Orange is the New Cool - New York’s OC

Orange has become the new cool, as Orange County announces the 2020 opening of a LEGOLAND New York themepark.

Rendering of LEGOLAND New York, with announced opening of 2020.

The 170-acre LEGOLAND New York resort is expected to attract approximately two million visitors annually to Goshen, a small town in the foothills of the Catskills – a region that has undergone a lot of development in recent years.

According to Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky, “LEGOLAND New York’s commitment to community partnership – including donating a portion of its revenue to the community, strong educational opportunities… and workforce training – make this project a win-win for Orange County.”

LEGOLAND New York, which will receive approximately $25 million in support from the Regional Economic Development Council, the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and New York State for projects such as off-site road infrastructure improvements and traffic mitigation measures on already busy Route 17, is forecast to create 800 construction jobs and 1,300 full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs during its anticipated April 1 to November 1 season.

Merlin Entertainments plc, owner of the LEGOLAND franchise, now operates more than 100 attractions – including LEGOLAND themeparks in California, Florida, United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia, Denmark, Dubai and Japan – and 15 hotels and six holiday villages in 24 countries. At the October 25, 2017 announcement ceremony Merlin CEO Nick Varney said, “We have spent a lot of time building relationships in the community, listening and responding to concerns, and we are looking forward to building a themepark that will enhance the community and be a tremendous neighbor…I can pledge to you that LEGOLAND New York will be a trusted and valued member of this community.”

As part of the development deal, every year, LEGOLAND New York will host two “Community Days” and donate 50% of the park’s ticket sale revenue to the Town of Goshen. All Goshen residents will be offered a 50% discount on standard one-day themepark tickets as well.

According to Merlin Entertainments, the Goshen themepark anticipates generating $283 million in sales tax and hotel occupancy tax for Orange County over the period of 30 years. Additionally, they estimate that the Town of Goshen would receive about $71 million in revenue from the host community fee, plus its share of PILOT payments and tax payments.

The park’s management will also provide educational program for ages 2-12, including year-round programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education. They plan to partner with local schools and colleges to train and employ students interested in careers in hospitality, business, and mechanical engineering and offer special programs and discounted tickets to area schools, including all school districts within Orange County.

Until LEGOLAND opens, The OC can claim that Orange is the New Black in Halloween events.

The Corn Estate in Orange County, New York is open this Halloween.

The county’s many scare parks and haunted farms are said to make this part of the Hudson Valley home to some of the most terrifying Halloween attractions in the country, attracting thousands of people each year from Philadelphia to Boston – perhaps, all future LEGOLAND customers.

So, grab your grown ones and check out the outdoor and indoor frights of Terror Dome in Newburgh; or catch the live performers and special effects wizardry at the Forest of Fear in Sterling Forest, 600 Route 17A in Tuxedo.

There’s more: the Pure Terror Scream Park in Monroe holds the Guinness World Record for the longest haunted attraction in the world. Fright Nights at Pierson’s Farm has both big boy and little kid thrills, with a non-haunted petting zoo and baby corn maze as well as a haunted graveyard.

And the Corn Estate Haunted House really puts on a family show the last weekend of October and Halloween night, in Cornwall on Hudson.  Check attraction websites for annual schedules and special pricing and have yourself a scare!

For more information on now and upcoming Orange County attractions, lodging, and events, visit OrangeTourism.org and iloveny.com

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ScholarTrips 2016 - Sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance USA

Leading travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance USA has created ScholarTrips to give students the opportunity to travel abroad and experience new places and cultures. The company has now provided over $150,000 in travel grants to students across the county.

ScholarTrips Honoree Using Her Scholarship to Travel

This year, students were asked to submit a video or essay response to a question about the impact travel may have on a person.

The contest was open from October 10, 2016 through November 10, 2016 to students over 14-years-old who are U.S. residents. Six winners were awarded a grant of $2,500 for their travel expenses. Click here for a list of this years winners and check back for information on next year's scholarship program.

"We believe that all students should have the opportunity to travel abroad and to experience the world they live in,” said Joe Mason, chief marketing officer of Allianz Global Assistance USA. "We are proud to offer this great opportunity to students across the country and we sincerely wish entries the best of luck."

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: Allianz Travel Insurance or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

We thank Allianz Global for their sponsorship of FTF's 10th annual Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.

5 Places to Ring In the New Year with Your Kids

If you’re a parent whose first New Year’s resolution is “spend more quality time with the kids,” there’s no need to wait until January 1st to act. Here are five favorite destinations that celebrate the arrival of the New Year with early and, often, alcohol-free public events designed for families.

MoonPie Drop over Mobile, Alabama. Photo Courtesy Tad Denson, MyShotz.com. 

