UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT CELEBRATES THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

Universal Creates Special Moment for Guests in Hogsmeade

Plus, All-New “Share Your Story” Facebook Tab Allows Guests to Share their Favorite Memories and Get a Chance to Win a Trip to Universal Orlando Resort

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 18, 2011) – Today, Universal Orlando Resort celebrated the one-year anniversary of the most spectacularly themed entertainment environment – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventures of the Harry Potter books and films come to life.

Universal Orlando commemorated the anniversary at 9:23 a.m. – the exact time The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on June 18, 2010.  After taking part in a countdown led by the Hogwarts Express conductor, guests and team members celebrated in the streets of Hogsmeade while “snow” confetti and gold streamers fell from the sky.  Guests also enjoyed complimentary Butterbeer, cauldron cakes and Chocolate Frogs.

“We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with our guests,” said Bill Davis, president of Universal Orlando Resort.  “It’s been an incredible year for us and our guests, and we look forward to creating more exciting memories with them in the years to come.”    

Universal Orlando is also creating a virtual celebration by launching today a new “Share Your Story” tab on its official Facebook page.  The all-new tab gives fans the opportunity to interact with one another and share favorite memories and photos from their visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – whether it’s tasting Butterbeer for the first time, watching their daughter as she’s selected by the perfect wand or soaring above Hogwarts with their family.

If fans have not been able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can share why they aspire to on the “Share Your Story” tab as well.  U.S. residents who share their stories on the tab will be automatically entered into a contest where they can win a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this fall.  To take part in the virtual celebration, share their stories or read other fans’ stories, guests should visit www.Facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant – all faithful to the films.  For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

THE FORCE IS STRONG AT LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA FOR LEGO® STAR WARS™ DAYS

CARLSBAD, Calif. (June 18, 2011) –   Thousands of people found the Force at LEGOLAND® California during the first day of the popular LEGO® Star Wars Days at the family theme park in Carlsbad June 18 and 19. Park guests of all ages dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters and spent the day interacting with members of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers and Rebel Legion.  Throughout the day, guests participated in out-of-this-world activities like the Droid Hunt, video game battles, Darth Vader meet-and-greets, Jedi trivia competitions and a costume contest.

LEGOLAND California’s newest addition, Star Wars Miniland, was a bonus to the themed event featuring six scenes from the live-action Star Wars movies and a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars all in 1:20 scale. More than 1.5 million LEGO bricks were used to create the 2,000 LEGO models seen in the planets Naboo, Geonosis, Kashyyyk, Mustafar, Tatooine, Hoth, Endor and Christophsis.

Also new this year, LEGOLAND California gives Park guests an exclusive preview to the amazing sand sculpture honoring Star Wars Miniland in The Beginning of the Park . Created by six of the world’s best sand sculptors, the detailed sand sculpture includes a sand version of the iconic Millennium Falcon, Darth Vader, Yoda and Luke Skywalker. The sand sculpture and it’s progress from start to finish can be seen on the new television show “Sand Masters” airing on Travel Channel June 19 at 10 p.m.

The popular Droid Hunt returned this year as guests of all ages received collectible “droid badges” if they were among the first in line at The Beginning of the Park. When guests wearing the collectible droid badges were “caught” within the Park by members of the 501st Legion, they had to respond to the question “How long have you had these droids?” to receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win fantastic LEGO Star Wars and LEGOLAND California merchandise.

Other features and attractions include the LEGO Star Wars Fan Gallery, highlighting LEGO Star Wars creations built by local fans and LEGO Club members; Jedi Trivia contests, which allow guests to use their Star Wars knowledge to compete for fabulous prizes; and a Miniland U.S.A. word scramble activity to discover scrambled letters hidden next to ARF trooper mini-figures. Those who locate all the letters and decode the secret phrase are entered to win an exclusive LEGO Star Wars Prize Package.

Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters and participate in the daily costume contest.  Prizes are awarded in two age categories each day: 8 and younger and 9 to 15.  Each prize package is valued at more than $500 and includes exclusive LEGO Star Wars toys, collectible gear and tickets to LEGOLAND California Resort.

ITV’S ALISON HAMMOND TAKES ON WORLD’S FIRST TRIPLE LAUNCH ROLLER COASTER

Petrified TV presenter is first in UK to ride Cheetah Hunt – a new mega high speed attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa in Florida

This Morning’s showbiz and film expert Alison Hammond - who is also scared of roller coasters - is the first person in the UK to ride Cheetah Hunt, the world’s first triple launch roller coaster.

The high speed ride, which officially launches to the public on Friday (today) in Tampa Bay, Florida will attract thousands of Brits over the next three months, as the ride launches for the busy summer holiday season.

With fast twists and super turns - plus three high speed accelerations - Cheetah Hunt is guaranteed to make riders scream for the entire 90 seconds, much like the terrified TV presenter Hammond did when strapped in to the front row of the roller coaster yesterday at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Hammond, the 36 year old Brummie who was a holiday rep in a former life, admitted that she has been petrified of roller coasters since she was a little girl. Pleasantly surprised once she’d come off Cheetah Hunt, Alison said, “It is officially the fastest ride I have ever ridden and was actually a much smoother ride than expected. I screamed all the way round but would recommend it to everyone... all I can say is awesome!”

Carefully engineered to create thrills for roller coaster riding holiday-goers, the world’s first triple launch roller coaster literally replicates the movement of a Cheetah, pairing man-made thrills with nature’s fastest land animal. By moving at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, the exciting triple launch coaster moves just as a cheetah would, leaving riders feeling exhilarated from the thrill of the chase.

Cheetah Hunt* isn’t just for thrill-seekers…visitors to the attraction can also get up-close to these beautiful cats and marvel at their awesome speed just a whisker away at Cheetah Run, the expansive cheetah habitat where trainers will carry out daily sprints with these high speed animals.

Alongside the new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster, families can also get closer than ever before to the cheetah, literally eye to eye through elevated, glass-panelled viewing areas at Cheetah Run part of the all new ancient realm. Here guests can also explore interactive touch screens to learn even more about these big cats and how the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has been helping endangered cheetahs in the wild since 2005.

LEGOLAND® California Kicks Off Summer with Wild Splash Zoo Opening

CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 27, 2011) – A wall of soft LEGO® bricks spelling out “Splash Zoo” came crashing down at LEGOLAND® California today as two dozen toddlers from military families rushed in to the newest area at LEGOLAND Water Park. The toddlers, who have parents based at MCAS Miramar, were invited to help the family theme park kick off Memorial Day Weekend with the opening of Splash Zoo, an interactive water play area designed especially for children ages 1 to 3.

“We talk a lot about heroes here at LEGOLAND California - it is a great honor to have some real life heroes and their families here with us today,” said Peter Ronchetti, General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort during the ceremony.

The military families had the Water Park to themselves for nearly an hour before it opened to the public. Splash Zoo features interactive spray pads, fountains, a teeter totter and giant interactive DUPLO® animals. The lion, polar bear, giraffe, zebra and penguins in Splash Zoo are scale replicas of the animals in the popular LEGO DUPLO Zoo product line. Each animal has a unique interactive element where children push buttons or turn levers to splash and spray water.

“We listen to feedback from our guests and one thing we heard a lot from the moms in particular was they wanted more activities for their young children,” Ronchetti said as he described the inspiration for Splash Zoo, which was designed by Park Project Designer Lindsay Burroughs.

