Travelore News: Jamaica Activates Tourism Emergency Operation Centers Due To Approaching Hurricane Matthew

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Tourism Emergency Operations Centres (TEOC), located at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston and Altamont West in Montego Bay, will be the focal points of the tourism sector’s coordination of disaster response and recovery activities should Hurricane Matthew impact the island.

As Jamaica braces for the possible onslaught of Hurricane Matthew – now a Category 3 system – preparations are in high gear at the Ministry of Tourism to activate its two operations centers, which will coordinate emergency services for the local tourism sector.

In addition to being the official sources of information for the tourism sector, the Centers will disseminate warnings and bulletins received from the National Emergency Operations Center; analyze and evaluate all data pertaining to emergency operations within the tourism sector as well as update local and international media.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, gave the assurance that the Ministry and its agencies have taken all necessary precautions and are well prepared for the eventuality of a hurricane. “The TEOCs will provide important and timely information to stakeholders in the sector. I encourage all our tourism partners and Jamaicans in general to heed the hurricane warnings issued by the relevant authorities and take all the necessary precautions to keep safe during the possible passage of Hurricane Matthew,” said Minister Bartlett.

Cunard's Iconic Queen Mary 2 Makes Boston Debut With Extended Kennel Area

BOSTON, MA - Queen Mary 2 gave a royal welcome to Boston's top Instagram dogs, Nacho (@NachoDogg) and Bear (@KnoxandBear), who enjoyed the new kennels on the Remastered ship at Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.

CunardCu's flagship ocean liner sailed into Boston today to debut its significant refit costing in the region of $132 million. The luxury liner has been lovingly remastered with new contemporary interior designs and guest experiences, many of which take their design inspiration from the original Queen Mary, which debuted into service 80 years ago. As the only passenger vessel to carry dogs and cats, Queen Mary 2 has expanded its kennel service during this multi-million dollar renovation, adding 12 new kennels for a total of 24.

In addition, the ship extended the kennel area, adding an owner's lounge, new pet playground, and expanded the outdoor area to accommodate an historic British lamppost and American fire hydrant so canines from both sides of the pond feel at home. A full-time Kennel Master takes care of daily pet responsibilities including feeding, walking and cuddling the pets onboard.

Cunard's pet-friendly policy dates back 176 years to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840 when the ship sailed with a cow to provide fresh milk for passengers. Famous canines such as Rin-Tin-Tin, Elizabeth Taylor's pampered pups and the Duke of Windsor's dogs traveled on Cunard, and to continue that tradition, Boston's top Instagram dogs joined Cunard on board the ship to test out the new, expanded kennels.

The refit was conducted in the Blohm + Voss Shipyard, in Hamburg, one of the only shipyards in the world large enough to hold Queen Mary 2. It was a 24-hour a day operation, with over one million man hours put into the refurbishment, during a 25-day period.

The Remastering Features:

• Redesign and refurbishment of the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites and restaurants, as well as Britannia staterooms, the latter to be fully completed by the end of the year

• The addition of 30 further Britannia Club staterooms, 15 Britannia single staterooms and five Britannia inside staterooms

• Redesign of key public spaces and restaurants, including the transformation of the former Winter Garden into the Carinthia Lounge, the introduction of The Verandah as the ship's new specialty restaurant, and the complete refresh and restructuring of the Kings Court, the ship's popular buffet area

• 12 additional kennels and other enhancements

• And as befitting the flagship of the Cunard fleet, a complete repaint of the ship exterior and significant technical enhancements and structural changes

About Queen Mary 2

Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury travel for the 21st Century and continues a 176-year legacy of transatlantic travel. Queen Mary 2 achieved her 200th transatlantic crossing in July 2013. Iconic luminaries, political figures and celebrities from the Golden Age of Ocean Travel to the present day have sailed with Cunard and aboard Queen Mary 2.

USA Today: Trump Unfit To Lead #nevertrump

From USA Today USA TODAY's Editorial Board: Trump unfit to lead http://usat.ly/2dIjh8C In the 34-year history of USA TODAY, the Editorial Board has never taken sides in the presidential race. Instead, we’ve expressed opinions about the major issues and haven’t presumed to tell our readers, who have a variety of priorities and values, which choice is best for them. Because every presidential race is different, we revisit our no-endorsement policy every four years. We’ve never seen reason to alter our approach. Until now.This year, the choice isn’t between two capable major party nominees who happen to have significant ideological differences. This year, one of the candidates — Republican nominee Donald Trump — is, by unanimous consensus of the Editorial Board, unfit for the presidency.

