Nov. 11, 2008
We've all been following the ongoing soap opera surrounding Coney Island's still-undetermined future and I'm sure some of you have thought, "Gee, I have a great vision for Coney's next incarnation." Well, there's now a place where you can actually share that vision with the world. Check out Imagine Coney and send them your ideas. This project, sponsored by the Municipal Art Society of New York City, will produce, if nothing else, some very interesting concepts. Get busy and get your plans to them by December 15th.
And now that Halloween '08 is a memory, it's time to warm up, as it were, for this year's Xmas park festivities. I'm glad to hear my local park is bringing something new to the party:
A SNOW-FILLED PLAYLAND AND FUN WITH THE GRINCH AWAIT GUESTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AS UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF L.A. READIES “GRINCHMAS” CELEBRATION, STARTING DECEMBER 6
Universal City, California -- A traditional white Christmas and an encounter with the not-so-traditional green Grinch await guests at Universal Studios Hollywood as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. prepares to celebrate “Grinchmas” with tons of powder-fresh snow, meetings with The Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who and Max the Dog and a “Whoville” jubilation at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was filmed.
The “Grinchmas” celebration will take place on weekends beginning Saturday, December 6, and daily from December 22-31 and is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including holiday promotional offers, is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
A whimsical Grinchmas tree, curving and twisting like a candy cane in true Seussian fashion will tower 50 feet at the center of the 23,000 square foot snow-covered “Grinchmas Winter Wonderland.” Families can enjoy traditional wintertime fun in a blanket of real snow, refreshed regularly to maintain powder-perfect consistency. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos amid nightly “Grinchmas” tree lighting ceremonies by the Whoville Whos.
“Grinchmas” will also allow fans of the blockbuster movie to see the original Whoville film set up close aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour and experience a one-of-a-kind performance by the residents of Whoville as they re-enact cherished scenes from the film.
Universal Studios Hollywood is now open 365 days of the year and for the first time ever will remain open on Christmas day. Hours of operation will be 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
-Robert
Nov. 9, 2008
I just finished listening the awesome first-year anniversary show over at Season Pass, and if you haven't done so yourself, I recommend it highly. Truly great stuff, especially the segment with Martin Palicki, the founder and editor-in-chief of IPM: Inside Parks & Museums, who discusses a recent visit to the Tokyo Disney parks. He talks about both Disneyland and DisneySeas, two places I know all of us lust for and if you hadn't been excited about the über-tech Winnie The Pooh ride, you will be when you hear him describe some of the experience.
Oh, and check out their first vidcast from the KSF Haunt, too! It also kicks hiney.
I just want to offer again my congratulations to Doug and Brent for a reliably terrific weekly show. Really spectacular work, guys! Keep 'em coming!
Dubai's transformation into the world's theme park mega-resort is a long way from completion, but bits and pieces of that huge puzzle are coming together, including the recent opening of the world's largest mall, a jaw-dropping complex that will ultimately house - are you ready for this? - 1,200 stores. Read all about it over at Blooloop.com.
-Robert
home random notes ride reviews special features photo shoppe megaworld ride world