Orlando, FL, USA — CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT), has rebranded its water park in Palm Springs, Calif., as Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs. This marks the beginning of CNL Lifestyle Properties’ execution strategy to grow the Wet ‘n’ Wild brand since acquiring the North American rights to it at the end of November.
The rebranding of the Palm Springs property also includes the addition of a wave riding attraction and the introduction of new entertainment options and offerings for season pass holders.
“CNL Lifestyle Properties is one of the nation’s largest owners of water parks and gated attractions and the addition of the well-recognized Wet ‘n’ Wild brand name only increases the value of this portfolio,”said Stephen H. Mauldin, president and CEO of CNL Lifestyle Properties. “The water park in Palm Springs has a terrific reputation for providing a fun experience for families, and we see rebranding it Wet ‘n’ Wild as a logical step as we identify the best opportunities to strengthen and grow our brand and its reputation.”
CNL Lifestyle Properties owns 12 water parks throughout the United States. This name change brings the total number of Wet ‘n’ Wild branded properties owned by the company to three; the other two are located in Arizona and Hawaii.
“The property in Palm Springs, which we acquired this August, has been a great addition to our existing water park portfolio,” said Curt Caffey, senior vice president and managing director at CNL Lifestyle Properties. “By rebranding it as Wet ‘n’ Wild, we hope to both maximize our value for our shareholders and raise awareness of the park in Southern California.”
Premier Parks, LLC operates the Palm Springs water park, previously named Knott’s Soak City. Premier also operates several other attractions for CNL Lifestyle Properties, including the two other water parks bearing the Wet ‘n’ Wild brand.
Baltimore, MD, USA — Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides, Inc., a global supplier of cutting-edge theme park attractions, was presented the prestigious Lifetime Service Award by Bobbie Wages, Chairman of IAAPA’s Service Award Committee during the 2013 International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) Expo held in Orlando, Florida.
This prestigious award is given in recognition of an individual’s contributions to the industry and to IAAPA. It honors IAAPA members who excel in performing services for the association and the industry; persons who are dedicated to its well-being, and who have been doing so in excess of twenty years. Without the consistent and long-term achievements of the honoree, the amusement industry would not be what it is today: a thriving global industry, proud of its rich history, and excited about its future.
Jim Seay commented, “I am truly honored and humbled by the award which I accept on behalf of those in the industry who passionately volunteer so much of their careers in making our industry so safe.”
He continued “It also means a lot to be recognized alongside Julio Vanegas who received the Outstanding Service Award, and Doug Stagner who received the Meritorious Service Award. Besides being great friends, these gentlemen are the class of the industry.”
Jim Seay began his career in the industry in 1988 when he brought his aerospace expertise to the Six Flags Corporate Engineering Team. In 1996 he became president of Premier Rides where he and his team helped develop the Linear Induction Motor and Linear Synchronous Motor-powered roller coaster. Throughout his career, Jim has dedicated himself to the design, manufacture and operation of safe rides and attractions. But even more impressive are the endless personal hours he has given to ensure the safety of millions of people who enjoy amusement rides around the world.
Jim has served on IAAPA Board of Directors and the Executive Board, and on countless committees such as the Service Awards, Applause Awards, Manufacturer & Suppliers, to name but a few. Jim is currently serving on the IAAPA Safety and Government Relations Committees as well as the IAAPA Foundation Board.
Jim’s passion for amusement ride safety is demonstrated by the countless hours he has volunteered over the past twenty years to the development of global safety standards; the last six years serving as Chairman of ASTM F24. Jim continues to do so by encouraging member participation in standards creation and facilitating the semi-annual ASTM F24 safety conferences. Jim is a frequent presenter at IAAPA industry and ASTM F24 meetings and conferences around the world, and has also testified before United States Congress on the topic of ride safety and safety standards.
Under Jim’s leadership, the ASTM F24 has grown stronger in both its strategic focus on developing standards for new types of amusement devices and by more than doubling its membership to over eight hundred individuals.