Curio – A Collection By Hilton Opens Historic Ames Boston Hotel

CURIO – A COLLECTION BY

 HILTON OPENS

 HISTORIC AMES BOSTON HOTEL

Following multimillion dollar renovation,

 first Boston hotel

 joins Curio blending modern style

 and old-world sophistication for guests

 seeking

 authentic local experiences

  One of the most historic and distinctive hotels in Boston joins

 Curio – A Collection by Hilton^TMoffering independent-minded travelers and Hilton

 HHonors members another unique, upscale hotel option from the global set of more than

 20 open properties. Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is the first Boston

 hotel to operate as part of the hand-picked collection of distinctive properties.

Ames Boston Hotel opens in the iconic Ames Building, which is listed on the National Register

 of Historic Places and is still widely referred to as Boston's "original skyscraper." Constructed

 in 1893, the 114-room boutique hotel – which has undergone a multimillion dollar renovation – is

 conveniently situated near Boston’s busy Financial District, the Hynes Convention Center in

 Back Bay, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the innovative Seaport District, and

 many public transit access points, including “T” stations at Haymarket, State Street, and

 Government Center. Additionally, Ames Boston Hotel abuts many of the city’s beloved

 landmarks and old-world neighborhoods, including the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and

 Beacon Hill.

“Ames Boston Hotel is an iconic landmark in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and

 perfectly represents Curio’s focus on offering travelers distinctive hotels that are imbued 

with local character and personality,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection

 by Hilton. “With our first property in Boston, we look forward to providing leisure and

 business guests the unique experience they seek from Curio when visiting spectacular

 destinations around the globe.”

The 15-story Ames Boston Hotel merges the past, present and future, offering a 

blend of modern style and old-world sophistication. The renovation preserved

 many original features, such as the lobby’s tiled mosaic arched ceiling and a marble

 staircase that runs from the first floor to the roof. Upon arrival, guests will enter into

 a renovated lobby space featuring sleek new check-in stations and a casual seating

 area accented by warmly-toned wood shelving and trim pieces. Adjacent to the

 revamped entryway is a brand new Library Room boasting the same eye-catching,

 mid-century design scheme that begins in the lobby, which serves as communal

 workspace for guests and features a variety of comfortable seating arrangements

 that are ideally suited for solo travelers looking to unwind and small groups seeking

 informal meeting space.

“Ames Boston Hotel blends modern style and old-world sophistication, a unique style

 enhanced by joining Hilton’s Curio collection,” said Trish Berry, general manager,

 Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. “We are delighted to offer guests

 this perfect combination of age-old Boston charm with globally-recognized service

 and amenities.”

Guest Rooms and Suites: Stylish Luxury

Each of its 114 modern guest rooms, including one-bedroom suites, bears an elegant,

 sleek and luxurious design that pays homage to the original 19th century appearance

 of the building.

·         The suites are accented by dramatic, Romanesque arched windows and

 decorative fireplaces complemented by inventive design interpretations.

·         Grand windows usher in ambient natural light, while high ceilings, light oak

 hardwood floors and modern décor balance sophistication and comfort.

·         Other features include oversized closets and ergonomic workspace and an

 elegantly designed bathroom with white marble rain shower, stainless steel fixtures

 and illuminated vanity mirrors.

On-Site Dining: Breakfast Served in New Library Room, Cultivar by Acclaimed

 Chef Mary Dumont to Open

Ames Boston Hotel offers guests a delicious American Continental Breakfast served

 buffet-style in the property’s new Library Room located on the lobby level, consisting

 of freshly prepared hot items like assorted breakfast sandwiches and meats, as well an

 assortment of seasonal fruits, pastries, cereals, coffees, teas and fresh juices. Late

r this year, acclaimed Boston Chef Mary Dumont will open the doors to Cultivar, a

 highly-anticipated, unique dining concept that will serve modern American garden

 cuisine to local Bostonians and guests alike.

Fitness and Events

Ames Boston Hotel seeks to cater to every guest need, with popular amenities 

including a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary bicycles (seasonally) to ride

 through Boston’s bucolic parks in style. Also set to open in December is the hotel’s

 meeting and event space, which will accommodate gatherings of up to 75 people.

