Tag: thrill ride videography

Universal Studios Hollywood Rolls Out First Four Electric Trams!

On By TimothyIn Universal Studios HollywoodLeave a comment

Universal City, California, April 14, 2022—Universal Studios Hollywood debuts the first four electric trams in its fleet of 21 Studio Tour trams. Weather and feature anchor of NBC’s TODAY and Co-host, 3rd Hour of TODAY, Al Roker is featured in a video introduction aboard the trams as part of the guest experience.

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

“I am extremely proud of this innovative undertaking and our commitment to creating a zero-emissions Studio Tour fleet in collaboration with our parent company and local partners,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to transform our business in line with Comcast NBCUniversal’s carbon neutral goal, all while pioneering first-class attractions for our guests.”

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

  

          The world-famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour is a hallmark Universal Studios Hollywood attraction that, for over 55 years, has taken millions of guests from around the world through authentic movie and television production studios, featuring iconic sets made famous in blockbuster movies such as “Back to the Future” and dynamic rides such as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3-D.” 

“The Universal Studio Tour has always been a groundbreaking attraction with lots of thrills, excitement and scary moments. I’m honored to be part of an experience for adults and children to learn about these best-in-class electric trams that will transport them around this iconic studio lot and help the environment,” said Al Roker.

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

The conversion to electric trams was spearheaded in 2017 by visionaries within the Universal Studios Hollywood technical services department and represents some of the first-ever and largest battery-powered, off-road, high-torque and low speed mass people movers in the U.S.

Full conversion of the 21 trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric will help reduce carbon emissions as well as improve the guest experience by reducing noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine.

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

Installation of inductive charging technology from WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification) by Ideanomics was a critical factor in the conversion designed to meet the trams’ rigorous daily demands of navigating the Studio’s varying topography. Trams will routinely charge during the normal operation at the start and end of the attraction route. Coupled with a regenerative braking feature, the trams will continue to build up charge when they travel downhill, providing added energy efficiency.

The elaborate clean air conversion design process evolved from a collaboration between Universal Studios Hollywood and L.A.-based Complete Coach Works to reimagine the trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric.

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

The project continues to be made possible by a grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District — the local regulatory agency that works to reduce air pollution in the region — which provides funding to replace older equipment with cleaner ones that are cost-effective while reducing air pollution.  It was also supported by a significant investment from Comcast NBCUniversal and Southern California Edison through its Charge Ready Transport Program.

“It is truly so exciting to see initiatives like Universal Studios Hollywood’s new fleet of electric Studio Tour trams come to fruition — initiatives that show our public and private entities working together to do our part to combat air quality and climate change,” said L.A. Councilmember Nithya Raman. “As a new member of the South Coast Air Quality Management Board, I am looking to broaden these types of collaborations and accelerate the positive impacts they will have for our region and world. Our climate crisis demands we do this.”

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Instagram@UniStudios, Twitter @UniStudios and Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood.

For more information on Comcast NBCUniversal’s environmental efforts, visit the environment page at Comcast.com. 

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” featuring the spectacularly realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, and the all-new ride “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” Universal CityWalk, located adjacent to the theme park, features such popular restaurants as VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, NBC Sports Grill & Bar and Voodoo Doughnut, along with dynamic shopping and entertainment options, including Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres.

All-New Casual Dining Chick Chick Chicken Opens at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood!

On By TimothyIn Universal Studios HollywoodLeave a comment

The Exciting New Restaurant Opens Daily at 11am!

Chick Chick Chicken is a casual dining experience with a variety of hand breaded chicken dishes. The restaurant combines a colorful presentation with a nostalgic feeling that highlights exciting, yet familiar flavors. From traditional to the hottest Nashville hot, Chick Chick Chicken serves up a unique sandwich experience.

Sneak Peek at the Menu

  • Nashville Hot N’ Spicy Sandwich
  • Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • Asian Style Chicken Sandwich
  • Classic and Hot N’ Spicy Chicken Tenders
  • Crinkle Cut Fries

We’re planing a trip to USH real soon Mary loves Chicken maybe we’ll try this for lunch! we cant wait to get back too USH its been too long!

Tim

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Sesame Workshop Celebrate Grand Opening of Sesame Place San Diego, First West Coast Park Based on the Iconic Sesame Street Show!

On By TimothyIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street®, have officially opened Sesame Place San Diego, the newest theme park in California and the first Sesame Place on the West Coast. The all-new theme park is full of immersive experiences and admission provides access to all water attractions and family-friendly dry rides, plus entertainment offerings likes shows and a parade, along with so much more. Sesame Place is the second theme park of its kind in the United States and the perfect getaway for families and kids of all ages.

The all-new park is sure to be the must-visit destination for any time of the year with a perfect mixture of water slides and attractions, rides, shows, a parade and so much more in one experience. Sesame Place offers 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, including a family-friendly rollercoaster, wave pool and lazy river, plus rides and waters slides, all included with park admission. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, park-goers on the West Coast will finally be able to easily hug their favorite furry friends and take a stroll through the beloved Sesame Street neighborhood. Kids will get the chance to play in a world that plays back through immersive physical and digital character experiences, including an unforgettable immersive experience at the iconic Sesame Street Neighborhood.

