Circus Vargas Unveils Original New Production- Steam Cirque!

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Circus Vargas embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top! Bringing their innovative new production to Burbank and Woodland Hills, Circus Vargas will divide performances between the locations from April 20th to May 22nd.

 

The show:

Goggles, gears, and gadgets set the stage for Circus Vargas’ 2017’s retro-futuristic production, SteamCirque!  Join them on a journey of fantastic proportions where children of all ages will marvel at the wacky and wonderful cast of characters that come alive in this exciting steampunk, science- fiction fantasy inspired circus odyssey!

Arrive 45 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more!   Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance.  Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience!

 

The storyline:

An eccentric group of adventure seekers stumble upon a traveling circus in an imaginary Victorian city, far, far-away. SteamCirque’s peculiar protagonist, part magician- part inventor, attempts to industrialize the circus by incorporating his steam powered mechanical contraptions into the ordinary, typical circus rigging, filling the big top with new, imaginative acrobatic apparatus for the artists to perform their acts.

 

“SteamCirque is inspired by adventure, colored by imagination and brought to life by the amazing cast of Circus Vargas!

 

Join us for an amazing experience, under the big top as Circus Vargas celebrates its 48th year and create new and treasured memories for generations to come! This wonderful show has something for everyone! It’s 2 hours of amazing music, lights, magic, acrobats, aerialists, daredevils, comedians and more!

 

Ticket Information:

General admission tickets are $17-$32 for children and $27-$37 for adults. Reserved Ringside seating is $52-$67 for children and $57-$72 for adults. For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 20 – Monday, May 8

Burbank – Burbank Blvd at 1-5 Freeway (777 N. Front St, Burbank, CA 91502)

Thursday, April 20 – 7:30pm

Friday, April 21 – 7:30pm

Saturday, April 22 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Sunday, April 23 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm

Monday, April 24 – 7:00pm

Thursday, April 27 – 7:00pm

Friday, April 28 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Saturday, April 29 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Sunday, April 30 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm

Monday, May 1 – 7:00pm

Thursday, May 4 – 7:00pm

Friday, May 5 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Saturday, May 6 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Sunday, May 7– 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm

Monday, May 8 – 7:00pm

 

Thursday, May 11 – Monday, May 22

Westfield Promenade (6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367)

Thursday, May 11 – 7:30pm

Friday, May 12 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Saturday, May 13 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Sunday, May 14 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm

Monday, May 15 – 7:00pm

Tuesday, May 16 – 7:00pm

Wednesday, May 17 – 7:30pm

Thursday, May 18 – 7:30pm

Friday, May 19 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Saturday, May 20 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm

Sunday, May 21 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm

Monday, May 22 – 7:00pm

 

   We have exciting news!! We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win a family 4-pack of tickets to attend a show of their choice! To enter, leave a comment below! Tell us your favorite thing about Circus Vargas! If you haven’t been before tell us why you would love to go! Deadline to enter is April 17th, 2017 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

 

Credit: Photo Credit: Circus Vargas. No compensation was received although free tickets will be received.  SoCal City Kids will select the winner. 

 

Fur to Feathers, Scales to Tails The America’s Family Pet Expo Returns to OC Fair & Event Center, April 28-30

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The America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626) Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30, 2017. All creatures great and small, from four legged to flying, will all be on display at the annual family-friendly event.

“The Pet Expo is now in its 28th year and we couldn’t be more excited.  Offering education on responsible pet care, entertainment, and pet adoptions, The Pet Expo is the ultimate destination for all pet lovers,” said Doug Poindexter, President of the World Pet Association, producers of the America’s Family Pet Expo.  “Each year the show progresses to include the best in pet ownership and care.  We will continue to offer a variety of educational presentations, product launches, amazing pet acts and our popular animal adoptions, as well as showcasing the latest trends in the pet care industry.”

 

Last year, there were more than 500 animal adoptions including dogs, cats – and even a few guinea pigs – that were adopted from the Pet Expo’s Southern California animal rescue partner organizations.

 

The Pet Expo is excited to announce the return of the crowd pleasing “Cook’s Racing Hogs & Dogs,” a race that consists of four pigs, which run from one end of a 90-foot U-shaped track to the other. Four dogs then compete in a similar race. Waiting at the end of the track is a treat – vanilla ice cream and a golden Oreo cookie.

