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Marvel Superheroes to be Major Component of Dubai’s IMG Park

Joe Kleiman
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(L to R): Ilyas Galadari, Simon Philips, Mustafa Galadari.  Photos courtesy IMG Group.  

Dubai, UAE (June 27, 2012) — Today the IMG Group announced its license agreement with MARVEL Entertainment, to build and operate a new indoor family entertainment centre, MARVEL Adventure, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2013. The centre will be housed within a large fully enclosed 1.2 million square feet themed family entertainment destination in the City of Arabia development along Emirates Road in Dubai. It is part of an ongoing development that is set to be the region’s largest entertainment destination.

The official ground breaking ceremony was held today to mark the start of construction. The 350,000 square feet Marvel Adventure family entertainment centre will include retail outlets, dining facilities and a range of interactive entertainment experiences featuring MARVEL characters.

“We are pleased to collaborate with MARVEL for our multi-faceted themed family entertainment destination. This will be one part of the region’s largest temperature controlled entertainment destinations that IMG is developing which is sure to be a strategic landmark in Dubai, appealing to the region as well as other parts of the world,” said Mr. Ilyas Galadari and Mr. Mustafa Galadari, of IMG Group.

The initial plans for the family entertainment centre include:
• Merchandise & Retail outlets stocking a full range of MARVEL merchandise
• Food and Beverage facilities covering a wide range of international cuisines
• Interactive entertainment experiences based on MARVEL characters
• Acres of common areas and facilities

“Following the outstanding global and local box office success of Marvel’s The Avengers, and the strong affinity for MARVEL in the UAE, we are thrilled to be working with the IMG Group to bring some of MARVEL’s most popular characters to kids and families across Dubai,” stated Simon Philips, President of MARVEL Entertainment International. “Whether it’s having fun at one of the entertainment experiences, hanging out with friends and enjoying a meal or collecting the latest MARVEL gadgets and action figures, there is truly something for everyone at MARVEL Adventure.”

In the UAE, Marvel’s The Avengers has broken 30 box office records including the biggest industry opening ever in the region and the film is already the 3rd most successful of all time. In-between now and the opening of MARVEL Adventure, fans will have the opportunity to see more of their favourite Super Heroes in cinemas with Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man opening this summer, followed by MARVEL’s Iron Man 3 in May 2013 and Thor 2 later in 2013.

The MARVEL name and characters have been licensed to the IMG Group by MARVEL Entertainment. Marvel Adventure is owned, managed and operated by the IMG Group which has developed the complex including the interactive entertainment experiences.

The overall facility for the themed entertainment destination will be in excess of 1.2 million sq. feet in its first stage and will be the largest temperature controlled indoor entertainment destination in the world. It is designed to attract 10,000 plus visitors per day. A unique facility of this magnitude will also generate a significant demand, in the vicinity, for hotels and hotel apartments, along with other retail and leisure components.

Butterflies: Made in the USA

Joe Kleiman
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New Orleans, LA, USA — In a most unusual salute to Independence Day, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium created a patriotic display made out of red, white and blue butterflies and visitors are invited to celebrate the Fourth of July with two full days of Red, White & Butterfly themed activities! The fun flutters in on Saturday, July 7 through Sunday, July 8 from 10am – 5pm.

In celebration of the newly renovated Butterfly Garden, guests will learn about the interesting life histories of several butterfly species, life spans, butterfly gardening, butterfly farming in other countries, and the differences between butterflies and moths. A butterfly release and chat are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Throughout the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, visitors will enjoy unique butterfly themed activities including up close views of butterfly wings using a “scope-on-a-rope” camera, butterfly specimen identification by the Entomology staff in the Field Camp, and hands on butterfly crafts.

Additional butterfly activities include:

  • Butterfly-shaped balloons – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Beautiful butterfly dancers in the lobby – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Caricature portraits in butterfly form – Noon to 3:00 pm
  • Butterfly face painting – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Roaming magician – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

All Red, White & Butterfly activities are included in general admission cost.

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Audubon Butterfly Garden Insectarium prices are $16.00 for adults, $13.00 for seniors and $11.00 for children and free for Audubon Nature Institute members. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased by visiting AudubonInstitute.org or at any Audubon Nature Institute attraction. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is located at 423 Canal Street in downtown New Orleans in the U.S. Custom House and is open from 10am to 5pm.

