"Opa!" Comes to Disneyland Resort

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

From May 25 through the 27, the Disneyland Resort was hosting "Opa! A celebration of Greece." This event took place in both parks. The Beemerboyz were able to visit "Opa" and see all that was offered. Disneyland's event included a meet-and-greet with Hercules, special dancing and food.

 

A Hercules meet-and-greet is very rare, especially at Disneyland. While meeting him, he showed off his strength by lifting weights.

 

Here is a list of some of the special food items.

"The Lone Ranger" Movie Premiere at the Disneyland Resort (FOR A COSTLY PRICE)



By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

How would you like to meet actor Johnny Depp?? It'll cost you 1,000 bucks.

 

On June 22, Disney's California Adventures will be hosting the world premiere of "The Lone Ranger." This premiere will include a lineup of the film's stars, makers and maybe even YOU. (for a costly price) The fee is $1,000 dollars per guest. 100% of revenues will benefit the American Indian College Fund for scholarships. Your $1,000 dollars will allow you to: walk the red carpet and meet filmmakers and celebrities. Sadly, no autographs. You will also get to attend the movie screening inside Disney's California Adventure park. You get to party in the newly added Cars Land and privately watch World of Color with movie guests. What about food? For a snack, you will receive a Subway sandwich, popcorn and drink.

Tickets are already available at community.collegefund.org/the-lone-ranger.

 

The event is sponsored by Kawasaki and Time Warner Cable, who will be streaming the event live.

 

*Tune into this weeks podcast, as we talk about how you can see the stars just for a small fee. (compared to this) But you can't watch the movie.

 

Photo by:  http://community.collegefund.org/the-lone-ranger-faq

Sources: http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/05/the-lone-ranger-world-premiere-to-be-held-at-the-disneyland-resort-on-june-22-tickets-to-benefit-american-indian-college-fund/

 

Disneyland Evacuation From Small Explosion

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

Yesterday afternoon, Disneyland's Toontown was evacuated, due to a small explosion. This explosion was caused by dry ice in a bottle. The bottle was placed inside a trash can. It is not clear if this event was an accident or on purpose. Luckily nobody got hurt. Another great thing is how everyone stayed to calm evacuating.
Update: Police have arrested 22-year-old Disneyland cast member Christian Barnes from Long Beach. Christian's station was an outdoor vending cart. His bail is set for $1 million.

"Monstrous Summer" Has Officially Kicked Off

Monstrous Summer has just kicked off at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventures! The Magic Kingdom though has been open for 3 hours already.

 

The Magic Kingdom actually is broadcasting live: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/monstrous-summer-all-nighter-livestream/

 

The Howard Johnson Hotel is always in broadcast! (Disneyland Resort): http://www.hojoanaheim.com/take-a-tour/webcam

"Springfield" Coming to Universal Orlando

Art by Universal Orlando.

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

 Coming to Universal Orlando is Springfield. Here you will enter the Simpson's daily lives. A second attraction will be added, called  "Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl." This is a spin ride designed for, as Universal Orlando put it, “foolish humans." Along with thrill rides, lots of restaurants will be added.

Dining options include:
-Krusty Burger
-Lar Land Donuts
-Moe's Tavern
- Duff Beer

“This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.”

 

Sources: Universal Orlando Media 

"Mickey and the Magical Map" First Look

Photo courtesy of (Paul Auyeung/Disneyland)

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

The all new show "Mickey and the Magic Map" is about to debut. This story featuring live action, singing, special effects, elaborate costumes, and of course, Mickey Mouse.

“We really wanted to bring back the kind of playful, energetic and slightly mischievous Mickey Mouse, to get in touch with the heart of this little rascal," says Michael Jung, Theatrical Development Executive. "Mickey picks up the paintbrush and he decides to try to paint the unfinished spot on the Map, which of course magically comes to life. There’s a wonderful story about the magic of the Map, and the fact that the unfinished spot is just like our imagination. As long there’s imagination left in the world, there are always new places to go, new dreams to have, new journeys to pursue.”

