Jetsettersblog

New Attractions At Futuroscope For 2009

Futuroscope is bringing guests three fantastic attractions which will be new for 2009, which appeal to the senses and a wide audience.

Cosmic Collisions

Cosmic Collisions sends Futuroscope visitors shooting into outer space and the raging celestial impacts that created our past, affect our present and will determine our future. During the attraction, blocks of rock and ice collide to form the moon, an asteroid crashes into our planet and changes life on Earth and lives hinge on the explosions that rampage at the centre of the sun. Asteroids, stars and planets are in a state of perpetual motion, drawn into collisions by gravitational forces. This show and its captivating effects beneath a midnight-blue dome provide a new perspective on space exploration.

Fly me to the Moon in the IMAX

Fly me to the Moon offers the audience a different perspective of the 1969 space shuttle to the moon. As Apollo 11 waits for blast-off, three flies - Nat, I.Q. and Scooter - are playing at astronauts near Cape Canaveral. Nat talks his friends into getting on the rocket ship by hiding in the helmets of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. This animated 3D film takes children and adults along for the ride with the heroes of space conquest.

The Blue Note Mystery – New Evening Show

Mike is a popular DJ, a womaniser and a show-off; MP5 is a virtual DJ, arrogant and sarcastic, crammed with technology. In this attraction, they clash in a musical face-off to reach the greatest of all magical sounds: The Blue Note. When The Blue Note appears - as a face of unimaginable purity - only to disappear a moment later, the two musical duelists decide the to go searching again for the note that releases untold sonic sensations.

Decibelle, the little flying fairy, guides them through a multi-coloured world of graphic waves, percussions, sound slides in a journey of exploration and poetry generated by lasers, giant images on water screens and jets of flame and light.

The South Lakes for Families

The Southern Lake District is speculating that it can probably offer more family fun within fewer square miles than any other region of the country this summer, as its plethora of attractions pull out all the stops to keep the area at the forefront of English tourism.

There are certainly some real treats in store for families visiting the honey-pot that is the South Lakes, as the beautiful region uses it resources to help inspire young minds and fill family stays with fun.

The great news is that families can keep their carbon footprint to a minimum, by parking up the car and either cycling between attractions, or using ‘hopper’ services, such as Mountain Goat minibuses, the Cross Lakes Shuttle, or the public bus service around the lake.

Capture Cumbria’s Colours at Dove Cottage, Grasmere

The wonderful Dove Cottage, in Grasmere, is using its Wordsworth connections and inviting youngsters to paint, draw or colour scenes from Wordsworth’s poems, or compose a poem themselves. They can also make their own Dove Cottage guide book, solve quizzes and try their hand at jigsaws, with all of these activities being staged in the family activity room opposite the cottage.

All activities are free with a purchased ticket, which costs £7.50 for an adult and £4.50 for a child, providing the opportunity to tour Wordsworth’s family home and see how the Wordsworths lived. A family ticket costs £17.20. A ticket also includes a guided tour of Dove Cottage, admission to the Wordsworth Museum, Art Gallery and special exhibitions and free parking for the duration of a visit.

The Foyle Room for family activities is open daily, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm-5pm, with this summer holiday’s programme available to August 31. Dove Cottage itself opens daily at 9.30am and closes at 5.30pm, with last admission at 5pm. Visit www.wordsworth.org.uk for more details.

Tea with Bea & P in Bowness

Moving down the eastern side of Lake Windermere to Bowness, families will find the World of Beatrix Potter – another stunning attraction drawing inspiration from the district’s links with famous writers, poets and artists.

During August, some special activities will top-up the usual visitor experience, which allows families to explore the characters and themes of all 23 of Beatrix Potter’s tales, breathing the smells of the countryside and seeing the sights that inspired such wonderful children’s stories.

