Madame Tussauds in Orlando and Sydney debut ‘Justice League: A Call for Heroes’ attraction

April 12, 2018

(Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds Orlando)
(Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds Orlando)

Justice will be served this summer at Madame Tussauds Orlando. The world-famous attraction revealed plans to unite an all-star cast of DC Super Heroes in an epic new experience. For the first time ever, fans of DC’s Justice League will come face-to-face with their favorite heroes in an action-packed adventure unlike any other.

From fear comes courage! Guests will get a chance to star alongside Justice League‘s Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman, as they fight to save the world from Lex Luthor’s evil corporation, LexCorp.

Developed in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment, this first-of-its-kind attraction experience combines an all-star cast with blockbuster thrills, authentic replica props and costumes that bring each character to life like only Madame Tussauds can do.

“Fans have never come this close to the action,” said James Paulding, General Manager. “Madame Tussauds Orlando, together with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, have created a Justice League experience you have to see to believe – from the unbeatable roster of DC Super Heroes to the sensational, hi-tech experiences.”

Justice League: A Call for Heroes will also debut later this summer at Madame Tussauds Sydney, part of a greater transformation across Madame Tussauds attractions around the globe to deliver live fame experiences that make guests the star of their favorite stories.

(Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds Orlando)

Justice League: A Call for Heroes

HEROES UNITE! The battle begins when the Justice League lands at Madame Tussauds Orlando on May 25, 2018. Guests who answer the call will be transported to the streets of Gotham City and Metropolis, uniting with the Justice League Super Heroes in a series of thrilling missions to destroy LexCorp’s hold on the world.

Wonder Woman guests will help to destroy LexCorp’s formidable technology that has disabled the city. By harnessing their inner super power, guests will be able to emit a powerful blast from Wonder Woman’s gauntlets to weaken LexCorp’s control over the city.

Elsewhere in the city, Lex’s experiment wreaks havoc, sending a helicopter and its occupants hurtling toward the ground. Guests will have to summon all their strength and join Superman to help lift a REAL helicopter back into the sky as onlookers cheer from the streets below.

As the battle continues, one Super Hero will remain elusive. Guests must summon Batman with the Bat-Signal. Billowing smoke and wind reveal Batman as he’s called into battle on the rooftop, ready to save the world.

(Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds Orlando)

The Adventure Starts Now

Madame Tussauds Orlando is issuing a challenge to the bravest of Justice League fans – starting now! Mother Boxes, unique artifacts with immense powers, have surfaced in five cities across the globe. The Mother Boxes must be found and brought to Madame Tussauds Orlando in order to help destroy the energy-extracting forces that threaten Earth.

Brave challengers who find the Mother Boxes will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience including a five-day, four-night trip for the winner and one guest to Orlando, plus two tickets to be among the first to help save the planet in Justice League: A Call for Heroes. Winners will also receive two tickets to MegaCon Orlando® and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. To find the Mother Boxes, follow @tussaudsorlando and #FindTheMotherBoxes on Instagram.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Each Participation Period begins with the first announcement in the corresponding Location and ends when the Mother Box is claimed or when Participation Period ends, whichever occurs first. Open only to legal U.S. residents residing in the 48 contiguous U.S./D.C., the UK, and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 yrs. of age at the time of participation. See Terms & Conditions at https://bit.ly/2qaFq3Q for participation periods, locations, prize description/restrictions and complete details. Prize winners must be able to travel to Orlando, Florida on May 21-25, 2018.  Skill test required for residents of Canada. Void where prohibited. Sponsor:  Madame Tussauds Orlando, a division of Merlin Entertainments Group plc.

For tickets and more information, please visit www.madametussauds.com/orlando or follow @tussaudsorlando and #FindTheMotherBoxes on Instagram.

ABOUT JUSTICE LEAGUE
Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Raymond Fisher, Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller star in the action adventure Justice League.

Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Justice League was directed by Zack Snyder from a screenplay by Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon, story by Terrio & Snyder. Based on characters from DC Entertainment; Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg and Geoff Johns produced the film, with Jim Rowe, Wesley Coller, Curtis Kanemoto, Chris Terrio and Ben Affleck serving as executive producers.

ABOUT MADAME TUSSAUDS ORLANDO
Madame Tussauds Orlando is an interactive wax experience where guests are guided through immersive themed rooms where they can shake hands with the President, get on stage with pop princesses, or get up close and personal with a Hollywood heartthrob and take the ultimate selfie! For more information, visit www.madametussauds.com/orlando.

ABOUT WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world.  WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (opening 2018). With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

ABOUT DC ENTERTAINMENT
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s18)

Orlando attractions and hotels that are scheduled to open in 2018

December 4, 2017

The following is a press release from Visit Orlando:

A big year awaits travelers to Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World®. Thrilling new attractions will launch guests further and faster than ever, new resorts will feature additions like future-forward “smart rooms” and rooftop lounges for firework-watching, and unique new dining experiences will arrive, ranging from a Master Sommelier’s wine bar to a 100 percent all-vegan deli.