Dallas, TX, USA (December 16, 2013) — Festive despite the frosty temperatures, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science marked its first birthday Saturday with vertical dancing on the concrete walls of the Museum cube, birthday cake, fireworks and even a hip-hip-hooray led by Ross Perot. Beneath the festivities was a heartfelt message repeated over and over – thank you to all who played a role in a remarkable inaugural year.
“We opened our doors to the public on December 1, 2012, and since that first day, we’ve been totally overwhelmed with the show of support from the North Texas community,” said Nicole Small, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer. “Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine having almost 1.4 million visitors in our first year!”
Small thanked donors – including the Perot family, founding donors, board members and others – for making the museum a reality; the people of North Texas for embracing science education so warmly; the museum’s 1,286 volunteers who gave almost 50,000 hours of service this year; the 47,000-plus Perot Museum members for their support; the Museum staff who delivered over-the-top efforts this year; and to the media who kept interest alive in the Museum. She also mentioned that the Museum provided 375,000 school-group experiences, and that donors provided financial aid to over 90,000 students and 25 school districts.
She acknowledged the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau for their “tireless, amazing work” in reaching out to and bringing in journalists, meeting planners, tourists, conventioneers and more from the U.S. and around the world to tell the story of Dallas’ vibrancy.
“When the museum was first announced, we immediately began to tell our domestic and international clients and media, and the enthusiasm was very strong from the beginning. Since it opened, it has quickly become one of our main attractions for visitors and residents, and is now woven into the fabric of our city,” said Phillip Jones, president and CEO of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve included it in Dallas’ new branding campaign, advertising and site visits for future conventions and meetings.”
Small also expressed her appreciation to the City of Dallas for its support during the building process and during the first year.
“Our congratulations to the Perot Museum for redefining science education in the minds of many children and adults by making science cool, engaging, inspiring and fun,” said Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo. “What a tremendous gift – the Museum has not only inspired our children to seek science careers, but it also will help us to build our workforce of the future, which is so important in maintaining Dallas’ vitality.”
Acknowledging the success of the first year, Perot Museum board chair Carolyn Perot Rathjen noted that year two is even brighter with two traveling exhibitions coming in 2014 – World’s Largest Dinosaur, scheduled to open early April. Also, a major partnership involving a renowned scientific organization will be unveiled in early 2014, and popular programs like spring break and summer camps, adult-only Social Science events and more are returning in year two.
“Our members and visitors have been terrific with providing really good feedback throughout the year, and we’ve learned so much from them,” said Rathjen. “As is the case with any organization whether it’s a nonprofit or a Fortune 500 company, we’re going to be constantly striving to grow and improve – it’s going to be an exciting year.”
Highlights of Saturday’s event included Ross Perot leading his favorite hip-hip-hooray cheer as an intro to a riveting performance by BANDALOOP, whose strength and artistry kept visitors watching in awe. BANDALOOP, who performed at last year’s opening day ceremonies, is an internationally renowned vertical movement dance troupe that seamlessly weaves dynamic physicality, intricate choreography, and the art of climbing to turn the dance floor on its side.
Following BANDALOOP’S performance, visitors sang the traditional “happy birthday” song as the cake’s single candle was blown out, fireworks shot from the rooftop, and cupcakes were enjoyed by all. Providing a lively musical backdrop to the chilly morning was the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy Jazz Ensemble.
Los Angeles, CA, USA (December 16, 2013) — Electrosonic has provided the primary audio and video systems at the Annenberg Space for Photography Skylight Studios in Los Angeles, a new 5,000-square-foot multimedia studio and retail gallery located across the park from the Annenberg Space for Photography.
The Annenberg Space for Photography exhibits digital and print photography by some of the world’s most renowned photographers and emerging talents. The new Skylight Studios provides an enhanced lecture viewing atmosphere and experience through state-of-the-art AV equipment, a concert-quality audio system and HD broadcast capabilities. The venue also accommodates photography workshops and special events. It’s the new home for the long-running, free Iris Nights lecture series and the Meet & Greet program where visitors interact with photographers, photo editors and other guests.
