-a-kind performance by a Who’s Who of Who-ville re-enacting memorable scenes and songs from the family favorite.

Enjoy a helping of Wholiday cheer:

• Take photos with Grinch and his dog Max and make it a Grinchmas to remember
• Join the Backlot Whobilation as the Whos sing and dance through Whoville
• Stand beneath the towering 60-foot Grinchmas tree and soak in the festive Park décor

 

As families prepare for holiday gift giving, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular “Buy A Day, Get 2014 Free" annual pass returns, offering tremendous value and visits throughout 2014 for the price of a single day’s admission. Guests who purchase the “Buy A Day, Get 2014 Free” pass can return to experience Universal Studios Hollywood‘s award-winning thrill rides, including “Transformers^TM:  The Ride—3D” and the new “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” attraction opening in Spring 2014, as well as receive savings on tickets purchased for visiting friends and family. For more information and to purchase tickets, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year round, and “Grinchmas” continues on weekends through December 15, then daily from December 20 through January 4. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

So take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and treat yourself to a trip to one of these incredible theme parks before they melt away!