LEGO^® NINJAGO^®World Opens Jan. 12, 2017 at LEGOLAND^®Florida Resort

LEGO NINJAGO World will add an immersive area filled with several hands-on, outdoor activities where kids can sharpen their ninja skills before the ultimate showdown on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, a dazzling new attraction that blends 3D computer animation, “4D” effects and groundbreaking technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park.

Starting in early 2017, kids are invited to enter a magical martial arts kingdom where you become the ninja in your very own LEGO^®NINJAGO^®  adventure when a whole new theme park land opens at LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort.

Inspired by the popular LEGO building sets and the “LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu” TV show, LEGO NINJAGO World puts guests at the center of the action in lots of fun ways

• LEGO NINJAGO The Ride – a state-of-the-art “dark ride” where guests score points using ninja hand moves to blast animated fireballs, lightning and more at waves of 3D villains
• Zane’s Temple Build – a giant LEGO building experience where kids can contribute to a model of a mountaintop NINJAGO monastery
• Kai’s Spinners – master the ancient art of Spinjitzu at these twirling, whirling, single-person platforms
• Cole’s Rock Climb – an outdoor climbing wall to test kids’ balance and endurance
• Jay’s Lightning Drill – measure your reflexes with these “lightning fast” light-up targets

The lushly landscaped area also will feature daily meet-and-greet opportunities with sibling ninjas Kai and Nya and Wu’s Warehouse, a themed retail shop stuffed with LEGO NINJAGO building sets, clothing, souvenirs and more.

Princess Elena of Avalor Meet n’ Greet at Magic Kingdom Park

Beginning Nov. 24, Princess Elena of Avalor – the first Disney princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures – will begin to greet guests alongside other royal friends at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom Park. At Princess Fairytale Hall, guests can choose between a meeting with Elena and Cinderella or a visit with Rapunzel and Tiana. FastPass+ reservations for dates that include Elena appearances will become available today, Oct. 14.

(David Roark, photographer)

Princess Elena of Avalor first made her grand debut at Magic Kingdom Park back in August, with Cinderella officially welcoming her to the kingdom in “The Princess Elena Royal Welcome” stage show. Guests can continue to experience this show throughout the fall.

A brave and adventurous teenager, Princess Elena embodies all the qualities of a classic Disney princess, displaying thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion. She has the heart and mind of a true leader, making her a princess for everyone.

(David Roark, photographer)

Elena’s arrival at Walt Disney World Resort follows the launch of the new animated series, “Elena of Avalor,” which premiered in a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in July. It ranks as the #1 series telecast among all kid-targeted TV networks in total viewers, kids 2-11 and adults 18-49, for 2016 to-date.

Muppets star in an all-new live show at Magic Kingdom Park called “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.”

(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Muppets Sam Eagle (the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard) joins Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, and town crier of Liberty Square in this new show at Magic Kingdom Park. They gather outside The Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom to present historical tales in hysterical Muppets fashion. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets will appear throughout the day to share their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America.

(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” is presented multiple times daily and features an original song and wacky humor. The kids will love the flying streamers at the end! This fun show inspires learning for the whole family. After the show, they even encourage everyone to join them at the Hall of Presidents (right next door.)

You can watch this new show with Disney Vloggers, The Jones Family, on their day at Magic Kingdom Park.

You can find the Muppets around the Walt Disney World Resort, including at Muppet Vision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Muppet Mobile Lab at Epcot using popping in around the World Showcase near Spaceship Earth.

Do you love the Muppets?  Who is your favorite character?

“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” celebrates the season with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and more

An all-new nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 14, sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.

(David Roark, photographer)

The façade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with the merriment, music and sparkle of the Walt Disney World Resort 2016 holiday season. On, above and around the theater are state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and even snow. Adding to the immersive experience is a new musical score featuring familiar holiday tunes with an original twist. It’s a holiday show that couldn’t be more merry and bright.

It’s also a cranberry-red situation for elves Wayne and Lanny from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” as the duo leads a top-notch team on a search-and-rescue mission for Santa.

Snowy fun and holiday cheer set to the twinkling tunes of the season bring together holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” – even a journey into Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”

(David Roark, photographer)

A special message from Santa Claus will cap off this unforgettable spectacular for the whole family.

“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, adding a sparkling finale to any holiday visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Dessert Parties Make the Holidays Even Sweeter
More holiday cheer is in store for guests who book a new dessert party that will be offered nightly during the show’s run. The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party features holiday inspired snacks, decadent desserts and specialty beverages in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater.

Beginning one hour before each performance of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the party is $69 for adults, and $39 for children, including all taxes and gratuities.

