The Largest Indoor Water Park In North America Will Open At American Dream On March 19th

The largest indoor water park in North America will open at American Dream on March 19,

along with the beginning of retail

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — American Dream, the unrivaled destination for style and play, is set to usher in its next chapter on March 19, 2020, with the highly anticipated opening of the world’s first and only DreamWorks Animation Water Park, and the celebration of American Dream’s first retail offerings. March will provide guests with endless opportunities to discover and explore American Dream.

“We can’t wait for guests to visit DreamWorks Animation Water Park and experience the completely unique, jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring destination that we have created,” said Don Ghermezian, Co-CEO of American Dream. “We also look forward to welcoming a new audience to the property with the introduction of retail, opening some of the largest flagship stores globally.”

The world’s first and only DreamWorks Animation Water Park will begin to preview its unmatched experiences on March 19. Guests will be introduced to this over-the-top water park, where the worlds of DreamWorks Animation’s most adored franchises are brought to life.

Swirl through your favorite ogre’s swamp on Shrek’s Sinkhole Slammer; find your inner champion with the Dragon Warrior Po at Kung Fu Panda’s Temple of Awesomeness; be among the first to hang-ten in the world’s largest indoor wave pool,  the 1.5 acres of Far Far a Bay, inspired by Shrek’s magical kingdom . Whether you prefer to challenge the waves on one of two themed Surf’s Up Surf Riders, relax meeting more of your DreamWorks Animation friends on the Bubbly Lazy River or discover your own secret operation at the Penguins of Madagascar Play Zone, you can do it 365 days a year at American Dream. Not to be missed experiences coming later this year include luxury cabanas designed by Jonathan Adler, private party rooms, and so much more. Tickets for DreamWorks Animation Water Park will go on-sale Thursday, February 27, 2020 at www.americandream.com, with limited quantities available.

Fashion’s leading brands and a revolving, always-fresh collective of new shopping experiences will begin to open on March 19.  The world’s largest retailers will open immersive flagship and specialty locations, including Aritzia, Zara, Sephora, H&M, UNIQLO, Primark, Ulta Beatuy, Old Navy, Morphe and much more. Retail will continue to open at American Dream throughout 2020, with The Collections, American Dream’s luxury atrium, opening in September 2020.

Fresh and exciting family entertainment will also join American Dream throughout Spring. Challenge your loved ones to a round of 18-holes at North America’s first and only Angry Birds Mini Golf course, experience ‘the city under the sea’ at New Jersey SEA LIFE® Aquarium or build to your heart’s content at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center New Jersey.

While March 19 is the next landmark chapter in American Dream’s ever-evolving story, the world-class destination ignites a sense of discovery and exploration, encouraging guests to return over and over again, delivering new and memorable experiences with each visit.

ABOUT AMERICAN DREAM

American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, is an unrivaled destination for fantasy, fashion, food, family, and fun. For more information visit www.americandream.com or follow on Instagram @americandream.

ABOUT DREAMWORKS ANIMATION

DreamWorks Animation (DWA), a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing, and location-based entertainment venues around the world.  DWA’s feature film heritage includes many of the world’s most beloved characters and franchises, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls and The Boss Baby, and have amassed more than $15 billion in global box office receipts.  DreamWorks Animation’s television business has quickly become one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries.  Creating a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats and delivering deep, fully immersive worlds served up with compelling characters, the prolific studio has garnered 25 Emmy awards since inception in 2013.

Dollywood Announces $37M Wildwood Grove Expansion To Open In 2019

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton’s Dollywood amusement park has announced

 a $37 million expansion with rides, a restaurant and live entertainment.

The expansion is called Wildwood Grove and is planned to open next year.

Dollywood said in a news release that the investment meets the company’s 2013 commitment

 of $300 million over a 10-year period, four years ahead of schedule.

The expansion will include six ride attractions, featuring a suspended family roller coaster

 called The Dragonflier. There will also be various indoor and outdoor play areas for families.

Parton said in the release that Wildwood Grove will give visitors a place to “explore, play

 and imagine together — but more importantly — it’s a place where they can spend more

 time together.”

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Unveils Magical, Hotel-Wide Renovation

An exciting, hotel-wide refurbishment brings new magic to the deluxe Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, with completely redesigned guest rooms plus a refreshed lobby, pool area and concierge-level lounge. The most extensive refurbishment since the hotel's 2001 opening elevates the premium guest experience and brings a contemporary approach to the Arts & Crafts design style.

Named a AAA Four Diamond hotel by the Automobile Club of Southern California for the sixteenth year in a row, the 948-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park.

"Our renovation brings an even more upscale experience to this iconic Southern California hotel, while staying committed to its signature Arts & Crafts design," said Dan Coleman, General Manager of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. "We want our guests to enjoy the unique experience of staying in a Disney hotel that's distinctly situated in beautiful California. The revitalized design helps convey this feeling and allows us to continue exceeding guest expectations."

