Jetsettersblog

For Jumana Brodersen and the creative team currently engaged in building and fabricating Klump Island at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, “don’t sweat the small stuff” is key to delivering a new children’s attraction consistent with the quality of Tivoli and ready to welcome guests for the 2010 spring season.

The Klump Island project now being realized in Denmark is a themed entertainment collaboration across continents. Brodersen, president of The J Co LLC of St. Louis, Mo., and former corporate director of creative development with Busch Entertainment Corp., was brought on in June 2009, after meeting in Copenhagen with Tivoli’s director of design Mikkel Sonne, vice president Finn Sture Madsen and CEO Lars Liebst, as well as Egmont creative developer Per Sanderhage of Egmont, which owns the Rasmus Klump character.

Returning to the US, Brodersen kicked off creative development with a design team chosen for their expertise in themed play attractions (Elaine Swanger, Sophie Binder and Scott Neale). Klump Island offers a new immersive play experience for children and their families, themed around the world of Rasmus Klump and his friends.

Brodersen’s design ushers in a dramatic sense of arrival. Featuring three adventure zones for three age groups, Brodersen’s design provides a whole new look within Tivoli Gardens, blending Rasmus sculptural styles, textures and colors into the fabric of Tivoli. Complementing the play areas are a Rasmus-themed ride, and a restaurant specializing in pancakes, Rasmus’s comfort food of choice.

www.tivoli.dk

Tivoli CEO Lars Liebst said, “In 2009 we opened the year’s wildest ride, Vertigo, for the daredevils.

In 2010 the focus will be on children with a play world, the size and quality of which have never been seen before in Denmark, with free entry for our visitors.

We believe that Petzi [Rasmus Klump] and Tivoli fit together well: both brands are internationally recognized, and both have entertained Danish children for many generations.”

For more information, visit

Funjet Vacations launched a Florida Sale offering discounts on vacations to Florida beaches, Walt Disney World Resorts and Universal Orlando Resorts.

The sale prices are valid for travel to Aug. 31 to Orlando, Tampa Bay/Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Beach and Miami.

Included are 15 percent discounts on all Dollar car rentals.

Clients have the chance to save up to 45 percent per room with Walt Disney World Resort. The offer is available for stays most nights now through Aug. 14.

Bookings must be completed by March 27.

Clients who purchase a three-night or longer vacation to Universal Orlando and save up to 40 percent.

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee. Funjet Vacations was founded in 1974 and provides individual and group vacations via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida and Europe.

Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions, shows and more to their vacation package for added value and convenience.

The value-priced CoCo Key Water Resort-Orlando is set to debut April 15 offering a fun and affordable option for families.

The Key West-themed property combines a casual tropical hotel setting with a water park that features four pools, eight water slides and poolside entertainment designed for children ages 2-12 in a safe and friendly environment.

Bookings open for the 386-room resort, with rates ranging from $99 to $149 per room per night, and water park amenity access for just $19 per room per day (for up to four people).

“We know that affordability remains the driving factor for most families when it comes to vacation planning, so we’ve purpose-built this CoCo Key resort as an alternative that not only addresses value but also delivers a comprehensive resort experience that’s memorable and fun for the whole family,” said Frank Fry, general manager of the property.

CoCo Key features brightly colored cabanas, swaying palms, fragrant hibiscus, native artwork and thatched roofs

. The 54,000-square-foot canopy covered and outdoor water park features eight adventure water slides; CoCo’s Beach; Parrot’s Perch, an interactive play island; Minnow Lagoon featuring a zero-entry pool for younger children; Coral Reef Cove, a teen pool; and an outdoor splash pad.

Families also can enjoy a 6,500-square-foot video arcade; snack bar; outdoor lounge; Parakeet’s Playhouse, a 4,800-square-foot activities room for kids; and a function space for a variety of celebrations.

A separate grotto area can be found towards the front of the resort for adults. Biscayne Bay offers a private pool, hot tub/spa with a waterfall, fire pit and four spa cabanas for massages.

The resort has 12 buildings all themed to the Florida Keys, including eight two-bedroom suites, four junior suites, and a combination of rooms that connect not only side-by-side but back-to -back.

It also offers a $30 price break on those connecting rooms, making CoCo Key an option for larger families and groups.

Guestroom amenities include 37-inch, flat-screen TVs with high-def feeds; Wi-Fi, room service; granite showers and countertops; lighted vanities with large mirrors; and plenty of accessible outlets to charge electronics.

There is also a 1,000-square-foot fitness center featuring the latest in workout equipment; Gators Grab ‘N Go, a convenience store offering specialty coffees, ice cream treats, souvenirs and pool toys; and a business center.