(David Roark, photographer)

More Holiday Cheer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During the holiday season, “Tinsel Town” takes on a completely different kind of meaning at this theme park that celebrates the magic of movies and television. A giant Christmas tree towers over the main entrance, holiday displays capture the imagination, and colorful garlands and lights sparkle.

In the spirit of bygone days and Old St. Nick visits to great department stores across the country, guests can share their wish list with him at the Once Upon a Time shop, a vintage setting along Sunset Boulevard.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is Now Open

Halloween Horror Nights (the Nation’s most popular Halloween event), is now open at Universal Orlando Resort, with more event nights than ever before. You won’t stand a Chance, as the twisted right-hand woman of Halloween Horror Nights legend Jack the Clown steps into the spotlight as the star of this surreal world of horror.

Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween event, spanning both coasts at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. For more than 20 years, guests from around the world have visited Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando and Hollywood to become victims inside their own horror film as they encounter movie-quality haunted houses, hundreds of menacing “scareactors” and outrageous live shows.

Nightmares come to life in nine disturbingly-real haunted houses based on some of the most terrifying legends in pop culture including “American Horror Story” and “The Walking Dead”.

• Become the next doomed residents of Murder House, tortured performers in the disturbing and twisted Freak Show, and victims of the otherworldly, death-dealing Hotel from FX’s groundbreaking anthology “American Horror Story”
• Desperately try to escape Leatherface’s lethal chain saw in “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”

• See, hear, feel – and even smell – every iconic levitating, head-spinning, vomit-wrenching, skin-crawling moment from “The Exorcist”
• Fight to survive the return of masked killer Michael Myers in “Halloween II”
• Fend off packs of flesh-hungry walkers in instantly-recognizable scenes from Seasons 1 through 6 of AMC’s “The Walking Dead”
• Encounter the evil ancient spirit of the dark shadow of Saint Nicholas in “Krampus”
• Step inside the twisted minds behind the nation’s best Halloween event in three haunted houses based on original stories – Lunatics Playground 3D: You Won’t Stand A Chance, Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch, and Tomb of the Ancients

And there’s even more horror lurking in the streets of Universal Studios Florida, with five unique scare zones and two live stage shows.

Enjoy a behind the scenes video with our friends, The Tim Tracker, as they take the Unmasking the Horror Tour for Halloween Horror Nights.

Do you attend Halloween Horror Nights each year?  What is your favorite house?

Legoland Theme Park: See What Happens when #BrickPony Growls

LEGOLAND Theme Park unveiled a life-size replica of the “1964½” Ford Mustang V8 coupe (#BrickPony) made out of nearly 200,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks. Before she arrived at the theme park in Winter Haven, Fla., they took the giant model to Orlando’s I-Drive 360 complex to have a little fun with a few hidden cameras, some concealed speakers, several temporary sound effects and lots of unsuspecting visitors.

Sponsored by Southern Ford Dealers, #BrickPony is now on permanent display outside the Ford Driving School attraction at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. In addition to working headlights and tail lights, she has a few built-in sound effects, including the rumble of a real Mustang engine starting and revving!

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions and the all-new water park, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and just opened LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia.

Disney Parks Salutes U.S. Military with Special Tickets, Room Rates for 2017

At Walt Disney World Resort from Sept. 28, 2016 through Dec. 16, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)) or their spouses can purchase:

• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $209 each, plus tax.
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $209 each, plus tax.
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $246 each, plus tax.
• Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $224 each, plus tax.
• Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $224 each, plus tax.
• Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $261 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used Jan.1, 2017, through Dec. 19, 2017, except that the tickets may not be used April 9 – 23, 2017.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 19, 2017.

(David Roark, photographer)

At the Disneyland Resort – from Nov. 1, 2016 through Dec. 16, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA))) or their spouses can purchase:

• Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $156 each.
• Disney Military Promotional 4-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $181 each.

Disneyland tickets may be used Jan. 1 – Dec. 19, 2017, except that the tickets may not be used April 9 – 23, 2017.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 19, 2017.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels.* This offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1 – Dec. 19, 2017, except for April 9 –23, 2017.

For information on Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407-939-5684 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. For information regarding Disney 3-Day/4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort, or to make room reservations at the Disneyland Resort, military personnel may call 866-943-7872 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Information is also available at DisneyMilitaryOffers.com.

(David Roark, photographer)

Here are some other details guests should know about:

• Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
• “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
• Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
• Subject to certain exceptions, Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options expire and may not be used after December 19, 2017. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
• Disney 3-Day/4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort expire and may not be used after December 19, 2017. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
• No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
• Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat

The LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat Halloween party #BuiltForKids returns to LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort on 11 dates in October, featuring a LEGO^® lineup of spooky, kooky, brick-tacular activities and extended park hours. Expanded last year with even more lightly frightful fun, Brick or Treat Presented by Shutterfly is an all-day event included with park admission – no extra ticket required!

