On Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort

It’s been many and many a year since I visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, but after having my proverbial socks knocked off by Aulani in Hawaii (I say proverbial only because the place emphasizes barefoot luxury), I accepted an offer to accompany some members of the Fisher Travel team to see how the theme park is holding up.

I had forgotten how massive the resort is, and how many resort hotels are included within its boundaries. For the record, Disney owns more than 47 square miles in Orlando. That’s about two Manhattan Islands. It’s seriously big.

I’m staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, an homage to African game reserves. Having stayed in several game reserves in Africa, I can say that they got plenty of details right, and that there is something utterly breathtaking about watching a giraffe amble along right outside one’s window, whether that window is in the Serengeti or in Orlando. (Though I will admit that my first thought upon seeing the giraffe was “Oh, no, if a lion comes along right now the kids are gonna be traumatized…” Fortunately, there are no lions or any other dangerous animals in the “Savanna” area of the park, but it would certainly be a good way to teach kids about the circle of life...Or maybe not.)

My room at the lodge is quite nice—smallish, and not ideal for business travel (not a lot of electrical outlets, and a dining-style table in lieu of a desk), but perfectly good for a couple or a small family. (And I already mentioned the views over the savanna—those are tops.) Oh, yes, and while the beds in my room don’t have mosquito netting all around them, there is a decorative panel of netting at the heads of each bed. It’s a pretty touch (must remember to suggest it to my interior designer), and a fashionable nod to African necessity.

After checking in, I headed over to the Saratoga Springs resort, part of the Disney Vacation Club, for a spa treatment. Elizabeth did a wonderful job working out (most of) the knots in my back, and the spa facilities look lovely. (I was pressed for time, so I didn't get a proper tour, but there seemed to be a good number of rooms, and the women's lounge was very soothing. Might go back there just to unwind in the hot tub...)

For dinner, I went with my host over to the California Grill at the Magic Kingdom’s Contemporary Resort, which nowadays looks delightfully retro. (It has undergone an extensive renovation since its 1971 opening, but maintains a few early-1970s touches.) The restaurant is huge and rather noisy (not a great option for a quiet romantic dinner), but kids are welcome and can learn about fine dining while looking down over the Magic Kingdom. (Great touch: Guests who dine at the restaurant can keep their receipt and come back at 900 p.m. for unobstructed views of the fireworks show over the Magic Kingdom.) The food is delicious, and covers a surprising range of styles. We started with a Dragon sushi roll (tuna, shrimp tempura, bell pepper, avocado and a chili soy glaze) and then tried an artisan flatbread (BBQ-flavor, delish) before moving on to the formal first course (a single, huge goat-cheese ravioli) and the main course…which, by then, we were too full to eat. (Well, I was, anyway.) The grilled pork tenderloin was just wonderful—incredibly tender, and served over goat cheese polenta with a zinfandel glaze. 

Tomorrow I’ll be going on a Wild Africa Trek around the Animal Kingdom—this is a new feature of the resort, so I’ll be eager to see what that’s like… 

 

 

Wizarding Whimsy: On Location at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Okay, I'll come clean. I am a die-hard Harry Potter fan. I've read all the books (multiple times), seen all the movies (multiple times) and I'll stop right there before I embarrass myself further. So when last summer I heard about the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I was riding on Hippogriffs and swilling butter beer, all donning a wizard's cap. (Okay, I'm not that bad, but I hope I've created a nice picture for you.)

In September my family suffered the loss of my grandmother, and in the spirit of bringing the family closer together, my cousins and I decided to make a pilgrimage to Orlando and finally embrace the magic. Just back from the highly anticipated trip, I can say with certainty that a vacation to theme park is one that is sure to please your clients young and old and is a genuine feel-good, family vacation.

 

Where to Stay

I suggest staying at one of Universal Studios' three Loews hotels, including the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel. Each of the three is within walking distance to Universal Studios and Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. What's more, guests of these resorts can use their key cards to jump the long lines at the majority of the rides in the parks. Note: Key cards may not be used to cut the line at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Universal Studios' Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.

We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in a Deluxe Room. All of the 650 guest rooms (including 29 suites) have 32 inch HD flat screen televisions, wireless internet, Keurig coffee makers. The resort is also home to six food and beverage outlets, and is the closest to the parks.

The Magic Begins

Like anything that receives so much publicity, the first question to ask is 'will this live up to the hype?' In short, yes. Walking into the Wizarding World went way beyond walking onto the set of the movie - it was like we were actually there.

