#main street usa parade

[samsdisneydiary]

Unforgettable Magic Kingdom Parade: Festival of Fantasy: From Main Street USA Train Station

[meekosthemeparkphotos]

Ariel

[laurenovercalifornia]

[thepalmspringslinguist]

Discover the  Disney history from 1958 to 1991 of how Disneyland Entertainment Celebrates America!

[adriberry]

Twisted Wonderland & Fantasmic

When I played Twisted Wonderland for the first time in 2022, I had a near immediate prediction for where the story was going based on the Prologue. I posted a multi-part series to TikTok where I described this theory and now that we’re in Book 7, what looks to be the last major book in the main story, I’ve been practically proven right.

Because Twisted Wonderland is Fantasmic.

Fantasmic is a “nighttime spectacular” found at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and in which Mickey Mouse goes into the world of his imagination through dreams. He dreams fantastic dreams of adventure on the open seas, of parades of musical animals, and heroes achieving their hopes and dreams. But the Villains are here too and the Evil Queen takes her chance to get Mickey while he’s vulnerable in this dreamland. She and the other villains gather together to destroy the hero once and for all- culminating in a fight between Mickey Mouse and Maleficent in her dragon form. And when Mickey is at his most scared, he remembers that this is his imagination and his dreams and he has the power to defeat evil with love and friendship.

It sounds just a little familiar, right? Yeah, we’re in the middle of all that in Book 7.

I’ll start from the beginning…

(Lots of twst theory under the cut)

NRC as Disneyland

We all know Royal Sword Academy looks like that (a Disney Parks Castle on steroids), but we don’t exactly know the layout of its campus. Night Raven College on the other hand has some bits and pieces that resemble the layout of the Disney Castle parks. It helps that there is literally a “Main Street” central walkway to the Castle which houses the main school building.

Another parks reference is the location and general look of the Ramshackle Dorm. In the original concept for Main Street USA, the main entryway of all the castle parks which has some dining and lots of shopping, there was originally going to be an abandoned old house because Walt Disney believed every perfect town had one creepy looking house for the kids to scare themselves with. This eventually turned into the Haunted Mansion ride, but the original concept of the main street haunted house and Ramshackle dorm look exactly alike!

There are other small elements which also bring to mind the Haunted Mansion like Grim’s name being from the title of the Haunted Mansion’s theme song, Grim Grinning Ghosts. Crowley’s raven theme, though already associated with Disney Villains, also brings to mind the ravens found throughout the ride.

Already, the setting is putting the player in the mindset of being in a Disney theme park subconsciously, but the connections to Fantasmic go deeper when we get a closer look at Ramshackle as the Prologue continues.

Ramshackle and the Mickey Mouse Shorts

There is one other Disney property Ramshackle looks like that may not be as well known to people who didn’t grow up ravenously consuming the Mickey Mouse shorts. Lonesome Ghosts is a 1937 short starring Mickey, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they play ghost hunters who were called in by a group of ghosts who wanted some mortals to mess around with. The Lonesome Ghosts house immediately brings to mind Ramshackle dorm, including the inside which is also torn up and abandoned.

The Ramshackle ghosts look at lot like the Lonesome Ghosts too, just without legs to give them a more traditional ghostly look.

When Yuu finally gets to their room, it is basically a recreation of Mickey Mouse’s room most recognized from the game Epic Mickey. But the room’s first appearance was in the 1936 short Thru the Mirror, an Alice Through the Looking Glass type story where Mickey gets transported into another world though his mirror.

He goes on a musical adventure on the other side, causing trouble the whole way. In both Epic Mickey and in Thru the Mirror, Mickey is taken to a world which is strangely familiar but also wrong. And in both stories he wakes up from this dream which turns into a nightmare.

Not to mention that this room in Twisted Wonderland is canonically connected to Mickey’s room.

We now have the second piece of the puzzle in the Twisted Wonderland story: Mickey Mouse, dreams in fantastic worlds, and nightmares.

Yuu: The Beastmaster & The Mouse 

*Spoilers for Book 7 ahead* 

In the Prologue, Yuu (a small but high-spirited friend) teams up with Ace (their impulsive and sometimes hot-tempered friend), Deuce (their endearingly dumb friend), and Grim (their friend who acts a lot like a pet) to defeat a blot creature and bring a replacement magestone back to Crowley. Crowley is in shock that someone finally got NRC students to work together despite the notoriously big egos of the students. He calls Yuu a “beastmaster” who can tame the students despite not being as powerful as them.  

It’s foreshadowing for the events of Book 7 of course, but the Disneyland-like setting and Yuu’s connection to Mickey Mouse are all set here. Yuu, Ace, Deuce, and Grim are stand-ins for Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto in the Prologue. And Yuu’s eventual meeting with Mickey Mouse cements that, as every main character in Twisted Wonderland is a counterpart to a Disney character, Yuu is Twisted Wonderland’s Mickey Mouse. 

Come Book 7, Yuu wakes up in Mickey’s room from Thru the Mirror. It’s made clear when Mickey shows up and explains the adventures he got into there, but the audience knows that this place is from a dream. When the blot creatures attack, Silver rushes in, explaining that his magic is the ability to hop from dream to dream. So Yuu, Grim, and Silver slowly start gathering everyone who is currently sleeping, waking them up from their dreams (and sometimes nightmares) to defeat Malleus together.