Now Open at Discovery Cove: A Fresh Approach to Animal Encounters

Joe Kleiman
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Orlando, FL, USA (June 29, 2012) — Now open at Discovery Cove in Orlando is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.

Just across the street from SeaWorld Orlando is Discovery Cove, a limited-admission tropical day resort where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary, snorkel among thousands of colorful fish and rays and relax on pristine beaches.

Freshwater Oasis

Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical vibe. Guests can relax and explore. They’ll wade, wander, swim and float in the water-filled trails and discover marmoset monkeys and playful Asian otters. No matter where they turn, they’ll find endless discoveries.

  • Unique waterways … With most of the water at waist-deep level or shallower, Freshwater Oasis invites families to explore all of its nooks and crannies. 
  • In-Water Relaxation Station … The warm water is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Orlando sunshine or to enjoy an ice-cold drink from the brightly colored sunken chairs that are built into the area. 
  • More features … There are multiple entries into the water, and many pathways to discover something new at every turn. 

The animals

Asian small-clawed otters

  • The smallest of all otters, the Asian-small clawed otter weighs between two and eleven pounds. Native to Southeast Asia – in areas from Indonesia, to China, to India – these playful animals can be found in the most scenic of surroundings in Freshwater Oasis. 
  • Wade past rocks and trees to encounter the thriving, lush habitat of the Asian small-clawed otter. Watch as these active mammals romp and play their way through their naturalistic environment, and swim figure-eight’s around tree stumps. Experience the lively energy of the otter in an up-close-and-personal way, without ever having to leave the refreshing water. 

Marmosets

  • Marmoset monkeys are native to the rainforest and upper canopies of South America. If they can’t be spotted up in the tip-top of the trees, these highly-active animals can be heard communicating through a variety of unique sounds including whistles, squeaks, clicks, and trills. Only weighing a pound when fully grown, marmosets are unique animals to take in. 
  • Swim through waist-deep water to the center of Freshwater Oasis, or view from a scenic pathway, an island abundant with life. There will be no glass separating guests from the marmoset monkeys that call the idyllic island home. Look and listen as these agile animals leap from tree to tree, and watch in wonder as they run upside-down on the branches. Experience a whole new world, right in front of your eyes.

More about Discovery Cove

  • Discovery Cove is a paradise of rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, a resort-style pool complete with waterfalls, and white-sand beaches. 
  • The Grand 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. 
  • SeaVenture is an underwater walking tour where guests, wearing dive helmets, find up-close encounters with sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays. 

Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove, which is an all-inclusive, full-day experience featuring the best animal experiences, all-day dining, and first-class amenities plus unlimited admission for 14 days to sister parks SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando.

Limited to approximately 1,000 guests per day, Discovery Cove requires advance reservations which can be made at DiscoveryCove.com or by calling 1-877-434-7268.

Seasonal rates for Discovery Cove’s Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package start at $229 (rates for Day Resort Package without dolphin swim experience and guests ages 3-5 start at $149).

Prices vary seasonally.

Discovery Cove is part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, which operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.

The 10 parks play host to 25 million guests each year and employ 26,000 people nationwide. To learn more, visit SeaWorldParksandEntertainment.com or call toll-free 1-888-800-5447. Additionally, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. Learn more at SWBG-ConservationFund.org.

Independence Visitor Center and National Park Service Invite the Public to Experience Independence Day at Its Home

Joe Kleiman
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Philadelphia, PA, USA (June 29, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — The Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) and Independence National Historical Park (INHP) are excited to host a diverse selection of events and offer extended hours of operation for Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Visitor Center during INHP’s Freedom Week (July 1-July 8) leading up to and on the Fourth of July.

Extended Hours at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center (July 1-4, 9:00 a.m.
– 8:00 p.m.)
In celebration of the country’s independence, the National Park Service is extending hours for visitors to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. Both sites will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. fromJuly 1-4. Tickets will not be required for Independence Hall after 5:00 p.m. No tickets are needed to visit Independence Hall all day on July 4. Tickets are never required for the Liberty Bell Center. To visit Independence Hall from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on July 1-3, stop by the Independence Visitor Center or reserve tickets online at www.nps.gov/inde. National Park Service rangers also offer professionally researched accounts of the founding of the United States in Philadelphia.