Electrosonic delivered a comprehensive roster of services to Skylight Studios, including audio and video system engineering design, on-site rack fabrication, systems integration, installation, commissioning and programming. The company met the challenge of a fast-paced installation schedule, which was part of the overall facility renovation.
To meet the video needs of the new space, Electrosonic mounted Christie projectors in Tempest housings to minimize the noise of their operation. Samsung flatscreen monitors were installed for viewing in back of house and in the guests’ green room.
On the audio side, Electrosonic was charged with distributing background music to the retail area and restrooms, and background music plus the performance audio feed from the main sound system to the green room. The company provided Renkus-Heinz and JBL speakers, Extron extenders, a Peavey DSP, Crown amps and Shure mics.
Electrosonic also created Skylight Studios’ back of house studio control room for presentation and broadcast operations. That space is compartmentalized with two equipment racks behind frosted glass doors and the primary space featuring the operations desk with mixing console, lighting console, confidence monitors, control touch panels and edit bay for on-the-fly production of broadcast, webcast and social media events.
”The biggest challenge was the fast paced installation schedule, which was part of the overall facility renovation schedule and coordination with other service providers,” commented Electrosonic’s Steve Calver.
Michael Morrison, Technology Officer for The Annenberg Foundation concluded, “As one of our key partners, Electrosonic delivered. From design collaboration to installation, they were instrumental to bringing our multimedia studio to life.”
Los Angeles, CA, USA (December 17, 2013) — Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products in partnership with Genting Malaysia, one of the leading resort operators in Asia, today announced the name of the first ever Twentieth Century Fox theme park: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX WORLD at Resorts World Genting, Malaysia.
In addition, the theme park now has an official logo and a first-look at what visitors can expect from the park’s attractions was unveiled today at the launch of the TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX WORLD and Genting Integrated Tourism Plans that was attended by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak and executives from both companies. The theme park, spanning 25 acres at the Resort, will create new jobs including cast members who will be trained to operate the rides and attractions, while representing the characters and stories from various FOX properties.
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX WORLD will open in Malaysia in 2016 and will feature a fully immersive entertainment experience highlighting some of FOX’s most recognized and powerful film brands. In attendance were Jeffrey Godsick president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, Greg Lombardo, vice president of global location based entertainment at Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and Chairman & Chief Executive, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay of Genting Malaysia.
“The opening of the first Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park at Resorts World Genting takes our rich history of storytelling to a whole new level and will provide an exceptional entertainment experience,” said Godsick. “People from around the world will gather here in Malaysia to become part of the story and to experience the magic and adventure of their favorite FOX properties.”
“We are investing over $300 million to develop the world’s first unique and compelling world-class Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park. Having the distinction of being the first of its kind in the world, TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX WORLD will be built on a grand scale that consists of unique and creative concepts featuring more than 25 rides and attractions of a cinematic nature. The theme park will definitely pave the way for continued growth of Resorts World Genting with a next-level family entertainment experience which will attract tourism dollars to Malaysia,” said Chairman & Chief Executive of Genting Malaysia Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
“Genting Malaysia, as a developer of the world’s top resort destinations, is a natural and valued partner for Twentieth Century Fox,” said Lombardo. “The creation of a world-class entertainment destination in a vital market like Asia is a landmark step in Fox’s global theme park strategy, extending our brand and engaging audiences in new and exciting ways.”
With TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX WORLD targeting families and adults alike, the Resort anticipates a strong growth in visitors from both Malaysia and international arrivals including China and Southeast Asia.
Highlights from the park will include:
More than 25 acres of land, featuring more than 25 rides and attractions from media based rides, thrill rides, dark rides, to children’s rides and water rides
Rides and attractions based on Twentieth Century Fox blockbuster titles like ICE AGE, RIO, ALIEN VS. PREDATOR, PLANET OF THE APESand NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (additional film build outs to be announced at a later date).
Retail merchandise and themed food and beverage outlets
Current Genting theme park, to be redeveloped into 20th Century Fox World
About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products
A division 21st Century Fox and recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, the flagship studio leading the industry in supplying award-winning and blockbuster primetime television programming and entertainment content.
