Over The Top Mommy

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Announces Its Biggest Theme Park Investment Yet: THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD!

May 9, 2018 / Family Fun, Travel

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort has unveiled its biggest news since the theme park first opened in 2011: THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD will premiere spring 2019 at the theme park built for kids. The announcement represents LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s largest investment yet.

The announcement follows the success of the blockbuster film, THE LEGO® MOVIE™, the upcoming sequel and the popularity of the film’s characters within the children’s theme park. Working closely with Warner Bros. Entertainment and LEGO System A/S, THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD will place guests right in the middle of Bricksburg, the city where Emmet lives in THE LEGO MOVIE.

THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD represents the theme park’s continuing commitment to providing state-of-the-art experiences specifically designed to create awesome memories for kids ages 2-12. “The sights and sounds will be fully immersive bringing THE LEGO MOVIE franchise to life in a way that only a LEGOLAND Park could,” said Rex Jackson, general manager of LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “We know kids come from all over the world to meet the stars of THE LEGO MOVIE and we can’t wait to see their faces light up as they interact within the imaginative world of Bricksburg.”

THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD created in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, will feature three new rides, character meet and greets and a giant themed playscape. The interactive boat ride, The Quest for Chi, will be completely transformed and will offer guests an exciting new experience when it reopens as a key attraction in THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD in spring 2019. Guests are invited to experience the current attraction a final time before it closes on May 29.

For the latest news on THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD, please visit https://www.legolandfloridablog.com/.

Logo is property of LEGOLAND Florida Resort and used with permission.

Submarines for the New LEGO® City: Deep Sea Adventure Ride at LEGOLAND® California Resort Have Arrived

May 7, 2018 / Family Fun, LEGOLAND, San Diego, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

There’s a new ride coming soon to LEGOLAND® California Resort: The LEGO® City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride! As construction continues on the interactive ride, the attraction is expected to open July 2018 and we couldn’t be more excited for it! As it prepares to take its maiden voyage this summer, the submarines officially arrived at LEGOLAND® California Resort! Eight 22,000 pound submarines were unloaded and installed in the 300,000 gallon tank. Up to 12 guests will board one of eight submarines that are designed after the LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure line of toys

LEGO® CITY: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride is Merlin Entertainments’ single largest investment for a ride in any LEGOLAND® Park. For the first time in the United States, LEGOLAND California Resort brings guests onboard a real submarine where they’ll go underwater to discover a truly amazing world filled with more than 2,000 real sea animals, including several species of stingrays and a variety of sharks. Through the use of touchscreens at each porthole inside the sub, guests can help the LEGO minifigure dive team identify gems, pearls, LEGO® gold coins and more throughout the four minute journey.

The submarine ride will be included in the price of admission this summer at LEGOLAND California Resort. For more information and to sign up for the latest updates, please visit LEGOLAND.com/deepsea2018.

Submarine photo and video are property of LEGOLAND California Resort and used with permission.

Knott’s HangTime “Dive Coaster” Set to Open May 18

May 6, 2018 / Knott's, Knott's, Knotts, SoCal Fun

Knott’s Berry Farm will welcome HangTime, a brand new steel rollercoaster, and the only dive coaster on the West Coast, to the theme park in the 2018 summer season. HangTime will tower 150 feet over the Boardwalk area, showcasing gravity-defying inversions, mid-air suspensions and twisting dive tracks. HangTime will send riders up a vertical lift hill into a 15-story 96-degree drop – the steepest drop in California. The coaster’s train will come to a halt once the highest peak is reached, and will leave riders suspended at the crest for several seconds staring downward at a 60-degree angle, giving the illusion of a disappearing track. Then the train will suddenly descend in a beyond-vertical drop, through 2,189 feet of steel track and five gravity-defying inversions. HangTime will be only the second rollercoaster in the Western Hemisphere to feature a
negative-g stall loop, which gives riders the sensation of floating.