“Every Orlando vacation is unique, with so many attractions and activities for visitors to mix and match, but 2018 will be an exceptional year for experiences that really stand out,” said George Aguel, President and CEO for Visit Orlando. “A great vacation lets you escape from the everyday and experience something new, and there is no shortage of that this coming year, ranging from being immersed in a high-speed car chase with the Fast & Furious to plunging down the world’s tallest river rapid drop.”

Visitors can get continuous updates on new attractions as well as planning tips, tickets and discounts at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination.

NEW THRILLS

Toy Story Land (Rendering courtesy of Disney)
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open Toy Story Land in summer 2018, featuring two new themed attractions, the “Slinky Dog Dash” roller coaster and “Alien Swirling Saucers.”
Fast & Furious – Supercharged (Rendering courtesy of Universal Orlando)
    • Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida will take guests on a high-octane adventure into the world of underground racing, right alongside stars from the Fast & Furious films.
    • A new nighttime show is coming to Universal Studios Florida, replacing Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular-100 Years of Movie Memories. This new lagoon show will feature animated characters, a new storyline, lighting and special effects.
Infinity Falls (Rending courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando)
    • Infinity Falls, a new rainforest river rapids ride, is coming to SeaWorld Orlando in summer 2018, featuring the world’s tallest river rapid drop.
Ray Rush at Aquatica (Rendering courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando)
    • Ray Rush will provide three new ways to slide, splash and soar at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark. With wild water jets, a colossal water sphere and swoops into giant manta wings, the raft ride is scheduled to debut in spring 2018.
The Great LEGO Race (Rendering courtest of LEGOLAND Florida Resort)
    • The Great Lego Race VR Coaster will debut as the first virtual reality roller coaster designed for children. It will open in place of the Project X roller coaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, re-imagined with a new story plus special effects.
LEGO NINJAGO: Master of the 4th Dimension (Image courtesy of LEGOLAND)
    • LEGO NINJAGO – Master of the 4th Dimension will debut Jan. 12, 2018, at the LEGO Showplace Theater at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The new short film combines 3D computer animation with 4D real-world effects, for an amazing new ninja adventure.
Nona Adventure Park
  • Nona Adventure Park will be a new water-sports park featuring an inflatable, floating obstacle course, wakeboarders pulled along by cables and a 60-foot climbing tower with a ropes course. The park is scheduled to open in summer 2018 in the Lake Nona area of Orlando.

NEW HOTELS

Universal’s Aventura Hotel (Rendering courtesy of Universal’s Aventura Hotel)
    • The Delaney Hotel, a 54-room boutique hotel in the Sodo district of downtown Orlando, will offer unique high-tech conveniences for guests such as remote check-in, digital tablet-based concierge services in every room, smart phone room keys and smart TVs. It is expected to open in March 2018.
    • Universal’s Aventura Hotel, a new value property and the sixth onsite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, will feature a 16-story gleaming glass tower with 600 guest rooms, including 13 kids’ suites, and the first-ever rooftop bar and grill on Universal property. It is expected to open in August 2018.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
    • Margaritaville Resort Orlando, a new waterfront destination resort, will feature 175 rooms, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed vacation homes and 300 timeshare units. A new dining and entertainment district is also planned, along with a 12-acre water park, a wellness center, and more. It is expected to open in 2018.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, the largest of the six convention hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, is expanding in 2018 with a new 15-story tower of 500 additional rooms, a new rooftop restaurant and lounge atop the tower with panoramic views of nighttime fireworks and new meeting space.

DINING OPTIONS

    • Disney Springs will add even more new dining experiences in 2018 including:
The Edison (Rendering courtesy of Disney)
      • The Edison, themed around a 1920s-era electric company with live entertainment, classic American food and craft cocktails
      • Jaleo, a Spanish Tapas concept by world-renowned Chef Jose Andres
Wine Bar George (Rendering courtesy of Disney)
      • Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar, serving Prohibition-era cocktails along with a menu of Roman dishes, all inspired by the true Florida history of rum-running
    • JINYA Ramen Bar, a modern Japanese restaurant featuring authentic ramen along with a variety of tapas dishes, is expected to open in 2018 in the Thornton Park neighborhood of downtown Orlando.
  • Heirloom Deli will open as an all-vegan restaurant in spring of 2018, where everything from drinks to bakery items will be 100 percent plant-based.

The Orlando Destination
Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando is the No. 1 family vacation destination, Theme Park Capital of the World®, and most visited destination in the United States. An unparalleled mix of unique experiences create cherished memories for visitors, including legendary theme parks from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, an array of world-class water parks, entertainment venues, an award-winning food scene, shopping, sports and nightlife. And, with 450 hotels, Orlando offers more lodging options than nearly any other destination in the world, from expansive resorts to uniquely themed hotels.

About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the most visited destination in the United States and, together with its 1,200 member organizations, represents the area’s leading industry. Visit Orlando is responsible for branding, selling and marketing the Orlando destination worldwide, and serves as the official visitor information source.