Adults and children can have tea with Peter Rabbit, tucking in to delicious sandwiches, sticky cakes and mouthwatering biscuits. “Beatrix Potter” will read The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Peter will be offering plenty of hugs to youngsters. On this day, the tea is included within the entrance fee of £6 per adult and £3 per child, on this day.

With a Virtual Walks display, innovative exhibits and a short video to view, there’s lots to keep everyone occupied.

Visit www.hop-skip-jump.com for more information.

Tribal Treats at Lakeside

Moving around the lake, visitors will find the Lakes Aquarium in tribal mood, as it hosts its Tribal Global event. This event, running to August 15, is full of colour and craft, offering visitors the opportunity to make a dreamcatcher or a Native Indian head-dress, head down a Matching Pairs quiz trail, or create a design for the attraction’s totem pole.

They can also learn about tribal food, tucking in to grasshoppers, grubs, water beetles, crickets and scorpions, if they wish to experience the diet of other cultures around the world.

These exciting activities take place between 11am and 12.30pm and 2.30pm and 4.00pm, each day to August 15, for no extra charge once the admission price is paid. Tickets cost £8.50 for an adult, £5.50 for children and £7.00 for concessions and give families the chance to see diving ducks perform in the amazing underwater tunnel, otter feeding and the fabulous, new Virtual Dive Bell, which transports visitors to the bottom of an African lake.

With informative talks from the display team, a restaurant with a stunning view of Windermere and a range of creatures from freshwater lakes and areas around the world, this is a not-to-be-missed venue. The Aquarium opens daily at 9am, closing at 6pm, with last admission at 5pm.

Visit www.lakesaquarium.co.uk for more information.

Luckily, the Aquarium is next door to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway’s Lakeside station and also by one of Windermere Lake Cruises departure and stopping points.

Victorian Elegance at Haverthwaite

Whilst the cruise ships will be allowing visitors to appreciate life on and alongside the beautiful lake, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway will be whisking them back in time. On August 5, 12, 19 and 26, FR20, the oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive in Britain, will depart Haverthwaite at 6.45 pm, on a special Victorian journey.

As passengers relax in lovingly restored carriages, soaking in the beauty of the Leven Valley, they will be transported to Lakeside, where Windermere Lake cruise ship MV Tern will welcome them on board for a 35 minute, early evening cruise.

Passengers will be encouraged to dress for the occasion, in a Victorian style, as they recapture the spirit of Victorian Lake District visitors, who plumped for a Grand Tour of the Lakes when Napoleonic Wars made a tour of Europe impossible. Dressing up is not compulsory, though railway staff will be in costume.

There is the option to book a delicious two-course meal, based on locally sourced Cumbrian produce, in the Station Restaurant, at an additional cost. Those wishing to purchase tickets for railway journey and cruise can do so for £13 for an adult and £6.50 for a child. The price for train, boat and meal is £21.95.

Book now on 015395 31594

or visit www.lakesiderailway.co.uk

A-maze-ing Adventures in Sedgwick

Those wishing to simply lose themselves in nature can certainly do that a few miles outside Kendal and a short drive from Lake Windermere, at the Lakeland Maize Maze, at Raines Hall Farm, Sedgwick. There, a tour of this year’s farm-themed maze, with its two quiz trails, costs £5.50 for an adult and £4.50 for a child, providing hours of fun travelling through the maze and relaxing on the farm, where a range of animals and activities are on hand.

A tour of the maze takes between 90 and 120 minutes, but then there’s the chance to also tackle the arrow and rope maze, play giant draughts, ride coin-operated mini tractors, go karts and ascend the climbing wall. Hugging a guinea pig in Pets Corner is also very popular.

Visitors can also pick their own sweetcorn, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride, have a go at trampolining, or head to the picnic area to eat their own choice of food.

The maze is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 4.30 pm.

The maze is open to Sunday, September 28, seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm. There is also a moonlight maze every Saturday in September, with entrance from 6pm to 9.15pm and final exit at 10pm.

