<![CDATA[PARKS AND CONS - Industry Updates]]>Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:27:47 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Live at Knott’s Berry Farm This Summer: Brad Ross is THE Illusionist Who’ll Make People Believe in Magic Again]]>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:14:58 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/live-at-knotts-berry-farm-this-summer-brad-ross-is-the-illusionist-wholl-make-people-believe-in-magic-again
WHAT:     This summer, award-winning International Star Illusionist Brad Ross brings his mesmerizing show to Knott’s Berry Farm, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey into fantasy and imagination. Families will experience jaw-dropping grand illusions, hilarious comedy and breathtaking magic LIVE on stage. This action-packed show will thrill, amaze and have fans of all ages on the edge of their seats.  
 
Ross delivers the ultimate family entertainment experience, blending theatricality, music and choreography with astonishing on-stage marvels. With his signature “boy-next-door” charm, he captivates audiences, drawing them into a world of wonder and making them part of the show. Through interactive moments and thrilling audience participation, every show is a one-of-a-kind experience where surprises unfold at every turn.  
 
After captivating audiences in over 50 countries, Ross brings the world’s greatest illusions to Knott’s Berry Farm. Catch Brad Ross at the Walter Knott Theater from July 12 through August 3 before he disappears! 
 
WHEN:     Tuesdays – Wednesdays & Fridays – Sundays from July 12 - August 3 
Showtimes are at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  
                     
WHERE:     Walter Knott Theater at Knott’s Berry Farm 
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 
 
HOW:     This NEW magical must-see show is included with an admission or season pass to Knott’s Berry Farm. 
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<![CDATA[NEWS: All-American Rejects to Headline Fandom Party on July 24]]>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:44:18 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/news-all-american-rejects-to-headline-fandom-party-on-july-24
The All-American Rejects Set to Rock San Diego at the Annual Fandom Party at the Hard Rock Hotel on July 24

Eighth Annual Party Presented by Universal Orlando Resort, As Well As Bandai Namco

Additional Sponsors Include The Elf on the Shelf® Santaverse™, Mike’s HARDER Lemonade and Z2

Picture
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 24, 2025 – Can we let you in on our dirty little secret? The All-American Rejects — yes, THE chart-topping, sing-every-lyric beloved rock band — are headlining this year’s Fandom Party! And you know what that means: the countdown is on for Fandom’s return to San Diego! The world’s largest fan platform will once again host its highly anticipated event during the biggest fan convention of the year. The Fandom Party is sponsored by Universal Orlando Resort – who opened its fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, in May - as well as Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. - the leading game publisher behind ELDEN RING™, PAC-MAN® and the upcoming action RPG CODE VEIN II. The eighth annual Fandom Party will take place at FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, July 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

With chart-topping singles like “Gives You Hell,” “Dirty Little Secret,” and “Move Along,” The All-American Rejects have solidified their place as one of the most iconic bands of the 21st century. Selling over 10 million albums worldwide and amassing billions of global streams, the band has built a lasting legacy in the music industry. Their headlining performance will kick off the convention weekend in a major way, bringing together hundreds of fans, industry insiders, celebrities, and influencers for a night to remember.

The Fandom Party is THE must-attend event during convention week in San Diego, bringing fans a high-energy celebration at the intersection of pop culture, gaming, fantasy, music, and community. This year, attendees will enjoy an unforgettable night of curated and immersive fan-first experiences including:
  • Getting a glimpse into Universal Epic Universe, where attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy custom interactions featuring the five extraordinary worlds within the all-new theme park: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk - and Dark Universe.

  • Traverse across a post-apocalyptic world and transcend time to reshape the past in CODE VEIN II – step into this haunting universe with Bandai Namco’s photo op featuring a life-size replica of the in-game vehicle Motorcycle Forma.

  • We will also have custom activations from partners, including a themed scavenger hunt hosted by the beloved Santaverse™ character The Elf on the Shelf® and Z2 that can all be experienced while those over 21 enjoy a drink from our official beverage sponsor, Mike’s HARDER Lemonade.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The Fandom Party is by invite only

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<![CDATA[Midsummer Scream's Hall of Shadows Bigger and More Terrifying Than Ever!]]>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:52:21 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/midsummer-screams-hall-of-shadows-bigger-and-more-terrifying-than-ever
HALL OF SHADOWS BIGGER AND MORE TERRIFYING THAN EVER
AT
MIDSUMMER SCREAM 2025
Materializing as “Le Carnaval du Diable” the Beloved Dark Zone Includes All-New Haunted Attractions, Returning Fan Favorites, Photo Ops, and Live Entertainment
Passes Now on Sale!
LONG BEACH, CA — The massive Hall of Shadows dark zone returns to Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, featuring a stunning array of haunted attractions, photo ops, and live entertainment August 15 to August 17 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Passes for this year’s show are on sale now at MidsummerScream.com.

