The DisGeek Podcast

Your Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth

The Hogwarts Express Conductor Gives Us a Virtual Tour of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”

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Hogwarts-Express-Conductor

 

Universal Studios Hollywood debuts a series of virtual tour videos showcasing the Spring 2016 opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, beginning with today’s insider’s look at the land hosted by the Hogwarts Express conductor.

 

 

More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood.  “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.

 

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces Three All-New Annual Passes

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Universal Studios Hollywood Press Release:

In celebration of Universal Studios Hollywood’s five year epic transformation that has substantially altered its familiar footprint to essentially define it as an entirely new destination, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. is rolling out three all-new Annual Pass ticket options, inviting guests to visit the theme park as if for the very first time.

Effective immediately, new Annual Passes will provide guests with an array of privileges reserved for passholder membership, including access to Universal Studios Hollywood over a 12 month period to enjoy the park’s compelling thrill rides and attractions, including “Fast & Furious: Supercharged” as the grand finale to the world famous Studio Tour, “Transformers: The Ride 3D“ and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” as well as the much-anticipated “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” when it opens in Spring 2016.

USH Main Entrance

Each new Annual Pass member will embark on an exciting journey with Universal Studios Hollywood receiving regular newsletter updates, exclusive preview event invitations, discounts on food and merchandise, eligibility for sweepstakes opportunities that include the chance to win tickets to coveted Hollywood red carpet movie premieres, and more.

  • The Gold Pass, available for $299, includes 312 select days of fun.

  • The California Resident Plus Pass, available for $199, invites members to enjoy 244 select days of fun.

  • The California Resident Pass, available for $139, includes 182 select days of fun.

To learn more about the Annual Passes options, please visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets.

Everything You Need to Know About Star Wars Season of the Force at Disneyland

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Here are the details for everything you need to know to Travel to a galaxy far, far away.

Beginning Nov. 16, 2015, Star Wars Season of the Force will debut in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, giving guests daily opportunities to explore, interact and have fun with the power of the Force.

Here are all the facts courtesy of the Disneyland Resort:

Star Wars Launch Bay

Located on the lower level of the Tomorrowland Expo Center, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central space for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars.

  • First Order stormtroopers patrolling the area outside Launch Bay are on a mission to find members of the Inside, guests may encounter iconic characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca or even Boba Fett.

  • Inspired by the iconic opening crawl in every Star Wars film, a welcoming text scroll on the carpet will greet guests as they enter the experience.

  • The Cantina is a unique experience inspired by the “hive of scum and villainy” guests will recognize from the Star Wars From bounty hunters and smugglers to aliens, guests never know who they may meet here.

  • The Cantina becomes the gathering place to take memorable photos with a holochess or sabacc (Sabacc is a popular card game played throughout the galaxy, often with high stakes. Holochess is a chess-like game that utilizes holographic representations of the playing pieces.)

  • Guests may join the Resistance or come to the dark side, choosing a path that takes them into one of two character greeting experiences.

  • When it’s time to meet the character, portal doors open to welcome guests into a fully immersive 360-degree space, inspired by a Rebel base or Star Destroyer.

  • Throughout the space, guests will find Aurebesh writings in the Aurebesh is a writing system used to transcribe Basic, the most used language in the Star Wars galaxy.

  • Guests may play current and upcoming Star Wars video games at the Game Center, including new and exclusive Disney Infinity 0 content created exclusively for this experience.

  • Exploring the Light Side Gallery, guests will find replicas of iconic helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi heroes, including Luke And in the Dark Side Gallery, they’ll discover replicas of helmets and lightsabers used by the Sith, mortal enemies of the Jedi.

  • Large-scale replicas of film props, costumes, ship models, droids, artwork and other notable items are on display for Star Wars fans to enjoy.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

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  • A new adventure awaits guests as they climb aboard a Starspeeder 1000 and blast off on a thrilling tour of the Star Wars galaxy.

  • The new adventure includes scenes and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Hyperspace Mountain

  • The popular Space Mountain attraction is reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, thrusting guests into an X-wing Starfighter battle as they race through the

  • The guest experience is enhanced by a new soundtrack, inspired by the films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the The soundtrack was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra.

 

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

  • This reimagined battle experience takes younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple, where they discover if they have the makings of a true It debuts Dec. 8.

  • Villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels join the adventure.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

  • Guests can relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – through this short, film compilation at Tomorrowland It includes moments from the new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

  • This cinematic short connects iconic scenes from the films in fun new ways, following the journey of Luke Skywalker.