Extended Hours at the Independence Visitor Center (June 29 – July 4, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
The Independence Visitor Center is gearing up to welcome those celebrating Independence Day on America’s Most Historic Square Mile with extended hours of operation. Located at 6th and Market Streets, the Visitor Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. from June 29-July 4.
Normal summer hours of operation resume on July 5 and are from 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily through Labor Day.

America’s Birthday Party hosted by Termini Bros. Bakery at the Visitor Center (July 4, 1:00 p.m.)
Join us for a celebration of America’s Birthday hosted by the Independence Visitor Center and Termini Brothers Bakery on July 4 at 1 p.m. Termini Bros., a third generation family run business was founded byGiuseppe Termini who came to Philadelphia from Enna, Sicily in 1921. The Termini family is excited to share their story of American freedom and celebrate Independence Day at the Visitor Center with a five-tier cake and cupcakes for all to enjoy.

The spectacular five-tier cake will be decorated at the Visitor Center throughout the day prior to the celebration at 1 p.m. This will be the first time Termini Bros. will be off-site decorating one of their cakes in plain sight for passers-by to observe and get a sneak peak at the inner workings of what makes Termini Bros. a local icon and one of a kind. In addition to a custom designed cake, Termini Bros. will also give-away 2,500 cupcakes!

As if you were at Termini’s main location in South Philadelphia, they will bring the same exceptional customer service and signature Termini Bros. experience at the Visitor Center on July 4th in the heart ofPhiladelphia’s historic district. For more information and event updates, check out the event listing on Facebook.

Additional Visitor Center and INHP activities include:
A dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place on Independence Mall next to the Visitor Center on June 30, July 1 and July 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The reading will be performed by costumed performers and re-enactors with a fife and drum accompaniment.

A park ranger-led walking tour, Stories from the Past, will take place every day during Freedom Week from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join a park ranger for a walking tour and hear about the people, both famous and forgotten, who played a role in establishing Philadelphia as the preeminent city of 18th century America. This walking tour starts at the Signers’ Garden on the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets.

Let Freedom Ring, a ceremony of inspiring music and patriotic presentations on Independence Square isJuly 4 and begins at 1 p.m. The ceremony will conclude with a symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell at 2 p.m. The ceremony begins on Independence Square (outside secure area between Walnut and Chestnut Streets and 5th and 6th Streets) at 1 p.m. and continues inside the Liberty Bell Center at 1:45 p.m. for the Liberty Bell tapping. This programming is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution and the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Extended Hours at Crosswalk Cafe (June 29 – July 4, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Crosswalk Cafe offers light bites and refreshments. The cafe will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.from June 29-July 4.

More Fourth of July Events
Wawa Welcome America! is also hosting events on Independence Mall throughout the week and on July 4:

  • Independence Day Picnic & Military Change of Command (June 30)
  • Mural Arts Paint Day (July 3)
  • POPS! On Independence (July 3)
  • Celebration of Freedom Ceremony (July 4)
  • Philadelphia Independence Day Parade (July 4)
  • Let Freedom Ring Ceremony and Liberty Bell Tapping (July 4)

Visit http://www.welcomeamerica.com/ for more information.

The celebration continues on Independence Mall after July 4:

Free Concert featuring Payton Taylor at Crosswalk Cafe (July 7, 1–3 p.m.)
Crosswalk Cafe, located on Independence Mall across from the Visitor Center, is excited to host country singer Payton Taylor for a free concert on July 7 at 1:00 p.m. Taylor is a Southern New Jersey native who has been gaining national attention through multiple TV appearances, newspaper and magazine interviews, and online music retailers. This summer, she is touring and has appeared at “CMA Fest” inNashville, TN. She will be appearing at other festivals such as “Summerfest” in Milwaukee, WI, and “Country on the Beach” in Key West, FL.

A re-enactment of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Square will take place on July 8 from 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join the crowd to hear a costumed Park Rangerportraying Colonel John Nixon (who read the Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time onJuly 8, 1776). Free copies of the Declaration of Independence will be given out so that you can follow along and cheer or jeer!

The Independence Visitor Center is Independence National Historical Park’s and the region’s welcome center for people from all over the nation and the world offering visitor amenities including trip planning service, easy onsite ticketing for area attractions, multilingual concierge staff, comprehensive daily listing of area events, attraction displays and regional maps, free, informative historical and orientation films, free wireless Internet access and much more. Follow @PHLVisitorCntr , the Visitor Center’s virtual concierge service on Twitter, and like us on Facebook . For more information, visit http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/ .


