Elvis Presley’s Graceland Celebrates the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 87th Birthday with Four Days of Events

 Tickets are on sale now for the celebration which will kick-off the entire year of one-time only special events to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Elvis Week

 

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  (News Release) – Elvis Presley’s Graceland® will be celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 87th birthday January 6-9, 2022 with four days of festivities including the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony on January 8, a “Birthday Bash” at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, concerts featuring music from all facets of Elvis’ career, exclusive tours, movie screenings and more.

In addition to Graceland and Elvis Presley’s Memphis, birthday celebration events will also be held at The Guest House at Graceland™, the AAA Four Diamond-rated resort hotel located just steps from Graceland. For a complete day-by-day schedule and to purchase tickets visit  Graceland.com/elvis-birthday.

To ensure the health and safety of all guests and employees, and in accordance with the Shelby County Health Department, COVID-19 protocols will be in place for all events. Find out more about current Graceland COVID-19 Protocols. 

Festivities begin on January 6 with a bus tour of Memphis with the “Gates of Graceland” co-host Tom Brown and VP of Graceland Archives and Exhibits Angie Marchese highlighting the locations that were part of Elvis’ life growing up and living in Memphis.

The festivities will conclude that night with the Elvis Birthday Bash at Elvis Presley’s Memphis and private evening tours of Graceland Mansion decorated for the holidays. The special evening tour of Graceland Mansion will include live tour guides inside Graceland and Elvis Christmas music playing throughout the rest of the mansion grounds.

At Elvis Presley’s Memphis, attendees will enjoy self-guided tours of the exhibits and an Elvis dance party with SiriusXM's Elvis Radio DJ Argo at Presley Motors, and photo ops, Elvis trivia, scavenger hunts, and more.

 January 7 features a bus excursion to Tupelo, Mississippi where it all began in a two-room house where Elvis was born. Other events on the 7th include an Archives Show & Tell in the Guest House Theater, an afternoon screening and sing-along with the film “Viva Las Vegas,” a Gospel Dinner with Elvis gospel music by Terry Blackwood and The Imperials in the Guest House ballroom, a special Ultimate VIP Christmas tour of Graceland and a late night screening of the movie “Elvis On Tour.”

The celebration continues on Elvis’ birthday January 8. At 8:30 a.m. the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony will take place on Graceland’s north lawn. The special ceremony will feature Graceland/EPE officials, a birthday cake cutting and proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials. Fans who are unable to attend can watch the ceremony online for free via the Graceland Cam on Livestream: https://www.graceland.com/graceland-cam.

Complimentary birthday cake will be served at Vernon’s Smokehouse at Elvis Presley’s Memphis. The afternoon also includes Conversations on Elvis in the Guest House theater with stories from those who knew the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll best. Special guests to be announced soon. The evening of the 8th features members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presenting their annual Elvis Pops Concert live at the Graceland Soundstage with musician and singer Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band joining them.

Tickets for Elvis' Birthday Celebration individual events and various packages can now be purchased at Graceland.com/elvis-birthday or by calling Graceland Reservations at 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322.

 

About Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is music’s most important and beloved landmark, with hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world visiting the historic home each year. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland and its related properties, including Elvis Presley's Memphis, Graceland's entertainment and exhibition complex over 200,000 square feet in size; the new 80,000 square feet Graceland Exhibition Center featuring rotating exhibits; the AAA Four Diamond Guest House at Graceland 450-room resort hotel; and the Graceland Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ home and career. EPE also produces and licenses Elvis-themed live events, tours, and attractions worldwide.

Graceland Holdings LLC, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker, is the majority owner of EPE. Graceland is the only attraction worldwide to ever receive eight USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards including “Best Holiday Historic Home Tour,” “Best Tennessee Attraction and Iconic Landmark,” “Best Musical Attraction,” “Best Historic Southern Attraction,” and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction.” The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named Graceland the most popular attraction in Tennessee and one of the top 25 landmarks in the world and Rolling Stone named it one of 10 Great American Music Landmarks. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.graceland.com.

