Jetsettersblog

Smart Destinations unveiled its Virtual Go Card, an innovative mobile ticketing technology that could apply to attractions around the world.

Delivered directly into the mobile device upon purchase, the Card lets travelers use one QR code to gain admission to their chosen attractions.

The patent pending platform also streamlines backend and operations management for attraction partners, limiting fraud and increasing destination traffic.

The card supports the world’s largest mobile attraction ticketing network of over 450 top U.S. attractions. Attraction partners can accept mobile attraction passes; offer special perks like discounts and VIP treatment; minimize the kind of fraud associated with printed passes; and minimize the inconvenience of lost tickets.

Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach Announces LEGOLAND Resort Hopper Package Including

Four Five-Day Resort Hopper Tickets

Five-Night Family Experience Lets Guests Visit LEGOLAND® California Resort New LEGO® Star Wars™

X-wing starfighter Display and Stay Just Five Minutes Away, Directly Across from the Beach

CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA — Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach has introduced a new summer package offering five-day family access to LEGOLAND® California Resort. Created in celebration of the Park’s new LEGO Star Wars™ X-wing starfighter display, the five-night LEGOLAND Resort Hopper package is available from June 14 until September 15, 2013 and offers deluxe accommodations and four LEGOLAND Resort Hopper tickets valid for five days of unlimited admission, from the day of first visit, to LEGOLAND California, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium. The package also provides complimentary transportation between Hilton Garden Inn and LEGOLAND California Resort, located five minutes from the hotel.

Providing a convenient, vacation-friendly location directly across from Carlsbad State Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is ideally situated for beach and water sports, and for visits not only to nearby LEGOLAND California Resort, but also to Carlsbad’s acclaimed shopping, dining, museum and golf destinations. The property is one of the top-ranked coastal hotels in California, offering complimentary self-parking, complimentary in-room high-speed Internet access, and complimentary local transportation.

It enjoys a relaxed, tropical setting just a short drive from SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo, 40 minutes from Disneyland, and close to popular destinations throughout San Diego and Orange Counties.

Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach offers the following in the new LEGOLAND Resort Hopper package:

• Five-nights’ accommodations for up to four people (per room)

• Four (4) five-day Resort Hopper Tickets to LEGOLAND California Resort, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and LEGOLAND Water Park. All visits must occur within five days of first visit.

• Priced from $234 per night

For further information on Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach and its five-night LEGOLAND Resort Hopper package, call 760-476-0800 or visit http://www.hiltongardeninncarlsbad.com.

About Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach receives consistently high rankings from California travelers and is among the three top-ranked hotels in the Hilton Garden Inn brand. The coastal property features a large heated swimming pool, the full-service Carlsbad Beach Bistro, and 161 guest rooms highlighted by Garden Sleep System™ Beds with adjustable firmness settings and high thread count linens. Guest rooms also feature an oversized work desk; ergonomic Herman Miller Mirra® Chair and desk-level outlets; 32-inch High Definition TV with movies, video games, and complimentary HBO®; alarm clock with MP3 Player; and two speakerphones with voicemail. Additionally guest rooms feature a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer and complimentary morning newspaper. All guests of Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach enjoy complimentary printing, complimentary hotel-wide WiFi and no resort fee charges.

Visitors will get face-to-“toothy” face with sleek and fast-moving blacktip reef sharks, 15 other major marine life species, more than 60 additional varieties of fish and a 500-pound sea turtle in one integrated, self-contained 260,000-gallon coral reef ecosystem.

With more than 1.4 million visitors each year, the National Aquarium’s highly anticipated Blacktip Reef exhibit will make Baltimore a top summer getaway for visitors without traveling thousands of miles or getting wet to experience an environment of sharks and an endangered coral ecosystem.