The Independence Visitor Center Corporation is a Pennsylvania non-profit, 501(c)3 organization which operates in cooperation with the efforts of the National Park Service, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.


A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park was created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia’s Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. The park is open from 9:00 am daily with the exception of Christmas day. A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets. Here, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and the free, timed tickets required for Independence Hall. For more information visit the park’s website, http://www.nps.gov/inde or follow us at twitter.com/independencenhp or facebook.com/independencenhp.


Crosswalk Cafe, located in the heart of Independence National Historical Park, is a seasonal outdoor cafe managed by the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) and operated by Brulee Catering. The menu features a full-line of fresh cafe items including specialty salads, sandwiches and small bites. Crosswalk Cafe offers a selection of hand-crafted beers and savory wines. For more information about Crosswalk Cafe, visit www.crosswalkcafephilly.com .

Celebrate the Fourth at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens

Joe Kleiman
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Here’s what’s in store for guests to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks on the Fourth of July:

SeaWorld San Diego
Open 9 am – 11 pm
SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate the Fourth of July with the “Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular,” an extended display set to patriotic music, at 9:30 p.m. July 4, 2012. During the rest of Summer Nights at SeaWorld, guests may enjoy the park’s fireworks display, “Into the Blue,” which caps off an evening full of amazing nighttime animal shows. The fireworks aren’t the only patriotic festivities during Summer Nights at SeaWorld: the park’s landmark 320-foot Skytower Flag of Lights is be decked out in red, white and blue lights, from dusk to midnight, through Sept. 3.

SeaWorld San Antonio
Open 9 am – 10 pm
SeaWorld San Antonio will celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with a fabulous fireworks display over Ski Lake. The best way to view the fireworks is from a seat in Ski Stadium. Come early for family fun and entertainment! Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. Stadium opens at 7:45 p.m.While you’re here, don’t miss the exciting shows and festivities of Summer Nights, including Shamu Rocks! and Sea Lions Tonight.


SeaWorld Orlando
Open 9 am – 11 pm
Head over to SeaWorld Orlando this Fourth of July for a special Summer Nights celebration! Enjoy an extraordinary performance at Bayside Stadium by the Navy Band Southeast’s Wind Ensemble, a 40-piece group performing a variety music ranging from patriotic fare to classical favorites and Broadway hits. The celebration will conclude with awe-inspiring fireworks at 10:30 p.m. that include Reflections and an honorary tribute to the United States.


Busch Gardens Tampa
Open 9 am – 10 pm
Celebrate the perfect end to the evening with an amazing fireworks finale. Busch Gardens Tampa 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. There will be an extended fireworks show on July 2, 3 and 4.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Open 10 am – 11 pm
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the source for nighttime fun this summer when IllumiNights: A Busch Gardens Encore returns with 50 nights of spectacular live performances throughout the park followed by nightly fireworks.

IllumiNights begins Sunday, July 1 with extended operating hours, and continues nightly through Aug. 19. Guests can visit Ireland for The Legend of Killarney, where larger-than-life puppets spin a magical tale of leprechauns and a lost fortune. In France, Voila! transports families to the bustling streets of Paris where outdoor performances including exciting ladder walkers entertain park guests. In Italy, lush gardens transform into a stage for an Italian strength troupe at Giardino Magico.

In addition to the other night-time entertainment, Germany’s Oktoberfest Plaza is turned upside down with colorful characters and crazy critters at the all-newWunderbarn!. Henrik and Helga, owners of the zany Black Forest Farms lead the German festivities that build to a rollicking finale with park guests’ favorite,The Chicken Dance.

Park performances begin nightly at 5:30 p.m. and culminate with the park’s signature Tour de Force: Fireworks Finale at 9:30 p.m. This spectacular fireworks show blends dazzling color with an original score that can be viewed throughout the park. It’s the perfect summertime capstone to a wonderful day at the Williamsburg theme park.  An extended fireworks presentation will take place on July 3 and July 4.