Visit www.lakelandmaze.co.uk for more information.

And there’s more …….

With other attractions within ten miles comprising Rydal Mount (Wordsworth’s home for 37 years), Sizergh Castle and Gardens, Holker Hall and Gardens, Levens Hall and Gardens, Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s home), Kendal Museum, The Quaker Tapestry, The Lakeland Motor Museum, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Blackwell – the Arts and Crafts House, the Firefighter Experience and Brantwood, there’s plenty to keep everyone amused.

For more information on the South Lakes, visit

www.southlakeland.gov.uk

Western Lake District For Family Fun

If your inspiration of what to do with the children during the holidays has already dried up, that of attractions in the beautiful Western Lake District hasn’t, with a wide variety of very different activities on offer, to help you amuse the kids.

LET THE CHILDREN MAKE A NOISE

The newly refurbished, lighthouse-shaped attraction, The Beacon, is allowing children to let of steam in Make A Noise workshops, designed for children aged 3 to 12. These are musical instrument workshops with an exciting difference, in which children can make unusual types of instrument, such as a Mexican bird rattle, or a Peruvian rain stick, out of a variety of different materials.

The workshops cost £2 per child per session and run during mornings and afternoons. Morning workshops take place between 11am-12pm and afternoon sessions run from 2pm to 3pm. Under 8s needed to be accompanied by an adult and pre-booking is essential.

Visit www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk for more details.

BECOME WELL-VERSED IN GEORGIAN LIFE

At Wordsworth House, in Cockermouth, there’s lots going on throughout the summer months, every day bar Sunday, when the attraction is closed.

On Mondays, (11.30- 1pm) visitors can join a drop in session to decorate a pastry fish in the Georgian kitchen of this National Trust property that was once home to the Wordsworth family.

On Tuesdays, the activity will focus on creating a traditional, scented pomander and on Wednesdays a fragrant, lavender bag.

On Thursdays, there’s a different activity each week. On August 7, children can join a drop in workshop, running between 11.30 and 1pm, or 2pm-3.30pm, that will enable them to make a gorgeous butterfly or bug mask.

There are family tours of the garden taking place between 12 and 2.30pm, that will reveal the secrets the young William Wordsworth and his sister enjoyed when at play here.

Visitors arriving on a Friday can enjoy a taste of Georgian cookery, taking away recipes from the Eighteenth Century, to try out at home.

On Saturdays, a physical challenge awaits, as visitors are invited to try their hand at a game of skittles, taking on Wordsworth House’s manservant (12 - 2.30pm).

There are talks, readings and trails to enjoy every day, Monday to Saturday, when the home is open between 11am and 4.30pm, with last admission at 4pm. Entrance costs £5.60 for an adult, £2.80 for a child and £14.50 for a family ticket, admission giving visitors the chance to enjoy all events for free. Visit www.wordsworthhouse.org.uk for more details.

HAVE FUN FOOLING AROUND

At Muncaster Castle, near Ravenglass, in the Western Lake District, there’s a summer of fun in store for families who like fooling around.

Every Sunday and Monday, there will be events at which a past or present Fool of Muncaster will be entertaining visitors with a sublime and totally off-the-wall blend of humour and frivolity.

Muncaster is also home to beautiful gardens, described by John Ruskin as ‘the Gateway to Paradise’. These include the Sino-Himalayan garden, in which many rare species can be found.

It is also the location of The World Owl Centre, which has wide collection of these birds, from diminutive pygmy owls, to strange fish owls. A Meet the Birds show takes place during the afternoon, allowing visitors to learn much more about these reputedly wise old creatures.

In the Meadow Vole Maze, families can help the 2.5 inch, vertically challenged Max Meadow Vole find his way safely out of 7 foot tall grass, thanks to a realistic, sensory experience that communicates the dangers wild creatures face.

