A spectacular new dragon joins “Fantasmic!,” stretching as high as 45 feet tall and breathing great plumes of fire on the Rivers of America at Disneyland. Performances of the show have been extended nightly through Sept. 7, and will continue weekends – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – as well as during holiday periods through the end of 2009. Nighttime Disneyland guests can also enjoy the “Magical” fireworks show, which has been extended through Labor Day and weekends thereafter through Sept. 20. Both Tinker Bell and Dumbo the Flying Elephant make special appearances in “Magical.”
· The new dragon is a fully animated three-dimensional design that replicates the movements of the dragon in “Sleeping Beauty.”
· Maleficent, a classic Disney villain, transforms into a dragon during “Fantasmic!” – just as she does in the famous Walt Disney Pictures film.
· The “Fantasmic!” dragon is 32 feet wide and weighs approximately 18,000 pounds.
· When she stretches to full height, the dragon stands 45 feet tall.
· When she “lurks” beneath the “Fantasmic!” stage prior to appearing, the dragon contracts to 22 feet tall.
· During the spectacular finale, she rises to stage level in 35 seconds on a custom-built elevator.
· Tri-color LED lighting fixtures put the gleam in the dragon’s eyes.
· In her spectacular appearance, Maleficent breathes a plume of fire 35 feet long, lighting the Rivers of America on fire for 25 seconds during the show.
· During the show, the dragon is controlled and monitored by four computer systems.
· The dynamic and menacing animation of the dragon is achieved via 18 axes of motion which enable a wide rangeof movement in her eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, neck, wings.
Come to a Disney Park on Your Birthday and Get In Free!
Everyone who visits a Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embrace a family travel trend called “celebration vacations.” American families are hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions with a “celebration vacation.” In 2009, the Disneyland Resort will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences. To receive free admission to one of the Disneyland Resort theme parks on your birthday in 2009, register at www.disneyparks.com.
Disney’s Favorite Pixie Introduces Guests to All-New Pixie Hollow
To celebrate the animated film “Tinker Bell,” Disney’s most famous fairy and four of her best friends are featured in an all-new meet-and-greet experience at Disneyland Park. Guests enter a magical forest called “Pixie Hollow,” a special place deep in the heart of Never Land. They will get the strange feeling that they are shrinking to fairy size as they make their way to Tinker Bell’s home where they will meet Tink and her pixie pals.
“Toy Story” Animated Characters Create Fun and Mania
In the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army Men, guests can don 3-D glasses and experience an energy-filled toy box of fun with the debut of Toy Story Mania!. Celebrating the Disney•Pixar classics “Toy Story” and “Toy Story II,” Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It’s a high energy, immersive adventure that makes guests a key part of the action as their game play triggers special effects that provide a fourth dimension of fun. Read More...
SOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS
OPENING IN MAY 2010 AT SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO
Dolphin Stadium at SeaWorld San Diego will undergo a complete transformation for a new dolphin show called "Blue Horizons," scheduled to open May 2010. The new set, shown in this model image, will include high-tech water features; a new sound system; and trusses and diving boards for aerialists.
"Blue Horizons," a spectacular new show featuring energetic dolphins, soaring birds and amazing acrobatic performers, is scheduled to open at SeaWorld San Diego May 2010. The set, which will include high-tech water features, a new sound system, and trusses and diving boards for aerialists, is depicted in this photo illustration from SeaWorld Orlando, where the show has been a hit since 2005.
Winter Happenings Around Southern California
DISNEYLAND RESORT FAVORITES RETURN!
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a beloved Disneyland attraction for nearly 45 years and a historic landmark in the development of Audio-Animatronics technology, reopened Dec. 18 at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland. The Lincoln figure is more lifelike and expressive than ever before.
The Disney Gallery returns! Long a favorite of Disney fans and collectors of Disney art, The Disney Gallery has reopened in its new home – next to the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland in the space originally occupied by the Bank of Main Street. (Don’t miss the special pieces on display inside the old bank vault!) The Gallery’s inaugural show, “Enchanting the Classics,” focuses on how the artists at Walt Disney Imagineering have kept beloved Disneyland attractions, such as Jungle Cruise, Submarine Voyage and Pirates of the Caribbean, fresh and exciting over the years with enhancements and surprises.
Next door to The Disney Gallery, in the Lobby of the Main Street Opera House, is The Disneyland Story, an immersive display that takes guests behind the scenes in the 54-year history and development of Walt Disney’s original theme park. A highlight is the continuous screening of “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” co-hosted by Steve Martin and Donald Duck.Mr. Lincoln Returns to his Main Street Address! The beloved Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln has returned to the auditorium of the Main Street Opera House. Walt Disney Imagineering has enriched this classic inspirational presentation, augmenting fondly remembered show elements with the most advance Audio-Animatronics technology, artwork and other enhancements.