LEGOLAND Water Park is the world’s first LEGO themed Water Park and opened last summer. It includes 7 slides, the Build-A-Raft River, Imagination Station and DUPLO Splash Safari. Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer at LEGOLAND Water Park which will be open seven days a week now through Sept. 5. LEGOLAND Water Park is a $12 upgrade from LEGOLAND California tickets and is included in the price of Resort and Water Park Hopper tickets. For more information, find us on FaceBook or visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Fairytale Town's July & August Program Calendar

Summer Fun on the Horizon

JULY

International Celebration

Saturday, July 2
11AM - 3PM
Celebrate diversity as Fairytale Town welcomes cultures from around the world to perform on the outdoor Mother Goose Stage. Enjoy back to back performances from some of Fairytale Town's favorite performing artists including Sangeet Bharati, Minyo Tanoshimi Kai, Kyla's School of Highland Dance, Fenix Drum & Dance, Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento, Hula 4 Fun, and Eastern Ways Martial Arts (program subject to change). This event is free with paid park admission. Weekend Admission is $4.50 per person and children 1 & under are free. Information at 916.808.7462 or www.fairytaletown.org.
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Twilight Concert: Sacramento Taiko Dan

Wednesday, July 13
6PM - 8PM 

For 22 years, the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of Japanese taiko drumming have graced Sacramento and beyond through the heart and vision of the Sacramento Taiko Dan. This Japanese style of percussion combines music and movement, creating a dynamic and visually exciting art form. The group promotes traditional and contemporary styles of taiko drumming. Doors open at 5:30PM; concert begins at 6:00PM. Tickets are $10 each, Fairytale Town and Capital Public Radio members receive a 2 for 1 discount. This event is sponsored by Capital Public Radio. Tickets are available online at www.fairytaletown.org or by phone at 916.808.7462. 

Please Note Fairytale Town's Concert Policy: No outside food, beverage, or cameras allowed.

VSA Day

Saturday, July 16
11AM - 3PM

Very Special Arts Day (VSA Day) is a one-day event for children of all abilities, featuring high-quality performances by very special artists, displays of visual artwork created by VSA arts of California-Sacramento students, plus several Funshops (hands-on workshops) such as collage, mobiles, yarn painting, block print-making, and ink-blot butterflies. This day is designed to allow kids of all backgrounds and abilities to interact, create, have fun, and to enhance community acceptance and awareness of the talents and capabilities of all children. For further information on VSA Day at Fairytale Town call 916.277.6747.
 
Family Camp Out

Saturday, July 23
5:30PM - 7AM

Bring your sleeping bags & tents to Fairytale Town and sleep under the stars! This fun filled sleep over includes a special theater performance, a hands-on activity, a Fairytale themed scavenger hunt, group sing-a-long and bedtime story. This is a special event, prices range from $20 - $30 per person, fees include all activities, an evening snack and a light breakfast the next morning. Registration is available online at www.fairytaletown.org or call 916.808.7462.

Children's Concert Series

Sundays in July - 2PM

Matinee performances will feature favorite local children's artists. All performances will be held on the Mother Goose Stage and are free with paid park admission.  Scheduled performers include: July 10 - Francie Dillon; July 17 - The Hipwaders; July 24 - Mister Cooper; July 31 - Octopretzel. These performances are free with paid park admission. Weekend Admission is $4.50 per person and children 1 & under are free. These concerts are sponsored by the Loveall Foundation for Children. Information at 916.808.7462 or www.fairytaletown.org.

AUGUST
Moonlight Costume Ball: Arabian Nights

Saturday, August 6
7PM - 11PM

Join Fairytale Town for the second annual Moonlight Costume Ball, it will be an enchanted evening filled with costumes, live music, entertainment, dancing and fun! Costumes are required. Ticket holders be at least 18 years of age or older. Food & adult beverages will be available for purchase. For additional information and tickets contact 916.808.7462 or www.fairytaletown.org.
 
Family Camp Out

Friday, August 19
5:30PM - 7AM

Bring your sleeping bags & tents to Fairytale Town and sleep under the stars! This fun filled sleep over includes a special theater performance, a hands-on activity, a Fairytale themed scavenger hunt, group sing-a-long and bedtime story.  Prices range from $20 - $30 per person, fees include all activities, an evening snack and a light breakfast the next morning. Registration is available online at www.fairytaletown.org or call 916.808.7462.
 
