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Figment!
05-30-2007, 06:04 PM
Bits Beyond the Berms
5/30/07 - 6/12/07




5/30/07
~Six Flags Signs Up Starburst (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1303500&postcount=2)
~$160 Million Grayling, Michigan Amusement Park Plans Announced (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1303505&postcount=3)

6/1/07
~Theme Park Would Highlight 'Ole South' (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1309081&postcount=6)
~Remington Launches The Gallery -Luxury Resort Hotels (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1309085&postcount=7)

6/4/07
~Early-Season Results Flat for Cedar Fair (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1309070&postcount=5)
~Marriott Strikes Resort Deal with Nickelodeon (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1309089&postcount=8)
~Universal CityWalk's 'Summer Block Party' Rocks 2007 (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319603&postcount=15)

6/8/07
~Dollywood's Fifth Annual KidsFest Begins June 15 (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319578&postcount=14)

6/11/07
~"'Wicked' Wednesdays" Announced for Universal Studios Hollywood (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319543&postcount=10)

6/12/07
~SheiKra Debuts 'Floorless' Cars at Busch Gardens Africa (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319561&postcount=11)
~Magic Springs Attributes Roller Coaster Power Outage to Animal Interference (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319514&postcount=9)
~Galaxy Orbiter Roller Coaster to Open at West Edmonton Mall (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319564&postcount=12)
~Holiday Inn Express Coming to Busch Gardens Africa (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1319571&postcount=13)

Figment!
05-30-2007, 06:07 PM
Six Flags Signs Up Starburst





Washington Business Journal
May 30, 2007

The latest marketing deal for Six Flags amusement parks is with Starburst Fruit Chews.

Starburst will be the title sponsor of a concert series this summer at a number of Six Flags locations, and will get other marketing exposure at Six Flags theme and water parks. Starburst will also run a national sweepstakes promotion with Six Flags prizes.

Financial terms of the marketing deal weren't disclosed.

Starburst maker Masterfoods USA is a division of Mars Corp.

Since winning control of Six Flags in a board room fight in 2005, Dan Snyder and his team have cut losses, increased park attendance and sales and struck several marketing and promotional deals, including ones with Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and Nintendo. Six Flags has also redesigned its Website and added new rides to attract more visitors.

Six Flags has also sold several parks to pay down debt.

Snyder's investment firm, Red Zone Capital, acquired the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain in February, and a month later, struck a deal to put Johnny Rockets locations in Six Flags theme park locations.

Figment!
05-30-2007, 06:10 PM
$160 Million Grayling Amusement Park Plans Announced





WBPN 7&4
May 30, 2007

A theme park proposed for one Northern Michigan community is getting positive feedback from city leaders and area residents. The Axiom Entertainment company is hoping to build the amusement park just south of Grayling on I-75 and 4 Mile Rd. in Crawford County. Grayling residents got their first chance to see concept drawings and plans for the park on Tuesday.

The Grayling Township Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the plan and send it to the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR presently owns the land.

The park is expected to cost $161 million to build and would include roller coasters, water parks for all ages, snow sports in the winter months and a train designed to look like the Polar Express. The park would be open year-round. "This will create two-thousand jobs," says Axiom Entertainment representative Patrick Crosson.

"Seven-hundred of those are permanent, year-round jobs. The annual payroll projection is twenty-five million dollars of the real estate taxes."

Many residents told 7&4 News that Grayling has always been a community that has watched surrounding counties develop, while the were at a stand still. This new project could mean big changes for the community. "Grayling has a high rate of poverty.

Crawford County, at least, has a high rate of poverty, high rate of unemployment, a low median income, and this is going to be great for us. It's going to raise all of those things up where they should be, I think." Residents are hoping the theme park will become a top tourist destination.

Developers are projecting the park could attract around one million visitors each year. If everything goes as planned, Axiom Entertainment hopes to open the park by June of 2010.