Sesame Place
Open 10 am – 9 pm
In the evening, a Fourth of July BBQ will take place at Big Bird’s Riverside Pavilion, featuring a buffet dinner and character visits, followed by a Fourth of July fireworks show set to Sesame Street music at 9:25 pm. Fireworks are free with admission while an additional charge applies to the BBQ.
Compiled by IPM News

Three New Directors Join Cedar Fair Board

Joe Kleiman
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Sandusky, OH, USA (June 27, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Cedar Fair, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that unitholders have elected three new members to the Board of Directors of its general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc., for three-year terms expiring in 2015.

The limited partners also confirmed the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and approved an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

The new directors are:

Daniel J. Hanrahan, 54, brings more than 30 years of experience, including a variety of sales and marketing, general manager, president and chief executive officer roles across the consumer packaged goods, retail, travel and hospitality sectors. Currently, he serves as the president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, a division of Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL).

Lauri M. Shanahan , 49, is a seasoned retail executive with more than 20 years of senior-level experience across global, multi-channel, multi-brand enterprises and other specialty retail, including Gap, Inc. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a footwear, accessories and apparel lifestyle company with a portfolio of premium brands and over $1.3 billion in revenues, and Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc., a growing specialty retailer of fashionable, value-priced apparel and accessories with over 500 stores. In addition, Ms. Shanahan is a principal with Maroon Peak Advisors, which provides a broad range of advisory services in the retail and consumer products sector.

Debra Smithart-Oglesby , 57, is a former certified public accountant with more than 30 years of financial and corporate leadership experience in the food service and retail industries. Since 2006, she has served as the chair of the Board of Directors of Denny’s Corporation, a full-service, family-style restaurant chain with approximately 1,680 eateries throughout the United States and nine countries.

“We are pleased to have Dan, Lauri and Debra join our Board of Directors,” said Eric L. Affeldt, Cedar Fair’s newly appointed Independent Chairman of the Board. “Their industry expertise and leadership experience will benefit our board and we look forward to their participation.”

About Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. Amusement parks in the Company’s northern region include two in Ohio: Cedar Point, consistently voted “Best Amusement Park in the World” in Amusement Today polls, and Kings Island; as well as Canada’s Wonderland, near Toronto; Dorney Park, PA; Valleyfair, MN; and Michigan’s Adventure, MI. In the southern region are Kings Dominion, VA; Carowinds, NC; and Worlds of Fun, MO. Western parks in California include: Knott’s Berry Farm;California’s Great America; and Gilroy Gardens, which is managed under contract. www.cedarfair.com.

New Sea Lion Exhibit Opens June 30 at St Louis Zoo

Joe Kleiman
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St. Louis, MO, USA (June 28, 2012) /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Saint Louis Zoo’s new Sea Lion Sound exhibit, bringing visitors nose-to-nose with swimming sea lions, opens to the public on Saturday, June 30. Sea Lion Sound features a walk-through, transparent tunnel into the sea lion habitat – the first in North America – and a landscape inspired by the rugged Pacific Northwest Coast.

Located in the center of the Zoo, the 1.5-acre, $18 million habitat and arena for 11 California sea lions includes two state-of-the-art marine mammal exhibits.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Family Sea Lion Landing features a spectacular 35-foot-long underwater viewing tunnel, where visitors can see animals swimming around them. A harbor seal is expected to join the sea lions at Sea Lion Landing later this summer.

The Lichtenstein Sea Lion Arena­­, home to the First Bank Sea Lion Show, features an 811-seat amphitheater, the large Ann Lux Family Stage, a 40,000-gallon see-through pool, a rock bridge extending into the audience and a high diving platform and slide – all designed to show off the sea lions’ natural abilities.

“At Sea Lion Sound, visitors will see our sea lions close-up. They will be able to interact directly with these magnificent marine mammals and learn from that contact. We believe this experience will build a new understanding of these highly adaptable, social creatures and the need for their conservation,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Dana Brown President and CEO of the Zoo.

Funding for the exhibit comes from The Living Promise Campaign, launched in 2010 to raise $120 millionto be used to build dynamic new animal exhibits, enhance the visitor experience, improve the Zoo’s infrastructure and strengthen its endowment.

About Saint Louis Zoo:
Named America’s #1 Zoo by Zagat Survey and Parenting Magazine, the Saint Louis Zoo is widely recognized for its innovative approaches to animal management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, it attracts about 3,000,000 visitors a year. More info at www.stlzoo.org.

