Press Release: IAAPA 2013 panel speakers from Blackpool, Ocean Park, Jungle Rapids

Amanda Thompson, Bob Rippy, and Tom Mehrmann headline
CEO Speak event at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013

(June 21, 2013) Amanda Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK; Bob Rippy, president of Jungle Rapids/Wrightsville Farms Management Group, Inc. in the USA; and Tom Mehrmann, chief executive of Ocean Park Corp. in Hong Kong will participate in CEO Speak, a leadership panel discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), as part of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando, Florida.

Thompson, Rippy, and Mehrmann will share insights on creating success by increasing personal leadership capacity. Discussion topics will include how to lead to create high-impact guest satisfaction and service on a daily basis, increase employee retention and workplace satisfaction, and strategically bring brands to life.

“This year’s CEO Speak panel features three of the industry’s most interesting and insightful leaders hailing from all over the world,” said IAAPA president and CEO Paul Noland. “This is a must-see event.”

Amanda Thompson became managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 2004 after serving as deputy managing director of the family-owned resort complex since 2000 and as a director for 15 years prior. Thompson also serves as president of Stageworks Worldwide Productions, an entertainment and production company she formed in 1982. She is a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors and the IAAPA European Advisory Committee.

Bob Rippy held positions as a school science teacher, a car wash owner, and a Wall Street executive before he became a partner at Jungle Rapids, a family entertainment center in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1985. Rippy purchased Jungle Rapids in 1990, and today it’s a 16-acre FEC that employs 40 year-round employees and 125 seasonal employees. Rippy served as IAAPA Chairman in 2011. 

Tom Mehrmann has been in the theme park industry since 1977, when he began his career as a park service attendant at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. From there, he has worked his way to upper management, holding positions as vice president of park operations and entertainment at Knott’s Berry Farm, vice president and general manager of Six Flags Marine World, and vice president and general manager of Warner Brothers Movie World. Mehrmann joined Ocean Park Corp. in 2004 and serves as its chief executive. 

For more information about this event, please visit www.IAAPA.org/expos/IAAPA-attractions-expo-2013/education/education-programs-tuesday.

About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 is the largest conference and trade show in the world for the attractions industry. With its theme “Imagine the Possibilities,” the show will take place Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 22, in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, and host more than 25,000 industry professionals from 100 countries. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 19, through Friday, Nov. 22. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 offers a full week of business opportunities, networking events, and educational experiences and features new ideas and products. Highlights of IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 include a behind-the-scenes tour of Epcot at the Disney at Dawn event, the IAAPA Celebrates event at SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, and more. www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.

About IAAPA
Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and the industry’s suppliers, and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. The association’s global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States, and it maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. www.IAAPA.org

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: July 4th offerings at Busch Gardens Tampa

Celebrate Fourth of July at Busch Gardens Tampa

 

Extended Hours and Nightly Fireworks Lets Guests Celebrate All Week Long!

 

Tampa, Fla. (June 26, 2013) – Don’t wait until July Fourth to celebrate Independence Day.  Get a head start on the Fourth of July festivities at Busch Gardens® Tampa. 

 

Summer Nights lets guests celebrate the red, white and blue all day, and even after dark, all summer long with an energetic acrobatics show, live entertainment and much more.  And test your courage as you take on Busch Gardens’ world-class roller coasters in the dark, including Florida’s first triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt®. 

 

Plus, Busch Gardens lights up the sky during Summer Nights, including July Fourth, with an incredible nightly fireworks display.  The best views are in Gwazi Park, right after the nightly Kinetix show, but the fireworks are visible from all over the park.

 

Additionally, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is honoring the men and women of the U.S. armed services through its Waves of Honor™ military salute program. Waves of Honor provides one complimentary admission per year to one of the SeaWorld® or Busch Gardens® Parks, Sesame Place®, Adventure Island® ,Water Country USA® or Aquatica® San Diego (weekdays only) for the service member and as many as three of his or her direct dependents through 2013. 

 

Any active duty military, activated or drilling reservists, or National Guardsman representing any of the five service branches is entitled to one complimentary admission to one of the participating parks under the program. For more information and to register for the program, visit wavesofhonor.com.

 

While you’re at Busch Gardens, take in all the excitement of brand-new shows and animal encounters, including:

 

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation is Busch Gardens’ newest live musical featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and everyone’s favorite cohort of penguins. Located in the newly-renovated and air-conditioned Stanleyville Theater, the original musical showcases singers, dancers and a live band that will join the Madagascar characters on their full-throttle Busch Gardens adventure.

 

Lion Cubs

Busch Gardens roars with excitement this summer with its newest additions.  Three lion cubs, two females and one male, arrived at the park in May, and guests can see them at various times throughout the summer in the Edge of Africa area.  Busch Gardens’ Facebook fans recently voted to name the sisters Shaba, meaning “brazen”, and Shtuko, meaning “twitch”. 