With a wildfowl pond, play gardens, gift shop, Creeping Kate’s Pantry and Heron Happy Hour, there’s lots to see and do.

Muncaster is open from 10.30 am to 6pm during the summer. Entrance costs £7.50 for gardens, owl centre and maze for an adult and £5.50 for a child. A family ticket costs £24 for two adults and two children.

An upgrade of £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child, or £5 for a family of four, is available to those wishing to also tour the castle, reputedly haunted by the spirit of the legendary Tom Fool. The castle does not open on Saturdays and has opening hours of 12 noon to 4.30pm.

For more information about the Western Lake District, visit www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

Hong Kong Ocean Park embraces Kung Fu Panda

Hong Kong Ocean Park’s young panda couple Le Le and Ying Ying will soon embrace a ‘Kung Fu star’ panda named Po, whose lifelong dream of being a Kung Fu master finally comes true in DreamWorks’ latest animated feature Kung Fu Panda.

Hong Kong Ocean Park and DreamWorks Animation SKG jointly present a Kung Fu Panda themed attraction, as the highlight of this year’s summer event at the park. The attraction will bring to life scenes and icons of action-packed adventure Kung Fu Panda, which started showing in cinemas around the world last month.

As one of the only theme parks in the world that is home to four giant pandas, what better platform to present Kung Fu Panda than Hong Kong Ocean Park?

Le Le and Ying Ying came to Hong Kong in 2007 as a gift to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China.

www.oceanpark.com.hk

Hong Kong Disney opens It’s a Small World

Hong Kong Disneyland has opened the classic boat ride “It’s a Small World”. The attraction is the largest indoor ride at the park.

The Hong Kong Disneyland version features 38 classic Disney characters, added to scenes where their stories originated, as well as 241 moving and talking figures of children dressed in different national costumes. It also includes an expanded Asian scene, a Middle Eastern scene and a new scene for North America.

The song “It’s a Small World (after all)” is sung in 9 different languages, while the finale features a spectacular “curtain call” with some extraordinary optical lighting effects not seen on any other Disney ride.

www.park.hongkongdisneyland.com

Mallorca’s Big Blue Aquarium

(Palma Aquarium)

The vast oceans have always held a deep attraction to mankind. Adventurers who tried to tame the seas to discover new lands, were soon followed by scientists and then divers, all fascinated by the wealth and diversity of life that dwells within them. Every day tens of thousands of people stand at the water’s edge somewhere on the planet, facing the horizon and contemplating the wonders of the oceans that hold the key to all life.

When Palma Aquarium set out to create its own ocean experience it was always going to be big. Imagine a huge sea tank built on land that allows visitors to stand on the seabed level and watch the marine world go by. The scale of this ocean space has to be seen to be believed. In fact, if you can visualize a total of 78 Routemaster buses stacked two high by thirteen wide and by three long, then you can begin to understand the enormity of the picture, that of the deepest aquarium in Europe.

The underwater vista at Palma Aquarium changes every second. No two moments can ever be the same so your trip there is bound to be unique and very memorable. There are more than 8,000 marine life specimens living in perfect harmony in this man-made environment that has been so carefully recreated that even coral is growing there at this very moment.

What is even more amazing is that this is just one of the 55 underwater environments full of marine life for you to see. As you stroll through Palma Aquarium you take a trip around the oceans and seas of the world stepping comfortably from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific and from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean – and all without getting your feet wet.

However if you do happen to be a qualified diver and brave of heart, you can don your scuba gear and dive with the sharks and become part of the underwater vista, and get a fish eye view of people watching you, watching them, watching you!

If you would like to get up close and personal with 700 species of marine life including manta rays, seahorses, moon fish, guitar sharks, sand tigers and an extraordinary collection of live corals (which contrary to a common misconception are not plants, but animals), Palma Aquarium is located in its namesake on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.

www.palmaaquarium.com

CORAL WORLD

With a long history acquired over 30 years of professional aquarium development, Coral World International is a specialist and world leader in setting up marine parks. Its aquaria are known for being the most beautiful in the world, with the group running four aquaria at present: The Underwater Observatory in Eilat, Israel, Maui Ocean Center in Hawaii, United States, AQWA in Perth, Australia and now Palma Aquarium in Palma de Mallorca.