Guest Rooms

Every single element in the redesigned guest rooms is new—from flooring and walls, to furnishings and bathrooms. Upon entry, guests will notice beautiful hardwood-inspired flooring transitioning into soft, bright-toned carpeting. Linens and pillows are restyled in a bright, white palette and upgraded bathrooms include new fixtures. The room decor features all-new furniture made of quarter-sawn oak, specially designed for each room, as well as California-inspired artwork.

The headboards are made of quarter-sawn oak, a hallmark of Craftsman design, which frame a blossoming orange tree mural overhead—with mischievous Chip n' Dale playing in the branches. When guests open the sleeper bed (available in select rooms), artwork of Bambi, along with other woodland creatures, bid them goodnight.

Countertops of the room's desk, dresser and coffee station incorporate pieces of green glass from wine bottles, creating a beautiful, unique surface. Above the coffee bar, textured copper detailing adds depth to the aesthetic of the room while enforcing the Craftsman story.

Lastly, all rooms are powered with the latest technological features and premium amenities, including 55-inch smart TVs, Keurig coffee makers and built-in USB chargers. In addition, many rooms offer breathtaking views of Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District, the lively avenue with unique restaurants, interesting shops and dynamic entertainment venues.

Great Hall Lobby

The already stunning six-story Great Hall lobby has been upgraded with new, stylish furnishings and design elements. To complement the existing Arts and Crafts motif, new contemporary designs can be found throughout the furniture pieces, upholstery, woodwork and carpeting.

Custom tete-a-tete chairs provide interesting design and function, while boldly upholstered sofa and chair pairings offer a comfortable, welcoming setting. Coffee tables and lamp fixtures nicely complement the space, and leather-topped stools showcase hidden Mickey details. The redesigned space is perfect for lounging with family, relaxing with a glass of wine from the Hearthstone Lounge, or simply admiring the lobby's focal point—the cavernous fireplace and its roaring fire.

The Veranda

The concierge-level lounge has a new name—The Veranda—and a new design that draws inspiration from the architectural and furniture designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a visionary of the Arts & Crafts movement in Glasgow, United Kingdom. New hardwood flooring, custom-designed rugs, finely-crafted artisanal furniture and specially-commissioned art adds to the sophisticated tone of the lounge. Club-level guests may enjoy complimentary refreshments, as well as views of park fireworks in this exclusive setting.

Pool Deck

Each of the three pools have been redesigned with a variety of natural stones and brick to not only create a warm and welcoming environment, but also define the distinct pool settings. In keeping with the Arts and Crafts style of the hotel, the stone work was hand-laid by master stone masons.

Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa is located inside Disney California Adventure Park, providing guests with a special entrance to the theme park. Food and beverage options at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel include the award-winning Napa Rose, as well as character dining at Storytellers Cafe and the cozy Hearthstone Lounge. Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels also enjoy Extra Magic Hour*, which provides early entry to select Disneyland or Disney California Adventure attractions (valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key required).

*Extra Magic Hour valid for registered Disneyland® Resort Hotel Guests for admission to select attractions at either Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park before the applicable Park opens to the general public. Check Disneyland.com for schedule of when each Park offers Extra Magic Hour. Applicable Theme Park, days and times of operation and attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity, cancellation and other restrictions.

About the Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort's hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel with its "day-at-the-beach" theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort opened July 17, 1955. Open daily, year-round.

#DisneyKids: Springtime At Epcot

by Jamie Langdon

Spring has almost sprung at Walt Disney World Resort and it is a great time to visit Epcot with little ones. The weather is typically beautiful, and with the start of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 2, there are a lot of special activities to experience. My kiddos are always thrilled that the festival offers colorful themed playgrounds for them to explore, and the new Music Garden Melodies Playground is sure to be a huge hit! Fans of the movie “Cars” will want to check out the Cactus Road Rally interactive play garden, where small children can stretch their legs. Once some energy is burned off the playground, don’t miss the magical Butterflies on Go butterfly garden – it’s a favorite of my family’s. We put together a handy chart of things to do with kids this spring at Epcot, which you can see here. Does your #DisneyKids have any other favorite activities?

2015 Best Amusement Parks For Families Named

Family Vacation Critic has released its annual list of the Best Amusement Parks for Families. The list was chosen based on family perks, nearby accommodations and new rides and attractions.

"Amusement parks are a quintessential part of summer break for families," explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "Whether you're on vacation, or staying home, a day at an amusement park can be an extra-special treat for kids, and a fun bonding experience for the entire family. With so many new rides and attractions, it's the perfect time to visit one of these top parks."

This year's list includes:

• Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH
What's New: Rougarou, a floorless roller coaster, and extensive renovations at Hotel Breakers, an affiliate hotel.

Savings Tip: Stay at Cedar Point's onsite hotels and receive discounted admission of 37 percent off.

• Carowinds – Charlotte, NC
What's New: Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga-coaster.

Savings Tip: The park's onsite campgrounds and hotel both offer free shuttle service and discounted admission to the park.

