All articles tagged with #travel and entertainment
Delta Flight 958 diverted from Los Angeles to New York to Albuquerque’s Sunport on September 9, 2026, due to a smoky odor. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers, including actors Owen Thiele and Andrew Garfield, were reaccommodated. Thiele documented the delay on social media, noting he made friends and visited a Dave & Busters with fellow travelers.
Disney parks will issue lifetime bans to individuals found to have made false statements in order to obtain Disability Access Services, due to a surge of fraudulent claims seeking to exploit the system. The company is tightening its restrictions and heightening scrutiny of guests claiming disabilities, with new changes including virtual video chat registrations and limitations on who qualifies for the service. The new policy will go into effect on May 20 at Walt Disney World in Florida and June 18 at Disneyland in California.
TikTok star Marc Sebastian gained popularity for his videos on fashion and pop culture, and recently embarked on Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, documenting his experiences and interactions on the nine-month global tour. His candid and entertaining content, including critiques of ship life and interactions with other influencers, garnered millions of views. Despite not monetizing his videos, Sebastian's cruise journey has boosted his visibility and led to coverage in major news outlets, marking a successful foray into influencer marketing.
The nine-month Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise has become a viral sensation on TikTok, with passengers and crew members documenting their experiences and garnering millions of views. From the wholesome updates of "cruise mum and dad" Joe and Audrey Martucci to the inspiring journey of solo traveler Anthony McWilliams, the diverse "cast" of characters has captivated audiences with their real-life adventures, creating a reality TV show-like atmosphere on social media. Despite initial speculation of drama, the cruise content has remained largely positive and engaging, offering a unique glimpse into life aboard the 965-foot Serenade of the Seas.
After nearly two decades of construction and multiple ownership changes, the Fontainebleau resort and casino has finally opened its doors on the Las Vegas Strip. Standing at 67 stories, it is the largest occupied building in Nevada. The $3.7 billion project features over 3,600 rooms, 1,300 slot machines, 128 gaming tables, and more than 36 bars and restaurants. The opening was celebrated with an extravagant party attended by A-list celebrities, including Justin Timberlake, Tom Brady, Cher, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Lenny Kravitz, and Ivanka Trump. Post Malone is scheduled to perform on New Year's Eve weekend.
Kansas City's new Ferris Wheel, located in the Westside neighborhood, offers panoramic views of the city skyline, although the doors of the gondolas partially obstruct the view of the skyline. The ride lasts 12-15 minutes and costs $17 for adults and $13.50 for children. The gondolas are climate-controlled, and there is a mini golf course called Pennway Putt nearby. The KC Wheel and Pennway Putt are part of the larger entertainment district, Pennway Point, which is set to open in 2024. The Ferris Wheel has already become an iconic attraction in the city, and the lights on the wheel can be programmed for special shows and events.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas has unveiled its loyalty club program, Fontainebleau Rewards, ahead of its opening on December 13. The program offers tiered membership levels, including Bleau, Silver, Gold, and Royal, with various perks and benefits. Members can earn Bleau Points and Play Points through gambling, which can be used for resort credits and free slot play. Fontainebleau's loyalty club aims to attract players despite challenges such as no foot traffic, no casino experience, and flat Las Vegas visitation.
The Durango Resort and Casino, the first of two casinos opening in Las Vegas this December, is finally open. The $780 million property features 201 rooms, a sportsbook, and 15 bars and restaurants, including the George Sportsmen's Lounge, Nicco's Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish, Bel-Aire Lounge and Bel-Aire Backyard, Eat Your Heart Out food hall, and Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant. The resort aims to provide a local-friendly casino experience with various entertainment options, including live performances and game day programming. The Durango Casino and Resort opened on December 5th and celebrated with a fireworks show.
Dolly Parton's second resort, Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, has officially opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 302-room lodge, located near Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a family-oriented, mountain lodge-themed experience. The resort features various room options, including suites with bunk beds and balconies, as well as amenities such as pools, dining options, and event spaces. Dolly Parton also announced upcoming changes to her first resort, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa.
Dolly Parton has opened her second resort hotel, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, connected to the Dollywood amusement park complex in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. The 302-room lodge features a "high-fashion rustic" aesthetic and pays tribute to Parton's rural Tennessee roots. The resort offers amenities such as Camp DW kids' crafts, outdoor and indoor pools, evening singalongs, and multiple dining options. Parton's impact on the state's tourism industry is significant, with Dollywood attracting over three million visitors in 2021. Plans for more Dollywood resorts and attractions are in the works, including a Dolly Parton Experience set to open in 2024.
Disneyland has announced that the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States, Pixar Place Hotel, will open on January 30, 2024, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The reimagined hotel, formerly known as Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, will feature guest rooms inspired by popular Pixar movies, as well as a new restaurant called Great Maple serving upscale comfort food. Additional amenities, including a coffee shop and rooftop pool bar, will also be available.
Disneyland Resort has announced that the transformation of Paradise Pier Hotel into a Pixar-themed hotel, called Pixar Place Hotel, will be completed and open for business on January 30, 2024. The hotel will be the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States and will feature vibrant Pixar stories and artwork throughout. The renovation is part of Disney's 30-year plan for expansion and innovation in the area. The hotel will include Pixar-themed guest rooms, a lobby with a giant Pixar Lamp and mobile of beloved characters, and a rooftop with a Finding Nemo-themed splash pad and pool area. The hotel's Great Maple restaurant will open in November, followed by other amenities.
Disney World is introducing a limited-time offer for children's dining plans and theme park tickets, available for purchase on November 14, 2023. The deal, part of a hotel package, offers half-price tickets and dining plans for children aged 3 to 9 when families purchase a non-discounted, four-night, four-day resort stay. The offer is valid for most nights from March 3 to June 30, 2024, coinciding with the spring and summer break season. Disney Dining Plans will officially return on January 9, 2024, when Disney World ends its park reservation requirements.
Disney is offering limited-time discounts on children's tickets at its domestic theme parks, including Disneyland and Disney World, in an effort to boost attendance amid a slowdown in the industry. The price cuts come as consumers face higher costs due to inflation, leading to lower attendance at Disney's U.S.-based parks as well as other major players like Universal, Six Flags, and Sea World. The company's parks division has remained a bright spot, with a 13% increase in revenue during the third quarter. Disney plans to invest around $60 billion in its parks division over the next 10 years, including projects such as redesigning Splash Mountain and expanding its cruise line.
SeaWorld will be opening new attractions at its three parks in Spring 2024, including a family-friendly coaster called "Penguin Trek" at SeaWorld Orlando, an interactive jellyfish exhibit called "The Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience" at SeaWorld San Diego, and the world's first "launched flume coaster" called "Catapult Falls" at SeaWorld San Antonio. Annual Pass members will have an exclusive preview of the attractions, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards rescue and conservation work.