The journey starts in Hogsmeade, where your clients will find replicas of all the beloved shops mentioned in the books, from the Hogwart's Express to Honeydukes to Olivander's. The buildings (some with sweetly crooked chimneys for that whimsical effect) stand on cobblestone streets lined with butter beer carts. Nice touch: Not a single detail was spared. Moaning Myrtle even makes an appearance in the public restroom.

At the top of the street sits Hogwarts, the main event, and home to the attraction that started all the buzz - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. I highly recommend visiting this ride in the evening, because it is nearly impossible to even move in the area during the day time. According to a receptionist at the Hard Rock, January is typically the slowest month, but thanks to Harry Potter, the resort was completely sold out when we visited in early January. As a nice treat, during the evening the castle's windows are illuminated and the waiting area is aglow with lanterns. It's easy to believe in the magic.

Your clients won't mind the long wait to get onto the ride, as the designers of the attraction have created it so that you wind your way through the castle. Here, paintings come alive just like in the books, and characters appear through very realistic hologram effects. When you finally do get to the ride itself, you feel as if you have been on it the whole time.

I don't want to ruin all of the fun, so I'll leave the surprises of the ride up to your clients to find out. But let me just say that it is a whirl and twist of 3D special effects, IMAX-style images and some other turns that will leave them lining up for more. Personally, I jumped on that line another three more times. Note: For your clients who are above the ages of 21, like my cousins and myself, there are several beer carts located throughout the World and on the line leading up to the castle, for a little adult refreshment.
 

Universal After Dark

After a trip (or two or three) on the rides, head out of the parks to Universal Studios' CityWalk for a little late night fun. The flurry of restaurants and bars was the perfect way for my adult cousins and myself to unwind after a day running around with scores of high-pitched kids (yes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is fantastic, but it is still a theme park).

After a few Coronas and a spicy Mahi Mahi at Latin Quarter, we were ready for after hours when the restaurant transforms into a nightclub.
 

Who to Sell to

Yes, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is most definitely a family attraction, and is best sold to your typical family traveler. But if you know how to combine the fun and nostalgia of childhood fantasy with the right hotel, good restaurants and late night revelry, this can be a perfect sell to the over 21 crowd. For the record, not one of my cousins is under 21, and we will definitely be going back for another helping.

Club Med, Sandpiper Bay--Day Two

One of the nice things about all-inclusive resorts is that they feed you. No, I mean they really feed you. Gout has to be a real danger for regular all-inclusive visitors. And, happily, the food at Club Med Sandpiper Bay is both plentiful and very tasty. Their buffet restaurant, Marketplace, has lots of food for everyone--vegetarians and carnivores, kids and grownups, those who like it hot and those who like it mild. It's a bit overwhelming. Tell your clients to take a walk around the room before making their selection (unless they see any prime rib--then all bets are off). Also tell them about the wonderous white chocolate bread, which must be tasted to be believed, and which probably gave me diabetes. It was worth it.

After breakfast, I headed over to the resort's spa, which will be getting an overhaul in coming months (more on that later). The therapist for my Signature Massage was Sandra Lamb, who pushed and pulled on all my muscles until I was wonderfully relaxed and zen. She also explained exactly what she was doing throughout the treatment and gave insights on why it was helpful. Request her by name when booking treatments for your clients--she really does a lovely job.

Soothed and relaxed, my little group toured around the resort for a few minutes, wandering around the adults-only infinity pool and different sports facilities. (In keeping with the family vibe, the resort has child-sized tennis courts so that smaller players aren't overwhelmed by a full-sized one. Nice.) We also checked out a Deluxe Family Room (one of the remodedled suites). The room has a gentle, nautical theme and nice touches like painted hardwood floors. It has plenty of room for four people (two bedrooms, two bathrooms), and lots of light. 

And somehow, it was lunchtime again, and we dined alfresco at Soleil, the a la carte restaurant with a rather limited menu (some sandwiches, a few entrees and some snacks). Still, the food is part of the all-inclusive, and the views of the river are lovely, and it's nice to be able to sit and relax for hours and ask for cheese and crackers throughout a conversation. (So I hear. Ahem.)

Not content to simply taste food, we went around to a side room off of Marketplace for a cooking demonstration with sous-chef Erik, who showed us how to make a delicious duck breast over a rice pilaf. (I didn't know how important it is to score a duck breast before cooking it, so that the fat drains away. Learn something new every day!) The lesson was not overly complicated, and we were invited to ask questions about the preparation, the food and just about anything else involving cooking for a huge resort. (Apparently hot dogs and hamburgers are the most-requested dish for kids, and crabs legs are popular with grown-ups.)

