Two Holland America Line cruise members died as a result of an accidental steam release aboard Nieuw Amsterdam on Friday, reports USA Today.
06.03.2024 - 20:52 / thepointsguy.com
If you (or your kids) love "Shrek," "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda," we have some exciting news for you. This summer, Universal will open an entire land inspired by these beloved films and characters called DreamWorks Land.
DreamWorks Land will replace Woody Woodpecker's KidZone in Universal Studios Florida but will retain the area's status as the go-to spot in the park for young kids and their families. In addition to an all-new roller coaster, the land will feature interactive play areas, live entertainment and character meet-and-greets.
When you enter DreamWorks Land, you'll first encounter Shrek's Swamp and his 35-foot-tall cottage. Outside of the cottage, you'll be able to meet Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey. Shrek's Swamp will also house a play area with slides, a playground and a splash area.
Related: From Nintendo to Minions: How theme parks are becoming more like video games
You can also meet the many cats who live with Mama Luna in "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" at the Feline Fiesta, where you can play with the kittens on interactive screens. Other areas include King Harold's Swamp Symphony, where you can make music using interactive lily pads, and Swamp Snacks, a casual spot for treats.
Guests can also visit Trolls Village and ride the playful, family-friendly Trolls Trollercoaster. This all-ages coaster features favorite characters from the "Trolls" films, and the ride's cars are designed to look like the Caterbus that transports the Trolls in the film. Universal has not yet released a minimum height requirement, but the minimum height for the coaster it's replacing was 36 inches.
Related: 11 exciting lands and attractions coming to US theme parks in 2024
Kids can also play in Poppy's Playground, nestled under a 20-foot mushroom (three cheers for shade!), shop for DreamWorks merchandise at the High Five Hideaway or get a bite to eat from Trolls Treats.
When you step farther into the land, you'll encounter Po's Kung Fu Training Camp, a play area with both wet and dry sections inspired by the "Kung Fu Panda" movies. You will definitely get wet if you visit the area where the pandas wash and dry their laundry thanks to the water cannons and dump buckets, but there is also a dry section with an interactive gong and noodle bowl-shaped merry-go-rounds.
You can also meet Po himself at "Po Live!," a meet-and-greet experience where kids can learn kung fu moves from the Dragon Warrior himself.
Related: These are the 10 best rides at Universal Orlando
There will be additional meet-and-greet areas called the DreamWorks Character Zone and DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, the latter of which is housed in an indoor theater and features music, dancing and more for a full-on DreamWorks character
Two Holland America Line cruise members died as a result of an accidental steam release aboard Nieuw Amsterdam on Friday, reports USA Today.
Your next hotel room stay may not be as secure as you hope it is.A group of security researchers who were invited to a Las Vegas hotel to identify digital security vulnerabilities discovered a technique that would enable intruders to open “millions of hotel rooms worldwide in seconds, with just two taps,” according to a new report from Wired.The team of security researchers, who spoke with Wired, have dubbed the hotel room keycard hacking technique “Unsaflok.”It is based on what Wired describes as “a collection of security vulnerabilities that would allow a hacker to almost instantly open several models of Saflok-brand RFID-based keycard locks sold by the Swiss lock maker Dormakaba.”More than 3 million hotel room doors around the globe, throughout 13,000 properties in 131 countries, use these types of Saflok systems, per Wired.Hackers are able to exploit weaknesses in keycard's encryption and underlying RFID system, the article goes on to explain.
With tax season upon us, many Americans are anxious to know what it will mean for their tax payments — and refunds. The good news is that the average tax refunds have been increasing over the past few years, and according to the IRS, that trend is still continuing as of the latest data. This means, there's the potential for even more surprise money to hit your pocket this tax season.
As part of its Nonstop to Net Zero effort, Southwest Airlines is signing on to a project that's been dubbed the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative.A new mode of transportation designed to combine the speed of an aircraft with the “relatively lower cost of a boat to reduce the time and cost” of transporting travelers, seagliders are all-electric, zero-emission vessels. They operate exclusively over water and can move at up to 180 miles-per-hour, which dramatically reduces travel time. Seagliders function by floating on their hull before transitioning to “wave-tolerant underwater hydrofoils” and then take flight at ultra-low altitudes about 30- to 60-feet above the surface of the water. The vessels are being designed by Rhode Island based manufacturer REGENT.The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative (HSI) was first announced in January and includes a broad coalition of partners. Some of the high-profile corporate and community partners supporting the effort include AES Hawaiʻi, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Building & Constructions Trades Council, Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association, Japan Airlines, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Mokulele Airlines, Molokaʻi Chamber of Commerce, Polynesian Adventure, and United Airlines.
A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the fourth time in three months, with this being the most powerful so far.
Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.
While Baltimore is home to a wealth of fascinating museums, restaurants and historic attractions, there’s a world of opportunity for visiting ecotourists found far beyond city limits. From the heart of Chesapeake Bay to the edge of the Atlantic, Maryland is rife with top-tier birdwatching destinations, each one equipped with a diverse array of species spanning from tiny passerines to fierce raptors. As you plan your next trip to the Old Line State, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for these can’t-miss birdwatching spots.
There is only one place to be on St Patrick’s Day and that is Ireland. The stunning emerald isle is alive with color, brimming with energy, and waiting to welcome visitors for the experience of a lifetime. St Patrick’s Festival is truly one of the great spectacles of the world — a week-long celebration of music, dance and outdoor shows culminating in the fabulous St. Patrick’s Day parade through the historic streets of Dublin on March 17th. Regional parades take place in cities such as Kilkenny, Limerick and Killarney.
Bus transport varies considerably from country to country, from super-slick intra-city buses in Mexico to down-at-heel Greyhounds in the US.
With a diaspora in the millions, Ireland’s national holiday has become an international phenomenon.
American Airlines' AAdvantage program still offers a compelling partner award chart. And you can often find good-value domestic awards, too. One of the strongest aspects of the American AAdvantage program is the value of its miles. However, it can be difficult to earn and redeem American miles, as the airline does not partner with major credit card rewards programs such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Independent visitors to Ireland have historically counted on renting a car to get around the country.