 

This show will be held at the Fantasyland Theatre. The show debuts Saturday, May 25!

A Day in Coronado

By D.Z.

Two weeks ago, I spent the day in San Diego. One of the many destinations I visited was the Hotel Del Coronado. This is not the first time I have talked about the world famous hotel. Here are some photos:

 

Tour of California Opening Ceremony

By D.Z.

The Tour of California is a 8 stage race that covers all of California. The best riders in the world come out to compete. For the first time ever, the tour begins in Escondido, going south to north. We were able to cover Stage 1. The race began with a opening ceremony:

 

 

Knott's Berry Farm Boardwalk Expansion

   By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

In about a week, Knott's Berry Farm will be opening back up it's boardwalk. It's all for a big expansion featuring three new attractions. These attractions are being built where the "Perilous Plunge" lagoon ride used to be. Here are more about the new attractions:

 

-The Surfslide Glider is a swing ride, taking guests 28 feet off the ground.

-The Pacific Scrambler spins guests around in a "crazy" motion.

-The Coast Rider, similar to Goofy's Sky School in Disney, will take guests on high peaks, featuring drops, turns and twists.

 

 

All three open May 25.

 

Last week, the only ride testing was Coast Rider.

 

Special thanks to the Beemerboyz for the photos and information.

 

 

 

Preparation for the Tour of California

Preparation for Tour of California is huge. We were able to go behind-the-scenes of the tour!

We got to go behind-the-scenes twice. The biggest progress was the race cars. The first time we went, the cars were not labeled. The second time, every car was perfectly stickered. Unlike this one (above), which has brooms.

A bunch of teams were preparing. One of them includes BMC.

On one of the days, they were shooting a commercial for the tour.

Cannondale was another team in preparation.

Now here are some videos:
 

PART 1:

 

PART 2:

(Coming soon)

 

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expansion!

Concept art by Universal Orlando Resort

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

Just 30 minutes ago, Universal Orlando announced the expansion for "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter."

 Here is a piece of text posted on the facebook page:

"Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an unparalleled vision to this unique project. The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films, offering brand-new adventures for fans and theme park guests from around the world."

"Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The new area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.”

#HP Expansion 2014

 

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Whaley House Review

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

Located in Old Town, San Diego, the Whaley House is known as "America's Most Haunted." It all started when businessman Thomas Whaley purchased the lot back in the 1800's. The house is home to a small general store, San Diego's second courthouse and the first commercial theater in San Diego. Since the middle 1900's, the Whaley House has been open to the public as a museum.

 

 

Many visit in hopes to see a ghost. Ghosts believed to live here include: "Yankee Jim" Robinson, Thomas Whaley, Anna Whaley, Annabel or Carrie Washburn (possible legend), and Dolly Varden (Whaley's terrier).

 

 

On my visit, I did not see any spirits. The only thing suspicious was in the beginning, when I felt something behind me. It was really cool visiting the Whaley House. I recommend a visit to both believers and non-believers. www.whaleyhouse.org

EL Campo Santo Cemetery

By D.Z.

The EL Campo Santo Cemetery is located in Old Town, San Diego. Its only two blocks away from "America's Most Haunted." (Whaley House) The cemetery is also known for having ghosts. A big ghost fan myself, I didn't see anything suspicious. The cemetery is very old, going back all the way to the 1800's. This is a historic landmark, so do not bother the tombs.

 

Ridley Pearson Interview

For Podcast 48, I was able to interview bestselling author Ridley Pearson. We talked about his latest book, Kingdom Keepers Dark Passage. Here is the interview:

PART 1:

 

 

PART 2: 

TMZ Tour is coming to New York City

 

By D.Z.

Starting May 18, the TMZ Tour will be in New York City. Just like the Hollywood tour, it will take you all around the city, showing you what the stars are up to. Last year, we were able to ride the TMZ Hollywood Tour. It was fantastic. I am sure the NYC tour will be just as good. To get tickets, visit www.zerve.com/TMZtour.com.