Halloween 2017: Orlando’s biggest attractions

September 29, 2017

The following is a press release from Visit Orlando:

This fall, Halloween fanatics flock to Orlando as the ultimate Halloween Vacation Capital. The destination, recently named AAA’s top destination for fall travel and known for immersive experiences, brings its creativity to the holiday with a host of highly themed events and attractions; hotel packages; and even the largest horror convention in the nation.

Including both family-friendly frights and extreme adult scares, over 10 weeks of Halloween festivities take place throughout the destination, including at the world-famous theme parks. October kicks off the height of the season, although some of the festivities started as early as August 25 and extend as late as November 4.

Visit Orlando, Orlando’s official visitor resource, has created a special web page to help travelers plan a ghoulish getaway. Find a few haunted highlights below, or the full frightful list at VisitOrlando.com/Halloween, and follow #OrlandoHalloween for real-time updates.

Teens and Adults: Sinister Celebrations

From extreme haunted houses to scenes from famous horror films, there are a full-scale terrifying adult frights in this destination that is traditionally known for family-friendly fun.

Dead Waters at Halloween Horror Nights 27 (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios)
  • Halloween Horror Nights 27 at Universal Studios Florida brings hordes of horrifying mutants, monsters and maniacs in its streets, nine terrifying haunted houses, five creature-filled scare zones and two outrageous live shows. For horror aficionados, the all-new haunted houses include characters from “The Shining” and TV shows “Ash vs. Evil Dead” and “American Horror Story”, and two of the scare zones are based on celebrated horror films “Trick ‘r Treat” andThe Purge.” Select nights Sept. 15Nov. 4.

    (Photo courtesy of Spooky Empire)
  • Spooky Empire, the largest horror convention in the nation, is taking place Oct. 27–29. This year’s lineup of celebrity guests includes Richard Dreyfuss (“Jaws”), John Cusack (“Better Off Dead”, “Gross Point Blank”), Joan Cusack (“Addams Family Values”, “Toy Story”), Shannon Elizabeth (“Scary Movie”) and more. Other thrills and chills at the convention include a tattoo festival, costume contest, zombie walk and film festival.
  • A Petrified Forest features two outdoor scare trails for small groups to venture through a haunted forest at night. For the uber-brave, on Total Eclipse Nights – which require a signed waiver for anyone under 18 – monsters can touch the guests, and each small group is given only one glowstick to light their path, regardless if it is dropped or stolen by a creature. Trails take place on select nights, Sept. 29Nov. 4.
  • Orlando Museum of Art’s 1st Thursdays: Ghosts & Ghouls will take place on Oct. 5. Artists will create works depicting dark, horror, goth and other Halloween themes including movie and TV icons, eerie and creepy landscapes and architecture, ghostly images, and anything associated with the paranormal and the unexplained.
  • Zombie Outbreak challenges guests to see how long they could survive a zombie apocalypse. This Halloween season and all year long, the terrifically terrifying attraction puts guests in the middle of a military base overrun with the undead.

For Families:

Kids and families can celebrate with monsters and villains, dress in costume and trick-or-treat inside some of the world’s favorite Halloween destinations.

Mickey’s Boo-to You Halloween Parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Photo by David Roark)
  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort. On select nights from Aug. 25 to Nov. 11, Magic Kingdom Park comes alive with jack-o-lanterns, special characters and entertainment for the whole family. Encouraged to come dressed for the occasion, visitors can trick-or-treat throughout the park, masquerade with costumed characters at the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, sing along at the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and end the night with a “Boo-tacular” fireworks show.

    SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular (Photo courtesy of Seaworld)
  • SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular immerses guests into an underwater “fantasea” with up-close animal encounters, trick-or-treating, playful pumpkin fish, and sea-themed arts and crafts. Guests can also reserve seats for Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween. The fun takes place select weekends from Sept. 22Oct. 29.

    (Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND)
  • Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, select nights from Oct. 14-31, includes trick-or-treating, the world’s largest LEGO jack-o-lantern, LEGO Halloween characters and a bewitching Halloween-themed fireworks show at Pirates’ Cove.

    Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience (Photo courtesy of Crayola Experience)
  • Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at The Crayola Experience, where guests can trick-or-treat while creating “monsterific” crafts and snapping “spooktacular” character photos on select days, Oct. 7–31.
  • Zoo Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, offers ghoulish fun in the wildest neighborhood in town with trick-or-treating, face painting and costume contests on Oct. 28–29.

Haunting Hotel Packages

Orlando’s hotels scare up some hauntingly good deals and fun packages for the season.

  • The Goblins & Giggles Getaway Weekends at the Gaylord Palms Resort includes story time, ghost tours, a night time pool party, trick or treating and a Monster Mash Bash costume contest and movie night under the stars. The Halloween package starts at $189 per night (plus tax, resort fee and parking) and is valid from Sept. 15-Oct. 28.
  • Halloween Happenings at Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista offers spellbinding savings with room rates starting at $69 (plus tax) for a Halloween getaway, with fun packs for kids at check in plus complimentary scheduled shuttles to the theme parks.
  • Hyatt Place Orlando Universal is offering trick or treating for all guests checking into the property. Guests can enjoy a sweet treat amenity in their room upon check-in as well as two additional complimentary drinks or treats at the Coffee to Cocktails Bar.

