Disneyland "Diamond Celebration" Details Announced

By Zach Cooper

Last night, Chairman of the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Tom Staggs announced some of the new details about Disneyland's 60th Anniversary Celebration.

It has been 60 years since Walt Disney opened Disneyland Park on July 17th, 1955.

Three main things were announced yesterday on Main Street U.S.A. for the 60th anniversary.

DISNEYLAND FOREVER: Instead of just lighting up the sky, this spectacular fireworks show will light up the entire park! Main Street, along with a few other areas of the park will be immersed through special effects. It was also include two original songs.


PAINT THE NIGHT: Inspired by Disney's Electrical Parade, this new parade will include a new fleet of floats, costumes and special effects.

NEW WORLD OF COLOR SHOW: Across the street at Disney's California Adventure Park, a new show to honor Walt Disney will be created on the fountains of World of Color. This inspiring show will take place nightly and will bring together water, imagery and music.

All of this will debut May 22nd, 2015! 

Sources:

-Disneyland 60th logo found on "Steve Davison Fan Page"

-Concept art and artist renderings found on "Disney Parks Blog"

-disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneylanddiamondcelebration

-disneyparks.disney.go.com/paintthenight

-disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneylandforeverfireworks

-disneyparks.disney.go.com/worldofcolordiamondcelebration

"Empire" Tops the Charts as Fox's New Drama Series Continues.

By Andrew Carter

Earlier this year, the Fox's new show "Empire" premiered. Since then there have been three episodes, and another being released today. The ratings have been going up by the millions per episode.

The show is about a record company "Empire", which was built up by drug money by a couple named Lucious and Cookie. Cookie did her time in jail, and since then the company has done so well, the family lives their lives of rich and glory. During that time, Lucious found love in another women. Now, Cookie has come back to take her spot (and revenue) of the company. The show also follows the lives of their three sons, which two of them have also been pictured in the spotlight. Each member of the family is facing their own set of problems and issues.

The show features a ton of drama and also has incredible music and soundtrack. This show is intended for the very mature.


*Video courtesy of the channel "Empire" on YouTube. 

Epson EX5220 Wireless XGA 3LCD Projector: Review

By Andrew Carter
     The Epson EX5220 Wireless Projector ensures compelling presentations, offering a wireless connection to your mobile devices. Brilliant image quality requires high color brightness and Epson 3LCD projectors don't fail that! It gives the ability to connect wirelessly to any device. It has a HDMI plug so you are able to connect TV boxes to the projector. It also has a USB port.

     The Epson EX5220 Wireless XGA 3LCD Projector is slightly brighter than the Editors' Choice Epson PowerLite 93+, at 2,600 lumens. Though the EX5220's image quality falls short of the 93+'s for both data and video, and its sound system is fainter, the EX5220 is lighter and has a better port selection, including the port for a USB thumb drive or the included Wi-Fi adapter. That should be enough to tip some potential buyers in its favor.

     The Epson EX5220 Wireless XGA 3LCD Projector is a good, low-priced portable data projector. Its image quality is fine for most presentations, and it can run presentations from a USB thumb drive or over Wi-Fi. It should be an appealing choice for presenters who want to go wireless.

"Top Five": Movie Review

By Andrew Carter

     Pulsing with the rhythm of his greatest stand-up, Chris Rock's TOP FIVE takes things to the next level, revealing the high and the low, and blending a star-studded comedic romp with an irresistible romance. TOP FIVE digs under the surface of show business, politics, rap, and holding it all up to the light in the way only Chris Rock can. 

     Mingling echoes of Woody Allen and Dick Gregory with the energy of Kanye West and Jay Z, TOP FIVE is an original and radically new kind of American movie. Written, directed by, and starring Chris Rock, TOP FIVE tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career and the past that he's left behind.

      The only confusing part of the movie was that the plot line was not always there. During the movie it kind of drifted off of from what it was supposed to be. Also there are some parts that are not suitable for immature children. Over all I would give the rating an 8.5.

