SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
THEME PARK ROUNDUP
By
Steve Zall and Sid Fish
Winter 2014
Christmas has hit our Southern California Theme Parks in loads of wonderful ways, such as:
At Disneyland Resort the Merriment Continues with ‘Disney ¡Viva Navidad!’ at Disney California Adventure Park, ‘it’s a small world’ Holiday at Disneyland Park
and ‘Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink’ at
Downtown Disney Winter Village
The Happiest Place on Earth Just Gets Merrier with Anna and Elsa from Walt Disney Pictures’ animated hit “Frozen” joining the annual holiday celebration at the Disneyland Resort. The Holidays bring themed entertainment, sparkling decorations, delicious treats, festive traditions and holiday shopping to locations throughout the Resort.
Among the highlights of the season through Jan. 6, 2015, is the return of the breathtaking “World of Color – Winter Dreams” holiday spectacular – with new songs added from the “Frozen” soundtrack. Also returning to Disney California Adventure Park is the festive “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” holiday celebration and the grand finale of the season, a five-day celebration of Three Kings Day.
Holiday time at Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many guests, filled with an abundance of merriment, tradition and magical memories. This year Disney Parks invites guests to “Show Your Disney Side” as they explore all there is to see and do. Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks extend the family fun time, while the Downtown Disney Winter Village offers a chance to play and skate at “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink”.
At Disneyland Park
At Disneyland Park, holiday traditions include the popular “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by welcoming Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” into the cast. They are among the 100-plus parade performers, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, other Disney characters and Santa Claus, making a special appearance from the North Pole.
When Santa isn’t appearing in “A Christmas Fantasy”, he and Mrs. Claus are greeting guests and listening to holiday wishes at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Big Thunder Ranch in Disneyland. Jingle Jangle Jamboree comes to life with Disney characters, music, games, cookie decorating, crafts and seasonal entertainment. New this year on the Jamboree stage is a comedy and music show that invites guests to laugh and sing along in a wacky tale of Christmas in the West.
Additional beloved holiday traditions at Disneyland include:
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” and a climactic snowfall swirling upon Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.
“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. After dark, the smiling clock at the front of “it’s a small world” reveals a sparkling projection show. 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 Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays, including the newest version of the Haunted Mansion gingerbread house.
The skippers of “Jingle Cruise” bring holiday fun to a seasonal version of the celebrated Adventureland attraction – and it’s newly enhanced this year.
Special holiday food items include Walt’s favorite gingerbread cookies at Jolly Holiday Bakery and Café and holiday tamale plates at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. Elf Mickey premium popcorn buckets and drink steins are available in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Guests may book the seasonal favorite “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour which provides entry (subject to availability) into “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday and Jingle Cruise along with reserved seating and a holiday treat while enjoying “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. The tour also includes viewing 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).
At Disney California Adventure Park
After its successful 2013 debut, “World of Color − Winter Dreams” returns to Disney California Adventure with several “Frozen” songs in the show, including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Love is an Open Door.” Also returning to the nighttime spectacular is Olaf the snowman from “Frozen”. The holiday version of the popular “World of Color” show features classic winter scenes from such beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films as “Bambi,” “Toy Story” and, of course, “Frozen.”
“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” at Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure is a daily celebration inspired by the warmth and joyous spirit of Latino culture and holiday traditions, with festive music and dancing, vibrant colors, delicious food, Disney character appearances and the lively “Disney Viva Navidad! Street Party.” “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” will conclude with a five-day celebration of the traditional Three Kings Day, Friday through Tuesday, Jan. 2 through 6, 2015.
Additional holiday highlights at Disney California Adventure include:
As part of the park’s 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.
“A bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
Special holiday food items include sourdough bread in holiday shapes at Boudin’s and homemade turkey potpie soup in a sourdough bread bowl at Pacific Wharf Café. Elf Mickey premium popcorn buckets and drink steins are available in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Downtown Disney District and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
In the Downtown Disney District, guests may take a break from their holiday shopping and dining to go skating on “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink”. The rink opens for 60-minute skating sessions from 3 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 3 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. This year, the Downtown Disney Winter Village around Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink is bigger than ever, offering shoppers holiday gift items such as “Frozen” plush toys, holiday crystal from Arribas Brothers, art works, clothing and accessories, all sold from the windows of the charming village houses. Hot chocolate from Ghirardelli along with coffee, sweets and baked goods from La Brea Bakery are also available at the Downtown Disney Winter Village.
