What’s New in California Travel

NEWS FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY SEA WORLD SAN DIEGO PHOTO COURTESY AGUA CALIENTE

What’s New in California Travel

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

California invites travelers to discover a wealth of new offerings coming to the Golden State in 2023, ranging from theme park experiences and cultural attractions to photo-worthy museums and luxury resorts.

What’s New in Theme Parks?

Disneyland

Info disneyland.disney.go.com

The Walt Disney Company will mark its 100th anniversary in 2023, timed to its founding by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney on Oct. 16, 1923.

Disney 100 Years of Wonder will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Co.

At Disneyland Resort, the heart of the celebration, the fun kicks off Jan. 27 with limited-time offerings taking place throughout the year. Highlights include Platinum-infused décor throughout the resort; two all-new nighttime spectaculars: “World of Color — One” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park; the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction; the opening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown in spring 2023 and the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park in time for spring.

“The Pink Panther and the Case of the Missing Diamond” is an interactive, app navigated outdoor adventure. PHOTO COURESY MGM AND BOUNCE

Universal Studios Hollywood

Info www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Super Nintendo World, the innovative, immersive and highly anticipated themed land, will open Feb. 17 at Universal Studios Hollywood as the first Super Nintendo World in the nation.

The U.S. debut will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. The immersive land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity within a newly expanded area of the theme park, featuring a groundbreaking ride, interactive areas for the whole family and themed shopping and dining.

Nearby, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is an original concept restaurant opening at Universal CityWalk in early 2023.

SeaWorld San Diego

Info seaworld.com

The new highly anticipated coaster, Arctic Rescue, will open at SeaWorld San Diego in spring 2023. Joining other thrill rides at the theme park, Arctic Rescue will be the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. This family friendly, multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger. With a 48-inch height requirement, even young adventure seekers can enjoy Arctic Rescue.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Info www.knotts.com

Montezooma’s Revenge was the first flywheellaunched roller coaster in the world when it opened at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1978 and it is the oldest shuttle loop roller coaster still in its original location.

For 2023, Montezooma’s Revenge is being rethemed with new thrills that will allow guests to be completely surprised by the direction the train takes them.

The new Fiesta Village will reopen at Knott’s Berry Farm in summer 2023, showcasing beautiful décor across three new zones in the area, brand-new food locations, an updated Fiesta Plaza stage and a redesigned marketplace inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street.

What’s New in Major Attractions

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza

Info www.visionaguacaliente.com

The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza coming to downtown Palm Springs in 2023 will feature the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Spa at Séc-he and an outdoor Oasis Trail. The new museum will celebrate the history, culture and modern times of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and