Celebrate the 4th at America’s Traditional Amusement Parks

Joe Kleiman
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Here’s what’s on tap for the 4th of July at some of America’s traditional and historic theme parks:

KENNYWOOD
Open 10:30 am – 11 pm daily
Star-spangled excitement is yours during Celebrate America! Special entertainment daily, antique cars, music groups and, of course, fireworks nightly (weather permitting).  Celebrate America! runs June 30 – July 5.

IDLEWILD
Open 10:30 am – 10 pm
Fireworks 10:00
LAKE COMPOUNCE
Open 11 am – 10 pm
Fireworks 10:00
HERSHEYPARK
Open 10 am – 10 pm
Fireworks 10:00
HOLIDAY WORLD
Open 9:30 am – 9 pm
Fireworks have been canceled to due hot and dry weather conditions

www.palaceentertainment.com
www.hersheypark.com
www.holidayworld.com

Compiled by IPM News 

KSC Visitor Complex Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Kennedy Space Center July 1

Joe Kleiman
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Cape Canaveral, FL, USA (June 27, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kennedy Space Center on Sunday, July 1 with a program that includes NASA officials discussing the historic spaceport and the dynamic transformation underway to support the next generation of space exploration.

Beginning the program at 2 p.m. Sunday is the panel discussion, “Kennedy Space Center: Past, Present and Future,” at the Astronaut Encounter Theater. The select NASA panel is scheduled to include Carol Scott of the Program Control and Integration Office within the Commercial Crew Program, and Stu McClung of the Orion Crew/Service Module Office.

Scott will discuss how the Commercial Crew Program is facilitating commercial vehicle development and certification to enable the safe transportation of NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station and other low-Earth orbit destinations. McClung will talk about the Orion spacecraft being developed to carry astronauts farther into the solar system than ever before. On July 2, NASA is marking the arrival at Kennedy Space Center of the first space-bound Orion spacecraft.

At 3 p.m. Sunday at the visitor complex’s NASA Central area, the 65-member Orlando Concert Band will present a musical salute to Kennedy Space Center with patriotic music and marches. Associate Music Director Aaron Lefkowitz will lead the band in such selections as “Armed Forces Salute,” “Apollo 13,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Completing the program is Scott Bolton, principal investigator for NASA’s Juno mission to Jupiter, who will take visitors on a visual journey of recent scientific discoveries made as a result of exploration of the solar system. The presentation begins at 4:30 p.m. at Exploration Space.

The 50th anniversary programming is complimentary to guests with paid admission.

“This is a great occasion for everyone who loves John F. Kennedy Space Center,” said Bill Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex. “For 50 years, Kennedy has been the gateway to space, carrying astronauts into space aboard rockets and space shuttles, launching space exploration devices and constructing the International Space Station.

“We’re celebrating the many historic achievements of the space program over the last 50 years – which visitors can experience here like nowhere else – plus the exciting things going on today to prepareKennedy Space Center for commercial space flight and the Orion deep-space program,” Moore said.

On July 1, 1962, the space center was officially acknowledged as an operating spaceflight center under the name Launch Operations Center. The name was later changed to John F. Kennedy Space Center in honor of the president and his vision of Americans visiting the moon.

Earlier this year, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex celebrated another milestone in space history with the 50th anniversary of Americans in Orbit. On February 20, 1962, launching aboard a Mercury-Atlas rocket in the Freedom 7 capsule, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn circled the Earth three times, followed by a successful splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering guests two special offers that can save up to 30 percent on admission, food and merchandise, as well as secure access to view rocket launches. Details of Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Gold Admission Package and a$50 Annual Pass are available at http://kennedyspacecenter.com/annual-pass-offer.aspx.

Visitors to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex currently have two rare tour opportunities. For the first time in more than 30 years, NASA is allowing guests inside the Launch Control Center – where NASA directors and engineers supervised all of the 152 launches for the space shuttle and Apollo programs, and inside the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the massive building where the Apollo Saturn V rockets and space shuttles were assembled.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features many attractions and year-round interactive programs, including meeting real astronauts. The regular bus tour, included with admission, explores the history of the Apollo moon and space shuttle programs with panoramic views of launch pads and the VAB’s exterior and stops at the LC-39 Observation Gantry and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where visitors see a fully restored, 363-foot Saturn V moon rocket and relive the historic Apollo missions that saw man land on the moon.