This year’s Hall of Shadows features the largest entryway experience to date — taking on the dark, sinister theme of “Le Carnaval du Diable,” which translates to “The Devil’s Carnival.” The master of scare-monies is none other than Mr. Floats, the infamous medieval clown that’s on the hunt for souls to add to his growing collection!

Lionsgate returns with the thrilling next chapter of last year’s unprecedented debut as the first attraction ever created for the Hall of Shadows by a movie studio. Soon, guests will have the chance to venture into Lionsgate’s Gears of Fear 2: Stranger Danger!

All passes for Midsummer Scream include admission to every attraction in the Hall of Shadows. Guests holding Gold Bat VIP credentials will enjoy priority access to most attractions in the Hall of Shadows, bypassing General Admission standby queues. Hall of Shadows will be open to guests all three days of Midsummer Scream — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 15 to August 17.

“Le Carnaval du Diable features our most ambitious Hall of Shadows lineup ever,” says Rick West, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Midsummer Scream. “Mr. Floats and his minion welcome Midsummer Scream guests into the darkness through a fog-shrouded haunted forest and forbidding carnival, before releasing them into the rest of the hall, which is packed with walk-through mazes and amazing displays, created by some of the most talented haunters from Southern California and beyond. It’s a Halloween fan’s nightmare come true, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone!”

Within the night-like expanse of the Hall of Shadows, guests can explore more than a dozen spooky attractions, elaborate displays, frightening photo ops, and live entertainment that include: An abandoned 1920s funhouse filled with vintage spooks, courtesy of Straite to Hale; a Nosferatu-themed professional photo shoot provided by Rawl of the Dead; a ghastly display of oversized props and a '91 Cadillac Brougham hearse from the beloved home haunt Clowns v Skeletons; a kingdom in peril, literally, complete with castle walls, panicked townsfolk, and a fire-breathing dragon, from the amazing CalHauntS group; a whimsical display promoting Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns event, featuring the world’s largest grinning pumpkin; a Celtic graveyard busy with ghostly activity from the legendary Haunt With No Name… Yet; a once-thriving farmstead now rotting under a deadly curse that echoes through its creaking halls, where the only sign of life happens to be in the pumpkin patch, where guests 21 and older will find a pop-up bar — a ghoulish combo attraction conjured up by the unstoppable team at Fear Farm; terrifying encounters with lurking monsters and a 360° photo experience from everyone’s favorite Haunted Carwash; a preview of Realm of Shadow’s new attraction for Halloween, where the Lord of Shadow invites guests to visit his ancient crypt and throne room; a frightful romp through Sid’s twisted toy box, filled with broken and forgotten playthings, from the crew of the Pizza Planet Truck and Art’s Sideshow Collectibles; a tribute to all things horror from The Haunted Harvest; a preview of things to come as guests experience the Seven Deadly Sins as presented by Eulogy Collective (formerly Santa Ana Haunt); a stroll through the Whitechapel district of old London, where there’s a certain slasher on the loose, thanks to Lights Out, returning to the Fairplex in Pomona this fall; and to round out the offerings, a creepy, good old fashioned haunted manor, from H&L’s Realm of Horror.

To the delight of fans of all ages, the Decayed Brigade slides back into the Hall of Shadows with a brand-new, high-energy sliding and stunt exhibition, delivering powerhouse chills and thrills Friday night, followed by three shows daily both Saturday and Sunday.

All of this and more will be waiting — lurking just out of sight in the murky gloom of the Hall of Shadows — when the doors to Midsummer Scream creak open the evening of Friday, August 15, in Long Beach.

Plan your weekend in advance, “like” panels and presentations and attractions that you’re interested in, connect with fellow fans, and browse hundreds of vendors with the redesigned Midsummer Scream app, now available as a free download in the Apple and Android stores!

For breaking information about Midsummer Scream, sign up for our digital newsletter at MidsummerScream.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook by searching @midsummerscream.


