During my 2 days Los Angeles visit, I stayed at the Dixie Hollywood Hotel. The location of the hotel was great for us, as it was on Hollywood Blvd, and close to the freeway. (This prevented us from getting into traffic on our way up to Universal Studios the next day.) Overall, it was a good stay. It wasn't anything special. The beds were a little hard, making it kind of hard to sleep in. The rooms were nice. Out of 10, I would rate the hotel a 6.
For two days, I was up in the Los Angeles area. The two main places I visited were Universal Studios Hollywood and the Tam O' Shanter. This trip report will tell my trip in full details:
November 25, 2013: Today's "big" adventure was spent mostly in the car. We left my house at around 6:00PM and got to Los Angeles at 9:00PM. Because this was a last minute trip and mainly there for Universal Studio's Grinchmas Ceremony, our hotel did not have to be "grand."
We stayed at the Dixie Hollywood Hotel. The location of the hotel was great for us, as it was on Hollywood Blvd, and close to the freeway. (This prevented us from getting into traffic on our way up to Universal Studios the next day.) Overall, it was a good stay. It wasn't anything special. The beds were a little hard, making it kind of hard to sleep in. The rooms were nice. Out of 10, I would rate the hotel a 6.
November 26, 2013: At around 8:00, we headed up to Universal Studios Hollywood. It was only a 5 minute drive from the Dixie Hotel.
Walking through City Walk, we saw all of the nice Christmas decorations.
Last week, I got an invite from Universal Studios. They asked if I would be available Tuesday because Florence Henderson (actress and talk show host) would be awarded the ‘Who-Manitarian of the Year'. She got this award because of all her good deeds with the City of Hope. This special ceremony kicked off the start of Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood, a month long event, celebrating the holiday season.
Sadly, the event was postponed until Wednesday, so I was unable to attend. (Only up in Los Angeles for 2 days.) I was a little sad that I would have to miss the ceremony, but a day roaming around the park made up for it!
Even though its not even Thanksgiving, Universal Studios Hollywood was decorated for Christmas. (or Grinchmas) The park does such a great job decorating during this time of year!
My first stop was the year-old Transformers THE RIDE: 3D attraction. Because the park just opened up, the wait time was only 10 minutes. Worked out perfectly.
I had a lot of fun on this ride. Everything seemed so real. I have never been a fan of 3D though, as it always hurts my eyes. Besides that, the ride was fantastic and a "must see".
After Transformers, I headed across the way to Jurassic Park. I believe this is one of the most beautiful attractions ever created. I love water rides, and this was no different. It is so beautiful going through Jurassic Park and admiring the plants, "animals" and waterfalls.
After the splashful ride, I went back to the main entrance, hoping to catch the taping of "Extra".
Walking back, I ran into my good friend Doc Brown from Back to the Future. He commented on my hair and said we "have the same kind of hairstyle." (Except my hair color is brown) It was great!
At around 10:45, I arrived at the front gates of Universal Studios Hollywood. I came at a great time, as they were in the middle of filming "Extra." Extra is a celebrity entertainment and gossip TV show. Its hosted by Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos. The show is taped weekdays at Universal Studios Hollywood. Anyone in the area can partake as a "live audience member". I spent some time watching the show being filmed and movie magic being made!
There was a lot of interaction between the crowd and hosts Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos.
Be sure to check your local listing time and see when Extra is on.
After about 15 minutes watching the taping, I went back into Universal Studios Hollywood!
I went over to the Grinchmas section of the park. It looked really great. This was where the ceremony was supposed to take place that day.
It really does look fantastic. Universal always does such a great job with Grinchmas!
After a quick look around, I went over to the Studio Tour. The Studio Tour is my favorite attraction in the park. It takes you down to the "Backlot" where all the movies are being filmed.
The tour is 45 minutes long and is well worth it! I brought 2 cameras along, giving you multiple views.
Here, I will show some of my favorite stops:
The NBC TV show "The Voice" films at Universal Studios Hollywood! The show is one of my favorite competition shows around!
