LEGOLAND® Florida recently announced a new expansion to the park, LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Cluster, which will include a scene from each of the six live-action Star Wars movies, as well as a scene from the animated series Star Wars: … more...
Today, two of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s world class theme parks announced all-new attractions to open in 2011. For those planning a trip to Central Florida next year and beyond, the announcements mean new thrills and up-close encounters with exotic animals at both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Discovery Cove in Orlando.
To learn about both new attractions, go to www.CheetahHunt.com and www.DiscoveryCove.com
BuschGardens Tampa Bay
For more than five decades, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has found inspiration in its animals. Animal care experts have turned that inspiration into adventure with immersive natural habitats like the Serengeti Plain and Myombe Reserve. Engineers have also turned it into adrenaline, capturing the spirit of the animals in wood and steel with coasters like Kumba, Gwazi and SheiKra.
Now, the next generation of thrills emerges from the crossroads where up-close animal encounters and awe-inspiring rides come together. Spring 2011, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay introduces a mega-attraction that invites guests to feel the spirit and feel the speed of the cheetah.
Cheetah Hunt
The centerpiece of the new attraction is Cheetah Hunt, a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Launch Coaster that uses the force of repelling magnets to launch riders from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds – not once, but three times.
The first launch propels the train out of its station and into the grasslands that surround the new area. Moments later, a second burst of speed accelerates riders to 60 mph and up into the ride’s signature tower element that climbs more than 10 stories above the African landscape before plunging 130 feet into a subterranean trench. At the far end of this three-quarter-mile path, a third burst of speed rockets the train back across the plain toward the station in a thrill-ride experience unlike anything Busch Gardens’ guests have ever experienced.
Cheetah Run
But this one-of-a-kind coaster experience is only a portion of the new realm. Building on Busch Gardens’ unrivaled ability to combine thrills with immersive animal encounters, Cheetah Run will set a new standard for bringing nature and humans together in a really unique way.
Located in the area that formerly housed the Budweiser Clydesdales, this expansive new habitat will give visitors the opportunity to get closer to cheetahs than ever before with elevated, glass-paneled viewing areas. Even more exciting will be the chance to witness the world’s fastest land animal in action. Busch Gardens’ trainers will conduct daily sprints with the cheetahs for an awesome opportunity to see one of nature’s true wonders in full form!
Families can also explore interactive touch screens to learn even more about these big cats and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s work on their behalf. Through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the adventure parks have been helping cheetahs in the wild since 2005.
Cheetah Hunt and the Cheetah Run open in spring 2011. Together, they form a unique experience – the kind you’ll only find at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Discovery Cove
In Orlando, Discovery Cove takes immersion to new depths when it opens an all-new area — The Grand Reef — in June 2011. The new reef features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures, from white sandy beaches and hammocks swaying in the breeze, to snorkeling among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.
“The Grand Reef takes Discovery Cove’s world-class animal encounters to an all new level — several, actually,” said Stewart Clark, the park’s vice president. “It’s what our guests expect from us, unforgettable connections with the sea and making memories that will last forever. This could only be created by Discovery Cove.”
Visitors just need to get their feet wet to enjoy The Grand Reef, or they can choose to go deep. They can step into tranquil, shallow waters to discover a below-the-surface world teeming with sea life, or they can snorkel in deeper waters as thousands of exotic fish and graceful rays swim around them.
Surprises abound. Families can seek discoveries along the water’s edge or cross a bridge to see sharks swimming below. They’ll play hide-and-seek with thousands of beautiful fish, from small colorful wrasses to large spotted eagle rays. Further out in the reef, stunning habitats create the feeling of swimming right alongside venomous lionfish and sharp-toothed reef sharks, each safely behind glass. Guests can take paths and bridges to the reef’s islands and hidden grottos as they delve into the reef from above, around and below.
Those looking for an even more exhilarating adventure can take part in The Grand Reef’s innovative experience, SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour. Wearing dive helmets, guests find up-close excitement around every corner, each step yielding a new discovery.
They’ll come across lionfish and sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays swimming by. SeaVenture is a once-in-a-lifetime, undersea experience available for a nominal fee.
The Grand Reef is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, a fully immersive tropical escape, new to discover in Orlando in 2011. There’s more to learn at www.DiscoveryCove.com more...