For dining, CoCo Key has TradeWinds, a full-service restaurant serving breakfast and dinner; a food court including the Callaloo Grill that offers burgers, wraps, chicken fingers and soft serve ice cream; and a Pizza Hut Express.

The property is located in the heart of the Orlando vacation corridor at 7400 International Drive – a five minute-drive from Universal Orlando; five minute-minute drive from Sea World/Aquatica, and a 10-minute drive from the Walt Disney World.

CoCo Key also is a Destination Universal Resort offering guests free transportation to and from the Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk entertainment complex, as well as to and from SeaWorld and Aquatica and Wet n’ Wild.

There also is free vacation planning assistance and access to tickets and information at the Destination Universal Desk in the hotel lobby, as well as golf reservations and complimentary transportation to select area courses offered through the Golf Universal Program.

CoCo Key-Orlando, created in partnership with Wave Development LLC, Sage Hospitality Resources and CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., is the 10th CoCo Key Water Resort in the U.S. Managed and developed by Sage Hospitality Resources, other CoCo Key Water Resorts can be found in

Rockford, Ill., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, Danvers, Mass., Fitchburg, Mass., Waterbury, Conn., and Mt. Laurel, N.J.

Book CoCo Key-Orlando by calling 407-351-2626

or by selecting the Orlando tab at

www.cocokeywaterresort.com

Pleasant Holidays expanded its Hawaii “Kids Fly for Less, Stay for Free” sale to include two more islands: Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island.

Under the terms, kids fly to Oahu or Maui for $299 roundtrip, and now to Kauai and the Big Island for $399 roundtrip.

Pleasant is offering Kids stay free deals at a number of resorts on all four islands.

“Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island are great for families looking for outdoor adventure,” said Jack E. Richards, president and CEO.

The Kids Fly for Less fares apply to children 17 and under are valid for new bookings through May 15 from Los Angeles or San Francisco. The $299 to Oahu and Maui and $399 to Kauai applies on select flights departing June 1 to 9 and Aug. 16 to 31.

The $399 Big Island fares apply on select flights departing Aug. 16 to 31. Pleasant is also offering a $399 kid’s fare to Oahu and Maui and a $499 kid’s fare to Kauai valid on select flights departing June 10 to Aug. 15, and a $499 kid’s fare to Hawaii’s Big Island valid on select flights June 12 to Aug. 15.

Fares are valid for one child under 18 years per each full-paying adult with a maximum of two children per booking.

Booking must include a minimum five-night hotel stay. Applicable air taxes, surcharges and fees apply. Kid’s fares must be booked by May 15.

At Aston Hotels & Resorts, kids 12 and younger stay, play and eat for free. Kids 17 and younger stay for free at Castle Resorts & Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hawaii, Hyatt Resorts & Spas of Hawaii, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Ohana Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Prince Resorts Hawaii and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. Families can save with Pleasant Holidays’ Hot Deals that feature up to $100 off a Hertz car rental with a five-night stay.

Pleasant offers Hawaii activities and sightseeing tours online at www.PleasantActivities.com

Pleasant Holidays is one of the leading travel companies to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Las Vegas, Costa Rica, Tahiti and the South Pacific, serving more than 10 million travelers since 1959. The company provides vacation packages through its portfolio of four brands — Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World/Distinguished Resorts, Pleasant Activities, and Air By Pleasant.

For more information and reservations, call 800-448-3333.

City Running Tours will begin providing guided running tours in Philadelphia on March 15, making good use in its routing of local scenery, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Love Park, Ben Franklin’s court and the Betsy Ross house.

“Philadelphia is a great city to run in, with a beautiful blend of architecture, parks and American history all within a few square miles,” said Michael Gazaleh, founder and CEO of City Running Tours.
“A short tour can show you the well-known landmarks, while something a little longer can take you off the beaten path to the city’s lesser known jewels.

Visitors can choose between a number of pre-selected routes, or provide us with information on what they want to see and how far they want to run and let us do the planning — and after your run you’re free to eat as many cheese steaks as your doctor will allow.”

Customized routes are available to meet runners requests.

The Schuylkill River Arts Tour starts at Philadelphia’s City Hall, then runners pass through Love Park and past the Franklin Institute and Rodin Museum, the Art Museum, down Boathouse Row and out along the Schuylkill River Trail.

The Historical Tour starts on a musical note as you run by the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center, then get an up close look at the War Memorials, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell before heading in to Washington Square Park.

Cruise down Chestnut Street to Penn’s Landing before looping back around to Love Park.

The South Philadelphia route heads along South Street by some notable shopping and eating haunts, to Penn’s Landing by the Seaport Museum and Camden Battleship then to Gloria Dei Church and through the Italian Market and cheese steak eateries.

Running Tours in Philadelphia are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Tours begin at $60 for the first six miles and are $6 for each additional mile.

