SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEME PARK ROUNDUP
By
Steve Zall and Sid Fish
Summer 2014
The weather is really heating up now, and so are our area theme parks, with tons of fun for everyone, such as:
BODIES…The Exhibition and
Titanic the Experience at the
Former Movieland Wax Museum
The all-new exhibition features excitement and educational journeys through beautifully lit presentations with interactive displays and LED panels highlighting various aspects of relevant factoids. The exhibition is produced by Premier Exhibitions, Inc., a leading presenter of museum quality exhibitions throughout the world.
Bodies...The Exhibition
Experienced by more than 15 million people worldwide, Bodies...The Exhibition offers an intimate and informative view into the human body. Using an innovative preservation process, the Exhibition allows visitors to see the human body's inner beauty in educational and awe-inspiring ways. The Exhibition features over 200 actual human bodies and specimens meticulously dissected and respectfully displayed, offering an unprecedented and wholly unique view into the amazing body.
“The educational impact of this exhibition is immeasurable,” said Dr. Roy Glover, professor emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Michigan and chief medical director for BODIES. “For centuries, the medical community has learned about the inner workings of the human body through the study of real human bodies, and now it’s possible for the public to gain an intimate knowledge as well.”
The Exhibition takes visitors through galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and other systems of the human body. Many of the whole body specimens are dissected in vivid athletic poses, allowing the visitor to relate to everyday activities. In addition, authentic human specimens illustrate the damage caused to organs by over-eating and lack of exercise. A healthy lung is featured next to a black lung ravaged by smoking in a vivid comparison more powerful than any textbook image. The Exhibition changes the way people see themselves. It is designed to enlighten, empower, fascinate, and inspire.
The human body specimens in the exhibition are preserved through a revolutionary technique called polymer preservation. In this process, human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. The end result is a rubberized specimen, preserved to the cellular level, showcasing the complexity of the body's many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs. The full-body specimens can take more than a year to prepare.
Titanic the Experience
Titanic the Experience is an unprecedented opportunity to travel back in time and experience the wonder and tragedy of the world’s most famous ocean-liner, Titanic. Visitors interact with trained actors in period costume that portray Titanic notables such as Captain Smith and Margaret Brown.
The Exhibition features over 250 authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the wreck site of Titanic, 2.5 miles beneath the ocean surface. These amazing objects, once thought to be lost forever, along with authentic recreations of some of the most famous rooms on board Titanic, offers visitors an educational, emotional, and poignant look at this iconic Ship and its passengers.
“The incredible story of Titanic is timeless and knows no generational boundaries. Young and old alike are always enthralled with both the beauty and tragedy of the ill-fated ocean liner that is the story of Titanic. With more than 25 million visitors to date, we consistently see how Titanic resonates and touches everyone,” said Alexandra Klingelhofer, Vice President of Collections for RMS Titanic, Inc.
Visitors are quickly drawn back in time to 1912 upon entrance, as each receives a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger aboard Titanic. They then begin their chronological journey through the life of the Titanic, moving through the Ship’s construction, to life on board, to the ill-fated sinking and amazing artifact rescue efforts. They will marvel at the re-created rooms from the famous Ship, and press their palms against an iceberg while learning of countless stories of heroism and humanity. In the “Memorial Gallery” guests take their boarding pass to the memorial wall and discover whether their passenger and traveling companions survived or perished.
Over the past 15 years, more than 25 million people have seen the powerful Premier Exhibition, Inc. produced Titanic Exhibition’s worldwide. Premier Exhibitions, Inc. and its subsidiary, RMS Titanic, Inc. is the only company permitted by law to recover objects from the wreck site of Titanic. The Company was granted Salvor-in-Possession rights to the wreck site of Titanic by a United States federal court in 1994 and has conducted eight research and recovery expeditions to the Titanic rescuing more than 5,500 artifacts.
New Additions for Titanic the Experience Buena Park
Lifeboat Gallery
Making its debut in Buena Park, the Lifeboat Gallery is the first significant design addition to the Premier Exhibition’s produced Titanic exhibits in the last 15 years. This gallery allows visitors to experience one of the most poignant and emotional moments in the sinking of Titanic from the viewpoint of a survivor in one of the 20 lifeboats that were launched from the doomed Ship.