“HangTime’s disappearing track creates a memorable illusion of the unknown as riders feel like they are hanging over a cliff, staring at the ground in nervous anticipation. People who crave that adrenaline rush will want to ride this coaster again and again. Introducing a coaster like HangTime firmly positions Knott’s Berry Farm as a must see attraction among Southern California theme parks, and we look forward to welcoming our guests to this new experience.” Jon Storbeck, vice president and general manager, Knott’s Berry Farm.

HangTime’s ride structure itself will come to life and illuminate the Boardwalk area with
colorful nighttime track chase lighting that will accompany the coaster train’s travels across the smooth steel track. The coaster continues Knott’s legacy in rollercoaster innovation and industry firsts; the park introduced the very first corkscrew inversion rollercoaster with Corkscrew, and the first flywheel launch coaster with Montezuma’s Revenge. HangTime is manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH, and is the company’s next generation “infinity coaster” model.Guests can experience an entire season of fun including the thrill of HangTime with a 2018 Knott’s Season Pass, on sale now at the best price of the year. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $92 or nine easy payments of $10.22 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or nine payments of just $12.22. These offers end October 29, 2017. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com. For more information about HangTime, Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Season Passes, please visit knotts.com. Join the conversation about HangTime dive coaster using #KnottsHangTime and #KnottsBerryFarm.

Our Magical Night at the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom

April 30, 2018 / Florida, Travel, Walt Disney World

I was invited as a guest of Walt Disney World to attend this event. All opinions are my own.

If you’re a Disney lover (and who isn’t?), you are most likely familiar with the sea of emotions that come over you anytime you do something Disney related. Whether you’re watching a Disney film, reading a classic Disney book with a child, or even walking into one of the Disney theme parks, the emotions that come with the territory can sometimes overwhelm you. (in a good way, of course.)“Happily Ever After” is an 18-minute show that features more lasers, lights and projections than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park! Park guests witness the many transformations of Cinderella Castle as it becomes a part of popular Disney stories—and is brought to life by awe-inspiring fireworks and rooftop pyro, state-of-the-art projections, brilliant lasers and immersive lighting and beautiful,contemporary versions of popular Disney songs.On our most recent family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, our family was invited to attend the “Happily Ever After” Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom. Upon arrival at Tomorrowland Terrace, my emotions were already at an all-time high! I was completely elated!
The Happily Ever After Dessert Party is specially ticketed event held nightly at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. From the moment you check in, you feel very “VIP”! You’re greeted by cast members who give you a special wristband to wear as event identification. (My daughter didn’t take hers off for 2 weeks!) Next, a cast member shows you around the party and shows you all of the delectable drinks and house-made desserts available to you as part of the experience. It’s all set up buffet style so it’s all you care to enjoy. A cast member shows you to your very own table, which is overlooking the water, with a great view of the Happily Ever After fireworks over Cinderella Castle.Here’s a brief video giving a glimpse into our experience:
There are a variety of beverage offerings at the party including:

juices
lemonades
teas
coffee
milk

and my very favorite: sparkling cider! It’s the perfect occasion to make a special toast to!When you’re ready for a snack, you’ll be giddy to see the magical spread of light bites and sweets to enjoy including:

cheeses
seasonal fresh fruit
chocolate-dipped strawberries
an ice cream sundae bar (it’s not just for kids)
create-your-own-cookie
delectable cakes, tarts, mini cupcakes, and macarons
Disney character-themed desserts (those were my favorite!)

There was a PhotoPass photographer at the event who snapped some family photos of us. You can access the photos on the app and if you’ve already added Memory Maker to your vacation package, you will already be able to download, save and share your photos from the party.Here are some tips and facts that you should know before you head to the dessert party.

A separate park ticket is required for entry to Magic Kingdom Park.
Reservations for the dessert party can be made up to 180 prior to your visit. To book your reservation, you can call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 or go here.
I suggest arriving early to maximize your time enjoying the drinks and desserts, as well as take photos. Check-in time is 60 minutes prior to fireworks.
Remember to bring a photo ID along, which is required to check in.
Bring a light jacket with you.
Fireworks are not guaranteed as part of the experience and may be changed and/or canceled due to inclement weather. Check the fireworks schedule when you arrive at Magic Kingdom Park.