  Stay connected to Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Graceland.com

Graceland Live Cam

@ElvisPresleysGraceland on Facebook

@VisitGraceland on Twitter and Instagram

@Offficial Graceland on YouTube

@ElvisPresleyGraceland on Livestream

SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio, Channel 75

GracelandLive.com

@GracelandLive on Facebook

@GracelandLiveConcerts on Instagram

@LiveGraceland on Twitter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracelandliveconcerts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/livegraceland

SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio, Channel 75: http://www.siriusxm.com/Elvisradio

 

From: David Beckwith david@thebeckwithcompany.com / 323-632-3277

Winter WineFest Holiday Light Trail: January 7-9, 2022

 NEW WEEKEND, NEW LOCATION, NEW PARTNERSHIP!

Lincoln, Ontario – Niagara’s Twenty Valley Winter WineFest returns to an in-person event on
January 7, 8, and 9, 2022.

We are thrilled to finally be able to showcase our craft beverage and bring back Winter WineFest in person in 2022.

We have revamped and relocated Winter WineFest to bring this incredible event back featuring the same nostalgia and traditions you've grown to love and new activities and experiences you are going to love!

Our new partnership with Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has given us the opportunity to pair this festival with their incredible Holiday Trail program at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area featuring thousands of bright lights, heritage tours, nature trails, skating, family activities, an illuminated waterfall and more to Winter WineFest.

“We are excited to bring these wonderful local traditions together at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. The Holiday Trail offers evening fun outdoors, with stunning lights and activities along the way.

 Visitors will also experience the magic of the holiday season inside the heritage buildings and Centre for Conservation with sparkling decorations and festive music,” says Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Services at NPCA.

 “The NPCA is pleased to offer a winter wonderland experience for families and guests of all ages! Pairing Winter WineFest and the Holiday Trail together is the perfect way to celebrate the new year and the ice wine season here in Lincoln!” Enjoy full days of entertainment, great food,wines from the region, campfires, hikes, memories, and more.

 "We are beyond grateful to be bringing Winter WineFest back to an in-person event for 2022. Partnering with the NPCA on their stunning Holiday Trail is an incredible opportunity and a great enhancement to Winter WineFest. Our traditional Barrel Rolling Competition and Puck Shoot Out will be returning with great culinary, craft beverages, friends, family, and fun." says Justin Downes, Chair Twenty Valley Tourism Association.

COVID-19 has been especially difficult for our region given that tourism is a major economic driver. TheNiagara Benchlands are most well-known for being Niagara's wine country; home to over 50 world-class wineries and other craft Tastemakers.

Our tourism sector businesses have not only had difficulty opening and operating their businesses throughout the pandemic, but their opportunities to participate in events have also been limited.

Brace for a Blast in 2022 with bright lights and incredible delights!

Festival hours are Friday, January 7th: 5:00PM – 10:00PM, Saturday, January 8th: 12:00PM – 10:00PM and Sunday, January 9th: 12:00PM – 9:00PM.

To purchase tickets or to learn more about Winter WineFest Balls Falls Holiday Trail, visit:
https://npca.ca/events (tickets opening soon)

Safety is of top priority when attending Winter WineFest and Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail. All COVID-19 protocols and safety procedures will be implemented and adhered to during the event, and throughout Balls Falls Conservation Area to protect our visitors, our vendors, our staff, and volunteers ensuring safety and confidence while attending Winter WineFest Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail.

For more information:
Stephanie Hicks | Executive Director
Twenty Valley Tourism Association
4996 Beam Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0
Phone: 905-562-3636
tourism@twentyvalley.ca

www.twentyvalley.ca

For more information on the Ball’s Falls Holiday Light Trail:
Alicia Powell, BSc, MA, PhD
Manager of Conservation Area Services
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)
3292 Sixth Avenue | Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 326
apowell@npca.ca

www.npca.ca

Darci Lynne & the Frontmen of Country coming to Casino Rama Resort

 Not just your average country shows – a young singer/ventriloquist and country super-group added to the 2022 lineup

RAMA, ON (Tuesday, December 7, 2021) – Two unique shows are coming to the Casino Rama Resort stage in early 2022. America’s Got Talent Season 12 winner Darci Lynne performs on February 19 and country super-group The Frontment of Country, featuring members of three of the top country groups from the 90’s, Larry Stewart from Restless Heart, Tim Rushlow formerly of Little Texas and Richie McDonald formerly of Lonestar, join together on March 5.