Two key factors in the business strategy contribute to this recognition: the richness of the flora and fauna in the settings playing host to the marine parks and the faithful reproduction of marine ecosystems and habitats.

The company was set up at the beginning of the seventies. Founder Morris Kahn – an enthusiast of the marine world and a great fan of diving and sailing – was enjoying a family holiday at the Red Sea when a small accident stopped him from going out diving; this lack of activity made him think about how, for most people, the secrets of the ocean remained hidden and inaccessible. His desire to share his admiration for the beauty of the deep drove the businessman to build a marine observatory allowing the beauty of the Red Sea and the marvels of marine nature to be admired. In this way, the Eilat Underwater Observatory came about on the coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba in Israel.

The concept did not take long to see great success.

The Observatory gradually extended its facilities to include new galleries with conventional aquaria, the business becoming world leader in the area. At the beginning of the eighties, with five group aquaria, Kahn turned to his son Benjamin for support, who is the present company chairman.

Coral World enjoys global recognition in the world of underwater research, thanks to a methodology developed by the company making coral reef reproduction possible.

The company’s policy is based on its philosophy of promoting the right esteem, respect and passion for the underwater world.

Buena Park is the Center of Attractions

Buena Park, CA – Located only 22 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Buena Park offers visitors some of California’s most exciting tourist attractions. From Medieval knights to swashbuckling pirates to Snoopy, there is something for everyone in Buena Park. The area of Beach Boulevard
offers a world of excitement, entertainment, and endless fun!

America’s most famous amusement park, Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park, is full of adventure and surprises. Joining the already impressive collection of roller coasters and thrill rides which includes, Xcelerator, GhostRider, Perilous Plunge, Supreme Scream, and Silver Bullet, is Pony Express – The Ride, which debuted in May of 2008.

Named after the famous Pony Express which promised a faster mail service on the North American continent, Knott’s Pony Express promises a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West! While sitting astride one of the team’s 16 horses, riders will leave their post with their steed launching them at a speed of 0-38 mph in less than 3 seconds. The terrain for the mounted riders will be rugged as they navigate an ascending banked turn to a height of 44 ft., then through a series of heartpounding 60-degree turns, camel backs and tight maneuvers resulting in an exhilarating runaway
adventure!

To cool off you can make a splash at Knott’s very own water park, Knott’s Soak City, offering 22 water rides and 7 tubes and body slides. Its newest water slide, Pacific Spin, carries passengers through a 5,000-gallon swirling funnel to a waterfall splash into a pool. Knott’s Soak City is
across Beach Boulevard from Knott’s Berry Farm and is Southern California’s most fun-filled water park. Separate admission tickets are required.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament invites visitors to delight in its magic and pageantry. Jousting, sword fighting, and gallant knights on horseback provide the entertainment as guests feast on an authentic four-course banquet all held in the Castle’s 1120-seat Grand Ceremonial
Arena. The colorfully attired knights and squires parade a team of champion horses as they compete in games of skill followed by a to-the-death jousting match. Visitors can also see Medieval Times’ beautiful horses trained in an outdoor training facility that is open to the public and free of charge.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure transports its guests back to the 1800’s as a classic tale of good versus evil is told. The story is set in an indoor arena where a full-size replica of an 18th century Spanish galleon is set afloat in a 250,000-gallon lagoon. Guests are shanghaied by Captain Sebastian the Black and his band of renegade pirates. The show features an astonishing display of special effects wizardry combined with amazing aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and dynamic duels, all unfolding as guests enjoy a four-course meal.