Just like Fantasmic, Yuu and the NRC students are taking their power back because all of it is a dream and they have the real power there if they believe in themselves. But instead of the Villains teaming up to defeat Mickey, the Fantasmic story is subverted with our Twisted Mickey teaming up with the “villains” towards their common goal of saving the school and all of Twisted Wonderland. 

The end of Sleeping Beauty and the end of Fantasmic are the same: the hero defeats dragon Maleficent. Silver is equal parts Aurora and Prince Phillip and Yuu is Mickey. When you factor in some of the Twisted Wonderland concept art, we can expect to see Malleus’s full dragon form at the end of this book. Maleficent is killed in Sleeping Beauty and it’s unclear of her fate in Fantasmic, but since Twisted Wonderland is a twisted Fantasmic, I’m excited to see how the story gets subverted again at the end to get Malleus’ happy ending! 

If you made it this far, I appreciate it! This post is a long one but I wanted to go into a little more detail than the original TikToks I posted this theory from and add bits from Book 7. If you haven’t seen Fantasmic, you can view each existing show (and some past versions) on YouTube. My favorite videos of them are below! It’s interesting to see the similarities in the stories, even if Yana Toboso didn’t actually take inspiration from it (I’d like to think she did though. She has a history of getting into research rabbit holes). 

Disneyland’s Fantasmic is the original and has a full dragon animatronic for Maleficent (or... had... it exploded last year).

Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Fantasmic differs by just how many villains are involved (all of them show up to murder that mouse) and the newest version has a lot more Disney heroes present. 

Tokyo Disneysea’s Fantasmic has some of the most impressive light effects and floats and a really nice take on the magic mirror and Maleficent.

[simsync]

Main Street USA and Train Station in Disney's Magic Kingdom

Oh look, its time for the Festival of Fantasy Parade! This is missing the Emporium on the corner, which I just downloaded from the exchange and added to my game.

[strange-anni]

Mayor Larry and the events of the 22nd of March 1979

Mayor Larry and Wills father Lonnie Byers are heavily paralleled. Therefore I think it can be worthwhile to examine him and the events of the Fun Fair on July the 4th to possibly get some clues as to what happened on Wills birthday on March the 22nd in 1979.

This is meant response to the birthday gate theory by @greenfiend and you can read up on it here. It's also aligned with the Will Byers has DID theory

Long post ahead and warning for discussions of murder

First let's look at some more general clues a to why I think the two events (Wills birthday in 1979 and Mayor Larrys Fun Fair in 1985) are connected starting with Billys magazines

Penthouse

The first clue is major as it tells us of how One killed 360 people. It's the most chilling interview ever. (He likes it cold) 360 may be a bit much but I'll come back to the 36 later. That's an obvious hint for a massacre.

Then we have some other headlines like Sex, drugs and scandals and then something with the lid on Wall Street (Can't make that out exactly but this could refer to the general situation; or it could refer to a Street leading to a wall -> The Demogorgon coming out of the wall or will communication with Joyce through a wall)

How even you can save 100,000 Dollar (A guide to save a lot of people)

An unholy alliance between fascist (?) feminists and the moral majority (That's an interesting one! Was Joyce friends with a woman who wanted her to leave Lonnie? Plus there is the unholy alliance which could indicate that this friend of hers tried to align herself with authorities like the police)

___USE

Crime of Passion: The Professor and the prostitute (Did Joyce have an affair or did someone suspect her to have an affair? I'm also thinking of Neil suspecting that Billys mom was with another man)

Does Mark Breland have the right stuff? (Not sure about this one but it could relate to drugs)

April Fools - The greatest jokes ever (Not sure either)

African slaughterhouse (I don't even want to comment on this)

The war on elephants (not sure either)

can't read the last line

Also the fact that USE is the only word we can make out makes me think that these are things Lonnie might have used in one way or another. Either directly or indirectly.

Then there is this poster at the swimming pool which gave me the idea how the entire plot of S3 may be connected to the massacre in 1979 in the first place.

These posters right there give us so many clues

3rd Annual reworks it says but the 3 is cut in a way where you could also think it's actually an 8 (giving us the 8th annual event show or Wills 8th birthday in 1979)

Erica on Parade (You can't spell America without Erica; makes me think of Erica of cause and all of Wills alters)

76 - 1985 (It started in 76 and it still lasts to the present day in 1985 in Season 3)

Happy Birthday USA (because what is the 4th of July if not a celebration of the birthday of the United States, am I right?)

He held on tight to his Dream (I am sure young Will did, didn't he?)

Thursday 4th of July at 3 PM on Main Street (they give us the exact time and date of the parade)

This is what both the 22nd of March 1979 and the 4th of July have in common. Both are on a Thursday, both celebrate a great event/ a birthday and both bring great festivities.

Therefore I think whatever happened in 1979 was already somewhat foreshadowed in Season 3. I can't piece it all together so bear with me but I will try to collect some clues.

First things first. It didn't start at the 4th of July. It started earlier when Mom and Pop stores started to disappear which caused a lot of upset among the people so they decided to protest. Mayor Larry though thought they're a nuisance and successfully got rid of them.

