Archives for November 3, 2013

CHILL Returns to the Queen Mary November 22

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Beginning November 22, the Queen Mary will be overtaken by a deep freeze for the second annual CHILL, a experience that will bring holiday cheer, enchantment and North Pole temperatures to families across sunny Southern California.

 

An event like no other, CHILL offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Two million pounds of sparkling ice are used to create larger than life, hand carved ice sculptures that will fill a 14,000 square-foot “igloo” called The Ice Kingdom (housed in The Queen Mary’s Dome). The Ice Kingdom will feature scenes from The Nutcracker including life sized reproductions of Clara, the evil Mouse King, the battle scene, sugar plum fairies and The Nutcracker himself, plus a walk-through castle, and three ice slides off a 30’ high replica of The Queen Mary.  Each ice exhibit is meticulously hand carved and created by an international team of ice sculpture experts from Harbin, China and enhanced with LED lighting to create a visually spectacular experience like no other. The Ice Kingdom is kept at a frosty nine degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the ice and event goers will receive parkas to help protect against the Artic-like climate.

 

CHILL also brings ice tubing to the Queen Mary waterfront. Grab an oversized tube and race down one of the six ice slides standing two stories tall and 100-feet long. A 6,000 square-foot ice skating rink makes for the perfect winter tradition for all to enjoy. Skate rentals are available on-site for $2.95. A holiday village presents gingerbread houses, holiday carolers, the decoration adorned Candy Lane and a visit with Santa Claus. The world’s largest rocking horse and snowman bouncy are ready for holiday merriment by guests both young and young at heart.

 

“We are very excited for the return of CHILL as an annual seasonal tradition for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Steve Sheldon, director of entertainment events at The Queen Mary. “It’s truly unique to experience the cold winter holiday weather of other areas right here in Southern California. It immediately gets you into the holiday spirit.”

 

CHILL will also feature live entertainment, food and beverages. Pricing starts at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids, and includes The Ice Kingdom and choice of Ice Skating or Ice Tubing. Additional tickets for either Ice Skating or Ice Tubing are available for purchase and start at $12.95. Ice Skating Season Pass is available for $29.95. Lodging packages are also available. CHILL will be open Tuesdays through Sundays beginning Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. For more information, including hours or to purchase tickets online, visit http://queenmary.com/chill/.

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see  www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

Update: Giveaway has just been added!! One winner will win a  family four pack good for any weekday that is not a holiday! You must be a subscriber to enter!! Next, leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing about Winter! Deadline to enter is November 21st, 2013 at midnight! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries!

 

Turkeys Have Feelings Too!

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Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday comes the PG-rated film, “Free Birds” starring Owen Wilson, George Takei, Amy Poehler and Woody Harrelson. It’s the story about two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the holiday menu for good. As KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Molly J. says, “You should think twice before you eat that Thanksgiving turkey this year!” See her full review below.

Free Birds
Reviewed by Molly Jackson, age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Video review available here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcU-Iizhb_M

You should think twice before you eat that Thanksgiving turkey this year!  Especially after you watch the movie, “Free Birds”!  This is a wonderful animated comedy, packed with lots of action and adventure.  Two turkeys team up to travel back in time to try to take turkey off the Thanksgiving menu for good.  If this doesn’t sound funny enough, these two turkeys have nothing in common with each other, argue constantly, and run into some hilarious situations when they travel back to pilgrim days.

In order to change the course of history, the turkeys, Reggie (Owen Wilson) and Jake (Woody Harrelson), must first learn to get along and put aside their differences.  Reggie is a smart, although a rather lazy and weak turkey, while Jake is a strong and brave turkey, but very dumb.  This duo makes for some great comedy!  Then a female turkey that Reggie has a crush on makes it even funnier!  This role of Jenny is voiced by the very funny Amy Poehler, which could not have been cast any better.

The director, Jimmy Hayward, also directed “Horton Hears a Who!”  He is also known for his work on “Finding Nemo,” “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.,” and many more great animated hits.  The soundtrack for “Free Birds” is also great.

My favorite scene in this movie is when Jake rescues a bunch of baby turkeys, chicks, from a blazing fire.  These adorable, tiny puffballs are clinging to his feathers, and looking up at this massive hero with huge eyes.  It is just too cute!

“Free Birds” is a family movie that is great for all ages.  I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars.  So don’t miss out!  Go see this movie when it opens at theaters near you on Nov. 3rd.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions; Photo: Molly J.