Preview the expansion at Disney’s California Adventure! In Blue Sky Cellar at Golden Vine Winery, the Imagineers’ workshop offers guests a wide-ranging preview – featuring models, concept art and film – of what’s coming to Disney’s California Adventure, including “World of Color” in 2010; a new ride in 2011 that takes guests into the undersea world of “The Little Mermaid,” and the new, 12-acre Cars Land in 2012.
For additional information, visit disneylandresort.com.
Friday Evenings January 1 through May 7 SHARK LAGOON NIGHTS
Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights! Touch more than 150 sharks and see large sharks such as the sand tiger at the Shark Lagoon exhibit on select Friday evenings from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Shark Lagoon brings you closer to these predators than you ever imagined.
Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
562.590.3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org
Through June 6
WHERE MASKS STILL DANCE: NEW GUINEA
A stunning presentation of the intricate and mysterious cultures that inhabit the island of New Guinea, home to over 1,000 aboriginal tribes and unique languages. Where Masks Still Dance: New Guinea features 40 black-and-white photographs by acclaimed documentary photographer Chris Rainier, known for his revealing images of earth’s last wilderness areas and the isolated indigenous peoples who live there. Explore the lives, masked ceremonies, crocodile cults, rites of passage, adornment, celebrations and rituals rarely documented in the West. Journey into this vanishing world where masks still dance. For tickets and additional information, visit bowers.org.
Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92706
January 16 – May 2
DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER PRESENTS SECRETS OF CIRCLES
Circles are pretty amazing shapes. If you look around, you’ll see that they’re everywhere: wheels, clocks, doorknobs, tortillas, Frisbees, tops and more! This exciting new exhibit at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana for ages 3-10 celebrates the math, science and beauty of such a simple shape and helps children and adults alike to uncover the secrets of the many circles in the world. For more information, visit discoverycube.org.
Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92705
March 19 & 21
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Orange County Musical Theatre and Saddleback Valley Christian Schools presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the spectacular OC Pavilion Performing Art Theater on March 19 and 20. This "tale as old as time" is filled with spectacular costumes and sets, and offers a great opportunity to bring your entire family together for youth theatre at its best. A handsome prince, because of his pride, is turned into a hideous beast. He lives in an enchanted castle with, among others, Lumiere the candelabra, Cogsworth the clock, Chip the teacup and Mrs Potts. The Beast must learn to love again in order to break the spell. Beautiful Belle's father is imprisoned by the Beast. Belle convinces the Beast to accept her as a prisoner instead. The Beast falls in love, but all is not yet happy. Belle and the Beast have to work through betrayal and almost certain death before all live happily ever after. For ticket information visit www.ocpavilion.com. OC Pavilion Performing Art Theater, 801 N. Main St.., Santa Ana 92701 714.550.0880.
March 27 – April 11
SEAWORLD’S SPRING INTO NIGHT
SeaWorld stays open late so guests have more time to enjoy all their daytime SeaWorld favorites, plus special nighttime entertainment. It’s all part of Spring into Night, SeaWorld’s springtime soiree featuring “Sea Lions Tonite,” a hilarious sea lion and otter production that pokes fun at the park’s daytime shows; “Shamu Rocks,” a 20-minute musical journey through awesome natural settings around the globe; and “SkyBlast” fireworks.Spring into Night hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., March 27-April 11. Visit seaworld.com for further information.
March 27 – April 11
DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER’S BUBBLEFEST
BubbleFest – Discovery Science Center’s bubble extravaganza – will float into Orange County for Spring Break, March 27 – April 11. International bubble artist Fan Yang, a sixteen-time Guinness Book World Record Holder and Bubble Scientist, will bring his unique and stunning artistry to showcase the science of bubbles under a big top. For more information, visit discoverycube.org.
Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92705
Through April 15
California Science Center Hosts AMERICA I AM: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IMPRINT EXHIBITION
Los Angeles is home to the west coast debut of America I AM: The African American Imprint, a touring exhibition presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley. The nearly 13,000 square-foot presentation, held at the California Science Center, celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to the U.S. Among other things, it features pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity of African Americans on our nation and around the world. Through more than 200 rare historic objects, documents, photos and multimedia, visitors can explore how African Americans have contributed to and shaped American culture across four core areas: economic, socio-political, cultural and spiritual. The exhibition relates important events and people from the beginnings of the nation through the present-day inauguration of the first African American president. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 pm. For general exhibit information, visit californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/specialexhibits/america-i-am/America-i-am.php. To purchase tickets, call 213.744.2019 or 323.724.3623 or visit californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/specialexhibits/America-i-am/tickets/tickets.php.