First Night in Boston, Massachusetts

The city of Boston was the first to produce a fee-free, alcohol-free, civic-minded First Night focused on performing arts more than 40 years ago, a tradition that has spread to more than 200 cities around the world. For 2017, First Night First Day festivities will take place indoors and out around Boston Common and Copley Square. All day into the night, families can see concerts, dance performances, holiday lights and ice sculptors at work. Art gallery tours begin at noon. At 6:00 p.m. there’s the annual People’s Procession and, at 7:00 p.m., family fireworks at Boston Common. Revelers can stay on till midnight for the even bigger Countdown to Copley fireworks illuminating the sky over Copley Square, or watch it live on NBC Boston from their hotels. On January 1, family and children’s entertainment will be live in Copley Square from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Sunset on Clearwater Beach, Florida

Don't expect much bubbly to flow on the sugar sand beaches of family-focused Clearwater Beach. On New Year’s Eve, like most other nights, everyone strolls over to Pier 60 on the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to admire the sunset, listen to live music, shop for crafts and watch fire-throwers perform daring feats. The free, nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival takes place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., after which most families head over to Frenchy's Original. In the past 45 years, the Quebec, Canada expat known as “Frenchy” has opened five very popular seafood cafes. Kids love the beer-battered grouper, garlic fries sprinkled with crabmeat, and key lime pie; a special menu will be available New Year’s Eve. If everyone’s still awake, lay your blanket out on the beach to wait for Light It Up Clearwater, the annual fireworks show amplified in spectacular fashion by reflections from the calm Gulf waters.

Twice the Fireworks in Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City of Denver is situated above 5,000 feet in altitude, and its thin air is ideal to view fireworks. Fortunately, New Year's Eve Fireworks Downtown are done twice:  at 9:00 p.m. for families and at the traditional stroke of midnight for night owls. Get to the 16th Street Mall by 8:00 p.m. for a good viewing spot, and enjoy the costumed characters, stilt walkers and balloon-making artists while you wait. If you’re traveling with preschoolers, start the last day of 2016 at the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for running-around fun like confetti showers, bouncing on bubble wrap, and art projects. The Denver Zoo Year’s Eve party welcomes families to view its extensive holiday lights and enjoy a 9:00 p.m. countdown party.

The Big Orange over Miami, Florida

Whether you’re fans of Justin Bieber or Billy Joel, Miami has you covered, with private New Year’s Eve concerts by both superstars plus dozens of world-class DJ parties at area nightclubs. Families should head to downtown Coconut Grove at 2:00 p.m. December 31 for the King Mango Strut Parade, a silly parade of costumed locals whose first float features the winner of the Little Miss Mango Pageant. Hit the beach, have some Cuban food, then be at Pitbull's New Year Revolution at Bayfront Park by 10:00 p.m. Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg are hosting the free outdoor countdown concert that will thrill teens. (Younger kids can get in their PJs and watch it live on Fox TV in your hotel.) Keep an eye out for the 35-foot-wide Big Orange being hoisted up the side of the InterContinental Hotel. As it reaches the roof at midnight, fireworks illuminate the city, the park and Biscayne Bay -- where hundreds of party boats are waiting to host the city’s famed after-parties.

MoonPie Drop in Mobile, Alabama

They’re expecting 50,000 people for the Mobile New Year, which begins at 3:00 p.m. with the live broadcast of the National College Football Championship play-off game on big screens off Bienville Square. Mobile is known more for MoonPies marshmallow sandwiches than football – it’s the favorite treat thrown out by Mardi Gras maskers in the very first city to celebrate Mardi Gras, back in 1703. During New Year’s Eve, a 12-foot-tall, 600 lb. electric MoonPie hovers over the square while spectators chow down on the world’s largest edible MoonPie baked by the original Chattanooga Bakery. While awaiting midnight, dance to the live music of En Vogue, parade around with painted umbrellas, and find a viewing spot for the laser light show, fireworks and of course, the MoonPie drop.

Visit our colleagues at Family Travel Forum for more ideas on where to spend New Year's Eve with the whole family.

Happy New Year's!

Urban Lifestylists Get Vacation Planning Ideas

Here's a travel inspiration tool that we enjoyed playing with, so if you're feeling frustrated by the high costs of holiday travel, maybe you should reconsider that 'dream' trip and try again!

Read on for tips on how to select the ideal vacation for a lover of all things urban...

This infographic with urban getaway ideas is from CityPASS. We've long promoted them to families because, well, their pass is such a time and money-saver. Picture the holidays, picture the lines, now erase those lines because CityPASS gives you first in line access to major attractions in a dozen cities. Plus, with CityPASS, you'll save up to 50% on admission to all those famous attractions.

CityPASS booklets/admission cards are available for New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay and Toronto. 

(They make great stocking stuffers too!) Shop for your CityPASS now.

K-Pop & K-Culture Star in Korea's Busan One Asia Festival

Among the many fall festivals this season is the world’s largest "K-culture" celebration taking place October 1-23 in Busan, Korea. Known for its long and welcoming Haeundae beach, Busan is a modern city that still has a traditional Korean feel at heart.

