Connect with us

INTERMISSION

Classic toys are making a comeback in 2015

Published

on

(NAPSI)—If you could open a time capsule from the most loved toys from throughout the last 100 years, you’d see that what’s old is new again on the toy aisle this year, and classic brands are expected to be the biggest hits for Christmas 2015. Many of these brands have reinvented themselves in modern ways to reach today’s savvy kid consumer, yet still offer the same trusted attributes that parents/grandparents know and love.

Girl Scouts (103 Years Old)

Founded in 1912, and boasting 59 million women alumnae in the U.S., Girl Scouts and the toy manufacturer Wicked Cool introduce the Girl Scouts Cookie Oven this fall. This real working oven comes complete with tools and mixes that allow fans of beloved Girl Scout Cookies® to make them at home—SRP $59.99.

Colorforms (64 Years Old)

Founded in 1951, Colorforms is one of the oldest and best-known brands for creative storytelling in the toy industry. Since its inception, more than 1 billion Colorforms play sets have been sold. Named one of the “Top 100 Toys of All Time” by Time magazine, Colorforms releases a new, truly innovative line this fall with popular themes like Frozen, Despicable Me, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more. SRPs for every comfort level: $2.99 to $29.99.

Star Wars (38 Years Old)

Over the course of 1977-1985, more than 300 million Star Wars action figures were sold, and since the release of Episode I in 1999, the toys haven’t been absent from store shelves. But fall 2015 finally brings us truly science-based toys for this sci-fi fantasy. The Force Trainer II: Hologram Experience by Uncle Milton literally uses the power of your mind to re-create your favorite Star Wars scenes to move hologram images. Control your destiny for an SRP of $119.99.

Strawberry Shortcake (35 Years Old)

During the 1980s, Strawberry Shortcake was a megahit for young girls. Since then, she’s seen several updated looks to cater to the current marketplace, but her wholesome values and strength of character have remained the same. The 35th Birthday Celebration doll line by The Bridge Direct is due out later this year and includes a classic anniversary ragdoll reminiscent of the original—still sweetly scented. Today’s Strawberry is also a true tech and social media maven who has more apps and followers than you can shake a Berry Bitty stick at.

Care Bears (33 Years Old)

Introduced in 1982, the Care Bears were one of the most successful warm and fuzzy toy lines of the Cold War era. Today’s Care Bears are 50 percent more huggable and all come in different colors, each having a Belly Badge on its tummy that represents its unique power. A true standout among the crowd this fall is the Care Bears Sing-a-longs by Just Play that interact with each other (SRP of $29.99.) Sharing goes even further with the Care Bears Cousins series premiering on Netflix in early 2016.

Cabbage Patch Kids (33 Years Old)

Created by Xavier Roberts, these iconic dolls were mass-produced for store shelves starting in 1982, setting off a holiday frenzy. Cabbage Patch Kids went on to become one of the most popular toys of the 1980s and one of the most successful doll franchises of all time. New dolls, worthy of cheek-pinching adoption, along with adoptable pets, wigs and other role-play toys by Wicked Cool Toys, launch this fall at major retailers with SRPs ranging from $9.99 to a whopping $329.99 for the girl who has everything.

Power Rangers (22 Years Old in America—40 Years Old in Japan)

Catapulted to popularity during the early 1990s with a line of action figures based on a live action series featuring teams of costumed heroes and villains, Power Rangers is the longest-running boys action property of all time. The brand continues to morph on shelf with dozens of new figures, weapons and gear for 2015 including the Deluxe Megazord (SRP $34.99.)

So popular are these retro toy brands to kids (of yesterday and today) that a “Toy Time Machine” tour is planned for fall 2015 to help fans go “back to the good ol’ days.” H.G. Wells would be proud.

Continue Reading

HOME

Evening spectacular “IgNite” captivates audience with fireworks

Published

on

SeaWorld San Antonio’s new nighttime spectacular – Electric Ocean – transforms the park this summer into a sea of glowing color and energy. Electric Ocean ignites at SeaWorld on Friday, June 15, and lights up the park nightly through Aug. 12.

“When the sun goes down, our park comes alive with a celebration of illumination, featuring vibrant night shows with exhilarating performances,” said Carl Lum, SeaWorld San Antonio park president. “Immersed in exotic worlds of light, music and incomparable special effects, our guests can experience their favorite SeaWorld rides and attractions in a whole new way – lit by the Electric Ocean glow.”

Electric Ocean brings longer park hours which enable guests to voyage into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music and a brilliant energy that sparks in the evening twilight, Lum added. Guests can experience exciting nighttime shows, returning summer classics and a plethora of new food and drink options throughout the park. The energy of the night culminates with a family-friendly dance party before “IgNite” lights up the sky in a spectacular fireworks finale.