About Twentieth Century Fox Film
One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, 20th Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of 20th Century Fox Film: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.
About Twentieth Century Fox Television
A 21st Century Fox company, Twentieth Century Fox Television is one of the industry’s most prolific suppliers of primetime television programming and entertainment content, including the blockbuster and Emmy and Golden Globe winning “Modern Family,” the pop culture phenomenon and Golden Globe winning “Glee,” the celebrated anthology series “American Horror Story,” the hit comedies “New Girl” and “How I Met Your Mother,” and the longest running primetime scripted series in the history of television, “The Simpsons.” The studio recently returned the Emmy Award-winning cult hit “Arrested Development” to production on new episodes, and its cable production division Fox 21 is responsible for this year’s Emmy Award winner and Golden Globe winner for Outstanding Drama Series, “Homeland.”
About Genting Malaysia
Genting Malaysia is one of the leading leisure and hospitality corporations in the world. Listed on Bursa Malaysia with approximately RM24 billion in market capitalisation, Genting Malaysia owns and operates major properties including Resorts World Genting, Resorts World Casino New York City, Resorts World Bimini and casinos in the United Kingdom.
Resorts World Genting is a premier leisure and entertainment resort in Malaysia. Equipped with over 9,000 rooms spread across 6 hotels, theme parks and entertainment attractions, over 200 dining and retail outlets, international shows and business convention facilities, Resorts World Genting was previously voted the World’s Leading Casino Resort (2005, 2007-2010) and Asia’s Leading Casino Resort (2005-2010) by World Travel Awards.
In Malaysia, Genting Malaysia also owns and operates Resorts World Kijal (formerly Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort) in Terengganu and Resorts World Langkawi (formerly Awana Porto Malai) in Langkawi.
In the United Kingdom, Genting Malaysia is one of the largest casino operators in the UK and a leading innovator in the provision of high quality customer-focused gaming. It operates 6 casinos in London and 35 casinos in the UK provinces. The Group is presently developing a leisure and entertainment complex at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, to be known as Resorts World Birmingham.
In the United States of America, Genting Malaysia operates Resorts World Casino New York City, a video lottery facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City. As the first such facility located in the city, the resort presents a premier entertainment hub providing the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience, with approximately 5,000 gaming machines, shows, events and culinary delights.
The Group recently launched Resorts World Bimini in the Bahamas. Resorts World Bimini contains a casino, villas, other accommodations, restaurants and bars, resort amenities and the largest marina in the Bahamas. The Group also operates the Bimini SuperFast, a 32,000-ton cruise ship that sails between Miami and Bimini.
Genting Malaysia is a member of the Genting Group, one of Asia’s leading and best-managed multinationals. The Genting Group is the collective name for Genting Berhad, its subsidiaries and associates, which have significant interests in leisure & hospitality, power generation, palm plantation, property development, biotechnology and oil & gas related activities.
Shanghai, China — Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC) and Shanghai Disney Resort have entered into a multi-year strategic alliance, making ICBC the resort’s first corporate alliance participant. The agreement between the resort’s two joint venture owner companies and ICBC was officially signed during a ceremony held earlier today, and was witnessed by stakeholders from ICBC, Shanghai Disney Resort, and from the resort’s shareholders, The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, and marks a significant milestone in the resort’s pre-opening development.
“Like Disney, ICBC provides high quality customer experiences,” said Shen Liqiang, President of ICBC Shanghai Branch. “We are thrilled to establish our connection with Shanghai Disney Resort in a way that exemplifies our shared passion for excellent service. This agreement is a source of great pride for the ICBC team, and we look forward to working with Shanghai Disney Resort through this strategic alliance to create a myriad of unique products and experiences for guests visiting the resort.”
As the exclusive “Official Retail Bank Participant” of Shanghai Disney Resort, ICBC will provide a number of retail banking products and services to the resort and its guests, from full-service ICBC ATMs located throughout the Resort to commemorative Shanghai Disney Resort coins.