Just two miles from Boston's Logan International Airport, the hotel is situated on the

 Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile brick path around iconic Boston sites. Its idyllic location

 also offers panoramic views over the city's downtown and nearby attractions, including

 Boston Common, the Seaport District, North End, Hines Convention Center, Boston 

Convention and Exhibition Center, and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

Hilton HHonors and Location

Ames Boston Hotel is part of Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty

 program for Hilton’s 13 distinct hotel brands. Guests are encouraged 

to participate in Hilton HHonors, Hilton's free-to-join loyalty program.

 Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Hilton save time and money

 and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, including:

·         An additional 1,000 bonus points on eligible rates starting November 1, 2016

 through March 31, 2017 to celebrate the hotel’s addition to the Curio collection.

 Gold and Diamond HHonors members staying at Ames Boston Hotel will enjoy

 complimentary breakfast for up to two registered guests per room and space-available

 room upgrades.

• An exclusive member rate at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
• Instant benefits, such as free Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and redeem Points for free nights
•  as well as access to digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key.
• Unforgettable, exclusive experiences, available via Points at HHonors.com/auctions,
•  such as access to private concerts or sought-after events.

Ames Boston Hotel is owned by a joint venture doing business as Ames Investor,

 LLC and managed by Benchmark, a global hospitality company. The property will

 be part of Benchmark’s Gemstone Collection, which features unique personal

 luxury hotels around the globe. Ames Boston Hotel is located at 1 Court Street,

 Boston, Massachusetts 02108. To make a reservation, travelers can

 call +1 617-979-8100 or visit Curio.com.

2016’s Best Cities For Coffee Lovers – WalletHub Study

La Colombe in Philadelphia from www.mensjournal.com 's Best Coffee Shops To Unplug

2016's Best Cities for Coffee Lovers. In addition, WallerHub compiled a list of top retailers offering the best discounts on their coffee during the holiday.

To determine the best cities for partaking in America’s coffee culture, WalletHub’s number crunchers compared the 100 largest cities across 12 key metrics, ranging from “number of coffee shops, coffee houses and cafés per capita” to “average price of a coffee pack.”

	Top 20 Cities for Coffee Lovers
	1	Portland, OR		11	Oakland, CA
	2	Seattle, WA		12	St. Louis, MO
	3	Minneapolis, MN		13	Tampa, FL
	4	Pittsburgh, PA		14	Atlanta, GA
	5	Orlando, FL		15	Boise, ID
	6	San Francisco, CA		16	Anchorage, AK
	7	New Orleans, LA		17	Denver, CO
	8	Madison, WI		18	Reno, NV
	9	Cincinnati, OH		19	Honolulu, HI
	10	Scottsdale, AZ		20	Miami, FL

Best vs. Worst

• Louisville, Ky., average price for a cappuccino, $2.83, which is 1.7 times lower than in Honolulu, the city with the highest, $4.69.
   
• Hialeah, Fla., has the lowest average price per pack of coffee, $3.47, which is 2.2 times lower than in Honolulu, the city with the highest, $7.56.
   
• Portland, Ore., has the most coffee shops, coffeehouses and cafés per 100,000 residents, 101.71, which is 32.5 times higher than in Laredo, Texas, the city with the fewest, 3.13.
   
• Portland, Ore., has the most coffee and tea manufacturers per 100,000 residents, which is 38 times higher than in Riverside and San Bernardino, Calif., the cities with the fewest. 
   
• Orlando, Fla., has the most donut shops per 100,000 residents, 18.46, which is 18 times higher than in Anchorage, Alaska, the city with the fewest, 1.00.

To view the full report and your city’s ranking, please visit:
http://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-coffee-lovers/23739/    

Grand Opening Of The National Museum Of African American History And Culture

As part of the Grand Opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Moët Hennessy USA is proud to be a Major Contributor in support of the opening celebrations.

"We couldn't be more proud to be associated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture," said Jim Clerkin, President and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America. "For over 200 years, Moët Hennessy and its global brands have been connecting with a dynamic cross-section of consumers, not just through our events, but with our partnerships and programs. As part of our heritage, we continuously aim to create a unifying message of inclusion and provide progressive leadership in the American marketplace."