Dora the Explorer delivered special backpacks and read a story to children at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in celebration of her 10th anniversary on August 14th. The backpacks have been specially designed for Nickelodeon’s Beyond the Backpack Campaign, an initiative aimed at teaching parents all about the importance of preparing their children for kindergarten.
Dora the Explorer makes her Orlando home at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort, the only hotel of its kind in the world. To celebrate her 10th Anniversary, Dora the Explorer will visit the children, sign autographs, read and deliver backpacks to children at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. In addition to the celebratory visit to the hospital, Dora will also receive a special gift from the City of Orlando. A proclamation will be given to Dora the Explorer declaring August 14th Dora the Explorer Day in the City of Orlando.
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is a sanctuary of hope and healing. The most advanced technology, coupled with compassion and dedication have made Arnold Palmer Hospital one of the most trusted names in children’s healthcare worldwide. Careful attention has been paid to creating a cheerful, comforting environment to minimize stress and generate smiles. Arnold Palmer Hospital is a 158-bed pediatric hospital facility located in Orlando, Florida, United States
more...The Big Help
is Nickelodeon’s newest pro-social campaign with the mission of engaging kids to make a difference in the world by moving their bodies, minds, communities, and planet. It connects kids to resources, organizations, information, as well as other kids. To learn more and get involved, visit www.thebighelp.com
Nickelodeon Suites Resort
has joined this mission and is taking on 4 issues that are a prevalent part of kids lives today: The Environment, Health and Wellness, Education and Community. Here you can learn more about what we are doing to help support our community making it a better place to visit and live.
How is Nickelodeon Suites Resort helping BIG?
ENVIRONMENT
Clean the World
Nickelodeon Suites Resort has donated 132 lbs of soap and 70 lbs. shampoo and counting!
Clean the World is a non-profit charity organization that collects and recycles the partially used soap from hotels, resorts and others sources to donate to impoverished people around the world. By providing soap to those that need it most, Clean the World helps prevent the spread of disease and saves lives. To learn more, visit www.cleantheworld.org
Florida Green Lodging
The Nickelodeon Suites Resort was recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with a Green Lodging Certification for environmentally friendly hotel practices.
Nickelodeon Suites Resort achieved its green lodging status by using reusable dining items, encouraging the reuse of bath towels and linens, establishing a volunteer green committee, reimbursing employees for public bus passes and installing energy-efficient lighting throughout the property. Since 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program has set conservational guidelines for the hospitality industry. The state also recommends designated properties like Nick Hotel to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and facilities. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/.
COMMUNITY
Give Kids The World
Nickelodeon Suites Resorts characters visit the GKTW Village every Tuesday to help fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Every holiday season, Nickelodeon Suites Resorts team members decorate a Villa for the visiting families to enjoy.
Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need. For more information, visit www.gktw.org.
Miami Children’s Hospital
Nickelodeon Suites Resort partnered with Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation to host 17 kids who survived the Haiti earthquake.
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF) is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to create awareness and generate funds for Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH), the only licensed specialty hospital in South Florida exclusively for children. For more information, visit www.mchf.org.
Any Soldier Inc
Nickelodeon Suites Resort raised $1,149 for Any Soldier Inc. and collected more than 100 postcards from guests to send to soldiers overseas in 2009.
Any Soldier Inc. helps nearly 100,000 American soldiers in all branches of the military, both active duty and reservists, and has become one of the leading efforts in making sure the men and women who have been deployed for the war are cared for, via letters and packages from home. For more information, visit www.anysoldier.com.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Nickelodeon Suites Resort donated $1,319.86 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 2010.
Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Their mission is to honor and remember Americas fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. For more information, visit http://www.firehero.org/.For more about our Hero Appreciation program, please visit www.nickhotel.com/hero.
EDUCATION
Florida Education Foundation
Nickelodeon Suites Resort raised $6,460 in 2009
The Florida Education Foundation promotes and supports academic excellence for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in Florida. The Foundation recognizes outstanding teachers and educational contributors, develops strategic alliances with business organizations and advances statewide educational initiatives. For more information, visit www.floridaeducationfoundation.org.
Partner in Education
Nickelodeon Suites Resort was named 2009-2010 Partner in Education of the Year from West Creek Elementary School.
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