Traditional Korean Market in Haeundae, one of Busan's popular tourist sites.

Officially known as the 2016 Busan One Asia Festival, there will be programs, live shows, concerts and a conference focused on K-pop (music), K-food, K-beauty and a variety of popular Korean media content, all in one location. Here's a look at what visitors can expect in a video by the BOF.

The three-week event centers around Hallyu content, a term referring to the very fast and widespread popularity of Korean popular culture, what we would call viral. BOF kicks off with a big K-Pop concert and fan events, as well as a Taste Busan food festival featuring cooking classes by star Asian chefs.

The Korean Wave Star & Beauty Collection runs through October 9, and visitors can virtually meet Korean pop culture stars through holograms, VR or 3D and learn about their beauty secrets. Artists will be on hand to do makeup demonstrations, show off new cosmetics, and present a K-beauty marketplace.


The One Asia Cultural Conference, One Asia Platform and the Running Man Hands on Experience Program take place in the following weeks.

Main stage at the recent Busan Rock Festival, photos courtesy Busan Tourism Office.

On October 23, the last day of the festival, the One Asia Dream Concert will take place as the event’s grand finale.

K-fans can expect to catch Psy (megastar of "Gangnam Style" fame), CNBLUE, B1A4, Apink, Girls’ Day, B.A.P, AOA, BTS, SE7EN, Hwang Chi Yeul, INFINITE, U-Kiss, TWICE, SHINee, GFrined, Gummy and T-ara.


Check out the official BOF website and Facebook page for more details on the schedule and star appearances.

10 Mountain Resorts for Summer Savings

“I came for the winter and stayed for the summer.” I hear it all the time when I visit North America’s top ski resorts. Mountain townies swear by the cool temperatures, clean air and natural beauty of an environment that changes from the stark white of long winters to the lush greenery of all too brief summers. 

Since travelers find lodging and activity rates at 30% to 50% off the peak winter season at these resorts, summer is a great time to try out the mountain lifestyle yourself.  Here are my 10 picks in alphabetical order, and why I chose them from the 51 summer vacation ideas we put together.

 

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival, c. Jason Dewey, AspenChamber.org

ASPEN, COLORADO

Aspen, founded in 1880 on the site of a huge silver lode, is the pinnacle of chic mountain resorts, the place where you can join the 1% and play in the fresh air, hike, fish, mountain bike and enjoy the arts. Since 1949, the summertime Aspen Music Festival has brought in more than 300 classical music events (many orchestras are comprised of top students, and there are workshop classes for kids as well.) There are lots of galleries in this pretty Western town, and arts workshops at the celebrated Anderson Ranch for all ages and skill levels – everything from bookmaking to ceramics to furniture making. There’s music at outdoor cafes, lectures and open air concerts; even the produce displayed at the weekly farmer’s market is an aesthetic treasure. Take advantage of the free RFTA transportation between Aspen and Snowmass (6 miles away and itself a famous family ski resort) – especially if you have kids in tow – because there’s another 90 miles of hiking and biking trails, fly-fishing, Class V white-water rafting and kayaking, free Thursday night concerts and special weekend performances. Note that early bookers can score a bargain at the 50 local lodges, where half off winter prices start at $129 per night; rates at Snowmass and outside Aspen village are even more reasonable.

Downtown Breckenridge, photo c. Bob Winsett

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO

Like Aspen, Breckenridge is an authentic Old West town – founded by gold prospectors in 1859 -- that just happens to have world-class slopes looming above Main Street. Given the young population, success of the Vail Resorts-owned mountain, casual boutiques, and farm to fork eateries, summer in Breck is a non-stop party. The town is comprised of low rise condos, fun dining like Giampietro’s where calzones compete with a video game arcade, ice cream shops, craft breweries like Broken Compass, and health food markets. There’s local hiking, fly fishing (Breckenridge Outfitters beat out 524 other shops to become the Orvis Shop of the Year); cooking classes at Colorado Mountain College, and an on-mountain Summer Fun Park with zip lines, a coaster, and Segway tours. The Breckenridge Ski Resort kids summer camp for ages 5-13 runs June 10 - August 19, 2016; Meta Yoga teaches yoga asanas on standup paddleboards all summer long. The Breck Rec Center, where visiting families pay only $38 for four day passes, has a climbing wall, great pool and waterslide, ball courts, classes and much more. New and casual define the entertainment scene:  the Light + Sound + Water multimedia festival and Bike Week take place in June; the Street Arts Festival is over July 4^th weekend, there’s the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in August, and Labor Day brings Rubber Duck Races, more arts, and the Sidewalk Sale Days where summer athletes shed their well-used gear. Best yet, free electric buses loop around town, making cars a luxury rather than a necessity. From July 4- October 1, the large Beaver Run Resort on Peak 9 lets you save 25% off when you stay 3 or 4 nights; some restrictions apply.  Checkout the many deals on Adventure Pass activity booklets and  BreckConnection.com is packed with local insight from the passionate townies.

