I Ride Trolley Press Releases

ORLANDO, FL. (June 2009)–Summer has arrived in Central Florida!!! With blue skies, sunny days and the best deals on accommodations, attractions, dining and more! This is the perfect time of year to visit and save $$$ on a vacation. Plus: New attractions at the major theme parks, expanded accommodations, special holiday events, new dining, shopping and entertainment give guests a reason to visit I-Drive again and again. Most are accessible onboard the convenient and fun I-Ride Trolley Service that allows visitors to save $$$ on gas prices. With more than 30,000 accommodations from budget to luxury, vacationers soon discover why I-Drive is Orlando’s Most Dynamic Destination! For vacation planning information and reservations go to: www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com.

The 7th annual I-Drive 5k Run held on May 9 during National Tourism Week was an incredible success. After the huge increase in participation (both from sponsors and runners), we will donate $15,000 to the I-Drive YMCA & Aquatic Center’s Scholarship Fund this year! Despite concerns about the economy, race participation increased 47% with 1,184 registered runners.

Orlando is offering “Bundles of Free Smiles” promotion, running through June 30. The program includes free admission to attractions, free room nights, free perks and even free events throughout Orlando making it even easier to enjoy an affordable Orlando vacation.

The program, created by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) for travelers of all types searching for a cost-effective vacation option, groups together deals from throughout the destination under the theme of “free.” The program runs for six months with only two black out periods – Easter Week and Memorial Day Weekend.

A wide range of more than 50 free offers are listed on www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com. Be sure to check for many offers in the I-Drive area that include area attractions, dining and accommodations. For more information call 1-888-ORL4-FUN (888-675-4386).

Orlando is the No. 1 destination travelers with children plan to visit this year, according to a TripAdvisor family travel survey with more than 1,500 respondents. Homewood Suites Orlando/International Drive and Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive were listed in the survey results as part of the Top 10 Bargain Family-Friendly Hotels. www.tripadvisor.com.

Hotwire.com announced the results of its fourth annual Travel Value Index study and named Orlando as the top destination for deal-seeking travelers in 2009. The study is based on the following categories: discounts and low prices on air; rental cars and hotels; affordable entertainment and overall appeal; and choice of accommodations.

Park the car and take the I-Ride Trolley!!! Save money on gas! Catch a fun, stress-free ride to major Orlando attractions, accommodations, shopping and dining for only $1.25.

The I-Ride Trolley Service operates 15 trolleys with service from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily. Costs: Single fare, $1.25 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, .25 cents per ride. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $4.00 per person); (three-day pass, $6.00 per person); (five-day pass, $8.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $10.00 per person) (fourteen-day pass, $17.00 per person). Each I-Ride Trolley seats 54 riders plus two wheelchair positions and an ADA-specified hydraulic lift system.

SeaWorld Orlando has opened Manta, a new roller coaster attraction that transitions riders from air to sea. Guests experience underwater animal habitats, soar face-down in a horizontal position to nearly 60 mph and come within inches of the ocean. Visitors may choose not to ride and instead experience the attraction itself, which provides floor-to-ceiling window views of more than 300 rays, including shark rays, spotted eagle rays and leopard rays www.seaworld.com. 800-327-2424.

Titanic the Experience has returned to I-Drive with its new two-story, 19,780 square-foot building at 7324 International Drive. Titanic the Experience allows visitors to tour full-scale recreations of Titanic's most famous rooms, including the Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suites, Boilers and Promenade Deck. On display: More than 200 artifacts and movie memorabilia from various Titanic files. www.titanictheexperience.com. Call 407-248-1166 for details.

This game monitors participants' brain waves in a battle of the minds and is based on technology used as a training tool for West Point cadets. The table-top game requires participants to remain calm and relaxed in order to move a ball across the table "with their mind" and into their opponent's goal. To learn more about this newest attraction in the International Drive corridor, visit wonderworksonline.com.

International Drive's newest nighttime venue, Icebar Orlando, has opened its unique 5,000 square foot entertainment venue which features a 1,000 sq. ft. bar made from solid ice. Able to accommodate up to 600 people for private parties, weddings and corporate events, ICEBAR is destined to be a hit! Open year-round, the $35 cover charge includes a 45-minute expedition into the 27-degree den of solid, sparkling, floor-to-ceiling ice. Slip on a thermal cape and gloves and sip a premium vodka cocktail (or non-alcoholic drink for guests under 21) served in a glass carved from pure ice. www.orlandoicebar.com. 407-426-7555.

