UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., ORLANDO, Fla. (June 30, 2021) – NBC Olympics will launch “Rings Across America” this week, giving guests at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort an incredible opportunity to get up close and be dazzled by a life-size set of iconic Olympic rings as part of this historic, national tour – which promotes more than 7,000 hours of coverage of the Tokyo Olympic Games that Team USA fans can watch across the networks of NBCUniversal.
 
With less than a month to go to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, the interactive “Rings Across America” exhibit will make its inaugural debut at Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood from July 3-4 and later be on display in front of the Universal Studios Florida entrance arches from July 16-17. “Rings Across America” will tour the country leading up to the Opening Ceremony, making stops at additional locations in Chicago (July 9), Miami (July 13), Washington, D.C. (July 19-20) and New York City (July 23-25).
 
“RINGS ACROSS AMERICA” BY THE NUMBERS

• “Rings Across America” will drive approximately 8,000 miles across the country in the weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
• The Rings will visit 25 states along the way, totaling over 125 hours of drive time.
• Standing 13 feet off the ground, the Rings and mobile platform weigh more than 12,000 gold medals.

 
“We’re very excited to launch Rings Across America ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, including stops at our incredibly popular theme parks in Los Angeles and Orlando” said Lyndsay Signor, Senior Vice President, Consumer Engagement, NBC Sports. “Displaying the Rings, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Olympic movement, across the country in addition to making stops in six major markets, will raise awareness and excitement leading to the Opening Ceremony.”
 
NBCUniversal will present an unprecedented 7,000 hours of coverage of the Tokyo Olympics this summer by utilizing two broadcast networks, six cable networks, and multiple digital platforms, serving both English- and Spanish-language viewers, making it the biggest media event ever. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad will take place July 23-August 8, 2021. Click here for more information about programming details.

Universal City, California, June 28, 2021 – Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to experience its annual July 4th fireworks celebration with a dazzling burst of colors against the night sky from multiple locations within the theme park.

This exciting fireworks spectacular is included with theme park admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The exhilarating energy of Independence Day will permeate the theme park as guests enjoy musical performances, along with popular rides and attractions. At 9:00 p.m., the holiday is capped off with the extravagant fireworks display synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites.

The festivities will punctuate the skyline as guests stroll along a cleverly themed Pets Place to the front of Katie’s NYC apartment building, home to the innovative “The Secret Life of Pets:  Off the Leash!” ride. 

Only the deafening roar of the extraordinarily realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, featured in “Jurassic World—The Ride” could possibly drown out the fireworks display.

These new experiences are among the many attractions and themed environments at Universal Studios Hollywood available to help guests usher in a joyful Independence Day. Highlights include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and the critically-acclaimed rides, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy:  The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land,” and “The Simpsons Ride” located in “Springfield, U.S.A.,” home of America’s favorite animated family.  

The theme park’s signature attraction and world-renowned Studio Tour takes guests behind-the-scenes of an authentic production movie and television studio where they can experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” 

As a precursor to the evening’s pyrotechnics, “WaterWorld” is an exciting action show that involves hundreds of stunts and fiery special effects.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.  Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
 
About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” featuring the spectacularly realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, and the all-new ride “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” Universal CityWalk, located adjacent to the theme park, features such popular restaurants as VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut, along with dynamic shopping and entertainment options, including Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres.
 
Universal Studios Hollywood/Universal CityWalk Hollywood Safety Guidelines
All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC guidelines.  Guests should evaluate their own risk before they visit, and it is not recommended that older adults or individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit.  People who are asymptomatic can still spread COVID-19 if they are infected.  Any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and Universal cannot guarantee guests will not be exposed during their visit. For information on CDC guidelines, click here. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, details are subject to change without notice

(Burbank, CA – June 23, 2021) – When Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood reopens on June 26, Friends fans are in for a treat. Located in Stage 48: Script to Screen, one of the many stops on the tour, guests can now enjoy a delicious New York deli-inspired menu including corned beef melts, pizza wedges, hot dogs, fries, and an assortment of salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and our special blend of Central Perk coffee with new  Friends  character-inspired beverages. For dessert, we have recreated Rachel’s Thanksgiving trifle (no meat in this version), New York style cheesecake, Central Perk cupcakes, and other tasty bakery treats.
 
Guests then get to dine in recreated sets inspired by the show including Central Perk, Joey and Chandler’s Apartment, or Monica’s Apartment, where you can sit at the kitchen table or settle into her comfortable sofa. A variety of costumes worn by the cast are on display, and there are plenty of great photo opportunities throughout.
 