The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus. The six-foot-high gingerbread house in the spacious lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is large enough for tasty treats to be sold from its window. Guests also will enjoy new and favorite menu items at Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and at Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel, which recently debuted a seasonal Chef’s Tasting Menu.
One of the many benefits of staying at one of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort is Extra Magic Hour,* an early admission option available to registered hotel guests every day of their hotel stay. Extra Magic Hour offers admission prior to park opening to select attractions, stores, entertainment and dining locations in Disneyland Park (currently Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) and Disney California Adventure Park, including Cars Land (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Extra Magic Hour is only available for guests who book and stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, and each registered hotel guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card.*
For more details about Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays.
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.
Joy is in the Season at Knott’s Merry
Live Entertainment, Spectacular Decorations and
New Festive Fun for All Runs through January 4
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 including snow in Ghost Town’s Main Street, and more.
New this year, Snoopy, the Peanuts, and a cast of world-class ice skaters will perform in a breath taking new ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! in the 2,100 seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre. In this exciting new show filled with whimsy and spectacular skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the festive Christmas Ball! Select days through January 4.
Back for its second season, 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. Indulge in holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, mouthwatering pastries, winter wine, craft beer, and more.
Savor the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats, including fresh made-to-order maple lollipops in Ghost Town, 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)
The Ghost Town and Calico Railroad will once again invite guests to 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, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily. Over in Camp Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy invite you to dance, sing and join in on the holiday fun in the live show, Lucy’s Wish List in the Camp Snoopy Theatre.
Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts. Can’t-miss highlights of the Village include powerful chainsaw sculpting and elegant glass blowing demonstrations. Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursday and is included with daily theme park admission Friday through Sunday (available through January 4, 2015).
Ghost Town also celebrates of the sounds of the season with the Dickensian vocal quartet. In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, catch a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi.
When the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street will be filled with glow and snow! Thousands of sparking lights will dance to the beat of familiar holiday music while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment each night.
Another nighttime tradition at Knott’s Merry Farm is Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting show on the Calico Square Stage. This whimsical tree lighting features a cast of marching Toy Soldiers, dancing Snowmen, and America’s most famous beagle, Snoopy!
The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale! 2015 Season Passes include one free admission in 2014, unlimited visits in 2015, as well as access to exciting seasonal events happening year-round at Knott’s Berry Farm. Season Passes offer exclusive discounts, special Passholder 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 $79.50 or six easy installment payments of just $13.25 until January 4, 2015.
Make fun part of your holiday tradition 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. 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.
Skating, Sledding and Tons of Snow! LEGOLAND® California Resort Gears Up for
Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights
New Outdoor Ice Rink Added to Winter Fun!
Holiday Snow Days Run Through Jan. 4, 2015!
Shine up your skates and grab your mittens! LEGOLAND® California Resort is getting its outdoor gear ready for its annual winter celebration, Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights. The winter fun runs through January 4, 2015 with more than 50 tons of real snow, a new ice rink, 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 featuring 7-foot tall snow-covered tube runs for children to slide down and a snow-play area where families can throw snowballs at LEGO® themed targets and build snowmen using LEGO accessories.
Plus, new this year, guests can enjoy gliding on ice at the Resort’s ice rink located in front of the ticket plaza for additional fee. 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 continues with the annual LEGO Christmas tree lighting event and concludes with San Diego’s biggest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31.
On Dec. 1, with the of help Santa and special celebrity guests, the Resort’s LEGO Christmas tree officially lit-up the night during the 12th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 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. One lucky child selected each night through LEGOLAND California Resort’s Facebook Page will light the LEGO Christmas tree through Dec. 24.
Fireworks spark each night Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. The best view to see the festive fireworks display is in the Park’s Fun Town. 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 also featuring holiday treats including hot chocolate, warm spiced apple cider, churros, holiday cookies, Bratwurst and Knockwurst baguettes, and buttery mash potatoes. Also new this year, guests can enjoy s’more kits to roast their own s’mores over fire pits while watching everyone ice skate. All delicious treats are available for purchase throughout the celebration and s’more’s can be found by the ice rink in front of the Park’s ticket plaza.