“We are pleased to announce this wonderful partnership with ICBC on an especially important day for Disney, as today is the birthday of our founder, Walt Disney,” said Mike Crawford, General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “Disney is the world leader and most trusted provider of shared travel and leisure experiences, and we are extremely excited about this important agreement with ICBC, the largest bank in the world by market capitalization and one of the most respected brands in China.”
As part of the agreement, ICBC will also have exclusive integrated brand presence in the “Garden of the Twelve Friends.” The Garden of the Twelve Friends will be located inside a beautiful 11-acre green space at the center of the park and in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the iconic central attraction of the resort’s theme park. The “Garden of the Twelve Friends” will contain 12 mosaic murals, each depicting the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac using famous Disney characters.
“Our Imagineers here in Shanghai are fast at work designing and developing this unique attraction in Shanghai Disneyland, and this is the perfect symbol of how we are designing with the Chinese guest in mind, but with a link to Disney characters and storytelling,” Crawford added.
Singapore — Merlin Entertainments plc (‘Merlin’) and Sentosa Development Corporation announce a new partnership which will see Merlin take on the management of Images of Singapore (IOS), one of Singapore’s leading attractions, and the launch of Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-renowned ‘celebrity’ wax attraction will open at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa in 2014. The two attractions will operate alongside one another and bring to life Singapore’s rich history with figures and audio-visual technology.
Merlin, the world’s second largest operator of visitor attractions, will use its specialist knowledge, expertise and skills to enhance the current visitor experience of the popular IOS attraction. This includes a significant investment programme to relaunch it as an exciting, contemporary world-class attraction which can be enjoyed by both local Singaporeans and international visitors of all ages. The attraction originally opened in 1983 as the Pioneers of Singapore and Surrender Chambers, then relaunched in 2005 as IOS – showcasing Singapore’s rich culture and history with the use of multimedia displays and theatre presentations.
Madame Tussauds Singapore will be Merlin’s first Singapore-based attraction, and is a natural complement to IOS. It will be uniquely tailored to reflect the culture and excitement of its Singapore and Southeast Asia location. This is not only in its design but also in the choice of figures which will be included – an exciting combination of historical and contemporary figures from the region, as well as global celebrities. It will also be the only Madame Tussauds outside of the flagship attraction in London to incorporate a ride into the experience. This unique ride will reflect the culture and history of Singapore.
Madame Tussauds Singapore will join other popular and successful Madame Tussauds in Asia – in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Wuhan.
Madame Tussauds Singapore will be run by a Singapore-based team with the support of Merlin’s Asia Pacific management and global marketing teams. Merlin is committed to operating its attractions with local staff to draw on local knowledge and experience.
Santa Clarita, CA, USA — This November, SimEx-Iwerks opened a new Marvel Super Heroes 4-D Theater at Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas. Located in the famed Venetian Hotel, the 70-seat 4-D Theater features the latest in special effects technology and is enhanced by an interactive Marvel-themed pre-show experience.
This is the second collaboration between SimEx-Iwerks and Madame Tussauds. The two companies partnered to create a world-class experience at Madame Tussauds Times Square location. “The Marvel Super Heroes 4-D Experience at Madame Tussauds New York has performed extremely well, and we are delighted to see the opening of a second attraction at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.” says Mark Cornell, Senior Vice President of SimEx-Iwerks. “We embrace the opportunity to develop cutting-edge attractions that complement the guest experience.”
The 4-D Theater features Marvel Super Heroes 4-D, which brings guests right into the center of an epic battle between the Avengers and the evil Loki and Dr. Doom. Prior to experiencing this dynamic 4-D film, guests will have the opportunity to capture amazing photos with life-like figures of Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk and more!
Marvel Comics’ legend, Stan Lee, was among the first to get a close look at the Marvel attraction and described the experience as “thrilling” and “spectacular.” “It was an honor to have Stan Lee cut the rope to unveil our brand-new attraction,” says Rosita Chapman, General Manager, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. “We are equally thrilled to now share this with new and repeat guests alike.”