About Midsummer Scream
Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror communities as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun!
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<![CDATA[DC Heroes and Villains Fest to transform Magic Mountain into Gotham City, June 20-July 26]]>Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:47:13 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/dc-heroes-and-villains-fest-to-transform-magic-mountain-into-gotham-city-june-20-july-26
DC Heroes and Villains Fest transforms Six Flags Magic Mountain
into a Gotham City experience this summer
 
DC Universe Themed Area at Six Flags Magic Mountain Comes to Life
with Action, Music and Theatrical Spectacle on Friday and Saturday Nights June 20 – July 26
LOS ANGELES - June 9, 2025 – Six Flags Magic Mountain, the undisputed Thrill Capital of the World, welcomes guests to the ultimate battle between good and evil as DC Heroes and Villains Fest brings the world of Gotham City to life in an all-out theatrical adventure. From Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the event is a large-scale experience that brings the world of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains to life with exceptional production design and the pulse of a live festival.

Set across a full evening timeline on Fridays and Saturdays, June 20 – July 26, the fest unfolds as a real-world, interactive story that surrounds guests with live-action moments, stunts, music, comedy and crowd-powered theatrics.

To start the night, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Robin of the Justice League arrive in heroic fashion, only to have their celebration hijacked by a full-scale villain breakout orchestrated by Lex Luthor and carried out by The Joker, Harley Quinn and Catwoman. Guests become citizens of Gotham, caught in the middle as villains unleash chaos through villainous music shows, engaging themed dance parties, midway madness, and surprises throughout —each element seamlessly advancing the unfolding story. 
 
The event features multiple segments brought to life with a full cast and crew of actors, stunt professionals, dancers, technicians and effects teams. Every performance is an invitation for the audience to participate, cheer, dance and choose a side—hero or villain.

With Six Flags’ world-class parks as the stage, DC’s legendary Super Heroes and Super-Villains driving the experience, the festival will engage fans of all ages in an unforgettable adventure.
 
Taking place in the DC Universe themed area, one of the park’s most popular areas, DC Heroes and Villains Fest is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and DC fans alike, featuring themed music, food and drinks and entertainment; the opportunity to meet a lineup of exclusive DC characters; an unprecedented lineup of thrilling DC-themed rides and attractions; and much more. For a full list of events within the fest, please visit the website https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/dc-heroes-and-villains-fest. Showtimes will be available on the Six Flags mobile app.
 
DC Heroes and Villains Fest is included with general park admission, season pass and memberships. For information on all events at Six Flags Magic Mountain, including DC Heroes and Villains Fest, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.
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<![CDATA[Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces Universal Mega Movie Summer Beginning Friday, June 13 and Continuing Daily Through Sunday, August 10]]>Thu, 08 May 2025 17:29:07 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/universal-studios-hollywood-introduces-universal-mega-movie-summer-beginning-friday-june-13-and-continuing-daily-through-sunday-august-10
Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces Universal Mega Movie Summer,
Featuring Exciting New Entertainment, Dining and Merchandise, to Deliver the Best Summer Day in L.A.,
Beginning Friday, June 13 and Continuing Daily Through Sunday, August 10
Universal City, California, May 8, 2025 – This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood will become movie buff central when iconic movies leap from the silver screen to the theme park as part of Universal Mega Movie Summer, an all-new seasonal event designed to offer guests the best summer day in L.A.  Debuting Friday, June 13 and continuing daily through Sunday, August 10, 2025, Universal Mega Movie Summer will create experiences for guests that redefine how they can “beat the heat,” “hang with friends” and “party in the park.”
 
With the addition of ingenious menu items, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash and complemented by all-new collections of exclusive merchandise, including apparel and toys, Universal Mega Movie Summer will delight guests and fans with an array of exclusive in-world, themed offerings.
Highlights follow:
 
  • Jurassic World—The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash, inspired by Universal Pictures’ highly-anticipated movie Jurassic World Rebirth opening in theaters on July 2, roars to life within the theme park’s popular dinosaur-laden thrill ride. The iconic 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale will reverberate with the menacing roar of a Mosasaurus. Four new Spitter dinosaurs will join the melee and water geysers will erupt to shower guests.
 
An all-new adorable dinosaur from Jurassic World Rebirth will join Blue the Velociraptor, Juliet the Triceratops and Baby Tango. These highly realistic, lifelike dinosaurs will engage with guests alongside the debut of an all-new adventure character, also inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth. A larger-than-life photo op of a Spinosaurus dinosaur will welcome guests to step into a thrilling scene from the film for a memorable photo for instant social postings, and an inspiring scavenger hunt game featuring Compy will entertain visitors while keeping them on their toes.
 