For more information about the Happily Ever After Dessert party and to make your own reservation, please visit here. You can also find information about the latest happenings at Walt Disney World Resort by visiting https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/.

A very special “Thank You!” to Walt Disney World for hosting our family at the Happily Ever After Dessert Party.

The LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel is Officially Open at LEGOLAND® California Resort!

April 27, 2018 / California, Family Fun, LEGOLAND, Legoland, San Diego, SoCal Fun, Travel

I received hotel accommodations in exchange for coverage. All opinions are my own.

Hear ye! Hear Ye! The brand-new LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort is officially open!

After a royal ceremony complete with knights on horses, a little girl squire and boy knight plus a hawk that flew the key to the Castle to Merlin the wizard and trumpeters to announce the grand opening of in front of hundreds of media and special guests, the hotel was declared “officially open”! Here’s a short video of the Grand Opening Ceremony that also shows a little bit of the hotel too.

“We’re excited to open a second hotel having learned from the first how powerful the brand is and children love how their experience in our theme park transforms into an overnight magical memory. Not only will this 250-room hotel bring more people to the beautiful city of Carlsbad which benefits local business, but we’re adding more than 200 jobs further boosting the economy in the region. Considering that, plus the amazing locally-sourced food, great entertainment and whimsical features found throughout the new hotel, this is already a great win for us!” – Peter Ronchetti, LEGOLAND California Resort General Manager

A royal LEGO statue marks the entrance and is just one of more than 2,100 LEGO models created out of more than three million bricks. As guests enter the Grand Hall, they are greeted by a towering LEGO wizard conjuring up spells to protect the Castle from the bad knights and dragons.In the Royal Princess rooms, the princess is joining forces with her jester friend to sneak into the grand tournament and compete with the knights. In the Knights and Dragons rooms, the knights are on a mission to defend the king’s castle and protect his treasure. In the Magic Wizard rooms, the wizards are concocting potions and fireworks for the grand tournament. Every room has a children’s sleeping area which includes:

bunk beds
a trundle bed
their own television
a LEGO building station
shooting stars illuminating on the ceiling.

Every adult sleeping area has an ornate head board with LED lights which could resemble a stained glass window, a canopy sparking with twinkling lights or shelves filled with potions and a magical bubbling illuminated cauldron.In Dragon’s Den, a full-service sit down restaurant, guests can watch chefs preparing their food, enjoy LEGO models and entertainers within a unique dining experience. Breakfast is included with each guest’s stay and includes made-to-order items along with a buffet.The Royal Courtyard immerses children in a fairy tale of their own creation with multiple play areas for different age groups, a giant movie screen, resort-style pool with interactive water features and hot tub and a tented stage for live plays and shows.Interactive elements throughout LEGOLAND Castle Hotel include a knock-knock door, a royal throne that makes silly noises, LEGO caricatures to build upon, a self-playing piano and a slide from the first floor to the lobby.

For more information about LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort or assistance with planning your trip there, please visit http://www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

Video and some images are property of LEGOLAND California Resort and used with permission.

Cox Communications Creates Smart Home Options for Seniors To Give Them “Connected Independence”

April 26, 2018 / Lifestyle, Technology

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Did you know that more than 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day? My dad falls into that group and comes from the generation that values choices and individual freedom. As he gets older, I often worry about his future and his independence, especially as relating to his ability to stay in his own home.Aging seniors want, and need, accessibility, which is why I’m so grateful for the smart home technologies that have been made available to them by Cox Communications. The senior phase of life encourages people to slow down and simplify but it doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence.Nearly 90% of adults age 65+ would prefer to grow old in their current home instead of moving to an assisted living facility. The want to the ability to “age in place”. With the smart home technology readily available on the market today, this is becoming more a more realistic option for aging Americans. Not only does technology empower seniors to live independently for longer, it is likely a less expensive option than moving.Check out this short video about Cox Communications Smart Home Living for Seniors:

Cox Communications partnered with senior living experts to showcase a new era in digital living that provides older adults with the ability to age in place, and be able to stay in their own homes and recently featured a “Connected Independence” Smart Home in Lake Forest, California, as part of a Cox Communications multi-city tour of its Aging in Place Experience. The home has more than 50 connected devices designed for seniors spread throughout a single-family home. The Aging in Place Experience event included senior living experts and internet-enabled smart devices, demonstrating how seniors can use new technology to live safely, independently and more comfortably at home while providing their adult children and caregivers with peace of mind. Also on hand were national and San Diego-based senior living innovators, businesses and experts. More than 35 interactive demonstrations, powered by Cox Communications’ broadband network, ran simultaneously throughout the home, including:

Rendever, which offers a virtual reality platform so seniors can “travel” to favorite destinations
Trapollo telemedicine services so doctors can diagnose and treat seniors from the comfort of their own home;
A voice-activated TV remote control, giving seniors the ability to find their favorite shows without pressing buttons or navigating through menus
Telehealth technology that allows patients to have live, personal interaction with doctors via video while at home. This technology relieves patients from travel to a medical facility for every consultation.
Double Robotics Telepresence Robot – Provides a way to check on older adults when their loved ones can’t be there in person. People can see and be seen as they steer the robot via remote control from anywhere in the world.
Smart Window/Door Sensor – Wireless device detects when doors and windows are opened.
Pill Dispensers – Helps seniors stay on schedule with their medications. Helps prevent forgotten dosages or mixed medications, and sends audible and visual alerts up to 30 minutes before pills are scheduled to be taken.
Extensive home automation and security features, including the ability to see who is at the front door and lock and unlock doors remotely through Cox Homelife, making it easier for seniors to let visitors and caregivers in and out of the home safely.
An automatic pet feeder controlled through an app
Amazon Kindle, giving users access to a vast library of books at their fingertips
Readable Voice Mail – Sends transcripts of voice messages to email
Clarity P300 Handset Landline Telephone – Makes sounds louder and easier to understand. Seniors can call people by pushing a photo button.
GeniCan – Garbage can that scans items as they’re thrown away. The GeniCan app builds a shopping list based on what needs to be replaced, and schedules home delivery through Amazon Dash.
Parrot Pot – Seniors never have to worry about their plants again. The Parrot Pot gives plants the right amount of water at the right time. This smart flowerpot has four sensors that monitor light, temperature, and soil moisture and fertilizer levels in real time. The simple app even has a database of over 8,000 plants to give seniors advice on how to help their favorite flowers thrive

Additional stations at the event included a Wi-Fi Slow Cooker, Wi-Fi vacuum, Wi-Fi cat (Joy for All Orange Tabby Cat), electronic pet feeder, electronic fork that tracks eating habits, smart door locks and video cameras, glass break sensors, water/flood sensors, motion sensors and other safety devices.

Smart home technology can help families avoid the wrenching decision and the expense of moving an aging parent to an assisted living facility. A connected home ensures seniors can continue their daily routine while maintaining, and even enhancing, their quality of life in their own home.” – said Ryland Madison, director of product marketing, Cox Communications.

·
Cox Communications continues to aggressively invest in its network as well as new ventures such as healthcare and Internet of Things to better power smart homes, smart businesses and smart cities of the future. Cox has invested $15 billion in its infrastructure in the past 10 years and is investing another $10 billion in the next five years to bring fiber closer to homes, increase speeds and improve products.

For more information about Cox Communications, please visit here.

Some images and video are property of Cox Communications and used with permission.

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que Hosts Autism Awareness Fundraiser in April

April 21, 2018 / Food, Let's Eat!, Restaurant Reviews

I was invited to dine as a guest of Lucille’s in order to write this post. All opinions are my own.