Galactic Grill Star Wars – Inspired Menus

  • The Force takes over the Tomorrowland Terrace to offer dark side and light side menu

  • For breakfast, guests may enjoy a blue corn Darth Tamale, with scrambled eggs and chorizo, red chili sauce and For lunch and dinner, the First Order Specialty Burger is tempting with a patty of angus beef and chorizo, topped with fried cherry peppers and spicy-lime aioli on a dark bun.

  • Fun collectible items to take home include the BB-8 sipper cup and TIE Fighter premium popcorn.

  • Pizza Port in Tomorrowland also will offer new Star Wars-inspired menu.

12 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort

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The sparkle of the Diamond Celebration and the thrill of Star Wars Season of the Force make the holidays an ideal time to create magical memories with loved ones at the Disneyland Resort. From special holiday experiences and themed decorations to delicious treats and commemorative merchandise, guests will find lots of ways to celebrate at the Merriest Place on Earth.

  1. Experience the Dazzle of the Diamond Celebration: Each night at the Disneyland Resort, the all-new “Paint the Night” parade at Disneyland Park sparkles with more than 1.5 million twinkling lights and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular illuminates the skies. During the show, animated sequences are projected onto the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A.; the façade of “it’s a small world”; the mist screens of Rivers of America; and the Matterhorn. Merchandise and food and beverage locations across the Disneyland Resort will continue to offer commemorative Diamond Celebration offerings during the holidays.
  2. Join the Worldwide Celebration at “it’s a small world” Holiday: From the brilliantly lit façade to the intricate details inside, “it’s a small world” Holiday is decked out in decorations that honor cultures across the globe and how they unite to celebrate the season.

     

  3. See Two Holidays Collide at Haunted Mansion Holiday: For the first time, the Hatbox Ghost joins Jack Skellington and his frightful friends from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as they host a “spirited” Halloween and Christmas celebration, filled with spooky surprises and eerily cheerful décor.

     

  4. Revel in the Merry Magic of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade: Guests will witness the spirit of the season sweeping through Disneyland as Santa Claus and classic Disney characters merrily march down Main Street, U.S.A. in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a holiday tradition at the Disneyland Resort for more than 20 years.

     

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  5. Snap a Photo with Santa: Between preparing for his famous flight on Christmas Eve and leading his reindeer in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, Santa Claus visits Critter Country at Disneyland and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure Park to meet with guests and hear their holiday wishes.
  6. Delight in Special Holiday Dishes and Treats: Dining locations across the Disneyland Resort add even more merriment with delicious food, beverages and desserts guests may enjoy only during the holiday season. The classic peppermint bark and “snow-capped” dark chocolate peppermint gourmet apples may be found in the resort’s candy kitchens.
  7. Enjoy Two Different Shows at “World of Color”: This year, guests may enjoy two versions of the breathtaking nighttime spectacular “World of Color,” nightly at Disney California Adventure. The cast of 1,200 dancing fountains, lights and special effects honor the Diamond Celebration with the performance of “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” and the holidays with “World of Color – Winter Dreams.” Guests may check the park calendar for show times.
  8. Dance and Dine at Disney “¡Viva Navidad!”: José Carioca and Panchito of “The Three Caballeros” team up with Donald Duck to host a lively seasonal celebration at Disney California Adventure. Colorful “mojiganga” puppets, folklorico dancing, festive music and flavorful menu items at Paradise Pier honor Latino holiday traditions.

     

  9. Have a Flurry of Fun at “Olaf’s Snow Fest”: Stage 17 at Disney California Adventure transforms into an Arendellian winter wonderland with lively music, “Frozen”-inspired treats and an expansive play area with real snow. After zipping down the snow slide and building their own snowmen, guests may share a warm hug with Olaf.

     

  10. Take the Family to Downtown Disney Winter Village and “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink”: Just outside the parks in the Downtown Disney District, the entire family may enjoy a flurry of wintertime fun skating at “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” The charming chalets in the Downtown Disney Winter Village offer holiday shopping, each with its own selection of seasonal gifts or treats. Admission to “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink,” including skate rental and helmets, is $17 for adults and $15 for children ages nine and under.
  11. Race Through the Star Wars Galaxy on Hyperspace Mountain: A brand new experience during Season of the Force, the classic Space Mountain attraction in Tomorrowland is reimagined to transport guests right onto the front lines of an exciting X-Wing battle.

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  12. Become Immersed in the Star Wars Saga at Star Wars Launch Bay: At the new Tomorrowland Expo Center at Disneyland, guests at Star Wars Launch Bay will celebrate the Star Wars saga with fun interactive experiences, including encounters with Star Wars characters, all part of the new Season of the Force.