Jurassic Cafe will serve up a sampling of new prehistoric delicacies, plus Isla Nubar will feature new cocktails, The Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise.
 
  • To mark the 50th Golden Anniversary of Jaws the movie, Universal Studios Hollywood is reintroducing its iconic hanging shark, a larger-than-life dimensional sculpture photo op, and paying homage to this Academy Award-winning blockbuster with the debut of meet and greet characters, Captain Quint and Chief Brody. On the Studio Tour, Jaws will be featured on the iconic Hollywood Sign replica, situated along the backlot hillside, and the infamous Jaws Lake attraction as it celebrates July 4th all summer long.
 
Hollywood & Dine, located just inside the theme park’s main entry, will transform into Amity Island Cafe, serving up a menu fit for a great white. Menu and beverage highlights will include Lobster Roll, Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Fish and Chicken Basket, Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake, Amity Island Parfait and Amity Beach Lifesaver Donut, as well as The Shark Bite cocktail and Amity Open Water, a non-alcoholic beverage.
 
  • To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the landmark film Back to the Future, the iconic Time Machine from the film will be staged on the theme park’s Upper Lot, adjacent to Mel’s Diner. Characters Doc Brown, Marty McFly and Einstein the dog will all be on hand and paw to greet guests and pose for timeless photo ops.
 
With its decades-old throwback sensibilities, Mel’s Diner idyllically captures the essence of Back to the Future, serving up such menu options as the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Time Machine Pastrami Melt, Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie, Outatime Cookie, Time Traveler’s Milk Shake, Flux Capacitor Mocktail and Wake Up Juice Cocktail.
 
  • Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Wicked will have a chance to rejoicify with popular characters, Elphaba and Glinda, when they step out in style to greet guests at the theme park’s existing vibrant Wicked themed photo op, located adjacent to the main entrance.
 
  • A sculpted dimensional photo op of Toothless from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks’ live action movie How to Train Your Dragon opening in theatres on June 13, will take center stage within Universal Plaza. This lifelike, 730-pound, larger-than-life sculpted dimensional dragon will tower at nearly 6’ in height, measuring 24’ in length and 8’ in width. Surprised guests posing next to Toothless will no doubt be able to imagine themselves soaring with their favorite dragon within the Isle of Berk.
 
A dedicated food cart within Universal Plaza will serve scrumptious treats that only a dragon could devour, such as Toothless and Light Fury cookies and a Toothless popcorn bucket.
 
  • As construction continues on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster opening in 2026, the theme park will offer guests an exciting sneak peek at one of the ride vehicles for this all-new adventure. The Dodge Charger ride vehicle, designed to look like Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, will park within Universal Plaza for guests to enjoy as the theme park races towards the roller coaster’s grand opening next year.
 
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is also toasting Universal Mega Movie Summer with a variety of entertainment and limited-time offerings. These include:
 
  • Voodoo Doughnut, featuring the cleverly named Doughnut Go In the Water inspired by Jaws, plus Little Stepper and Big Stepper treats inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth.
 
  • The Universal Studio Store and Cartooniversal will sell a variety of themed merchandise aligned with Universal Mega Movie Summer’s engaging entertainment.
 
  • Five Towers Stage will shake, rattle and roll with DJs and stage performances. Visit Universal CityWalk for more information and a schedule of events.
 
  • Universal Cinema, an AMC® Theatre, is the ideal location to catch the latest blockbusters, including How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World Rebirth, with an opportunity to see original movie costumes on display in the theatre lobby. Moviegoers will also have a chance to watch the original Back to the Future movie on the big screen with multiple screenings taking place on July 3. Universal Cinema is the only theatrical venue in the world to feature both a six-story 70MM IMAX® with 4K laser projection and the new PRIME at AMC® theater, featuring 4K laser projection, superior acoustics and heated, plush, recliner seats with built-in subwoofer technology.  Visit Universal Cinema for up-to-date screenings and times.
 
Universal Mega Movie Summer complements the slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” highly immersive land that features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “Jurassic World—The Ride; Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem; Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™”; “TRANSFORMERS™:  The Ride-3D and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” as well as the theme park’s signature, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction.
 
For more information about Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X and like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook.