During the celebrations, Hennessy, Belvedere and Moët & Chandon along with a selection of other Moët Hennessy USA products, were featured and served at all of the museum's grand opening festivities including the Donor's Gala, The NMAAHC National Board Gala, and The Official After Party. Additionally, Moët Hennessy will be permanently recognized as a Major Contributor of the NMAAHC with an etching of the company's name that will appear on the building in perpetuity.

Moët Hennessy USA's Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of Brands, Rodney Williams, stated, "Our brands have always aligned with like-minded partners, and the highly anticipated opening of the NMAAHC is an example of visionary efforts that illuminate and inform audiences about key elements in our American history. Since 1765, Hennessy Cognac has been connecting with cultures from around the world and represents a symbol of the dreams and ideas that people from all walks of life share together."

Williams continued, "Belvedere Vodka's recent partnership with South African artist Esther Mahlangu illustrates our commitment to creating alliances that build and promote shared values among communities and cultures from around the world. Our new partnership with the NMAAHC reflects that commitment."

Culinary Union Launches National Boycott Of Trump Businesses #BoycottTrump #NeverTrump

LAS VEGAS, Vegas – A #BoycottTrump campaign urging customers to not eat, sleep, or play at many Trump hotels and golf courses comes in the wake of federal officials' denying Trump Hotel Las Vegas' objections to a December 2015 union election, during which the majority of workers at the hotel voted to join the Culinary Union, the largest affiliate of UNITE HERE.

Citing federal law allowing boycotts for the purpose of forcing an employer to honor their duty to bargain, UNITE HERE, the parent union of the Culinary Union which is certified as the bargaining representative of workers at Trump Hotel Las Vegas, has called for a national boycott of businesses Donald J. Trump owns, has invested in, or has partnered with until the Trump Hotel Las Vegas honors its legal duty to bargain with the union.

Union members recently picketed at Trump National Golf Course Los Angeles, announcing the boycott from inside the clubhouse restaurant, and union locals have planned further boycott events for September 29 in Waikiki and San Francisco, and October 1 and 18 in Chicago. More actions are expected to follow in Virginia, New York and Florida.

"Enough is enough," said UNITE HERE President D. Taylor. "While Donald Trump waged an indefensible anti-worker and anti-immigrant presidential campaign, the workers at his Las Vegas hotel fought for dignity and respect in their workplace. They voted to unionize, they won, and now the law says Trump must negotiate."

Prior to the boycott call, thousands of union members and supporters have demonstrated outside Trump Hotel Las Vegas. "Donald Trump's a disrespectful hypocrite, and we stand in solidarity with the workers at Trump Hotel Las Vegas," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "His unwillingness to bargain with the hard-working people who make his hotel successful is shameful. It tells you all you need to know about his feelings toward all working people."

"At the hotel in the morning we chant 'No Contract, No Peace! No Contract, No Peace!" said Eleuteria Blanco, a guestroom attendant at the Trump Hotel Las Vegas. Over 57,000 union workers in Las Vegas have fair wages, job security, and good health benefits—in stark contrast to workers at Trump Hotel Las Vegas who pay up to $260 per month for their health insurance, and are paid approximately $3.00 less per hour in comparison to union workers on the Strip. "We're not second class workers," Blanco added.

Trump Hotel Las Vegas management waged a hostile anti-union campaign. Hotel management hired anti-union labor consultants, paying them more than half a million dollars. Alleged offenses against management include suspensions of employees for union activities, as well as threats and interrogations against union supporters.

"After a disgraceful anti-union campaign against their own workers, the hotel still refuses to negotiate with their employees," said Geoconda Arguello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union. "We call on allies and workers to stand in solidarity in a national boycott until Donald Trump, the 'Great Negotiator,' comes to the table."

In Canada, workers at the Trump International Hotel Toronto ratified their first contract seven months after voting to join UNITE HERE.

Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE, represent over 57,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, including at most of casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas. UNITE HERE represents 270,000 workers in gaming, hotel, and food service industries in North America.

The Culinary Union is Nevada's largest immigrant organization with over 57,000 members – a diverse membership that is approximately 55% women and 56% Latino. Members -who work as guest room attendants, bartenders, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, and kitchen workers- come from 167 countries and speak over 40 different languages. The Culinary Union has been fighting for fair wages, job security, and good health benefits for working men and women in Nevada for over 80 years.