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 is also getting in the holiday spirit with nightly entertainment, daily holiday-themed LEGO model build contests and holiday décor exclusive to Hotel guests. New this year, guests can enjoy a paid Ultimate Snow Days VIP Experience through Jan. 4, 2015 or a VIP Holiday Breakfast Experience every Saturday and Sunday in December and every day from Dec. 21, 2014 – Jan. 3, 2015.
The celebration concludes on Dec. 31, 2014 with Kids’ New Year’s Eve, 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 by Grammy-nominated artists who will count down the seconds until a huge LEGO brick drops from 22-feet in the air launching a spectacular fireworks display at 6 p.m.
LEGOLAND California Resort is extending its Park hours for the winter holiday during these dates: Nov. 28, 29, 30, Dec. 6, 13, 20 - 23 and 26 - 31. LEGOLAND California Resort is offering a gift for holiday guests; From Nov. 1 through Jan. 4, 2015, buy a one-day admission to LEGOLAND California and return a second day to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium for free between Jan. 5, 2015 and March 1, 2015. All Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights activities located inside the Park are included in the price of a LEGOLAND California admission ticket. Tickets for the ice rink, located between the ticket booths and LEGOLAND Hotel, are sold separately. Both VIP Experiences must be purchased separately by calling (760)-918-5398.
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 Thursday to Monday through December 15, then every day from December 18 through January 4, 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
Where can you find Shamu, Santa and snow this holiday season? SeaWorld, of course! It’s all part of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration®, continuing through Jan. 4, 2015. All festivities are included with park admission.
Returning are all the favorites…. SnowWorld®, special holiday-themed animal shows, real snow, live reindeer and more than one million holiday lights. New this year are Dolphin Island Christmas, Shamu Christmas Miracles, and Santa’s Christmas Village, a place where waffles-on-a-stick, Peppermint Princesses and Mrs. Claus bring a little holiday magic to everyone. With all that and more, SeaWorld® is the place to be this Christmas season.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration:
NEW! -- Shamu Christmas Miracles: Shamu and friends celebrate the holidays with music and merriment, a female vocalist and, on select dates, a community choir. Shamu Stadium transforms into a winter wonderland with new lighting, music, fountains and Christmas scenes on the 80-foot-wide LED screens.
NEW! -- Dolphin Island Christmas: This brand new Christmas-themed dolphin show will celebrate the holidays with a tropical twist. Dolphins, pilot whales and macaws perform amazing athletic feats. Divers and dancers get into the spirit as well during this daytime show at Blue Horizons Stadium.
NEW! -- Santa’s Christmas Village: This magical, holiday area is brimming with Christmas fun! Guests can mingle with Santa’s elves and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a sweet treat such as a waffle-on-a-stick, and, every day before Christmas get a photo with Santa. Plus, Mrs. Claus invites everyone to join her in a spirited sing-along to help her and the elves light a festive 40-foot animated tree.
Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special: SeaWorld’s prankster-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore have a hilarious holiday time in this Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show.
The Pets Rule Christmas: A 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.
SnowWorld: This winter wonderland provides festive fun for the whole family including lots of snow, hills for little ones to sled down and a snowball target area.
Reindeer Training Academy: On the lawn in front of Animal Connections, the Reindeer Training Academy features real reindeer for guests to meet up-close!
Holiday Atmosphere: SeaWorld will be decked out more than ever before, with more than one million holiday lights 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. Admission is $84 for ages 10 and older; $78 for ages 3-9. The best way to enjoy SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a Fun Card. Guests who purchase a 2015 SeaWorld Fun Card can enjoy all of SeaWorld’s Christmas festivities in 2014, plus come back again and again in 2015 and enjoy all that SeaWorld has to offer, including the 50th Celebration Sea of Surprises (through Sept. 7, 2015), all for the price of single-day admission (blackout dates apply). The 2015 Fun Card also includes free parking through the end of March 2015. For ticket prices, show schedules and more information, visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com or call (800) 257-4268.
Holiday Gifts at SeaWorld San Diego:
Anyone on the search for the perfect holiday gift to be cherished forever by a marine mammal lover needs to check out SeaWorld®. The marine park has up-close animal encounters, such as animal interaction programs where participants enter the water with beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins, touch a penguin, feed turtles, meet otters, a sloth, a water monitor, a beaver and many more intriguing critters. For more information or to book an animal experience, call (800) 257-4268 or visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com.