This however could have had long time consequences as it could have put his reelection in danger so he thought of a trick to make the people forget what happened. He organized great festivities on July the 4th as a distraction. To lift their spirits and make them forget why they were upset in the first place.

It's noteworthy that Larry specifically mentions the disappearance Mom and Pop stores. This happened because Larry was selling off property to the Russians (This could hint that something happened to two people who might be Joyce and Hopper - "mom and pop" - before the party even started.)

Larry and Lonnie share the same name.

The Russian guy Grigori who visits Larry rides a motorcycle just like Lonnie.

As for the property: Well... Lonnie doesn't have property but he does have sons.

So my guess is that Lonnie did something terrible shortly before Wills birthday in 1979 which caused Will to get really upset and to placate his feelings Lonnie organized a birthday party for him. So all bad feelings will be forgotten and only the positive ones of the party will remain. It's a manipulation tactic.

Before we go on I want to make a quick Interlude to remind us of what Joyce said happened on Wills 8th birthday in 1979

Joyce: Do you know what March 22nd is? It's your birthday. Your birthday. When you turned eight, I gave you that huge box of crayons. Do you remember that? It was 120 colors. And all your friends, they got you Star Wars toys, but all you wanted to do was draw with all your new colors. And you drew this big spaceship, but it wasn't from a movie. It was your spaceship. A rainbow ship is what you called it. And you must have used every color in the box.

Will got a big box of crayons from his mom and drew a big space ship while using every color in the box. His rainbow ship. This is important and this spaceship will play a big part later.

So back to the preparations for the Fair

50s One is here as well as three frogs, two bears who seem to wear traditional Bavarian clothing. A Dirndl which is woman's clothing. Men would wear Lederhosen which would look a bit different.

Another brown bear is in the back as well as something which I cannot make out entirely but looks like a bird to me.

Three frogs make me think of Mike Wheeler who is called Frogface by Troy but he is not the only one here. There are two more members of the frog family which makes me think that Mike wasn't the only one who attended or was supposed to attend the birthday party (My best guess as to who the others are is Nancy and Karen BUT it could also just be Karen and Holly if she was already pregnant at the time)

The two almost identical bears in Dirndl do make me think of the Byers. Bavaria where these clothes are sometimes worn at festivals is called Bayern in german and it's almost pronounced like Byers. As to why they are both wearing traditional woman's clothing I have no idea. There is only one woman in the Byers family and it's Joyce.

The brown bear and the other bird(?) I cannot make sense of.

There is also a Silver Streak Ride and a big bear in the back of a car.

Here we have our Spaceship but it's not turned on yet and Grigori who is the one with the motorcycle is right in front of it.

There is also a 6 printed on the spaceship as well which may indicate that this was used six years prior to the current events (1985) in 1979.

1985 - 6 = 1979

Larry: My friends in state PD, highway patrol, they're all on the lookout. I got eyes everywhere. The second he pops up I get a call. Grigori: A call? Larry: Yes. A call. I mean, what more do you people want me to do? Grigori: We want you to find him.

Larry and Grigori are going inside to talk about Hopper. Grigori and the Russians want to find him. Larrys choice of words is rather interesting. "The second he pops up" Larry gets a call and refers to Hopper who is pop. Remember the disappearance of mom and pop stores? Yeah, that's suspicious. Not to mention the whole phone thing. Larry constantly wants a phone in his vicinity while Will is afraid of phones and phone calls.

Nevertheless while inside they accidentally put the spaceship in motion and get booted into space/ the UD. The ship wasn't meant for them but it brought them there anyway.

It also happens before the big event even starts.

Just after the Fun Fair starts as Major Larry announces the fireworks, Ted, Karen and Holly go on the Farris Wheel. They are riding clockwise to the top. Right when they are at the peak, the ride stops giving them the best view of the fireworks.

It's Ted Wheeler who notices that they stopped and it's Karen Wheeler who's responsible for it. Karen slipped Jimmy a five. She bribed someone with a five to get the best seats in the house. It's Jimmy who took the bribery and this makes me think of Hopper.

But what about the five? I'm not sure but Will was five years old when it all started in 1976. If Karen somehow found out something wasn't right and told the police/Hopper about it it could make sense. (I'm also thinking about the fascist feminist in Billys magazine here. If Joyce had a female friend before it was most likely Karen. Plus Karen also knows it's very dark at night in the Byers driveway making me think she's been there before at night. Most likely to pick up Mike but I do wonder if she saw something else as well)

Then there is still the disappearance of mom and pop before the events. Karen is also a mom. Therefore it might also refer to her.

It's Holly who notices the trees moving in the distance but Karen doesn't want her look at them. She should focus on the fireworks instead. The trees which are moving because because of the Mind Flayer who is a shadowy representation of Lonnie.

Meanwhile Hopper and Joyce also arrive at the Fair and then notice Ted, Karen and Holy broad the Spaceship. They decide to jon them.

Karen thinks it's funny to see Joyce in the ship. She seems happy to see her but is surprised as well. It's almost like Karen thinks Joyce doesn't belong there. I do think it's noteworthy that she asks this while they on the spaceship. It's the spaceship that is meant to take everyone in and bring them to the UD/ save them so they can live on.