 The 2022 concert lineup grows, with live performances by:

 Darci Lynne – My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not)

Saturday, February 19

SHOWTIME: 8 PM, DOORS OPEN: 7 PM

Tickets are $38/$48/$58/$68/$78/$88

Singer /Ventriloquist Darci Lynne is the youngest contestant to ever win NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” garnering over 87M views on AGT’s YouTube and the most votes for a final performance in the history  of  the  show. She won the hearts of America with her sweetheart disposition and undeniable talent. Darci Lynne has kicked off her “My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not) National Tour where she is sharing her passion for performance and bringing her enchanting show back on stage.  

 The Frontmen of Country (Richie McDonald, Larry Stewart & Tim Rushlow)

Saturday, March 5

SHOWTIME: 8 PM, DOORS OPEN: 7 PM

Tickets are $30/$40/$50/$60

The Frontmen of Country are making their mark as the newest country super-group of our generation. Featuring singers who were THE voices of three of the top country groups of the 90’s, Larry Stewart from Restless Heart,  Tim Rushlow formerly of Little Texas and Richie McDonald formerly of Lonestar.

 TICKET INFORMATION:

 Exclusive advanced ticket purchase for Casino Rama Resort Facebook Fans and My Club Rewards members begins on Thursday, December 9 at 12 Noon on www.ticketmaster.ca. A special code is required for the advance purchase period; fans are invited to visit the Casino Rama Resort Facebook Page to gain access.

 

Tickets go on-sale to the general public on Saturday, December 11 at 12 Noon on www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling toll free 1-877-599-RAMA (7262) and will be available in-person at the Casino Rama Resort Box Office. Ticket prices are inclusive of taxes and exclude any applicable service fees. Ticketmaster is the only authorized seller of Casino Rama Resort concert tickets.

 

PER SHOW TICKET LIMIT: Ticket limit is 6 per customer per show. Please adhere to published ticket limits. Orders exceeding the ticket limit may be cancelled without notice by Ticketmaster at its discretion. This includes duplicate orders having the same billing address or credit card.

 IMPORTANT:

In accordance with provincial guidelines, proof of full vaccination and government issued photo identification is required for entry to the Casino Rama Resort Entertainment Centre. Masks must be worn at all times while onsite with the exception of when eating or drinking.

 Guests must be 12 years of age or older to gain entry to the Entertainment Centre. All guests entering the gaming floor must be nineteen (19) years of age or older with government issued photo identification; those twenty-one (21) years of age or younger must also have a secondary piece of name identification. Those who have been trespassed and/or self-excluded from Casino Rama Resort or any Ontario gaming property and/or fail to meet Casino Rama Resort’s conditions of entry may not visit, participate in promotions and/or redeem offers.

 Casino Rama Resort is Ontario's only First Nations resort casino and has earned a reputation for presenting exclusive world-class sporting, entertainment & television events. The Casino offers a complete entertainment experience with over 1,750 slot machines, more than 45 gaming tables, variety of unique restaurants, a world-class 5,000 seat Entertainment Centre, and a 300-room all-suite, full-service hotel, featuring spa and health club facilities. Through the Casino Rama Cares program we are dedicated to continuing our rich history of community support by being an outstanding corporate neighbour; providing year-round assistance through a combination of charitable giving and employee volunteerism. Casino Rama Resort is operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited.

 

- 30 -

PlaySmart.ca

CONNEXONTARIO - PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-866-531-2600

Elvis Presley’s Graceland celebrates the holiday season in style; visitors welcome to join inthe fun and traditional festivities

 

Activities include the Traditional Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Special Tours and Holiday Themed Concerts by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Ultimate ETA Dean Z, Josh Turner, Michael W. Smith and The Beach Boys as well as virtual tours   Tickets on-sale now.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – This holiday season at Graceland will be filled with more festive events than ever to celebrate one of Elvis' favorite times of the year. Voted the #1 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour by USA Today's 10 Best Readers two years in a row (2019 & 2020), Christmas at Graceland celebrates the King of Rock 'n' Roll's love of the season.