Each tour includes transit fare to and from the start of the tour, a bottle of water, digital photos along the route, an official City Running Tours T-shirt, and a City Running Tours goody bag filled with running essentials. A portion of the proceeds from each run is donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Founded in 2005,

City Running Tours is a provider of guided running tours in major American cities, including Boston, Charleston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The company offers both set tours and customized runs to accommodate any athletic ability, style, training regimen or specific landmarks.

For more information, call 877-415-0058 or 646-216-9989 or visit www.cityrunningtours.com

Free entrance to St. Paul’s Cathedral is now available with the London Sightseeing Pass.

Users can see the latest work by sculptor Antony Gormley as one of the many benefits of the Pass.

The new sculpture is on display in the geometric staircase of St. Paul’s, one of 55 top attractions in the city you get free access to with the London Pass.

Other attractions include the Tower of London,  The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms and HMS Belfast.

Users have priority access at the busiest sites to avoid queues, a free guidebook and over 40 additional deals and discounts.

A one-day London Pass costs £39 ($58) for adults and £26 ($39) for a child.

A two-day London Pass costs £54 ($81) for adults (£40 [$60] for children aged between five and 15 years), three-day passes are £65 ($97) for adults and £45 ($67) for children, and a six-day option costs £89 ($133) for adults and £62 ($93) for children.

For more information, visit the banner ad at right.

Universal Orlando said travel agents can now book an exclusive vacation package for their clients to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort with their families.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” includes hotel accommodations and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks — along with a wide-range of benefits available by booking through www.universaltravelagents.com

Benefits include early park admission, allowing clients to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before other guests each day, as well as a traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

When clients are booked at an on-site hotel, they can enjoy exclusive Universal Express ride access to select attractions and shows, allowing them to skip regular lines all day — a free benefit worth at least $70 per person per day.

The four-night Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package starts at $645 per adult ($1,548 for a family of four).

It includes four nights at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort; three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included); complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per day); early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; breakfast at the Three Broomsticks; and commemorative ticket for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The package is good for travel beginning May 28, 2010 (though the Harry Potter attraction is expected to open earlier).

Agents can book a four-night vacation and then add additional nights and also upgrade their client’s theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day.

Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal.

All packages and prices are available at www.universaltravelagents.com

Discovery Cove, Aquatica And Busch Gardens

SeaWorld’s parks in Florida – SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens – are not just about high speed thrills – there’s a whole world of discoveries for parents with younger children too. From the thrills of ‘my first coaster’ to covering the practicalities, like clean, comfortable baby changing facilities, SeaWorld Parks offer something for the whole family – no matter how small!

NEW FOR 2010

With nearly 3,000 animals, Busch Gardens really is the ultimate adventure park for families and opening at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this Easter is Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

This unique play land, featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends will be filled with rides, shows and adventures celebrating the spirit of Africa.

Kids can try out Air Grover; a new junior coaster, Elmo’s Safari Go-Round; a tribal carousel, Oscar’s Swamp Stomp and Bert & Ernie’s Water Hole; wet adventures filled with bubblers, geysers, jets and dumping buckets, Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile; a splashy flume ride through the Nile river and a 4D Sesame Street Show.

It’s not all about the kids though; for thrill-seeking parents, Busch Gardens offers a “Baby Swap” service at all of the major rides where adults can take turns riding the roller coasters and water rides without waiting in line twice.

SeaWorld Orlando is home to Shamu’s Happy Harbour, a dedicated land for little ones. Toddlers can enjoy ‘my first coaster’ Shamu Express (38 in. minimum height), which thrills children and parents alike while travelling down more than 850 feet of track at 26 mph.

Jazzy Jellies (42 in. minimum) lifts and spins families in oversized seats, while Swishy Fishies (36 in. minimum) takes adventurous youngsters on a spin around a giant waterspout. Shamu’s Happy Harbour also features the Sea Carousel (no minimum height), the Flying Fiddler (42 in. minimum), a giant fiddler crab that descends vertically in a quick series of short drops and Ocean Commotion (42 in. minimum), a fanta-sea themed tug boat that swings passengers side to side.

SeaWorld’s littlest guests can explore four storeys of colourful climbing nets and tunnels, nine slippery slides and a splashy water maze and there are lots of shady spots for parents to sit and keep an eye on the fun. There is also a cosy Baby Care Centre with comfortable changing facilities, private feeding rooms and pint-sized toilets.

Young families can enjoy up-close animal encounters and incredible shows throughout the park, from the hilarious theatrics of sea lions, otters and walrus in Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island to the comic talents of a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, rats, skunks, pot-belly pigs and other animals Pets Ahoy. Check the park map for family friendly show times.

