Brick-or-Treat Party Nights Now Lights Up the Sky at LEGOLAND California

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Aug 3, 2011) – LEGOLAND® California is taking the biggest kids’ Halloween celebration in San Diego to new heights this year! Fireworks are being added to the already “brick-tacular” line up that Brick-or-Treat Party Nights offers every Saturday night in October. Returning fan favorites include the interactive show “Mail Order Monsters,” Brick-or-Treat Trails and, of course, SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium gets into the spirit with its own Brick-or-Treat Trail Bonus station.

Every Saturday and Sunday in October (Oct. 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 and 30), children 12 and under can trick-or-treat on the Brick-or-Treat Trail in the Enchanted Walk gathering goodies such as LEGO® Club Magazine, delicious treats and other surprises.  This kid-sized cul-de-sacs features seven LEGO-themed treat stations and offer a safe, fun and entertaining trick-or-treating experience. 

Then every Saturday in October from 5 to 9 p.m., the family theme park transforms into a not-too-spooky Halloween haven for Brick-or-Treat Party Nights featuring costume contests, nighttime trick-or-treating on one of two Brick or Treat Trails, festive music, entertainment, interaction with the “Boo Crew”, the animated light show “Spirits of Halloween” after sundown and fireworks cap off the night at 9 p.m. Several monstrously fun areas of LEGOLAND are open late for Party Nights Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, including Land of Adventure, Castle Hill, the Imagination Zone and Park favorites Coastersaurus, Safari Trek and Fairy Tale Brook. Children can also enjoy ghoulish activities like Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party, the Haunted Hideaways and a LEGOLAND pumpkin patch building activity plus glow-in-the-dark treats for nighttime fun. Children will also love interacting with the “Boo Crew” including Silly Scarecrows, Howlin’ Howie, Jester Funny Bones and Count Brickula as they “boo-gie” down during Party Nights.

At SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Southern California Tide Pool is spooked with a bonus Brick-or-Treat station. Kids will receive candy and other surprises while learning about the “monsters” of the deep every Saturday and Sunday in October.

The much-anticipated costume contest returns to Brick-or-Treat Party Nights where children 12 and under show off their costumes in three categories including Heroes, LEGO-themed and Creative.  Prize packages including LEGOLAND Resort Memberships and souvenirs, LEGO toys and gifts are awarded to the winner in each category.

In the live stage show, “Mail Order Monsters”, 10-year old Princess Playwright orders some delightfully scary monsters for the Brick-or-Treat celebration but the mischievous Jester Funny Bones conjures up a spell to make the monsters as sweet as candy. Guests have to help the Princess retrain her monsters and break the spell − all in time for the big Halloween celebration!

Every day throughout the month of October, families can climb aboard a giant LEGO jack-o-lantern to capture a fun and memorable photo. The jack-o-lantern, which is more than 7 feet wide, is made of 22,000 DUPLO® bricks and weighs 850 pounds!

All Brick-or-Treat and Party Nights festivities are included in the price of regular one-day admission to LEGOLAND California.  During Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. SEA LIFE is staying open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays for those wanting to explore the Aquarium after dark. Guests can pre-purchase Brick-or-Treat tickets online which include SEA LIFE for $55 and receive a complimentary second-day ticket valid through December 25. Guests planning to attend Brick-or-Treat Party Nights only can purchase special tickets online or at the front gate in advance for just $25 at www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO.

American Eagle Coaster Goes Backwards

Gurnee, Ill. (August 2, 2011) – Go Big, Go Backwards. Get ready to race down the tallest, fastest and longest racing wooden roller coaster in the world, facing the opposite direction. Six Flags Great America announces plans to run the blue side of the American Eagle coaster backwards, Monday, August 8 through Saturday, September 17. For thirty years, the racing wooden coaster has given passengers a vast, eagle's-eye view of the park.  Now fans of the double-tracked coaster can experience the 147-foot drop at 66 miles per hour from a different view. 

“No matter how many times you have been on the American Eagle nothing compares to the thrill of racing down the 15 story drop facing the other direction.  Riding the coaster backwards, not knowing what turn or drop is coming next, it’s a completely different experience,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flag Great America Park President.  “The last time American Eagle went backwards was in 2005.  Due to popular demand, we brought back the experience to celebrate the coaster’s 30 year milestone.”

American Eagle is the tallest, fastest and longest racing wooden roller coaster in the world.  The iconic coaster features a 147ft drop, is 4,650 feet in length, travels at 66 mph and spans an area of 237,000 feet, nearly 5 football fields back-to-back. American Eagle has delivered over 45 million thrilling rides to families since it was built in 1981 and is home to “Tiny” the famous 200 lb. spider that makes her return to the side of the coaster every Fright Fest.

Six Flags Great America is located between Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a FREE water park, spectacular shows and three children’s themed areas.

SAN DIEGO ZOO TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY OF ITS YOUNGEST PANDA

Animal Care Staff to Give Yun Zi Ice Cake for his Second Birthday

WHAT: The San Diego Zoo will celebrate the second birthday of giant panda Yun Zi on Friday, August 5. Zoo staff has created an elaborate cake for the youngster made of ice, bamboo and some of his favorite fruits.

Animal care staff will put the cake in the panda’s exhibit on Friday morning just as the Zoo and the panda exhibit open at 9 a.m. Yun Zi, whose name means “son of cloud,” is the offspring of mother Bai Yun and father Gao Gao.

Guests are encouraged to get to the panda exhibit early on August 5 to witness the 2-year-old climb, eat and play with his birthday cake.