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 Lights Up the Season by Introducing The New HOLIDAY IN THE PARK®
With More Than One Million Lights, Holiday Treats and Falling Snow, the “Thrill Capital of the World” is Transformed into a Winter Wonderland
Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Thrill Capital of the World, debuts the new holiday extravaganza, Holiday in the Park®, at the Valencia theme park. With more than one million lights and four uniquely themed areas, the park is transformed into a spectacularly-lit winter wonderland for guests to enjoy this holiday season. The event will run every day that the park is open through January 4, 2015, with the exception of Christmas Day when the park will be closed.
This magical experience is for Six Flags Magic Mountain guests during the holidays, where they have created a winter spectacular that is uniquely Six Flags Magic Mountain, complete with over one million lights, holiday entertainment, snowfall, and many seasonal treats. Holiday in the Park offers a special twist on favorite traditions that guests will treasure for years to come.
Several areas of the park feature time-honored and unique holiday themes. The visual look of the park takes on the distinct spirit of the holidays and guests will experience quaint and authentic touches that will remind adults of their fondest childhood memories, and create new, exciting moments for children that will last a lifetime.
As guests enter Holiday in the Park, the Six Flags Plaza area is transformed into Holiday Square with a kaleidoscope of breath-taking color, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights on trees and buildings throughout the area. A 30-foot blast of water and dramatic lighting create a one-of-a-kind holiday tree in the iconic Main Gate fountain while snowflakes and carolers delight guests as they enter this magical scene.
Snowy Nights, the new holiday show, features contemporary music and themed dancers on the Full Throttle stage. Crafts and spiced-up holiday treats are the focal point in the Winter Wonderland area, beginning at the Revolution exit and extending up through the Mining Town area of the park. A classic Santa Claus village anchors this picture-perfect snow-capped setting.
DC UNIVERSE comes to life as Rockin’ Universe with three unique dazzling spectacle-of-lights shows featuring customized contemporary holiday music set to one of the largest programmed light shows on the West coast including multiple lighting variations synchronized with tens of thousands of lights. Each show lasts five minutes and is set to musical favorites.
Park guests can enjoy all the wonderful tastes and aromas of the season with a large variety of Holiday in the Park-exclusive culinary treats, handmade candies and holiday-inspired gifts and souvenirs. The event is sure to delight all the senses.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is open weekends and school holidays through December 14 and daily December 20 through January 4. For more information call 661-255-4100 or visit www.sixflagsmagicmountain.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood Presents Grinchmas
Annual Holiday Tradition of Family Fun for the Holidays
Returns Once Again for 2014
“Grinchmas” is an annual tradition of family fun for the holidays! “Grinchmas” runs weekends on December 13-14, then continues daily from December 19 through January 3, and is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.
As families prepare for holiday gift giving, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular “Buy a Day, Get 2015 Free” annual pass makes the ideal stocking-stuffer. Guests can visit all year long for the price of a single day’s admission ticket.
About “Grinchmas”:
“Grinchmas” resonates with Whobilation throughout Universal Studios Hollywood, featuring The Grinch, his faithful dog Max, and the affable Whoville Whos.
Universal Plaza serves as the backdrop for the lighting of the whimsically towering 60-foot tall “Grinchmas” tree.
All-new “Grinchmas” entertainment elements include energetic musical performances by Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls and the Who-liday Singers – a groovy boy-band – singing nightly a cappella concerts.
Aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, fans of the blockbuster film, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, can enjoy an up close view of the original Whoville film sets and enjoy a lively Whobilation by Whoville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the family favorite.
The spirited “Grinchmas” event will capture guests’ imagination with a variety of inspiring activities designed to create long lasting memories. These include:
Who-ville Post Office – Visitors have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Hearts 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.
Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a keepsake.
Who-bilicious Cookie Dec-Who-rating – Freshly baked, gingerbread cookies are available for purchase, and guests can create their very own amazing treats with an assortment of delectable frostings and tasty toppers.
Story Time with Cindy Lou Who – Cindy Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small – for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” featuring special effects and audience participation.
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., 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 Ride™,” “Revenge of the Mummy—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.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas! Again this year, as always, we want to thank our publishers for making this column possible.