One of my favorite movies is "Back to the Future". I was so excited to see the "Hill Valley" set on the Backlot! Certainly a highlight.
Another fun destination on the tour is the "Flash Flood" scene. It shows you that Hollywood can make any weather occur at any time. (Even in sunny Southern California!)
During our visit, they were actually taping an show for the Hallmark Channel!
During times like this, we all have to be silent! It was great!
Not too long after, we entered a soundstage. The set was of a subway station. It seemed all calm at first, but later was an earthquake!
After the earthquake, we traveled all the way to the coast of Amity Island, where Jaws was filmed!
We even got a visit from Bruce the Shark himself!
After a few more stops, we made our way over to the Who-ville set.
The Who's from Who-ville were out singing for the season. (or just practicing for the upcoming Grinchmas.)
Around the corner, we paid a visit to the Bates Motel!
This is just a few of the many segments on the Studio Tour! I had a wonderful time aboard the tram and hope to return again!
After the trip through movie making, I got a quick bite to eat and headed over to the Simpson's Ride!
Since its opening, The Simpsons Ride has always been one of my favorites! The 15 minute wait was well worth it, as I was able to virtually visit Springfield.
The whole experience from the queue to the ride ending is fantastic. I actually like the queue just as much as the ride!
To end my trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, I visited the Universal's House of Horrors. I started liking scary attractions last October, so I have never been "excited" to go in the House of Horrors. I did it once many years ago and did not like it. This time, I LOVED IT! It reminded me of Halloween Horror Nights and the Scream Zone. Perfect! it got me right back into the Halloween spirit.
After that, I made my way towards the front entrance! Extra was still in taping, so I decided to stick around a little longer.
The crowd was even bigger this time as more audience interaction began! It was great!
Who knows, I might be on TV this week!
After about 20 minutes, I left Universal City and headed to Griffith Park! I have always wanted to see the carousel that inspired Disneyland!
Sadly, the carousel is only open on the weekends, so it was closed!
A little while after that, I visited the Tam O' Shanter! The Tam is a unique restaurant located not too far from Hollywood Bowl and Warner Brother Studios. The restaurant has been operated for over 90 years. It was a place where Walt Disney and his Imagineers would frequently come for a bite to eat. I was able to sit at Walt Disney's table #31.
The reason I know about the Tam O' Shanter is because of the month long Optimist game, that took place during the summer. Some of the clues were at the Tam O' Shanter.
On Walt Disney's table are special carvings that gave Optimists clues:
I really enjoyed eating dinner at the Tam O' Shanter. They have great employees who make you feel very welcome. The food is really great. I had the "Crispy Brick Chicken" and finished the whole thing. The portions are very large and are great for a long day.
I really recommend eating at the Tam O' Shanter. The prices are high, but its worth it. Out of 10, I would rate the Tam O' Shanter a 9.
Yesterday, during my 2 day Los Angeles trip, I was able to visit the Tam O' Shanter. The Tam is a unique restaurant located not too far from Hollywood Bowl and Warner Brother Studios. The restaurant has been operated for over 90 years. It was a place where Walt Disney and his Imagineers would frequently come for a bite to eat. I was able to sit at Walt Disney's table #31.
The reason I know about the Tam O' Shanter is because of the month long Optimist game, that took place during the summer. Some of the clues were at the Tam O' Shanter.
On Walt Disney's table are special carvings that gave Optimists clues:
I really enjoyed eating dinner at the Tam O' Shanter. They have great employees who make you feel very welcome. The food is really great. I had the "Crispy Brick Chicken" and finished the whole thing. The portions are very large and are great for a long day.
I really recommend eating at the Tam O' Shanter. The prices are high, but its worth it. Out of 10, I would rate the Tam O' Shanter a 9.
Earlier today, Florence Henderson (actress and talk show host) was crowned the ‘Who-Manitarian of the Year'. She got this award because of all her good deeds with the City of Hope. This special ceremony kicked off the start of Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood, a month long event, celebrating the holiday season.
Grinchmas is once again returning to Universal Studios Hollywood, with more surprises than ever. The event will start tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day), and will continue weekends though December 15. After that, its daily from December 20-31.