Omni Mt. Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

BRETTON WOODS, NEW HAMPSHIRE

The rugged trails of the Presidential Range -- especially Mt. Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast – have lured hikers since the 1800s. Tucked into the dense forest is Bretton Woods, a ski area and mountain resort that has welcomed presidents and dignitaries since its 1902 opening. Today, the Omni Mount Washington Resort maintains that classy mountain experience, with fine service and formal dining awaiting those who hike, fish, mountain bike on the BMX trails, join a guided Polaris Ranger Mountain Tour, golf on the original Donald Ross course, or play on the landscaped grounds. Alternatively, shop in local antique stores, indulge in the new Spa, or partake of afternoon tea and watch brown bears cross the lawn. Saturday afternoons, drop by the hotel’s Prohibition “Tea” Party and learn more about the history of the 19^th Amendment; read up on the 1944 Bretton Woods conference and learn how the World Bank was founded. At night there’s live cabaret after supper. Lincoln, New Hampshire, a half hour’s drive in the Western White Mountains, is the place for souvenirs, zip lines, water parks, mini golf and homemade ice cream; pick up a free Basecamp Card for discounts at local attractions. To save on lodging, book the Omni Bretton Arms Inn where a two-night stay earns 15% off the best available rates plus free breakfast. There are also many BnBs and small motels. 

Outdoor dining in view of the Tetons, from Deck @Piste Restaurant, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

For more than 50 years, a red gondola flying over the Tetons has symbolized the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and some of the best skiing in the world. In summer, the same aerial tram takes mountain bikes, paragliders, rock climbers and hikers up to Rendevous Mountain for unforgettable 360-degree views of the 50 mile-long Jackson Hole valley, Teton Mountain range, Snake River and Grand Teton National Park. Several lifts serve the slopes for hiking, on-mountain dining and sightseeing in Teton Village, the resort base about 12 miles from Jackson. Sunday afternoons, there’s free music near the playground and pop-jet fountain.  Active visitors will want a Grand Adventure Park Pass ($79) to access the aerial tram, ropes course, bike park, bungee, climbing wall, and the Drop Tower’s 30 and 60-foot high platforms (reached by multiple auto-belay and freefall drop options). July 28-30, enroll in Eric Orto’s Mountain Running Academy and train for the Rendevous Hill Climb in August. This is one of the few mountain towns where summer is busier than winter and prices rise. Make a day trip to Yellowstone, and check out the galleries, saloons, Elk Refuge and log cabin lodges around sleepy Jackson for value, and discover that authentic Wild West feel the area is known for.

Swimming in Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, photo: C. Roost

LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK

Although Lake Placid is best known for hosting the Winter Olympics at Whiteface Mountain (1932 and 1980), summer is the best time to visit. The bustling commercial Main Street circles Mirror Lake in a village surrounded by waterways and the old growth evergreens of stunning Adirondack Park, established by New York State in 1892 and greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. Get out of town to explore hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from the mild Cobble Hill to the challenging hikes across the 46 High Peaks. Beyond the Cascade Lakes lie the granite walls that draw rock climbers. Dozens of lakes (Lake Placid is actually just north) including Tupper (site of the Tinman Triathlon each June, followed by the Lake Placid Ironman) and Saranac (site of many luxurious Adirondack style estates) are used for canoeing, SUP and whitewater rafting. Golf is popular everywhere, as is fly-fishing on the West Branch of the Ausable River. The whole region is thick with small farm towns, local museums, antique shops selling plaid blankets and plush bears, coffee bars and outdoors outfitters, making Cycle Adirondacks, a weeklong, fully supported bike tour (August 20-27), a great way to see everything. Prefer to relax on a hotel porch in your Adirondack chair? Check out the seasonal specials and pick between free nights or activity packages.

Yoga and Standup Paddleboarding for the ultimate Lake Tahoe workout; photo Chris Bartowski, Tahoe North.

LAKE TAHOE, SQUAW VALLEY

The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe Is nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains on the California / Nevada border. Most of the action is along the north shore, North Lake Tahoe, at 12 mountain resorts, more than 20 beaches and 126 miles of singletrack biking trails, many above 8, 700 feet. The largest resort, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, also called Olympic Valley since hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, is easily accessed from the Reno, Nevada Airport or Sacramento. In fact, the mountain resort famous for its powder skiing and freestyle snowboarding, skate skiing and kiting, has contributed an athlete to every Winter Olympics since 1964. Repeat visitors head to the many small lakefront communities to enjoy weekend athletic events, races and festivals such as Memorial Days “Made in Tahoe” festival celebrating local artisans, to “Tough Mudder” for bikers, the weeklong “Alpenglow Mountain” exhibit of the latest in outdoor gear, and Wanderlust, combining Zen yoga, wellness and music. Other events celebrate boats, beer and dogs; there’s scheduled SUP classes and yoga on paddleboards, swimming in the crystalline green waters, serene places to kayak, boat rentals, fly-fishing, and an Ironman triathlon. In addition to the supervised Squaw Kids club for ages 5-13, families can partake of yoga in Squaw Village each Wednesday and blues concerts on Tuesday, among the many free Tahoe events. First-timers should take advantage of the facilities and bargain accommodations found in the base villages of North Lake Tahoe’s 12 mountain resorts. The pedestrian-only, purpose built Village in Squaw Valley, for example, offers condo studios starting from $160 per night up to three bedroom suites and posh hotels, like the Resort at Squaw Creek or the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at nearby Northstar California. mountain resort. That’s the launchpad for nightly Tahoe Star Tours, a guided viewing of five planets seen with Celestron telescopes using astro imaging technology – a unique opportunity in an environment free of light pollution.