Visitors are lead into the gallery by an Officer from Titanic, and placed into a stylized representation of a lifeboat. A large projected image of Titanic in her final moments, coupled with photos and quotes from survivors, provides a haunting emotional connection to this heartbreaking and historical moment. The experience ends with the sun rising and the welcomed sight of the Carpathia, the ship that rescued the survivors in the aftermath of the sinking.
“Our Exhibitions has always done a wonderful job of transporting visitors back in time to the sailing and sinking of Titanic, but conveying the moments before the Ship submerged to its watery grave is one experience that has been nearly impossible to capture. Using survivors accounts and eye witness testimonies from the senate hearings, we attempted to piece together a snapshot of the sights, sounds and feelings that the 705 survivors must have had in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912,” said Mark Lach, creative director for Premier Exhibitions.
Seabed/Recovery Gallery
Another dramatic addition to the Buena Park Exhibition is the glass floor in the Seabed Gallery. Visitors feel as though they are 2.5 miles beneath the ocean at the wreck site of Titanic, as they walk on an elevated, glass floor over a portrayal of the ocean floor. Visitors end their journey in present day, seeing Titanic how she currently rests, 101 years after her tragic sinking. The content in this gallery is newly released outputs from the most recent dive to Titanic, “Expedition 2010”. This includes some of the most complete and intimate photo mosaics, maps, images and video ever seen of the most famous wreck.
The RMS Titanic sank at 2:20 a.m. on 15 April 1912. Titanic lies in two separate sections at 2.5 miles depth in the North Atlantic and is surrounded by debris filled with personal items and pieces of the actual Ship. For 73 years Titanic was alone and lost. Since the wreck was discovered in 1985, RMS Titanic, Inc. has made eight expeditions to recover more than 5,500 objects, which were carefully cataloged and preserved. The Recovery gallery takes visitors to the wreck site, giving them a sense of adverse conditions and silence surrounding the resting place of the Ship.
BODIES…The Exhibition and Titanic the Experience features two fantastic exhibits – BODIES…The Exhibition and Titanic the Experience side-by-side under one roof. Tickets are available separately for each exhibit or as a combo pack for both exhibits. BODIES…The Exhibition and Titanic the Experience is open daily. For more information call 888-647-2789 or visit www.BuenaParkExhibitions.com.
Disneyland Resort Kicks Off Summer with Reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness Returns
with New Track and Good Old Rollicking Fun
Hold onto your hats and glasses! The wildest ride in the wilderness is up and running with an upgraded track, restoration of the historic Rainbow Ridge Mining Town, new paint on portions of the mountain and updates to the train vehicles. Guests taking a ride on this runaway mine train will discover some new surprises, too.
Along with the new track, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened in March, 2014, with an enhanced audio system that sharpens the sounds heard by guests as they ride through the caverns and buildings. Even the wildlife at Big Thunder can be heard more distinctly. The attraction’s setting evokes 19th century gold-mining territory, with rugged bedrock and desert cactus. Guests board a mine train for a thrilling, high-speed adventure past the spires and buttes of the old West and into the tunnels and shafts of a dark and mysterious mine.
Continuing at Disneyland Park
‘Mickey and the Magical Map’
“Mickey and the Magical Map” is a spectacular, live stage show presented at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. It takes guests on a musical adventure with a mischievous Mickey Mouse and the biggest character on stage, the Map. It spans the entire stage and has magical powers that come to life through amazing theatrical wizardry, colorful visuals and wonderful music. The journey includes encounters with such classic Disney characters as Pocahontas, Mulan, King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” and others. “Mickey and the Magical Map” is designed for Disneyland guests of all ages and represents Disney storytelling at its most thrilling.
Fantasy Faire
Fantasy Faire, a new storybook village near Sleeping Beauty Castle, immerses guests in timeless Disney tales. They can meet several Disney Princesses as they stroll through the beautiful Royal Hall, and then enjoy two Princess-themed shows at the Royal Theatre. The musical shows tell the tales of Rapunzel (“Tangled”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”) as presented by Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, a pair of vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers full of good humor. The princess heroine, Rapunzel or Belle, joins in the fun and remains with the audience to greet guests following the story.