Food

Merchandise

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<![CDATA[LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT’S MASTER MODEL BUILDERS ADD FINAL TOUCHES TO GIANT LEGO® HEART KICKING OFF THE WORLD’S FIRST LEGO® FESTIVAL FOR MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS]]>Thu, 01 May 2025 23:23:01 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/legolandr-california-resorts-master-model-builders-add-final-touches-to-giant-legor-heart-kicking-off-the-worlds-first-legor-festival-for-merlin-entertainments
PLAY YOUR HEART OUT!


LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT’S MASTER MODEL BUILDERS ADD FINAL TOUCHES TO GIANT LEGO® HEART KICKING OFF THE WORLD’S FIRST LEGO® FESTIVAL FOR MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS
  • To mark the start of the world’s first LEGO® Festival at LEGOLAND® California Resort, Master Model Builders put the finishing touches to the giant heart display made from a whopping 120,000 LEGO bricks
  • The new model, which took 650 hours to complete, will welcome guests and has been created for the biggest ever family celebration of play
  • Kids and their families will be able to let imaginations run wild at LEGO Festival which features five interactive zones including Music, Dance, Creative,Chill Out and the Gaming Zone featuring LEGO® Fortnite® from May 3 to June 8.
Carlsbad, CA (May 1, 2025): Talented Master Model Builders at LEGOLAND® California Resort have taken brick building to the next level today unveiling a giant LEGO® heart, symbolizing the love of play, to kickstart LEGO® Festival - the biggest family celebration of play ever.

The San Diego-themed ‘I Heart Play’ model took 650 hours to create using more than 120,000 bricks and perfectly captures the energy of San Diego. It stars a southern California surfer girl riding a wave on the iconic shores of San Diego—all celebrating the laid back vibes of America’s finest city. The colorful model welcomes guests as they enter the Resort and is one of seven created for LEGOLAND Resorts worldwide to mark the first-ever LEGO Festival experience.

The Hearts have been built to celebrate the love of play, after recent research found that 76% of parents1 believe that kids now have less time and space to play than ever before. LEGO Festival has been created to encourage families to play together on an epic scale, inspiring creativity, confidence and learning in the lead up to World Play Day on June 11.

PJ Catalano, Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND California Resort, said: "For us, every LEGO brick holds potential. This heart is a giant reminder that play isn't just fun; it's where you learn to create, to problem-solve, to bring your wildest ideas to life, one brick at a time.”

From building, dancing and rocking, families who visit LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND California Resort can enjoy five different play-zones including the Music Zone, Dance Zone, Creative Zone,Chill Out Zone andGaming Zone to take their playtime to the next level.

  • Gaming Zone:For the first time, LEGO® Fortnite® fans can unleash their inner model builder and create their own extraordinary builds to expand the Lost Isles while also meeting the one and only Adventure Peely–the iconic LEGO Fortnite character.

  • Music Zone: Rock out to the ultimate LEGO Battle of the Bands show. This rocking zone will feature an opportunity to get access all areas and meet the band.

  • Dance Zone: Groove to sweet tunes and show off your best moves as you build the beat at DJ GoodVibes Dance Party.

  • Creative Zone: Join renowned LEGO Master Model Builder, Alec, virtually, as he leads creative LEGO building adventures including the chance to build your own LEGO Minifigure head cookie.

  • Chill Out Zone:Kick back and relax in a secret LEGO garden full of vibrant flower walls! Families can chill out together while building LEGO flowers. Plus, the littlest guests can build along with Hopsy, the friendliest red little bunny during the LEGO® DUPLO® show - perfect for preschoolers. 

On entrance, guests will be able to snap a selfie with the iconic ‘I heart Play’ display to kick off their day before grabbing their Festival lanyard and heading off to enjoy a play-filled adventure.

The iconic Hearts will be on display at six other locations around the world all featuring distinct themes that reflect each location: LEGOLAND Billund, LEGOLAND New York, LEGOLAND Deutschland, LEGOLAND Korea, LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Windsor.

The set of seven bespoke LEGO hearts were designed and built by a global team of model makers who took a staggering 4,500 hours to build and used an astonishing 900,000 bricks to bring the love of play to life.