Upcoming, now from December 1 to 20, Graceland will be offering special afternoon Christmas Tours that will feature live tour guides sharing holiday stories throughout Graceland Mansion.

In addition, new this year, are the first-ever special Christmas Ultimate VIP Holiday Experience tours nightly from December 1-20. The tours allow guests to explore Graceland decorated for the holidays after-hours, hear stories of what it was like to spend Christmas with the king at Graceland and tour the grounds to see the beautiful lights and up-close looks at the festive lawn decor that was part of Elvis' annual decorating tradition.

Each tour is limited to eight guests with an expert guide and will include a holiday photo ops both inside and outside Graceland Mansion. In addition, also available December 1-20, The Guest House at Graceland is offering a special package that includes two adult tickets for the Graceland Christmas Tour, access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex, a tour of Elvis' planes, a Graceland Christmas ornament and a set of three limited-edition, collectible Graceland Christmas CD greetings.

Graceland Live is also offering a full line-up of holiday shows at the Soundstage at Graceland during December, including Josh Turner’s Holiday and the Hits show, Michael W. Smith’s A Very Special Christmas and The Beach Boys Holiday Harmonies.

 For those that can't make it to Memphis for the holidays, they can join the festivities online with the Graceland Virtual Tour: Christmas Edition on December 20. Angie Marchese, Vice President of the Graceland Archives and Exhibits, will be leading a behind the ropes look at Graceland decorated for Elvis’ favorite holiday.

Angie will share stories of how Elvis spent the holidays around the mansion and show the holiday décor he handpicked and left up all the way through his birthday on January 8. Virtual guests will also get a peek inside Elvis’ private jet, and then visit Elvis Presley’s Memphis, the world’s largest Elvis museum. Guests will be able to send questions and comments to Angie in real-time.

Graceland will be decorated for the holidays now through January 9, 2022. Visitors during this time will be able to enjoy Elvis' holiday decorating traditions throughout the grounds of his home, Graceland Mansion. Outside, are the traditional lights including hundreds of blue Christmas lights lining the driveway, a life-size nativity scene, Elvis’ Santa and his sleigh lawn decorations, and more.

The interior of Graceland is beautifully decorated with Christmas décor that includes his traditional red velvet drapes, Christmas trees throughout, and Presley family Christmas artifacts on display. The Guest House at Graceland will be beautifully decorated inside and out for the holidays as well.

For complete details about Christmas at Graceland and holiday events, visit [graceland.com/christmas]Graceland.com/Christmas.

About Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is music’s most important and beloved landmark, with hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world visiting the historic home each year. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland and its related properties, including Elvis Presley's Memphis, Graceland's entertainment and exhibition complex over 200,000 square feet in size; the new 80,000 square feet Graceland Exhibition Center featuring rotating exhibits; the AAA Four Diamond Guest House at Graceland 450-room resort hotel; and the Graceland Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ home and career.

EPE also produces and licenses Elvis-themed live events, tours, and attractions worldwide. Graceland Holdings LLC, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker, is the majority owner of EPE. Graceland is the only attraction worldwide to ever receive eight USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards including “Best Holiday Historic Home Tour,” “Best Tennessee Attraction and Iconic Landmark,” “Best Musical Attraction,” “Best Historic Southern Attraction,” and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction.” The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named Graceland the most popular attraction in Tennessee and one of the top 25 landmarks in the world and Rolling Stone named it one of 10 Great American Music Landmarks. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.graceland.com.