Grinchmas includes:
-A 60 foot Grinchmas tree.
-Grinch & Max "Meet and Greets"
-Trip to the Who-ville set on the Studio Tour with special reenactments from the movie.
Grinchmas is included in theme park admission!
Because we are transitioning into 2014, its a great time to purchase a "Buy A Day, Get 2014 Free" pass. It allows you nonstop entertainment through the year!
-
Originally, the ceremony was planned for yesterday, as we were going to attend the event. Sadly, there was a last minute change and the ceremony was pushed back a day. Even though the event was postponed, we still did visit Universal Studios Hollywood yesterday. Stay tuned for videos and photos of our trip! #grinchGCB
After a much-anticipated year and a half wait, I finally saw Catching Fire this morning. Catching Fire centers around Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, two victors who won in the same year, by almost committing suicide to save each other. Since their victory, an uprising has started and the districts are fighting back. The next Hunger Games marks the 75th anniversary, or a Quarter Quell, where two tributes were to be pulled from the existing victor's ballot. Katniss and Peeta were chosen again, since the Capitol wants her image to be destroyed in the right way.
Overall, Catching Fire was great. It was fast-paced and kept the audience on the edge of their seat. Finnick's part was played amazingly, with the energy that had fans heart's stolen. Mags' bravery took my heart as she walked into the fog. Her smile and laugh had kept the audience smiling. Wiress and Beetee had the most tech-savvy minds a human being could ever have. Their cunning and graceful skills had the audience biting their teeth. Brutus and Enobaria were gladiators the entire movie. Their strong skills had built the foundation for the most suspenseful parts of the entire movie. Last but not least, Johanna Mason had the attitude that took the laughter out of the movie. She even stripped down in front of a 40 year old!.
I must say, the movie was paced meticulously, and the acting was better. I think that Mags, Brutus, and Enobaria should've at least talked once, since we never heard them talk. On top of that, I rate Catching Fire a 10. At the ending, the mockingjay from the front cover of the first book turns into the mockingjay from the second one, and then turns into a mockingjay from the last book. Judging from this, the sequels will be more exciting and more suspenseful. Hunger Games fans, we wait once more for Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2, in November 2014, and November 2015.
Just today, the trailer for "Muppets Most Wanted" was released. In this film, the Muppets are faced against the most evil criminal. The film will be released April 10, 2014!
We have just received word that Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney, has just passed away.
Diane Disney has been a big help to the Walt Disney Company and preserving her fathers legacy. She was one of the main organizers of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.
CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger has already released his thoughts:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diane Disney Miller. She is remembered by Disney fans around the world as the beloved daughter of Walt Disney, and one who graciously shared her family history and personal memories of her father. Diane was a fierce guardian of her father’s legacy who never hesitated to set the record straight, opening The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco to bring her father’s fascinating story to life. In our many conversations over the years, Diane’s unique and special perspective about her father only deepened my considerable appreciation for him. Diane was incredibly generous in that regard, freely sharing her personal insights and providing details that deepened our knowledge, and we remain grateful for her many valuable contributions to our efforts to preserve Disney history. She and her sister, Sharon, have long been recognized as Walt’s inspiration for Disneyland, a place he created for families to have fun together. For that reason and many others, Diane will always have a special place in our company’s legacy and in the hearts of fans."- Bob Iger
______________________________________________________________________
Last August, I was able to visit the Walt Disney Museum and experience it. This museum is tucked away, but very close to the Golden Gate Bridge. In the museum, you get to learn about Walt Disney's life, all the way up to his passing. Along the way, they have some fun games to play. For the theme park fans, they have a big area, with a model of Disneyland. Now, this museum is not really about the theme parks. It is about his movies, his life, his magic. This museum is very large. Each room is almost like a show. They have lights going, music playing and a audience watching. I am a big Disney fan, and I learned a lot about him that I never knew. They have lots of areas where you can listen to audio of Walt talking and even his friends. You could spend more than a day at this museum for sure. After you enter the last tour room, you find yourself at a gift shop. This gift shop has pins, books, shirts, and much more. Even if you are not that big of a Disney fan, you could walk out as one. For more information, visit http://waltdisney.com/
DISNEY’S “SAVING MR. BANKS” COMES TO THE PLACE THAT STARTED IT ALL —THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS IN BURBANK, CALIFORNIA—
FOR A SPECIAL LIMITED ENGAGEMENT DECEMBER 13 – 19
BURBANK, CALIF. (November 18, 2013)—Disney announced today thatfor one week only, guests will have the opportunity to see Disney’s upcoming “Saving Mr. Banks,” starring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, in a state-of-the-art movie theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, and then walk in Walt Disney’s footsteps on a special tour of the famous lot. This limited engagement features one show daily at 7 p.m. from December 13th through December 19th.