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Volcano Bay opens at Universal Orlando Resort

May 25, 2017

The following is a press release from Universal Orlando Resort:

Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort
Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort (Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort)

A revolutionary water theme park has risen at Universal Orlando Resort – Universal’s Volcano Bay is now open.

The park’s first guests gathered today inside the new water theme park to enjoy an authentic, South Pacific dedication ceremony commemorating the opening of Volcano Bay. The ceremony featured special performances by an array of authentic Maori entertainment, ranging from water dancers to “Haka” war dancers. The moment culminated with an eruption from the mighty 200 ft. Krakatau volcano – the park’s stunning icon.

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s third theme park and the next chapter in the award-winning vacation destination’s evolution.  Universal Orlando is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family, which has invested significantly in the destination’s unprecedented growth.  In just seven years, 25 new experiences—entire themed areas, attractions, restaurants, and hotels have been added across the destination.  Universal Orlando now has 5,600 rooms across its five (soon to be six) on-site hotels.

Volcano Bay was brought to life by Universal Creative, the same team responsible for bringing so many other groundbreaking experiences to life within Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay is a next-level water theme park, combining spectacular storytelling and incredibly immersive guest experiences with innovative technology exclusively designed for Universal to give visitors a fun-filled, hassle-free experience with their friends and family.

Spanning 25 fully immersive acres and featuring something for everyone, Volcano Bay is unlike any other water park in world.  It offers an immersive environment filled with unbelievable detail and innovative technology to enhance fun and remove hassles. Volcano Bay features:

  • More than 30 experiences including 18 unique attractions such as a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below and more.
  • The TapuTapu wearable – included with guest admission and specifically designed for use within Universal’s Volcano Bay. Features of TapuTapu include:
    • Virtual Line Access: TapuTapu allows guests to virtually wait in line for rides while enjoying other areas of the park. Their wearable will simply alert them when it’s time for their ride.
    • TapTu Play: Guests can enjoy many TapTu Play experiences throughout the park – like controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River, illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves and more.
    • TapTu Pay: Guests can make purchases throughout the entire park with their TapuTapu wearable, eliminating the need to carry cash, credit cards or a wallet throughout the park.
    • TapTu Snap/My Universal Photo Access:  Guests can take advantage of special interactive photo opportunities and selfie-spots throughout the park as well as photo opportunities on Volcano Bay’s attractions.  Their wearable will automatically link those photos to their account so that guests can view, share and purchase them at their convenience.
    • Locker Access: After renting their lockers, guests will be able to access them with a touch of their TapuTapu wearable.
  • Beautifully-themed dining locations featuring more than 60 delicious, South Pacific-inspired dishes – ranging from jerk mahi sandwiches to fresh island chicken salad to decadent chocolate pineapple upside down cake.

Orlando debuts new theme parks, attractions, resorts in 2017

May 23, 2017

The following is a press release from Visit Orlando:

Recently named AAA’s Top Destination for Memorial Day Travel, Orlando is unveiling some of the largest expansions in theme park history this week, from the enchanting alien world of Pandora to the island paradise of Volcano Bay. These historic openings are the culmination of a year filled with new offerings including phenomenal dining options and brand new resorts. It’s one of the most exciting times to be in Orlando, where all-new adventure, thrills and family fun await visitors looking for an unforgettable summer vacation.

Find more information, including exclusive insider tips, opening dates and the latest news on Orlando’s summer happenings, at VisitOrlando.com/blog.

NEW ATTRACTIONS: THEME PARKS AND MORE

  • Universal Orlando Resort: Volcano Bay, a brand new tropical island water park, will open May 25, 2017, featuring innovative, thrilling attractions and TapuTapu wearable technology for virtual queuing. The new ride, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, opened as well at Universal Studios Florida.
  • Walt Disney World Resort: Pandora – The World of AVATAR will open as a new land at Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017, which is the largest expansion in the park’s history. Also at Animal Kingdom, Rivers of Light is an innovative experience combining live performances, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular, debuted at Magic Kingdom Park. Also new is Miss Adventure Falls, a family-style raft attraction, which opened at Typhoon Lagoon.
  • SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld’s first digitally-enhanced ride experience will open June 16 when the legendary Kraken roller coaster is transformed into a virtual reality (VR) roller coaster. Electric Ocean, a new end-of-day spectacle event, will take place June 17August 5. An all-new stadium show called Dolphin Days is now open, immersing guests into the world of the ocean’s most playful ambassadors.
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort: LEGO NINJAGO World, a new immersive land, is a training ground for future ninjas. LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is a new property with 83 single-story duplexes, a themed pool and sandy play area.
  • iFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving opened a new facility next to WonderWorks on International Drive, which is equipped with two all-glass wind tunnels in an open single-story floor plan that allows I-Drive passersby to see skydivers in action.
  • Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is a brand new $30 million indoor go-kart facility on Universal Boulevard near the convention center, opening June 2017. The new facility will feature electronic go-karting, zip lines, bowling, racing simulators, a ‘sky bar,’ rock climbing, laser tag and a full-service restaurant.
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opened Heroes and Legends, showcasing the heroism of America’s early space pioneers by inviting guests to vicariously experience the thrills and dangers of America’s earliest missions through high-tech elements and special effects.
  • Fun Spot America will debut a new wooden coaster this summer, dubbed the Mine Blower. The $6 million new ride will be 82 feet tall, run nearly 50 mph and include a barrel roll inversion, a rare element for a wooden coaster.
  • A brand new Multipurpose Soccer Stadium opened in a developing entertainment center a block away from the Amway Center in downtown Orlando. The 25,500-seat stadium serves as home to the Orlando City Lions soccer team.
  • Orlando became the new home of American tennis, when the United States Tennis Association (USTA) opened a campus in the Lake Nona area of Orlando. The 63-acre complex encompasses more than 100 courts (hard and clay) and a multi-use building with a pro shop, fitness center, locker rooms, cafeteria and players’ lounge.
USTA in Orlando, Florida
  • Main Event Entertainment at Pointe Orlando is a new dining and entertainment complex with more than 100 virtual and interactive games, state-of-the-art bowling and the first free-roam multi-player VR game in the U.S.