And then came the moment I'd been dreading. Y'see, I'm terrified of heights. No, you're thinking I just don't like them. I mean I can't breathe when I'm up too high. (And "too high," for me, is about two feet off the ground.) On the other hand, I love great views, and I love trying new activities. And Club Med Sandpiper Bay has a full-size trapeze and a staff to teach guests how to fly, which is fantastic for anyone who wants to try a totally different kind of sport...but was just too much for me and my vertigo, alas. But encourage your clients to at least give it a try--if they can handle the high ladder, they'll be rewarded with a truly unique experience they'd be hard-pressed to find outside of Ringling Bros., and some great views while they swing to and fro. And we got to see some very small kids scaling the ladder and swinging happily above the net, so the trapeze is clearly popular among the junior set, too.

Before dinner, we stopped in at Slice, the resort's bar and nightclub, for a wine-tasting with Marcel, the sommelier, who explained what kinds of wine went best with what meals, and how to properly taste and enjoy different vintages. (Yes, we slurped the wine. Not very graceful, but it certainly does enhance the flavor!) Marcel, by the by, has some great stories in addition to a vast knowledge of oenology, and if your clients happen to spot him at Slice or when he isn't setting up wine in the Marketplace, they should see if he'll talk about his adventures around the world.

Of course, there is music every night at Slice, and families can gather to dance to Zumba or Club Med's signature Crazy Signs. And another nice feature: The nightclub serves complimentary cocktails (including frozen drinks and mojitos), but allows kids to enter so they can listen to music with their parents. Including the kids is what makes this a genuine family resort, rather than a resort with a children's program.

Club Med, Sandpiper Bay

After two major snowfalls in New York, it's wonderful to get out of the freezing city and escape to southern Florida, where Club Med Sandpiper Bay has just reopened following a $25-million renovation. 

Thanks to Delta and its decision to cancel my flight to Palm Beach, I missed most of the first day I was scheduled to tour the property. (And really, Delta, what gives? Bad weather is one thing, but when my new flight leaves from the same airport at the same time as the canceled one, I begin to suspect shenanigans.) I arrived just in time to see a lovely sunset over the St. Lucie River and enjoy dinner with some GOs and GMs (the resort's lingo for event organizers and guests). 

The resort is not along the Florida coast, but rather further inland. The St. Lucie river is huge (and saltwater, I hear...must find out tomorrow), and serves all the functions of a private beach. The marina my room overlooks conjures images of old-fashioned fishing villages, and the low-rise nature of the resort blends in nicely with the scenery. 

The resort is presenting itself as the only genuinely all-inclusive family resort in America, and will reportedly focus on sports and athletics. I'm scheduled to try a few of those tomorrow, so stay tuned for more details about what else the resort has to offer. 

Where Do You Send Eligible Clients or New Couples?

It's been a great year few months for Miami. In May, the city announced that international visitors to the area generated a record $11 billion in economic impact in 2009. Then Lebron James decided to join the Miami Heat, which could add about $500 to $600 million to the region. This week, Match.com, in a partnership with Southwest Airlines, named Miami the best destination for summer travelers seeking eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, receiving received more than 43 percent of the votes.

Good for Miami. We're happy for them. But what other destinations can agents suggest to their single clients? Not surprisingly, one of the most popular interests on Match.com's user profiles is traveling, with more than 80 percent of Match.com's single users listing travel as an interest. So let's give some other areas some attention.

A fair amount of those surveyed (40.5 percent) said Honolulu is the most romantic city in United States. Other popular singles summer beach destinations from the survey included Key West in Florida (17.2 percent); Manhattan Beach, in California (12.1 percent); South Padre Island of Texas (10.1 percent); Waikiki Beach in Hawaii (9.3 percent); and the Hamptons, NY (7.5 percent)

As much as this data may foster ideas as to where to send partner-less travelers, extra information hints agents should keep their eye on ideal couples destinations as well. More than 60 percent of singles surveyed would vacation with a partner after only three months of dating, and 67 percent say they would prefer to travel with someone they are dating versus family, friends or alone. Meanwhile, 12.5 percent of singles say they would share a hotel room after only one week of dating. Nothing heats a relationship up like travel, right?