 Giant pandas are on a research loan to the San Diego Zoo from the People’s Republic of China. The San Diego Zoo began its long-term loan in 1996 and since then has celebrated five panda births, the most of any zoo in the nation.

WHERE:  The San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Exhibit

WHEN: August 5, 2011

9:15 a.m., just after the Zoo opens

COST: Free with admission or Zoo membership

MORE INFO: www.sandiegozoo.org

13TH AUGUST COULD PROVE LUCKY FOR ROLLERCOASTER FANS IF THEY VOTE TH13TEEN IN ALTON TOWERS RESORT’S ‘ALL TIME GREATS’ ELECTION

1st August 2011:  With over 60,000 votes cast so far in Alton Towers Resort’s Rollercoaster Election, “old timer” Nemesis (launched in 1994) is nudging ahead in the race to become “King of the coasters”.  But to liven things up as the contest reaches its final stages bosses at the Resort have announced a special  offer that could boost the chances of the newest of the “big five” candidates.   13 lucky fans of free fall coaster TH13TEEN (launched 2010) who cast their votes at exactly 13.13pm on 13th August will win a free weekend break for two at Alton Towers Resort – and, of course, the chance to ride their personal ‘All Time Great’.

Fans like TOWIE’s Amy Childs will be delighted their ride could be shooting up the leader board – “I absolutely love rollercoasters and for me, TH13TEEN is the ultimate! It’s got so many different elements and the free fall drop is terrifying!”

With just 31 days til voting closes anything could happen – and as well as the special TH13TEEN offer, there are a number of special prizes up for grabs, including the once in a life time chance to help create ATR’s next big coaster for 2013.

To find out more and get your vote in before polling closes go to www.altontowers.com   OR hit the button for TH13TEEN at 13.13pm on 13th August for the chance of a free weekend break.

The Big Five are Nemesis, Air, Oblivion, Rita and TH13TEEN.

Fairytale Town Hosts its Second Annual Moonlight Costume Ball: Arabian Nights

Get your tickets for the hottest fundraiser in town today! Fairytale Town hosts its second annual Moonlight Costume Ball, Arabian Nights this Saturday, August 6 from 7PM-11PM. Tickets are $10 presale and $15 the day of the event. Tickets are available at www.fairytaletown.org . As a non-profit focused on inspiring the imaginations of children and their families, this event is truly unique. This event is an opportunity for adults to experience the park without children. The proceeds raised at the event directly support Fairytale Town park improvements and its programs for children.

Enjoy live entertainment all night long as HOT103.5's Supa Mike hosts the event. Catch live belly dancers and fire throwers from Sacramento's favorite belly dance troupe UNMATA at 7:30PM. Followed by live music from the hottest up and coming rock band in the area Hero's Last Mission. Dance the night away as DJ Brian, from A&A Music Events, spins the hottest music on the dance floor. Wander over to the Kasbah, to enjoy live authentic Middle Eastern music and dance provided by Flowers of the Nile. 

Costumes are required and prizes will be awarded to winners in the following categories: Best Genie, $45 Gift card to Target; Grand Sultan, $45 Gift Card to Wal-Mart; Desert Goddess, $200 Gift card to Endless Tanning; King and Queen of the Gypsies, lunch & a movie for two at Tower Café & Tower Theater; and Band of Thieves, a raft rental for four at American River Raft Rentals.  Guests can purchase raffle tickets for prizes from local businesses including Gold Rush White Water Rafting, a two night stay at Harrah's in Lake Tahoe, Dinner for two at Grange Restaurant and more!

Two bars to quench your thirst, Desert Oasis and Palm Tree Tavern will be open with signature cocktails provided by Palm Bay Spirits and local brews from Lost Coast Brewery and Mendocino Brewing Company. Food will be available to purchase courtesy of Mama Kim's Catering, Shaz Indian Restaurant, and East West Junction. All food and drink is no host. 

Many thanks to this year's sponsors: Hot 103.5, Digital Gear, A&A Music Events, Pomegranate Designs, 901 Silver Tequila, Cavit Collection Wines, Voli Light Vodkas, Santa Rita Wines, Aperol, Mendocino Brewing Company, Lost Coast Brewery, Classic Party Rentals, Gold Rush White Water Rafting, Arctic Glacier Ice, Members in Black Security, and Pho Xe Lua Restaurant.  

All guests must be 18 years of age and older and must present a valid ID upon entry. This is no mirage, tickets are disappearing fast, get your tickets today!

Selena Gomez Visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Famed teen singer and actress Selena Gomez visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort with family and friends on Friday, July 29, stopping at the Hogwarts Express to meet the Conductor in Hogsmeade. Hosted by Universal Orlando, Gomez and her backup singers (from left to right) Ashley Cook, Lindsey Harper and Katelyn Clampett also sipped on Butterbeer in Hog’s Head pub, rode the Hungarian Horntail coaster on Dragon Challenge and spent the day enjoying Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Gomez was in Orlando after kicking off her “We Own The Night” tour on July 28 in Boca Raton , Fla.

A Peek Inside Grimes Castle...

TPAer AJ Dana took a peek inside Grimes Castle's maze, The Dungeon, in Carson City, Nevada. Luckily, he survived to share this video clip with the rest of you! Billed as one of Northern Nevada's premiere haunted attractions, Grimes Castle is definitely something you should check out if you're in the area come Halloween time! Be sure to tell them you heard about them on Theme Park Adventure - not that it will increase your chances of survival much!

A special thanks to AJ and the folks at Grimes Castle for allowing us to come inside - happy haunting!