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A A A | VIA 2019
2019 Media Kit
A A A | VIA 2019
Via Delivers● Access to over 5.9 million AAA Members
● West Coast regional media
● Print 4x a year + ongoing digital
● Highly engaged and loyal audience
● M ulti-platform opportunities: ○ Print ○ Digital ○ Social ○ Native content ○ Customized programs
A A A | VIA 2019
Forward Momentum
Content Evolving to include broader solutions for life
Consumer Expanding offers to appeal to Members today and tomorrow
Media Mix Investing in broadening channels for content distribution
AAA Direction Investing and pursuing solutions to stay ahead of Member needs into the future through programs such as Gig car sharing, House Manager, and GoMentum autonomous vehicle test track
A A A | VIA 2019
Tap Into a Powerful Audience
MAGA ZINE WEB/MOBILE SOCIAL E-NEWSLETTER
AAA plus its Members Advertising with Via and AAA allows you to reach a loyal and highly engaged audience of Members, who seek information and inspiration to enhance their lives from a trusted source.
● AAA is one of the most recognized brands in the world
● Consistently high membership renewal rates = loyalty & trust
● Via is the No. 1 source of travel advice for Members after friends & relatives
● 80% of Members took some action after reading Via
+
A A A | VIA 2019
Northern CaliforniaArizonaNevadaUtahMontanaWyomingAlaska
2,268,006517,297241,059124,86273,60824,429
16,137
Circulation Breakdown
Circulation & Demographics
Age Breakdown18-34 7.7%
35-54 30.8%
55-64 29.7%
65+ 31.9%
AVERAGE AGE 57
$111,800Average income 69%
Homeowners
Average home value
$633,400
Reach: 1 out of 2 households in Northern California
51.3%
48.7%
👨👩
��
�
6.38 million readers
Coverage of 22 DMAs
Via delivers
in the West
[ 27% higher than the U.S. average ] [ 34% higher than the U.S. average ]
Source: 2018 Via Reader Profile Study, GfK MRI; circ. list, Fall 2018
A A A | VIA 2019
Via enjoys pass along read-ership with an average of 2.2 readers per copy.
Source: 2018 Via Reader Profile Study, GfK MRI; SFMC, June-Oct 2018
76%
90k
140k
61%
80%
29minutes
2.2
of Via readers read 3 or 4 of the last 4 issues received.
of Via readers prefer receiving the printed magazine in the mail.
of readers took an action as a result of reading Via. Actions include →
Readers spend, on average, 29 minutes out of their busy schedules to enjoy reading the magazine.
readers per copy
Visited any websites included in Via
Became aware of or used AAA discount(s)
Visited AAA.com
Visited/contacted AAA office
Traveled to a destination advertised or written about
44.4%
36.7%
34.0%
31.4%
27.3%
Via’s average Open Rate of over 20% exceeds the national averageAvg. uniques/month
Avg. page views/month
Via e-Newsletter
Via e-Newsletter
National Average
National Average
Via’s average Click-Through Rate of 2.46% outperforms the national average
20%
16%
2.46%
1.3%
Via e-NewsletterVia Website
Via’s audience is engaged
A A A | VIA 2019
They travel more Via readers took an average of 6.7 trips lasting 1+ day in the past year, which is two and a half times more than the average U.S. adult.
Via readers spent 2x more than the average U.S. adult on domestic vacations.
Via readers paid for an average of 15+ nights of hotel or paid lodgingin past year—more than 2x the national average for U.S. adults.
6.7 trips
$4,200
Via Readers
Via Readers
Via Readers
Average U.S. Adult
Average U.S. Adult
Average U.S. Adult
2.6 trips
$2,000
15.1 nights
7.2 nights
They spend more
They stay longer
Via readers love to travel
*Source: January 2018 Reader Profile Study, GfK MRI
50.029.229.028.424.224.1
23.323.323.2
Top areas visited in the past year (%)San Francisco Bay AreaMonterey/CarmelCalifornia Wine CountrySacramento/Central ValleyCentral California CoastLos Angeles AreaLake TahoeLas Vegas, NVHalf Moon Bay
21.020.117.815.812.211.511.510.19.3
Reno, NVSan Diego CountySeattle, WAYosemitePhoenix/Scottsdale, AZBig SurPortland, ORShasta/CascadesPalm Springs
84%of regular Via readers took at least one overnight domestic trip in the past year
A A A | VIA 2019
Spring 2019The West’s Best State Parks
Highway 101
Hawaii
Calistoga, CA
Disneyland
Close: 1/3/19Material due: 1/10/19In-home February 19-23
Summer 2019Summer Pleasures Roller coasters, beach boardwalks, baseball, and more
Solo Travel Trend
San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood
Jamaica
Close: 3/4/19Material due: 3/8/19In-home May 5-8
Fall 2019Fire Recovery California’s Wine Country Oregon’s Columbia Gorge
Food Face-off: San Francisco vs. Portland
River Cruising with the Family
Grass Valley, Calif.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Close: 7/2/19Material due: 7/9/19In-home August 20-24
Winter 2020City Parks San Francisco’s Presidio, Portland’s Forest Park, and other great urban green spaces.
