There’s a brand new swing set resident at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and it’s cause for global celebration! A critically endangered Bornean Orangutan, a precious baby girl, was recently born at the park, marking a significant milestone in Orangutan conservation efforts.
This tiny miracle arrived on April 13th via cesarean section, weighing in at a petite three pounds and four ounces. Luna, the mama Orangutan, is recovering well under the watchful eyes of a dedicated team of medical and zoological professionals. Soon, once both Luna and her newborn are healthy and stable, they’ll be reunited and begin their precious journey together.
Bornean Orangutans, the largest arboreal ape species, are sadly classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations have plummeted due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. This successful birth at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a testament to the park’s dedication to the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). These programs are vital for the conservation of vulnerable species, ensuring their well-being in accredited facilities and educating the public about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
Want to be part of the heartwarming story of Luna and her baby? Follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on social media for updates on their progress! You might even get a glimpse of this adorable new addition swinging through her habitat in the near future!
Dust off your neon legwarmers and crank up the synth beats, Universal Orlando Passholders! A trip back to the radical era of the 80s is on the horizon, fueled by an exclusive Passholder button and the epic return of Passholder Bonus Benefits.
This exciting news comes courtesy of a recent tease from Universal Orlando, hinting at the button’s release as part of the upcoming Passholder Bonus Benefits program in May.
The beloved Passholder Bonus Benefits program is making a grand return from May 1st to 24th. Get ready for a month packed with extra perks to sweeten your theme park experience.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect during Passholder Bonus Benefits:
Special Entrances: Enjoy the convenience of special entrances for select attractions, saving you valuable time waiting in line.
Exclusive Dining: Indulge in exclusive dining locations, offering unique menus and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Special Discounts: Take advantage of special discounts on merchandise, dining, and more throughout the parks.
And More!: Universal Orlando is keeping the details under wraps for now, but there’s sure to be even more exciting surprises in store!
Universal Orlando is keeping the specifics of the 80’s Passholder button and any potential 80s-themed events under wraps for now. Keep your eyes peeled on the Chip and Co. website and social media feeds for further details on Passholder Bonus Benefits and the groovy 80’s Passholder button!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Get ready for a tastebud twist! Starbucks is spicing things up this spring with the launch of their all-new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers! Launching on Tuesday, April 16th, these refreshing beverages combine the sweet and tangy flavors you know and love with a touch of heat, inspired by the popular “swicy” trend.
The Spicy Lemonade Refreshers come in three tantalizing flavors. The Spicy Dragonfruit: This vibrant drink features mango and exotic dragon fruit flavors, shaken with ice, real dragon fruit pieces, and a kick of Starbucks’ Spicy Chili Powder Blend.
The Spicy Strawberry: This classic combination gets a fiery makeover with juicy strawberries, lemonade, and the signature Starbucks spice.
The Spicy Pineapple: Sweet pineapple and passionfruit flavors join forces with zesty lemonade and the unique chili powder blend for a tropical adventure.
To complete the “swicy” experience, Starbucks is also introducing a Spicy Cream Cold Foam. This velvety topping adds a delightful layer of creaminess with a hint of heat, perfect for customizing any drink on the menu.
If youre near a Starbucks Reserve location, (New York City,Chicago or Seattle) you can try new sweet and spicy creations with new Hot Honey Affogato and Hot Honey Espresso Martini! The new beverages on the Reserve menu are made with wildflower honey infused with premium chili peppers.
The Hot Honey Affogato is a decadent Vanilla gelato drink drenched in Starbucks Reserve Espresso and Scrappy’s Orange and Firewater Bitters, drizzled with hot honey and topped with an Amarena cherry.
The Hot Honey Espresso martini is a signature coffee cocktail with an unexpected twist, with Starbucks Reserve Espresso, Kalak Single Malt Vodka, vanilla syrup, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur and hot honey, topped with a spicy-sweet cold foam and garnished with black sesame seeds.