The Culinary Union is encouraging Nevada locals, political candidates, and tourists to avoid staying at/or patronizing hotels under an active labor dispute such as Station Casinos, Palms Casino Resort, and the Trump Hotel Las Vegas.

SeaWorld Entertainment Unveils Major New Attractions For 2017

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company with 12 destination and regional theme parks, today announced its extensive line-up of new attractions, shows and events for 2017. The announcement includes major new ride additions at three of its theme parks; a virtual reality experience in Orlando, a new orca presentation in San Diego, and new shows and events at many other park locations. All totaled, the company will invest approximately $175 million in capital spending, one of the largest new attraction years in its more than 50 year history.

"We are extremely excited with the scope and depth of the new attractions and events coming to our SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks in 2017," said Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. "In developing new experiences we want guests to have fun, but also be inspired, and our parks are uniquely suited to create meaningful and fun vacations." He added, "We want our guests to share experiences that matter, and our 2017 additions truly reinforce that mission."

Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster™, SeaWorld® San Antonio - Summer 2017
A new generation of coaster, the first of its kind in North America, combining the thrill of the sea, the adrenaline rush of a multi-launch roller coaster and the inspiration of animal rescue is coming to SeaWorld San Antonio.

Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster boasts variety of features inspired by the reality of jet skiing across a body of water. The unique jet ski-style car design is the first such coaster design in North America and engages riders in a straddled seating position. The design will allow riders to lean into a series of banked and serpentine turns, and grip the handle bars as they race over hills designed for maximum airtime, and a pair of high acceleration launches. Inspired by the Emmy® award-winning program, Sea Rescue®, the coaster enables riders to feel what it's like to race alongside SeaWorld's heroic animal care team and veterinarians as they spring into action at a moment's notice to help rescue animals in distress.

Reaching heights of up to 61 feet, the majority of the coaster's 2,600-foot track will be directly over water, creating the sensation that riders are surging across the park's Ski Lake. With a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, Wave Breaker promises to be a dynamic coaster experience for the whole family.

The new coaster is unique to SeaWorld's mission. The coaster is sure to thrill, but also brings awareness to the brave efforts of the SeaWorld animal teams as they join forces with organizations around the world to help ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned animals, like dolphins and sea turtles. The queue line experience will tell the story of rescue missions, and invite guests to become involved in SeaWorld's efforts to protect animals.

With the addition of Wave Breaker, guests can experience four coasters in San Antonio, spanning a range of ages and thrills. Wave Breaker joins The Great White®, a floorless steel rollercoaster that challenges riders to 360-degree flips, breathtaking loops, corkscrews and thrilling curves at speeds of up to 50 mph; Steel Eel®, a true hypercoaster featuring a 15-story vertical drop, followed by a series of camelbacks that provide periods of weightlessness and Shamu Express®, a junior-sized coaster perfect for families with younger children.

Ocean Explorer, SeaWorld San Diego - Summer 2017
SeaWorld San Diego will unveil Ocean Explorer, a new 3-acre realm combining multiple aquariums, exciting rides and digital technologies. The area is designed to engage park guests in an experience centered on exploration and adventure, inspiring them to protect the wonders of our oceans.

In the signature attraction for the realm, called Submarine Quest, guests will be adventurers on a global expedition of scientific exploration, travelling aboard submarines to see Ocean Explorer's remarkable undersea animals. Embarking on these mini submarines, visitors will become researchers on a mission to collect data and learn how they can help protect animals. This three-minute experience will include an onboard digital navigation dashboard, as well as a few other surprises along the journey, enhancing the riders' understanding of our fragile ocean ecosystem.

The heart and destination of Ocean Explorer will be a series of undersea research bases housing specially-designed aquariums and interactive displays that showcase unique and elusive ocean animals like giant octopuses and dozens of moray eels, as well as huge spider crabs and spiny king crabs. Both crab species will be new to SeaWorld San Diego.

The Ocean Explorer realm will feature five new family-friendly rides in total, including an exhilarating wave swing ride where guests will fly through thousands of real bubbles in chairs suspended from the tentacles of a giant jellyfish.

New Orca Encounter, SeaWorld San Diego - Summer 2017
SeaWorld San Diego will introduce new, inspiring, educational orca encounters, rather than theatrical shows, as part of its ongoing commitment to education, marine science research, and rescue of marine animals. These live documentaries will focus on orca enrichment, exercise, and overall health. This change will start in its San Diego park next year, followed by Orlando and then San Antonio by 2019.

