Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Unveils Magical, Hotel-Wide Renovation

An exciting, hotel-wide refurbishment brings new magic to the deluxe Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, with completely redesigned guest rooms plus a refreshed lobby, pool area and concierge-level lounge. The most extensive refurbishment since the hotel's 2001 opening elevates the premium guest experience and brings a contemporary approach to the Arts & Crafts design style.

Named a AAA Four Diamond hotel by the Automobile Club of Southern California for the sixteenth year in a row, the 948-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park.

"Our renovation brings an even more upscale experience to this iconic Southern California hotel, while staying committed to its signature Arts & Crafts design," said Dan Coleman, General Manager of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. "We want our guests to enjoy the unique experience of staying in a Disney hotel that's distinctly situated in beautiful California. The revitalized design helps convey this feeling and allows us to continue exceeding guest expectations."

Guest Rooms

Every single element in the redesigned guest rooms is new—from flooring and walls, to furnishings and bathrooms. Upon entry, guests will notice beautiful hardwood-inspired flooring transitioning into soft, bright-toned carpeting. Linens and pillows are restyled in a bright, white palette and upgraded bathrooms include new fixtures. The room decor features all-new furniture made of quarter-sawn oak, specially designed for each room, as well as California-inspired artwork.

The headboards are made of quarter-sawn oak, a hallmark of Craftsman design, which frame a blossoming orange tree mural overhead—with mischievous Chip n' Dale playing in the branches. When guests open the sleeper bed (available in select rooms), artwork of Bambi, along with other woodland creatures, bid them goodnight.

Countertops of the room's desk, dresser and coffee station incorporate pieces of green glass from wine bottles, creating a beautiful, unique surface. Above the coffee bar, textured copper detailing adds depth to the aesthetic of the room while enforcing the Craftsman story.

Lastly, all rooms are powered with the latest technological features and premium amenities, including 55-inch smart TVs, Keurig coffee makers and built-in USB chargers. In addition, many rooms offer breathtaking views of Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District, the lively avenue with unique restaurants, interesting shops and dynamic entertainment venues.

Great Hall Lobby

The already stunning six-story Great Hall lobby has been upgraded with new, stylish furnishings and design elements. To complement the existing Arts and Crafts motif, new contemporary designs can be found throughout the furniture pieces, upholstery, woodwork and carpeting.

Custom tete-a-tete chairs provide interesting design and function, while boldly upholstered sofa and chair pairings offer a comfortable, welcoming setting. Coffee tables and lamp fixtures nicely complement the space, and leather-topped stools showcase hidden Mickey details. The redesigned space is perfect for lounging with family, relaxing with a glass of wine from the Hearthstone Lounge, or simply admiring the lobby's focal point—the cavernous fireplace and its roaring fire.

The Veranda

The concierge-level lounge has a new name—The Veranda—and a new design that draws inspiration from the architectural and furniture designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a visionary of the Arts & Crafts movement in Glasgow, United Kingdom. New hardwood flooring, custom-designed rugs, finely-crafted artisanal furniture and specially-commissioned art adds to the sophisticated tone of the lounge. Club-level guests may enjoy complimentary refreshments, as well as views of park fireworks in this exclusive setting.

Pool Deck

Each of the three pools have been redesigned with a variety of natural stones and brick to not only create a warm and welcoming environment, but also define the distinct pool settings. In keeping with the Arts and Crafts style of the hotel, the stone work was hand-laid by master stone masons.

Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa is located inside Disney California Adventure Park, providing guests with a special entrance to the theme park. Food and beverage options at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel include the award-winning Napa Rose, as well as character dining at Storytellers Cafe and the cozy Hearthstone Lounge. Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels also enjoy Extra Magic Hour*, which provides early entry to select Disneyland or Disney California Adventure attractions (valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key required).