Ripley’s “Believe It or Not!” allows visitors to learn about the travels of Robert L. Ripley. For years Ripley canvassed the globe searching for the bizarre and the beautiful. Housed in this 10,000 square foot “Odditorium” are some of his collected treasures. Among the many unique objects on display are a work of art made entirely of clothes dryer lint, a flea circus with fleas in costume, shrunken heads and more.

After visitors have explored everything Buena Park has to offer, it’s time to visit the neighbors. Buena Park is ten minutes away from the Disneyland Resort featuring Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Universal Studios Hollywood is only 50 minutes away, and Legoland, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo are all wonderful day trips. Buena Park is also about 30 to 45 minutes away from the beautiful Southern California beaches of Huntington, Laguna, and Newport, and Catalina Island is a short boat ride away.

For more information on Buena Park, write the Buena Park Convention and Visitors Office at 6601 Beach Boulevard, Suite 200, Buena Park, CA 90621-2904, call 800/541-3953 from the U.S.A. or Canada, call 714/562-3560 from other international locations,

or e-mail tourbp@buenapark.com

You can also visit their website at www.visitbuenapark.com

Buena Park Accommodations

Buena Park, CA – Buena Park has an abundance of accommodation choices, with 5 hotels and 7 motels offering a combined total of 1800 rooms, all located just 10 minutes from the Disneyland Resort and a short walk from all of Buena Park’s attractions.

Located just steps from the world-famous attraction of Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park is the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel. The hotel and resort includes 320 guest rooms and all-new amenities consistent with a destination resort hotel, such as tennis and basketball courts, a golf pro, fitness center, and sauna. Wireless Internet is available in all public areas and guest rooms for a nominal fee. For meetings or special events, there is 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space including an 8400-square foot grand ballroom. The hotel is located within walking distance to Medieval Times and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Complimentary shuttle to Disneyland is available.

Holiday Inn Buena Park Hotel and Conference Center features 248 deluxe guest rooms equipped with hairdryers, irons/boards and voice mail. Holiday Inn also provides free scheduled shuttles to Disneyland and Buena Park attractions, a restaurant and lounge, the area’s largest swimming pool, whirlpool, gift shop, in-room movies, fitness center, three ballrooms, and additional breakout rooms. Free high-speed wireless Internet service is available throughout the hotel. Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm packages are also available.

At the Radisson Suites Hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary full American breakfast buffet. All 200 suites come with refrigerator, microwave, wet bar and separate living area with a fold-out sofa bed. Guest rooms open onto a lush garden setting with a heated pool and spa. Radisson Suites also offers free shuttle service to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park, and packages to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park, Medieval Times and Universal Studios Hollywood. There is also 4000 square feet of meeting space for group meals and meetings, and complimentary hard-wired and high speed wireless Internet is offered throughout the hotel.

Courtyard by Marriott is located two blocks from Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park and 10 minutes from Disneyland Resort. The 145 guest rooms feature the new Marriott standard in bedding and complimentary services such as in-room coffee, refrigerators, remote control cable TV with HBO, separate seating areas, a large work desk, and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Wireless Internet is accessible throughout the lobby, and there is also a business center for guest use. A full hot buffet breakfast is available daily at Courtside Café, and the 24 Market is a convenient benefit to guests, with beverages and a wide variety of snacks offered for purchase.

Hampton Inn & Suites is one of Buena Park’s premiere limited service hotels with beautiful, newly upgraded guest rooms including one bedroom Executive and two-room Family Suites. Complimentary hotel breakfast is offered daily. Recently, Hampton Inn and Suites completed a renovation of its corridors, including new carpet throughout the corridors and guest rooms, new lighting, and improved, stylish signing. Also, the Buena Park property is one of the first to implement a new lobby configuration that will become part of the Hampton Inn brand standard.