Stay connected to Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Graceland.com
Graceland Live Cam
@ElvisPresleysGraceland on Facebook
@VisitGraceland on Twitter and Instagram
@Official Graceland on YouTube
@ElvisPresleyGraceland on Livestream
SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio, Channel 75
GracelandLive.com
@GracelandLive on Facebook
@GracelandLiveConcerts on Instagram
@LiveGraceland on Twitter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracelandliveconcerts/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/livegraceland
SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio, Channel 75: http://www.siriusxm.com/Elvisradio

 From:

David Beckwith david@thebeckwithcompany.com / 323-632-3277

# # #

 

Explore Waterloo Region encourages Visitors to ExploreMore! 

 Guests who make a qualifying booking will receive a $100 gift card to spend at local shops, restaurants and attractions 

 WATERLOO, ON — Explore Waterloo Region has launched ExploreMore! - a new initiative to encourage visitors and locals to support local businesses by booking overnight stays in Waterloo Region.   

 Guests who book a minimum two-night stay at participating hotels will receive a $100 VISA gift card to use at restaurants, attractions and retail locations in Waterloo Region.  

 “Our local tourism industry is still in the early phases of recovery following the pandemic,” says Minto Schneider, CEO at Explore Waterloo Region. “ExploreMore! is designed to inject much-needed revenue back to our accommodation members through overnight stays, while also encouraging guests to visit and spend at the region’s shops, restaurants and attractions.”  

 To be eligible for the ExploreMore! offer, guests must book a minimum 2-night stay at any participating hotel between November 12 – December 31, 2021. Details about ExploreMore! including a list of participating accommodation providers, as well as places to visit while you’re in Waterloo Region, can be found at exploremorewr.ca.  

 “With the holidays fast approaching, ExploreMore! is perfect for anyone thinking about a couple’s getaway, a family road trip or even a Staycation,” says Schneider. “It is also a great idea for friends and relatives who come to visit at this time of year. ExploreMore! not only provides guests with a wonderful place to stay, they also get the preloaded VISA card as a special gift!”  

 To discover ways to eat, play, shop and stay in Waterloo Region, go to ExploreMoreWR.ca.  

 About Waterloo Explore Waterloo Region  

Founded in 2007, Explore Waterloo Region is the Destination Marketing Organization for the Region of Waterloo. A nonprofit organization responsible for destination marketing to increase the number of visitors and length of stay, Explore Waterloo Region works with community partners to promote festivals, events, attractions, restaurants and hotels and to develop new product offerings. The goal: to deliver a single, focused message that Waterloo Region is a dynamic, year-round destination with much to offer the individual traveller, families on vacation and corporate visitors. 

 -30- 

  From: Stephen Murdoch, Vice President, PR, Enterprise Canada

M- 289-241-3997
Twitter: @canadianprguy
enterprisecanada.com

Canada’s Wonderland reopening update; Wonderland celebrates 40th anniversary; Walt Disney World’s 50th.

UPDATE: Canada’s Wonderland is reopening on July 5 for Season Passholders and July 7 for All Guests - Tickets & Reservations Available Now

Learn more about our park safety protocols and reservation requirements, and buy your tickets now. All the details are here at these links:

https://www.canadaswonderland.com

https://www.canadaswonderland.com/welcoming-you-back

  (Previous feature story below)

  By Jim Fox

   It’s ironic that Walt Disney – the mastermind behind Mickey Mouse — was afraid of mice.

   Disney spent his life imagining a “magical dream” come true of creating theme parks as “happy places” for families to visit.

   They’ll be blowing out the candles on Oct. 1 to mark 50 years since the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will welcome guests in their new EARidescent costumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   There will also be theme park memories for the 40th anniversary of Canada’s Wonderland, in Vaughan, north of Toronto, on May 31.

   Walt closely supervised the development of Disneyland in California in1955 while his brother Roy took over to complete Walt Disney World as a tribute to Walt after his death in 1966.

   The dream was to create an innovative “destination resort” that would appeal to all ages.

   Soon after it opened, my wife Barbara and I honeymooned in Florida to see what all the hype was about.

   We were dazzled by this it’s-not-your-Coney Island-style amusement park beyond the Mad Tea Party giant spinning cups’ ride and the Jungle Cruise.

 A passport cost just $5.75 for the opening of Walt Disney World. (Jim Fox photo)

   It wasn’t pricey then with general admission at $3.50 and for us almost adults $5.75for admission, 11 park adventures and monorail rides and all transportation.