Other Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attractions and activities include Shuttle Launch Experience, an incredible simulated journey of vertically launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle, as well as the Astronaut Training Experience ® (ATX®), Rocket Garden, two IMAX® theaters, Astronaut Encounter, Lunch With an Astronaut, U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

In addition, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the future home of the space shuttle Atlantis, with a multimillion-dollar exhibit expected to open in July 2013.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season. Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, open from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily. Parking, wheelchairs, strollers and pet kennels are free of charge. Admission is $45 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $58 + tax for adults and $48+ tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.


Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at KSC Inc., a division of Delaware North Companies, one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.

Celebrate the 4th with Merlin Entertainments Attractions

Joe Kleiman
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Here are the 4th of July offerings from MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS:

LEGOLAND California
Open 10 am – 9pm

The summer heats up at LEGOLAND with a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, “Red, White and Boom!” The awe-inspiring fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m. and blends patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics. Throughout the day, kids of all ages can enjoy live musical performances and participate in all-American family picnic games like water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races and building activities.

Red, White and Boom! Building Competition in the Club House

10am-5pm
One winner in each age category: 9 and Under, 10-15 and 16 and up

Patriot Brass Band
9:30am-The Beginning
10:30am-The Beginning
11:30am-The Beginning
12:30pm-Miniland Stage

Lawn Games on Miniland Lawn
1:00pm
2:45pm
4:15pm
6:00pm

LEGO Friends on Miniland Stage
1:30pm
2:30pm
5:30pm

Stroller Parade
Registration 12:00pm-4:30pm on LEGO Show Place Plaza
Parade through Miniland starts at 5:00pm
1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizing for best patriotic stroller

Karaoke on Miniland Stage
2:00pm
3:30pm
4:30pm

Anthony the Magic-Miniland Stage
7:00pm
8:00pm

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
6:30pm
7:30pm

Uncle Sam on Stilts-Miniland Lawn
3:30pm-6:30pm

Patriotic Trio the Boom Crew-Stilts, Juggler, unicyclist-Miniland Lawn
5:00pm-7:00pm

Nalukai-The Water Park
1:00pm-4:00pm

Fireworks
8:30pm

LEGOLAND Florida
Open 10 am – 9 pm
LEGOLAND Florida’s special glasses turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO® bricks making this show a must-see. The park will have extended hours with four nights of fireworks at 9pm.
A special all-American blow-out bash is reserved just for the fourth with atmospheric entertainment, backyard games and a Party in Miniland USA. Families can also build their very own star to add to LEGOLAND Florida’s first American Flag made out of thousands of LEGO bricks.
Red, Brick and Boom is included with park admission.
Red, Brick & Boom, Jul. 4, 10am-9pm:
Backyard games on the Mansion Lawn 10am – 5pm
Build your own star to add to LEGOLAND Florida’s first LEGO American Flag at the Fun Town Plaza 10am – 5pm
Meet and Greet with LEGO Friends Olivia at the Fun Town Plaza 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Party in Miniland USA with DJ Renee 5pm – 8:30pm
Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty Pirate-themed Pre-Show in the North and South Ski Stadium 8:30pm – 9pm
Fireworks Finale turns fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO bricks 9pm

President’s Gallery by Madame Tussaud, Washington DC
Open 8 am – 10 pm
In celebration of our nation’s independence, The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds is hosting its 1st Annual Celebrate America event, inviting children and families to join wax figures of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Ben Franklin and other “Founding Fathers” for a fun and educational journey through American history and pop culture.
Free for all children under 12 years-old and $10 for those 13 and older, all visitors will receive complimentary American flags to carry along their journey through American history at the attraction, which will be fully decorated for the holiday. Attendees will have the opportunity to try their luck at a fun and challenging 50-question American history-themed scavenger hunt; free to all visitors. Those who answer all questions correctly will be entered to win a Madame Tussauds prize pack.
Additionally, the first 50 visitors attending the celebration on July 4th will receive a free slice of good ‘ole American apple pie courtesy of Pie Sisters of Georgetown and the first 100 will also receive a Buy One Get One Free coupon for hot dogs compliments of Ollie’s Trolley. Children at the event will also enjoy face painting, music and get to make and take home their own clay apple pie souvenirs, courtesy of Be With Me Playseum.
Compiled by IPM News
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