Iron Man Tech Exhibit
“Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries” gives Disneyland guests the chance to see Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor, featuring Iron Man suits Mark I-VII – the same suits featured in “Iron Man 3”. Through simulation technology, guests will also be able to see what it’s like to operate the latest pieces of the Mark 42 Iron Man armor, even getting the chance to test out its repulsor blasts. The exciting new exhibit awaits guests at Innoventions in Tomorrowland, featuring actual set pieces from the film.
Continuing at Disney California Adventure Park
Cars Land and Buena Vista Street
The newly expanded Disney California Adventure continues to be a popular vacation destination, with guests enjoying Cars Land, based on the popular Disney•Pixar animated feature "Cars," and Buena Vista Street, an area themed to 1920s-1930s Los Angeles that adds more stories and entertainment experiences. Cars Land re-creates the town of Radiator Springs, along Route 66, and the highlight of the fuel-driven fun is Radiator Springs Racers. Racers never know which car will win as they go for the Piston Cup. On Buena Vista Street, entertainers such as “Five and Dime” and the Carthay Circle Theatre Restaurant offer guests more to do, day and night.
"Disney Junior – Live on Stage!"
Fans of the Disney Junior television hits “Sofia the First” and “Doc McStuffins” will enjoy interacting with these characters at “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” They join the gang from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” in a show that invites preschoolers to sing, dance and play with enchanting puppets, fanciful scenery and lively music. Sofia the First, Disney’s first little girl princess, and other characters in the show share ideas with guests, encouraging them to become part of the stories. Doc McStuffins consults her Big Book of Boo Boos to help diagnose and mend her toy friends.
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. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.
Knott’s Berry Farm Reopens Two Classic Attractions, Three New Attractions and Harvests Fresh Family Fun All Summer Long
This summer Knott’s Berry Farm, Southern California’s premier theme park, proudly offers three new rides in a fresh Camp Snoopy, a fully refurbished theme park classic- the Calico Mine Ride, and exciting live entertainment the whole family can enjoy this summer season only.
As part of the celebration of 30 years of Camp Snoopy, Knott’s has revitalized one of the most beloved children’s areas ever created. The beautification of the six-acre nature wonderland now features extensive High Sierra theming, and the addition of three new exciting family rides: Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies and Linus Launcher.
Additionally, the classic Calico Mine Ride, Knott’s first major attraction and theme park industry icon, has reopened after undergoing a top-to-bottom refurbishment that began in early January. The renovated attraction includes dozens of new richly-detailed animatronic figures, state-of-the art lighting, audio, and all-new special effects. Passengers embark on the most immersive mining journeys the “Calico Mining Company” has ever offered.
Snoopy is back as the star of the summer hit, Snoopy…Unleashed! presented in the 2,100-seat Charles Schulz Theatre. Snoopy is off his leash and ready for action – going where he wants to go, doing what he wants to do in a way that only Snoopy can. This spectacular ice skating production includes the Peanuts characters, professional ice skaters, elaborate sets and music that will have you singing along all summer long.
Guests won’t want to miss the summer return of Boom Town where the Wild West, at the peak of the Gold Rush, becomes a Cirque performance that really strikes it rich. A cast of nine amazing acrobats brings to life what it was like to live in the small town of Calico in the 1860s. You’ll be inspired to grab your picks and pans,hop in an ore cart and come along for the ride!
Camp-goers will love the summer debut of Charlie Brown’s Happy Campers inside of the newly renovated Camp Snoopy Theatre that now includes a brand new refreshing shade structure. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, their friend JT, and the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy will take the stage in a show that’s sure to make an outdoorsman out of anybody!
Back by popular demand are the Citizens of Ghost Town! Sherriff Jebediah Smith, Beau Regard the saloon owner, the delightful Sweet Adeline and others will again be roaming the streets of Ghost Town to make guests feel as if they have stepped back in time to the 1890s.