The only thing Joyce wants to know though is where the kids are. They are obviously not on the spaceship. Perhaps this indicates that they should have been there but for some reason aren't. We as the audience do know where they are and what they are occupied with though. They are trying to beat the Mind Flayer in Starcourt Mall.

According to Karen the kids are also not yet here (at the Spaceship or the Fair in general) This could also indicate that they are to arrive later in events that happened in 1979. First some adults died and later a lot of kids also got killed. I am pretty sure though that Karen Wheeler was among those who died back then as she is the only one who seemed comfortable on the ship like she belongs there.

Here we do get a look at the passenger seats and it does remind me of the number of people who were killed by One according to Billys magazine. Seat No. 33 is empty while No. 34 belongs to Karen, No. 35 to Holly, No. 36 to Ted, No. 37 to Joyce and then there is Hopper who's seat number is 8 (because the 8 is the only visible figure)

It's tricky to find out what this means though because if we were to go back in time to 1979 Holly either wouldn't have existed yet or she would have shared her seat with Karen. if Karen was even pregnant back then she must have been in her very first weeks.

Yet according to Billys magazine One killed 36 people meaning that it could have been Joyce who survived for real after all. Or she died at an earlier date and wasn't supposed to be on the spaceship. Again it's the disappearance of mom and pop which make me wonder. (Mom is either Joyce or Karen I'm sure)

Then the spaceship lifts off into space/the UD without the kids but with the parents and Holly instead.

Later on as Alexei gets murdered by Grigori at the Fair he notices two clowns and a mime. I do not know what it means but I do know that young Will was afraid of clowns.

Alexei being Russian and Grigori also being Russian make me think that there may have been a traitor among the Motorcyle gang Lonnie seemed to have dealings with who then got shot at Wills birthday party by his own men.

However with the exception of Murray who then calls for Joyces and Hoppers help no one seems to have noticed Alexei die.

In the end the kids never arrive at Larrys Fun Fair and never entered the Spaceship but that doesn't mean that they are safe as the news tells us that the Mall, the Mayor and a power supply were also turned upside down (were lifted into space and the UD)

I might continue this at a later date but for now I've almost reached picture limit and this post is already too long as it is

[johnychen]

A Christmas Fantasy Parade Last One for 2024 Seaon Main Street USA 4K Di...

[violetganache42]

Hello, everyone! I've been back home from Europe since before noon, and man, the 5-to-6 hour time difference is such a bitch. I am feeling exhausted at the moment because my body thinks it's several hours ahead of the EST I'm used to, so it's gonna take a bit to get used to my usual time again.

That being said, I enjoyed my time in London and Paris. I never thought in my life I would be getting to see or head to iconic monuments and places like Big Ben, the London Eye, Portobello Road, King's Cross, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. Hell, it was really cool getting to check out the West End/Theater District; on top of seeing Macbeth (which was AMAZING btw), Mom and I managed to see a couple more fun shows, specifically The Play That Goes Wrong and A Christmas Carol(ish).

I also enjoyed my visit to Disneyland Paris; the whole time there was a bunch of firsts for me: my first visit to an international Disney Park, my first time going to a Disney Park in general with just my mom, and my first time since I was a toddler that I went to a Disney Park during the Christmas season. I was blown away at seeing all the lights and decorations at the hotels, the parks, and the stores. There was even a scheduled snowfall set to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and the annual Christmas parade at Main Street, USA! During my visits to Walt Disney Studios Park and Disney Village, Mom and I saw a lot of barriers set up everywhere we went, and it didn't dawn on me until now that they were undergoing a major overhaul and expansion. 😅

If there were any unfortunate things about the vacation, it would be the following:

We didn't get to see other iconic places like the Louvre where the Mona Lisa is and the Nationl History Museum. With a vacation time of almost two weeks, there's only so much you can see.

I got sick with a nasty cold the day before we left for Paris. Mom suspected the jet lag and the different weather climate in the UK played huge factors. Fortunately, we did get some cold medicine at Boots—a UK pharmacy—and I'm glad my hopes of feeling better by the time vacation ended became a reality.

I hope I'll get to go back to London and Paris with my siblings in tow soon. Between Las Vegas, California, and this, 2024 has been the year of new vacation spots for me.

[myusatravel]

Top 20 Christmas Towns in the USA For 2024

The holiday season is a magical time, and there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by visiting a town that goes all out for the festive season. From twinkling lights to holiday parades, these towns offer a winter wonderland experience that will leave you enchanted. Here are the top 20 Christmas towns in the USA for 2024.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth transforms into a Bavarian-style Christmas wonderland. The town’s Christmas Lighting Festival features over half a million lights, live music, and holiday treats.

2. McAdenville, North Carolina

Known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville boasts an incredible display of lights and decorations. The entire town participates, creating a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from across the country.

3. North Pole, Alaska

What better place to celebrate Christmas than the North Pole? This charming Alaskan town features the Santa Claus House, complete with reindeer and a giant statue of St. Nick.

4. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Dubbed “Christmas City,” Bethlehem celebrates its namesake with festive markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a stunning star that lights up the night sky.

5. Santa Claus, Indiana

True to its name, Santa Claus offers a holiday experience. Visit Holiday World, Santa’s Candy Castle, and the Santa Claus Museum for Christmas cheer.

6. Durango, Colorado

Durango’s Polar Express train ride is a must for families. The town also features festive decorations, holiday markets, and a snowy mountain backdrop.