During the month of April, Autism Awareness Month, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, the family-owned, award-winning barbeque destination, has teamed up with three autism organizations to raise awareness and funds during the month of April to support the autism community. The three organizations include Autism Speaks, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.Lucille’s will donate to these three worthy causes through Round It Up America contributions – in which guests “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar – at all 23 Lucille’s locations throughout Arizona, California and Nevada during the month of April to support Autism Awareness month. For donations of $5 or more made during the month of April, Lucille’s will give guests a $10 bonus card good for a return visit between May 1 and June 30, 2018 (one per table, please). Lucille’s has been participating in Round It Up America, platform that encourages restaurant guests to donate change; over the past ten years, Round It Up America has collectively raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations and programs across the country.As another way to support these organizations, Lucille’s will be serving up a drink called the “Blue Bayou”, inspired by the color for autism awareness and is made from fresh blueberries & blackberries, 1800 Reposado and Coconut Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. For each Blue Bayou sold in April, Lucille’s will donate an additional $1 towards the cause.

“We first started this fundraiser in our Las Vegas restaurants in 2016 because this condition hits close to home for many at Lucille’s, employees and guests alike. We have since taken the fundraiser across all of our locations. We have seen that the Lucille’s community can make a difference when we come together for a common cause, and we know that this year will only prove the same for these three organizations.” – Brad Hofman, President, Hofman Hospitality Group

Connect with Lucille’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. Go to AutismSpeaks.org to learn more, donate or join a fundraising walk.

About Grant a Gift Autism Foundation
Founded in 2009, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation grew out of the struggle of a mom whose son, Grant, was diagnosed with autism and other neuro-developmental conditions. Grant a Gift Autism Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization helping children, youth and their families fight autism by providing diagnostic and treatment funding, support services, social skills and vocational training, transition planning, and education. For additional information, please visit http://www.GrantAGiftFoundation.org.

About SARRC
Established in 1997, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit that conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families. For more information on SARRC, visit http://www.autismcenter.org.

Some images are property of Lucille’s and used with permission.

{Giveaway} Disney ZOMBIES Zom-Pom Friendship Snack Recipe + Enter to Win a Copy

April 19, 2018 / Disney DVDs, Disney Movies, Entertainment, Movies

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Have you watched Disney Channel’s Newest Original Movie “ZOMBIES”, yet? It’s such a fun movie! Full disclosure here: I’ve probably watched it more times than I can count on both of my hands! Disney’s “ZOMBIES” is a music- and dance-filled story set in the fictitious world of Seabrook, a cookie-cutter community brimming with perky conformity 50 years after a zombie apocalypse. Today, the zombies pose no threat, but are required to live in Zombietown, an isolated, rundown community infused with their unique creative spirit. When zombies are finally allowed to enroll in Seabrook High School, the charming, charismatic zombie Zed, who is determined to play football, meets freshman Addison who dreams of being a cheerleader — the ultimate form of status in Seabrook. Addison takes a lot of flak for befriending Zed and his zombie friends, but comes to learn that zombies and cheerleaders aren’t so different after all. Zed and Addison work together to show Seabrook what they can achieve when they embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them a community.

The ZOMBIES cast includes:

Milo Manheim as Zed
Meg Donnelly as Addison;
Trevor Tordjman as Buck
Kylee Russell as Eliza
Carla Jeffery as Bree
Kingston Foster as Zoey
James Godfrey as Bonzo.

ZOMBIES will be on Disney DVD beginning April 24th and there are so many fun features included in the Bonus Material of this DVD, you won’t want to miss out.