*Extra Magic Hour valid for registered Disneyland® Resort Hotel Guests for admission to select attractions at either Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park before the applicable Park opens to the general public. Check Disneyland.com for schedule of when each Park offers Extra Magic Hour. Applicable Theme Park, days and times of operation and attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity, cancellation and other restrictions.

About the Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort's hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel with its "day-at-the-beach" theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort opened July 17, 1955. Open daily, year-round.

#DisneyKids: Springtime At Epcot

by Jamie Langdon

Spring has almost sprung at Walt Disney World Resort and it is a great time to visit Epcot with little ones. The weather is typically beautiful, and with the start of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 2, there are a lot of special activities to experience. My kiddos are always thrilled that the festival offers colorful themed playgrounds for them to explore, and the new Music Garden Melodies Playground is sure to be a huge hit! Fans of the movie “Cars” will want to check out the Cactus Road Rally interactive play garden, where small children can stretch their legs. Once some energy is burned off the playground, don’t miss the magical Butterflies on Go butterfly garden – it’s a favorite of my family’s. We put together a handy chart of things to do with kids this spring at Epcot, which you can see here. Does your #DisneyKids have any other favorite activities?

Plan Approved To Build World's Tallest Coaster In Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Orlando's hope of having the world's tallest roller coaster is one step closer to becoming reality.

Orange County's board of commissioners granted zoning approval Tuesday night for the $500 million Skyplex Orlando project. The unanimous vote means that developer Joshua Wallack and his family can move to the planning and construction phase on their project to build the 570-foot "Skyscraper" coaster and surrounding entertainment complex on Orlando's International Drive.

"We couldn't be happier with the board's decision," Wallack said. "Central Florida really needed a renaissance of North I-Drive. It had been decaying and shabby for the last 20 years."

International Drive, located about 20 miles outside of downtown Orlando, is an 11-mile strip of shops, restaurants and hotels situated between Universal and SeaWorld Orlando.

"We want to build the world's tallest rollercoaster as our anchor and, of course, Universal didn't want us to have such a competitive ride. Hopefully they've sort of seen the public sentiment is for Skyplex and for the rebirth of I-Drive, for prosperity and the renaissance of this year."

The Skyplex complex, scheduled to open in 2018, would include two other rides, a 350-room hotel, restaurants and stores. The current tallest roller coaster is the 450-foot "Kingda Ka" at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure. It features a 418-foot drop.

Several dozen people voiced opinions about the project during Tuesday's standing room-only public hearing. The support included residents of some of International Drive's closest residential neighborhoods, as well as business owners who said Skyplex would help revitalize the area.

Opposition led by neighboring Universal Orlando argued the coaster, which would have a 450-foot drop, would be too tall and adversely change the culture of the tourist corridor.

Universal vice president of external affairs John McReynolds told commissioners that Universal's opposition was not about fears of competition, but did still have concerns about Skyplex's impact on the area.

"It has to fit into the community, and height is the issue," McReynolds said.

Skyplex did agree to some conditions as part of its zoning approval.

Since it is yet unclear exactly how high the roller coaster will eventually be, it agreed that it won't exceed 600 feet. In addition, it must follow a plan it worked out with officials regarding its impact on traffic and easing any potential light pollution.

Last month, the Orange County's advisory planning and zoning commission denied Skyplex's request that its nearly 12 acres be rezoned. The denial came even though Skyplex got a positive recommendation from county support staff and Federal Aviation Administration approval.

The Orlando city code restricts Universal's roller coasters to a 200-foot height limit because the park is bordered by a residential neighborhood.

Like Skyplex, SeaWorld falls under county jurisdiction, but Orange County planning administrator John Smogor told commissioners that the park probably would have gotten a larger height allowance simply by asking for it. Its Sky Tower observation deck is 400 feet tall.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said that she thinks Skyplex will help to bring more tourists to the area.

"I think this is the first critical piece of getting that started," she said. "Quite frankly a lot of what we hear in here when it comes to new development and bring change is negative by nature...To see so many people saying 'Hey, I-Drive is the place for this' is really exciting."