Trailer courtesy of the YouTube channel "Top Five Movie". 

LEGOLAND Florida Announces Hotel Opening Date and Heartlake City

By Zach Cooper
On Thursday, January 15th, LEGOLAND Florida held a press conference for members of the media.

They announced that North America's second LEGOLAND Hotel will be opening up on May 15, 2015. Members of the media were given a hard hat tour of the construction site, which included a look at the pool deck and also a few of the themed suites. It was also revealed that the hotel will feature a Model Shop, where guests can get to see LEGO building in action!

Also on the list of announcements was "LEGO Friends Heartlake City"! This same land was also announced for LEGOLAND California's 2015 lineup. In Florida, this all-new land with feature a horse themed coaster called Mia's Riding Adventure, an all new show and many shops.

For more information and to book your stay, visit legolandhotel.com.

Photos and information courtesy of the LEGOLAND Florida press department

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Review

 

By Andrew Carter
     Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a very exciting and amazing place to visit. From riding Medusa to getting splashed at the Dolphin Show! The dolphins all seemed very happy to be in front of the crowd. They even have a tiger show! The tigers were very active, allowing many great photo opportunities.  I truly felt like the animals were treated well and seemed very happy. I even got to ride an elephant! That was unheard of to me. I did not expect to be riding an elephant at Six Flags, or in my life!


     I went during the News Years Eve extravaganza, a time which they call Holiday in The Park. It was very fun because the park opened at 4pm that day and closed at midnight to celebrate New Years. The only problem that I had was that they had 3 small fire pits with a big gate (that was bigger than the fire) around it to prevent people from getting too close. It made people crowd around it so tight that there was not enough space to feel the heat. Also, just to let you know, if you go during the holidays or in summer, popular rides like Medusa (one of the most famous rides there) will be the longest very long. Though, it pays off because you get 2 minutes of pure thrill and excitement. Also, Medusa was on a television show that featured some of the best roller coasters around. So, you get so say that you rode a ride that was on TV!

     All of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is amazing and fun for all ages during the entire four seasons of the year! I recommend it to anyone who is looking to have a good time.

The Holiday's Continue: Christmas In The Parks

By Zach Cooper

As today is the first of the New Year, don't pack away the fun just yet! Here are two theme parks still celebrating!



(Video by www.insidethemagic.net)

GRINCHMAS at Universal Studios Hollywood: Until January 4th of 2015, the park is hosting a one-of-a-kind celebration. This includes a special tree lighting, evening snowfall, a character reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and also preformances by your favorite characters from the film.
www.universalstudioshollywood.com/grinchmas





HOLIDAY SNOW DAYS + WINTER NIGHTS at LEGOLAND California: Until January 4th of 2015, the park is hosting a winter wonderland. In a huge snow area, you can build snowmen, and even throw real snowballs! (Yes! In Southern California!) There is also a large ice skating rink outside the entrance of the park. Plus, you can enjoy many holiday shows and other special entertainment. california.legoland.com/holidaysnowdays

2015 In The "Box Office"

By Zach Cooper

Ready to head to the movies? Here is a look at some of the many films coming to theaters all throughout this year! 

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER

Release Date- February 6th (USA)

DISNEY'S CINDERELLA

Release Date- March 13th (USA)

PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2

Release Date- April 17th (USA)

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Release Date- May 1st (USA) 

TOMORROWLAND

Release Date- May 22nd (USA)

JURASSIC WORLD

Release Date- June 12th (USA)

MINIONS

Release Date- July 10th (USA) 

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII- THE FORCE AWAKENS

Release Date- December 18th (USA) 

SOURCES:

-Each trailer provided leads to where we found the trailer on YouTube. It may or may not be on the channel where the trailer originated. 

-YouTube channels used: Nickelodeon, Disney Movie Trailers, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Marvel Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Illumination, Star Wars. 
(may be used more than once)