Jeff
05-30-2007, 06:21 PM
Very funny - I live about 1 1/2 hours from Grayling and I first "hear" about this from our I'cot source of info - Figment.:blush:

Figment!
06-05-2007, 01:07 AM
Early-Season Results Flat for Cedar Fair



Cincinnati Business Courier
June 4, 2007

Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., the parent of Kings Island amusement park in Mason, reported revenues on a same-park basis were relatively unchanged for the first five months of its 2007 season.

The Sandusky, Ohio-based company reported combined revenues through Memorial Day weekend of $147.2 million, with 3 million guest visits and average in-park per-capita spending of $41.26.

On a same-park basis, net revenues were down by 2 percent, or $1.5 million, compared to the same period in 2006. Attendance was down 5 percent, while per-capita spending rose 5 percent, according to a news release. Several of Cedar Fair's amusement parks opened later this year than in 2006, which accounted for the revenue decrease.

Cedar Fair acquired Paramount Parks, including Kings Island, last June. Most of the company's revenues, with the exception of three year-round venues, realize most of their income between early May and the end of September.

Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) operates 12 amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels.

Figment!
06-05-2007, 01:15 AM
Theme Park Would Highlight 'Ole South'
Developer Announces Plans For $156M Park


WSMV 4
June 1, 2007

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- A proposed Southern-themed amusement park could become the second new theme park to come to Middle Tennessee.


A Franklin, Tenn. developer confirmed Thursday that he plans to build a $156 million theme park off Interstate 65 south of Nashville in rural Maury and Marshall counties.


Developer David Webb told The Daily News Journal he plans to name the park "Ole' South Experience," and he hopes to bring in 1.3 million visitors during 2010, the targeted opening.

Webb said he already has an unofficial agreement with a property owner to buy 2,000 acres to build the park. According to a short paragraph on a Web site, the park would showcase "southern culture, heritage and hospitality through themed thrill rides, entertainment shows, landscaping ambiance and retail/restaurant establishments."


Earlier this year, New York developer Armon Bar-Tur announced plans to build a $180 million, 230-acre Bible-themed park west of Murfreesboro near Interstate 24. But nearby residents in Blackman have launched a petition opposing the park, citing noise and traffic concerns. Bible Park USA would be located about 35 miles southeast of Nashville.


However, local officials say the Ole' South Experience development wouldn't pose similar problems, because unlike the Bible park, there are no subdivisions near Webb's proposed site.


Marshall County Mayor Joe Liggett said Webb has a "very interesting concept" and has the approval of local leaders.

"It's a very intriguing concept when you sit down and visualize what he intends to do and what he hopes to accomplish," Liggett said. "It's a family-type theme park. It's good, wholesome entertainment."

Figment!
06-05-2007, 01:19 AM
Remington Launches The Gallery(TM) - Luxury Resort Hotels Defined by Artful Individuality and Spirited Settings





Remington Press Release
June 4, 2007


DALLAS, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- A leader in hospitality management for some four decades, Remington today unveils The Gallery(TM), its signature collection of luxury resort hotels in some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. The Gallery forges a vital connection between the expression of luxury with art and photography, appealing to discerning guests with new resorts featuring intuitive service in authentic, natural settings.

The Gallery, a collection of unparalleled destination resort hotels, will feature state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities, fine dining, golf, kids clubs and other recreational options. At its core, each property will feature a dedicated unique photography Gallery, a signature element connecting the resort hotels' creative spirit and surroundings while appealing to guests' sense of discovery. Specially selected "Docents," or personal concierges, will provide services uniquely matched to guests' special interests and individual preferences throughout their stays. The Gallery's mantra Always in Your Element(TM) captures the guest experience with seamless service and customization.
Remington's growth plan calls for the opening of eight or more Gallery properties by 2010, encompassing an initial development plan estimated at over $1 billion. Its premier resort One Ocean(TM) in Atlantic Beach, Florida is in active development, while other destinations in pre-development include the Turks and Caicos Islands; Bend, Oregon; as well as popular destinations in South Florida and the American Southwest. These unique resorts will feature authentic natural environments, elegant facilities and intuitive service.