Personally speaking, I can vouche for South Padre Island, TX after recently reuniting with a high school buddy who has lived near the area for years now. His girlfriend is gorgeous, sweet and down-to-earth (way to go Nick!). I've also had many friends say Austin, TX is a well-kept secret for single guys (sorry to let the cat out of the bag there fellas).

As for the Hamptons on Long Island in New York, I lived and worked there for a few years, and didn't have much success. It probably has to do something with the fact that I worked for a local magazine and couldn't afford much of the attractive singles scene, or so I tell myself. Still, it turned out to be a great vacation spot years later when I took my then-girlfriend (now wife) to the beaches of Montauk (which I think is better than Coopers Beach in Southampton, named the best beach in the United States by Dr. Beach). Thanks to that beach hamlet at the end of Long Island, she's now all mine.

We'd like agents to tell us the regions that have garnered the most interest among their eligble clients, where they would send said eligible clients, and where they would send those partaking in the blossoming stages of a relationship.

Share your thoughts by posting a comment below. Send a tweet to our Twitter page (@travelagentmag). Join the discussion thread at AgentNation. Write us at our Facebook page. Not only will your feedback help other agents and clients, it just may contribute to more in depth coverage at Travel Agent.

At our Facebook page this Jaenine StHill commented on the best cities for singles, saying:

Las Vegas and Miami. I just back from Miami-South Beach. Great time to be had.

Of course on Las Vegas! What happens there, stays there right? In case something that does happen there (i.e. single traveler meets another single traveler) doesn't end there (as the relationship develops), other agents at our Facebook page have suggestions as to where they can go.

Mari Jo suggests:

Riviera Maya - beautiful beaches, jungle, cenotes, Mayan ruins, great restaurants - the perfect setting for adventure, fun and romance!

Grace DeVita added:

I'd recommend somewhere like The Resort at Paws Up...you can get romantic seclusion and adventure at the same time and really see what your better half is made of..

 

Does Lebron + Miami = More Tourism Dollars?

Being neither ESPN nor Sports Illustrated, we've been doing our best to avoid engaging in the saturation of conversation about Lebron James' decision to move to Miami. But then we read a projection at the Miami Herald that said the NBA all-star's presence in the Florida city could generate $500 to $600 million to the region.

Sure enough, that number encapsulates the real estate dollars from the houses Lebron and Chris Bosh will buy, as well as retail for #23 in Miami Heat colors, among other things. But we're interested in the travel angle, and how agents can take advantage.

Some properties already benefited form the news. According to the Herald, James booked 25 rooms at the W Hotel in South Beach during the decision. Meanwhile the Fontainebleau Resort received inquiries for packages with Heat tickets, as well as calls from agents about throwing events at the resort's cabanas and restaurants and nightclubs. Are these the best places to look to book for fans?

The restaurant Prime 112 has notably been a favorite spot for Dwyane Wade sightings. In fact he celebrated Lebron's announcement there that Thursday night. So which hotels are closest to this restaurant?  South Beach Marriott, The Prime Hotel, the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach, Century Hotel South Beach, The Mercury South Beach and The Savoy are all within steps, in case you were interested.

In the end, this is great news for Miami— which follows the big news from May that international visitors to greater Miami area and the beaches generated a record $11 billion in economic impact in 2009.

Have any of your clients already expressed interest in traveling to the region in the wake of the announcement? If so, let us know. We want to hear from you.

Post a comment below.

Send a tweet to us at our Twitter page (@travelagentmag).

Write us at our Facebook page (where Ty Tylandtravel Wilson wrote "I'm sure the groupies will be in touch soon."

Join a discussion in real-time at AgentNation.

Kirk Cassels' Weekly Wrap of User Comments: June 21-25

Independence Day is almost upon us.  Where are you going this year? In the past, I've taken trips to the East End of Long Island (home to two of Dr. Beach's best beaches in the country and some of the most amusing people-watching in the world) or headed to an annual barbecue at a friends' family's house in Connecticut which is conveniently right next to the high school for the annual fireworks. This year, though, I think I am heading up to Marshfield, VT to see some former colleagues of mine at The Skidmore News. Nearly 10 years ago, we all worked together on several weekly editions, one of which won the Associated College Press award for Best Paper: Special Topic- 9/11, and it's time to re-celebrate on top of the holiday. But before Independence Day approaches, I would like to wish all of you a very happy National Catfish Day and National Handshake Day today, June 25.

With that said, let's see what readers have been saying at TravelAgentCentral.com this week.