Ride a Bobsled in summer at Utah Olympic Park; courtesy Park City Chamber

PARK CITY, UTAH 

Park City is home to the newly combined Canyons and Park City Mountain Resorts, now the largest skiable acreage in the U.S. Summer, however, kicks off June 18 on Main Street in this historic Western town, when every restaurant sets it tables outdoors so that 1,500 can celebrate the season’s bounty with locally sourced, gourmet cuisine at the Savor the Summit festival. In addition to 400 miles of trails maintained for hiking and mountain biking, visitors come to fly over a curved mountain track at 60 mph on the Utah Olympic Park’s signature feature, the Comet Bobsled ride – trained pilot included. Park City lodging ranges from the Sundance crowd’s glamor hotels to bargain condos in town that rent for 40% less than in ski season. Don’t miss the weekly Park Silly Sunday Market where live bands and costumed street buskers entertain chefs, food vendors, craftsmen and tourists. The St. Regis Big Stars Bright Nights concert series featuring Emmylou Harris and Jewel this summer, takes place outdoors at Deer Valley’s amphitheater, where picnics are welcome.

Ziplining at Stowe, Vermont. Photo: Greg Petrics, c. Spruce Peak Realty

STOWE, VERMONT

Stowe is a Vermont favorite for its hip, picturesque town and topnotch ski resort blanketing Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield (the highest in the Green Mountains). Hike spectacular views off the unpaved Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road, as others have done for the past 150 years. With successful ski, snowboard and leaf peeping seasons, the Stowe Mountain Resort has invested $80 million dollars in summer. Welcome to the Adventure Center and Stowe Rocks climbing gym which add a ZipTour (served by the Skyride Gondola) and a very fun TreeTop Adventure Course (divided into six ability levels) to the activities available at the kids camp, open daily except Sunday for ages 3 to 12. Around town there’s the posh Stoweflake Spa, and small crafts places, markets, pubs and local eateries. Within a 20-minue drive on picture-perfect New England lanes is little Waterbury, home to antiques shops, the Vermont Annex cheddar cheese and maple products store, and small BnBs. Head over to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory for 20-minute tours and tastings that are well worth the stop, and pay your respects at the Flavor Graveyard where unsuccessful flavors have been laid to rest. Bikers use the lifts at nearby Sugarbush; hikers of all abilities enjoy the scenic 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path where there’s room for biking and in-line skating. The region has golf at an altitude of 1,800 feet and minigolf, tennis, an Alpine slide and more to keep everyone busy.

Le Fete de la Musique, Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Photo courtesy Tremblant.ca

TREMBLANT, QUEBEC

May is start of summer at Tremblant, the stylish resort at the foot of Mont-Tremblant voted #1 Ski Resort in Eastern North America by Ski magazine readers for 18 years in a row. Low rise townhouses with 1,900 units, chic bistros and patisseries, outfitters, an indoor pool complex and casino circle Place Saint-Bernard, the heart of this French Canadian pedestrian village built to serve the ski resort. Outdoor barbecues, live music, and friendly bilingual counselors toting campers to the lake for swim class are typical summer scenes; when it rains, visitors head to Mission Liberte, an escape game with three themed rooms. Tremblant draws weekend crowds to its Gourmand food and wine celebration, Ironman race, Wanderlust concerts and International Blues Festival. From July 22-31, Rythmes Tremblant brings in live rock, country, disco and Latino music. Because it’s located just 90 minutes from Montreal, you’ll save on Tremblant hotels booked weekdays and, if you buy before June 21, take 30% off lodgings, plus unlimited free access to the scenic gondola, at participating establishments. Canada prices have fallen 30% against the American dollar so Tremblant is currently a great value. Another bonus: resort guests will be able to observe the Perseid meteor shower August 12-13 from the village gondola.