SPRING INTO NIGHT & ENJOY SUMMER NIGHTS AT SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO
Enjoy SeaWorld attractions and adventures by day and then stay for the exciting nightlife during Spring into Night, April 11, April 17–18 and April 24–25. At night, the park features “Shamu’s SkySplash” fireworks, Clyde and Seamore in “Sea Lions Tonite,” and SeaWorld's nighttime whale show, "Shamu Rocks."
Weekends May 1-23, SeaWorld hosts Viva La Música, a festival of food, fireworks and Latin music. For a complete schedule, visit seaworldsandiego.com. Blue Horizons—a spectacular new show featuring energetic bottlenose dolphins, magnificent pilot whales, a colorful array of exotic birds and amazing human performers — is scheduled to open May 29 at SeaWorld San Diego’s completely renovated Dolphin Stadium. Summer Nights at SeaWorld begins weekends May 29–June 13 and then daily June 18–August 29, September 4–6. Enjoy extended park hours, fireworks, and special nighttime animal shows, including “Shamu Rocks” and “Sea Lions Tonite,” plus “Cirque de la Mer,” an acrobatic odyssey on and above Mission Bay. For more information, including admission and hours, visit seaworldsandiego.com or call 800.25.SHAMU.
Through April 11
Discovery Science Center’s Bubblefest XIV
The ultimate Spring Break family event, BubbleFest offers a look into the beautiful, delicate world of bubbles like never before. Bubble science activities highlight surface tension, elasticity, air pressure, geometry and more. Leading the excitement is Fan Yang's Mega Bubble Show, featuring 16-time Guinness Book World Record Holder and Bubble Scientist, Fan Yang. Yang travels the world with his Mega Bubble Show, and Discovery Science Center is proud to be his only West Coast engagement this year. For more information, visit discoverycube.org.
Through April 30
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
“Buy A Day, Get 2010 Free”Purchase a full-priced one-day admission ticket by April 30 and enjoy the Universal Studios Hollywood tour and theme park again and again with the “Buy A Day, Get 2010 Free” annual pass, featuring no black-out dates. This summer, come back as many times as you want to see “King Kong 360 3-D,” created by Peter Jackson, combining thrilling visceral effects with the world’s largest Surround Digital projection system. “King Kong 360 3-D” will roar to life at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer as part of the signature Studio Tour. Visitors will experience Kong like he’s never been seen before aboard the iconic trams - newly equipped with state-of-the-art, flat-screen Hi-Definition monitors and digital playback systems. For hours, admission and information, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
Through May 2
DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER’S SECRETS OF CIRCLES
This newest traveling exhibit will have you in a spin! Secrets of Circles is a two-thousand square foot learning zone with 18 NEW tri-lingual (English, Spanish, Vietnamese) exhibits that celebrate the math, science, and beauty of such a simple shape. Children of all ages can explore sophisticated mathematical concepts in a hands-on manner. Designed to encourage children and their caregivers to engage fully in math, this exhibition offers multiple ways to appreciate the many uses of circles in nature and by people. Circle around the compass table to draw perfect circles on a glow-in-the-dark table, gear up at our gear table to make your own mechanical creation, and shop in our pretend market to shop for onions, pulleys, and all things circular! For more information, visit discoverycube.org.
April 12 - 18
SPA WEEK – AFFORDABLE, HEALTHY WELLNESS
In the wake of an urgent national debate on healthcare, Americans ended the first decade of the 21st century less certain about their wellness futures than ever before. In these unsure times, Americans are increasingly turning to alternative therapies to strengthen the body and guard against illness. Spa Week rings in the new decade by continuing to deliver the benefits of the spa at an affordable price to millions of deserving consumers. The Spring Spa Week Event brings $50 spa treatments to consumers at more than 800 spas across North America. So even though you may be visiting So Cal, you can also take advantage of this incredible week at home. Just go to spaweek.com to see which spas are closest to you, either here or at home. In addition to offering traditionally beneficial stress-busting and immune-boosting spa treatments like massage, Spa Week brings intensive, clinical therapies to consumers for just $50 with hundreds of participating medi-spas all over the country. For more information, visit spaweek.com.
April 16 - 18
LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX
The 36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach runs Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18. The Official Grand Prix race takes place from 1:15 – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 18. Qualifying races will be held at various times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit the IndyCar All Driver Autograph Session on Friday afternoon from 4 – 5 p.m. Watch the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on Saturday from 11:40 – 12:40 p.m. For schedule, ticket, parking and general information, visit gplb.com.
April 16-1821st ANNUAL PET EXPOOC Fair & Event Center, Costa MesaCalling all pet lovers! The world’s largest pet expo features animal entertainment, pet experts, latest pet products, pet adoptions and more. More than 1,000 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, llamas, pot bellied pigs, goats, rats, reptiles, rabbits, miniature horses and more will be on display in stage shows, competitions, and demonstrations. Produced by World Wide Pet Industry Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care. For more information and discount tickets, go to PetExpoOC.com.
