Night Of A Million Lights to Sparkle at Give Kids The World Village Starting November 13th

Give Kids The World Village

Give Kids The World Village may be on a temporary hiatus due to the pandemic, but the imaginative organization has come up with a safe way for families to celebrate the holidays - all for a great cause.  The Village will be holding their first ever Night of a Million Lights, a walk through holiday light spectacular that will delight visitors starting November 13th.

 

The event will run through January 3rd, 2021, meaning there will be 53 nights of fun at the Village during Night of a Million Lights.  The property, which stretches over 84 acres, will feature more than one million holiday lights, nearly coating the grounds head to toe.

© Give Kids The World Village

There will be 33 decorated villas that will be accessed through a 150 foot long lighted tunnel, more than 50 "larger-than-life holiday-themed wireframes, some spanning more than 40 feet," a giant glowing gingerbread arch and space themed decorations celebrating Henri's Starlite Scoops.  The park's Towne Hall, seen above in concept art for the event, will host Santa from its balcony, along with the property's ambassadors Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry.

Those looking to get involved, whether on a personal or corporate level, can adopt a villa and decorate it however they'd like - and it will be a part of all 53 nights of the event!

 

© Give Kids The World Village

Tickets to the event are already on sale on the Give Kids The World website.  Each ticket grants access to explore all the lights and decorations, along with voting for a favorite villa, socially distant family activities and most of the property's attractions.  There will also be complimentary hot cocoa and ice cream!

All proceeds from the event will support Give Kids The World's mission to provide wish vacations for ciritically ill children and their families.  To date, the property has hosted 176,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries.

“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told ‘no’ due to the limitations of their illness.  We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of ‘yes’ where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend priceless time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to sharing some holiday joy with the community while making it possible for future wish children to have their wishes fulfilled.”

Universal Studios Japan's Super Nintendo World to Open in Early 2021

© Universal Studios Japan

Delayed due to the pandemic, Universal Studios Japan has announced that Super Nintendo World will officially open in "early" 2021.  That puts the highly anticipated attraction at opening just about a year later than expected.  The park was moving toward a grand opening when the pandemic struck, forcing plans to be pushed off indefinitely.

But now we know that guests can soon take a trip on a fantastic Mario Kart dark ride, bounce along with Yoshi on a family adventure, visit both Princess Peach and Bowser's castles and other classic locations from the series of games.  Visitors will also be able to purchase a Power Up Band that they can wear which will allow them to track points (among other special features) as they explore the interactive features of Super Nintendo World.

© The Sankei Times

The Japanese media recently features some amazing aerial photos of the expansion, and there is such an amazing amount of detail contained in the photos.  Super Nintendo World features multiple levels packed into a tight space, overflowing with interactive features and details at every turn.  You can dig through them on your own but this is going to be a very stunning place to explore when it opens next year!

The Marine World Experience at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to Host Boo 2020! This Fall

© Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom reopened earlier this summer as The Marine World Experience, with only the park's animal related attractions open.  Like other theme parks in California, they're not allowed to open any rides, but instead could utilize their zoological attractions to operate during the pandemic within State guidelines.

The park did not announce that they would host a Hallowfest event like several other Six Flags parks, but have now revealed that they will be holding Boo 2020! instead.  The park is describing Boo 2020! as "a monster mash up that combines the Marine World Experience with themed activities for the entire family in a safe environment."

 

Listed activities at the event of course include the park's animal exhibits, but also family fun like a Trick-or-Treat trail that has pre-bagged candy and treats for kids.  There will also be a daily Kids' Halloween parade for those 8 years old and younger.  The park will have plenty of special Halloween themed treats for sale as well, including a Funnel Scream Cake, Scare-acha boneless wings, Zombi Takis, Ghostly Grape Drinks and Candy Monster Dippin' Dots.

There will be special ways for guests to learn more about the animals that the park cares for, and special Boo 2020! versions of the park's Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows, along with a new Halloween Bash and Ghoul School productions.

Boo 2020! will take place on Saturday and Sundays in October 17th through November 1st.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Construction Hits Milestone of 40% Completion

© SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Developer Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment have sent out news that their joint project, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, has reach a milestone in construction with 40% of the structure standing.  The project is slated to "bring the next generation of marine life theme parks" to the popular Yas Island, already a major destination in the Middle East with Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.  SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the UAE, supporting cutting edge global conservation efforts.