7. Williamsburg, Virginia

Step back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, where traditional Christmas decorations and historical reenactments create a unique holiday experience.

8. Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is a sight to behold during Christmas. The mansion is adorned with elaborate decorations, while the surrounding town offers holiday events and markets.

9. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights transforms the historic town into a dazzling display of over three million lights, making it one of the best Christmas destinations in the Southeast.

10. Grapevine, Texas

Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine hosts over 1,400 holiday events, including parades, ice sculptures, and a North Pole Express train ride.

11. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, Frankenmuth is a must-visit for holiday enthusiasts. The town also features festive lights and Bavarian charm.

12. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport’s Gilded Age mansions are decked out in opulent holiday decorations, offering a glimpse into a luxurious Christmas past.

13. Park City, Utah

Famous for its ski resorts, Park City also shines during the holidays with festive lights, a torchlight parade, and cozy mountain vibes.

14. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend is a holiday highlight, featuring a parade with horses and carolers, along with beautifully decorated homes and shops.

15. Lake Placid, New York

This winter wonderland offers a picturesque setting for the holidays, complete with ice skating, skiing, and a festive Main Street.

16. Branson, Missouri

Branson’s Silver Dollar City theme park is transformed into a Christmas haven with over 6.5 million lights, live shows, and holiday treats.

17. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll Weekend features carolers, holiday markets, and a visit from Santa arriving by boat, all set against a charming coastal backdrop.

18. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights is a must-see, with millions of lights illuminating the town’s historic streets and waterfront.

19. Helen, Georgia

This Alpine-style village in Georgia offers a unique Christmas experience with its Bavarian architecture, festive markets, and holiday parades.

20. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City’s Christkindlmarket is one of the best holiday markets in the country, featuring traditional German treats, handmade gifts, and an iconic Christmas tree in Millennium Park.

Conclusion

These 20 towns capture the essence of Christmas with their unique traditions, festive decorations, and warm holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for a snowy retreat or a coastal celebration, there’s a Christmas town for everyone. Start planning your trip and make this holiday season unforgettable!

[hayaam1230]

9 popular festivals in USA to attend once

The United States is home to a wide array of festivals that celebrate its diverse culture, traditions, and creativity. These festivals offer unique experiences that reflect the vibrant spirit of the country. From music and art to food and parades, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Attending these festivals not only provides entertainment but also offers a chance to connect with different communities and learn about various aspects of American life. Some of the most popular festivals include the lively Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, and the transformative Burning Man event in Nevada. Each of these festivals has its own distinct charm and attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you are a music enthusiast, an art lover, or someone who enjoys cultural celebrations, experiencing these festivals at least once in your lifetime is a must. These events are more than just gatherings; they are a celebration of life, creativity, and community. They offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of American culture, making them a perfect addition to your travel itinerary. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the top festivals in the USA that you should attend at least once.

Here are some popular festivals in the USA to attend once

1. New Orleans's Mardi Gras: One of the most well-known celebrations in the United States is New Orleans' Mardi Gras. This festival, which is celebrated with parades, music, dancing, and colourful costumes, is highly recommended due to its exciting environment. The main events happen in the final days of the celebration, which takes place in the weeks preceding Fat Tuesday. Parades take place all around the city, although the primary hubs are the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. A unique event full of infinite joy and rich cultural customs is Mardi Gras.

2. The California Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: Coachella, a globally renowned music festival, is hosted in Indio, California, and is one of the biggest. It takes place over two weekends in April and offers an excellent roster of artists from all genres as well as sculptures and art installations. Music fans, movie stars, and fashionistas from all over the world flock to the festival. Coachella is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers the ideal fusion of music, art, and social interaction in a dynamic atmosphere.

3. Nevada's Burning Man: Every year, Burning Man takes place in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The main themes of this week-long celebration are self-expression, community, art, and independence. "Burners," the participants, build Black Rock City, a makeshift metropolis with themed camps, art installations, and performances. At the end of the celebration, a big wooden effigy that represents rebirth and letting go is burned. A singular, life-changing experience, Burning Man fosters creativity and community.

4. New York City's Thanksgiving Day Parade: The start of the holiday season is marked by a renowned American tradition, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The parade, which takes place on Thanksgiving Day every year, includes performances by well-known performers, intricate floats, enormous character balloons, and marching bands. The journey ends in Macy's Herald Square after passing through Manhattan. Families love spending time together celebrating Thanksgiving and getting into the holiday mood by watching the parade, whether it's live or on television.

 5. South by Southwest (SXSW), Texas: South by Southwest (SXSW) is a renowned festival held in Austin, Texas, that combines music, film, and interactive media. Taking place in March, SXSW features live performances by emerging and established artists, film screenings, and conferences on various topics such as technology, entertainment, and culture. The festival attracts industry professionals and enthusiasts, making it a hub for networking, innovation, and creative exchange. Attending SXSW offers a dynamic and immersive cultural experience.

6. The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Held annually in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world's largest hot-air balloon festival. Hundreds of colourful balloons rise to the skies, drawing thousands of spectators. Mass ascensions, balloon glows, and unique-shaped balloon rodeos are all part of the event. It is very mesmerizing to see the sky full of colorful balloons set against the backdrop of the New Mexico terrain. For guests of all ages, the Balloon Fiesta offers a singular and scenic experience.