Where to Go in 2020 The year’s top destinations around the West, the United States, and the rest of the world. Also: the rise of “voluntourism.”
Truckee, Calif.
Germany
Close: 11/4/19Material due: 11/11/19In-home December 21-26
Print & Online
2019 Editorial Calendar
Find Via’s editorial features online at viamagazine.com along with an ever-expanding library of content. ↘
A A A | VIA 2019
Ad close and material due date Ad close and material due date
Mid JanuaryLEAD Budget-Friendly SkiingBONUS Financial Tips for the New Year
12/17/18 Mid JulyLEAD Wellness Retreats in the West and BeyondBONUS Disneyland
6/18/19
Late JanuaryLEAD Hawaiian Food in the WestBONUS Home Buying Tips for First Timers
1/3/19 Late JulyLEAD Culinary Destinations in the WestBONUS National Historic Trails
6/30/19
Mid FebruaryLEAD Romantic Destinations in the WestBONUS Palm Springs
1/15/19 Mid AugustLEAD TahoeBONUS Solo Travel
7/16/19
Late FebruaryLEAD Wildflowers in the WestBONUS Scottsdale
1/29/19 Late AugustLEAD Bargain Destinations in the WestBONUS Carmel-by-the-Sea
7/30/19
Mid MarchLEAD Floating Bed & Breakfasts in the WestBONUS Cruising Europe
2/12/19 Mid SeptemberLEAD Camper and RV TravelBONUS Napa Valley
8/13/19
Late MarchLEAD Hot Springs in the WestBONUS Saving Money for Travel
3/26/19 Late SeptemberLEAD Fall Road Trips in the West and BeyondBONUS Tips for Biking to Work
8/27/19
Mid AprilLEAD Coastal Road Trips in the WestBONUS Spring Cleaning
3/12/19 Mid OctoberLEAD Lesser-Known Wine Regions in the WestBONUS Tip for Finding Affordable Flights
9/10/19
Late AprilLEAD Glamping in the WestBONUS Seattle
3/26/19 Late OctoberLEAD Spooky Spots in the WestBONUS Prepping Your Home and Car for Winter
9/24/19
Mid MayLEAD The West’s Best National Parks in SummerBONUS Family Travel
4/9/19 Mid NovemberLEAD Traveling with PetsBONUS Winter Festivals in the West
10/8/19
Late MayLEAD Best Summer Activities in the WestBONUS Summer Safety
4/23/19 Late NovemberLEAD Last-Minute Holiday TravelBONUS Holiday Entertaining
10/22/19
Early JuneLEAD Traveling with FriendsBONUS LGBT Destinations in the West and Beyond
5/7/19 Mid DecemberLEAD Winter Weekend GetawaysBONUS Holiday Home Safety
11/5/19
Mid JuneLEAD Best Summer Islands in the WestBONUS Canada
5/21/19 Late DecemberLEAD Readers’ Best Travel Experiences of 2019BONUS Gifts for Travelers
11/19/19
Late JuneLEAD Summer Lakes in the WestBONUS How Much It Costs to Buy a Home in the West
6/4/19 End DecemberLEAD Where to Go in 2020BONUS Trip Planning 101
12/3/19
2019 Editorial Calendar
e-Newsletter
A A A | VIA 2019
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Via magazineRATE BASE 2,900,000
TOTAL READERS6,380,000
CIRCUL ATION REGIONNorthern CaliforniaArizonaNevada UtahMontanaWyomingAlaska
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A A A | VIA 2019
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Resolution should be 300 dpi at 100% finished size. All 4-color images should be supplied CYMK.
PROOF REQUIREMENTSLaser prints are acceptable.
CONTACT INFORMATONAll ads sent must include a client name, contact person, phone number, and email address.