"The Gallery reflects Remington's hospitality legacy with a portfolio of world-class resort hotels, each capturing the essence of its surroundings, appealing to the unique personalities of its guests," noted Mark Sharkey, Chief Operating Officer, Remington. "Each resort will provide amenities that allow guests to feel 'in their element' and offer fulfilling, diverse and enriching experiences."

"Four decades of hospitality industry expertise provides us with valuable perspectives -- chief among them, the importance of creating authentic, unique environments for today's discerning guests," remarked Monty J. Bennett, President & CEO of both Remington and Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., the nation's second-largest lodging real estate investment trust. "The Gallery is poised to deliver a truly unique hospitality product."
The premier service provider to the hospitality industry, Remington makes its signature debut in the premium luxury segment with the introduction of The Gallery and its premier resort, One Ocean(TM) is slated to open in late 2007. Set in Atlantic Beach, Florida, the 193-room resort hotel (formerly Sea Turtle Inn) near Jacksonville is being entirely re-mastered and dedicated to luxury service with an artful sense of discovery. Key features include a signature Gallery; world-class spa with oceanfront treatment rooms; fitness center; gourmet dining; kids club, and flexible, state-of-the-art meeting space.
Unparalleled Properties, Unsurpassed Settings

The Gallery's primary point of difference -- and its greatest asset -- is that each resort will be one-of-a-kind, delivering a truly unique experience. Further, Remington will honor the indigenous setting of each resort by ensuring that it peacefully coexists within the natural environment. This careful and caring approach is the foundation of both The Gallery and Remington.

In addition, the resorts' smaller, more intimate scale offers a feeling of privacy and exclusivity -- an attribute that is important to its core audience -- and while the resorts are truly upscale and luxurious, the overall service experience will feel anticipatory and unpretentious.
Resort destinations throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean will all be characterized by a variety of natural amenities, attractions and a desirable climate, ranging from western ski and mountain settings, to exclusive beach destinations and upscale desert golf areas. Gallery locations will require a combination of solid lodging fundamentals and vibrant second home markets with convenient resort ownership and usage options.
Refining the Art of Hospitality
For its collection of luxury resorts, Remington selected "The Gallery" name to underscore each property's artful individuality and its value as both an escape and a sanctuary with the comforts of home. "Gallery" terminology will be found across the product and service experience at each property. Trained in the fine art of hospitality, the specially selected "Docents" will guide guests through their arrival and discovery, creating memorable impressions that are uniquely matched to their interests.

Each hotel will feature a Gallery of photography for guests' enjoyment and reflection and, likewise, guestrooms will feature lifestyle photography as signature decor. In addition, the original lifestyle photography of noted American photographer Greg Whitaker has been commissioned to capture the core elements and emotion of the resort experience.
Drawing on some four decades of management expertise, Remington's Gallery will deliver a consistently superior product and service experience and, while each luxury resort and spa destination will feature a unique identity, Remington is the common thread uniting these properties. Through Remington's vision and commitment, its mantra Always in Your Element(TM) is realized in each of its Gallery properties.

About Remington

Remington is the premier service provider to the hospitality industry. One of the largest independent hotel service companies in the U.S., Remington currently has property, project and asset management assignments from coast to coast for many of the world's leading hotel owners and developers. The Company's experience spans all lodging types, segments and locations, including 13 different brands and independent hotels. For more information about Remington, visit remingtonhotels.com.

Figment!
06-05-2007, 01:25 AM
Marriott Strikes Resort Deal with Nickelodeon


by Jeff Clabaugh |Contributor
Baltimore Business Journal
June 1, 2007

Marriott International and Viacom have some serious vacation plans: Make SpongeBob Squarepants and "upscale resort" happily co-exist.