Inn & Suites Buena Park, formerly the Best Western InnSuites Buena Park, is conveniently located on Beach Boulevard. Disney Park Hopper tickets with complimentary shuttle are now available for purchase at the hotel. Guests also enjoy free high-speed Internet service, heated pool and spa, a guest laundry, and a children’s playground area.

Buena Park also has some excellent and affordable motels for budget-minded travelers.

Good Nite Inn features complimentary continental breakfast, high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, a heated pool, satellite television, and in-room iron and ironing boards in its 131 rooms.

Family rooms with refrigerators and two queen beds are also available. Buena Park Travelodge is a 100-room AAA 2-diamond rated hotel and offers complimentary continental breakfast, refrigerators, and coffee makers in all rooms, and a patio area with gas grills for the use of guests. Family Suites, Executive Suites, and Sleepy Bear Dens (children’s rooms) are available. Rodeway Inn is located across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm’s main gate and features rooms with king or queen size beds, guest laundry, refrigerators in every room, heated pool and a free continental breakfast. Rooms with kitchens are also available.

 Super 8 Motel, formerly the Quality Inn & Suites, is under new management. Its amenities include free high-speed Internet access, outdoor heated pool, guest laundry, 45-channel satellite television, and family suites. Complimentary continental breakfast is also offered.

 

Anaheim GardenWalk Entertainment Complex Opens

The Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center, has opened within walking distance from the Anaheim Convention Center and the Disneyland Resort.

The complex offers 440,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment areas amid manicured and unique gardens.

The first phase opened with six nationally known restaurants including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., the California Pizza Kitchen, the Cheesecake Factory, McCormick & Schmick’s Grille, P.F. Chang’s and Roy’s.

The second phase opened June 14. One of the Anaheim GardenWalk’s main features is 300 Anaheim Bowling & Entertainment Center, an upscale bowling lounge with a concierge who, upon proper fitting, delivers guests’ bowling balls to their lanes. In addition, guests can enjoy personal lane-side service while dining on menu items created by the executive chef.

Other highlights include a 14-screen movie complex with an IMAX that features first-run and classic movies; Heat Ultra Lounge, a 10,000-square-foot nightclub and special event venue; and retail stores, including a Bar Louie, Chico’s, Harley-Davidson of Anaheim, Hollister, O’Neill, Pop the Cork wine bar and Tommy Bahama. The final phase will include two hotels with a combined total of 866 guestrooms and a 400-unit timeshare property scheduled to open end of 2010.

The hotel meeting and event space will include 36,000 square feet in one hotel and 14,000 square feet in the other. Call 714-635-7400 or visit www.anaheimgardenwalk.com

Tennessee’s Dollywood New Attraction, Show

Dollywood’s 2009 season will feature the new Adventure Mountain attraction and Imagine presented by Le Grand Cirque, the new show that will headline Dollywood’s annual Festival of Nations in the spring.

Adventure Mountain celebrates the great outdoors and natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which marks its 75th anniversary in 2009.

Dollywood is located near the entrance to the national park, the most-visited in the country, which welcomes more than 10 million guests annually. Adventure Mountain, a two-acre outdoor terrain, will be located in Wilderness Pass, home of Dollywood’s coasters Thunderhead and Mystery Mine.

The $5 million addition features five different courses, including a waterfall gorge, rugged mountain trails, and zip lines.

Guests can engage in individual pursuits or family competitions. Visitors will get a rare glimpse into the lives of park rangers who protect and preserve forestland as they learn to tackle the elements. During Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, the park unveils Imagine presented by Le Grand Cirque.

Imagine delivers acts that include pole climbing, contortionists, men’s bungee, mime artists, hand balancing, unicyclists, silk ropes and a Diablo act. Imagine also is renowned for its dramatic lighting effects, which include one act performed under an ultra-violet light. Dollywood’s Festival of Nations begins March 28, 2009, and concludes April 28, 2009.

For more information, call 800-DOLLYWOOD or visit www.dollywood.com .