Tickets are $50 each and include a reserved seat to watch “Saving Mr. Banks” in the Studio Main Theatre as well as the “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” tour immediately following the screening, which showcases key locations that were featured in the film. On the tour guests will have photo opportunities with Mickey Mouse as well as Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep characters from “Mary Poppins” and will get a chance to see sets from the film, such as Walt Disney’s office and “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers’ home. Guests will also visit the Walt Disney Animation building, where they will get a sense of the art of animation and the history of the Walt Disney Company. Included in the tour is a visit to the Legends Plaza to see the statue of Walt Disney and view the many historical plaques, including Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, and more. Guests will also receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary “Mary Poppins” DVD, a value of $17.99.
To purchase tickets to this limited and exclusive engagement, call 1 (800)DISNEY6 or go to http://movies.disney.com/saving-mr-banks and click on the link on the homepage.
Two-time Academy Award®–winner Emma Thompson and fellow double Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks topline Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks,” inspired by the extraordinary, untold backstory of how Disney’s classic “Mary Poppins” made it to the screen.
When Walt Disney’s daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins,” he made them a promise—one that he didn’t realize would take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney’s plans for the adaptation.
For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn’t budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp.
It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they set Mary Poppins free to ultimately make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history.
Disney presents “Saving Mr. Banks,” directed by John Lee Hancock, produced by Alison Owen, Ian Collie and Philip Steuer, and written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith. Executive producers are Paul Trijbits, Christine Langan, Andrew Mason and Troy Lum. The film will release in U.S. theaters on December 13, 2013, limited, and open wide on December 20, 2013.
This is a press release released by Disney, not written by the Geek Central Blog.
I have just finished Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck, by Jeff Kinney. The book follows Greg Heffley, who has to deals with his obnoxious brothers, his cruel parents, middle school, and the fact that Rowley Jefferson, his life-long friend, has abandoned him for a girl named Abigail. Greg is challenged with finding a new friend, which is very hard for him. He becomes friends with different people, from his teachers to Fregley, but nothing seems to work. But Greg's luck has been heard out, once a Magic 8 Ball finds its way into the picture. Greg constantly asks the ball to make some of the hardest and simplest decisions possible. In the end, Abigail ditches Rowley for her old boyfriend, Michael Sampson, and Rowley becomes Greg's best friend again. (highlight over the black for a spoiler of the book!)
This book was very interesting, and very funny, at most occasions. There are several parts I wish were never written, but besides that, the book is amazingly funny and well-written. It will be appealing and a very good book for any reader any age. I rate this book a 10/10 because of its humorous jokes, the clever plot, and the series itself. I recommend this book hugely for anyone wanting a funny book. Read it yourself!
Disneyland Resort announced on the Disney Parks Blog about the huge project the Creative Environment team had been working on, and they said it is sure to be fantástico. It is called Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
It will take over California Adventure's Paradise Gardens area, with daily performances by the Three Caballeros, Mariachi and Samba musicians, folklórico, carnaval dancers, mojiganga puppets ranging up to 12 feet in height, Mickey, Minnie, and Santa and Mrs. Claus! There will also be papel picado banners and fresh flowers decorating the area. Special food will be served at the nearby restaurants. Get ready to celebrate the Latino culture at Disneyland, with !Viva Navidad!