7. Comic-Con International, California Comic-Con International, California Comic-Con International is the biggest and most well-known comic book and pop culture convention worldwide. It is held in July and draws comic book, movie, TV show, and video game fans, among others. Panel discussions, exclusive previews, autograph sessions, and cosplay are all available to attendees. Comic-Con is a celebration of all thing’s geek and pop culture, providing an engaging and dynamic experience for both fans and creators.

8. The Kentucky Derby in Kentucky: One of the most prestigious horse races in the world is the Kentucky Derby, which takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May. The marathon, which goes by the name "The Run for the Roses," is the centerpiece of a two-week celebration. Participants dress elegantly and sport ornate headgear, sip mint juleps, and participate in the joyous atmosphere. The Kentucky Derby is a cultural event with tradition, excitement, and southern charm that goes beyond horse racing.

9. New Orleans' Jazz and Heritage Festival: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, also referred to as Jazz Fest, honours the rich musical and cultural legacy of the city. Renowned jazz, blues, rock, and gospel performers perform during the event, which takes place over two weekends in late April and early May. Jazz Fest features wonderful local food, handicrafts, and cultural displays in addition to music. The event offers a lively and varied experience, presenting the greatest cuisine, music, and culture from New Orleans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing the popular festivals in the USA is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the country's rich and diverse culture. From the vibrant parades of Mardi Gras in New Orleans to the musical excitement of Coachella in California, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of American life. Whether you are interested in music, art, food, or cultural traditions, there is a festival for everyone. Attending these festivals not only provides entertainment but also offers a unique opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and explore various aspects of American culture.

For those planning to travel from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, obtaining a US visa is a straightforward process that allows you to partake in these exciting events. The experience of these festivals is worth the effort of applying for a US visa from Dubai or US visa from Abu Dhabi, as they offer memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re ready to explore the vibrant festivals of the USA, start planning your trip and apply for your US visa today. Whether it's the artistic marvels of Burning Man or the thrilling Kentucky Derby, these festivals promise an adventure filled with joy, excitement, and cultural enrichment.

[yafaiah-raaida-cham]

The 6 mind-blowing things to do in Hong Kong

Welcome to Hong Kong, an amazing combination of East and West in terms of food, culture, and urban wonders. Situated away among towering skyscrapers and historic temples, Hong Kong presents staggering variety of activities. Discovering lively Mong Kok markets and enjoying Michelin-starred restaurants' dim sum are just two of exciting things that this lively town has to offer. Take a trip up Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the skyline, lose yourself in the neon-lit streets of Causeway Bay, or take a ferry across Victoria Harbour to see the famous skyline come to life. Hong Kong invites you to discover remarkable at every turn, you're visiting ancient sites like Tian Tan Buddha or enjoying pulsating nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong.

Getting a Hong Kong visa is essential if you're travelling from Dubai to Hong Kong in order to guarantee an easy entrance into this energetic city. Whether you're travelling to Hong Kong for business or pleasure, getting a Hong Kong visa from UAE requires submitting the required paperwork via the right channels. Once authorised, you'll be free to visit all of Hong Kong's must-see sights, including lively Mong Kok markets and the amazing views from Victoria Peak. Experience the perfect combination of East and West in Hong Kong's food, culture, and skyline. Applying for visa will open the door to an amazing trip through exciting city.

Here are the 8 mind-blowing things to do in Hong Kong:

Take the historic Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Experience the amazing views of Victoria Harbour, the surrounding islands, and the skyline of Hong Kong from the Peak Tower. See amazing views throughout the day, the city lights up in the evening, or during sunset for an overview of the magical golden hour.

2. Symphony of Lights: 

Take in the amazing multimedia spectacle, Symphony of Lights, which adorns Hong Kong's skyline. 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour are involved in this nightly show, which is synchronised with dynamic lights, lasers, and music to create an incredible symphony that honours the vibrancy and diversity of the city. The Avenue of Stars and the shoreline in Tsim Sha Tsui are the greatest places to get a view.

3. Hong Kong Disneyland: 

Take in the wonders of Hong Kong Disneyland, which is situated on the island of Lantau. Discover seven themed areas where you can meet Disney characters, ride thrilling coasters like Space Mountain and Mystic Manor, and take in magical parades and fireworks displays that truly capture the Disney magic. These areas include Main Street USA, Adventureland, and Fantasyland.

4. Lan Kwai Fong: 

Visit Lan Kwai Fong, a thriving entertainment neighbourhood in Central, to experience Hong Kong's exciting evening scene. Explore a wealth of pubs, clubs, and eateries providing a wide variety of cuisines and nightlife experiences. Enjoying foreign food, dancing till the sun comes up, or taking in live music performances—Lan Kwai Fong has something to offer everyone in a lively and upbeat setting.

5. Ngong Ping 360:  Experience the beautiful Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island. Take in the beautiful views of the South China Sea, beautiful mountains, and the famous Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), a beautiful bronze statue standing 34 metres tall and situated next to the Po Lin Monastery. Discover the quiet surroundings, dining options, and cultural insights of Ngong Ping Village.