Speaking of Independence Day

We recently shared a list of the 10 best places in the country to view some celebratory fireworks, and one reader appears to be meticulously taking things to literally. Kelly Butler wrote:

Main Chicago fireworks are actually on July 3rd.

Thanks, Kelly. The article doesn't state that each event takes place on July 4. It is suggesting places to go to see a celebration of the holiday, whether it falls specifically July 4 or not. I don't think I'm alone when saying that I have been to Fourth of July fireworks displays that have taken place on days other than July 4 due to the day of the week upon which the holiday falls or to benefit local communities by avoiding multiple shows taking place on one night. Last time I checked, this is the United States of America and we have the freedom to celebrate our national holidays as we see fit. Thank you for exercising your right to free speech and sharing a piece of information, no matter how know-it-all it may be.

No Fear for Florida

Are you tired of the oil spill yet? Whether you are or not, don't let it deter you or your clients from taking a vacation to Florida. Not only are some tourism bodies such as the Florida Keys Tourism Council reminding everyone that the destination is oil-free, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced it has suspended daily projection reports as it believes the oil slick no longer poses a threat to the region. Commenting on the NOAA, report Rosemary Purdy is feeling the joy, commenting:

I just got home to Las Vegas from Florida, Yes it is a sad situation with the oil BUT... dont let it hold you back on visiting Florida there are alot of things to do and see GOD BLESS AMERICA and always thank our Military

Considering that Las Vegas was recently named as one of the top destinations for the summer, Purdy's opinion on Florida travel hopefully holds some wait. And yes, especially on the occasion of our approaching Independence Day, bless our troops.

Azul Fives to Open, Right?

Joe Pike recently caught up with Mandy Chomat, vice president of marketing and sales for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, and exclusively broke the news that that Azul Fives Hotel in the Playa del Carmen region of Mexico will finally open this coming November. As to be expected, many are excited about the news. But some are being a bit of a doubting Thomas. Geoff Millar, for instance, said:

I'll believe it when I see it

Meanwhile, Sandy Darley is more hopeful, posting:

I really hope this happens! This is such a beautiful and unique resort, and it needs to be enjoyed and experienced.

And then there's Jill Fuller, who appears to be on board when writing:

I will be optimistic and go ahead and believe it! Yea!!!

Hopefully, Joe or someone else from the Travel Agent team (My hand's raised! Remember my work on Iberostar? ) will get a closer look at the property to share some more insight. Until then, we'd enjoy any feedback from agents or clients who experience the property.

Want A Free Luxury Home in Antigua?

We get some interesting comments, to say the least, often here at TravelAgentCentral.com. But I don't think I've ever found one in which a reader is offering something more than a professional service, that is until recently. Commenting on a report about how crime is affecting tourism to Antigua, Mae Boomfield appears so confident in the island's safety that she's challenging us with an incentive, posting:

Be Real: we live in cities where there are murders every day. Antigua has had 5 murders for 2010 and because one happened to be a tourist we have headlines on every international news network? Guess what: Antigua's 500 police officers have not only a population of 100,000 people to safeguard, but some 500,000 visitors and thusands of medical students as well. The government spends millions on electronic equipment and the latest state of the art police equipment and training. Tourists get killed in New York and London and they do not make news. I have a luxury home in Antigua and I have been visiting the island for over 20 years. Tell me a country in the world safer than Antigua/Barbuda and you can have my home for free.

Well I just did a little research on the Internet using our friend Google and found a blog post about the five safest countries in the world to visit: Japan, New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland and Norway. So, when can I come stay at your lovely house?

Where Did the Joy(Star) Go?

It's been about a year since JoyStar was under attack by our readers as much as YTB, and one reader is not letting it go just yet. Commenting on a report about the IRS having the first claim to JoyStar's assets, a reader named wonder agent shares:

I wonder what name they are operating under today. Especially trying to recruite travel agents to do the work, so they can take advantage and keep commissions again, Worked out pretty sweet til they were caught. Crooks are crooks they just find a different way to be a crook.

As wonder agent wonders, I am curious as well. But at the same time I'm weary of this company and the havoc it's spread across the industry. I don't want to stir up the pot again, but if any readers would like to comment on the latest on this fiasco, I'm listening and I'll share.