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These exciting new beverages are available for a limited time only, so grab them while supplies last! Head to your local Starbucks this spring and explore the delicious world of spicy and sweet with the all-new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers.
The United States Coast Guard recently successfully conducted a medevac operation for a 35-year-old pregnant American passenger aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.
According to an April 16, 2024 press release from the United States Coast Guard, the incident occurred while the Disney Fantasy was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 260 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The expecting mother experienced health complications that necessitated a higher level of medical care unavailable onboard the ship.
The Disney Fantasy crew promptly contacted Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan, requesting urgent medical evacuation assistance. Coast Guard forces sprang into action, coordinating the medevac and dispatching an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, along with an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft pre-deployed from Air Station Miami, to rendezvous with the cruise ship.
Upon reaching the Disney Fantasy, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer expertly transferred the patient and a cruise ship doctor onto the Jayhawk helicopter using a rescue basket and litter. The Coast Guard aircrew then swiftly transported the woman to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. There, local Emergency Medical Service personnel assumed care and transported her to Centro Medico Hospital for the necessary medical attention.
Lieutenant Commander Todd Stephens, of the Coast Guard aircrew, commended his team’s performance, highlighting their “quick, safe, and efficient” execution of the long-range medevac, ensuring the patient received the critical care she needed. Ensign Michael Riccio, Coast Guard Sector San Juan operations unit leader, emphasized the collaborative effort. He credited the “competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel and units involved” as the key factor in this successful medical evacuation.
This incident exemplifies the Coast Guard’s vital role in maritime safety and emergency response. Their swiftness, expertise, and teamwork undoubtedly played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the pregnant passenger aboard the Disney Fantasy.
We are officially entering the final stretch of construction leading up to the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer. In just a few short weeks, the attraction will begin welcoming guests. Ahead of the ride’s opening, cast members gathered for an exclusive Cast Life event to dig a little deeper into the attraction’s backstory.
During the Cast Life event, the cast members learned more about the attraction, received some exclusive swag, and snapped a few photos with Louis! Cast Life events are events held exclusively for cast members that serve to foster a sense of community among these magic makers that bring the Disney parks to life.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a log-flume-type ride that is opening at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom this summer. The attraction, which is replacing Splash Mountain, takes guests on a journey into the bayou, where they will be joined by Tiana and other familiar faces from the Princess and the Frog.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
The new parasol offers chic protection from the sun and rain. This exquisite piece is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Look for subtle Gideon’s branding and a hint of hidden mischief beneath the canopy – perhaps some whispered conversations from unusual companions. It’s Gideon’s most unique offering yet!
These door frames are inspired in Minnie, Mickey and Baby Yoda and will add character and magic to any door in your home. They are made from 3D eco friendly PLA plastic and includes 3M double sided adhesive to keep them in place.
Kids and adults will enjoy this little detail in your home!
This The Lion King Ear Headband Will Remind You To Hakuna Matata For The Rest Of Your Days!
A new The Lion King Ear Headband arrived to the Disney Store for $39.99! This new release celebrates 30 years since this masterpiece came into our lives, so what better way to join the celebration then by adding this nostalgic ear headband to your collection.
It features blue and orange ears with Zazu and “Hakuna Matata” on one ear and Pumbaa, Timon and Simba on the other. A beaded yellow bow adds a pop of color that makes it extra fun!
These coasters are so original and fun! They can make a great gift or a perfect addition to your own home decor. The great thing is, they can be personalized to add your name or special occasion, so cute!
New Remy Double Pandora Charm To Add To Your Collection!
We spotted this adorable Remy Double Pandora Charm at Walt Disney World that was released in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy attraction at Disneyland Paris!
The double charm features Chef Remy on one charm and the Parisian buildings and Eiffel Tower on the other, turn it around to reveal Remy’s whiskers and a chef hat, so cute!
