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5 Cities for a Quick Fall Getaway

While social calendars tend to fill back up during the fall months between work, school and extracurricular activities, autumn also offers some perks for travelers looking to sneak in one last getaway before cold weather sets in.

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(Family Features) While social calendars tend to fill back up during the fall months between work, school and extracurricular activities, autumn also offers some perks for travelers looking to sneak in one last getaway before cold weather sets in.

Often referred to as “shoulder season” between the summer and winter travel windows, fall offers a perfect opportunity to find smaller crowds, lower prices and cooler temperatures in many popular vacation destinations.

An app like Hotels.com, which makes it easy to unlock instant savings and get rewarded for your hotel stays, offers travel inspiration and top cities for your fall getaway.

Los Angeles: Hollywood is acclaimed for its entertainment and theaters, and the famous Hollywood Roosevelt is where vintage glamour meets modern luxury, right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can catch a concert at the theater or go bowling on-site, plus it’s within walking distance of Melrose Avenue, the Hollywood and Highland Center, TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theater.

Las Vegas: Centrally located on the Strip, the world renowned ARIA Resort and Casino is known for its casino, nightclub, 13 restaurants and social pool scene. Guests can visit the spa to be pampered with deep-tissue massages, body wraps or facials. Just a short walk to public transportation, it’s also close to many of Sin City’s other attractions such as T-Mobile Arena, Allegiant Stadium, Mandalay Bay Casino, The Cosmopolitan Casino and the Bellagio, among others.

New York City: In the heart of Manhattan with sights like Times Square, Broadway, the Empire State Building and world-class shopping and restaurants all within a 10-minute walk, the 5-star Refinery Hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Pet- and family-friendly, it also features a rooftop bar and on-site restaurant Parker and Quinn, which specializes in American cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Chicago: Explore locals-approved joints and shops and catch a train to downtown attractions from the hip Wicker Park neighborhood. With all the amenities of home, including free continental breakfast, a garden, premium bedding, soundproof rooms and more, the boutique bed and breakfast Wicker Park Innis less than five miles from popular attractions like Water Tower Place, the John Hancock Center, Skydeck Ledge, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park and the Willis Tower.

Miami: Located on a private beach, the 5-star luxury Nobu Hotel in Miami Beach is a full-blown retreat with four pools and two on-site restaurants plus the full-service Esencia Wellness Spa, which is equipped with a sauna, spa tub and steam room, offering facials and a variety of massages and therapy treatments. It’s also close to shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall and Bal Harbour Shops plus attractions like the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.


SOURCE:
Hotels.com

Consumer Corner

LITTLEST PET SHOP CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE BOBBLE BY ENCOURAGING FANS ACROSS THE GLOBE TO ‘BOBBLE TO THE BEAT’

Following an Epic NYC Premiere Event, Basic Fun! Invites Fans Around the World to Unleash the Bobble with a Custom Song and Dance Challenge Inspired by the Pets

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BOCA RATON, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Today, LITTLEST PET SHOP, one of the most well-known collectible toy brands in history, released a call to action to fans around the world to ‘unleash the bobble’. In celebration of the franchise’s long-anticipated return to retail in January – this is sure to be the “Year of the Bobble”! Debuting last week with a pop-up performance at Toys”R”Us at Macy’s Herald Square, Macy’s flagship location in New York City, the Bobble to the Beat social campaign encourages kids and kidults alike to showcase their dancing skills and bobble along with LITTLEST PET SHOP wherever they are, featuring custom choreography alongside an original LITTLEST PET SHOP brand anthem. 

LITTLEST PET SHOP celebrates its’ long-anticipated return to retail with the #BobbleToTheBeat social campaign encouraging kids and kidults alike to bobble along to the custom brand anthem.

To kickstart the craze, TikTok creators @Alexdwong, @GiaNina and @MelissaBecraft, along with the iconic @ToysRUs Geoffrey the Giraffe™ led a flash mob performance of 20+ dancers through Macy’s, and are helping LITTLEST PET SHOP rally fans with dance tutorials, already sparking over 3 million views across Instagram and TikTok. Both the brand anthem and dance challenge, choreographed by acclaimed New York City-based professional director, choreographer, content creator, and producer Michael McCrary, are inspired by the beloved bobblin’ motion of LITTLEST PET SHOP pets, which is featured across figures in the latest Generation 7 of the line. Consumers around the world can join in on the LITTLEST PET SHOP relaunch celebration by gathering their own crew to show off their take on the dance on social media using the hashtag #BobbleToTheBeat.