Live musical entertainment is farm-wide from morning till night with live performances by Krazy Kirk & The Hillbillies! From the deep country hills of Anaheim, these boys will have toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and gut’s bustin’ during the best darn musical comedy show ever performed at the historic Bird Cage Theatre. The ever-popular Big Fat Steve Band will have guests moving on the Boardwalk Midway with their combination of 60s, 70s and 80s pop music. When summer night stars shine, the Boardwalk will transform into a dance party for all ages as Orange County’s best mixer DJ HowLey mixes and spins the latest sizzling tracks, on select nights. To entertain guests while they dine al fresco the interactive country blue grass quartet, the Ghost Town Miners, will be returning to Spurs Restaurant.
Guests don’t have to be experts at the cha-cha-cha to enjoy Salsa Dance Party in Fiesta Village, where everyone can to take to the floor with some of their favorite dance music to the tunes of a live Salsa band.
All of the summer entertainment is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, which also offers a full day of thrilling coasters and family fun rides, like the recently restored Timber Mountain Log Ride and the expanded Boardwalk area. Knott’s is open extended hours from 10am to 10pm during the summer, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.
Knott’s Soak City, located just across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, is ready for another fun-filled season now through September 14. Cool off in Tidal Wave Bay or take a ride through Pacific Spin’s 132-foot long tunnel. Guests can ride and slide all summer long at Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City with a Gold Season Pass for just 4 easy payments of $25.
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round. 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.
LEGOLAND® Celebrates Opening of the New LEGO® Legends of Chima™ Water Park!
Recently named the number one theme park for families by Parents Magazine, LEGOLAND® California Resort has expanded once again with the grand opening of the LEGO® Legends of Chima™ Water Park presented by Cartoon Network™! The new water park opened in style as celebrities, players from the San Diego Padres and community VIPs walked the “green” carpet before enjoying the new three-acre water park with their families.
General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort Peter Ronchetti welcomed guests as they lined the Lion Temple Wave Pool which is guarded by an 18 foot high LEGO® lion arch created out of 260,000 LEGO bricks. “Since LEGOLAND Water Park opened in 2010, our guests have been asking for more,” said Ronchetti. “This Chima Water Park has such incredible theming and so many awesome interactive features, I’m excited for our guests to experience it and expand their day here at the Resort.”
Having a game didn’t stop San Diego Padres players Rene Rivera, Everth Cabrera and Ian Kennedy from splashing in the 250,000 gallon Lion Temple Wave Pool and enjoying some family time. The wave pool spans over 13,000 square feet, is filled with 250,000 gallons of water, is designed for families with young children and is based on the popular series on the Cartoon Network and the LEGO Group’s newest hit product “Legends of Chima.”
Mt. Cavora, the iconic “floating” mountain, is the heart of Lion Temple Wave Pool soaring 40-feet high releasing 400 gallons of water every minute for guests to splash about and enjoy. The floating mountain, known for providing the great energy source “CHI” to eight animal tribes in Chima, is 23-feet tall, 13-feet wide and weighs more than 11,000 pounds.
Cragger’s Swamp is an interactive water play area at LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park that includes three slides and more than 50 interactive water features. This hands-on area invites guests to ride water slides, blast water cannons and jets and slide through the head of a massive crocodile.
Following in the unique interactive play experience introduced with Build-A-Raft River at LEGOLAND Water Park, Eglor’s Build-A-Boat gives children the opportunity to use their creativity and bring their imaginations to life as they build their own boat out of LEGO bricks and race against their friends. At Speedorz Arena, guests race Speedorz through unique obstacles and cheer on each other. Speedorz are LEGO chariots that the animal tribes use as vehicles to get around, and, of course, race!
LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park is included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND Water Park. For ticket prices, operating schedule and additional 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 through September 1, and the LEGOLAND Hotel is open year round. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.
SeaWorld Presents
Summer Nights at SeaWorld®
At SeaWorld® San Diego, guests can spend more time at the marine park during Summer Nights at SeaWorld. They can enjoy all their favorite park attractions by day, which includes SeaWorld’s Sea of Surprises™ then hang out for a whole new park after dark, capped off with SeaWorld’s new fireworks display, Celebrate the Wonder. Before the night comes to an end, special nighttime animal shows which include the new Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night, and the hilarious Sea Lions Tonite sea lion and otter production sparks guests’ love for marine life. Summer Nights at SeaWorld continues on weekends through June 15 then nightly June 16 through Aug. 17. The summertime program returns to weekend runs Aug. 23-31, and ends on Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 1.