Orlando, FL, USA (Dec. 12, 2013) — Universal Orlando’s CityWalk will undergo a historic expansion during 2014 – all part of an epic year for Universal that will include the opening of the destination’s largest hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Universal Orlando announced Thursday that it will open eight new venues across CityWalk throughout 2014 as part of a bold growth strategy designed to complement the entertainment complex’s already popular collection of national brands.
The expansion comes after a nationwide search for culinary concepts that include a mix of established national brands, up-and-coming concepts and Universal’s own creations. The new venues will share an overall theme that includes inviting common areas, al fresco dining, open kitchens and more.
“We want Universal CityWalk to grow along with the rest of our destination,” said Ric Florell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Resort Revenue Operations at Universal Orlando. “We are bringing our guests an amazing new collection of experiences that will be world-class and offer something for everyone.”
The new venues include Hot Dog Hall of Fame, featuring iconic hot dog creations from some of our nation’s most famous ball parks. Universal partnered with Steven Schussler, the global culinary concept creator behind popular restaurants like Rain Forest Cafe, Backfire Barbecue and more, to bring his Hot Dog Hall of Fame concept to CityWalk. They also include CowFish, an innovative and trend-setting concept out of Charlotte, North Carolina with a signature dish called “Burgushi;” and popular frozen treat spots Cold Stone Creamery and Menchie’s.
Original concepts include Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, a unique tapas-style restaurant, Bread Box, a home-style sandwich shop; A new modern Italian kitchen concept, where guests can watch as the culinary team handcrafts their pasta from scratch; and Red Oven Pizza Bakery – Universal’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery, which is now open.
A full list of new venues and descriptions can be found below. Exact opening dates will be released at a later time.
Since its opening in 1999, Universal CityWalk has served as the “entertainment capital of Orlando,” quickly becoming the hottest place in town among locals and visitors to grab a bite to eat, catch a movie, dance the night away and more. The two-tiered, 30-acre complex features a collection of nightclubs, restaurants and shops themed after some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, including Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Universal CityWalk is also home to Rising Star – an energetic karaoke club where guests can perform with a live band and backup singers, the 36-hole mini-golf course, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and the indescribable, nationally-renowned live show, Blue Man Group.
NEW UNIVERSAL CITYWALK VENUES – OPENING THROUGHOUT 2014
NOW OPEN– Red Oven Pizza Bakery: Take a quick trip to Italy for authentic, artisan pizza–made fresh, while you wait–at Universal CityWalk’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery. The combination of the highest quality ingredients and a traditional 900-degree stone-lined oven ensures every slice is pizza perfection.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for unique tapas-style dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. Only the freshest ingredients are used to create craveable, made from scratch Mexican street fare in an environment of unmatched authenticity.
Hot Dog Hall of Fame: Strike out your hunger at Hot Dog Hall of Fame with some of the most iconic hot dog creations from our nation’s most famous ballparks. Take a seat in the bleachers and enjoy a loaded Chicago dog with all the toppings, a perfectly charred Boston brat, a monster LA dog and more.
The Cowfish: Innovative sushi joins forces with creative burgers for an untraditional dining experience at this reincarnation of the popular North Carolina hotspot. The result: “Burgushi”. A cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements
A new modern Italian kitchen concept: Immerse yourself in the essence of modern Italian cuisine at this new restaurant created by Universal Orlando. Watch as the culinary team handcrafts your pasta from scratch to create fresh takes on classic dishes in a clean, contemporary dining atmosphere.
Cold Stone Creamery: For more than 25 years, Cold Stone Creamery has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients and their signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.
Bread Box: With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.
Menchie’s: One of the world’s most popular frozen yogurt shops is coming to Universal CityWalk. The dream was to create a place where people from all walks of life and ages could enjoy themselves—not only with great tasting, quality frozen yogurt and an expansive self-serve toppings bar, but with a unique experience in a fun and happy environment that makes you smile.
Dina Benadon and Brent Young were interviewed by Judith Rubin about their new project to restore and preserve the childhood home of
Walt Disney, in Chicago. The project launched officially with a press conference at the site on Dec. 5, 2013, the 112th anniversary of Walt’s birth. As part of the celebration, Mayor Emanuel proclaimed it Walt Disney Day in Chicago.