Focus on Southeast Asia

Three countries in Southeast Asia received some attention this week from our readers. Most were positive, like Sylvia Mracky who shared her thoughts on the new Singapore, posting:

Extremely informative. I have visited Singapore several times and as the articl mentions-short trips.  I've never visited the island and now I have incentives.  Only hope there is not too much neon or it will be another Kong Kong

Thanks for sharing, Syvlia. Singapore has a lot going on for it right now. But I'm pretty sure you mean Hong Kong, not Kong Kong, right? Otherwise there's some wonderous place out there where King Kong actually exists. If so, I'm giving Jack Black, Adrien Brody and even Jeff Bridges a call.

Kuala Lumpur is getting some love this week as well, as Aland writes:

I love traveling and learning the local customs, traditions, rituals. I found Malaysia to be one of the friendliest countries. I can never forget the staff at the hotel in Kuala Lumpur where I stayed who patiently explained and guided me about places to visit, to shop and eat.

Hey Aland, sounds like you had a great vacation. Mind sharing the name of the hotel where you stayed so agents can share with their clients?

Another Southeast Asian country of interest this week is Thailand, particularly Northern Thailand. Actually, the focus is more on a particular hotel and the latest comment is a reponse to one from the past. It began in October of 2008 when Tomas wrote:

TRAVEL AGENTS BE WARE To read the copy about Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa in Chiang Mai, Thailand above would make any agent eager to promote the resort instantly to his/her upscale clientele. Of course, as travel agents we depend on commissions and indeed, when I booked Sukantara for my clients last February, commission was promised by the General Manager, Rapeepat Sugunasil, himself. He was as nice and helpful as could be and would do anything for the booking to become reality. And it was. My clients stayed a few days and left. I can give you all the details of an ordeal trying to collect said commission over the last 8 months from Sukantara alas unsuccessfully. Details would certainly reveal how unprofessional specifically Mr. Sugunasil really is toward travel agents!! To be frank, there is no willingness to pay, nor even at attempt to respond to reminders, in any form!

So now, jirapan tabsanan has retorted, stating:

Any hotels be aware of this guy "Tomas" Agents company. As we knew that moments sukantara resort had already paid to this people in the real amounts that our guests stayed in the resort. But he would get more day commission from the resort as sukantara declared in unacceptable deal. Please consider the truth because sukantara resort had never even unwilling to pay in anycase if not true.

It's refreshing to see a back-and-forth be about a destination for once and not YTB or something of the like. I have not been to the Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa, so I can't make a call hear. But I am sure someone out there can. Is it you? If so, chime in here will you?

As always, the conversation doesn't end her. Keep the feedback and comments going here at the Weekly Wrap or elsewhere on TravelAgentCentral.com. You can always write us at our Facebook page, send a tweet to our Twitter page (@travelagentmag) or discuss anything in real time at AgentNation.

Until next week...

Mona Lisa Delivers Artistry, Style

A surprising “find” in central Florida is the new $70 million Mona Lisa Suite Hotel. Travel Agent toured the property as part of a media tour of Kissimmee and Osceola County during the annual Travel South conference last week.

Once considered strictly the low-cost, no-frills side of Orlando, Osceola County now delivers a more diverse mix of accommodations. The Mona Lisa is one of the newest additions in the premium-to-luxury range. 

The Mona Lisa also boasts “location” – as it’s conveniently located at the entrance to picturesque Celebration. It’s also off Route 192, with close access to Interstate 4. And, it’s only 2.5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort.

We’d describe the new property as an upscale boutique property with a strong artistic flair. Public areas feature a mixture of rich textures, polished wood and glass. Oversized artistic interpretations of well-known masters’ works grace the hotel’s walls with Mona Lisa herself peering out at guests from the lobby wall.

The lobby area leads to a winding metal staircase. Downstairs is a trendy bar and grill that overlooks the pool area. Upstairs is a large circular wine display and the elegant, 150-seat Galerie Restaurant.

Guests also might dine at outdoor tables sporting red umbrellas. They overlook the 360-degree, vanishing-edge pool, which sports an enticing tropical center “island.” Swaying palm trees and lush island greenery make one wonder if Tahiti is just around the corner?

Mona Lisa’s 240 suites range from 704 to 1,267 square feet and include 93 one-bedroom units, and 147 with two bedrooms. Suites are essentially condominiums. 

Drops in resort pricing as a result of the country’s economic downturn have resulted in pricing that’s highly advantageous for clients. We priced sample dates in April on the Mona Lisa’s Web site and discovered one-bedroom unit rates starting as low as $139 nightly and two-bedroom suite rates starting at $169 nightly. It’s a good deal, in particular, if two couples wish to share a two-bedroom unit. Packages that include theme park tickets are available.