SEAWORLD’S CLUB ATLANTIS: As part of Summer Nights at SeaWorld, young and the young at heart can dance the night away at SeaWorld’s Club Atlantis Presented by Coca-Cola, Thursdays through Sundays June 14 to Aug. 10. Channel 933’s DJ Marc Thrasher keeps the party going from 7 to 10 p.m. with dance team performances, Coca-Cola dance-offs, giveaways and plenty of time to just dance, dance, dance! The night at SeaWorld® San Diego is capped off as the park’s new fireworks display, Celebrate the Wonder, lights up the sky.
CAMP-HAPPY MARINE LIFE LOVERS: SeaWorld® San Diego has everything you need to learn and have fun at its one-of-a-kind SeaWorld Camps. Up-close animal encounters with graceful dolphins; splendid penguins; endangered sea turtles; and not-so-dangerous sharks connect campers with the natural world and inspire a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and wild places. In addition to meeting animals, SeaWorld Resident Camp, Day Camp and Group Camp fosters fun, outdoor explorations, making new friends from around the world, and all of SeaWorld San Diego’s awesome rides, shows and attractions. SeaWorld San Diego Resident Camp five-night sessions begin every Sunday and end each Friday, June 15 through Aug. 15. SeaWorld San Diego Day Camp five-day sessions run Monday through Friday, June 16 to Aug. 15. Space is limited. To register or learn more call (800) 257-4268 or visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com/Education.
SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.
Six Flags Magic Mountain offers Backward Rides on Batman the Ride and Colossus plus the new Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers and Bonzai Pipelines at Hurricane Harbor
There is always something new at Six Flags Magic Mountain! Now you can experience BATMAN The Ride and Colossus backwards for a limited time and this summer, our revitalized children's area will debut with a new kids' coaster. We're also bringing back our popular Membership and Season Dining Pass programs. The 2014 Season Dining Pass allows Six Flags Season Pass Holders to eat lunch and dinner at the park every time they visit -- all for just one upfront payment. Each meal comes with one of several entrees ranging from cheeseburger and fries to hearty salads to pulled pork sandwiches and pizza.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is introducing an exciting season-long line-up of thrills. Now you can ride BATMAN The Ride and Colossus backwards for a limited time, and in summer, the children’s area will expand with a family-friendly coaster and a new show.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is intensifying your ride experience and twisting your view on BATMAN The Ride. The thrill ride now runs backwards, giving you a whole new experience as you face the other direction. As you fly in reverse along the 2,700-foot track with your feet dangling below, your ride is unpredictable because you won’t be able to see the hairpin turns, vertical loops and heartline spins coming up next.
No matter how many times you’ve been on the classic Colossus before, you’re going to be completely surprised during the reverse experience this spring that is usually reserved for Fright Fest. As you elevate up the 100-foot-tall lift hill, you’ll stare right back down at the ground you just traveled, and unpredictably plunge down the drop. You’ll race up and down 14 hills and a triple jump before you can even prepare to scream.
Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers are coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain's revitalized Bugs Bunny World this summer. This new pint-sized ride will be our fourth roller coaster — more than any other U.S. theme park!
Kids and parents will hop aboard the miniature hot rod race cars together and enjoy an action-packed ride. You'll experience plenty of drops and thrills as you sprint around the grand prix track.
Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers may be smaller but it packs a big punch, delivering lots of oohs and aahs for the young adventurists in your family. Experience swift turns and drops, racing at moderate speeds that'll make them scream and giggle at the same time.
This mini-coaster is the perfect training ground for future thrill seekers. One day they'll ride Tatsu, Goliath and Full Throttle but in the meantime, here's a fun and friendly smaller-scale roller coaster for the little ones in your crew.
Bugs Bunny World is the six-acre children’s area of the park with 12 pint-sized attractions. In summer 2014, this area will get a makeover with the addition of a new coaster and family-friendly show in the Carrot Club Theater. The new children’s coaster will be the 19th coaster at the park, and will feature an action-packed adventure with drops and hills for thrill-seekers-in-training. The new coaster addition brings the total number of coasters in the children’s area to four; more than any other U.S. theme park.