The 2017 Expo will be the “Cat’s Meow” as the The Catit Playground Debuts. The interactive activity brings a close up view for guests to watch adorable adoptable cats and kittens and see how they interact with different toys and people.  This is a great atmosphere for guests to learn all about cats and toys they like.

Lucy’s Wave Maker will return and also feature a cat surfer. The world’s one and only mobile wave machine makes an encore appearance America’s Family Pet Expo showcasing the best surfing dogs and cats too! The wave maker made international headlines from its appearance in the 2017 Rose Parade. America’s Family Pet Expo is the first stop on the 2017 National Tour that kicks off in Costa Mesa.

 

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Returning favorites to the Pet Expo include Repticon, reptile show and sale, offering hundreds of common and rare species  of reptiles in all shapes and sizes, such as lizards, snakes, and spiders.  Plus, the ever-popular Splash Dogs will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping.

In advance of the Expo, kids can design and create a 10-gallon aquarium in the Kids Aquarium Contest.  There will also be Police Dog Demonstrations, an Aquatic Touch Tank and The Great American Petting Zoo for the whole family to enjoy.

Added to the Expo line-up is the America’s Family Pet Expo Hobbyist Aquascaping contest. This new feature will consist of intermediate to advanced aquarists in a competition to create the most appealing natural aquarium.

The participants will use a variety of live plants and other natural decorations in order to create a miniature underwater jungle. Pet Expo attendees are encouraged to come watch the process of setting up a fully functional planted aquarium from 10am on Friday, April 28th to 12pm on Saturday, April 29th.  Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 aquascapers on Saturday, April 29th at 5:00pm.

Pet Adoptions will be handled onsite for those looking for that perfect animal addition to the family.  There will be hundreds of animals hoping to find their “furever home” from local community partner organizations at the Pet Expo.

General Admission, $15.00; seniors 60 and over, $13.00. Children 6-12, $10.00. 5 yrs and under, free. Active and retired military free with ID. Show hours:  Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm.
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Facility charges $8.00 parking. Kindly leave all pets at home.

 

For more information and to purchase tickets online visit www.PetExpoOC.org .  The America’s Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 65-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.
***Please Do Not Bring Your Pets***

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received. Credit: The America’s Family Pet Expo.

 

Sign up for The Coaster Run!

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Run, Walk and Ride the Coasters for Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). The Coaster Run offers a 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 1K Kids Fun Run in Bugs Bunny World followed by a finish-line expo. Purchase entrance to the theme park during checkout for more than half off regular price!

Distances:

5K (3.1 miles)
10K (6.2 miles)
1K Kids fun run in Bugs Bunny World

FB: facebook/com/CoasterRun
Instagram: RenegadeRaceSeries
Twitter: @RenegadeRace
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SoCal City Kids also has a special 10% off code to register! Just enter the code CITYKIDS. This expires when online registration closes or the race sells out.

Register here!

Credit: The Coaster Run/TACA.

Universal Studios Hollywood to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress & Mandarin-Speaking MEGATRON

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The “Year of the Rooster” gets a wake-up call from DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda stars, Po and Tigress when they make their first-ever appearance during Universal Studios Hollywood’s annual Lunar New Year. The event is included in the price of theme park admission and will take place from Saturday, January 21 to Sunday, February 5, 2017.

A highlight of the time-honored tradition will mark the return of the Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON who will engage guests in conversation characteristic of his persona as the leader of the DECEPTICON.  MEGATRON – an ominous 12-foot-tall sentient robot – is one of the stars of Universal Studios’ award-winning thrill ride, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D.” Also joining the festivities will be theme park characters, Curious George and Woody Woodpecker, who will don festive Chinese attire.

Lunar New Year comes to life within Universal Plaza, situated at the heart of the theme park where guests will be ushered into the polygon-shaped piazza, under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and a stunning plum blossom arch. Inside they will encounter a dozen lampposts, each featuring banners of the twelve zodiac animal signs along with three symbolic attributes. A selection of Asian-inspired treats will also be available, including pastries decorated with the Chinese characters for “Rooster” and “Fortune.”

Year-round, Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature Studio Tour offers guests a revealing look at an authentic movie and television studio in select languages, including Mandarin.  Expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides provide insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world.  In-language park maps are also available for guests.