“It’s essential we relaunched LITTLEST PET SHOP with a creative call to action that would introduce this iconic brand to new audiences on the platforms where they are, and also excite our longtime collectors,” said Katy Katz, Head of Digital Marketing & E-Commerce at Basic Fun! “The ‘Bobble to The Beat’ social campaign perfectly captures the essence of the signature quirky, edgy, and undeniably cute pets that have been loved for decades. Ultimately, we hope to inspire kids of all ages to let down their guard and unleash their own ‘bobble’ with us and LITTLEST PET SHOP!”

With over 1 billion pets sold worldwide since the brand’s initial launch by Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) over 30 years ago, LITTLEST PET SHOP was the original pet collectible with more than 3,000 pets to collect, display, and trade. Returning to retail this January, the LITTLEST PET SHOP line will feature over 120 bobblin’ pets by the end of the year, including new pets, packs, and playsets available in more than 20 countries worldwide. The first series in Generation 7 features a wide range of new characters to collect and cherish, available within LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Surprise Singles, LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Pairs, and LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Trios assortments, Play Packs and Playsets. Products are available at mass and specialty retailers worldwide, including Macy’s, Toys”R”Us, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Five Below, GameStop and more in the U.S. Learn more at LittlestPetShop.com.

To further the LITTLEST PET SHOP experience, Roblox players can also bobble with the brand on the global immersive platform, which will debut a custom bobble dance emote available in-game starting today! Following the wildly successful collaboration between LITTLEST PET SHOP Master Toy licensee, Basic Fun!, a leading global marketer of toys and consumer products, Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, and Suit Up Games, a Roblox development studio specializing in high-engagement branded experiences for young audiences, the LITTLEST PET SHOP pet-simulation gaming experience has surpassed over 3.5 million plays since launching in December 2023.

Ready to unleash the bobble? Follow the official @LITTLESTPETSHOP social channels, including Instagram and TikTok, to join in on the fun using #BobbleToTheBeat. For more information about the LITTLEST PET SHOP brand and product line, visit LittlestPetShop.com.

ABOUT BASIC FUN! INC.
Basic Fun! is a dynamic global marketer of classic and innovative children’s entertainment products for today’s kids. The company plays in many core toy categories including classic heritage toys, novelty collectibles, building toys, youth electronics, plush, vehicles, dolls and activity/discovery. Basic Fun!’s key brands include: LITTLEST PET SHOP, Care Bears, Cutetitos, POUND PUPPIES, TONKA, K’NEX, LITE-BRITE, Mash’ems, Playhut, Arcade Classics and more! For more information, please visit www.BasicFun.com.

ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.

SOURCE Basic Fun!

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amusement and theme parks

10,000-room Crystal Lagoons Project Opens in Orlando Just Steps From Disney World

***The most visited destination in the U.S. offers a wide range of entertainment but lacks a beach. This development will make up for this with a crystalline lagoon and white sandy beaches.

***The complex features the first Conrad hotel in Orlando and consolidates the presence of the multinational in the hospitality industry.

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MIAMI /PRNewswire/ — More than 10,000 rooms will surround the lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technologyrecently inaugurated in the United States. It is located just steps from Disney World and Universal Studios in the heart of Orlando, the most visited destination in the US, with 75 million tourists annually.  This city offers a wide range of entertainment options but lacks a beach, an issue remedied in this great development with a crystalline lagoon of the multinational innovation company founded by the scientist Fernando Fischmann.

Crystal Lagoons brings beach life to Orlando with an 8-acre crystalline lagoon at the Evermore Orlando Resort

The lagoon forms part of the Evermore Orlando Resortone of the largest tourism projects in Florida. The large 8-acre body of water with extensive beaches breaks the hotel paradigm by providing truly superior standards and consolidates the presence of Crystal Lagoons in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Surrounding the lagoon is Orlando’s first Conrad hotel, a luxury brand of the Hilton chain, as well as a variety of homes, villas and apartments. In addition, there is an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers in history.

“Every hotel project incorporating a Crystal Lagoons® amenity becomes the most attractive destination in the area. Conrad, one of the world’s leading hotel chains, understood this and decided to make a qualitative leap with respect to the existing offer in the most touristic area of the U.S.,” said Iván Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales of Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

The United States is the main operation of Crystal Lagoons worldwide, with more than 275 projects at different stages of development and negotiation. Among the most important are Aqua, Mirada, Sole Mia, Balmoral, Windsong Ranch, Beachwalk, and Southshore Bay. The recent joint venture to develop four Public Access Lagoons™ complexes, also known as PAL™, in Texas, stands out and will add to the successful public access developments Epperson (Florida) and Lago Mar (Texas).