The ring has the famous “Anyone Can Cook” phrase in blue for an extra touch, you can take a closer look at this charm in our Instagram post:
New Stitch Blueberry Lemonade Ear Headband Available At Disney World!
This summer, add this Stitch Blueberry Lemonade Ear Headband to your style for a sweet and fresh style! You can get these ears as part of the Disney Munchlings collection at retail stores around Walt Disney World for $34.99.
The headband features soft velour ears with an ombre finish of blue and yellow, then Stitch ears are shown in the front also in blue with yellow details. The bow also made of a velour fabric, features a lemonade with blueberry and lemon slice charm!
The back of the ears and rest of the headband are made of blue soft velour. They are super cute! You can take a closer look at this ear headband in our Instagram post:
From the Page to the Stage Water For Elephants is Now on Broadway
On a Crisp Spring NYC Afternoon Chip and Company were invited to a mesmerizing spectacle that transcends the boundaries of ordinary theater. Water For Elephants, the brand new musical adaptation of Sara Gruen’s beloved novel, has arrived with all the grandeur and splendor befitting of Broadway’s most illustrious productions.
Under the expert direction of Jessica Stone, known for her remarkable work on Kimberly Akimbo, this production proves to be a tour de force, igniting the stage with emotional depth, breathtaking acrobatics, and a cast that shines as brightly as the Big Top under the moonlit sky.
From the moment the curtains rise, the audience is transported to a world where the air crackles with the energy of the circus. The incredible high-flying acrobatic cast, led by Grant Gustin as the wide-eyed Jacob Jankowski, takes center stage, performing death-defying stunts that leave spectators on the edge of their seats. With every twist, turn, and somersault, they breathe life into the magic of the circus, infusing the production with a sense of wonder and awe that is truly unforgettable.
But it’s not just the acrobatics that dazzle; it’s the seamless integration of choreography that elevates the performance to new heights. Our favorite was the performance on silks, suspended high above the stage, which served as both a playground for the performers and a canvas for storytelling.
Under Stone’s masterful direction, every movement is imbued with emotion, every dance step a reflection of the characters’ innermost desires and struggles. Isabella McCalla, in her captivating portrayal of Marlena, moves with a grace and elegance that leaves the audience enraptured, her every movement a testament to the power of dance to communicate what words cannot.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a cast of characters who are as complex and multifaceted as the world they inhabit. Gregg Edelman brings a sense of gravitas to the role of an older Jacob Jankowski, his performance a masterclass in understated emotion and quiet resilience. And then there’s Paul Alexander Nolan, whose portrayal of the villainous August is nothing short of chilling. With a commanding presence and a voice that sends shivers down the spine, Nolan imbues his character with a sense of menace that is both captivating and terrifying.
But perhaps what sets Water For Elephants apart from other productions is its bold staging and bigger ensemble, which infuse every scene with a sense of grandeur and scale. From the rustling railway train of Depression-era America to the dazzling spectacle of the circus ring, the set design, transports the audience to another time and place, immersing them in a world of a bygone period in American History.
In the midst of all the spectacle and excitement, however, it’s the emotional core of the story that truly resonates. At its heart, Water For Elephants is a story about love, loss, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Through its stirring musical numbers and heartfelt performances, the production reminds us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the bonds that connect us all.
As the curtain fell on Water For Elephants, the audience rose to their feet in a thunderous ovation, their applause a testament to the sheer magic and brilliance of the production they had just witnessed. With its breathtaking acrobatics, mesmerizing choreography, and unforgettable performances, this adaptation of Sara Gruen’s novel is flying into contention as one of the standout productions of the Broadway Tony Season.
Under the visionary direction of Jessica Stone, Water For Elephants has not only captured the hearts of audiences but has also raised the bar for what musical theater can achieve. So choose The Ride, and see the show that Theatermania is calling the best new musical on Broadway. Tickets are available at waterforelephantsthemusical.com