Most Chicagoans are meeting Benadon and Young for the first time in the context of this project, but the pair, who are husband and wife as well as business partners, are well-known in the themed entertainment industry for their work on a variety of special venue cinema attractions with their company Super 78.
Fourth graders from the local elementary school were on hand to celebrate (and eat birthday cake). They made the banner themselves.
What is the next step? Dina: At this point, we’re focused on saving and restoring the home. We have put together a great team that includes historical preservation consultant Tim Barton, the Cultural Historian for the City of Chicago, Tim Samuelson and preservation architect and professor at the Art Institute of Chicago, Charles Pipal – in addition to creatives and designers in Los Angeles.
What kind of response have you had from the neighbors? Brent: Our interaction with the community has been positive and has included some great emails from kids in the neighborhood. This is an everyday, working class neighborhood and we’re not looking to disrupt that.
What is the vision for creating a guest experience in the home once it is restored? Brent: It will be an intimate experience. We want to create a time machine using state-of-the-art technology to transport you back to 1901 and make you feel part of the Disney family.
Will you be putting your media production skills to work? Brent: Yes, we want to use sound and projection technology and apply what we’ve done over the years.
What have you done on the home so far? Brent: We’ve done forensic work on the home, and one of the things we did as part of the celebration on December 5th
was to reveal the original siding. Under the aluminum siding is the original wood siding that Elias Disney put up himself. We’ve also taken samples of the original paint, and of the original cedar shake roof, which is still there underneath asphalt shingles. The original brick chimney that runs through the center of the house is also still there. The house that Elias built is all there – it’s just been covered up.
Brent, you’re a native of Chicago. Is this close to where you grew up? Brent: I grew up about 30 miles to the west, in the cornfields. The house is in in Chicago proper, in the 35th ward, in a little known neighborhood called Hermosa.
Your company, Super 78, first made its mark in media production. Is this an expansion of your business direction? Dina: Yes and no. About 6 years ago, we branched out into attraction design. It was part of our evolution. Our talent is in the creative and development space, and this project is a natural progression for us.
Brent was doing some research on a project, came across the home, and asked a real estate agent to look into it. It wasn’t listed for sale,
but the owners were interested in selling it. They manage property in the neighborhood and were aware of the home’s history. They wanted to see something appropriate done with it.
Were Walt and Roy actually born in the house?
Dina: Yes, both Walt and Roy came into the world through home births in that house. We have an historical affidavit documenting it. The family lived there for 12 years.
How has the Disney family responded? Dina: Roy P. Disney has endorsed the project and is supportive. We reached out to the family and they are aware of everything we are
How is the project being funded? Brent: Most of the restoration is being funded by us; we’ve set up WDB Restorations LLC. We are using Kickstarter to engage the community and raise a portion of the money. We are also reaching out for corporate sponsorship. We estimate a budget of some $500,000 will get the home to landmark status.
What does this project mean to you, personally and professionally? Dina: When we look at our careers and where our lives are, this feels like the natural next step – a way to give back to the community and the industry that has given us so much.
Brent: Two extraordinary people – Walt and Roy Disney – were born in the home. Walt Disney is arguably the most famous person ever
born in the city of Chicago. This is a typical home of that time period but very few if any of its counterparts in Chicago
have been given landmark status, so there’s the benefit that this draws attention to this genre of architecture.
So there’s the juxtaposition of extraordinary people who began their lives in a very ordinary home. Brent: It’s a fascinating story. Walt’s father Elias built the house with his own hands. Walt’s mother, Flora, was the architect. There are two other houses on the same street, and a church around the corner, that Elias also built.
Flora and Elias met and married in Kissimee, Florida – which we all know is right next to Walt Disney World. They moved to Chicago because Elias got a job as a laborer/contractor on the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. They had two boys at the time; Flora was pregnant with Roy, and Elias took the skills acquired from helping to build the world expo, and became a small-scale contractor. In Disneyland today, you can look up and see the Elias Disney window on Main Street – it reads, “Elias Disney, contractor.”