About Crystal Lagoons

Crystal Lagoons is a U.S.-based multinational that developed a technology allowing crystalline lagoons of unlimited sizes to be built and maintained at low cost anywhere. It has more than 1,000 projects at various stages of development and negotiation worldwide.

With over 3,000 patents in 160 countries, its sustainable amenities use up to 100 times fewer chemicals and only 2% of the energy required by conventional swimming pools. Bureau Veritas verified the technology’s efficient water use, concluding that a 1-Ha/2.5-ac. lagoon utilizes 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size. Crystal Lagoons® amenities can use sea, fresh, and brackish water, which is abundant and has no other use.

Contact: press@crystal-lagoons.com  

SOURCE Crystal Lagoons

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Altitude Trampoline Park Announces Mike Stout as Vice President of Franchise Development

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Premier Family-Friendly Entertainment Destination Expands Leadership Team to Strengthen Franchise
Development Operations and Spearhead Growth

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DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, has announced the appointment of Mike Stout as the company’s Vice President of Franchise Development, effective immediately. In this role, Stout will utilize his extensive experience to lead the brand’s franchise recruitment, real estate, and construction initiatives.

“With our former Vice President of Development, Robert Morris, bringing his talents to Altitude’s newest sister brand, The Pickle Pad, we saw the perfect opportunity to bring Mike’s impressive track record and invaluable expertise to the brand. Altitude is nearing 100 locations globally, and we believe Mike’s skills will be instrumental in growing our franchise recruitment initiatives,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “The past several years has consisted of remarkable momentum, and to align with our ongoing development, it is crucial for us to expand our leadership team with industry experts, like Mike. He is a seasoned leader known for delivering strong business results and fostering meaningful connections with franchisees, and we’re eager to bring his strategic vision for growth to Altitude.”

Bringing more than three decades of domestic and international franchising experience, Stout has a history of implementing successful growth strategies. His leadership has played a key role in the opening of over 1,500 units spanning multiple continents and industries. Prior to Altitude, Stout held senior franchise and business development roles with companies including Shipley Do-Nuts, Save-A-Lot Food Stores, Papa John’s, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. An expert in the franchise industry, Stout has led development teams in the areas of growth initiatives, franchise recruitment, site selection, and construction. Stout will bring his expertise to Altitude to assist in refining the brand’s growth strategies as the brand continues to expand worldwide.

“I am honored to join Altitude’s exceptional team and to work closely with the brand’s current and prospective franchisees. 2023 was a pivotal year for Altitude, with 25 deal signings, and we are already gaining notable momentum in 2024 with 12 planned park openings,” said Mike Stout. “Altitude’s business model provides an enticing investment opportunity for franchise candidates, offering safe, family-fun attractions, a diversified mix of revenue streams including its membership program and private event packages, and significant growth potential across the nation. I believe Altitude presents a strong value proposition, and I look forward to working with new franchise candidates who are passionate about being involved in their communities and providing a go-to destination for family-friendly fun.”

Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. Most recently, Indoor Active Brands announced the launch of its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant, bar, and yard games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees.

The brand is actively seeking qualified candidates to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S. in Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Las Vegas, NV, Denver, CO, among others. To learn more about franchise opportunities and upcoming store openings, contact Kailee Apodaca at kailee@atphq.com or visit www.altitudefranchise.com.

About Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier family-friendly entertainment destination offering cutting-edge attractions and Party Packages to accommodate all of life’s most meaningful celebrations. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brand offers children’s birthday party packages and special events, providing two hours of unlimited jump time and access to all of Altitude’s attractions, including trampolines, playgrounds, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more. Altitude’s successful $10 Endless Jumps Membership program allows children unlimited access to the brand’s attractions for a fixed price, offering a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 2024. More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.

About Indoor Active Brands
Indoor Active Brands is a platform company focused on owning and operating franchising concepts in the indoor family entertainment industry. Created by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands currently consists of Altitude Trampoline Park and The Pickle Pad. Indoor Active Brands leverages years of experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to provide unmatched support for its franchisees. For more information about Indoor Active Brands visit www.indooractivebrands.com. 

SOURCE Altitude Trampoline Park

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