 

Park hours for Summer Nights are extended until 9 p.m., and Summer Nights is included with daily admission or any annual pass. For more information on Summer Nights and Busch Gardens, visit buschgardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

 

The hottest ticket this summer is the 3-Park Summer Sizzler.  This new, limited-time offer lets guests enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Tampa and unlimited weekday (Monday – Friday) admission to Adventure Island™ and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ Orlando, now through Labor Day for only $99.  Florida’s best resident summer value is valid from the date of purchase through Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013. Valid for Florida residents only (photo ID required); price is $99 plus tax.  Take advantage of the Summer Sizzler online at Buschgardens.com, by calling (888) 800-5447, or at the front gates at Busch Gardens, Adventure Island™ and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™. 

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Airheads trampoline NEW monthly pass for $30

BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER AT AIRHEADS

WITH AN UNLIMITED JUMP PASS

Enjoy Entire Month of Jumping in Air Conditioned Comfort for Only $29.95

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 19, 2013) – This summer, there’s more to do in Orlando than just visiting theme parks and AirHeads Trampoline Arena is THE place for indoor fun.  Visitors and locals alike jump at the chance to beat the heat by bouncing, gaming and dining in AirHeads 20,000-square-feet air conditioned facility located south of downtown Orlando.

Now, for only $29.95 per jumper, AirHeads offers an unlimited monthly pass, so parents can either jump themselves or watch the kids in cool comfort (plus enjoy free wifi). Monthly members receive 10 percent off all AirCafe purchases, $50 off birthday parties, and a souvenir cup for $5.95 with free refills.  Also popular with tweens and teens is the ultimate dodgeball experience, which takes place daily in a dedicated dodgeball court.  Or, if guests just want to come for the day, the $16.95 rate is still available.

“When compared to the cost of a theme park – which can be very hot and tiring – AirHeads is a tremendous value,” said Rich Heruska, founder of AirHeads Trampoline Arena.  “Not only is it affordable indoor fun, parents also know their kids are getting great exercise.”

AirHeads Trampoline Arena’s new Orlando location is located just south of downtown and features many things to do: gigantic wall-to-wall trampolines, 40-plus arcade games in the AirCade, and delicious food and beverages at the AirCafe. It is consistently a top-ranked attraction on TripAdvisor.

“We know that keeping kids entertained while on summer vacation or home from school can be stressful for parents, so we’ve created this affordable jumping experience that allows them to have fun while staying physically active,” said Heruska. “Our safe, supervised atmosphere, with separate jump areas for big and little kids, gives parents peace of mind and some alone-time to relax or finish up some last minute errands.”

ABOUT AIRHEADS:

AirHeads Trampoline Arena is Central Florida’s premier destination for airborne amusement where guests of all ages can experience the ultimate adrenaline rush – jumping on gigantic wall-to-wall trampolines. All participants wear shoes and socks and minors under age 18 must have a parental waiver and wear socks.  Walk-ins are welcome for "open jumping" during all open hours, subject to availability. After a jump session, guests are invited to enjoy refreshments at the AirCafe and have more fun at the AirCade.  AirHeads is located at 33 West Pineloch Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806, 407-505-5867.  For more information, visit www.AirHeadsusa.com.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster construction - new angles (pics)

Here are a few angles you've probably not seen before on the construction of the mine coaster. All pictures were taken 6/22/13.

And here are some from the 'traditional' angles:

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Aquatica after 2pm pass Returns

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM, Reintroduces After-2 p.m. Unlimited Admission Pass

 

What makes Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM, Orlando’s can’t-miss waterpark? By offering the latest and hottest deal for locals to enjoy Central Florida’s coolest beach again and again – including the After-2 p.m. Pass.

 

For the cost of a single day’s admission, guests can enjoy Aquatica after 2 p.m. throughout the rest of 2013.  With no blackout dates and unlimited admission to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM, after 2 p.m., Orlando's coolest beach is a hit for all ages time after time. Whether it's tiny tots splashing around in Kata's Kookaburra Cove^®, teens sliding down Taumauta Racer^® or adults relaxing on the laid-back beaches, guests can enjoy Aquatica all year long. 

 

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM, is a one-of-a-kind waterpark that could only come from SeaWorld^®. Inspired by a whimsical take on the South Seas, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, immerses guests in the playfulness of the sea, taking them in, over and under the water with the world’s most unique water rides and animal encounters. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, mixes animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high speed waterslide thrills and wide, sandy beaches to create a day of non-stop fun.