The companies plan to develop as many as 20 of the Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott by 2020, and plan to open the first one in San Diego in 2010.

Real estate investment company Miller Global Properties LLC will co-develop the resorts and is contributing $300 million in initial funding to the project.

Miller Global gets exclusive rights to develop and own the properties. Marriott will manage all the properties, which they describe as "upscale, self-contained destination resorts."

The first resort, in San Diego, will be a 650-room hotel at Liberty Station with a 100,000 square foot water park. Gensler is designing the resort and the companies expect to break ground on the project in January. They're also considering locations in family-oriented destinations in elsewhere in the U.S., as well as the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

"When you bring together the premier hospitality company with the number one TV destination for kids and families, it's a winning combination for unbeatable resorts," said J.W. Marriott Jr. in a statement.

Miller Global, based in Denver, owns hotel properties in the U.S. and Europe, including a Nickelodeon-themed hotel in Orlando, Fla., the Nickelodeon Family Suites By Holiday Inn. Its Washington-area real estate holdings include the Marriott Residence Inn in Alexandria and King Street Station III.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 09:49 PM
Official says animal to blame for ride outage at Magic Springs




Associated Press
June 12, 2007

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Officials at Magic Springs amusement Park at Hot Springs say an animal is to blame for a weekend power outage that left two dozen people hanging upside down on a roller coaster for about 30 minutes.

Park customer service manager Mark Hunt says crews inspected electric lines near the park and found a burn marks on a pair of insulators, where wires connect to the utility poles. Hunt says it appears a bird or large animal went into the wires and caused the outage.

Hunt says utility crews will spread the wires further apart to prevent another similar outage.

Riders on the XCoaster were freed after power was restored with a generator and the car coasted to a low point, where workers let the riders out.
The park says the electric outage lasted 25 minutes.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 10:04 PM
Universal Studios and Wicked Announce "'Wicked' Wednesdays" at Universal Studios Hollywood


Universal Studios Hollywood Press Release
June 11, 2007

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.,/PRNewswire/ -- Carol Kane, Academy Award® nominee and Emmy®-winning actor and star of "Wicked," joins Universal Studios Hollywood on June 27 to introduce The Entertainment Capital of L.A.'s new summer series, "Wicked Wednesdays," offering fans of the smash musical blockbuster, "Wicked," an opportunity to enjoy special performances, meet the stars and collect autographs from the cast of the L.A. production for three very special events on June 27, July 11 and 25 from noon to 2:00 p.m.

The witchcraft begins on Wednesday, June 27 with a special appearance by Carol Kane (Madame Morrible) to introduce a "Witches of Oz"-themed performance with stars from the show performing some of the musical's most memorable songs.

On July 11, "Wicked Wednesday" will feature a performance by popular cast member, Kristoffer Cusick (Fiyero) and on Wednesday, July 25, the "Ozians" of "Wicked" will round out the summer series with an ensemble performance from the musical.

All performances will be followed by an autograph session and opportunities for guests to meet their favorite "Wicked" cast member. Interactive "Wicked" activities from karaoke to face-painting will kick off each performance. "Wicked" merchandise will also be on sale.

"Wicked," the smash hit musical that the New York Times called, "one of the most successful shows in Broadway history" is now performing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked" has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. It is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. "Wicked' is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Winner of 15 major awards including the Grammy® Award and three Tony Awards®, "Wicked" is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in; two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked" tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com or BroadwayLA.org, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Groups of fifteen (15) or more can call 866-755-3075 or online at nedgroups.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 10:15 PM
SheiKra Set to Reopen with 'Floorless' Cars




BY DONNA BALANCIA
FLORIDA TODAY
June 12, 2007

Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa will reopen roller coaster SheiKra -- one of the country's most well-known "dive" roller coasters -- on Saturday with "floorless" cars allowing passengers to look straight down.