We toured one of the resort’s two-bedroom suites. Décor in the accommodations is minimalist yet elegant. Room colors range from bright whites to textured earth tones and dark cocoa-colored seating. Red vases provide a colorful accent to exterior patio and pool furniture.

All suites have a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a full-sized refrigerator. A small dining area occupies one area of the open living room.

Guests may relax on a couch and several chairs, watch a flick on their flat screen plasma TV, or just enjoy the views out their suite’s sliding glass doors – leading to a patio or balcony. If you want clients to have a sense of a pampering enclave, consider booking interior-facing units which overlook the pool and island.

Bedrooms boast another flat-screen TV as well as a king-sized bed outfitted with Egyptian cotton linens, down pillows and down comforters. Bathrooms feature designer toiletries. A one-bedroom unit sleeps four with a pull-out, Queen sofa bed; the two-bedroom unit sleeps six.

Suite amenities include dual-line cordless phones; wireless Internet; iPod bedside clock radios; a laptop-sized safe; and a combination washer/dryer (handily, it’s all done in one machine).

If your clients stay at this property, they’ll enjoy complimentary transportation to downtown Celebration and local theme parks; bell and guest staff services; golf privileges at the Celebration Golf Club; spa privileges at the Celebration Day Spa; and, if desired, an in-room grocery delivery service.

It’s nice to see Kissimmee gaining new deluxe properties. Mona Lisa is a pampering enclave that’s close to Orlando’s theme park action and Kissimmee’s Route 192 activity corridor, yet it boasts a boutique feel that will allow clients to leave the freneticism of the area behind and just relax in style.

Meetings: A Return Investment and Ideas

What if there was not a meeting of the founding fathers to write the constitution of the U.S.? What if IBM and Microsoft never had the meeting where IBM gave control of the operating systems to Bill Gates and Microsoft? What if Ray Kroc never met face to face with Dick and Mac McDonald? What if no one came to President Obama’s inauguration or no one heard Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech live?

It’s hard to imagine a world without face-to-face meetings and interactions. Meetings are about connections. Face-to-face human interaction is the spark that motivates all of us to build, renew and nurture business relationships. Meetings bring people together and bring out the best in creative thinking, innovation and imagination. Ideas are what move businesses, shape nations and create compelling new products and services. Ideas are the cornerstone of what meetings are all about. Without ideas, we are not inspired. At the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. we like to say meetings, conventions and trade shows generate not only a return on investment but a return on ideas.

In this current economic crisis, we tend to focus more on cost cutting opportunities rather than revenue enhancements. We cannot cost cut our way to future success and prosperity. We must build top line revenue. Meetings, conventions and trade shows are critical for businesses and individuals to grow their sales and marketing opportunities, enhance their individual performances and identify new ways of conducting business. Meetings are economic drivers. They foster strong and long term personal business relationships which cannot be duplicated by teleconference calls, webinars, or e-mail. Technology can enhance meetings but cannot substitute the power of face to face interaction.

The increased media sensationalism on meetings is one-sided. We agree that taxpayer dollars should be spent wisely. However, the political rhetoric has created an environment where corporate CEO’s are canceling meetings due to the possibility they may be vilified by the media. In fact, Las Vegas has been hit especially hard. The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority states in the last 90 days, the market has lost 340 meeting groups representing $131 million in lost revenue.

A recent study by Meetings & Conventions Magazine (91 percent of respondents worked for companies that were not receiving federal bailout funds) found that 20 percent of meeting planners had canceled their meeting solely due to the negative media pressure and political rhetoric. In addition, 52 percent said the “mass-media backlash against meetings” had been “extremely” or “moderately” influential. Business travel creates 2.4 million jobs in the U.S. Meetings and events are directly responsible for 1 million jobs in this country. Business travel accounts for $240 billion in spending and $39 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state, and local levels. Here in Orlando, total travel (leisure and business) is a $31 billion per year industry, directly or indirectly employing 1 in 4 Central Floridians.

Orlando is not immune to outside negative influences affecting the overall meetings industry. We are the second largest meetings destination in the county, serving 10 million business travelers and generating over 5,000 meetings, conventions and trade shows per year. We are booking conventions and trade shows into 2029 to secure economic stimulus just as we have for the past 25 years of the Orlando/Orange County CVB’s existence. We have more than $16 billion on the books in future business at the Orange County Convention Center alone.