Other amazing attractions include Full Throttle, the world’s tallest and fastest looping coaster; LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom, the world's tallest vertical drop ride; GREEN LANTERN: First Flight, a spinning coaster on a zigzag pattern track; Tatsu, the tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster on Earth; and X2, a fifth-dimensional roller coaster that we've taken to next level with completely redesigned trains and state-of-the-art visual, audio and sensory effects.
But we haven't forgotten our youngest guests. Within Six Flags Magic Mountain is Bugs Bunny World, a six-acre, interactive wonderland where children enjoy pint-sized thrills.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Bonzai Pipelines has washed ashore! This high altitude slide experience that will take you to your limit and beyond.
Check out the two individual looping body slides as you make the six-story climb to the top, which gives you plenty of time to work up the courage you’ll need to attack the run.
Your body gets sealed into one of two see-through launchers, as you stand precariously on a trap door at your feet. And in one crazy instant, that door will spring open and you literally fall right through the floor and into the slide. How’s that for a surprise?
After you make it through that challenge, you have to deal with the “six story drop” part of the ride. It’s 50 feet of free fall before you hit the rest of the enclosed, pitch black course. Then get ready for 200 feet of extreme looping body slide action. You’ll hurtle down the wildly curving enclosed slide so fast you won’t even have time to be scared.
Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor in Valencia is open daily through September 1. For more information call 661-255-4100 or visit www.sixflagsmagicmountain.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood Opens ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,’ an Immersive 3D Ultra-HD Adventure and ‘Super Silly Fun Land,’ an Imaginative and Interactive Play Zone
“Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” an original 3D Ultra-HD adventure and “Super Silly Fun Land,” an imaginative and interactive play zone based on Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s international blockbuster “Despicable Me,” has come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Voiced by the film’s original stars, the fully immersive motion-simulator ride features the quirky but lovable cast of characters that have resonated with audiences across the globe: super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and an army of unpredictably entertaining Minions.
“‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’” pushes the creative envelope with its innovative show content, sight gags, special effects and original 3D digital animation. The ride’s exterior environment features even more thematic and colorful creative touches that literally places park guests inside Gru’s world.
The “Despicable Me” ride welcomes guests to Minion mayhem via an elaborately themed neighborhood, recreated with precision to mirror Gru’s idyllic suburban neighborhood, his ominous house and Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls as if lifted from the film and surreptitiously placed within Universal Studios Hollywood. Whimsically themed queues, clever preshow videos and comedic dialogue set up the fundamental plot: Gru secret mission to create as many mischievous Minions as possible from human recruits.
The ride transports guests into Gru’s iconic house where they will meander through his living room and encounter many memorable visual elements from the movie, including the notorious SR6 Shrink Ray, as they make their way through Gru’s super-villain laboratory. The exciting journey sends guests on a swerving, bouncing and plunging excursion through the frantically humorous Minion training mission, all the while donning specially-designed 3D “Minion Goggles.” A post-show Minion dance party finales invites guests to strut their stuff in an impromptu Minion dance party.
“Super Silly Fun Land,” an all-new elaborate play zone unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, debuts adjacent to “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.” The colorfully themed, interactive Minion-inspired outdoor venue, a literal interpretation of the seaside carnival from the film, entertains guests of all ages with more than 80 different water play features. A nearby dry zone invites guests to climb, jump and slide – while a Minion themed ride, “Silly Swirly Fun Ride,” soars and spins guests around for a 360-degree view of “Super Silly Fun Land” aboard a fleet of uniquely-styled ride vehicles.
Together, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” represents a distinct, immersive environment within the theme park, reimagined to fully engage guests in the world of Gru and his Minions joining Universal Studios Hollywood’s dynamic roster of award-winning themed attractions.
Universal Studios Hollywood SM, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue. World-class rides and attractions include the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “The Simpsons RideTM,” “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride,” “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” and the much anticipated 3D Ultra-HD movie motion-simulator adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”
Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year round. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
So get yourself up and out of the house to see what’s up and new at one of these great attractions today!