SheiKra -- which travels at a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour -- has been closed since May 29 for the changes. It brings riders 200 feet up and then 90 degrees straight down.

The floorless aspect gives riders an unobstructed view.

A "dive" coaster typically is built around a large drop, and cars there are multiple seats across.

In the case of SheiKra, the ride seats eight passengers across and three rows deep, but riders no longer will be able to brace themselves against the floor of the car.
SheiKra's track will remain unchanged, with a combination of drops, inversions and a water feature finale.

With the front rail gone, passengers -- particularly those in the first row -- will be completely exposed as they come over the crest of the signature SheiKra plunge.
"The thrill level, in a sense, has been raised by the removal of certain elements," said Gerard Hoeppner, senior director of communications for Busch Entertainment Corp.'s Florida operations, which oversees Busch Gardens in Tampa, as well as SeaWorld and Discovery Cove in Orlando.

Hoeppner said SheiKra -- which first opened in May 2005 -- now is in the testing mode, in preparation for Saturday's reopening.

He declined to disclose the cost of the modifications.

Busch Gardens had 4.36 million visitors in 2006, up 1.5 percent from 2005 figures, according to estimates from TEA.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 10:18 PM
Galaxy Orbiter




By GRAHAM HICKS
Edmonton Sun
June 12, 2007

Not to be upstaged by the brash new resort to the west - operating under different rules thanks to being located on Enoch First Nations land - West Edmonton Mall's newest and biggest ride since its amusement park was opened in the mid-'80s will be up and running in late July.

The Galaxy Orbiter is a roller-coaster with a stomach-churning difference. While it roars up and down on the track, each four-person unit spins at the same time.

The Galaxy Orbiter weaves its way around all of Galaxyland, including threading through the mighty Mindbender.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 10:22 PM
Holiday Inn Express Coming to Busch Gardens




Tampa Bay Business Journal
June 12, 2007

A St. Petersburg developer is building a Holiday Inn Express in Tampa.
Liberty Group of Cos., a developer with projects in six states, including Florida, is investing $13.5 million for the 123-room hotel across from Busch Gardens. It is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008.

Liberty has two other local projects in progress, Pasadena Pointe in Pasadena and Paradiso in Tierra Verde. Both are waterfront condominium projects. Units at Pasadena Pointe start at $699,000.

Holiday Inn Express is a brand of the InterContinental Hotels Group, headquartered in Atlanta. Among its brands are InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crown Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 10:30 PM
Dollywood's Fifth Annual KidsFest Begins June 15




Dollywood Press Release
June 8, 2007

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dollywood welcomes exotic cats, comedic vegetables, talented dogs and an Outer Space expedition to its fifth annual KidsFest celebration beginning June 15.

“I’m just a big kid myself, so I love the sounds of laughter and folks having fun all summer long at Dollywood,” Dolly Parton said. “From disappearing cats to talking vegetables, I can’t wait to see what happens next myself!”

The eight-week festival, which continues through Aug. 5, features Untamed Illusions Starring the Fercos Brothers, Merlin Award-winning magicians. The headlining show features a cast of exotic cats along with a special appearance by the Rodriguez Family Sheepdogs. The show is performed daily in DP’s Celebrity Theatre.

Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber star in VeggieTales® LIVE. Two different stage shows are performed daily, featuring the hilarious antics of Bob and Larry as they match wits with The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything. The show promotes family-friendly lessons for audiences of all ages.

A mission from Bedrock to Outer Space awaits passengers aboard Yogi's Wild Ride, a new fun-filled motion simulator. Yogi is determined to rescue Elroy Jetson from the clutches of Dick Dastardly and Muttley. Along the way, Yogi gets a little help and lots of laughs from the Flintstones, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, and the Jetsons!

