Tag: Los Angeles

Universal Studios Hollywood & Orlando Closed Until May 31st

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized

With both California and Florida under Stay at Home orders, Universal has decided to close their domestic parks through at least the end of May. They had originally been closed through April 19th, but were extended due to the coronavirus situation not slowing down.

Some good news is that stats show that California has started to flatten the curve and computer models moved up its peak to April 14th, which is as soon as next week. Those projection models have the state social distancing until Mid May to complete flatten the curve. That would coincide with the time frame that Knotts and Six Flags would like to open up their parks and give Universal enough room to decide to push up the opening of its Hollywood park should the situation vastly improve by that time.

Here is the official statement from Universal below:

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BREAKING: Disneyland Park, Disney World and Universal Studios Hollywood Temporarily Closing

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized

This morning California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he is banning large gatherings of over 250 people in the state, but theme parks, casinos, and movie theaters were exempt. A few hours later, Disney announced that the Disneyland Resort would be closing due to coronavirus concerns for just the fourth time in its history.

A couple of hours later, Universal Studios Hollywood followed suit and announced that it too would be closing its doors from March 14th through the end of the month. This is particular bad for Universal fans as pass member previews were just getting ready to start this Saturday for the new Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash attraction.

UPDATE: Disney World has now closed effective Sunday March 15th temporarily.

I will update this story as more details become available, but make sure to ALWAYS wash your hands and stay safe and clean!

RIP Iconic Laker and NBA Legend Kobe Bean Bryant, Kobe Tragically Passed Away in a Helicopter Crash

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized
Image result for kobe bryant
I will miss you Kobe

I know this is not a theme park story, but it is a story about a person near and dear to my heart which is why I am reporting it here.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash this morning in Calabasas, California about 1 min away from my former community. I grew up loving and watching the Lakers because of Kobe. I still watch and cheer them on to this day because of what he did for me and the team. Hard work, dedication, championships and continued ambition have paved the way and inspiration for other great NBA players such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry.

I can’t even imagine how Vanessa and the rest of the family is feeling at this moment in time.

No cause of the crash has been determined yet, but it was reported that the engine began sputtering before the copter went down. It was also very foggy last night and this morning which definitely could have contributed to the crash. Prayers to his family and everyone involved.

What is your favorite Kobe Bryant memory? Share them below and let’s reflect on his wonderful amazing life together. #RIPKOBE

Disney Announces Resident and Hotel Discounts For 2020 and With Me You Can Get Them Cheaper!!

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized

Welcome to 2020! Disney is giving everyone who lives in Southern California a great ticket deal for this off season! There are two discounts I have here for all of you and I am going to break them down for you right now.

The first is the 3 Day one park per day or parkhopper ticket. For $199 you can get a 3 Day non consecutive one park per day ticket to the Disneyland Resort and for $254 you can get a 3 Day parkhopper non consecutive ticket to the resort. Both tickets must be used by May 21, 2020 and have a one week blockout period during Spring Break. Now if you combine the tickets with a two night hotel stay you can save an extra $10 off your package. You may purchase those tickets here!

For the next special it is the same one as above, but without the hotel and is only for Southern California residents. You may purchase those right here!

During these next few months the Disneyland Resort will welcome Rise of the Resistance in ten days, Lunar New Year in a few weeks, Califronia Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival as well as a brand new daytime parade, so go ahead and buy those tickets so you can enjoy the plethora of new entertainment and attractions coming to the resort!

Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Food and Wine Festival!

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized

Today Universal Hollywood announced that on March 19th and 20th they will be hosting a Food and Wine Festival. The only difference between this one and other theme park festivals is that Universal’s will be an after hours hard ticket event.

The event will start at 7pm each night and cost $179 to attend on each night. That price includes food tastings, beer, wine, live competitions and photo ops with Top Chef talent, live entertainment, merchandise, and a gift. For $300 you can get a VIP ticket that allows you access to Universal Studios starting at 12pm and preferred parking with VIP tasting with alumni from Top Chef or for $199 you can get a day and night combo ticket that starts at 12pm but does not include free parking and the special VIP experiences.

If you have not guessed already this event is themed to Bravo’s Top Chef and you will be able to taste some of their delicious meals all night long! Will you be attending this festival? Would you rather it be included in regular park admission like at California Adventure? Do you think what your getting is worth all that money? Let me know in the comments below!