Stopping for ice cream at Whistler. Photo c. Mike Crane, Tourism Whistler

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Canada’s Olympic mountain provides the trails, slopes and gear for hiking, mountain biking, zip lining, canoeing, fishing, and golf on one of four championship courses (pick between greens designed by Robert Cupp, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer). What visitors love about Whistler is the cobblestoned car-free, base village packed with comfortable condos and luxury hotels, hip bars and elegant shops. Not sure where to dine, join a Whistler Tasting Tour for stops at four popular eateries. Spa Scandinave combines traditional sweat lodges with frozen plunge pools to kickstart your circulation, likely not needed after your float plane trip, bungee jump, jet boat ride, tree trek or side by side ATV jaunt. Families love the safety of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for bear-spotting, plus sweeping views of the resort’s lakes and sand beaches. Count on live music nightly, a weekly Farmers Market, and huge events that range from Tough Mudder (June) to Ironman Canada (July) and Cranxworx (August) for freestyle mountain bikers. Take kids to the arts workshops and multimedia performances during Children’s Festival, July 8 – 10. Through October, visitors who stay four nights can save 40% on their condo or hotel (more if they commit to some activities and buy in advance) so, with the 30% discount Americans already enjoy thanks to the strong dollar, this place is an adventurers’ bargain.

Shanghai Disney Resort Opens to Jubilation

It’s wonderful news but it's not magic – the three-day grand opening of The Walt Disney Company’s Shanghai Disney Resort is the product of years of planning among the builders of five other global theme parks, the Shanghai Municipal Government, and joint venture partner Shanghai Shendi Group.

The resort's website, www.shanghaidisneyresort.com, is counting down to the opening.

“Years of collaboration and innovation, with contributions from Disney cast members and Imagineers, as well as thousands of artists, designers, construction workers and suppliers from across China and around the world” made it happen, notes the Disney media team, who add that the multi-billion-dollar, energy-efficient, 963-acre first phase development is Disney’s largest investment to date outside of the U. S. and one of the largest foreign investment projects in China’s history.

If your family visits Disney properties so often that you've made the kids shareholders, take note: the Shanghai Shendi Group holds 57% of the ownership shares and Disney holds the remaining 43% of shares; while Disney has a 70% stake and Shanghai Shendi Group has a 30% stake in the joint venture management company which is responsible for creating, developing and operating the resort on behalf of the owner companies.

Here are some more details from Disney for those planning a family visit to Shanghai’s newest wonder. Note that no tickets will be sold on site during the June 14, 15, 16^th opening days – if you want to join the making of history you’ll have to buy them online right away.

“The grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is one of the proudest moments in the history of The Walt Disney Company, and we’ve planned a truly spectacular celebration worthy of this historic achievement,” said Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. Excerpts from their press release follow.

The three-day celebration began today with the global premiere of the first Mandarin production of the Broadway hit "The Lion King" at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown.  (You can see a short clip of Chairman Bob Chapek's introduction of the show here.)

It continues on June 15 with a grand opening gala concert at the Enchanted Storybook Castle led by award-winning composer Tan Dun, known for film scores including “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” followed by a Starlight Celebration dessert party in Tomorrowland. On June 16, there will be a festive dedication ceremony in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle to officially open Shanghai Disney Resort to guests.

Shanghai Disney Resort features a newly designed Magic Kingdom-style theme park, Shanghai Disneyland, with six themed lands filled with immersive attractions, including Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove and Fantasyland. These lands are located around the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, largest and most interactive castle at any Disney park. The resort also features world-class live entertainment, two exquisite hotels, a shopping, dining and entertainment district called Disneytown and a 98-acre recreational area called Wishing Star Park with a lake that is open to the public.

We're delighted to learn that in honor of the grand opening, The Walt Disney Company announced a $3.1 million USD (RMB 20 million) donation to support the creation of Disney-themed play spaces in 50 children’s hospitals throughout China.

  

Additional information about tickets, shows, hotel offers and other events is available at the bilingual website, www.shanghaidisneyresort.com.

Fashionista in the House? Cunard has a Cruise for You!

Do you have kids who can't stop playing with their clothes, changing outfits, fussing about style? (Did you know that as a boy of 6, fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent was obessesed with dressing paper dolls?)

Do your kids aspire to be professional designers or stylists to the stars? If so, we have a family vacation custom tailored for them, that parents will enjoy just as much.

Queen Mary 2 sails into her berth in Brooklyn, New York

The regal and very British Cunard cruise line has announced an intriguing themed cruise for 2016 aboard the Queen Mary 2, celebrating the world of fashion. A year in advance, the company is promoting its very first ‘Transatlantic Fashion Week’ and the shipmate celebrities who will give it flair.

No need to worry about how your scruffy kids will be treated on this Old School ocean liner -- Family Travel Forum says Cunard loves kids.

The inaugural fashion-themed voyage is timed to arrive in New York City on September 8, the very same day New York Fashion Week 2016 begins. So not only will you have had a special seven-night voyage across the Atlantic on board the most famous ocean liner in the world, but hopefully your family will have spent some time on Carnaby Street, in Kensington, and in all the other fashion hotspots in London before boarding.