Two new shows join the lineup at Dolly’s Imagination Playhouse featuring the Penguin Players. Along with the return of the popular The Little Engine That Could, audiences can enjoy The Gruffalo. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo teaches audiences that even the smallest person can do very big things. Hank the Cowdog, the popular children’s books written by John R. Erickson, reminds everyone to trust their instincts to make the right decision. Six live stage shows daily feature sing-along songs written by Dolly who performs via a special video appearance.

Throughout the festival, the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is providing “keeper talks” after each performance of the Wings of America show which features a variety of raptors. “Keeper talks” teach children and adults about the bald eagle and other birds of prey. On June 20, the Dollywood-based, not-for-profit AEF celebrates the first-ever American Eagle Day. In honor of the occasion, the 30,000-sq.-ft aviary, home to America’s largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles, welcomes two new eagles recently donated by the San Francisco Zoo.

The CanDoos, super hero mother/daughter characters Ruby Red and Mucho, perform an action-packed family comedy show, including musical saws, “the balancing eggs of danger,” juggling shenanigans, family yodeling, unbelievable magic tricks and even bicycle pump playing.

Dollywood’s Valley Exhibition Hall features Kid Concoctions, a hands-on activity center where kids learn how to create arts and crafts using everyday household items.

Dollywood is a 130-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 31-Dec. 30), Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

Figment!
06-13-2007, 10:57 PM
Universal CityWalk's Energetic 'Summer Block Party' Rocks With Non-Stop Entertainment All Summer Long, From June 28 - September 1



Universal Studios Hollywood Press Release
June 4, 2007


UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., kicks off summertime fun with a high energy "CityWalk Summer Block Party" showcasing a Latino music festival, an indie band showcase series, a teen idol talent search, and the ever-popular free outdoor movie night, all kicking off June 28 and continuing through September 1, 2007.

This summer there's way more new and way more to do as the "new" CityWalk celebrates long weekends starting on Thursday evenings with the return of the weekly "Big FREE Outdoor Movie" showcasing must-see films on CityWalk's iconic 15' x 20' giant outdoor screen from 7:30-10:00 p.m. This year's line-up touts a "Summer of Sequels" film slate that includes "Bruce Almighty" (June 28), "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" (July 5) and "Shrek 2" (August 23) just in time for blockbuster season. Also joining the film roster will be such family favorites as "Happy Feet," (July 19), "The Wizard of Oz" (July 26), "Over the Hedge" (August 2) "Night at the Museum" (August 9), "Charlotte's Web," (August 16) and everyone's back to school movie favorite, "Grease" (August 30).

Friday nights on CityWalk will reverberate with blast-from-the-past musical performances from the time-transcending band, The Spazmatics, who'll rock center stage along with host Richard Blade, renowned '80s DJ, from 7:30-10:00 p.m.
L.A.'s top alternative and indie bands will get an opportunity to showcase their material in an outdoor "festival" setting on Saturday nights with the new series, "Indie 103.1's Check 1 ... 2 ... LIVE!" from CityWalk with Mr. Shovel and Music Connection Magazine. The weekly indie concert series will bring LA's hottest up-and-coming bands on-stage from 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Sundays on CityWalk take a Latin spin with the introduction of the Descarga en CityWalk con Telemundo y mun2, featuring a dynamic mix of live Latin bands and upbeat performances. Descarga en CityWalk will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Beginning July 4, Wednesdays on CityWalk will draw aspiring idols to its highly anticipated "Get Discovered: Teen Talent Search" where 10 contestants weekly will showcase their vocal skills before a panel of judges as they compete for a spot in an August finale, to be judged by a panel of renowned music industry professionals. The grand prize winner will be awarded a package to include a one year agency contract for theatrical and commercial representation with Brad Diffley of Mavrick Artists Agency, a professional photo shoot with Michael Higgins, a six-month scholarship to the elite training facility, Hollywood Launch, three original demo songs written and recorded by Genuine Music Group producers and a video demo reel with videographer Roger Hayes.
For more information on CityWalk's "Summer Block Party" log on to CityWalkHollywood.com or call 818-622-1111.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.