EXTENSIONSNo extensions will be granted without approval. For extensions, contact: Natasha Alcala on 925.274.8168, or at natasha.alcala@norcal.aaa.com
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONSVia Advertising, Natasha Alcala at natasha.alcala@norcal.aaa.com
Ads may not be less than 1 column inch in depth. Columns are 2 1/8" wide. Ads exceeding 4" will be billed at the rate of a 4" ad plus the incremental inches.
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VIA MAGAZINE
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A A A | VIA 2019
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VIA MAGAZINE
Discover InsertDiscover is a special advertis-ing section inserted into 500,000 targeted copies of each issue of Via. Ad units include native content plus traditional ad space.
CIRCUL ATION500,000 affluent ($75,000+) AAA homes in the Greater Bay Area and Sacramento
Issue & Dates
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Content
Half-Page plus Native
Content
1/3-Page plus Native
Content
Spring $16,000 $9,500 $5,700
Close: 12/14/18 Materials: 12/21/18In-home: Feb. 19-23
Summer $16,000 $9,500 $5,700
Close: 2/14/19 Materials: 2/21/19 In-home: May 5-8
Fall $16,000 $9,500 $5,700
Close: 6/14/19 Materials: 6/21/19 In-home: Aug. 20-24
Winter $16,000 $9,500 $5,700
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A A A | VIA 2019
DIGITAL
Website AdsViamagazine.com is migrating to AAA.com, and site traffic will increase by 10 times to 1 million impressions.
CURRENT REACH90k avg. unique visitors per month140k avg. page views per month
Free Things to Do in Your Favorite California Cities
California’s top cities aren’t known for being budget friendly, but if you look hard enough, it’s amazing how many free activities and attractions are available. With a little planning, you can learn to swing dance in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, discover Lake Tahoe history, and sample an array of international cuisines in San Diego's Balboa Park—all without spending a dime. Here's a sampling of free things to do in the regions of your favorite California cities:
San Francisco
Whether it's spotting snowy egrets in the marshlands of Crissy Field or snapping selfies with LucasFilm's beloved outdoor Yoda Fountain, there's plenty to do on a budget in the Presidio. Along with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and one of the city's most popular beaches, San Francisco's former military base turned national park is also home to Fort Point National Historic Site.
The massive mid-19th-century seaside fortification just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge offers free entry and 30-minute guided tours (schedule varies daily; check with staff on arrival.) Near the Main Post, the Presidio Officers' Club is a museum and cultural center combo that celebrates Presidio history with free exhibits, jazz nights, and ongoing archaeology digs. A free PresidioGo shuttle runs throughout the park, seven days a week.
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS: Save up to $6.99 on tickets to California Academy of Sciences
Become well versed in downtown art deco masterpieces, the Haight-Ashbury's hippie culture, and even Hitchcock filming locations with San Francisco City Guides’ free excursions. The library-sponsored non-profit now hosts approximately 30 different tours each month, including its newest: tales of mayhem and murder at Nob Hill's Fairmont Hotel. Tours run 1.5–2 hours, and reservations are not required; just show up at the specified time and place and be prepared to walk.
Ride a bike, learn to swing dance, or partake in the 6th Avenue roller disco during Sundays in Golden Gate Park. Each week, the park's John F. Kennedy Drive is closed to vehicles from Kezar Drive to Park Presidio Boulevard, transforming this 1.4-mile stretch into a sea of outdoor enthusiasts. If you're lucky, a hodgepodge of jazz musicians will be performing in a tunnel near the Conservatory of Flowers, taking advantage of its supreme acoustics to put on an unforgettable show.
RELATED: 10 Things to Do in Golden Gate Park
Napa
Relish in the modern works on display at the world-class Hess Art Collection, a 13,000-square-foot gallery space located on the property of Napa’s historic Hess Winery. Vintner Donald Hess has been collecting pieces of contemporary art since 1966, and keeps a portion of them here for public viewing. A downloadable audio tour offers insight into the artists—which include Francis Bacon, Leopoldo Maler, and musician-turned-painter Robilee Frederick—and their distinctive works. As of February 1, 2018, the museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Spend a day enjoying the wonders of Lake Berryessa, Napa County’s largest lake. Along with swimming in the summer months, this 20,000-acre man-made reservoir is also a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals are available onsite, or BYO equipment for some extra-affordable adventure. Located in the Vaca Mountains, the lake is also home to several short hiking trails that extend along the oak-covered shoreline and through neighboring hills.