 

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM, After-2 p.m. Pass is $50 for children, ages 3-9, and $55 for adults. To learn more about Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, or to buy your After-2 p.m. pass, visit AquaticaOrlando.com, call 888-800-5447, or visit our ticket counters at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Busch Gardens "Summer Nights" promotion

Summer Nights Bring Nightly Fireworks Back to Busch Gardens® Tampa

 

Add Exciting Entertainment and World-Class Coasters in the Dark, and Busch Gardens is THE Place to Be Every Night This Summer!

 

Tampa, Fla. (June 3, 2013) - Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights amps up the excitement year-after-year, and 2013 promises to offer even more after-dark entertainment and fun for the whole family with a new rock-n-roll musical production at the Desert Grill and the return of guests’ favorites, including an energizing acrobatics show featuring Kinetix, and an amazing fireworks finale every night of the event.

 

Starting this Saturday, June 8 through Aug. 18, guests will experience extended park hours, special entertainment, high-energy DJs, and the thrill of riding world-class coasters in the dark, including Busch Gardens’ triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt®.

 

The award-winning Kinetix show returns to Summer Nights with nightly performances of its rock-fueled blast of music and acrobatics. The show’s energizing performances include live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world. Their thrilling performance, along with modern music and pyrotechnic effects, will pump up the crowd every night in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m.

 

Gates open at 8 p.m., so arrive early to ensure a good spot and enjoy the Party Starters’ pre-show interactive games and dancing.

 

NEW! Born to Rock

Feel the beat and get ready to let loose with Busch Gardens Tampa’s Born to Rock! Follow along with Arvin as he unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a rock-n-roll musical production, filled with mash-ups of contemporary music and high-energy choreography. A live guitarist, belly dancers and a top-notch circus round out this excitingly wonderful whirlwind of color and music.

 

Fireworks Light Up the Sky Every Night

Celebrate the perfect end to the evening with an amazing fireworks finale. Busch Gardens lights up the sky every night of the event with an incredible aerial display set to popular music. The best views are in Gwazi Park, right after the nightly Kinetix show, but the fireworks are visible from all over the park.

 

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Party Starters will host dance challenges all day throughout the park and pick the most outgoing guests to compete in the Dance-Off competition that evening. The Dance-Off will be a three-round competition starting at 7 p.m. in the Desert Grill. The audience picks the winner with “the best moves” by applause, and first prize is four tickets to come back to Busch Gardens Tampa.

 

Don’t forget that Busch Gardens is the place to be this summer ­– both day AND night – with brand-new attractions that offer exciting entertainment for everyone. See Busch Gardens’ biggest ice show ever, Iceploration, bringing to life an all-new adventure filled with world-class skaters, original costumes, amazing aerial performances, master puppetry and live animal stars. The park’s Animal Care Center welcomes guests to closely observe and even take part in the animal care experience in this new state-of-the-art facility. And the park’s mega-attraction and Florida’s first triple-launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt®, launches riders from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. If going from zero to cheetah is not your speed, guests can watch as Busch Gardens’ cheetahs sprint several times a day in Cheetah Run.

 

Park hours for Summer Nights are extended until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Summer Nights is included with daily admission or any annual pass.

For more information on Summer Nights and Busch Gardens, visit buschgardens.com or call
1-888-800-5447.

 

NEW! The hottest ticket this summer is the 3-Park Summer Sizzler.  This new, limited-time offer lets guests enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Tampa and unlimited weekday (Monday – Friday) admission to Adventure Island™ and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ Orlando, now through Labor Day for only $99.  Florida’s best resident summer value is valid from the date of purchase through Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013. Valid for Florida residents only (photo ID required); price is $99 plus tax.  Take advantage of the Summer Sizzler online at Buschgardens.com or AdventureIsland.com, by calling (888) 800-5447, or at the front gates at Busch Gardens, Adventure Island™ and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™. 

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Stay Two Nights, Get Third Night Free with Rosen Plaza's Summer Staytacular Offer, now through September 17, 2013

ORLANDO (June 4, 2013) - With so much to do and see, summertime is a spectacular time to visit Orlando and now, a summer getaway is even more affordable thanks to Rosen Plaza hotel's Summer Staytacular offer. Guests who book two consecutive nights at Rosen Plaza between now and Sept. 17, 2013 will receive their third consecutive night absolutely free.


Rosen Plaza's International Drive location, in the heart of the attractions corridor, provides guests with minutes-away access to Orlando's theme parks, water parks, shopping, dining and more. Guests can enjoy complimentary wireless Internet service in their guest rooms and public areas, as well as complimentary self-parking and access to the hotel's fitness center. The hotel also offers guests complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando®, SeaWorld Orlando®, Aquatica® and Wet 'n Wild Orlando® (reservations required).