What Makes this Cruise Special

Stop thinking about the Captain's Supper! That tradition of bringing your best Black Tie outfit for the evening on which passengers dine in the presence of the captain is pretty much a thing of the past. Instead, this fashion-forward cruise will be hosted by a number of very significant names from the industry, as guests will be treated to events hosted by pioneering British designer, Dame Zandra Rhodes CBE, fashion historian Colin McDowell, and commentator Fern Mallis, considered the founder of New York Fashion Week.

photo courtesy, Cunard Line

Dame Zandra Rhodes, who has dressed some of the world’s most iconic stars and musicians, including Freddie Mercury and Jackie Onassis, has said: "I’m extremely excited to be joining Cunard on board Queen Mary 2 for the very first Transatlantic Fashion Week, 2016. For me, it offers the opportunity to share my knowledge and wonderful experiences from throughout my career in fashion, and give guests a taste of what my collection has to offer."

What budding designer wouldn't be fascinated by this?

According to Cunard, Dame Zandra Rhodes will also reveal select designs from her collections. Picture a fashion show at sea, with your family as front row guests when the next generation of beauty from the Storm modelling agency takes to the catwalk during the voyage.

Alongside these great fashion authorities, guests will have the opportunity to meet the designers of the future, as students from one of the world’s number one postgraduate fashion programs, The Royal College of Art, showcase their latest collections on board.

Cruise Planning Details 

The Transatlantic Fashion Week cruise is scheduled for 1-8 September 2016, sailing from Southampton - New York. Inside cabin rates begin at $1,349.00 per person. For more information, visit the Queen Mary 2 - Transatlantic Fashion Week details page, call Cunard at 800/728-6273, or speak with a cruise specialist travel agent.

Make sure everyone brings their sketchbooks and patterns, this is bound to be an experience that inspires wearable memories.

9 Days Only! How To Survive Slavery

Most parents don't have to watch as their children are subjected to the brutal horrors and indignity of slavery, what Africans who arrived in America between the years 1619 and 1865 endured. But a living history museum in Indiana offers that opportunity with an immersive experience called "Follow the North Star," in which guests take on the identity of exploited slaves.

A slave snatcher examines a group of potential slaves; c. Conner Prairie

Since the innovative educators at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana began the program in 1998, more than 75,000 people have survived it.

Each November and April, Conner Prairie reenacts slave escapes using its 200 acres of farmland dotted with historic barns and buildings. Carefully trained, costumed interpreters become terrifyingly greedy slave hunters, or sympathetic locals who assist victims on the Underground Railroad, the clandestine road to freedom.

An Indiana local provides escaping slaves with a route north to freedom; c. Conner Prairie

These "escapes" are so compelling as living history because it is the guests -- those who pay for the privilege -- who are themselves enslaved.

A ticket entitles visitors to be herded, flee, run scared, listen to abuse, bond with other escaping slaves and, finally, find a sympathetic family who provides safe haven.

A Quaker family offers to help the slaves escape; c. Conner Prairie

The Conner Prairie team adds an educational component to the moving experience, saying, "This powerful program brings to life a pivotal period of our nation's history, and shines a light on issues of social injustice that we still struggle with today in schools and workplaces across the country."

Slave Hunters round up escaped slaves to earn the bounty on their heads; c. Conner Prairie

Unlike historic slavery, the modern slave trade -- still a huge global problem -- is fragmented and impossible to quantify as it moves across borders, between classes and among races. The Trafficking in Persons Report 2014 issued by the U.S. Department of State identified 44,000 survivors, and more than 20 million victims, around the world enslaved by sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, forced labor, bonded labor, involuntary domestic servitude, and debt bondage. The deplorable trade in persons is often close by, yet unseen, unrecognized or just ignored.

It is hard to believe such human cruelty exists... until it happens to you.

For 2015, opportunities for degradation, humiliation and escape occur November 4, 6, 7, 12 through 14, and 19 through 21. They begin each night at 6:30pm, with start times staggered every 15 minutes.

According to the Conner Prairie staff, some guests cry through the whole experience; others beg to be allowed to leave. Because of the intense insights into human nature that result from the experience, only guests age 12 and older can participate, and children ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The 1 hour 45 minute program costs $20 per person. As the Conner Prairie website promises, "You'll walk away with a lot to think about."

Heidelberg, Germany for Trekking, Tasting and Theatre This Summer

The former royal city of southern Germany, Heidelberg, is known for its culture, cuisine and castles and makes a rich destination for summer Europe travelers.  

"It is questionable whether there is a stranger place than this in the history of human crime," Mark Twain commented after spending a night in the “Karzer,” a prison for students that can be seen on a tour of Heidelberg's university. 

Perhaps because it is a college town, this region of Germany has also become a center of hiking, trekking and wandern, as the Germans like to say.  Families can mix active outdoor adventures with history, guided tours and great eats for an all-around enriching vacation.