After dining, shop in our Friends boutique with exclusive merchandise found only at this location on the Studio Tour. The store has an exclusive collection of kitchen and dining ware, Monica’s famous door frame, Friends reunion-inspired spirit jerseys and coffee mugs, and a wide range of other gifts, souvenirs, and collectibles. Central Perk coffee beans (only available at the Central Perk Café and Friends boutique) are also on sale for guests to enjoy a cup of joe at home.
 
Central Perk Café and the Friends boutique are only accessible with the purchase of a Studio Tour ticket. Opening June 26 on weekends, the tour will operate Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) beginning July 15. Tours depart every 30 minutes from 9:00AM to 3:30PM. The main WB Studio Store will be open to the public from 9:00AM to 8:00PM on days the tour is operating. SoCal residents pay only $57 weekdays through September 30 (conditions apply, see website for details). Advanced booking is required. Tickets are $69 for adults 11+ and $59 for children ages 5–10 when booked online at www.wbstudiotour.com.
 
# # #
About Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood gets you closer to the entertainment you love by taking you on the lot of a working studio. As a recipient of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards and recognized as one of the Top 25 Attractions in the United States, the Studio Tour gives guests a revealing look behind the camera at how Hollywood magic is made. From Friends and The Big Bang Theory to Harry Potter and the DC Universe, fans can explore nearly 100-year-old studio as they visit the real sets and backlots on the iconic 110-acre studio lot, celebrating where the greatest entertainment in history was made.
 
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is located at 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. Tours are offered in English and Spanish. Advanced bookings are required, and children five years and older are welcome. To book your tickets online. visit  wbstudiotour.com

LOS ANGELES, CA - The producers of Midsummer Scream are thrilled to announce a surprise event kicking off the Halloween season to take place the weekend of August 14-15, 2021 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Awaken the Spirits! will feature over 200 spooky vendors, live entertainment, and a presentation stage where fans will learn what’s in store for Halloween 2021 from the likes of LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Winchester Mystery House, and others.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday June 16, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. PST at midsummerscream.org/awaken.

"The entire team is excited to be able to create live events once again,” says David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream. “Awaken the Spirits! will allow us an opportunity to bring together fans and professionals from the Halloween and haunt community to celebrate and prepare for what will be a great ‘spooky season’.”

After the pandemic caused Midsummer Scream to cancel their flagship event for the past two years, the team has ramped up production on several related projects for a strong end to 2021. Midsummer Scream’s Screaming Room Film Festival presented by HorrorBuzz will be held at the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana July 10-11. Season’s Screamings, Midsummer Scream’s dark holiday convention, takes place December 17-19, also at the Pasadena Convention Center. Next summer, Midsummer Scream returns to Long Beach for its highly anticipated 5th Anniversary show July 29-31, 2022.

“Once we were certain Southern California was allowing live events again, we felt it was extremely important to do something for our longtime supporters, and create a showcase for the theme parks and attractions to inform the public what each of them will be doing for Halloween,” says Gary Baker, Executive Producer of Midsummer Scream. “Since there are so many questions concerning haunted attractions and events this year, we really wanted to create a solid platform for that information to be relayed directly by our partners.”

Midsummer Scream and the Pasadena Convention Center are working in accordance with all CDC, state, and local guidelines governing requirements for events and gatherings of this type.

For breaking information about Awaken the Spirits! and other upcoming Midsummer Scream events, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @midsummerscream and sign up for the newsletter at MidsummerScream.org.

Universal City, California, June 9, 2021 – Universal CityWalk Hollywood is partnering with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to host a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination site from Thursday, June 10 to Sunday, June 13 and from Friday, June 18 to Thursday, June 24, 2021, noon to 6:00 p.m. in which the Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines will be administered by Curative.

Self-parking is free for guests who arrive at Universal CityWalk with proof of confirmed appointments.  Walk ups and appointments will be available at this vaccination site and guests can visit https://curative.com/sites/29404 to schedule their advance appointment.  Directional signage will be available upon arrival.

For guests receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, a second appointment will be scheduled during the first vaccine dose administered on site at Universal CityWalk.  Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine requires one dose only.

Guests visiting for their vaccination are requested to bring a government-issued ID and their insurance card.  These will not be required for vaccination except that minors are required to bring a government-issued photo ID (or, in the alternative, a birth certificate and the minor’s school ID). Minors must be accompanied by an adult for vaccination.

Universal CityWalk will celebrate the first 100 guests each day from June 10 to June 13 and from June 18 to June 24, starting at noon, who receive a vaccination dose at the CityWalk vaccination site with a voucher for a complimentary pre-selected sweet treat from Voodoo Doughnut.  Voucher must be redeemed at the Universal CityWalk Voodoo Doughnut location on the same day.  See voucher terms and conditions for details.

As a valued employer and responsible corporate citizen, Universal CityWalk will also welcome all Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk and NBCUniversal team members and their families to take advantage of the vaccination site with exclusive hours available to them for walk ups only from 10:00 a.m. to noon daily during the run of the pop-up site. Employees will need to show a valid work ID and self-parking will be free to employees.  Family members must be accompanied by the employee.