The new indoor theme park is slated to be completed near the end of 2022.

The park has been designed in conjunction with SeaWorld's "more than 55 years of experience in marine research, conservation, and animal welfare.  "SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will feature purpose-built habitats and ecosystems that will house different species together, as they are in the wild.  Once complete, the marine life theme park will offer unique immersive experiences that engage visitors from the UAE and around the world, broadening their knowledge and appreciation of marine life."  While an attraction roster is not yet available, once can easily see a large roller coaster running around the outside of the enormous structure.

© SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

When finished, the park will feature "six distinct realms which tell a unified and immersive “One Ocean” story showing the interconnectivity between all life on Earth and our oceans."  It will feature "one of the world’s largest and most progressive indoor aquariums, an immersive ride that takes guests on a thrilling and visually stunning journey from Pole to Pole, and countless interactive exhibits."

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be the first SeaWorld park to be built in over 30 years, and is an exciting development for all parties involved.  The park will also focus on providing "impactful education and learning opportunities for its visitors," including a new research center that will "serve as an advanced knowledge hub for researchers, scientists and marine conservationists to better understand and protect the region's marine life and ecosystem."  SeaWorld Parks have already helped 37,000 animals in need, and the new location will also increase their efforts.

© SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's construction, seen above from the air, has passed 40% completion as of today.  This includes more than 50% of the needed concrete poured, the heaviest 50-ton steel column installed and acrylic for the exhibits fitted into place.

The project has been underway for several years now, with major construction milestones being reached within the past year.  As the project gets closer to an opening date we're sure to learn more about its attraction offerings, including that large roller coaster!

Sesame Place Introduces Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru Experience

© Sesame Place

Parks are continuing to come up with creative ways to keep their guests entertained while COVID-19 is still a threat - and we're seeing a lot of that ingenuity during the all-important Halloween Season.  Another park that has come up with a way to stay engaged with their fans is Pennsylvania's Sesame Place, which starts the new Halloween Drive-Thru on October 6th.

 

Staying socially distanced is continuing to be a key element of safety this fall, and Sesame Place has created a new drive-thru experience that allows families to get a taste of the park while remaining distanced from others.  Visitors stay in "their own vehicle, journey through a family-friendly, Halloween-themed experience including a special soundtrack, festive décor, millions of lights and everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats!"  Each child will receive a bag of candy as well upon exiting the property.

 

© Sesame Place

Visitors will experience tons of festive decorations and character interactions (while remaining in the vehicle) as they move through the park, the map of the event is found above.  Guests also have the option to pre-purchase snacks, beverages and unique souvenirs that can be picked up upon arrival.  All interactions outside the vehicle require face masks and social distancing.

© Sesame Place

Pass members will receive a discount on the Halloween Drive-Thru at Sesame Place, and general tickets start at $35 for a carload.  The event runs each Tuesday and Wednesday night in October from 6 pm until 9 pm.

Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay to Close for 4 Month Winter Break

© Universal Orlando

While Universal Orlando seems to be experiencing an attendance bump due to their Halloween celebration, which includes two of their frightening haunted houses, the resort has announced that its water park, Volcano Bay, will close for 4 months this winter.

A sign of the times, one would assume.  With lighter attendance at the resort on weekdays and at times with no special events running, it does make sense to keep the water park closed during the colder months.  Granted colder months in Florida are still warmer than most, but perhaps the resort doesn't see there being a proper return on operating this winter.

The park will close after November 1st, and is scheduled to reopen "on or before" March 1st, 2021.  That will see the park closed for a 4 month period. 

© Universal Orlando

In the frequently asked questions about the closure the park notes that they are closing to allow for attraction maintenance, and do not mention reduced demand or the pandemic.  They also state that they do not plan to start closing every winter, but that future operational updates would be shared if needed.  Universal Orlando pass holders who have access to Volcano Bay will be granted a two month extension or they can switch to a two park pass and get a partial refund for the Volcano Bay portion.

The immersive water theme park initially opened in May of 2017.