Heidelberg on Your Feet

Hiking to Buchwald from the Heidelberg downtown; photo courtesy Heidelberg Tourism Marketing

Hikers and those in search of relaxation can explore the forest and surroundings close to the city, and take advantage of tour packages called “Active Heidelberg for Hikers” that include overnight accommodations, a visit to the castle, a guided tour along the famous Philosophers’ Walk to the Neuburg Abbey, and a three-course dinner in the romantic Old Town. A hiking map and a HeidelbergGuide are also part of the package.

Active families visiting the city can tackle the 330-meter-high Holy Mountain (Heiligenberg) on their own. This mountain offers great views of the Heidelberg Castle, and trails still have remnants from the Celtic, Roman, and Medieval times dating back to the 5th century; many are preserved, restored, and can be seen on the circular hiking trail called the Keltenweg (Celtic Trail).  

Super active families can head straight to the Burgensteig, another hiking trail through vienyards and forests which starts in Heidelberg. The route leads 120 kilometers above the Bergstrasse from the Heidelberg Castle to Burg Frankenstein, just a few kilometers south of Darmstadt. More than 30 fortresses, castles, and places of worship can be found along this trail.

Heidelberg on Your Stomach

Heidelberger Schloss seen from the distance; photo by Mende, courtesy Heidelberg Marketing.

If you've built up an appetite from hiking, or are just hungry all the time, consider booking the Delectable Heidelberg day tour run by the city's marketing office.  This three-hour appetizer combines a tour of the Old Town with a real Kurpfälzer menu and a visit to two traditional Heidelberg restaurants. A knowledgeable guide stops for samples at each place, plus stories, "magic elixirs" and a sweet chocolate promise (you'll learn what that is) dating back to 1863. It is being offered Fridays at 5:30pm;  June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 30 and November 27, 2015.

For the 2015 summer season, Heidelberg Marketing and the Heidelberg guides are offering additional public guided city tours. The Tour of the Old Town is the most popular walking tour through Heidelberg. Be it the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Jesuit Quarter, Germany’s oldest university or other sights – every stop in the Old Town has its own history. During the summer months, the 90-minute tour begins daily at 10:30 from the main entrance to the old Town Hall; on Fridays there is an additional tour beginning at 6pm and on Saturdays at 2:30pm. English language tours are given only on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30am.

The City and Castle Sightseeing Tour takes a bus along the Neckar River to the Old Bridge, and then continues on to the castle. The cable car brings you back to the Old Town. From Thursday to Saturday, the sightseeing tour begins at 1:30pm with an English language tour departing the “Karlsplatz” bus stop at 3pm. 

The University of Heidelberg tour calls on the Studentenkarzer, the historic students’ prison, one of the stops during the public tour leaving Saturdays at 2:30pm. Other stops during the tour include the University Library, which houses the world famous medieval song collection “Codex Manesse”, and the “Alte Aula” or Old Assembly Hall / Old Auditorium of Germany's oldest university. The meeting point is the Universitätsplatz (University Square), Löwenbrunnen.

Heidelberg from a Seat

My Fair Lady is being presented as a musical this summer; collage by Annemone Takke

The annual Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele (Castle Festival) is again featuring performances of children’s theater, plays, concerts, musicals and movie soundtracks at the city's castle. Between June 24 and  August 2, 2015, the Theater and Orchestra Heidelberg are hosting one of the most well-known and popular open air theater festivals in Germany. A first this year will be dancing in the Dicker Turm (“Fat Tower”) of the castle.

This year, the audience can look forward to William Shakespeare’s  “Romeo and Juliet” in the castle courtyard. There will be a production of Rapunzel and a new dance performance, “Penumbra,” as well as the classic family musical “My Fair Lady." The concert program starts with arias from Handel and Mozart, and ranges from Italian opera to musical favorites.

Heidelberg Marketing offers an exclusive package tour for the 2015 Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele that includes accommodations, a visit to the Festival, dinner, walking tour of the Old Town, and a cruise on the solar-powered boat “Neckarsonne.” 

Planning a Visit to Heidelberg

This summer, from July 31 to August 28, 2015, families can take advantage of a 3-for-2 Special which allows them to stay in the city three nights for the price of two, and receive the HeidelbergCARD (free public transportation, a castle ticket including a ride on the funicular railway, discounts on tours, museums, restaurants, and shopping). This hotel offer as well as all of the city sightseeing tours can be booked by calling the Tourism Hotline at +49 (0)6221 5844444, visiting Heidelberg Marketing.com, or going in person to the Tourist Information Office at the Main Station and in the City Hall; reservations can also be made through the booking office of the Heidelberg Marketing GmbH – Telephone +49 (0)6221 5840-223/-225, or by emailing guide@heidelberg-marketing.de. (Outside of the business hours, tickets can also be purchased directly from the tour guide at the starting point.) 

More information about the area can be found in FTF's Visit to the Schriesheim Festival trip journal, and is also available at Heidelberg Marketing.com, or by telephone at +49 6221 58 40224/-226. 

With so many choices, let us know what you plan to do and see!