LEGO Festival is included with regular Park admission. For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit our website or follow us on  Facebook.  To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay.
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<![CDATA[Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles' Multimillion-Dollar Transformation and 30th Anniversary - Season opens May 24]]>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:57:06 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/hurricane-harbor-los-angeles-multimillion-dollar-transformation-and-30th-anniversary-season-opens-may-24
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles to Celebrate 30th Anniversary
 with All-New Look and Feel Following Multimillion-Dollar Transformation
Los Angeles’ Favorite Water Park Splashes into the 2025 Season on May 24
LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 – The first of Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor parks, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles opened June 16, 1995, meaning it will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer. The milestone occasion has been commemorated with a multimillion-dollar makeover that includes numerous enhancements for both guests and park associates. On Saturday, May 24, the 25-acre water park adjacent to Six Flags Magic Mountain will open for the season with giveaways, live entertainment and other surprise and delight moments.
 
The park-wide improvements include:
 
  • A creative narrative that reimagines the water park as a tropical island village and is woven throughout the experience including now bringing the park’s iconic volcano to life with periodic rumbling effects and bursts of mist
  • Restoration of all slides including vibrant new exterior colors, canopies and resurfacing for smoother and faster rides
  • Repainting of key areas including focal areas such as other attractions, food and beverage and merchandise locations
  • Extensive new landscaping that amplifies the park beautification and offers added shade
  • Increased number of cabanas and the return of food and beverage services
  • Upgraded food options and new frozen cocktail selections
  • State-of-the-art conveyor belt to now carry tubes to the top of Tornado
  • Refreshed restrooms and changing areas
  • New sound system, signage and employee uniforms that augment the themed environment
 
“Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles has been a beloved So Cal summertime destination for aquatic thrills and splashy family fun for three decades and with this anniversary we wanted to show appreciation to our fans with a completely revitalized guest experience,” said Jeff Harris, Vice President and General Manager of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Magic Mountain. “We are counting down the days until we open the gates and share what we’ve been working on since last year. From a new theme and backstory to slides that have been refinished to shine brighter and provide a better ride to new and enhanced cabanas, landscaping, food and beverage and more, a day spent at Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles will be the ultimate day in the sun.”
 
Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles will open to the public Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m. and run through Labor Day. Single day tickets start at $49 when purchased online or make the biggest splash with a Gold Pass and enjoy unlimited visits to Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles AND Magic Mountain; complimentary parking; food, merchandise and bring-a-friend discounts and more.  Gold Pass Memberships start at just $6.99 per month after initial payment. 
 
To learn more about the park transformation, visit the park’s blog HERE.
 
For additional information or to buy tickets, visit sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla.

Follow us on Instagram @sixflagsmagicmountain #hurricaneharbor
Follow us on X and TikTok @sfmagicmountain #hurricaneharbor
Like us on Facebook @sixflagshurricaneharborla
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<![CDATA[Universal Studios Hollywood Hosts Virtual Studio Tour Auditions from April 23 through May 14, 2025]]>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:08:03 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/universal-studios-hollywood-hosts-virtual-studio-tour-auditions-from-april-23-through-may-14-2025
How Universal Studios Hollywood Creates Career Launching Pads
for Aspirational Studio Tour Guides; A Peek Into this Coveted Job
as the World-Class Entertainment Destination Hosts Open Call Auditions for
Studio Tour Guides on the Heels of Its Milestone 60 Year Legacy of Moviemaking Magic
 
Virtual Open Call Auditions from April 23 to May 14;
Submit Applications via www.USHjobs.com
 
Universal City, California, April 22, 2025 – Hollywood, California…for most, it’s a city in Southern California; for others, it’s a mystifying, untouchable, elusive place where hopeful entertainment industry novices come to follow their dreams. While there are no easy answers in how to “make it in Hollywood” or how to land that perfect job, perseverance is key and becoming a Studio Tour Guide at Universal Studios Hollywood may be a beacon in guiding some career paths.
 
The role of a Studio Tour Guide is to entertain and educate the millions of guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood’s world-renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction, which recently marked a milestone 60 years of moviemaking magic. The Studio Tour is the genesis of Universal Studios Hollywood, the original theme park in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio.
 
Studio Tour Guides roles are desirable positions that require many adaptable skills and are teeming with a host of opportunities. Gregarious and curious, with an interest in and knowledge of the entertainment industry, and dynamic storytellers with an appreciation for the Studio Tour, are a few of the attributes in the making of a Studio Tour Guide.
 
If becoming a Studio Tour Guide has been a bucket list dream, now is the time as Universal Studios Hollywood is hosting virtual open call auditions from April 23 through May 14, 2025.  Applicants will need to submit a self-taped audition that includes a brief self-introduction, toplining relevant experience with emphasis on public speaking, performance or customer engagement and reading a passage from the official Studio Tour script.
 