The new Orca Encounter will be based on orca behavior in the wild: what they eat, how they hunt, how they navigate and how they communicate, helping guests gain a deeper appreciation and respect for the orcas and empowering them a sense of determination and purpose to help preserve the future of these majestic animals. This new encounter will look at broader themes such as research, rescue, conservation, habitats and distribution, husbandry and care, and social structures.

The new behavioral-based orca experience, will inspire as well as educate guests about the majesty of these complex animals, and reinforces the company's commitment to provide educational experiences with the park's resident orcas.

Electric Ocean, SeaWorld Orlando and San Diego - Summer 2017
Electric Ocean will debut next summer at SeaWorld parks in Orlando and San Diego as a brand new, end-of-day spectacle event. As the sun goes down, the lights and energy go up, offering guests a different kind of fun after dark. The ocean comes to life with bioluminescent lighting, music and pathway entertainment, immersing guests in a glowing sea of wonder.

Kraken® Virtual Reality (VR) Roller Coaster, SeaWorld Orlando - Summer 2017
SeaWorld will debut its first digitally enhanced ride experience as the legendary Kraken roller coaster is transformed into a virtual reality (VR) roller coaster experience. This thrill ride will be the only VR coaster experience in Florida.

Guests will embark on a deep sea mission alongside sea creatures inspired by extinct and legendary animals of the past, including the mighty Kraken. A custom digital overlay with uniquely designed headsets, fully integrated both mechanically and electronically into the coaster train, delivers a new one-of-a-kind adventure. The addition of VR to this fan-favorite brings a new level of excitement and interest in Kraken, for both new and returning guests.

Dolphin Nursery, SeaWorld Orlando - Summer 2017
SeaWorld Orlando's Dolphin Nursery will become more interactive in 2017, giving guests the opportunity to see mother and baby dolphins up close like never before. Large-scale acrylic windows will be created offering better guest viewing, including multiple levels to provide children a face-to-face perspective with baby dolphins. New slide out areas and a lifting floor will allow for easier access to mom and baby for the veterinary and animal care teams.

The next generation of multi-purpose digital displays will allow SeaWorld educators to share information about dolphin behavior, biology and conservation with guests in new ways by interacting with education and animal care video content.

InvadR™, Busch Gardens® Williamsburg – Spring 2017
A new wooden roller coaster, InvadR, will join Busch Gardens Williamsburg's collection of world-class thrill rides. The family thriller will be the park's first wooden coaster and eighth roller coaster in total. A minimum height requirement of 46 inches make it an ideal ride for adults and children to share together, but the coaster will still feature exciting ride elements, including a more than 70 foot drop, and nine airtime hills. Located in the New France village of Busch Gardens, guests will travel more than 2,100 feet through a wooded terrain and underground through a tunnel.

The attraction's theme will invite riders to choose their ride, in a battle between a band of invading Vikings and the villagers. In an unusual industry move, fans will help decide the ride elements including opportunities to vote on attraction details and theming.

The Wildlife Docs™: Live, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - May 2017
A live version of the great stories from the Emmy nominated weekly show, featuring live animals, video production, live ambassador presenters and performers in the park's Stanleyville Theater. The show is directed by acclaimed Broadway director and choreographer Jeff Whiting.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer & Friends, SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Williamsburg - 2016 Christmas events, continuing in 2017
Beloved Christmas character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends, including Clarice, Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster and Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph themed attractions will be making their debut as part of the 2016 Christmas Celebration™ events at SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Fla., San Antonio and San Diego, and Christmas Town™ at Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.

Rudolph & Friends will return for the 2017 season, with additional Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed experiences for families to enjoy the Christmas spirit even more.

2017 Events
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens deliver year-round fun with special events at each park. Seven Seas Food Festival, a popular music and food event at SeaWorld in San Diego and San Antonio, is now coming to Orlando in 2017. SeaWorld Orlando's popular music and food events will expand to a total of 14 weekends and roll-up under the Seven Seas brand. Other park events include: Lunar New Year and Wild Days at SeaWorld San Diego; Just for Kids and Summer Nights at SeaWorld San Antonio; Food & Wine Festival and Bier Fest at Bush Gardens Williamsburg, and the Red Carpet Series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.