NEW DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Disney Springs: Two James Beard Foundation winners have joined the line-up of dining options at this newly-renovated entertainment complex: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen and Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina. The new Planet Hollywood Observatory features fare from Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri, while Paddlefish offers contemporary, seafood-centric cuisine. The Polite Pig boasts a variety of wood-fired, smoked and grilled items as well as drinks on tap. Upscale steakhouse, STK Orlando also opened.

Ace Cafe Orlando, the first US outpost of the iconic London, England-based motor-diner opened May 19. An American roadside diner inspires the menu, with made-from-scratch comfort food, some British favorites and locally-sourced and green options, all at an affordable price point.

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican will join the dining offerings at I-Drive 360 this summer. The Texas-based restaurant chain will sit near the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, with a patio around the building for a view of the wheel. The Tex-Mex menu items will include a range of options, like honey chipotle salmon or cowboy queso.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is a new full-service restaurant at Universal CityWalk that offers unique takes on classic steak, seafood, pasta and more, plus an array of gourmet chocolates and desserts.

NEW ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Universal Orlando Resort: The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the fifth onsite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring 1,000 rooms and suites with a casual Caribbean theme, built around a lagoon and towering waterfall. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will also open two new towers by late May, featuring 400 additional guest rooms and suites.
  • Just five minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, the The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando will open 108 new rooms this June, completing its first phase. The resort offering two- and three-bedroom residential-style suites with full kitchens, washers & dryers and multiple bathrooms to provide all the comforts of home.
  • Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is opening a new resort recreational area in late-May. Adding to the resort’s current 15-acre recreational space, the new 23,000 square foot area will include 16 new pool-side cabanas, 400 more lounge chairs as well as an expanded kid’s pool area. The hotel is currently undergoing a $40 million expansion project, which will be complete by the fall.
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will soon include new amenities. The accommodations formerly known as “The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge” have already assumed a new name – “Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge,” and a sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area is scheduled for competition in summer 2017. Called Boulder Ridge Cove, it will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.

The Orlando Destination

Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando – Theme Park Capital of the WorldSM is the No. 1 family vacation destination and the most visited destination in the United States.  An unparalleled mix of unique experiences create cherished memories for visitors, including legendary theme parks from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, an array of world-class water parks, entertainment venues, an award-winning food scene, shopping, sports and nightlife. And, with 450 hotels, Orlando offers more lodging options than nearly any other destination in the world, from expansive resorts to uniquely themed hotels.

Universal Orlando Resort debuts Christmas attractions, including for Wizarding World of Harry Potter

April 13, 2017

Universal Orlando Resort's Christmas at Hogwarts
Universal Orlando Resort’s Christmas at Hogwarts (Rendering courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort)

Universal Orlando Resort is debuting several Christmas/winter holiday attractions, which will run from November 18, 2017 to January 6, 2018.  Access to the festivities is included in regular admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  Packages start at $165 (U.S. dollars) per adult, per night (tax inclusive) and include four-night hotel accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a four-day/three-park ticket that includes admission to all three Universal theme parks, including Universal’s new water theme park, Volcano Bay, which grand opens on May 25, 2017,and early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay.

Here are the details, according to a Universal Orlando Resort press release

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will give guests a special opportunity to see, feel and even taste what it’s like to celebrate the magic of Christmas in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

As night falls, a magical holiday transformation of Hogwarts castle will take place right before guests’ eyes.  Incredible state-of-the-art projection mapping and special effects will wrap the iconic castle, bringing holiday spirit and memorable Christmas moments from the Harry Potter series to life like never before.