We have seen cancellations within our own destination, especially in the financial sector. However, our investment in meetings infrastructure will continue because we believe in the future of meetings. Hilton Hotels Corporation and its owners alone are making close to a $1.0B investment with 3,000 new hotel rooms at the convention center and Bonnet Creek. The Peabody Hotel is investing more than $400 million. These investments create new jobs, generate incremental revenue and expand our offerings. Not to mention our current inventory of 112,000 guest rooms of which many are focused on the meetings market.

The US Travel Association has created a campaign Meetings Mean Business designed to:
•    Urge the Department of the Treasury to swiftly enact clear and sensible meetings and events guidelines for companies receiving taxpayer assistance
•    Defeat punitive legislation designed to unreasonably restrict corporate meetings and events
•    Encourage members of Congress to tone down their criticism of meetings and events and embrace travel as a solution to America’s economic woes
•    Inform the media about the benefits of meetings and events and the unintended victims of sensational and uninformed criticism.

The Orlando/Orange County CVB is in full support of these initiatives.

Orlando meetings mean business, Orlando meetings mean jobs, and Orlando meetings mean economic development. Meetings, conventions and trade shows are essential to our economic growth and overall economic health. As importantly, they provide a compelling platform for connecting people to opportunities. And don’t we all need more opportunities and new ideas in business.

Onboard the Ruby Princess

Travel Agent Senior Contributing Editor Susan J. Young was onboard Princess Cruises' newest ship, the 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess, at Port Everglades, FL, on Thursday amid a sea of travel agents and VIPs outfitted in red attire as Trista and Ryan Sutter of "The Bachelorette" named the ship in honor of their fifth wedding anniversary.

As part of the romance-themed event, red roses floated in the top deck pool; waiters served red and pink drinks; Love Boat Captain Gavin MacLeod gave away a couple who were married on the new ship; and red confetti rained down on guests at the completion of the naming ceremony.

During Friday morning's travel agency briefing, Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of sales and customer service, talked with several hundred travel agents about selling in a tough economy. She stressed that, within Princess' target market (upper middle class to affluent travelers), clients generally still have their jobs, their homes and their credit. "Your customers haven't decided against a vacation," stressed Swartz. "They're trying to convince themselves." She acknowledged that every customer is assessing their personal situation every day but said agents shouldn't assume they have to wait to start selling. She suggested adapting the sales pitch and avoid focusing on indulgence, stating, "Play off the need, not the splurge."

Swartz also outlined a side-by-side comparison of a 12-day Princess European cruise ($3,755 per person double) versus a 12-day land tour visiting four cities ($6,139 per person double). The Princess vacation included balcony cabin accommodations and was 39 percent less expensive. To help agents make this type of value comparison, and thus the sale, Swartz said Princess will introduce a new short Princess Academy trade training course in the week or so.

Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations, said Ruby Princess' delivery completes the existing new build program. The average age of the fleet is now 5.6 years. While the line has a next-generation ship on the drawing board, there are no orders on the books at this time. Moving forward, Caluori said Princess will focus on product consistency and the continuation of its internal "Consummate Host" approach for training employees, as it strives for superior customer service.

Describing the Princess brand appeal as comfortable elegance, Caluori stressed that "we're not about forced fun. You choose what to do and when to do it." As it works on fine-tuning, Princess is rolling out new menus and, in some cases, simplifying the language that describes certain dishes; that was suggested by customers in feedback to the line. Currently, the line is piloting a new Entertainment e-mail; before your client sails on Ruby Princess, the line will send a personalized email from the ship's cruise director outlining all the entertainment available on that cruise.

Princess is also introducing a new Ultimate Ship's Tour on Ruby Princess; this is a $150 per person tour to behind-the-scenes areas of the ship, including the engine control room, the print shop, the galley, the ship's laundry and the bridge. Along the way, 10-12 participants max will interact with employees and receive such gifts as personalized stationery, a cookbook, a photograph on the bridge, and a fluffy robe. Reservations will be made onboard on a first come, first served basis. Caluori said the price point is designed to manage what is expected to be high guest demand on a very labor intensive tour.

What else is new? The line has also just rolled out a new Wheelhouse Pub Lunch on Ruby Princess, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess. Every sea day the line will serve a complimentary lunch that consists of a choice of Cottage Pie, Bangers & Mash, or Fish & Chips. In addition, the line is introducing a new breakfast in Sabatini's for suite guests. If it proves successful, it may be expanded to lunch or brunch.

See more images from the event in the slide show below.

Stay tuned for another update from Ruby Princess on Tuesday.