The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for individuals 12 years of age and older. For more information, including vaccine information for specific groups, visit here. Additional information is available at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm.

Universal CityWalk continues to work closely with local health and government officials to promote the health, welfare and safety of all guests and Team Members.  Please visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for updated information.
 
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Health and Safety Guidelines
All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC guidelines and conduct temperature checks prior to their arrival.  Guests should evaluate their own risk before they visit, and it is not recommended that older adults or individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit.  People who are asymptomatic can still spread COVID-19 if they are infected.  Any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and Universal cannot guarantee guests will not be exposed during their visit. For information on CDC guidelines, click here. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, details are subject to change without notice.

​LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest, the only pop culture and toy show that did not skip a year during 2020’s COVID-19 global pandemic, is returning to Simi Valley, California. The full-day celebration of comic books, action figures, toy collecting, memorabilia, and more is celebrating the return of on-site, indoor events at the Grand Vista Hotel on Sunday July 18th, 2021.

Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest is welcoming Guest Artist Michael Swanigan, whose work in the cartoon industry spans decades. As a storyboard artist on some of your favorite 80s and 90s childhood relics, Michael is a wealth of knowledge and filled with stories describing how your favorite shows were created. Visit him in the Artist Alley!

Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest has a special surprise for its attendees—for the first time at an event we are hosting Simi Mini Command Center, a room filled exclusively with Power Rangers  guests and celebrities! With Simi Valley, CA being the home of the original House of the Book building (most famously used as the exterior of the Command Center in the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers), we knew we had to pay homage to Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest’s  Hometown and give residents a Power Rangers experience they would not forget!

Simi Mini Command Center Power Rangers Celebrity Guests include:

Brennan Mejia: Power Rangers Dino Charge Red Ranger

William Shewfelt: Power Rangers Ninja Steel Red Ranger

Rorrie D. Travis: Power Rangers Beast Morphers Red Ranger

Liana Ramirez: Villain Roxy in Power Rangers Beast Morphers

Colby Strong: Villain Blaze in Power Rangers Beast Morphers

Abraham Rodriguez: Nate Silva in Power Rangers Beast Morphers

And in his FIRST EVER CONVENTION APPEARANCE, Actor and Voice Actor Richard Cansino, best known to Power Rangers fans as the voice of the monstrous KING SPHINX!

​Bring those Lightning Collection figures to get signed because there is so much Morphinomenal Madness happening only at Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest!
​

To show our love for the community, our excitement for the return of indoor events, and ensure that everyone who wants to come to the event has the opportunity, tickets for Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest 2021 are only $5 at the door. Children twelve and under are free.

Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest is a female owned and operated event, the brainchild of internet columnist and entrepreneur Loryn Stone. She is one half of Troublemakers Services, a group that owns and manages a portfolio of conventions and expos across California. Stone has two more single-day pop culture events coming to Ventura County,  Megabit Game Expo at the Grand Vista Hotel on Sunday September 12th, 2021 and Ventura Toy and Comic Expo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel May 23rd, 2022.

Limited vendor space remains to those who would like to exhibit at the event  - email [email protected] for more details or visit the website.

To keep up to date with all things Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest you can follow the show on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimiValleyToyComicFest/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simivalleytoycomicfest/

​Twitter: https://twitter.com/SVToyComicFest

New and Expanded Features Include:

• The “Storytelling Showcase,” where guests can explore the evolution of Warner Bros.’ nearly 100-year history;
  
• “Action and Magic Made Here,” the new grand finale experience featuring the DC Universe and Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series;
  
• An expansive new Warner Bros Studio Store, which will be open to the public without a Studio Tour ticket purchase;
  
• The Studio Tour now welcomes families with children five years and older.

(Burbank, CA – June 3, 2021) –Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood  (WBSTH) is excited to welcome back guests on June 26, revealing new experiences that get fans closer to the entertainment they love. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted at the new Welcome Center, their gateway to Hollywood, with all-new ways to go behind the lens of movie-making magic. Already a Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice award recipient, the studio tour in Los Angeles is now more fun with the “Storytelling Showcase,” and a new interactive grand finale, “Action and Magic Made Here.” The incredible new Studio Store provides fans access to exclusive merchandise from their favorite film and TV titles.

“Entertainment is about connecting with fans and we are thrilled to welcome guests back to the tour after a more than 15-month hiatus” said Danny Kahn VP and General Manager. “Our new experiences will take guests on a journey through our history, how we bring stories to life and celebrate the DC Universe and Wizarding World.”.
 