Be in Havana by dinnertime! Visit just opened Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, located in Pointe Orlando, for award-winning Latin cuisine, dancing, floorshows and not-to-be-missed tropical cocktails! Cuba Libre features a contemporary interpretation of traditional Cuban cuisine and a broad base of authentic Cuban cocktails. www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/orlando. 407-226-1600.

Offering complimentary admission to all active and retired military personnel through June 2009. Valid military ID is required. www.piratesdinneradventure.com. 407-248-0590

The attraction recently remodeled its observation area with tables and chairs making group events easier. The indoor skydiving attraction is now set up for catering and bar services for private parties. In addition, the wind tunnel exterior remodel is nearly complete and showcases a new look for indoor skydiving. 407-903-1150.

The Orlando Arts Getaway program launched the Loch Haven Cultural Pass, which includes admission to the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art for 20 percent off of the regular adult and children admission prices. In addition, American Coach is offering a discounted round-trip transportation ticket from International Drive to Loch Haven Park with the purchase of the Loch Haven Cultural Pass. Each Cultural Pass is valid for 14 days from the purchase date and costs $25 for adults and $15 for children. American Coach transportation tickets are $10 for adults and $7.50 for children. www.redchairproject.com. 407-872-2382.

The Orlando Science Center features “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” through Aug. 9. The exhibit will feature the much-loved Mr. Potato Head leading adventure in outer space, on a jungle safari, on an archeological dig and under the sea. The exhibit is full of activities that build academic skills and encourage children to welcome new experiences. Admission is $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 3- 11. www. osc.org. 407-514-2000.

Crealdé School of Art presents "Against All Odds: The Original Highwaymen Painters," through June 27. The exhibit represents 19 of the original Fort Pierce Highwaymen artists, a group of African-American men and women who found success in their paintings that depict Florida's natural landscapes in the midst of segregation in the post-war era. www.crealde.org. 407-671-1886.

The Peabody Orlando, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Shingle Creek have received Meetings & Conventions magazine's prestigious Gold Key Award, designating them as outstanding meeting properties. Additionally, Rosen Centre Hotel earned the Gold Platter award for its excellence in food and beverage, while Rosen Shingle Creek received one of the meetings industry's most prestigious awards, Golf Platter "Elite" status, which is given only to the top five convention hotel catering departments in the United States.

Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando has been named one of the best meeting and conference hotels in the U.S. by Groups International. www.universalorlando.com/royalpacific.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando has been named one of the top 500 hotels in the world by the team of reporters and editors at Travel and Leisure magazine. www.universalorlando.com/portofino.

The Peabody Orlando hotel has earned its 11th Inner Circle Award from Association Meeting Magazine. Winners of the award are chosen by association meeting planners that read the publication and are graded on the hotel's food and beverage service, guest and meeting room quality, catering and convention services, and audiovisual and technical support at meetings. Currently, the Peabody is undergoing a $450 million expansion set for a 2010 completion that will double its guest rooms to 1,681 and add 210,000 square feet of flexible multi-use space.

Rosen Hotels and Resorts announces that its three Orlando convention properties, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Shingle Creek, are the first hotels in Central Florida to achieve Two Palm status in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging Program. They are among only 11 Two Palm hotels in the state of Florida. For more information about Rosen Hotels and Resorts Green Meetings program, visit rosengreenmeetings.com.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has also named the following 20 International Drive Resort Area properties to the Florida Green Lodging Program with aOne Palm designation:

Launched in March 2004, the Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. After receiving the designation, hotels are recommended to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging facilities. www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

More Green… The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the first in the country to receive certification for its recycling efforts. Recognized for recycling 40 percent of its waste, the center also uses reclaimed water for all of its landscape irrigation, has energy-efficient motors to power fountain pumps and has a control system to regulate air-conditioning and lighting levels. Hosting 300 events, shows and meetings a year, the OCCC is the second largest convention center in the U.S. www.occc.net.

More and more green...Busch Entertainment Corporation, owners of theme parks including SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove is launching initiatives to tackle environmental challenges in waster, water, food and fuel. For details visit www.4adventure.com.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando unveiled six Dr. Seuss-themed suites. The two-room suites feature a king bedroom for adults and two twin-sized beds in the children’s room. The suites are decorated with blue carpet, a montage of bright colors and famous Dr. Seuss characters, such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton and the Grinch. www.loewshotels.com or 407-363-8000.