For the second year, Disneyland will be celebrating Three Kings' Day at the park! It will be similar to the park's Día de los Reyes Magos celebration held last year, which featured Mexican and Western decor, entertainment, food, etc. The same celebration will be brought back this year, and will be moved to the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, near the ride, in Frontierland, and will run daily from 10am to 6pm. It will feature folklorico dancing, Mariachi bands, festive Disney characters, like Mickey and Minnie (pictured above), colorful and exuberant costumes, and photo opportunities. Little kids can make crowns, paint their face, or color. The event will be held at the park from January 4-6, and will bring more excitement to Disneyland!
Photos courtesy of Disneyland website, and information courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.
Just yesterday, Disney released the teaser trailer for the upcoming movie "Maleficent." In the movie, Maleficent is played by Angelina Jolie. We have not seen much of Maleficent since "Sleeping Beauty" came out in 1959, so this is really exciting. The trailer released is just a tease to get you excited, as the full trailer will come out sometime in the next few months.
Just yesterday, The Carousel of Progress attraction in Magic Kingdom Park was closed to film scenes for the new movie "Tomorrowland." You may recall hearing about the movie being filmed in Orlando from a recent post. Lots of extras joined in the shooting, all taking place behind large shrub's and indoors, blocked from park guests. George Clooney sadly wasn't at the shoot, but Thomas Robertson was. There were a lot of pictures posted on twitter from park guests who got a peek of the action:
Just today, I was able to see the movie "Gravity." The movie is about a doctor (Sandra Bullock) who is aboard a space mission, along with a well trained astronaut played by George Clooney (Upcoming Tomorrowland film star) . Not too far in the journey, they are warned about a Russian missile that is about to strike close by. Just as they were told, the missile wipes the whole space shuttle into pieces, sending the astronauts flying around space. Sadly, a few of the other astronauts don't make it and die in space. That leaves just the minimum trained doctor and astronaut veteran stranded. The two then try to make their way over to a Chinese spacecraft before another missile strikes. It doesn't happen too easy as more unplanned happenings take place, sending the well trained astronaut to his death. That leaves just Dr. Stone alone in space. She then tries to make her way over, as more bad things happen. Almost about to give up, she then gets the needed courage to continue on.
I don't want to spoil the ending, so I recommend seeing it for yourself. I really loved this movie. There was so much about it that I liked. You felt like you were on the journey with Dr. Stone, as she gets closer to her death as the movie progresses. Out of 10, I would rate the movie a 9. It is for sure a must see for any space or action typed fan!
Lots of news has been swarming around about the Tomorrowland movie. If you have been following along with The Optimist, I am sure you are excited about the movie just as much as I am. Just days ago, Orlando Attractions Magazine posted this on Twitter.
This is no surprise since it has been a rumor going around for a while. On another note, just today, it was announced that the film's debut will be pushed back about 6 more months. Originally, the film would be released in December 2014, now May 22, 2015. Slash Film online released the official plot description of the movie:
"Bound by a shared destiny, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor jaded by disillusionment embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory as 'Tomorrowland.'"
We will be sure to keep you updated as the film is in taping and if we are able to get any more information. For more, visit our separate blog worldsfairmystery.blogspot.com!!
A few weeks ago, I was able to visit the Gondola Company all the way in Coronado, San Diego. The Gondola Company offers a taste of Italy without the long plane flight. Here, you can take a 50 minutes gondola ride around the Coronado Cays. The company offers many packages, from musicians on board to groups of 44 people traveling with two gondolas. I went on the Pasaporto Cruise. It includes up to 6 passengers, dessert or hors d'oeuvres.
I had an amazing time on the gondola. I saw so many sights so beautiful that can't be described. I really recommend taking a trip with the Gondola Company. They have great service, excellent staff and offer amazing views.
(Photos coming soon)
I took my video camera along the ride and captured a little bit of footage.
I really enjoyed eating dinner at the Tam O' Shanter. They have great employees who make you feel very welcome. The food is really great. I had the "Crispy Brick Chicken" and finished the whole thing. The portions are very large and are great for a long day. 
