Recommend May 2016 - (Page 48)

The Hangar restaurant at Disney Springs. What's New? Lots in Orlando Michelle Marie Arean and Paloma Villaverde de Rico Did you hear that? No? Listen, it's getting closer. I think we need to make a run for it... King Kong is on our heels.... Yes, you've got it...this summer, Universal Orlando Resort will debut the Skull Island: Reign of Kong ride, and it's going to be massive (yes, of course, pun's intended). For this 3D experience, located at Universal's Islands of Adventure and said to be one of the longest Universal ride experiences ever created, guests will board a 40-ft.-long, 17-ton expedition vehicle that "will do what no other Universal ride vehicle can do and take them where no other vehicle can go," press statements reveal. "It will be," the statement continues, "one of the most immersive and realistic ride experiences on Earth-all within one of the most immersive and realistic theme park experiences ever created." But it's not just King Kong that's coming a-knockin'. Hello Kitty has now found a home at Universal Studios with the Hello 48 may 2016 Kitty Shop, featuring a Hello Kitty Town, a Hello Kitty Sweet Yummy Shop, a Hello Kitty Lounge, and Hello Kitty at the Movies, the latter showcasing the character with a classic movie theater backdrop. Later this year, CityWalk will debut the Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium, a full-service restaurant with an array of gourmet-level chocolates and desserts. It's styled after a 19th century, Steampunk-era chocolate factory, complete with towering smokestacks, tanks, piping and other equipment for chocolate production. For hotel stays, clients can opt for Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando's Amplified package, available through Dec. 31. The package includes a behind-thescenes look at the music memorabilia via a personalized, VIP tour; a pre-reserved Fender guitar for in-room jam sessions; free access to select live entertainment venues at CityWalk for the length of the stay; and more. Rates start at $192 per night. And although Halloween might seem like it's way off in the distance, the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Halloween Horror Nights package is already available for booking. This 3-night package includes accommodations at this, the newest of Universal Orlando's hotels, 2-day Park-to-Park ticket; early park admission one hour before the theme park opens; 1-night admission to Halloween Horror Nights (Sunday to Friday); access to select live entertainment venues at CityWalk; and more. Bookings are available through May 31, for travel Sept. 16 to Oct. 31; rates start at $209 per night. Star Wars, Toy Story & More There's also a plethora of new happenings at Walt Disney World, from new distinctive character areas at various parks-think "Avatar," "Frozen," "Toy Story" and "Star Wars," too-to adult fun, including the revamped Cirque du Soleil show, "La Nouba." A visit to the Awaken Summer recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend May 2016

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk: On the Waterfront
Tour Talk: A Peek at Our Peaks
All-Inclusives: Raising the Bar
Onsite Review: Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Scene
Onsite Review: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Onsite Review: Iberostar Playa Mita
Onsite Review: Moon Palace Jamaica Grande
Hotel and Experience Pairings
New Properties Beckon
Onsite Review: Cambodia
Southern Africa’s New Enticements
Onsite Review: Rail Europe
New Frontiers in Travel
Innovation on the High Seas
Mountain Resort Vacations
What’s New in Orlando
Onsite Review: Escape to Discovery Cove
Official Florida Travel Industry Education Program–Family Course

Recommend May 2016