6. Stanley Market:  Explore Stanley Market, a lively retail area situated on Hong Kong Island's southern shore. Look around at the many stalls selling souvenirs, apparel, accessories, and artwork. After shopping, take a seat on Stanley's waterfront promenade and take in the beautiful views of Stanley Bay or dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants to sample some fresh seafood.

Conclusion:

With an engaging mix of innovation and history, Hong Kong captivates visitors with its incredible experiences. Whether it's the modern architecture, rich cultural heritage, or delectable cuisine that attracts you, Hong Kong will leave a lasting impression on your senses. This lively city invites you to immerse yourself in an exciting journey of exploration and discovery, with its bustling streets, stunning skyline, and melting pot of global influences. For an unforgettable experience, plan your trip with the best travel agency in Dubai. Hong Kong offers an adventure that will make you want to return time and time again.

[meekosthemeparkphotos]

Jose Carioca

[parksaversnews]

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park, located in Anaheim, California, is Walt Disney's original theme park that first opened its gates in 1955. Now nearly 70 years old, it continues to be one of the most popular theme parks in the world, attracting over 18 million guests annually. With iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain, as well as shows, parades, restaurants, and shops, there is something for everyone at the Happiest Place on Earth.

History of Disneyland The idea for Disneyland Park first came to Walt Disney as he watched his daughters playing at a park in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. He envisioned a place where parents and children could have fun together, sparking the concept of an amusement park with different themed lands and attractions. After several years of planning, Walt Disney Productions purchased 160 acres of orange groves in Anaheim in 1953 to house his dream park. Construction began on Disneyland in 1954, costing over $17 million. The park had several lands inspired by real places that were special to Walt, like New Orleans Square and Main Street USA. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates in a televised event to over 90 million viewers. The first day was filled with complications from massive crowds to attractions breaking down, but guests' enthusiasm prevailed. Since then, Disneyland has expanded from 33 attractions to over 60 adventures across 8 themed lands.

Attractions at Disneyland Park Disneyland Park contains popular dark rides, roller coasters, shows, and more across its themed lands. Fantasyland has classic storybook rides like Peter Pan's Flight, Alice in Wonderland, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Guests can meet Disney Princesses at the Royal Hall or take a spin on the Mad Tea Party teacups. Adventureland transports visitors to exotic locales with the Indiana Jones Adventure and Jungle Cruise. Meanwhile, Critter Country offers a trip down a musical river on Splash Mountain (Tiana's Bayou). In New Orleans Square, visitors can drop in at a dinner party with ghosts on the Haunted Mansion or join the swashbuckling pirates of Pirates of the Caribbean. Frontierland also provides two big attractions: a runaway mine train on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and exploring the old American West on Mark Twain Riverboat. Tomorrowland provides opportunities to zoom through space on Space Mountain or drive cars in Autopia. And guests of all ages will enjoy the Disneyland Railroad, which transports riders around the park.

Shows and Entertainment at Disneyland In addition to rides and attractions, Disneyland Park offers spectacular live entertainment and shows. Guests can enjoy parades like "Magic Happens" on Main Street USA with stunning floats and Disney characters dancing through the park. At Sleeping Beauty Castle, "Disneyland Forever" fireworks extravaganza lights up the night sky. And don't miss the fun pirate show of "Fantasmic!" on the Rivers of America, with Mickey Mouse and friends in a battle of good versus evil. For shows, comedy and music lovers can catch laugh-out-loud antics at the Golden Horseshoe Revue or jazz tunes from the Five and Dime band on Buena Vista Street. Disney princesses tell their stories at the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire. And kids can sing and dance with puppets of favorite Disney Junior characters in Disney Junior: Live on Stage! With so much world-class entertainment, there's always a show starting soon at Disneyland.

Shopping Opportunities at Disneyland From apparel to toys to specialty treats, Disneyland Park offers a wide selection of one-of-a-kind merchandise and souvenirs. Main Street USA contains the most shopping with over a dozen stores. Guests can find personalized Mickey ears at The Mad Hatter, or the latest Disney pins and t-shirts at the Emporium. The Main Street Magic Shop carries magic sets and tricks for aspiring magicians. In New Orleans Square, Pieces of Eight sells pirate gear after riding Pirates of the Caribbean. Meanwhile, guests can bring home a bit of Frontierland with cowboy hats from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Gift Shop. Tomorrowland offers space-age souvenirs at the Star Trader shop. And little princesses will love browsing the royal merchandise at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland.

Dining Options at Disneyland From quick service to fine dining, Disneyland Park offers unique dining experiences across its lands. Main Street USA contains Plaza Inn, serving American classics in an elegant Victorian setting. New Orleans Square offers Cajun and Creole flavors at Blue Bayou Restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests can enjoy fried chicken and pot roast family-style while taking in a show at the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland. Fantasyland offers character dining with Disney princesses at the Storybook Canal Boats. Adventureland contains tropical cuisine and tiki cocktails at the exotically themed Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. Tomorrowland offers sci-fi decor and burger favorites at Galactic Grill. And no Disneyland trip is complete without grabbing a dole whip or churro snack! With so many distinct restaurants, everyone can find something appetizing at Disneyland.