Upon arrival, guests enter the “Storytelling Showcase” and discover the world of Warner Bros.,  examining the breadth of the studio’s film, TV and animation titles, as well as the technological innovations from its cinema chain origins in 1923 through its nearly 100-year journey to become one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world. Guests can even take a selfie with a replica of the iconic water tower as they walk along an aerial view of the sprawling studio lot.

After guests tour the lot with one of our expert tour guides, they will arrive at Stage 48: Script to Screen, the Studio Tour’s interactive sound stage where they can immerse themselves in the technology and methods of production, revel in the Central Perk set from Friends and Sheldon’s apartment set from The Big Bang Theory before dining at our very own Central Perk Café. From Stage 48, guests will head to our “Action and Magic Made Here” grand finale, where they’ll experience the universe of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains and step behind-the-scenes of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with all new interactive experiences, props, costumes and memorable photo opportunities.
 
DC fans will enter Batman’s secret lair and explore the all-new Batcave, where they can get up close to the authentic Batmobile from Tim Burton’s original Batman, the Tumbler from The Dark Knight, and the Batwing from Batman v. Superman. Memorable photo ops include the Lasso of Hestia from the hit sequel Wonder Woman 1984, Jared Leto’s Joker and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn costumes from Suicide Squad, Poison Ivy in front of the actual Arkham Asylum gates featured in Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin and so much more from Aquaman, Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
 
The journey continues as guests explore recreated sets from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts where fans can dabble in the art of potion-making, snap an unforgettable photo inside Harry’s cupboard under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive or be surrounded by Hogwarts acceptance letters at the Dursleys’ fireplace, test their wand choreography skills, and learn more about the magical creatures from Fantastic Beasts in Newt Scamander’s Shed of Magical Creatures. Our new Sorting Ceremony will dazzle fans in the Great Hall recreated set; be sure to download the Harry Potter Fan Club mobile app for an even more enchanting experience where fans can discover their official Hogwarts house before arriving. Just like magic, visitors will hear the Sorting Hat call out their true Hogwarts house when it’s placed above their heads.

Concluding the tour is an elegant display of iconic treasures from Warner Bros. most beloved films and TV shows in the “Celebration of Awards Season.” The exhibit spotlights iconic crown jewel props and costumes from our classic films, such as the trombone that Robert Preston played in The Music Man, the jersey worn by the late Chadwick Boseman to portray Jackie Robinson in 42, and a painstakingly detailed miniature blimp from Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.

The Welcome Center will house a brand-new Warner Bros Studio Store that will be accessible to the general public.  The studio store offers the only in-person shopping experience with exclusive merchandise from legendary Warner Bros. films and TV shows.  In the Personalization Area, fans can bring their fandom to life and choose from a host of personalization options, including engraving a wand, a replica award, and more. Later this year, guests will be able to access merchandise from the studio store online.

The Studio Tour is conveniently located near public transportation and will offer ample covered parking for guests and tour buses with designated drop-off and pick-up areas for rideshare services.

Upon reopening, the Studio Tour will be open on weekends, from June 26 through July 11, with the Tour also being open on July 5. From July 15, the Studio Tour will operate 5 days a week and remain closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tours will depart from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with departures every 30 minutes. Tickets are available online for $69 for adults (ages 11 and up) and $59 for children ages 5 to 10 at wbstudiotour.com (advanced reservations will be required). Additionally, Southern California residents are eligible for a special rate of $57 on weekdays only, through September 30, 2021.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols: The Studio Tour follows all City, State and Federal health guidelines in addition to internal mandates to ensure the health and safety of our guests, employees and production partners.

​Universal City, California, June 1, 2021—Universal Studios Hollywood is casting a wide net to fill more than 2,000 jobs at the world-class theme park destination, offering prospective employees a chance to work within the exciting entertainment industry and alongside some of the most popular rides ever created.

The positions run the gamut from full-time, part-time and seasonal to professional career opportunities. A highlight of available jobs includes those in Attractions, Entertainment, including Production Assistants and Show Controllers, Guest Relations, Park Services, Wardrobe, Retail, Parking and Food, including posts as Bartenders, Baristas, Cooks, Bakers, Food Stand Attendants and Runners. To apply, please visit  www.USHjobs.com.

An array of professional jobs is available from Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Engineering to Environmental Health & Safety. To apply, please visit www.NBCunicareers.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood brings to life the magic of movie and television production, entertaining guests from around the globe and immersing them in such thrill rides as “Jurassic World—The Ride,” which now features the all-new, extraordinarily realistic dinosaur, the Indominus rex, “The Secret Life of Pets:  Off the Leash!”, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” to name just a few.

The world-famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour takes guests through an authentic production studio, home to iconic outdoor sets and soundstages used in over 8,000 movies and television shows, as well as dynamic movie-based rides such as “King Kong 360 3D” and “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.”

More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.