• Knoebels – Elysburg, PA
What's New: Impulse, a steel tower roller coaster.

Savings Tip: With no admission cost, visitors pay per ride or game – with rides starting around $1 each.

• Hersheypark – Hershey, PA
What's New: Laff Trakk, the first indoor, spinning glow-coaster in the U.S.

Savings Tip: Stay at Hersheypark Camping Resort, or at an official resort of Hersheypark, for discounted admission to the park and area attractions.

• Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN
What's New: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, featuring two pools, a kids' club, family suites and a spa.

Savings Tip: Buy a "Splash and Play" three day, multi-park ticket and save over 30 percent on the combined cost of daily tickets.

• Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson, NJ
What's New: El Diablo, a looping coaster inspired by the Jersey Devil.

Savings Tip: Save up to $25 when purchasing tickets online.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA
What's New: Tempesto, a new coaster hurling riders at speeds of over 60 mph.

Savings Tip: Save $20 when purchasing Bounce Tickets online – including admission to Busch Gardens, Water Country and Colonial Williamsburg.

• Silver Dollar City – Branson, MO
What's New: 10 new family attractions at Fireman's Landing, including a free-fall drop ride and water spray area.

Savings Tip: Enter the park after 3 p.m. and return the next consecutive day for free.

• Knott's Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA
What's New: Voyage to the Iron Reef, an interactive 4-D ride.

Savings Tip: Purchase tickets online – three days or more in advance – and save $25 on each ticket.

• Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX
What's New: Batman The Ride, with 4-D features and two 90-degree drops.

Savings Tip: Purchase tickets online and save up to $20 on admission.

Disneyland Resort Celebrates 60th Anniversary

ANAHEIM, CA - Sixty years ago today, Walt Disney dedicated his dream project: Disneyland – a land beyond the boundaries of the motion pictures with which he'd made his reputation, a park where families and guests of all ages could be immersed in worlds of fantasy and adventure.

Today, as part of its Diamond Celebration, the Disneyland Resort honored 60 years of that dream by announcing "Million Dollar Dazzle" at a ceremony at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Each month during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, the Million Dollar Dazzle Crew will surprise one or more local nonprofits that exemplify Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' Better Together philosophy with a $60,000 gift, totaling more than $1 million. Girl Scouts of Orange County was surprised with the first gift earlier today. The funds will support the organization's Comadres outreach program that helps the Girl Scout experience transcend language and cultural barriers for girls in low-income neighborhoods.

"What makes our Diamond Celebration so special is the opportunity to share even more Disney magic with our guests in the parks, and our neighbors in the community," said Michael Colglazier, president of the Disneyland Resort. "Our 'Million Dollar Dazzle' program proudly supports local organizations that enrich the lives of children and families."

The ceremony at Sleeping Beauty Castle also included the tradition of playing the recording of Walt Disney's July 17, 1955 welcome to the first Disneyland guests. Mickey Mouse and all his friends were in attendance, and Disney Legend and Academy Award-winning composer Richard M. Sherman ("Mary Poppins") was joined by actress and singer Ashley Brown (star of "Mary Poppins" on Broadway) singing "Feed the Birds" and leading Disneyland park guests in singing "Happy Birthday."

Later in the day, a cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., featured current Disneyland Resort cast members along with those who worked at Disneyland in 1955. Guests were invited to show their 1955 Disney side by dressing up '50s-style in the elegant manner of the guests on Disneyland opening day, and to enjoy special anniversary photo locations and '50s-inspired entertainment. Large video screens in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks and the Downtown Disney District displayed anniversary moments of the day. In addition, all guests were treated to special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration cupcakes. More than 100,000 were prepared for the occasion.

For six decades, Disneyland Resort has explored the frontiers of interactive storytelling and entertainment technology, bringing exciting attractions and inventive entertainment to life for guests from around the world. The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is highlighted by three new nighttime spectaculars that, once again, raise the bar on creativity and entertainment technology to keep the resort and its guests forever young.

Disneyland Lights Up the Night for Diamond Celebration

• "Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade" – When the lights go down in Disneyland, the Diamond Celebration illuminates the park with a brilliant, new parade. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to "Paint the Night." With dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances, fun surprises and spectacular floats, "Paint the Night" is more vibrant than any parade in 60 years at the Disneyland Resort.

• "Disneyland Forever," presented by Honda – The dazzling new fireworks spectacular "Disneyland Forever" is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort. Guests are surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. The "stage" for "Disneyland Forever" fireworks will extend from the sky above to the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., the façade of "it's a small world," the Matterhorn and mist screens along the Rivers of America, with specially designed digital projections offering guests new experiences at each location.

• "World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney" – Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas to entertain guests in this fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime "World of Color" spectacular in Disney California Adventure. Both epic and intimate in scope, "World of Color – Celebrate!" brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

All three of these electrifying new shows are presented nightly, making Disneyland Resort sparkle as never before during its Diamond Celebration.