Festive decor like ornate garlands will line the streets of both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.  Each storefront will be decked out with uniquely-themed decorations, and guests will enjoy special holiday themed food, drink and entertainment.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

A brand-new holiday parade experience will also join Universal Orlando’s resort-wide Holiday celebration beginning this November. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will take place in Universal Studios Florida and feature magnificent new, incredibly-detailed floats and balloons, and beloved characters like the mischievous Minions from Despicable Me, popular DreamWorks characters from “Madagascar” and “Shrek” – and even Santa Claus himself.  Universal is partnering with Macy’s, the global leader in balloon entertainment, to bring this new parade experience to life.  More details will be released soon.


2017 Global Pet Expo: New Product Showcase winners, Retail Excellence winners and other highlights

March 24, 2017

The Global Pet Expo (presented by the American Pet Products Association and the Pet Industry Distributors Association) was held March 22 to March 24, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Here are the winners of the trade show’s awards and other highlights of the three-day event.

New Products Showcase Winners

AQUATICS 

Best In Show

Seriphos Drop Off Aquarium
Elive, LLC

Second Place
Jelly Cylinder 5
Jellyfish Art LLC

Third Place
Brio 35 Urban Eco Garden
Deep Water Aquatics

BIRD

Best In Show
USA Happy Beaks Toys
A&E Cage Co., LLC

Second Place
Bird Temp – Digital Infrared Thermometer
Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.

Third Place
Eco- Friendly Bird Nest
Le Sharma Trading, Inc.

BOUTIQUE 

Best In Show
Bake-at-Home Birthday Cake Mix for Dogs
The Lazy Dog Cookie Co., Inc.

Second Place
Dodo Bird Family: Baz the Dad, Barb the Mom & Billy the Baby Dodo Birds
Merito Industries dba THINK OUTSIDE

Third Place
PetCakes Frozen Yogurt Treats
PetCakes by Lucky Paws, LLC

CAT 

Best In Show
Catysmile Backpack Cat Carrier
Primetime Petz LLC

Second Place
The Bridge
Molly and Friends Cat Furniture Company

Third Place
Side Table Cat Bed
Sauder Woodworking Co.

DOG 

Best In Show
Qwizl
West Paw Design

Second Place
PAW5 Wooly
PAW5

Third Place
TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick
TropiClean Pet Products

NATURAL PET 

Best In Show
NO-HIDE DOG CHEWS – PORK
Earth Animal

Second Place
Ruff Bone
Himalayan Corporation

Third Place
CannaBoost (TM) CDB/Hemp full spectrum extract
PawFlex, Inc.

REPTILE

Best In Show
Exo Terra Gecko Food
Hagen Group

Second Place
Exo Terra Tall Terrarium
Hagen Group

Third Place
Zilla Front Opening Terrarium
Central Garden & Pet

SMALL ANIMAL

Best In Show
Kaytee Run-About Ball LED Light Rainbow 7 inch
Central Garden & Pet

Second Place
Walkin’ Wheels Mini Wheelchair
Walkin’ Pets by Handicappedpets.com

Third Place
Kaytee Critterhome 30 x 18 Deluxe Habitat Large
Central Garden & Pet

POINT OF PURCHASE 

Best In Show
Meowijuana – Retail Display Box (Large)
Meowijuana LLC

Second Place
Earth Rated 2017 Collection
Earth Rated

Third Place
Kaytee Crittertrail Building Station
Central Garden & Pet

Global Pet Expo Retailer Excellence Awards

Here are the winners of the Sixth Annual Global Pet Expo Retailer Excellence Awards. The award ceremony took place at the Show’s Pet Industry Breakfast on March 23, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center.

The Retailer Excellence Awards are designed to honor outstanding independent pet stores in a variety of categories. The following retailers received designated awards in each of the 10 different categories:

1. Paw’s Natural Pet Emporium of Richland, WA
Best Overall Single-Store Retailer: This award recognizes a single-store retailer for excelling in sales, customer service, store design, merchandising and community service.

2. Yarn & Bone Pet Supply Co. of Camden, DE
Best Overall Retailer (2 – 10 stores): This award recognizes multi-unit retailers with less than 10 stores for excelling in sales, customer service, store design, merchandising and community service.

3. CountryMax Stores of Victor, NY
Best Overall Retailer (10 or more stores): This award recognizes multi-unit retailers with more than 10 stores for excelling in sales, customer service, store design, merchandising and community service.

4. Most Valuable Pets, Inc. of Nicholasville, KY
Best Live Animal Retailer: This award recognizes a retailer that excels in sales, promotion, display and knowledge of the dedicated live-animal category.

5. Pet Pantry Warehouse of Rye, NY
Best Merchandising: This award recognizes their outstanding creative techniques to promote sales and services.

6. The Green K9 of Mount Dora, FL
Multi-Service Excellence: This award recognizes their effective offering of a broad spectrum of services including grooming, training, boarding, etc.

7. Bark Out Loud Doggie Boutique & Café of Mansfield, TX
Best Marketing: 
This award honors effective execution in sales and promotional techniques to increase sales and customers including the use of advertising, public relations, social media and more.

8. Natural Pet Enrichment Center of North Royalton, OH
Best Customer Service: This award recognizes an unmatched level of customer service, demonstrates familiarity with products and services, etc.