   The opening featured the Magic Kingdom park and the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground as well as two golf courses.

   Within the kingdom were Fantasy, Tomorrow, Frontier and Adventure l ands along with Liberty Square and Main Street businesses and souvenir outlets.

   Now the resort still has the four theme parks, two water parks, an expansive shopping and dining complex, 27 themed resort hotels and two more golf courses.

   One of the most endearing attractions from the start at Walt Disney World has been It’s a Small World.”

   Legendary attractions include “It’s a Small World” where boats cruise past a “jubilant chorus” of life-sized costumed child dolls from around the globe.

   There’s also EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, a pet project of Walt’s that combines Future World and World Showcase.

  Special anniversary lights will make Spaceship Earth resemble a starry night at Walt Disney World.

   Its pavilions highlight the customs and food of 11 countries including Canada.

   Over the years, added were the Disney-MGM Studios, Pleasure Island nightclub-themed park with theatres, Typhoon Lagoon water playground, Animal Kingdom zoo and Disney Vacation Club time-share accommodations.

   Disney liked to say it’s “the happiest place on earth,” and, yes kids, you can bring your parents.

   To find out more: disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA

   Wonderful, wonderful

   Canada’s Wonderland gave the country its first major roller-coaster-and-thrills theme park.

  

The retro wooden Mighty Canadian Minebuster was one of the five original coasters when Canada’s Wonderland opened.

 Now marking its 40th anniversary, there were 30 rides that first year and it remains Canada’s largest theme park.

   It now has 17 coasters, making it one of the top three destinations of its kind in the world.

   Five of the coasters were operating when the park opened: Dragon Fyre, Ghoster Coaster, Mighty Canadian Minebuster, Thunder Run and Wilde Beast.

   Minebuster was one of three wooden coasters and remained in service for 29 years.

   It was modelled after Shooting Star, a coaster at the smaller Coney Island amusement park in Cincinnati.

Crowds turned out on the 1981 opening day at Canada's Wonderland.

For kids, there was Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera and the tamer Ghoster Coaster, a junior wooden ride, and now there’s Planet Snoopy and KidZville.

   The Kingswood Music Theatre debuted in 1983, Splash Works in 1982 and in 1997, Drop Tower, later renamed Scream Zone.

   Its star attraction is Yukon Striker, featuring a 90-degree drop into an underwater tunnel and called the world’s longest, tallest and fastest dive coaster at 130km/h.

   The park now has more than 200 attractions including 77 rides and Splash Works. canadaswonderland.com

    Zoom, Zoom

    It’s tough to plan a celebration when you’re stuck in the middle of a pandemic.

   But the shows must go on and if not there in person, Walt Disney World and Canada’s Wonderland have numerous virtual visits and videos online on YouTube and elsewhere of events in their parks.

   There are also numerous roller coaster videos on social media as the white-knuckle thrill seekers wait to get back into the parks.

   Disney’s event is called the “World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and runs for 18 months.

  

 

  For the 20th anniversary, there was a carnival of Disney characters at a street party. 

 Events named so far include Cinderella’s Castle decorated with ornaments, a special anniversary crest and gold bunting. At night, the castle will appear to be covered in pixie dust.

   Mickey and Minnie’s costumes will feature varying shades of EARidescent purple and teal fabric.

   Each park icon will become a “Beacon of Magic” as they receive a new look via projection technology for the occasion.

   At night, the Tree of Life will appear to be covered with glimmering fireflies and “special new touches” will come to Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror.

   EPCOT will have new lights that will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, “connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky.” The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond the celebration as a defining feature of the park.

The super-fast and scary Yukon Striker brought the latest in coaster thrills to Wonderland.

   Canada’s Wonderland had wanted to mark the anniversary with a new attraction, Mountain Bay Cliffs, where visitors can experience the exhilaration of cliff jumping from a variety of heights into the water below.

   There was also to be the Beagle Brigade Airfield, a plane ride for kids, but no further special events have been announced.

-30-

Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca