Visit California Kicks Off Summer of Fun

Golden State heralds multi-billion dollar attraction enhancements; new information-packed micro-site offers thrilling photo-booth app

SACRAMENTO, CA, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - California is positioned to offer a "Summer of Fun" for visitors owing to an unprecedented number of significant enhancements to some of the Golden State's most iconic attractions. From Disney's California Adventure and Universal Studios to SeaWorld San Diego, more than $1.2 billion have been invested in new rides and experiences. Visit California has launched a Summer of Fun destination page about these new offerings at www.visitcalifornia.com/Life-In-California/Summer-of-Fun.

"It is unprecedented to have three of California's biggest attractions to unveil major developments all in one season," says Caroline Beteta, CEO and President of Visit California. "Combined, they provide yet another reason to visit the Golden State this summer, especially for families."

These include: 

• Disney California Adventure re-opened June 15 after a $1.2 billion enhancement, which includes the new movie-inspired Cars Land and re-imagined Buena Vista Street.
• SeaWorld San Diego premiered the Manta double launch roller coaster May 26, which includes gliding through a 100,000-gallon underwater habitat providing the sensation of swimming like a giant manta ray.
• Los Angeles' Universal Studios premiered Transformers: The Ride 3D on May 25 fusing one-of-a-kind HD 3D media and flight simulator technology, at an estimated $100 million - close to the cost to produce one of Michael Bay's "Transformers" films - setting the benchmark for theme-park attractions.

For a virtual thrill, visitors can take or upload a picture and apply fun filters that exaggerate their features as if they've just stepped off a California thrill ride. This "California Fun Face Photo-Booth app" can be found at www.visitcalifornia.com/Life-In-California/Summer-of-Fun and the Visit California Facebook page, Facebook.com/VisitCA, through July. The hair raising headshots can then be downloaded or easily shared with friends on Facebook and other social media platforms, showcasing the excitement of California's theme parks.

"The Summer of Fun initiative showcases a selection of the best 'only-in-California' travel experiences," Beteta said. "Through logging onto the corresponding micro-site, kids and 'kids at heart' can virtually experience and share the state's thrilling attractions through the photo-booth app."

To add to a "Summer of Fun" in the Golden State, Cirque du Soleil's permanent Los Angeles extravaganza IRIS provides a different type of thrill. Located at the home of the Oscars, the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, audiences take a journey into the world of film through acrobatics, dance, projections and live music. Tickets start at $43. www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/iris/default.aspx

Visitors can also skip the ticket lines and save 31 percent on admission to these attractions using the Southern California CityPASS. www.citypass.com/southern-california

Media can learn more about what's new at California's theme parks, by watching this podcast from various attraction partners throughout the Golden State, now available for a limited time at http://media.visitcalifornia.com/Story-Development/Whats-New

Visit California (formerly known as the California Travel & Tourism Commission) is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, travel and tourism expenditures total $102.3 billion annually in California (20 percent of which is international), support jobs for 893,000 Californians and generate $6.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to www.visitcalifornia.com.

Jennifer Sweeney, Visit California
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Maureen Haley, DCI
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