9. Pet Express of Saugus, MA
Best Store Design: This award honors excellence in overall store design including merchandising displays, store layout, curb appeal and more.

10. Petsway of Springfield, MO
Best Community Service: This honor recognizes fellowship, integrity and a clear demonstration that the store is committed to giving back to the community.

Entries were judged by a committee consisting of Global Pet Expo and Pet Business Media staff members.

New Product Launches

Here are a few of the new products that launched at the 2017 Global Pet Expo.

The following information are excerpts from press releases:

(Photo courtesy of Le Petit Treat)

Le Cordon Bleu trained chef Gigi Samandari, the founder of Le Petit Treat, announced the release of new premium dog biscuits that are inspired by the flavors of France and use all-natural, non-allergenic, grain-free ingredients which are 100 percent made in the USA. The treats are made in small batches, using only grain-free, premium food-grade ingredients. The flavors are inspired by classic French dishes like Quiche Lorraine and Coq au Vin with new packaging that has a sophisticated yet vintage look.

Merrick Backcountry Hero’s Banquet (Photo courtesy of Merrick Pet Care)

Merrick Pet Care is expanding its partnership with K9s For Warriors with the launch of Merrick Backcountry Hero’s Banquet recipes, a new lineup of natural dog food & treats to raise awareness for K9s For Warriors’ work pairing service dogs with military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disability (PTSD).

Introduced at Global Pet Expo, the world’s largest pet food trade show, the new Merrick Backcountry Hero’s Banquet recipes build on Merrick’s million dollar partnership by giving pet parents a way to support K9s For Warriors while feeding a nutritious, ancestral canine diet to their dogs. Beyond the new recipes, Merrick provides all the food and treats for K9s for Warriors and has since 2015. Last year, Merrick also committed $250,000 to complete clinical research showing the effective role service dogs play in the treatment of PTSD among American military veterans.

Three new Hero’s Banquet recipes will be part of Merrick’s Backcountry line, which was introduced in 2015 and continues to be the fastest-growing ancestral canine diet in pet specialty. The Merrick Backcountry Hero’s Banquet recipes include a protein-packed kibble infused with freeze-dried raw meat; a complementary wet food; and a meaty soft & chewy dog treat. Recipes are making their ways to stores this spring. In a special K9s For Warriors promotion this July, Merrick will make a donation to K9s For Warriors for every Merrick Backcountry Hero’s Banquet item sold.

Wellness CORE RawRev (Photo courtesy of Wellness Natural Pet Food)

Wellness Natural Pet Food unveiled its first line of grain-free, raw meals and treats for dogs, Wellness® CORE RawRev and Wellness CORE 100% Freeze-Dried Treats for dogs, marking the brand’s first foray into the quickly-growing category of raw nutrition for pets. Wellness CORE RawRev combines high-protein, grain-free kibble with 100 percent pure bites of freeze-dried meat for a delicious topper, snack or complete and balanced meal. Wellness CORE 100% Freeze Dried Treats are made with just a single raw ingredient to deliver high protein with delicious flavor. At just two calories per treat, they are grain, gluten and filler free.  Wellness CORE RawRev is available in three delicious flavors for dogs: Turkey, Lamb and Turkey Small Breed recipes,. Wellness CORE 100% Freeze-Dried Treats are available in four meaty flavors for dogs: Boar, Salmon, Turkey and Beef.

In addition, Wellness Natural Pet Food introduced 28 new and improved Wellness Complete Health recipes, giving cat parents more grain-free options to choose from in a variety of flavors, forms and textures. From smooth pates to fresh cuts of savory protein in rich gravies, the new recipes offer tantalizing flavors and textures, in complete and balanced meals for cats—without grains or fillers. By taking out the grains, cats are able to enjoy more protein-packed meals filled with nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and botanicals that keep them feeling satisfied and healthy, meal after meal and year after year.

Wellness Complete Health Gravies (Photo courtesy of Wellness Natural Pet Food)

The new recipes include Wellness Complete Health Gravies, which feature delectable bits of high quality meats in ample gravy without fillers. Available in delicious flavors such as tuna, chicken or salmon, Gravies provide tasty nutrition with plenty of hydration your cats will love. Wellness also ensured cats have a crunchy, grain-free option by introducing new Wellness Complete Heath Grain-Free dry food for cats, available in three flavors for cats: Deboned Chicken (Kitten), Salmon & Whitefish Meal (Indoor) and Deboned Chicken (Adult) recipes.

Existing Wellness Complete Health wet cat recipes have also been enhanced, featuring new and improved packaging, lower pricing and are now Carrageenan free.

Grove Resort and Spa Orlando launches first phase of opening

March 13, 2017

(Rendering courtesy of The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando)

The following is an excerpt from a Grove Resort & Spa Orlando press release:

The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando (located at 14501 Grove Resort Avenue in Orlando, Florida) opened its first phase on March 10, 2017, as an expansive, 106-acre destination hotel just minutes from Walt Disney World. Set on Lake Austin, amid a portion of Central Florida’s conservation grounds, The Grove launched with 184 of its 878 residential-style suites that help simplify family and group travel. Spacious accommodations that span up to nearly 1,600 square feet are matched with a standout amenity package that will roll out in stages. Opening with three swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, two bars and lounges, a large-scale grab-and-go, a lakefront pier with watersports, and a children’s game room, The Grove will grow to also include a variety of other dining options and an on-site water park with a dual rider surf simulator, winding lazy river, and multiple water slides.