Wander among the various sculptures of Napa Art Walk, a downtown outdoor display of juried pieces that rotate biennially. The current exhibit, Shifting Perspective, which runs through April 2019, features the works of 10 Western U.S.–based artists that range from abstract to eco-friendly, such as the colorful Treasures from the Sea, constructed mostly from recycled bicycle parts. Download the Otocast app from iTunes or Google Play to learn more about each piece, often in the artist’s own voice.
RELATED: The Napa You Don’t Know
Lake Berryessa, Napa County's largest lakePHOTO: ANDREW ZARIVNY/SHUTTERSTOCK
Lake Tahoe
Bask in the sparkling blue-green waters of Emerald Bay State Park, located along Lake Tahoe’s western shore. Spend the day snorkeling or diving among its many sunken boats and barges, or bring your own kayak and paddle over to tiny Fannette Island—home to the reputed ghost of a retired sea captain as well as the “Tea House” ruins built in the late 1920s by wealthy philanthropist Lora J. Knight. Back on the mainland at the park’s Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm mansion (also built by Knight), there’s a trailhead to access Tahoe’s beloved 12-mile Rubicon Trail—which winds along shoreline cliffs and through pine- and fir-filled forests. (Vikingsholm is open for tours during summer months for a fee.)Delve into local history on a Mountain Town Walking Tour in Tahoe City or Truckee. The 1.5-hour
excursions provide details on Tahoe’s colorful past as well as its many unique characters. Learn about the golden era of steamboats while strolling along Tahoe City’s waterfront, discover interesting tidbits about the majestic mountain lake, or hear legendary tales of lumber mills and railway barons while meandering through downtown Truckee. Tours are available June through September, but the season may be extended depending on the weather. Visit the website for more details. Sled, tube, snowshoe, or cross-country ski at Tahoe Meadows (also known as Mt. Rose Meadows),
Nevada’s high-elevation winter wonderland. This alpine expanse, near the crest of Mt. Rose Highway about 7 miles north of Incline Village, gives way to a frenzy of wildflowers during warmer months, when iced-over waters transform into rushing, bridge-covered streams. For a hike that’s easy and accessible, try the 1.3-mile Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail. It’s actually part of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, a long-distance trek that encompasses the entire basin.
RELATED: Lake Tahoe Area
Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay State ParkPHOTO: ULADZIK KRYHIN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Fort Point Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate BridgePHOTO: YHELFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Monterey
Search for starfish, sea anemones, and the occasional octopus in the prolific tide pools found along many Monterey beaches, including downtown’s San Carlos Beach. Located at Cannery Row’s west end, this stretch of picnic-worthy sand backs up to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Following the former tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the paved rail-to-trail runs 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, offering prime coastal views.
Discover Old Monterey’s Spanish and sardine history along the Path of History, a self-guided two-mile-long walking trail that incorporates 55 historic sites throughout the city’s downtown, including various adobes, the old Southern Pacific Train Station, and the one-time abode of Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson. For cell phone tour information and a map, click here.
Witness a natural phenomenon, as thousands of Monarch butterflies who’ve followed their ancestral flight path to Pacific Grove’s Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary bed down for the winter (October through February) in the branches of eucalyptus, cypress, and pine trees. Docents are on hand daily noon to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) with viewing scopes and interesting facts about these incredible creatures. RELATED: Monterey for Families
Pacific Grove’s Monarch Butterfly SanctuaryPHOTO: ANATOLIY LUKICH/SHUTTERSTOCK
San Diego
Explore Mission Trails Regional Park: 7,220 acres of rolling hills, scenic canyons, and a reservoir ideal for kayaking. The park boasts 60 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including one up to the peak of Cowles Mountain—the city of San Diego’s highest point. Don’t miss the Visitor and Interpretive Center, which provides details on the area’s flora and fauna, as well as its indigenous Kumeyaay people.
Embark on a trip around the world at Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations (HPR), a mix of historic 1935 Exposition cottages and newer structures representing nearly three-dozen different countries, including Argentina, Israel, Italy, and China. Learn more about each country’s cultures and traditions during regular open houses each weekend. A selection of house members also hosts Sunday afternoon lawn performances and demonstrations featuring everything from Irish folk dancing to Peruvian cuisine, depending on the month.
Take in some of San Diego’s top attractions and most scenic views—including its fantastic skyline—on 59-Mile Scenic Drive, a marked route that winds through the city center and along the coast with plenty of possible stops en route. Watch windsurfers tackle the waters of Mission Bay Aquatic Park, peruse downtown’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, or visit the Hotel del Coronado, San Diego’s fabled Victorian beach resort.