Offered every Saturday and Sunday in October, plus Monday, Oct. 31, the popular annual event includes a special Halloween-themed fireworks spectacular on 10 of the 11 event dates, meet-and-greet opportunities with a ghoulish gallery of LEGO monsters and a stunning, brick-built model perfect for scary selfies and snapshots. Joining the lineup of special activities this year is a kid-centric parade free to all guests who come dressed up in costumes.

Parked in Market Plaza will be the 13-foot-long Vampyre Hearse, a giant LEGO model inspired by a set from the now-retired LEGO Monster Fighters series. For this year’s Brick or Treat, the hot-rod hearse made out of more than 280,000 LEGO and DUPLO^®bricks has been enhanced with spooky sound effects and ghostly lights, making it an even-more-perfect photo opportunity for boys and ghouls.

 Highlights also will include:

• Photo opportunities with the world’s largest LEGO pumpkin
• Exclusive meet-and-greets with LEGO Halloween characters Vladimir the Vampyre, the Mummy, the Mad Scientist, the Witch and Frankenstein
• Fistfuls of candy while trick-or-treating along the Brick or Treat Trail, for kids 12 and under
• A scavenger hunt in MINILAND USA with a collectible, limited-edition LEGO brick free to every guest while supplies last – with a special Brick or Treat design chosen this year by our Facebook fans!
• A vampire-themed takeover of the LEGO Kingdoms area
• The popular – and delicious – Granny’s Apple Fries will once again offer a pumpkin spice variety for a limited time

With the exception of Monday, Oct. 31 (it’s a school night!), each Brick or Treat date will conclude with a creepy-crawly, spider-themed fireworks show at 8 p.m. in the skies above Lake Eloise. Pick up a complimentary pair of viewing glasses to add a brick-tastic LEGO twist to the colorful spectacle.

 2016 Brick or Treat Presented by Shutterfly Dates

• Oct. 1-2 (Saturday & Sunday)
• Oct. 8-9 (Saturday & Sunday)
• Oct. 15-16 (Saturday & Sunday)
• Oct. 22-23 (Saturday & Sunday)
• Oct. 29, 30 & 31 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)

(PHOTO/LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Brian Blanco).

LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat Bookings Now Open

Just five weeks after offering a colorful sneak peek of its all-new vacation oasis currently under construction, LEGOLAND Florida Resort announced today that bookings are now open for its second on-site accommodations, the eagerly anticipated LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat. Reservations are available for stays beginning June 1, 2017 through Sept. 4, 2017.

New images released today reveal even more of the brick-tastic, beachy details that guests will discover at this recreational paradise #BuiltForKids. Conveniently located adjacent to the popular theme park, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat combines the fun of surf and sand with the creativity of LEGO^® building sets, and will offer picturesque lake views from nearly every sun-kissed corner. Room rates start at $182 and vary by season, date and availability. Packages including theme park tickets are also available.

To make a reservation at LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/florida. Room rates start at $182 and vary by season, date and availability. Packages including theme park tickets are also available.

(PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Chip Litherland)

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat amenities include:

• 83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms
• Whimsical LEGO décor inside and out
• Spacious rooms that sleep up to five, including a cozy area designed just for kids with a bunk bed and trundle bed
• Shaded patios where parents can put their feet up, kick back and relax
• Multiple outdoor play areas where kids can slide, jump and climb in view of bungalow patios
• Large themed swimming pool with an expansive sandy play area
• Centrally located clubhouse featuring a restaurant, pool bar and LEGO building area for kids
• A bountiful breakfast buffet included with each night’s stay
• Early access to the nearby theme park

Announced in March 2016 as part of the largest period of growth and expansion in the resort’s nearly five-year history, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat will join the 152-room LEGOLAND Hotel, more than doubling on-site accommodations and giving guests even more reasons to play – and stay – at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Katie Worthington, president and CEO of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, noted that the new accommodations add much-needed room inventory to the region, where tourism continues to grow year over year.

“We have already seen the impact that the announcement of the LEGOLAND expansion has had, by bringing additional investment in other hospitality-related businesses to Winter Haven,” she said.

“LEGOLAND Beach Retreat further solidifies Winter Haven as a multi-day destination,” Worthington added. “It gives visitors a glimpse into the beauty of our area with views overlooking Lake Dexter, one of 55 area lakes.”

Grand opening festivities and additional amenities will be announced at a later date. To be among the first to receive the latest news about LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, sign up at www.LEGOLANDBeachRetreat.com.