Myriad activities and residential style accommodations establish The Grove as a destination of its own, building on the benefits of the resort’s prime location near many of the city’s top attractions. Generously sized one, two, and three bedroom suites—each dressed in hues and materials that draw inspiration from The Grove’s natural surroundings—provide all the comforts of home with oversized floorplans that range between 1,264 square feet (117 square meters) and 1,544 square feet (143 square meters). Each features a living and dining area, full kitchen, up to three bathrooms, a screened balcony, and a full-size washer and dryer.

The Grove unveiled the first portion of its amenity package on opening day. Guests arriving through the spring season will be the first to enjoy the resort’s full-service Escape Spa and fitness center; three swimming pools with ample space for both play and relaxation; watersports, paddleboats, and fishing at Lake Austin Pier; traditional cocktail favorites and signature citrus-inspired creations at Zest lobby bar; an elegant, modern atmosphere, live entertainment, and a libation menu featuring craft cocktails and craft beer at Element lounge; and a selection of hot and cold self-serve food, gelato and ice cream, a barista bar, a deli with fresh-cut Boar’s Head meats and made-to-order sandwiches, as well as grocery-style items ideal for stocking the in-room kitchen, at Alfresco Market.

Association, incentive, and corporate meetings, as well as social events, will find a home at The Grove Resort & Spa. With 6,000 square feet of flexible indoor space, and poolside, lawn, and garden alfresco venues for intimate meetings or large groups, the resort accommodates up to 250 people with on-site catering and audiovisual support available.

The resort’s 221-seat, indoor/outdoor restaurant, Valencia, will arrive in late spring. There, guests will dine on Spanish, Italian, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The poolside Springs Bar & Grill, serving traditional bites such as hamburgers, chicken wings, and stone brick oven pizzas—all made with fresh, in-season, and locally grown ingredients—will open at the same time.

In fall 2017, the on-site Surfari Water Park will take center stage for families with its interactive water structure, multiple slides, more than 725 feet of lazy river, and a dual rider surf simulator. Also on deck: an indoor entertainment area and Longboard Bar & Grill, an additional poolside eatery located at Surfari Water Park. Additional guest suites are expected to open in late 2017.

The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando is owned by a joint venture between certain affiliates of Westport Capital Partners and BTI Partners, with BTI Partners as the development partner. Houston, Texas-based BENCHMARK, a global hospitality company, manages the property as part of its signature Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio.

SeaWorld Orlando launches Seven Seas Food Festival and partners with select Marriott brand hotels for discounts

March 7, 2017

SeaWordl has a 2017 promotion with select Marriott brand hotels.
(Photos courtesy of Marriott International)

SeaWorld Orlando has launched the inaugural Seven Seas Food Festival and has partnered with four Marriott brand hotels in Orlando to give special SeaWorld discounts and privileges to the hotels’ guests. The participating hotels are Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld, SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld and Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld.

According to a press release from Marriott International, the hotels’ guests will receive:

  • Complimentary front-of-the-line access at SeaWorld
  • Free scheduled transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Orlando and Pointe Orlando
  • Complimentary access to the SeaWorld Rescue World Tour
  • 10 percent off dining at SeaWorld and Aquatica
  • 10 percent off merchandise purchases of $50 or more at SeaWorld and Aquatica
  • Early entry into SeaWorld on select days all summer.

Every Saturday from February 11 to May 13, 2017, SeaWorld Orlando will host the first Seven Seas Food Festival. Guests are invited to sample and savor cuisine from all over the world, as well as local craft beers. In addition, the park will showcase live performances from musical acts such as Grupo Mania and ZZ Top.

Universal Orlando Resort announces opening date of Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

January 13, 2017

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando)

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its ride Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon will officially grand open on April 6, 2017.

According to a Universal Orlando press release, the attraction will give guests the ultimate “Tonight Show” experience as they get up close and personal with the show’s most hilarious segments before taking off on a wild and action-packed race through New York City against “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon himself.

To celebrate the attraction’s Grand Opening, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” will take the show on the road with tapings from Universal Orlando Resort from April 3 through 6. Additional details on celebrity guests and how to become a part of the show audience will be released over time.

As they experience the attraction, guests will make their way through Studio 6B to board the world’s first-ever flying theater, which seats up to 72 audience members, for the race of a lifetime. They will speed through the streets of New York City and all the way to the moon and back, encountering iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building to everything in between.

“Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” will be the first attraction at Universal Studios Florida to feature an all-new Virtual Line experience, allowing guests to spend less time waiting in line and more time discovering even more incredible thrills throughout Universal Studios. The Virtual Line system is accessible via the Official Universal Orlando Resort App or at kiosks located outside the attraction entrance.

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