RELATED: San Diego Bargains
More places to visitCalifornia, Napa, San Diego, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Monterey.
You might also like...
Tahoe’s beloved 12-mile Rubicon Trail winds along shoreline cliffs and through pine- and fir-filled forests.
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Invest in some advance planning, and it’s easy to find free things to do in the Golden State.
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Honolulu, Hawaii on a Budget
BY LAURA KINIRY JANUARY 11, 2018
This article was first published in Winter 2016. Some facts my have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
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“Is dest laciusa nis nones vidit voluptatiusa dolor aliae comnien ditaes anduciis perum eos nem sectoru ptasperio. It tem sunto dest peditiat et estorio reptatibus. Duntus rendell uptatius dest, ium ea volo que pore imusdae net voluptaecte none si consequam ea dolum ima dolenist sit simpost pererci qui. Dae pelendi utae quistrum.” —ANATOLIY LUKICH
Hotel del Coronado along San Diego’s 59-Mile Scenic DrivePHOTO: EQROY/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Free Things to Do in Your Favorite California Cities
California’s top cities aren’t known for being budget friendly, but if you look hard enough, it’s amazing how many free activities and attractions are available. With a little planning, you can learn to swing dance in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, discover Lake Tahoe history, and sample an array of international cuisines in San Diego's Balboa Park—all without spending a dime. Here's a sampling of free things to do in the regions of your favorite California cities:
San Francisco
Whether it's spotting snowy egrets in the marshlands of Crissy Field or snapping selfies with LucasFilm's beloved outdoor Yoda Fountain, there's plenty to do on a budget in the Presidio. Along with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and one of the city's most popular beaches, San Francisco's former military base turned national park is also home to Fort Point National Historic Site.
The massive mid-19th-century seaside fortification just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge offers free entry and 30-minute guided tours (schedule varies daily; check with staff on arrival.) Near the Main Post, the Presidio Officers' Club is a museum and cultural center combo that celebrates Presidio history with free exhibits, jazz nights, and ongoing archaeology digs. A free PresidioGo shuttle runs throughout the park, seven days a week.
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS: Save up to $6.99 on tickets to California Academy of Sciences
Become well versed in downtown art deco masterpieces, the Haight-Ashbury's hippie culture, and even Hitchcock filming locations with San Francisco City Guides’ free excursions. The library-sponsored non-profit now hosts approximately 30 different tours each month, including its newest: tales of mayhem and murder at Nob Hill's Fairmont Hotel. Tours run 1.5–2 hours, and reservations are not required; just show up at the specified time and place and be prepared to walk.
Ride a bike, learn to swing dance, or partake in the 6th Avenue roller disco during Sundays in Golden Gate Park. Each week, the park's John F. Kennedy Drive is closed to vehicles from Kezar Drive to Park Presidio Boulevard, transforming this 1.4-mile stretch into a sea of outdoor enthusiasts. If you're lucky, a hodgepodge of jazz musicians will be performing in a tunnel near the Conservatory of Flowers, taking advantage of its supreme acoustics to put on an unforgettable show.
RELATED: 10 Things to Do in Golden Gate Park
You might also like...
Save on air, car, and hotel with AAA Travel.
Experience the Magic of Membership
Honolulu, Hawaii on a Budget
Invest in some advance planning, and it’s easy to find free things to do in the Golden State.
Fort Point Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate Bridge
PHOTO: YHELFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
BY LAURA KINIRY JANUARY 11, 2018
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This article was first published in Winter 2016. Some facts my have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
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Book travelHOTELS 5
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Free Things to Do in Your Favorite California Cities
California’s top cities aren’t known for being budget friendly, but if you look hard enough, it’s amazing how many free activities and attractions are available. With a little planning, you can learn to swing dance in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, discover Lake Tahoe history, and sample an array of international cuisines in San Diego's Balboa Park—all without spending a dime. Here's a sampling of free things to do in the regions of your favorite California cities:
San Francisco
Whether it's spotting snowy egrets in the marshlands of Crissy Field or snapping selfies with LucasFilm's beloved outdoor Yoda Fountain, there's plenty to do on a budget in the Presidio. Along with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and one of the city's most popular beaches, San Francisco's former military base turned national park is also home to Fort Point National Historic Site.
The massive mid-19th-century seaside fortification just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge offers free entry and 30-minute guided tours (schedule varies daily; check with staff on arrival.) Near the Main Post, the Presidio Officers' Club is a museum and cultural center combo that celebrates Presidio history with free exhibits, jazz nights, and ongoing archaeology digs. A free PresidioGo shuttle runs throughout the park, seven days a week.