West Coast Racers to Host Previews For Passholders Starting Week of Christmas!!

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized
Image result for west coast racers

According to commenter Tom Read on the latest West Coast Racers Update from Parks Bros, Six Flags will be hosting Passholder Previews for the coaster starting December 21st and running through the first week of January.

Depending on what type of pass you have will be the day you get to experience this new coaster. Using an educational guess, my thought is that the ride will be open to the general public on January 6th, 2020.

Are you a Six Flags season pass holder? Will you be going to try out this ride early? Let me know in the comments below and follow this blog for constant theme park updates!

Universal Studios Hollywood Officially Announces Toothsome Emporium

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized
Image result for toothsome chocolate emporium

Universal Studios Hollywood announced today that the Toothsome Emporium is set to take over the space occupied by Hard Rock Cafe and open in 2021. Hard Rock Cafe will be closing January 8th to begin the transition.

The restaurant will feature all of the goodies in the Orlando version and be two stories. It will also feature a gift shop, dessert bar, and all day brunch. Universal Citywalk over the past few years has undergone a massive overhaul including the opening of Margaritaville, Antijitos, Voodoo Doughnuts and more. New dining and retail options should be announced in the coming months as there are several more vacant spaces throughout the entertainment center.

What do you think of the Toothsome Emporium coming to Citywalk? I personally love chocolate so I am very excited for this new addition, but let me know in the comments below what you think about this recent change to Citywalk!

Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Citywalk Hollywood Set to Close January 8th

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized

Universal Citywalk continues to go through major changes as the large and iconic Hard Rock Cafe is set to close at the beginning of January. It is rumored to be replaced by a Toothsome Emporium that is currently at Orlando’s Citywalk.

Photo courtesy of Inside Universal

Above is a picture of the Toothsome Emporium in Orlando and as you can see it is a two story full service restaurant with a large dessert section as well. There is also a gift shop attached. Have you been to the Emporium in Orlando? Are you excited for it to come to Hollywood? Let me know in the comments below!

Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils West Coast Racers Trains!

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized

It’s a Six Flags day today because now they have released a brand new look at the West Coast Racers trains coming hopefully soon to the construction site itself (Right now they are in the Magic Mountain parking lot). I must say they look very impressive and just like the original concept art which is fantastic. Great job by West Coast Customs for their work on the trains and in the land itself with the graffiti murals they have been painting all over.

As for West Coast Racers, the track is all done and the station box should be finishing up shortly as it looks almost fully framed. Once that is done these lovely new trains will be hoisted on the track for a slow pull through of the entire course to make sure the sizing is correct among other potential safety requirements and issues. After that full testing can begin and it is law by CalOSHA that every vehicle on every new ride at any park in California must go around its course at least 1,000 times before it can be cleared to open. So expect testing to be going over for a few weeks before hopefully on opening date by Christmas time is what I am guessing.

What do you guys think of the new trains? When do you think this ride will finally open? Do you like the comfort collars being used on these trains or would you rather it be a different type of restraint? Let me know in the comments below!

Grinchmas To Begin on Thanksgiving at Universal Studios Hollywood

by socalthemeparkwizard, posted in Uncategorized
Image result for grinchmas
Whoville Tree lit up at USH

It’s that time of the year again where the two holidays of Halloween and Christmas collide. Christmas decorations are already being set up at both Disney and Universal and now we are starting to get more information on Grinchmas with some pretty awesome news.

This awesome news is that this year Grinchmas will start on Thanksgiving Day and will run DAILY (instead of the previous just on weekends) through December 29th. Also starting at this time will be the Christmas at the Wizarding Wold of Harry Potter celebration with Christmas themed shows and entertainment including the ever popular projection show on Hogwarts Castle.

The holiday themed food and Hot Butterbeer will also be making a return and eveyr night at Universal Plaza there will be a Whoville themed lighting celebration to light the 55 foot Grinchmas Tree. As I have stated in previous articles about the holidays Christmas is my favorite time of the year at the SoCal parks and I am so excited to celebrate again this year!

What about all of you? Are you excited for Grinchmas this year? Let me know in the comments below and give this page a follow for constant holiday updates and footage!