As part of the celebratory Lunar New Year event, guests are also invited to toast the “Year of the Rooster” at Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Dongpo Kitchen, serving upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premiere restaurant Meizhou Dongpo and its renowned and innovative owners, Chef Mr. Wang and his wife Mrs. Liang, Dongpo Kitchen, features the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes ranging from Dongpo fried noodles, roasted duck salad, spicy chicken to specialty beverage shakes such as dragon well green tea and roasted oolong milk tea.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Mandarin-speaking guests can learn more about the Lunar New Year event at www.ush.cn.  Information is also available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Weibo @好莱坞环球影城.

For California residents, Universal Studios Hollywood’s recently introduced California Neighbor Pass is chock full of benefits, enabling guests to choose any day for their first visit and return to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for select days and weekends. Discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park also include access to special events, such as Lunar New Year.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and Flight of the Hippogriff™, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM.” and the all-new “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The destination also features the Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, including the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.

LA Zoo Lights Returns with More Lights + More Nights of Dazzling Magic – Nov 18th-Jan 8th

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L.A. ZOO LIGHTS sets a magical nighttime wonderland aglow with thousands of festive lights to ZooLAbrate the Zoo’s 50th Anniversary; open nightly (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from Friday, November 18, 2016, through Sunday, January 8, 2017. Photo Credit: Jamie Pham.

L.A. ZOO LIGHTS 2016 PROMISES
MORE LIGHTS AND MORE NIGHTS OF
DAZZLING MAGIC
TO KICK OFF “ZooLAbration” OF ZOO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Seven-Week Event,
Awarded USA Today’s 2015 “10 Best Zoo Lights” Honor,
Features Fanciful Menagerie of Animal Characters Brought to “Life,”
LED Lights by the Thousands, Giant Illuminated Snowflakes,
“Red Carpet” 50th Anniversary Party, Disco Ball Forest,
Glittering Twinkle Tunnels and Stunning 3-D Animated Projections,
Spectacular New Waterfall Feature in the Children’s Zoo and Shadow Puppet Installation
that Set the Zoo Aglow with Wonder and Delight to Top “Holiday Must” Destination List

L.A. Zoo Lights 2016 Also Presents
Early-Bird All-Ages $9 Discount Admission
(Nov 18-23, Nov 28-Dec 1 with online purchase),
New Unlimited Visits Season Pass,
Exclusive HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS for Ages 21-and-Up on December 8 and 15
and FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE For All Ages

Friday, November 18, 2016, through Sunday, January 8, 2017
(except November 24, December 24 and 25)
6 to 10 pm Nightly
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

L.A. ZOO LIGHTS returns with more lights and more nights of dazzling magic for its third spectacular year as it kicks off a “ZooLAbration” of the Los Angeles Zoo’s 50th Anniversary on Friday, November 18, 2016, and remains open for seven awe-inspiring weeks through Sunday, January 8, 2017, under the stars at the L.A. Zoo.  Awarded USA Today’s 2015 “10 Best Zoo Lights” honor, L.A. Zoo Lights sets the Zoo aglow in wonder and delight to top everyone’s “holiday must” destination list with a fanciful menagerie of animal characters brought to “life,” LED lights by the thousands, giant illuminated snowflakes, a “red-carpet” 50th Anniversary party celebrating the Zoo’s Golden Year, a disco ball forest, glittering twinkle tunnels, stunning 3-D animated projections, and much more.  Guests this year enjoy a range of breathtaking new features, among them a laser show set to music boasting majestic screens of water with projections of fanciful animation and an animal shadow puppet installation complete with interactive photo-op and a new waterfall feature in the Children’s Zoo.  A giant illuminated snake atop the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), which made its debut last year, flicks its tongue at Zoo Lights visitors this time around as they approach past a bigger, brighter spider web hanging in the courtyard.  Inside the LAIR, guests are bathed in ultraviolet light for a black light party with scurrying “insects” above the rock walls.  L.A. Zoo Lights 2016 also presents a discounted all-ages $9 Early Bird admission available online only for November 18 to 23 and November 28 to December 1, a new unlimited-visits Season Pass, exclusive HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS for ages 21-and-up on December 8 and 15 and a FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE for all ages.

