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.

L.A. ZOO LIGHTS sets a magical nighttime wonderland aglow with thousands of festive lights to ZooLAbrate the Zoo’s 50^th 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” 50^th 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 50^th 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” 50^th 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 50^th 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 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.

 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.

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.

After delighting fans for years with colorful visuals, memorable music themes and the familiar feel of iconic controllers, Nintendo is tackling a new sense: taste! Nintendo is partnering with popular frozen yogurt chain Yogurtland this summer to take families on a flavor-filled adventure that is sure to surprise and delight more than just their taste buds. When stepping into select Yogurtland locations between July 1 and Sept. 8, visitors craving the sweet and refreshing taste of frozen yogurt will be met with the sweet and refreshing faces of some of Nintendo’s most recognizable superstars. Classic characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi and Bowser that star in popular Nintendo 3DS games like Mario Kart 7 and New Super Mario Bros. 2 will adorn the walls, cups and collectible biodegradable spoons that can only be found at the self-serve store. Visitors can even power-up their palates with Nintendo-inspired flavors like Mario’s Chocolate Gelato, Luigi’s White Chocolate Pistachio and Toad’s Rocky Road that are as delicious as they sound.

“Like Nintendo, Yogurtland offers a one-of-a-kind experience, high-quality products and a universal appeal for people of all ages,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By bringing Nintendo characters to Yogurtland shops, we’re making the summer more fun for everyone.”

This Yogurtland partnership continues Nintendo’s plan to expand its brand beyond its classic video games and systems to reach audiences in new ways. This new relationship with Yogurtland offers families the chance to partake in a refreshing summer activity while surrounding themselves with characters featured in some of the most popular games on Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo 3DS and the kid-friendly Nintendo 2DS are the ideal hand-held systems to take on every family adventure this summer. They are great for long trips, relaxing by the pool or even the occasional jaunt to the local Yogurtland store. In fact, Nintendo encourages people to take their portable systems with them when visiting Yogurtland so they can play the hottest games while they enjoy their cool treats.

“This summer’s flavor-filled adventure at Yogurtland is all about family moments – creating and remembering them,” said Yogurtland CEO and founder Phillip Chang. “This exciting promotion brings together multiple generations of frozen yogurt and video game fans to inspire summer fun.”

My son and I happily visited our local Yogurtland yesterday to try the new flavors! Mario’s Chocolate Gelato was a hit but my son likes Bowser’s Dragon Berry Tart the best! Also available is Toad’s Rocky Road and my new favorite: Yoshi’s Honey Dew! Yum! This one actually may be my all time favorite Yogurtland flavor!

I can’t wait to try the next round up of flavors!

Coming Soon:

Goomba’s Iced Coffee July 22nd

Princess Peach Tart July 29th

Donkey Kong Banana Cream August 5th

Shy Guy’s Pineapple Lime Coconut Sorbet August 12th

Koopa Troopa’s Lemon Cupcake August 19th

Luigi’s White Chocolate Pistachio August 26th

To expand the fun experience outside of the store, Yogurtland is also hosting a sweepstakes that offers the best treats summer has to offer. By visiting https://www.yogurt-land.com/, fans of Nintendo, Yogurtland and winning cool prizes can enter for a chance to win a Wii U system and one year of free frozen yogurt. All participants have to do is visit the website starting on July 1 and follow the simple steps to enter. One grand prize package will be rewarded every week during the 10-week promotion. By entering the sweepstakes, you are also eligible for instant giveaways, including unlimited frozen yogurt cups, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, as well as shiny new Nintendo 3DS systems that come with one game.

Founded in 2006 in Fullerton, California, Yogurtland has more than 300 locations in 19 states, with additional stores opening in the next six months. Continually evolving the popular frozen yogurt trend, Yogurtland has built a growing business by redefining dessert and delivering the ultimate self-serve culinary experience using the highest quality ingredients and flavors. Each location offers 16 constantly rotating and unique flavors of frozen yogurt to choose from, as well as more than 35 different types of toppings like sauces, fresh fruits and a variety of snacks for visitors to add to their frozen yogurt creations.

To visit Nintendo’s site for kids and families and to learn more about Nintendo’s games, characters and systems, visit https://play.nintendo.com/. For more information about Yogurtland, visit https://www.yogurt-land.com/.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

YOGURTLAND PRESENTS: SUPER MARIO™ SUPER STAR SWEEPSTAKES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE THE ODDS OF WINNING. This is a series of 10 individual sweepstakes which start on July 1, 2016.  Open only to legal residents of the United States, excluding residents of states where restricted or prohibited by law 13+.  Eligible minors must obtain their parents or legal guardian’s permission prior to participating.  Redeemable only in the US.  Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EDT on July 10, 2016, July 17, 2016, July 24, 2016, July 31, 2016, August 7, 2016, August 14, 2016, August 21, 2016,August 28, 2016, September 4, 2016 and September 8, 2016.  Reveal Prizes must be redeemed at participating Yogurtland locations by11:59 PM EDT on October 11, 2016. For Official Rules, free method of entry, prize descriptions, odds disclosure, and complete details, visit www.yogurt-land.com.  Your participation is subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, http://www.yogurt-land.com/privacy/. Sponsor: Yogurtland, 17801 Cartwright Road, Irvine, CA 92614.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U^™ and Wii^™ home consoles, and Nintendo 3DS^™ and Nintendo DS^™ families of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 693 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi^™ and Nintendo DSi XL^™, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™ and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario^™, Donkey Kong^™, Metroid^™, Zelda^™ and Pokémon^™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

The Yogurtland Difference: Separating Yogurtland from competitors is the company’s team of flavorologists who develop the proprietary recipes for the brand’s more than 250 different and customized flavors that are produced in the company’s own dairy plant in Paramount, Calif. Whether traditional or exotic, each flavor uses real ingredients sourced from their original locations. By controlling the entire frozen yogurt-making process, Yogurtland has raised the standards for flavors and quality to new heights much to the delight of millions of fans.

All of Yogurtland’s flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility. Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. As for the sorbet, fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Connect with Yogurtland on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, add us on Snapchat at @yogurtlandinc or visit us online at Yogurt-land.com.

Self Disclosure: Press info and photos were provides as well as a gift card to try a few flavors!