Contributed By KYLE HIGHTOWER

Harry Potter Celebration Coming To Universal Orlando In 2016

Photo by Barry Kaufman

In January 2016, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will host "A Celebration of Harry Potter" that will include Q&A Sessions, interactive panels, demonstrations and more.

The three-day event will begin on Jan. 29 and run through Jan. 31 at Universal Orlando, and the event is scheduled to give fans the opportunity to interact with the cast and crew of the beloved film and book franchise.

At the event will be stars from the movie “Harry Potter” like Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Katie Leung. The actors will be participating in Q&A sessions, special panels and demonstrations.

In addition to the actors, fans will be able to interact with head prop maker for the Harry Potter film franchise Pierre Bohanna, Wand Combat choreographer Paul Harris and designers Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina.

Guests will also be granted access to the Harry Potter Expo where they will be able to enjoy the Sorting Hat experience, an interactive mini tour from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and more.

For fans of the movies and the books, they can also visit "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade" at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley" at Universal Studios Florida.

Access to "A Celebration of Harry Potter" will be included in the purchase of a regular ticket or an annual pass, and the event will be first-come, first-served, so arrive early. The events will take place at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks.

For travel agents who book the exclusive event vacation package, their clients will have access to special benefits and reserved sections for the panels and demonstrations. For more information, check out Universal’s official travel agent website.

By DONALD WOOD , 

2015 Best Amusement Parks For Families Named

Family Vacation Critic has released its annual list of the Best Amusement Parks for Families. The list was chosen based on family perks, nearby accommodations and new rides and attractions.

"Amusement parks are a quintessential part of summer break for families," explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "Whether you're on vacation, or staying home, a day at an amusement park can be an extra-special treat for kids, and a fun bonding experience for the entire family. With so many new rides and attractions, it's the perfect time to visit one of these top parks."

This year's list includes:

• Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH
What's New: Rougarou, a floorless roller coaster, and extensive renovations at Hotel Breakers, an affiliate hotel.

Savings Tip: Stay at Cedar Point's onsite hotels and receive discounted admission of 37 percent off.

• Carowinds – Charlotte, NC
What's New: Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga-coaster.

Savings Tip: The park's onsite campgrounds and hotel both offer free shuttle service and discounted admission to the park.

• Knoebels – Elysburg, PA
What's New: Impulse, a steel tower roller coaster.

Savings Tip: With no admission cost, visitors pay per ride or game – with rides starting around $1 each.

• Hersheypark – Hershey, PA
What's New: Laff Trakk, the first indoor, spinning glow-coaster in the U.S.

Savings Tip: Stay at Hersheypark Camping Resort, or at an official resort of Hersheypark, for discounted admission to the park and area attractions.

• Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN
What's New: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, featuring two pools, a kids' club, family suites and a spa.

Savings Tip: Buy a "Splash and Play" three day, multi-park ticket and save over 30 percent on the combined cost of daily tickets.

• Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson, NJ
What's New: El Diablo, a looping coaster inspired by the Jersey Devil.

Savings Tip: Save up to $25 when purchasing tickets online.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA
What's New: Tempesto, a new coaster hurling riders at speeds of over 60 mph.

Savings Tip: Save $20 when purchasing Bounce Tickets online – including admission to Busch Gardens, Water Country and Colonial Williamsburg.

• Silver Dollar City – Branson, MO
What's New: 10 new family attractions at Fireman's Landing, including a free-fall drop ride and water spray area.

Savings Tip: Enter the park after 3 p.m. and return the next consecutive day for free.

• Knott's Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA
What's New: Voyage to the Iron Reef, an interactive 4-D ride.

Savings Tip: Purchase tickets online – three days or more in advance – and save $25 on each ticket.

• Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX
What's New: Batman The Ride, with 4-D features and two 90-degree drops.

Savings Tip: Purchase tickets online and save up to $20 on admission.