Crowds Peak Times - Holiday weeks like Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Year's are very crowded. Summer months of June-August also see high crowds. - Weekends, especially holiday weekends, tend to be more crowded than weekdays. Crowd Management by Disney - Disney uses RFID sensors and magic bands to monitor crowd levels in real-time. This allows staff to disperse crowds when they start building up in certain areas. - Disneyland now requires park reservations in addition to tickets to manage capacity. This prevents the park from closing due to extreme crowding. - During peak seasons, Disney may extend park hours or schedule extra entertainment like shows and character meet-and-greets to handle larger crowds.

Upgrades and Changes Over the Years While staying true to Walt Disney's original vision, Disneyland Park has continued evolving with new upgrades and attractions over its nearly 70-year history. In 1959, the Disneyland Monorail and Submarine Voyage opened to give visitors new transportation and adventure options. The 1960s saw classic dark rides like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It's a Small World open to park guests. In the 1980s and 90s, popular thrill rides like Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure delighted theme park fans. Recent years have brought Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in 2019, allowing fans to pilot the Millennium Falcon and explore the Black Spire Outpost. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway also debuted in 2023 as the first ride-through attraction starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. And in 2024, the reimagined attraction Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open, bringing even more representation and magic to Disneyland. As technology advances and imagination continues, Disneyland Park strives to improve the guest experience for all.

Secrets and Hidden Details of Disneyland Park Beyond the iconic rides and attractions, Disneyland Park contains many lesser-known secrets and fascinating details hidden in plain sight. Inside the Indiana Jones Adventure queue, guests can find a hieroglyphic warning to "beware of the eye" referring to the ride vehicle's blinking light. The Haunted Mansion's pet cemetery features humorous epitaphs on the tombstones. And next to Walt Disney's personal apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, a lamp remains lit to signify his presence in spirit. Hidden Mickeys, images of Mickey Mouse's distinct outline, appear across the park in ride facades, railings, and more. Club 33, an exclusive private club in New Orleans Square, once had a 14-year waiting list to join. And Disneyland's trash cans all have special details matching their surrounding theme, like "asteroids" in Tomorrowland. By peeking closer at this park created from Walt's dreams and imagination, intriguing secrets await behind every corner.

Conclusion From thrill rides to dazzling shows, shopping sprees to character dining, Disneyland Park offers endless opportunities for magic and adventure. As Walt Disney's pioneering theme park over nearly 70 years, it set the standard for immersive storytelling and detail-oriented lands to delight guests of all ages. With iconic attractions, world-class entertainment, and Disney magic around every turn, it's clear why Disneyland remains the Happiest Place on Earth today and for decades to come. Read the full article

[luxurypropertiesworld]

Best Places to celebrate New Year's Eve in USA

As the year comes to a close, many of us are eager to welcome the New Year with open arms, and what better way to do so than by experiencing the festivities in some of the most vibrant and exciting cities across the United States? Whether you're a party enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or someone who enjoys a peaceful retreat, there's a perfect celebration waiting for you. Let's explore the top places to celebrate New Year's Eve  in the US.

Where to Stay: For the quintessential New York experience, consider booking a room in the heart of Times Square. Hotels like The Knickerbocker and Marriott Marquis offer front-row seats to the iconic ball drop.

Things to Do: Join the millions gathered in Times Square for the electrifying countdown. Experience the dazzling lights, live performances, and the unforgettable moment when the ball drops to mark the start of a new year. Nearest Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the nearest airport, providing easy access to the city.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada: A Glittering Oasis in the Desert Where to Stay: Embrace the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip by booking a room at one of the iconic hotels like The Venetian or Caesars Palace. Things to Do: Explore the famous Las Vegas Strip, witness breathtaking firework displays, and indulge in world-class entertainment at the numerous casinos and nightclubs. Nearest Airport: McCarran International Airport (LAS) is conveniently located for those flying into Las Vegas.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz Up Your New Year Where to Stay: Immerse yourself in the unique charm of the French Quarter by staying at boutique hotels like Hotel Monteleone or the French Market Inn. Things to Do: Join the lively celebrations in the French Quarter, where the streets come alive with music, parades, and delicious Creole cuisine. Don't miss the fireworks over the Mississippi River. Nearest Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the main airport serving the city. 4. Aspen, Colorado: A Snowy Celebration in the Mountains Where to Stay: For a cozy and luxurious retreat, consider staying at The Little Nell or The St. Regis Aspen Resort, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Things to Do: Embrace the winter wonderland by skiing in Aspen's world-renowned slopes during the day. As night falls, attend one of the glamorous New Year's Eve parties or watch the fireworks illuminate the snowy landscape. Nearest Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the closest airport for those heading to Aspen. 5. Key West, Florida: A Tropical Celebration Where to Stay: Choose a beachfront accommodation like The Reach Key West or Casa Marina for a relaxed and sun-soaked New Year's celebration. Things to Do: Join the lively crowds at the famous Key West Red Shoe Drop on Duval Street. Enjoy live music, tropical cocktails, and the festive atmosphere of this island paradise. Nearest Airport: Key West International Airport (EYW) serves as the main airport for travelers heading to Key West. In conclusion, the United States offers a diverse range of New Year's Eve celebrations, each with its own unique charm. Whether you prefer the dazzling lights of Times Square, the lively streets of New Orleans, or the serene mountains of Aspen, there's a destination to suit every taste. So, pack your bags and get ready to welcome the New Year in style!