As long as I can remember I’ve wanted to stay at the Disneyland Hotel. I was lucky enough to frequent the park as a kid, but never got to stay in the iconic hotel that expanded on the experience of visiting on the park. That was until earlier this year. So what is it like…
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April 2024 Update: Epic Universe have unveiled a deep dive look into How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. Read on! The most anticipated new Theme Park in the US is without question Universal Studio’s upcoming third gate in Orlando*, Epic Universe. While plenty of rumours have been floating around since the park was…
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With dozens of attractions across two parks – the OG Disneyland Park and California Adventure – not to mention the wealth of dining and immersive experiences to be had, there’s good reason to book in at least a few days at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim, California. Just take a look at some of the…
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In December 2021, after more than 20 years of the “FastPass” system (which this feature length documentary will tell you all about so I don’t have to), Disneyland scraped their relatively groundbreaking – if imperfect – queue cutting system, in favour of “Genie+”. The system was to take advantage of new digital technologies and allow…
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Are you heading to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California anytime soon? We just returned from a visit to the iconic park, and are happy to report a number of new experiences to enjoy across both the OG Disneyland Park, and the accompanying second gate, California Adventure. There’s even a brand new Pixar-themed hotel! Here’s…
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By now, most theme park enthusiasts will likely have stumbled across the US YouTube series Defunctland, created and hosted by Kevin Perjurer. The series looks primarily at the lifespan of now defunct rides at theme parks around the world – with an emphasis on North America. Though it also has produced standalone specials on TV…
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Before you head on your next holiday to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, take heed of these 7 hot tips that will help make you a pro, as you embark on your voyage to the theme park destination of the world. 1. If you’re staying at an on site hotel, you may get early…
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Last year, I reported on the value of the Genie+ system at Disneyland in California. It’s an optional add on that gives you access to “Lightning Lanes” on select rides at both the OG Disneyland park and the neighbouring California Adventure, helping you skip many queues that you may face on a day at the…
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Ahead of the arrival of the highly anticipated roller coaster TRON Lightcycle / Run, on April 4th (tomorrow!), we’re counting down the 10 best rides (for adults) at the four Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida. We do have to start out with an honourable mention to Splash Mountain, which would have originally made this list,…
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After much anticipation, Super Nintendo World finally opened its doors at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday. With it comes a brand new, state-of-the-art Mario Kart ride, Toad’s impressively themed (and delicious) restaurant and an interactive land full of secrets, keys and coins. And to lay claim to many of those secrets (and coins), you’ve first…
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Today, Mario Kart officially arrives in Hollywood with the opening of the highly anticipated Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios. It’s the first time Nintendo have opened an interactive park in the United States, and comes two years (almost to the day) after Universal debuted their collaborative themed land at their Osaka, Japan location. While the…
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On Wednesday night, Hollywood celebrities and Nintendo royalty (including the father of Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto) helped launch the long awaited Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, ahead of doors officially opening to the public today (Friday, February 17th). It’s a land that was described at the opening event as being “rich with interactivity, inventive…
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Occupying more than 25,000 acres in Orlando, the footprint of Walt Disney World – Disney’s first park outside of California, opening in 1971 – is the largest dedicated to any theme park in the world. And 50 years later (the celebrations of which conclude on 31st March), still only half of that land is being…
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It’s been a busy few years for Universal Studios, as the theme park side of the company (Universal Parks & Resorts) continues to expand the size and scope of operations. Once just a backlot tour in Hollywood, Universal Parks can now be found in 5 cities around the world, with their latest Beijing location opening…
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From Disneyland in California to Broadway in New York, America has long catered to those looking for an immersive experience, and few do it better. Here’s just ten of my favourite places to visit in the U.S.A. when looking to escape reality; immersing yourself in art, music, scenery, cowboys (you’ll see what I mean) and…
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This week, Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed the opening date of their highly-anticipated new land, Super Nintendo World. It’s the second Nintendo themed land in the world, and the first in the US since the debut Osaka location opened as part of Universal Studios Japan in early 2021. Entering in the lower section of the park…
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When Mickey’s Toontown opened in 1993 at Disneyland in California, it was the first major expansion to the park since Bear Country (now called Critter Country with Splash Mountain as its centrepiece) in 1972. The inspired design of the land, and the rides that would make their way into the space, brought in elements from…
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Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have a day off in Los Angeles. It had been more than two years since I’d last been there – pandemic and all – and I had a lot of time to make up for. So, being the theme park enthusiast I am, I tried to (for…
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Earlier this year, I had the chance to ride Universal Studio Hollywood’s latest family attraction, The Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash. The ride was the first completely new attraction to open in the park in 2021 after being closed due to the pandemic. The Illumination film franchise tie in is a “dark ride”…
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Gold Coast theme park Warner Bros. Movie World will be putting the ‘Oz’ in The Wizard of Oz, with a brand new precinct themed around the classic film set to open in 2024. Taking over the space previously occupied by the Arkham Asylum coaster (some may also remember it as Lethal Weapon – The Ride),…
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While Disney try to figure out what went wrong with their highly anticipated, but seemingly disappointing Star Wars Hotel, they are also celebrating a similar concept they have very much gotten right: Space 220. Located at Disney’s Epcot in Orlando, and built above the long running Mission: SPACE attraction that gives guests the experience of…
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When Universal Studio Florida’s second gate, Islands of Adventure opened 23 years ago in 1999, it looked destined to be holy ground for roller coasters in Florida. I distinctly remember the TV ads showing The Incredible Hulk coaster weaving its way over the body of water that sits at the centre of the park. It…
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While other theme parks have long focused on making their roller coasters bigger, better and faster, Disney has generally tried to answer the question: what can we do that no one else has tried before? Of course, not ever new addition to the park has ticked this box, but of late, that trend has picked…
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I’ve been lucky enough to be a regular visitor at Disneyland, California, since I was a little kid. For me, the joy of attending it has never waivered; it is the “Happiest Place on Earth” after all, so even without the nostalgia, it’s a place that guarantees a pretty magical time. But for many years,…
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Leading into the pandemic, it had been a pretty busy few years at Disney Parks in the USA, with Pandora – The World of Avatar in 2017 and Toy Story Land in 2018 – both in Orlando – and then the gradual launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and its two accompanying rides, in both…
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At the end of the 1980s, Walt Disney World in Orlando was booming; overtaking the swampland they acquired for “The Florida Project” while founder Walt Disney was still alive with no less than three parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and what is now known as Hollywood Studios (on its opening in 1989, it was the Disney-MGM…
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With San Diego turning 250 in 2019, the city and its surrounds have been shaping up a massive year of openings, new attractions and familiar favourites that ensure the coastal Southern Californian destination remains at the top of everyone’s vacation lists, as we head into Summer 2021. Here’s a guide to what you need to…
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UPDATE 19/12: Watch new on ground video hosted by “Mario’s Dad”, Shigeru Miyamoto, as we see more of the attractions in the park. Miyamoto also confirms Super Nintendo World is coming to Universal Studios Singapore, though no date has been given. That will bring the attractions a little bit closer to Australia! Original Article – 12th…
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In our new travel series, our resident thirty-something-going-on-five year old takes us on an adventure around the world to the best theme parks. The ones that even after we lose that childhood awe and wonder, still get the heart racing; gleefully removing us from the mundane existence that is adulthood. Along the way you’ll be…
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It’s going to be a massive year in 2020 for those who enjoy theme parks, with a number of brand new, highlight anticipated parks and expansions opening up all over the world. There are also new museums, IMAX cinemas and even hotels that are worthy of getting excited about here in Australia and overseas. Here’s…
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