Fairytale Town Troupers Present: A Princess of Stars - Episode 2, Drakko Strikes Back!

Saturdays & Sundays  - August 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21
12:30, 1:30PM & 2:30PM

Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far, away Flax Spindel has been destroyed, but Planet Frazetta is still under siege by the evil Drakonian Empire. The pride of the space fairies, Princess Deja, has trained Captain Carter, Prince of Earth, in the expert use of the laserlight star sword, just as Drakko sends their most powerful warrior to recapture the lost planet. Good must face Evil once again! Performances will be held in the Children's Theater, tickets are $2 Nonmembers/ $1membersm and children 1 and under are free, in addition to paid park admission. (Subject to change) Information at www.fairytaletown.org or 916.808.7462.
 
Twilight Concert: Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band

Wednesday, August 24
6PM - 8PM

This five-piece ensemble from Sacramento has been entertaining Northern California audiences since 1995. The band has issued two critically acclaimed CDs, The Flower of Berezin (1998) and And I in the Uttermost West (2005), and just released is a third album, Klezmer at the Confluence (2010). They have defined what may be called "the Sacramento sound" in klezmer and Sephardic Jewish music, using a particularly infectious blend of strings and reeds, with vocals in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino and English. Doors open at 5:30PM; concert begins at 6:00PM. Tickets are $10 each, and Fairytale Town and Capital Public Radio members receive a 2 for 1 discount.  This event is sponsored by Capital Public Radio. Please Note Fairytale Town's Concert Policy: No outside food, beverage, or cameras allowed. Tickets and information at 916.808.7462 or www.fairytaletown.org.
 
Fairytale Town's Movie Night Under the Stars

Sunday, August 28
Gates Open at 6:30PM - Movie TBD

Get the popcorn ready, and join us for a classic family movie on the giant outdoor screen.  The movie begins at sunset! Tickets are $5 each and Fairytale Town members receive a 2 for 1 discount. Tickets and information at 916.808.7462 or www.fairytaletown.org. 

Headline Performers Announced for Humpty's Western Round-Up

June 11, 2011 - 6PM to 10PM

Hitch up the wagon and mosey on over to Fairytale Town. Fairytale Town, a nonprofit organization, announces their featured entertainment and activities for their annual fundraiser, "Humpty's Western Round-Up" on June 11, 2011 from 6PM to 10PM.

Trick Roper & Whip Master - James Barrera
Every good cowboy can rope a steer, but a great cowboy can delight the crowds with whirling roping tricks! Watch as trick roper, James Barrera, entertains with his roping wonders. Barrera explodes on stage performing a whirling dervish of flying lariats and cracking whips. His riveting stage presence and incredible physical talents have earned him legions of fans across California. Unlike your typical Hollywood "action star" or stuntman, Barrera doesn't need to hide behind computer graphics, wire work, slow-motion camera tricks or stunt doubles.  Fans call Barrera a walking, talking, special effect, and he does it all live. During his shows he might demonstrate his jaw-dropping double-handed bullwhip routine. Where he uses two seven-foot black bullwhips to snap out rhythms to accompany a live singer. A routine he calls the black mamba dance. He might lasso and hogtie an audience member in the middle of a performance. 
 
The Dave Russell Band

Providing tunes to stomp your boots to is The Dave Russell Band. A "Down home, good ole' boy from North Carolina," Russell has toured the country performing sold out shows in Nashville, San Antonio, Reno, Biloxi, and all over California. He is now based out of Sacramento, CA. The combination of Dave's Southern Inspired, born and bred, "Country-fied" voice and some of the best musicians the west coast has to offer, will have you up on your feet, out on the floor and screamin' for more. He's sure to raise a ruckus!