An instant hit since its 2014 debut, L.A. Zoo Lights captivates guests for an ideal family outing, meet-up with friends or date night with self-guided 60- to 90-minute walking tour through select areas of the Zoo.  While most animal residents are asleep, visitors can view the LAIR’s amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles as well as enjoy the only opportunity in Los Angeles to see a real reindeer family comprised of two adults and two adorable babies.  A glittering snow-covered setting for photos with Santa Claus, available for an additional fee on select dates, captures holiday memories, and the Zoo’s hand-crafted Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel is open during L.A. Zoo Lights, with $3 per person on-site tickets.  L.A. Zoo Lights has attracted nearly 350,000 people over a two-year span, a vast number of whom consumed some 10,000 gallons of steaming hot chocolate and more than 30,000 irresistible churros in 2015.  The aforementioned goodies and other seasonal treats and light-themed souvenirs are available for sale.

Established by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) as a festive annual tradition, LA Zoo Lights 2016/17 celebrates not only the Zoo’s 50th anniversary but also its important role as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species, a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife and a special place for people of all ages in the world’s entertainment capital.

Returning this year are “VIP Experiences,” including two exclusive HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURs for the 21-and-up crowd on Thursday, December 8 with an “Ugly Sweater” theme, and Thursday, December 15 with a “60s-Style Cocktail Party” theme, as well as a FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE for all ages.  The two HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR evenings feature “skip-the-line” express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights at 6 pm with a private lounge from 6:30 to 8:30 pm including hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and hot and cold specialty cocktails.  Tickets for HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR are $75 per person.  FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE on Saturday, December 31, 6 pm, provides an opportunity to celebrate the coming of 2017 in style with “skip-the-line” express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights, dinner buffet, soft drinks, complimentary champagne for adults, sparkling apple cider for kids, dessert, a ride on the conservation carousel, games, DJ dance party, cash bar and live broadcast of New York’s Times Square ball drop at 9 pm, after which guests are welcome to experience L.A. Zoo Lights until closing.  FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE tickets are $69 for adults and $45 for children, or $64 (adults) and $40 (children) for GLAZA members.  Tickets for all three “VIP Experiences” have limited availability, so early purchase is strongly suggested.

Sponsors of L.A. Zoo Lights include Service Systems Associates, 99 Cents Only Stores, Lyft, metroPCS, and Paramount.

The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.75 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered, as well as a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants.  Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.  The L.A. Zoo’s lush grounds on 113 acres feature Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; and one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world.  Among other highlights are an extraordinary, hands-on Hippo Encounter; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo and Muriel’s Ranch animal contact area; the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; a variety of daily opportunities to learn more about animals, including close-up visits, special feedings and intriguing talks; and much more.  The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 60,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children.  As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

Admission to L.A. Zoo Lights is $9 with online purchase for all ages and times during the Early-Bird admission period from November 18 to 23 and November 28 to December 1.  Thereafter, admission prices vary and start at $14 for adults and $11 for children ages 2 to 12.  GLAZA members enjoy ticket discounts of up to 33%.  Children under age 2 are free.  This year’s new unlimited-access L.A. Zoo Lights Season Pass, with express entry privileges nightly, is $49 for adults and $44 for children ages 2 to 12 (Holiday Happy Hour and Family New Year’s Eve benefits require a separate ticket).  Tickets for HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR are $75 per person (ages 21 and up).  FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE tickets are $69 for adults and $45 for children ages 2 to 12, or $64 (adults) and $40 (children) for GLAZA members.  All L.A. Zoo Lights events and evenings take place on a “rain-or-shine” basis, with no rain checks issued.  Visit LAZoolights.org for details and to purchase tickets.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  Free parking is available.  5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA  90027, (323) 644-4200. For additional information about L.A. Zoo Lights, call 866-949-8007; call center hours are 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.  For tickets and more, visit LAZoolights.org
Credit: Los Angeles Zoo. Photo Credit: Jamie Pham.

ODYSSEO by CAVALIA

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Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-beforeseen levels. A veritable revolution in live performance, Odysseo comprises a list of superlatives: the world’s largest touring production and traveling big top, the biggest stage, the most beautiful visual effects, and the largest number of horses at liberty.  Odysseo features 65 horses of 11 different breeds of horses, riders, acrobats and musicians as together they embark on a soulful journey from the Mongolian steppes to Monument Valley, from the African savannah to Nordic glaciers, from the Sahara to Easter Island.

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 Odysseo by Cavalia

WHEN: Returns to Orange County for the 2016 holiday season: From November 16 to January 8

WHERE: Under the White Big Top in Orange County

at the junction of the I-405 & the SR-133 in Irvine

TICKETS: Available at www.cavalia.net and by calling 1-866-999-8111.