Shamu & Crew characters can be found from 9am to noon every morning near the front gate, waiting to meet their little fans and even sign autographs. While older kids are riding the new flying roller coaster, Manta, younger ones can experience the incredible underwater world of tropical fish and rays in the floor-to-ceiling aquariums at the attraction’s viewing area. With over 3,000 fish and rays in 10 aquariums, there’s even a mini ‘pop up’ viewing bubble that puts them into an aquarium for an amazing 360° view, creating a perfect photo-opp for parent as they are surrounded by colourful fish.

For whippersnappers that like it wet, wet, wet, Aquatica is a one-of-a-kind waterpark from SeaWorld, immersing guests in the playfulness of the sea and boasting some of the world’s most unique water rides and animal encounters. Walkabout Waters is a splashy fun area for little ones with tipping buckets, squirting guns and mini slides, and toddlers will love playing on the sandy beaches under a shady umbrella, frolicking in the shallow end of the 84-degree twin wave pools or just watching the black and white Commerson’s dolphins. Lifevests are available in all sizes so parents can relax if their tiddlers can only toddle.

Discovery Cove is a tropical oasis where little ones can meet exotic birds, watch dolphins play and enjoy the warm waters with mum or dad at this all-inclusive luxury day out. Whilst older kids can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime dolphin swim, the younger ones can enjoy splashing around in the crystal waters and playing in the immaculate white sands. Lifevests are complimentary as are special sand baby buggies.

This Spring, the Islands of Adventure Theme Park, Universal studios, Orlando will unveil the new Harry Potter theme ride -The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Featuring two main areas: the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle the 20 acre ‘theme park within a theme park’ will enable visitors to experience scenes from the books and movies. You too can enjoy this fantastic new addition to the world’s greatest theme park as well as the new Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld®.

Inspired by the underwater flight of these powerful creatures, the ride will take you face down in a horizontal position underneath the belly of the rollercoaster train shaped like a giant Manta Ray.

With a wing span of 12 feet, the giant Manta will soar over the sea and sky in the most graceful flying coaster ever created. With all this on offer plus the brand new Aquatica water park and American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando has plenty more to offer families and specialist tour operator Thomson Tailormade is offering fabulous deals to help you on your way.

Thomson Tailormade offer 7 nights at the 2 star plus Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, Orlando from £499 per person, saving £117 per person and based on departure on 19th April 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Kids will love the colourful Family Fun Suites at this excellent value resort. Located just 10 minutes drive from Walt Disney World® Resort, the motel-style hotel is set in beautiful gardens with a kids play area and it’s own lake.

In the nearby area, you’ll find restaurants, entertainment and shops within walking distance. Facilities include two swimming pools, two restaurants, a Lounge/Bar, Convenience Store and Games room.
For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com  or call 0871 664 0273

Thomson Tailormade offer 10 nights at the 3 star Monumental Movieland, Orlando from £629 per person, saving £100 per person and based on departure on 10th May 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Its all about movies and shopping at this centrally located hotel. Just minutes away from the new Millenia shopping Mall, featuring stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus plus over a hundred shops and restaurants are all within walking distance on International Drive.

Be treated like a moviestar at this friendly hotel with excellent facilities. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Restaurant, Bar, gift shop and Games room.

For bookings and information visit the Thomson banner ad here or call 0871 664 0273

Thomson Tailormade offer 10 nights at the 3 bedroom Bronze Villas, Orlando from £649 per person, saving £70 per person and based on departure on 3rd May 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a self catering basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Thomson Tailormade’s Bronze homes have been carefully selected, offering a high level of comfort, pleasant furnishings and a choice of between one and five bedrooms.

Feel at home in the fully equipped, luxury accommodation with all the things you need to enjoy your stay, including a fully equipped kitchen and your very own private, screened swimming pool. All homes are only a short drive from all of Orlando’s major attractions, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Theme Parks and SeaWorld® and are close to a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

There are over 30 world class golf courses within an hour’s drive of the Bronze Homes, with many just a few minutes away.

Surrounded by a lush conservation area, Bronze Homes provides a peaceful haven within easy reach of from Orlando’s busy attractions. Facilities include a screened swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen and Private double garage.
For bookings and information visit the banner ad or call 0871 664 0273

Thomson Tailormade offer 7 nights at the 3 star Disney All Star Sports Resorts, Orlando from £699 per person, saving £104 per person and based on departure on 20th June 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a self catering basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village is offering rates starting at $69.

Guests who book early will receive the Orlando hotel discount price of $69, based on advance purchase and prepayment.

The Book Early and Save Orlando Vacation Package includes accommodations, wireless high-speed Internet, parking and continental breakfast.

The offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2010. Be sure that the promotional code ADP appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making an online reservation 45 days prior, or call 800-834-7015 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code ADP.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/mcolz