Electrifying Entertainment:

  • Electric Ocean Party Zone – Featured nightly, this party zone brings the night to life with Latin beats, glow zones and an interactive atmosphere. Guests can choose the music they want to dance to by picking up headphones and diving into the Deep Sea Silent Disco where they get to create their own dance floor experience.
  • Chill Out – Guests can cool down in the park’s new 50 degree club featuring a menu of frozen treats, glow merchandise and a live DJ.
  • IgNite – The evening comes to an amazing end when “IgNite” erupts across the park’s lake with a spectacular fireworks display, backed by a soundtrack of electronic dance music.
  • HydroPower: Xtreme FX – This high-energy, extreme water ski stunt show captures the audience’s attention with non-stop action, including unique stunts and comedy capers in a variety of individual and ensemble performances, as well as a live rock band and glittering pyrotechnics.
  • Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up the Night – This returning fan-favorite features original music, amazing production elements and a high-energy presentation of SeaWorld’s majestic orcas. Guests will watch in awe as Shamu Theater transforms with stylistic lighting and colorful backdrops to create a celebratory atmosphere as vibrant as the sea itself.
  • Sea Lions Tonite – Guests can laugh along to a hilarious, off-the-wall parody of a trip to SeaWorld through the eyes of sea lion superstars, Clyde and Seamore.
  • Evening Coaster Thrills – With extended park hours, thrill-seekers are invited to take on SeaWorld’s three iconic coasters as the sun sets. Riders can soar into the night sky on Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster, The Great White inverted coaster featuring an 8-story drop and a fan-favorite, the Steel Eel hypercoaster featuring a 150-foot drop at 65 mph.

Best Way to Play

The best way to experience Electric Ocean at SeaWorld San Antonio and all the other great events throughout the year is with a SeaWorld San Antonio $69 2-Park Flex Ticket. This limited-time offer allows guests unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio water park for up to 3 consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

For more information, park hours and how to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest park updates and Electric Ocean information.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ 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, behavioral 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 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-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.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

Continue Reading

HOME

New Sesame Street Party Parade “floats” into Seaworld San Antonio

Published

on

SeaWorld San Antonio will set course for a lively summer season with the debut Saturday, May 19, of the interactive Sesame Street Party Parade starring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.

The colorful, musical, show-stopping parade, which can be seen in San Antonio only at SeaWorld, will feature 10 larger-than-life themed floats including iconic Sesame Street favorites such as Mr. Hooper’s Store and Count’s Castle. Elmo and his furry cast of friends will join more than 20 dancers, who will engage with guests during this highly-energetic, 17-minute experience. The toe-tapping good times will roll through SeaWorld May 19-20, May 26-28, June 2-3, June 9-10 and June 15 through Aug. 12 (excludes Tuesdays), and the experience is included with park admission.

The Sesame Street Party Parade includes a pair of impressive, interactive show stops. The first includes performers jumping rope, hula hooping and grooving with their favorite Sesame Street friends and dancers. The second stars Rosita, a Sesame Street favorite who likes to play the guitar and who is fluent in English and Spanish.

The parade is the latest Sesame Street addition to SeaWorld San Antonio. The park’s Sesame Street Bay of Play area is celebrating its 7th year in 2018 and, the Sesame Street Party Parade adds a whole new dimension to the Bay of Play experience.

Sesame Street has had a long and popular presence in our park,” said Sharon Aguillen, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice president of entertainment. “We’re delighted to expand our entertainment offerings for families and kids with this brand-new, engaging and endearing parade through the park. No doubt it will offer our guests some great opportunities for phenomenal photos.”

Guests can purchase a bundled package that includes access to a reserved VIP parade-viewing area and Dine with Elmo & Friends. The package is available for $35 (ages 10 and older) and $25 (ages 3 to 9).

Kids ages 3-5 get free unlimited admission all year to SeaWorld San Antonio with a Preschool Card, exclusively for Texas residents. To qualify, parents must register online by June 24, 2018 and provide a copy of their Texas ID and their child’s birth certificate or passport to redeem the card at the park.

Best Admission Deal – Flex Ticket

The best deal to experience all the Sesame Street Parade fun is with a $69 2-Park Flex Ticket. This limited-time offer allows guests unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio water park for up to 5 consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ 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, behavioral 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 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-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.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

 

Continue Reading

INTERMISSION

Music series begins with string quartet at MSU

Published

on

The seventh season of Midwestern State University’s Music Series at Akin begins with an internationally acclaimed string quartet with a Wichita Falls connection.
The Escher Quartet, praised for both individual and ensemble technical proficiency will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Akin Auditorium.
Violist Pierre Lapointe and violinist Adam Barnett-Hart founded the Escher String Quartet in 2005 and soon after were recognized for work ethic and instrumentalism.
Critics also compared them to another celebrated group, the Emerson String Quartet, who were guests for the Music Series at Akin in October 2015. Cellist Brook Speltz and violinist Danbi Um complete the quartet.

Read the full story in the mid-week News.

Continue Reading
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad

Trending