In-person call-backs and next steps will follow once the casting team has reviewed all submissions.
 
Please visit www.USHjobs.com to learn more and to submit a self-taped audition.
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<![CDATA[Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts a First Look Photo of Legendary Beholder Xanathar]]>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:31:07 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/universal-fan-fest-nights-debuts-a-first-look-photo-of-legendary-beholder-xanathar
*FIRST LOOK PHOTO ALERT*
 
 
Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts a First Look Photo of Legendary Beholder Xanathar
from the All-New DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep In-World Experience
at Universal Studios Hollywood
 
Universal Fan Fest Nights Kicks Off on Friday, April 25 and Continues Select Nights Through Sunday, May 18; Visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to Purchase Tickets Now
Universal City, California, April 17, 2025 – Universal Studios Hollywood debuts a first look at the legendary beholder, Xanathar, and his beloved pet goldfish, Sylgar, as they will appear in the all-new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep in-world experience at Universal Fan Fest Nights, kicking off on Friday, April 25.
 
Tickets are on sale for the inaugural event which takes place: April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11 and 15-18, 2025.
 
Universal Studios Hollywood collaborated with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create this spectacular, larger-than-life, fully articulated Xanathar. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.
The all-new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep in-world experience is inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D) from Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division. This epic experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.
 
Launching exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all-new, uniquely curated experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime, along with an enticing menu of themed foods created by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash, all-new merchandise and cosplay. 
 
Guests will really go there as they tap into their inner fandom and join forces with their favorite characters while sharing their enthusiasm with like-minded fans. They will also have a chance to participate in cosplay while experiencing such renowned favorites as Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen, as well as special meet and greet opportunities with Wicked characters, Elphaba and Glinda. Additionally, theme park favorites, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ will offer special additions and introduce character and interactive elements during the event.
 
All in-world experiences and activations will be included every event night for guests to enjoy when they attend Universal Fan Fest Nights (subject to change).
 
Adding to the adventure, guests will be able to experience select theme park attractions during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.
 
For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.
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<![CDATA[Universal Studios Hollywood Invites Guests to Double Their Fun With the Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free Ticket]]>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:13:16 GMThttp://parksandcons.com/industry-updates/universal-studios-hollywood-invites-guests-to-double-their-fun-with-the-buy-a-day-get-a-2nd-day-free-ticket
Universal Studios Hollywood Invites Guests to Double Their Fun
With the Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free Ticket Option,
Available for Purchase March 27 Through August 13
 
Visit Here to Purchase Tickets
 
Check Out Discover LA’s New TV Spot Featuring Universal Studios Hollywood Here
Universal City, California, March 26, 2025 – Universal Studios Hollywood is offering guests a chance to experience two of the best days in L.A. with the purchase of a Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free General Admission ticket, available for purchase from March 27 through August 13, 2025.
             
With a bevy of original and dynamic immersive lands, thrill rides and attractions, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is twice as nice when the second visit is free.
Guests can purchase the special Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free ticket online at Universal Studios Hollywood from March 27 through August 13, 2025 and enjoy their second day free for their return on select dates, with all visits completed on or before December 17, 2025.
 
The first visit is valid on the guest’s selected date. Blockout dates apply to the second visit, and restrictions apply.
 
This year’s Special Event Guide highlights some of the theme park’s new and exciting limited-time programs, many of which are included in the price of admission and can be experienced when visiting the theme park during the day. From Butterbeer Season to Back to Hogwarts with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and 4th of July festivities to Holidays at Universal, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy with a Buy A Day, Get a 2nd Day Free General Admission ticket.
 
Families, friends, kids and adults can all share in the adventure by exploring the theme park and its signature world famous Studio Tour, which offers an insightful peek at the inner workings of an authentic movie and television production backlot along with an array of special-effect attractions, such as “Earthquake—The Big One” and “King Kong 360-3D,” as well the Jupiter’s Claim original film sets from the horror epic, Nope.
 
From the moment guests traverse the theme park’s red carpet entry and pass through its  signature arch, they are met with exhilaration and excitement that carries through to its immersive lands, dynamic thrill rides and attractions, including the interactive land SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” highly immersive land features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “Jurassic World—The Ride; Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem; Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™”; “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride—3D and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride.”
 
For more information, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.
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