Zombie Blooper Reel (DVD Exclusive) – Laugh out loud at the Cast of ZOMBIES in this compilation of the funniest bloopers and outtakes from the making of the film.
The Zombie Survival Guide To High School (DVD Exclusive) – This piece uses a visual motif of a Zombie Survival Guide, with styled infographics and hosted by the talent. We go down the list of some of the most important survival tips for Zombies and humans on how to get along and make the best of high school.
Dance Tutorial – Join Meg Donnelly (Addison), Kylee Russell (Eliza) and ZOMBIES Choreographer, Christopher Scott, as they show you how to dance along to the ‘BAMM” Music Video.
Deleted Scene #1 (DVD Exclusive) – It’s a Cheer-tastrope
Deleted Scene #2 (DVD Exclusive) – New Jacket, New Name
Audition Tapes (DVD Exclusive) for Milo Manheim & Meg Donnelly’s Auditions
Music Video – “BAMM”
Lyric Video – “BAMM”

At Seabrook High, it takes GUTS to be Yourself and it’s Zoms vs.Poms, well at least at the beginning of the movie. We made a fun “Zom Pom Friendship Snack Mix” recipe that was super easy to make and perfect for watching “ZOMBIES” together! The mix represents “Zoms” with a bit of green and “Poms” with pink.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of “Zom Pom Friendship Snack Mix”:

1-2 bags of microwave popcorn, popped and cooled down
1 bag of pink (or lime green) candy melts
any kind of colorful sprinkles
vegetable oil
fun cups for serving

Instructions

Pop bags of popcorn in the microwave. Allow to cool down and put into a large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
In a separate glass bowl, pour in 1/2 to 3/4 of the bag of candy melts. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds, remove and stir. Do this 2 more times. Add a little bit of vegetable oil to the melts and stir until smooth. Pour over popcorn in the bowl and mix together to coat the popcorn to your liking.
Shake in some fun sprinkles. (You can add other things like chocolate chips, pretzel sticks or small candies too.)
Serve up your mix in cute bowls for an extra fun touch and grab a seat on the couch to watch “ZOMBIES”!

I’m also hosting a giveaway! One (1) of my readers will each win a copy of the Disney “ZOMBIEs” DVD! To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this blog post telling me if you’ve watched this movie yet and if so, how many times? I will accept comments as entries through Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. One (1) winner will be chosen via Random Number Generator and contacted via email. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents of the Continental U.S., ages 18 years and older. Good luck everyone!

Some images and logo are property of Disney and used with permission.

Universal Studios Hollywood To Open All-New DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda June 15

April 17, 2018 / SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Universal Studios Hollywood has some exciting news! They announced that Friday, June 15 will be the official grand opening date of an all-new DreamWorks Theatre featuring the premier attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.”

All-New DreamWorks Theatre Featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” Officially Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 15, 2018

Inspired by the global blockbuster franchise, the attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual effects for a highly engaging experience.

Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” recounts a plot filled story whereby on the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace, while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure filled with raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and Kung Fu.

With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” will introduce the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. Developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, this never-before-adapted technique will depict a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform within the interior space and enhance the story. With detailing that is so precise, it will be near impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere illusion.

Coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio, sweeping physical effects from water to wind will empower guests to feel more like participants than spectators in the adrenaline-spiked adventure.

Featuring an original score by composer Germaine Franco, the storyline begins as guests enter the pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks characters who kick-off the attraction’s narrative. From there, guests will enter the main theatre, complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot and swivel in tandem with the 180–degree action.

The newly constructed building that houses the DreamWorks Theatre is inspired by Mission revival architecture and harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood’s Art Deco period of the 1920s, including a box office ticket seller booth, reminiscent of the time period and staffed by a three–dimensional usher asleep on the job.

As guests navigate past the ticket booth, through the flourishing outdoor garden and into the theatre queue, they will encounter a series of 36 movie posters that pay homage to DreamWorks Animation films. Within the lobby, a selection of over 20 award statuettes will be on display, representing a sampling of the Golden Globe, Emmy, People’s Choice, Critic’s Choice, National Board of Review and Annie awards DreamWorks Animation has amassed from 2008 to 2015. A collection of original sculpted maquettes of the “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” characters will also be on display along with artifacts embodying magical powers that Po brought back from the Spirit Realm. time-is-only-an-illusion

We love all things Kung Fu Panda and are super excited to see all of this come to fruition! It’s just another reason to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this summer, right? For more information please visit http://www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Connect with Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.