With one of the country’s most comprehensive recreations of an Indo-Pacific reef, the exhibit will be the new centerpiece at this top tourist attraction. It will introduce several upgrades to improve visitors’ ability to get close to the animals, including a 27-foot viewing window that curves four feet into the underwater reef itself. On the upper level, visitors will be able to look down onto the reef from viewing platforms, while the entire exhibit can be viewed on three sides. Visitors will be able to experience daily diver presentations and feedings.

In addition to the blacktip reef sharks, the exhibit’s new attractions include5-foot wide whiprays and camouflaged ornate wobbegong sharks. They will be joined by existing aquarium favorites such as Calypso, the 500-pound green sea turtle (as previously mentioned), and the beloved zebra sharks Zeke and Zoe.

Please let me know if you’re interested in learning more about the Blacktip Reef exhibit. High-res images of the Blacktip Reef sharks, highlighted animals and exhibit renderings are available here: http://aqua.org/blacktip-reef.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas has unveiled the Seascape Ballroom. The 1,675-square-foot space has four floor-to-ceiling windows that allow attendees to see into the 1.3-million-gallon exhibit, housing 30 sharks and other aquatic creatures. The space also has an adjoining outdoor patio and lounge with a pergola,

The ballroom accommodates up to 125 people for a standing reception or 80 people for a seated meal event. Attendees also have full access to Shark Reef Aquarium, including guided tours.

Buena Park Welcomes Its Fifth Attraction On Beach Blvd
Titanic & Bodies Exhibitions Slated To Open This Summer

Buena Park, Calif. — The City of Buena Park has leased the historic Movieland Wax Museum site on Beach Boulevard to Premier Exhibitions, Inc. About 40,000 square feet of the property will be used to display their extraordinary Exhibitions, Bodies… The Exhibition and Titanic The Experience.

This is a great day for Buena Park,” stated Mayor Elizabeth Swift. “This amazing new attraction will significantly increase visitors to our entertainment area, create dozens of jobs, and generate revenue into our local economy.” Both Exhibits are scheduled to open Summer 2013.

“As the industry leader in museum quality Exhibitions, Premier Exhibitions is thrilled to partner with the City of Buena Park bringing our blockbuster Titanic and Bodies Exhibitions to this expanding tourist market,” said Samuel S. Weiser, CEO and President of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. “Over 40 million visitors around the world have experienced our Titanic and Bodies exhibits, and we are confident that our transformation of the former Movieland Wax Museum site on Beach Boulevard will improve the diversity and quality of the entertainment options available to Buena Park visitors. We believe this endeavor is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and successful relationship between Premier and the city of Buena Park.”

ABOUT THE EXHIBITIONS
Titanic The Experience is an unprecedented opportunity to travel back in time and experience the wonder and tragedy of the world’s most famous ocean-liner, Titanic. Visitors are guided through the interactive Exhibition by trained actors in period costume that will portray Titanic notables such as Captain Smith and Margaret Brown. The Exhibition will feature authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the wreck site of Titanic, 2.5 miles beneath the ocean surface. These amazing objects, once thought to be lost forever, along with authentic recreations of some of the most famous rooms on board Titanic, will offer visitors an educational, emotional and poignant look at this iconic Ship and its passengers.

Bodies…The Exhibition offers an intimate and informative view into the human body. Using an innovative preservation process, the Exhibition allows visitors to see the human body’s inner beauty in educational and awe-inspiring ways. The Exhibition will feature over 200 actual human bodies and specimens meticulously dissected and respectfully displayed, offering an unprecedented and wholly unique view into the amazing body

VISIT BUENA PARK
With thrilling attractions, interactive dining experiences, and plenty of shopping options, Buena Park offers fun on just about every corner. A vacation hot spot, the lively city of Buena Park is located just five miles west of Disneyland and home to world famous entertainment – including the nation’s first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, Soak City USA, Pirates Dinner Adventure, and Medieval Times. Come and experience for yourself why Buena Park attracts millions of visitors each year. With its warm weather, family-friendly environment and world famous attractions, you don’t have to look for it because fun finds you in Buena Park. For more information please contact Visit Buena Park at 800-541-3953 or VisitBuenaPark.com.

CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER
The California Welcome Center -Orange County offers personal, concierge-style service to all visitors, including free travel brochures, maps and directions, computer and internet access, hotel reservations, and discounted attraction tickets including LA Go Cards. The center is open 7 days a week 9 am to 5 pm at 6601 Beach Boulevard in Buena Park. Call 800-541-3953 or VisitBuenaPark.com.

PREMIER EXHIBITIONS, INC.
Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRXI), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading presenter of museum quality exhibitions throughout the world. Premier is a recognized leader in developing and displaying unique exhibitions for education and entertainment including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, BODIES…The Exhibition, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, and Real Pirates in partnership with National Geographic . The success of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. lies in its ability to produce, manage, and market exhibitions. Additional information about Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is available at the Company’s web site www.prxi.com.

Los Angeles | San Diego — Thanks to the addition of new rides, shows and attractions, the Golden State’s top theme parks are a bigger, better-than-ever draw this year. From the nostalgic fun of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park to an adrenalin-pumping, immersive Transformers experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, Southern California is the place to be in 2013. Here are five great reasons you shouldn’t wait another minute to plan your visit.

1. It’s Less Expensive Than You Think — The 2013 Southern California CityPASS® admission card makes planning the ultimate theme-park getaway more affordable. The card shaves 25 percent off the cost of visiting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park (each CityPASS admission card includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket), Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld San Diego. For a family of four, that 25 percent discount is like taking one person for free. An adult Southern California CityPASS card sells for $319* (a value of $421); children’s passes (ages 3-9) retail for $279.

*Through an exclusive offer on CityPASS.com, travelers can opt to add a discounted ticket to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park to their Southern California CityPASS admission card. (Southern California CityPASS admission card cost with optional zoo ticket: $353, adults; $304, children ages 3-9. Save 25 percent.)

2. The Universe Needs Your Help —An intergalactic power struggle between two groups of alien robots — the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, both of which have the power to physically convert from such common mechanical devices as cars, trucks and planes into robotic warriors — is underway at Universal Studios Hollywood. TransformersTM: The Ride 3-D, which Universal unveiled last May, is a thrilling adaptation of the Transformers film franchise. This ambitious mega-attraction tells an original story and features seamless integration of CGI and robotics, as well as one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever designed.

3. It’s Time for Some High-octane Fun — The “Happiest Place on Earth” got a whole lot happier last summer, thanks to the opening of Cars Land, the largest piece in a five-year expansion of Disney California Adventure Park. Based on the Disney*Pixar movie Cars, this 12-acre addition to the park brings to life the stunning desert vistas of Ornament Valley and the sleepy town of Radiator Springs, both of which had previously existed only as animated film locations. Chock-full of themed shopping and dining spots, as well as terrific photo ops, the land features three major attractions: Luigi’s Flying Tires, a floating, spinning, bumper car-style ride; Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, where pint-sized tractors treat their riders to an energetic square dance; and thrilling Radiator Springs Racers, a ride that includes fun encounters with many of the Cars’ characters and ends with an electrifying race to the finish line.

4. You Can Soar Like a Manta Ray — SeaWorld San Diego’s latest, greatest attraction is Manta. Opened last May, this double-launch coaster gracefully transitions riders from the awe of watching manta rays in underwater flight to the sensation of actually being one. Shaped like a giant manta ray, this exhilarating coaster includes a 54-foot drop and multiple high-banking twists and turns. Pre-flight, a multimedia launch station — the first of its kind in the United States — envelops riders inside a 270-degree projection screen that makes them feel as though they’re underwater. A 100,000-gallon aquarium where visitors can see bat rays and a shallow pool that lets them touch and feed the rays is also part of this interactive experience.