April 20 – May 9 BRITWEEK
Calling all Brits and those who love Brits! Once again, spring in SoCal means BritWeek. Now in its fourth year, BritWeek offers a wide range of events highlighting British connections with California. This year’s events will feature British excellence in music, film, food, fashion, fine arts, drink, design, cars, comedy, sports and business. Attend the Gala Benefit Dinner, benefiting Malaria No More, with special guest Sir Richard Branson; see all the newest styles at the BritWeek fashion show and British Designer Awards; and attend the British Filmmakers Forum and Music Industry Reception. Then find out which Young Entrepreneurs are Changing the Face of the World at the British American Business Council Conference. “BritWalks,” linking stores and restaurants in Los Angeles/Beverly Hills and Orange County, will run throughout BritWeek. 60 stores and restaurants participated in 2009 and more are expected in 2010. For a complete list of BritWeek events, times and locations, visit www.britweek.org and click on BritWeek Specials. “People ask me why BritWeek is actually three weeks,” says BritWeek President Nigel Lythgoe. “I say why not? There is so much to do and say, we could go on for three months if we had the energy.”
April 22 – 292010
NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL
Watch and enjoy independent films from around the world at the 11th annual Newport Beach Film Festival. Entries include features, shorts, documentaries and animation. Films will be shown at theaters in and around Fashion Island in Newport Beach. For additional information, visit newportbeachfilmfest.com.
April 22-25TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES HOLDS FIRST-EVER CLASSIC FILM FESTIVALTurner Classic Movies (TCM), the authority in classic film, will stage the network’s first film festival in the heart of Hollywood. The destination film festival will be a landmark celebration of the history of Hollywood and its movies with major events, celebrity appearances and more than 50 screenings of classic movies. In addition to screening classic films, from newly restored masterpieces to silent classics and undiscovered gems, the festival will tell the story of Hollywood through films, guests and special events throughout the weekend. Hear behind-the-scenes stories told firsthand by actors, filmmakers, and writers. As TCM examines Hollywood’s history, the influence of foreign-language films on American filmmaking also will be explored. The festival will screen important film imports that have had an unquestionable impact on the direction Hollywood has taken. The festival will involve several famous venues in Hollywood, including screenings at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has a longstanding role in movie history and was the site of the first Oscar® ceremony, will be the official hotel for the festival as well as a key venue for festival passholders. For more information or to purchase festival passes visit tcm.com/festival. Prices range from $500 to $1,200 for four-day passes.
May 15 & 16
CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Strawberries galore and more are in store when the sweet Southland tradition of the 27th Annual California Strawberry Festival gets underway at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. Ranking among the top Festivals in the nation, the fruitful celebration boasts strawberries every way imaginable, along with all day fun for the entire family. Enjoy concert performances, the Strawberry Promenade with celebrity cooking demonstrations, more than 250 Fine Arts & Crafts booths, Strawberryland for Kids with rides and attractions, gooey contests, special appearances, and more. The event has helped raise over $3 million for various Southland charities while paying tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage and winning award recognition for its recycling and “green” policies that began in 2001. Oxnard is located 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. General admission is $12, seniors 62+ are $8 and children ages 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. For further information, including free and discounted transportation options, visit strawberry-fest.org. or call 888.288.9242.
May 20 & 21
SMUCKER’S® STARS ON ICE® TOUR STAPLES CENTER, Los Angeles - MAY 20 HONDA CENTER, Anaheim - MAY 21
America’s premiere figure skating production, Smucker’s Stars on Ice, welcomes the world’s best for exclusive one night only performances. America’s top Olympic medal hopefuls from the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver will join the Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour. This year’s highly anticipated production will visit Los Angeles at STAPLES Center on Thursday, May 20 and Anaheim at Honda Center on Friday, May 21. The Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour is proud to welcome America’s leading medal contenders – 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2009 Men’s World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, and 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen. They will be joined by World Champion and Six-Time National Champion Todd Eldredge; Two-Time World Bronze Medalist and Three-Time National Champion Michael Weiss, and more, including several medalists from the 2010 U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour, founded and produced by Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, is one of the premier family entertainment events in the United States. For tickets and further information, visit www.smuckers.com.
May 21
PUBLIC DEBUT: AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC’S NEW EXPANSION
Explore the newest permanent expansion at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Molina Animal Care Center building will enable visitors to see daily animal care shows, watch the Aquarium’s veterinarian conduct medical exams, and learn more about the fascinating world of aquatic medicine. The Aquarium will feature new exhibits and programs about animal care geared to all ages. For information and tickets, call 562.590.3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.