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS: Save up to $6.99 on tickets to California Academy of Sciences
Become well versed in downtown art deco masterpieces, the Haight-Ashbury's hippie culture, and even Hitchcock filming locations with San Francisco City Guides’ free excursions. The library-sponsored non-profit now hosts approximately 30 different tours each month, including its newest: tales of mayhem and murder at Nob Hill's Fairmont Hotel. Tours run 1.5–2 hours, and reservations are not required; just show up at the specified time and place and be prepared to walk.
Ride a bike, learn to swing dance, or partake in the 6th Avenue roller disco during Sundays in Golden Gate Park. Each week, the park's John F. Kennedy Drive is closed to vehicles from Kezar Drive to Park Presidio Boulevard, transforming this 1.4-mile stretch into a sea of outdoor enthusiasts. If you're lucky, a hodgepodge of jazz musicians will be performing in a tunnel near the Conservatory of Flowers, taking advantage of its supreme acoustics to put on an unforgettable show.
RELATED: 10 Things to Do in Golden Gate Park
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BY LAURA KINIRY JANUARY 11, 2018
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This article was first published in Winter 2016. Some facts my have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
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5 Exciting Additions to Disneyland Resort
At Disneyland Resort, 2017 saw the introduction of MaxPass, the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the return of the Rivers of America, and 2019 will bring the debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of exciting new additions coming to the Southern California theme park in 2018. Here are five new attractions to look forward to.
Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire
If watching (and re-watching) The Last Jedi and riding Tomorrowland’s recently updated Star Tours simulator isn’t enough to slake your anticipation for Disneyland Park’s upcoming Star Wars land, head at hyper-speed to Downtown Disney and experience Secrets of the Empire. The newly opened virtual reality experience from The Void combines 3-D headsets and motion-tracking sensors with physical effects to put you and three friends into the middle of your own galactic adventure. Watch Rogue One before playing, so you’ll recognize some friendly faces, and book your appointment in advance to avoid waiting.
A Wrinkle in Time
For the millions who grew up with Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless tales, the upcoming film from director Ava DuVernay fulfills the dream of bringing A Wrinkle in Time to life on the big screen. The movie—which stars Oprah Winfrey (Mrs. Which), Reese Witherspoon (Mrs. Whatsit), and Mindy Kaling (Mrs. Who)—doesn’t open until March 9, but Disney California Adventure Park guests can catch a special 4-D preview (complete with in-theater special effects) at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land beginning February 9.
New Dumbo Queue
Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been a favorite ride of the young (and young at heart) since Disneyland Park’s 1955 debut, but on a hot day, its open-air queue is anything but the happiest place on Earth. Fans will rejoice to learn that the classic attraction, which is currently closed, will reopen in early spring with a new shaded waiting area, plus a fresh coat of paint. Disney hasn’t announced plans for adding FastPass, so early mornings and during the parade will still be the best times to ride.
Incredicoaster
Pixar Pier has always been the problem child at Disney California Adventure Park. Originally inspired by tacky seaside carnivals, it was rethemed in 2010 as a quaint Victorian boardwalk. Hopefully, the third time’s the charm, as it’s now being transformed into Pixar Pier, home to the computer animation studio’s beloved characters. The centerpiece will be the Incredicoaster, which will merge the thrills of the California Screamin’ roller coaster with the fun superhero family of the Incredibles movie (and its sequel, arriving this summer). Be sure to grab a FastPass or use the speedy single-rider line when this popular attraction returns this summer.
Pixar Fireworks
While Disney California Adventure Park prepares for the arrival of Pixar Pier, the original Disneyland Park will celebrate the resort’s first-ever Pixar Fest, starting April 13 with Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular. Building on 2015’s successful Disneyland Forever fireworks show, this immersive presentation will bring favorite Pixar scenes to life with pyrotechnics, projections, and even a flying Buzz Lightyear. The best viewing is from Main Street U.S.A. (between the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner and Photo Supply Co.), but the crowds are less crushing around It’s A Small World.
RELATED: 9 Great Disneyland Food Experiences
Fort Point Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate BridgePHOTO: YHELFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Check out these fantastic new experiences, from virtual Star Wars to a refreshed Dumbo.
BY SETH KUBERSKY JANUARY 11, 2018
This article was first published in Winter 2016. Some facts my have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
Presented by Disneyland
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