The Point Orlando Resort, a new luxury condo-hotel, has opened with 144 suites. The contemporary European-designed property is located on International Drive near the Orange County Convention Center. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, Internet and local calls, a business center, fitness room and poolside Jacuzzi. www.thepoint-orlando.com. 407-956-2000 (public)

Westin Imagine is the area’s newest Florida art-deco style hotel and includes 315 guest rooms and one and two bedroom suites. All guest rooms and one bedroom suites are furnished with kitchenettes while all two bedroom suites have full kitchens. With over 7,100- square-feet of state-of the-art conference and meeting space facilities, meeting attendees will enjoy professionally planned banquet and catering events. WestinWORKOUT® helps guests maintain individual wellness while away on business or pleasure. The Westin Imagine Orlando is located directly across from the North/South Concourse of the Orlando Orange Convention Center on Universal Boulevard. www.westinimagineorlando.com. 1-800-327-2424.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando has opened Jurassic Park-themed kid’s suites and completed a $10 million room renovation. The new Jurassic Park suites include raptor’s cage headboards, custom wall murals, artwork from the making of the movies and Jurassic Park-themed furniture. The hotel has also completed renovations on all guest rooms and suites in a design motif that reflects the charm of the South Pacific. Technology upgrades include the addition of iHome clock radios with iPod docking stations and the installation of 32-inch (81-centimeter) flat-panel televisions. www.loewshotels.com. 407-503-3000.

Bass Pro Shops is offering free Family Summer Camp Workshops Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 5. The camps will feature arts and crafts activities such as fish bobber decorating, custom leather crafting, braiding key chains, designing bird houses, and painting wooden lures. Other activities include bird watching, archery, animal identification and S'more making. www.basspro.com/camp.407-565-5200.

Prime Outlets International Orlando recently opened Calypso St. Barth, an ethnic-inspired women's clothing store, and plans to open three new stores this month: Canterbury of New Zealand rugby apparel store, Ed Hardy vintage tattoo-wear store, and Ted Baker, a British apparel and accessory store. www.primeoutlets.com. 407-352-9600.

Universal Studios Florida opened its new ride based on FOX’s hit series, “The Simpsons.” Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical adventure. www.universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.

SeaWorld Orlando introduces a new show, A'Lure, The Call of the Ocean, an aquatic tapestry combing powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobats and mesmerizing electronic visuals. The 30-minute production takes guests on an enchanting journey through the ocean's depths and mysteries, telling the tale of the Sea Sirens, whose hypnotic calls have lured fishermen into their underwater lairs for centuries. www.seaworld.com/orlando.

Magical Midway on International Drive introduces a new tower thrill ride known as the StarFlyer. The only tower ride of its kind in the United States, this almost $2 million dollar unique attraction stands 256 feet tall and illuminates in the evening. Visitors board the StarFlyer on an 18-foot high platform and are seated in a chair like swing. The ride accommodates 18 passengers with 6 single seats and 6 double seats. The chair seats are attached vertically by chains to the star shaped center car, which revolves up the tower on its own axis making the seats fly through the air at 54mph reaching heights of over 230 feet. The StarFlyer provides visitors a phenomenal view of Orlando and exhilarating experience for the entire family. 407-370-5353. www.magicalmidway.com.

Universal Orlando Resort will partner with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. to create a Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films. Titled “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the new 20-acre (8-hectare) area will become part of Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Expected to open in late 2010, it will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizard world’s best-known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life. www.universalorlando.com. 407-363-8000.

Orlando International Airport is the only airport in the state to offer an onsite walk-in urgent care. Solantic, a leading provider of walk-in urgent care across Florida, offers travelers an option to going to an emergency room while on vacation. Open daily from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. www.solantic.com. 321-319-0349.

Also new…A new food court includes Burger King, Ruby Tuesday, Macaroni Grill and more. Airside 3 renovation has skylights, additional windows, marble floor and complimentary Wi-Fi and Samsung mobile charging stations. A new Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) installation allows passengers to use one kiosk to check-in for multiple airline flights. www.orlandoairports.net. 407-825-2001.

What's Making News on International Drive...June 2009