“This is a great time for the company as we open the doors to sunny days at Sesame Place and welcome guests from all over to experience this new theme park,” said Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. “We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Sesame Workshop. We are continuing the legacy we started 42 years ago together by creating a second theme park in the United States where children and guests can laugh, learn and enjoy playing in a fun and meaningful way. This park is part of a big year for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment as we have opened new attractions already in 2022 across multiple parks as part of our overall business strategy and will continue to expand our offerings in the coming years with exciting experiences for our guests.”

With exciting surprises on every corner, kids and parents alike will have never-ending adventures waiting for them including a Sesame Street parade, an engaging musical play area, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and a never-before-seen live character show. “Welcome To Our Street” stars beloved characters Elmo, Abby, Grover, Rosita, and Cookie Monster as they all work together to find the perfect way to welcome their friends to Sesame Street. Offered a few times a day, the award-winning Sesame Street Party Parade is filled with contemporary tunes, Sesame Street favorites plus performers jumping rope, hula hooping, and moving & grooving with their Sesame Street friends. It’s a parade that’s sure to get everyone in the mood for a party!

“This moment has been over 40 years in the making,” said Ed Wells, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Media and Education, Sesame Workshop. “Since the first Sesame Place launched in 1980, it has been one of the best ways for kids and families to interact with the Sesame brand and their favorite characters, up close and in person. We are thrilled to continue expanding our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainmentwith the introduction of Sesame Place San Diego, the West Coast’s only standalone theme park based entirely on Sesame Street. This park is full ofnew interactive, entertaining, and playful learning experiences for families and continues our mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

With a sunny forecast year-round in San Diego, guests will splash through 11 water attractions including Big Bird’s Beach with a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The little ones will splish and splash in areas made just for their size at Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides, a colorful, hands-on water adventure with 6 slippery slides and lots of splashy fun, or spend endless time at The Count’s Splash Castle, a multi-level, interactive, water-play attraction with a 500-gallon water bucket drop. Sesame Place is a place that everyone can enjoy together! From a child’s first roller coaster ride to an imaginary trip to outer space in an Elmo-themed rocket ship, the rides at Sesame Place are designed with everyone’s favorite furry friends in mind. The fun continues throughout the year at Sesame Place with family-friendly events such as The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas.

Sesame Place San Diego opens as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Sesame Place San Diego mirrors Sesame Place Philadelphia, which was the first theme park in the world to achieve this designation. Staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training was completed prior to the park’s opening, and robust pre-visit planning resources, including a park-specific sensory guide are featured on its website, making it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child’s specific needs and accommodations. Designated quiet rooms with comfortable seating are located in the park near Sesame Souvenirs.

Guests can experience all of the park’s offerings with a single day admission ticket for $64.99. For the Sesame Street fans who want to visit their favorite furry friends endless times, a 2022 Season Pass to Sesame Place San Diego starting at $132/year or monthly payments of $22/month for only sixth months provides unlimited visits with no blockout dates. Season Pass holders are the first to receive news and information about Sesame Place San Diego and are invited to special events throughout the year plus receive free parking, free guest tickets, access to all seasonal events and discounts on tickets, merchandise, ride again privileges, and more.* 

For fans who want to visit Sesame Place AND SeaWorld San Diego, they can add SeaWorld to their Sesame Place Season Pass for unlimited visits to both parks starting at only an additional $7.25/month. For more information and to purchase Season Passes visithttps://sesameplace.com/san-diego/season-pass.

41 Years of Exclusive Partnership in Sesame Street-Inspired Giggles and Smiles

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. has been Sesame Workshop’s exclusive theme park partner in the United States since the 1980 opening of Sesame Place in Philadelphia. The partnership has grown to provide entertainment and fun for all ages at each SeaWorld and Busch Gardens park. SeaWorld San Diego expanded offerings in its children’s area and opened Sesame Street Bay of Play in 2008 followed by Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Sesame Street Forest of Fun in 2009, Busch Gardens Tampa’s Sesame Street Safari of Fun in 2010, SeaWorld San Antonio’s Sesame Street Bay of Play in 2011 and most recently in 2019, SeaWorld Orlando opened Sesame Street Land, a 6-acre land with over 30 ways to play, including six themed rides, wet and dry play areas, an interactive neighborhood, and the park’s first-ever award-winning Sesame Street parade. Sesame Street Land was voted #1 Best New Amusement Park Attraction for 2019 (USA Today, 2020).

Sesame Place is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle. For more information visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com and follow Sesame Place San Diego on Facebook and @SesamePlaceCa on Instagram. 

*Benefits vary by Pass tier.

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About SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The Company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry, and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned, or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 39,100 animals in need over the Company’s history. SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Aquatica®, Sesame Place® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 60-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

About Sesame Workshop 
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.