For more information or to book the Summer Staytacular offer, call 800-627-8258 and mention the word LOCAL or visit http://www.rosenplaza.com/promotions-packages/leisure-packages/ .



The Summer Staytacular offer is based on regular rates and based on availability; blackout dates may apply. This offer does not apply to existing reservations and is not valid for groups, citywide conventions or in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

SeaWorld hiring event June 12

Are you looking for a 'splashy' job where you can meet amazing people and work in an incredible environment?

 

SeaWorld Orlando®, Discovery Cove® and Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ are hiring for approximately 200 hundred jobs, which includes positions for Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™ and summer. With newly increased starting pay rates, all three Orlando parks are looking to fill a variety of positions, including lifeguards, culinary attendants, park quality hosts, games/vending hosts, prep cooks and more.  The pay range for these positions is $8.15-$9.50 per hour; applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Employees are eligible for a number of benefits, such as free entry to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark, park tickets for friends and family and access to numerous team member events.

 

Those interested in applying must first apply online at seaworldjobs.com and then attend a special hiring event on Wednesday, June 12 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at SeaWorld Orlando’s Human Resources Building, located at 6283 Sea Harbor Drive in Orlando, Fla.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Fantasy of Flight event this Sunday, $8 admission

A Collectors’ Dream Weekend at Fantasy of Flight, June 8 -9

POLK CITY, FL (May 21, 2013) – On June 8-9, Fantasy of Flight will host two unique events for collectors featuring military memorabilia on Saturday and vintage travel collectables on Sunday. 

On Saturday, June 8, the Florida Military Collectors’ Show lands at Fantasy of Flight. In addition to the showcase and sale of military memorabilia spanning from the Civil War era to today’s modern conflicts, the show will also feature several World War II heroes including Tuskegee Airman Hiram Mann; Abner Aust, the last fighter Ace of WWII; Clifford Kanz, a C-47 pilot who participated in the D-Day invasion; and Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) “Barry” Vincent and Florence Mascot. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admittance to the show is included in a full-price admission ticket to Fantasy of Flight ($29.95) or show-only admission can be purchased for $8. Free appraisals will be available for attendees interested in the value of their military items; however, no guns are allowed at the show.

On Saturday, June 9, the Florida Vintage Travel Collectables Show will bring the glory days of Florida vacations to life. This show includes memorabilia for sale from the history of travel and vacationing in Florida including Old Florida items, Airlines, Disneyana, Vinylmation, Pin Trading and vintage MOLD-A-RAMA machines from Florida’s first theme-park, Cypress Gardens.  Special guest, Ron Schneider, Epcot’s Original ”Dreamfinder” and author of “Dreamer to Dreamfinder,” will participate in a live Q&A session facilitated by Orlando Attractions Magazine. In addition to the memorabilia for sale, there will be a silent auction of Disney memorabilia to benefit the Noah’s Light Foundation, a pediatric brain cancer research charity. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admittance to the show is included in a full-price admission ticket to Fantasy of Flight ($29.95) or show-only admission to just the show can be purchased for $8.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Hash House A Go Go Father's Day Specials

This Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, give the most important man in your life the ultimate meal at Hash House A Go Go (5350 International Drive), the brand new all-day dining spot well-known for bold flavors and over-the-top presentations. It may be summer, but dads deserve a break from the grill on their special day.

The “twisted farm food” eatery is giving dads what they crave: mouth-watering meat and lots of it. The Father’s Day specials include:

Papi Chulo Hash ($14.95)

 Crispy potatoes, pork tenderloin in chipotle adobo, fresh corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, fresh avocado, queso fresco, crowned with two eggs

Served with a fresh tortilla

Add a cold Corona for $4

Peanut Butter Banana Flapjack ($8.75)

 Topped with fresh whipped cream 

Crispy Pork Tenderloin Quesadilla ($15.95)

Flour tortilla filled with charred tomatoes, fresh corn, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, scrambled eggs, and crispy pork, all on a bed of mashed potatoes and crowned with barbeque cream

Add a Hamms for $1

The Spicy BBBLT ($12.95)

Spicy jalapeño bacon on fresh milk bread with chili mayo and a choice of fries or a house salad 

Felix’s “Front of the TV Meal” ($14.95)

14-ounce Certified Angus Beef New York steak with griddled mash, sliced tomatoes Choice of eggs and fresh fruit

Kick back, relax, and spend quality time with dad while indulging in all his favorite foods this Father’s Day. He can spend the rest of the day in front of the television full and happy.

Brunch is served from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by dinner from 5to 10 p.m. Reservations will be available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. All other times will be first come, first served. For reservations or inquiries, please call 407.370.4646. For more information, please visit www.hashhouseagogo.com. “Like” Hash House A Go Go on Facebook for flash updates, special offers, and more.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.