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"On The First Night of Grinchmas" - Universal Studios Hollywood

Posted on Dec 11, 2011 by Jay Jay

On The First Night of Grinchmas the Whos of Whoville gave to me.....

This last Saturday was the premiere of Universal Studios Hollywood annual holiday celebration, "Grinchmas". Only in its fourth season, this holiday production had many families and park fans excited to continue what is now a holiday tradition. Park attendance this day was actually quite light leaving all ride wait times well under 20 minutes throughout the day. It was not until later in the afternoon that the crowds seemed to sneak in and it was obvious they were not there to see shows and go on rides. All bundled up in their winter gear and wearing their favorite holiday flare items, late comers to the park immediately flocked to all the Whoville festivities.

Generally speaking, any holiday specific theme would generally be designated to one area in most theme parks but Universal Studios Hollywood makes sure that the Whobilation begins even before you enter the park. As you walk up to the turnstiles you are immediately greeted on the red carpet by various Whoville citizens ready with their best poses for your first park picture of the day. There are two Grinch and Max meet and greet spots in the park and many impromptu Who shenanigans here and there and everywhere. You can't help but question if the Grinch character at the meet and greets is Jim Carey. The voice and performance given by this character is spot on. It's even more odd how satisfying it is to be ridiculed by the Grinch in public as he hurries you along and seems rather inconvenienced by even greeting you at all.

Early Xmas at Disneyland Resort 11/03/11

Posted on Nov 03, 2011 by Jay Jay

This weeks TPS In Park Update theme is, "Early Holiday decor in the Resort".

Only a few days after the conclusion of Halloween, Disney spared no time stripping away the fall decor and adding some Christmas Holiday touches throughout the resort.

Down Town Disney is flying the Mickey and Minnie Holiday banners throughout the District. Some stores have window and outside advertisements for upcoming holiday sales and discount events. World Of Disney has a rather large Holiday section next to the mens apparel which includes ornaments, clothing and tasty goodies.

Today Disneyland Park was all a buzz with Cast members and Workers setting up and supervising staging areas for the upcoming Disneyland Christmas Day Parade filming. There is a small stage/platform set up where the Mickey pumpkin display once stood only a few days ago. Main Street stores are fully stocked with this years line of holiday merchandise to include the Ginger Bread Mickey Ears we showed you last weekend. There are some small holiday touches on the Main Street buildings but nothing too obvious. The Holiday lights have not

My First Disney Half Marathon by GoofyJoe J- TPS Fan Contribution

Posted on Sep 08, 2011 by Anonymous

On Sept. 4th 2011, I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon and I finished.

About 8 weeks before I started training, I took a bad spill and broke my elbow which put me in the hospital for 4 days. I was unable to run as much as I wanted. About a week before the marathon, my doctor released me to run. I was able to run for 2 training sessions. I was very upset that I was dealt this bad blow but I kept my spirits up and ran. I showed up at 5:20 AM to get into the corral for the run. The crowd was electrifying. I started out at a walking pace because there were just way too many people to run. As we went under the bridge, crossing Downtown Disney, my heart started pumping real fast with total excitement. After I rounded the first corner onto Katella Blvd. and started to pick up the pace, I ran fast and felt it by the first mile maker.....

Disney Second Screen- Merch Girl’s pick for best new product from the D23 expo 2011!

Posted on Aug 30, 2011 by Jay Jay

Let me start off by saying that this year’s Disney D23 expo in Anaheim was merch girl Mecca! Everywhere I turned during the 3 day event there were product releases, antiques, demos, and shopping venues! So after many hours of long, exhausting research, I give you my top pick for new product release for D23 2011: Disney Second Screen!

Disney Second Screen is much more than just a product. It enables users to stream special bonus film content on either a computer or an iPad device while watching the film on a television. All you need is wireless internet, Blu-ray player/PS3, a participating Disney Blu-Ray film, and one of the devices listed above. For the demo they were showcasing the technology on the iPad, so that is what I’ll be referring to today.

Monsters University: First Look at Designs of Characters

Posted on Aug 27, 2011 by Jay Jay

It's hard to believe that its been ten years since Pixar released the warm fuzzy monster movie that inspired a new found love for the misunderstood culture of those frightening creatures that go bump in the night. In 2001 Monsters, Inc. ranked No.1 at the box office its opening weekend, grossing $62,577,067 in North America alone and for the fourth full feature Pixar movie, it was more than just a hunch that Pixar was definitely the future of family favorites to come. Now ten years after its successful release, the buzz of a sequel has been more than confirmed.

Star Tours- The Adventures Continue

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Jay Jay

On January 9^th, 1987, Disneyland opened the doors to an attraction that by the magic of Disney Imagineering and George Lucas, allowed us to explore a galaxy far far away. After 23 years of never making it to the forest moon of Endor, galactic travels were temporarily closed in August of 2010 to begin construction on a total upgrade. Many mixed feelings about the evolution of this attraction stormed internet blogs and fan sites but the one commonality between Disney and Star Wars fans alike, was the over anxious anticipation of what the newly upgraded Star Tours would be like. Finally after 10 months, Star Tours- The Adventures Continue will unleash the force and start taking passengers to galaxies far way on June 3^rd, 2011.

TPS had the very appreciated opportunity to preview this attraction before the general public and I can reveal to you all that this upgraded journey is going to far exceed your expectations. In the last 10 months many fans and park patrons have been able to watch and follow the developments of the construction and refurbishments to the exterior attraction building. I’m sure like myself, you have all been wondering if the rumors floating around regarding new travel sequences and star character appearances are true. Well if you really want to know, then I invite you to read more and embark on a light speed virtual tour.

NOTE: SPOILER ALERT!! IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO KNOW ABOUT THE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THIS ATTRACTION PLEASE DO NOT CHOOSE TO READ MORE!!!

Green Lantern First Flight

Posted on Jul 01, 2011 by Corey

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Six Flags Magic Mountain- Green Lantern & DC Universe

Posted on Jul 01, 2011 by Jay Jay

On July 1^stSix Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia California, will be unveiling their newest themed area, DC Universe as well as opening their 18^throller coaster, Green Lantern First Flight. ThemeParkSource was cordially invited to attend the Press and Media Preview on June 30^thand we definitely showed up lock, loaded and ready to cover this epic event. The event began with the drop curtain unveiling of the newly themed area, DC UNIVERSE. Upon curtain drop press was lead into DC UNIVERSE by Justice League super heroes . The new DC UNIVERSE features newly themed rides, branded merchandise and specialty food. As guests enter the grand portal, they’re greeted by a bright and colorful comic-book-inspired world, featuring WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth, where riders twirl high in the air plastered to the wall at a 45-degree angle;