Tickets are priced from $29.50 to $254.50 + applicable taxes and fees.

Special pricing & packages available for groups, children (2-12), juniors (13-17) and seniors (65+).

INFO: www.cavalia.net

 

Credit: Cavalia.

Long Beach Will Be Overtaken By Holiday Spirit When CHILL Returns To The Queen Mary!

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The City of Long Beach will once again be overtaken by the holiday spirit when the fifth annual CHILL returns to the majestic Queen Mary ship November 23, 2016 through January 8, 2017. In addition to ice skating, ice tubing, sleigh rides, and visits with Santa, Southern California’s coolest holiday adventure will unveil a new interactive and immersive experience,Alice in Winterland.

Light up the night and follow the Queen down the rabbit hole this holiday season with Alice in Winterland. The newest attraction at CHILL brings an inspired re-imagination of the classic Lewis Carroll story to life through the magic of an interactive and digitally immersive 14,000-square foot walk-through experience. Guests can unlock the hidden secrets of the adventure with RIFD technology to make each individual visit truly unforgettable. Alice in Winterland features stunning, larger than life lanterns as you follow Alice and her adventure into the Hall of Doors, the White Rabbit’s Kitchen, Mad Hatter’s Work Shop, the proverbial Tea Party, the Hedge Maze and visits from the Caterpillar and the new Queen of Diamonds.

The fifth annual CHILL welcomes back Glacier Glide Ice Tubing with six lanes of glistening ice slides standing two stories tall and 100-feet long. Ice skate under the stars on the 6,000 square-foot ice skating rink with the backdrop of the picturesque Queen Mary ship.

Stroll through the North Pole Village and stop by the Queen Mary Village’s post office to send a letter to Santa. Take a spin on the Swinging Sleigh Ride, the Giant Rocking Horse or play Prancer’s Paintball for holiday thrills.

A trip to CHILL is not complete without a stop by the Gingerbread House to make a festive edible creation, and a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Claus Cottage. The holiday fun is endless.

CHILL pricing starts at $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids (ages 4-11).

Tickets include entrance to Alice in Winterland, Ice Tubing, CHILL Village and access to the Queen Mary ship. Hotel and VIP packages are also available. CHILL will be open select dates Nov. 23 through Jan. 8. For more information, including hours or to purchase tickets online, visit http://queenmary.com/chill/

 

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Singer Songwriter Diane Arkenstone Returns With New Interactive Children’s App

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Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and overall creative Diane Arkenstone can now add App Creator to her long list of titles as she returns to the public eye with a multi-lingual creative app for children (and adults), “Interactive Fairy Tales.”  Arkenstone has been inspired to create a wildly colorful app for children which incorporates a dynamic mix of interactive storytelling involving a mythical world filled with fantastical creatures and people populating a series of infectious limericks.  The vibrant illustrations were created by Aluna Verse and the music, a quirky mix of world music and soothing orchestral/ ambient vibes, was composed by Itom. While many will hear the limericks spoken in English, the app has also been adapted for use by native speakers of Mandarin (traditional and simplified versions), Japanese and Spanish. By tapping on one of several flags, a child can read and listen to each limerick spoken in any of the other languages.  “Interactive Fairy Tales” was via the Apple App Store for iPhones, iPads and Apple TV July 8th.  Download the app and click on a limerick and experience for free before purchasing for $2.99.

Developed in partnership alongside a long time Apple iOS developer with over 35 years of experience creating award winning kids apps, each limerick scene becomes an eyepopping, ear tingling, touch inviting universe all its own, with unique characters to engage and objects to explore. “Interactive Fairy Tales” is amongst one of the first children’s apps to be available on Apple TV offering up a free form navigable experience.  Children can explore and experience a wide range of creative options— more so than is typical of some children’s apps.

Says Arkenstone: “One thing about the app is that it’s very free form. You can do what you want and have fun with it, tapping and exploring different objects for new surprises. There’s no rhyme or reason, you just keep digging around to discover all kinds of hidden treasures.”   For more information visit: http://interactivefairytales.com

www.dianearkenstone.com

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I love that this app is interactive and has bright colors! It’s also multi-lingual–by tapping on one of several flags, a child can experience the app in Mandarin, Japanese and Spanish. Now, how cool is that?!

Also you can check out this video for more info: https://vimeo.com/174761852

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Self Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I received compensation to post. But, I highly recommend this app and only post apps that I approve of. Photos and info were also provided.