Miniature Horses

Visit with the miniature horses from the Sacramento County 4-H Mini Equine Program. Children will have the opportunity to touch and interact with the horses and the  4-H staff volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions and share information about the horses and their program. The purpose of the 4-H Youth Development Program is to help young people discover and develop their potential and grow into competent, contributing, and caring citizens. They provide learn by doing activities, youth-adult partnerships, and research-based educational programs. These programs help young people enhance their leadership abilities and develop a wide range of other life skills.

Fun Activities & Crafts

Interactive children's activities will include a chance to practice skills every good ole' cowboy or cowgirl should have. Children can rope and wrangle faux ponies, and knock down the bottles from the fence post using precision aim. When it comes time to ride off into the sunset, children can make a craft picture of the setting sun so they too can ride off with their imagination. And no western scene is complete without a rattle snake, this fun craft puts the rattle in rattler!

Families are invited to get gussied up in your cowboy duds and boots and ride into town to explore "Humpty's Western Round-Up."  Ticket prices are $25 for adults, and $10 for children in advance.  The day of event prices are $30 adult and $15 child. Tickets include park admission, all live entertainment and themed activities, a BBQ dinner from Red Oak BBQ, and Crystal ice cream. Humpty's Saloon will also be serving beer and wine for purchase.
 
This event is possible through the support of KNTY The Wolf, Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP, Foster Farms Dairy,Crystal,  Downey Brand LLP, Sacramento Coca Cola, Union Bank, Jordan Blair, Merchants National Bank, Otto Construction, Securitas Security Services, Hoppy Brewing Company, Wendy Holmquist and Jeff Chenu, Southwest Airlines, Tony's Fine Foods, CalVada Foods,  and Scott Naake Paper Company.
Tickets are available at www.fairytaletown.org.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Humpty's Western Round-Up
When: Saturday, June 11, 2011
Time: 6PM to 10PM
Cost: Advance Tickets: $25 for Adults/$10 Child (ages 2 -12)/ Free Children 1 & Under
(Day of event tickets: $30 Adult/$15 Child)
Where: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento CA 95822
Contact Phone: 916-808-7462
Contact e-mail: mail@fairytaletown.org
Website: www.fairytaletown.org

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA HIRING ACCELERATES AS GRAND OPENING APPROACHES

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park To Hire 800 Remaining Employees Before October 15 Opening

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (June 1, 2011) – Imagine being one of LEGOLAND Florida’s Model Citizens (the Park’s affectionate term for its employees) poised at the front gate on October 15 welcoming the very first guest through the turnstiles at the 150-acre family-fun theme park. That person could be one of the remaining 800 Model Citizens selected in the massive hiring spree starting at LEGOLAND Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park.  Those interested in positions in operations, food service and retail may apply online at www.LEGOLAND.com/jobs starting now.

LEGOLAND Florida will have more than 50 rides, shows and attractions when the family theme park opens on October 15.  From ride operators who safely launch the iconic Dragon Coaster to line cooks who create delicious Granny’s Apple Fries, the Park will be filled with a total of 1,000 employees at opening.  With the Park being focused on entertaining families with children ages 2-12, hiring responsible and friendly employees is a top priority.

“Customer service and a kid-focused approach are two key attributes we’re looking for in a LEGOLAND Florida ‘Model Citizen,’” remarked Teresa Vaughn, director of Human Resources. “We call our employees ‘Model Citizens’ because that’s what we expect.”

“With the unemployment level in Polk County at 10.8% as of April 2011, we are thrilled that LEGOLAND Florida has decided to call Winter Haven home,” Paula Bohnstedt assistant director for Polk Works. “I truly believe LEGOLAND Florida will be the catalyst we need to launch continuous growth and success in Polk County.”

Due to the high number of jobs being offered, all applications must be submitted on-line through the jobs portal. For applicants without computers, Polk Works or local libraries are great options for publicly accessed computers. Once selected, candidates will participate in assessments to evaluate how well they work in a team. For more information: www.LEGOLAND.com; Facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida and Twitter @LEGOLANDFlorida.