5. More Magic and Fantasy Await — As of last month, guests at Disneyland Park could immerse themselves in the stories of their favorite Disney princesses at Fantasy Faire, an enchanting village square in Fantasyland. Along with this addition, a spectacular live entertainment experience, Mickey and the Magical Map, premiered at the Fantasyland Theatre on May 25. And throughout the year, guests will experience imaginative and unexpected events and entertainment through Limited Time Magic, 52 weeks of magical experiences — both big and small — that appear and then disappear as the next special surprise debuts!

Southern California CityPASS admission cards can be purchased online at CityPASS.com or at any CityPASS attraction. They are valid for 14 consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

For more than 15 years, CityPASS ticket booklets and admission cards have been premier products for travelers who want to visit a destination’s top attractions while enjoying significant savings. CityPASS booklets/cards are available for New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California and Toronto. For more information, visit CityPASS.com.

Prices and programs subject to change. CityPASS® is a registered trademark of City Pass, Inc., and the exclusive property of City Pass, Inc.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced “Broadway and Beyond,” a musical production that journeys into Disney’s history. Thomas Schumacher, president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, will host the show, which will be presented at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The performance features stars including Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”), Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”), Merle Dandridge (“Tarzan” and “Aida”), Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”), and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”), who sing songs from the musicals they starred in, as well as classic tunes from the “Disney on Broadway” catalogue.

Universal Studios Hollywood disclosed details of its Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, which is scheduled to open in spring 2014.

 It will include Super Silly Fun Land, based on the park depicted in Despicable Me, adjacent to the attraction.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride continues the film’s story line through 3D Ultra-HD animation in an interactive ride vehicle system.

 It features the cast from the film, including Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the Minions.

“The Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will continue to push the creative envelope with its exceptional show content, sight gags, special effects and 3D digital animation,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.

 “The exterior treatment will feature even more thematic and colorful creative touches that will literally place park guests inside Gru’s world.”

Super Silly Fun Land will be a water play area will feature myriad fountains, water dumps and splash pools.

A dry play zone will offer a themed ride that soars and spins, providing views of Super Silly Fun Land.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment unveiled plans for an 18-month, 50^th anniversary celebration at its three SeaWorld parks in March. SeaWorld will offer what it is calling a Sea of Surprises beginning March 21 at SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio, Tex.

During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration visitors will be privy to new interactive experiences and shows and more up-close animal encounters. The SeaWorld Surprise Squad will provide guests with prizes each day.

SeaWorld San Diego will commemorate the 50^thanniversary with a new interactive entrance plaza called Explorer’s Reef. It will open in March for the celebration kick-off. The 16-month construction project will transform the existing front gate area through sculptural and design elements inspired by waves crashing over a reef, as well as up-close encounters with marine life. The new front gate concept will replace existing ticket booths with a beach-themed, concierge-style ticketing area that will provide guests with a single location to purchase admission, as well as sign up for tours, animal interactions and dining experiences.

SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will also include new ways for fans to connect to the parks and each other though digital devices. The parks will be launching a variety of enhancements, from interactive apps that provide fun new ways to experience the park to new games and video content.

The first SeaWorld park opened in March 1964 on Mission Bay in San Diego.

Journey through the history of American pop culture in media, toys and comic characters as it shaped children in both entertainment and education at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum.

The museum’s collection is the representation of the vision of its founder, Steve Geppi.

The museum is dedicated to the proposition that comic characters – whether entirely fictional or based on figures from real life – have played a hugely successful role in the entertainment and education of children, and in turn that this has played a huge factor in their lives. www.geppismuseum.com

Just a mile-and-a-half from Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is The Jewish Museum of Maryland. The museum is currently hosting ZAP! POW! BAM!

The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950, which features superhero memorabilia, original comic book art, and video interviews with the creators of superheroes, offers visitors an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the Golden Age of comic books. www.jhsm.org

To find out more about Maryland and the Capital Region USA, visit

www.CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk