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American Ads

Daily Mail (UK), 2-May-2012

The U.S. has never had to rely on advertising to encourage visitors to its many iconic sites.

U.S. Tourism Campaign Launches For First Time

Associated Press, 1-May-2012

How do you sell Times Square and the Grand Canyon? The Carolinas and California? 

CNN Headline News (Transcript)

24-Apr-2012

Rosanne Cash will be the face and voice of America in a new tourism campaign that people will see around the world.

To Attract Tourists, America Gets A Theme Song

Forbes.com, 24-Apr-2012

Brand USA is launching the first-ever ad campaign for travel to the United States.

New Campaign Puts Out Welcome Mat for Foreign Tourists

USA Today, 23-Apr-2012

"Land of Dreams," a juanty anthem by country singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash (Johnny's daughter) is part of a stepped-up effort to woo international travelers to the USA.

U.S. Travel Industry Taps Rosanne Cash to Lure Visitors

Bloomberg, 23-Apr-2012

 The U.S. travel industry is kicking off a first-ever, $12.3 million marketing campaign, featuring an original song by country-music star Rosanne Cash.

U.S. Travel Industry, Rosanne Cash Launch "First" Discover America Ad Campaign

Huffington Post, 23-Apr-2012

The industry group responsible for drawing tourists to the United States, BrandUSA, has launched a $12.3-million campaign that invites visitors to "Discover America."

First Coordinated U.S. Tourism Campaign to Launch in May

No Red, White and Blue in New U.S. Tourism Campaign

Toronto Star, 23-April-2012

Canadians think they know the United States.  A new campaign hopes to prove them wrong.

Brand USA Unveils Campaign to Market U.S. Destinations

Travel Weekly, 23-Apr-2012

If you'd been told that on April 23, 2012, a country would be revealing its first-ever comprehensive destination marketing campaign, no one could fault you for assuming the country in question was a developing or newly independent nation.

Super 78's Benadon Panelist at SXSW

Blooloop, 5-Mar-2012

On March 11 Dina Benadon, the CEO of the attraction design firm Super 78 Studios, will participate in the SXSW panel “Multi-platform Storytelling: Frontline War Stories,” that will highlight the promise and mechanics of participatory storytelling.

Obama Eases Visa Rules to Boost U.S. Tourism

USA Today, 19-Jan-2012

The president's actions won immediate approval by many in the nation's travel industry.  

Among them is Nelson Martin, who worked for Disney for 16 years before leaving in August to start Highstar Travel Group, which targets tourists from Latin American countries.

President's Visa Plan Could Boost Bay Area

My Fox Tampa Bay, 19-Jan-2012

Indeed, the state's theme parks wasted no time welcoming the news. The president hadn't even finished speaking when Legoland Florida issued a press release in support of the plan.

“This development is a major game-changer for Florida. An improved visa process helps us roll out the welcome mat to our friends in Brazil and will result in record numbers of young families visiting Florida," the statement read. 

Obama's Plan to Boost Tourism Well Received in Polk County

Lakeland Ledger, 19-Jan-2012

Even though President Barack Obama spoke today at a rival tourist attraction, Legoland Florida general manager Adrian Jones welcomed the president’s pledge to make it easier for residents of Brazil, China and other countries to visit the United States.

“This development is a major game-changer for Florida,” Jones said in a statement issued by the theme park. “An improved visa process helps us roll out the welcome mat to our friends in Brazil and will result in record numbers of young families visiting Florida.”

The Rosie Show

18-Jan-2012

Rosie introduces us to Cara, Daniel, Adam and Charlie and gives them a huge surprise to thank them for their kindness. The surprise?...a 3-day vacation to LEGOLAND Florida!

Six Flags, local firm renew pact

Orlando Sentinel, 16-Jan-2012

Accesso LLC, the Lake Mary-based ticketing-software company that last fall landed a deal with Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., has re-upped its biggest client: Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

Raise the Bar

Orlando Magazine, Jan-2012

For nine overachievers, life is about meeting their goals and going on to greater accomplishments. Sleep is optional.  FOSTER LANENGA

Protecting Your Gut: Dining Out Safely in South Florida

Orlando Sentinel, 27-Dec-2011

"Food safety is such an important topic, everyone is paying attention to it," said Vicki Johnson, spokeswoman for the Orlando-based National Registry of Food Safety Professionals.

"Theme Park 2.0" features pricey, high-tech attractions

Reuters, 24-Dec-2011

Investment in theme parks and cutting-edge attractions along the lines of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando surged during the recession, leading one developer to suggest the business is entering a new Golden Age.

"It's almost like a Theme Park 2.0, or a re-boot," said Brent Young, co-founder of the Super 78 production studio in Hollywood, Calif.

Dora and Diego 4D - Catch That Robot Butterfly

as seen on The Daily Buzz, 5-Dec-2012

Daily Buzz anchor Andy Campbell gets an upclose look at the Super 78 Studios 4D experience from the creator himself - S78 creative director Brent Young.

The Intrepid Traveler: How Legoland Florida Stacks Up

Washington Post, 25-Nov-2011

Most parents wouldn't think of wearing paper-thin flip-flops around so many Legos.  But this isn't you typical kiddie play date.  I'm at just-opened Legoland Florida.

Chocolate Parties at Farris & Fosters near the Theme Parks are Great Holiday Fun

Orlando Examiner, 25-Nov-2011

You're in Orlando for the holidays, but you're sick of fighting the crowds at Disney World, Universal, or SeaWorld.  So what do you do?  Make chocolate!

Biggest Foe of Expanded Gambling in Florida: Disney

Orlando Sentinel, 6-Nov-2011

"Anytime you've got to fight and compete with more marketing dollars, which you know these folks have in abundance, it makes Disney's job that much harder to battle against," said Vicki Johnson, a tourism-marketing expert in Orlando.

Lake Mary Firm Helps Cedar Fair Go Mobile

Orlando Sentinel, 31-Oct-2011

Cedar Fair announced last week that it has hired Lake Mary-based Accesso LLC to revamp its online ticket sales and to launch mobile-device ticketing.

Disney World's Low-Key Milestone

CNN, 25-Oct-2011

"Frankly, the fans would love for them to celebrate the 40th. The fans of Walt Disney World understand the impact that Walt Disney World has made not only on the United States, as a destination park for the United States, but the world as well," said Brent Young, managing director for Super 78 Studios.

A New Fla Theme Park with Old Roots

National Geographic, 20-Oct-2011

If Legos are the building blocks of a successful theme park, then this place should do just fine. And there are plenty of Legos here: animals, people, and entire cities made out of plastic bricks.

Disney World at 40

Miami Herald, 20-Oct-2011

 “Walt Disney was a visionary,” said Brent Young, creative director of Super 78  Studios, which develops attractions for theme parks worldwide. “He used  technology to bring to life a story and characters in a dimensional way.  Everyone in this industry was influenced by him.”

From Britain, It's Legoland

New York Times, 17-Oct-2011

The Merlin Entertainments Group is one of the world’s largest operators of amusement parks and tourist attractions, entertaining more than 40 million visitors annually. But the company operates almost entirely overseas, and it has no presence in central Florida, the sweaty epicenter of the theme park universe.

Legoland Builds on Childhood Memories and More

NY1(TV), 17-Oct-2011

The grandson of the creator of Legos recently presented the 50 millionth piece to mark the grand opening of Legoland Florida in a media blitz.  The 150-acre park is situated on the former grounds of theme park pioneer Cypress Gardens. 

Legoland Florida to add Water Park, Themed Hotel

Orlando Sentinel, 15-Oct-2011

On the eve of its grand opening, Legoland Florida announced an opening date for its companion water park and confirmed plans for a Lego-themed resort hotel that could help it become a multiday destination for families with young children.

LEGOLAND Brings Bricks and More to Florida

USA Today, 14-Oct-2011

Those colorful plastic bricks that play havoc with vacuum cleaner motors, hurt like *&%$##@ when you step on them barefoot and elicit hyperactive glee in boys of a certain age, have taken on life-size dimensions at the latest Legoland park.

50 Million Bricks Later, Legoland Opens

WESH-Orlando, 14-Oct-2011

Legoland Florida opened its gates to the public Saturday to reveal 50 new attractions and a few familiar favorites from its predecessor, Cypress Gardens.

Legoland said thousands of guests lined up as early as 5:30 a.m. before the park opened. The company said this is the first major theme park to open in the U.S. in more than a decade.

Legoland's First Visitors Call Theme Park a Good Value

WTSP-Tampa, 14-Oct-2011

It's not Busch Gardens and it's not the Magic Kingdom or Islands of Adventure. And frankly, it's not designed to be.  Even though the majority of Florida's theme parks are kid-friendly, visitors to the new Legoland in Winter Haven say visitors is all about the kiddos.

Planning a trip to the new LEGOLAND theme park? Here's a Sneak Peek

ABC Action News-Tampa, 14-Oct-2011

What can you make out of 50 million LEGO bricks? Well LEGOLAND, of course! Today we will give you a sneak peek into the new theme park which opens tomorrow in Winter Haven.

A Sneak Peek Into Florida's Legoland

CNN, 14-Oct-2011

It's a Lego fan's dream come true: Legoland Florida opens this weekend in central Florida, the first Lego-themed outdoor park in the United States since Legoland California opened in 1999.

Fans Get Early Look at Legoland Fla, Opening Saturday

Reuters, 14-October-2011

A symbolic 50 millionth Lego brick was snapped in place on Friday on a giant red  octopus at Legoland Florida, a new theme park opening to the public this weekend
southwest of Orlando.

Anti-Abuse App Targets Victims of Domestic Violence

Orlando Sentinel, 14-Oct-2011

Suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic violence?

Now, there's an app for that.

New App Helps Uncover Domestic Abuse

WKMG-Orlando, 13-Oct-2011

Need a movie ticket? A cup of coffee? Directions? There's an app for all of that.

Now, there’s an app that experts say could literally save a life.

Watch Full-Size Ford Explorer Built In LEGO

Chicago Tribune, 27-Sept-2011

Sure, it's a PR stunt, but it's still pretty cool to see a group of LEGO maniacs build this full size SUV out of little plastic bricks.

Ford Rolls Out Explorer made of LEGO

Wall Street Journal, 27-Sept-2011

Kids have been known construct ambitious projects out of LEGO building blocks. But it may be hard to compete with the grown-ups at Ford Motor Co. and the LEGOLAND Florida theme park.

VIDEO: See LEGOLAND-Ford Explorer Build Brick-by-Brick

USA Today, 27-Sept-2011

It took more than 380,000 brightly colored plastic Lego blocks to make a full-size version of the Explorer, part of a promotion between Ford and a new Legoland theme park in Florida.

Geeking Out with Theme Park Designers

Geek Mom, 27-Sept-2011

Dina Benadon and Brent Young of Super 78, based in Hollywood, Ca, are rocking the museum world in Singapore, where they have designed a 360-degree immersive experience called Typhoon Theater in the Maritime Xperiential Museum – Resorts World Sentosa.

China bans new theme parks

(The Independent, 20-Aug-2011)

The rollercoaster ride is over. Fearful of a property bubble and risky spending, the Chinese government has called a halt to the building of new theme parks that would add to the hundreds already operating throughout the country.

"I would describe the environment as a gold rush in the Wild East," said Brent Young, principal and chief creative officer of the Los Angeles-based design firm Super 78 Studios. He has worked on a number of theme park projects in China.

The Candy Man

(East Orlando Sun, 12-Aug-2011)

John Foster uses three words to describe his business strategy: ready, fire, aim — in that order.

"While for most people it's 'ready, aim, fire' ... I fire off a shot and see where it lands, then if I need to correct it, I'll correct it," the owner of Farris and Foster's Famous Chocolate Factory said.

Business of NASCAR: Daytona launches smartphone app

(Sporting News, 30-June-2011)

Daytona International Speedway executives know that navigating their massive 480-acre motorsports park can be a challenge, so they're launching a smartphone application to help fans find everything from restrooms to concession stands.

The app was developed by Accesso, which has developed smartphone applications for theme parks and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Windermere Teen Wins National Award for 9-11 Project

(Orlando Sentinel, 20-June-2011)

As the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks draws near, a Central Florida Eagle Scout's mission to honor those who died is getting national attention.

Super 78 Founder Behind Three Singapore Attractions

(Blooloop, 16-May-2011)

Super 78 Founder Brent Young is one of the creative principals behind the new Universal Studios Singapore ride MADAGASCAR: A Crate Adventure, the first attraction in the world based on the DreamWorks Animation film franchise.

Don't Let Rising Gas Prices Keep You Home

(Philadelphia Inquirer, 1-May-2011)

Travelers are starting to "trade down" when picking a destination, says Laura Mandala, managing director of Mandala Research.

Sorry, Airlines: U.S. Travelers Prefer Open Road

(MediaPost Marketing Daily, 30-Apr-2011)

Despite rising gas prices, most Americans still prefer the flexibility of a driving vacation, according to Mandala Research/ Solutionz.

Most Choose Driving Over Flying

(Chicago Tribune, 27-Apr-2011)

A Survey by Mandala Research/Solutionz shows that 74 percent of respondents prefer to drive to their getaway destinations, rather then fly, simply because they have more control over their itineraries.

Disney Plans Lavish Park in Shanghai
(New York Times, 8-April-2011)
"It's an industry that is exploding because of the entertainment demands of a growing middle class," said Dina Benadon, chief executive of Super 78, a Los Angeles creator of rides and experiences that has been hired by multiple Chinese developers.

Keep it Safe
(Catering Magazine - April 2011)

"The CDC has done studies that have shown that facilities that have a Certified Food Safety Manager have a marked decrease in foodborne illness," says Larry Lynch, president and CEO of the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP).

Lawsuit accuses Lake schools of 'cheating scheme'
(Orlando Sentinel, 3-Mar-2011)

Cafeteria workers and others were given answers to a test designed to protect students' health, lawsuit claims.

Personal Chef Delicious Alternative for Strict Diets

(WFMJ-TV, 18-Jan-2011)

The strict dietary needs of one can create challenging situations for families who need to prepare specialized meals.

Super 78 Attraction Vies with Harry Potter, King Kong for VES Award

The film from a popular Flying Experience at Shanghai's Happy Valley Theme Park has been nominated for a coveted visual effects award.

Waterbury Hotel Changes to CoCo Key Flag

(Hartford Business Journal, 27-Dec-2010)

The Holiday Inn in Waterbury changed its banner Monday morning to become the new CoCo Key Water Resort-Hotel & Convention Center.

Off to the Mall! Survey reveals foreign visitors' No. 1 pursuit is shopping

(USA Today, 15-Dec-2010)

New York is the No. 1 shopping venue cited in a new survey conducted in concert with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

International Visitors Ready to Shop 'til they Drop

(Salt Lake Tribune, 13-Dec-2010)

At a major travel show last month in China, Utah Office of Tourism deputy director Tracie Cayford received two main inquiries from Chinese tour operators considering trips to the Beehive State.

"They wanted to know where shopping was available in Utah."

Visitors from emerging markets come to shop

(LA Times, 13-Dec-2010)

They are coming to shop for name-brand clothes and souvenirs and they are carrying a lot of cash.

Central Florida Update

(Florida Trend - Dec 2010)

Lake Mary-based technology firm Accesso has developed a mobile phone application for small and midsized theme parks

Thanksgiving 'staycation' deals

(Fox 35 News, 23-Nov-2010)

If you are looking for something fun to do with the whole family this Thanksgiving try a staycation that sure to entertain the whole family.

FOX 35's Talitha Vickers went to Coco Key Water Resort to see what they had to offer for family packages.

Accesso Mobile App Launched at IAAPA

(Fox 35 TV Clip, 18-Nov-2010)

Innovations move amusement parks into digital age
(Reuters, 18-Nov-2010)

The last time you visited an amusement park, did you stand in line for a popular ride? Pull soggy dollars out of your swimming trunks to buy a burger? Send photos to your friends when you got home?

Smart phones draw parks attention

(Orlando Sentinel, 16-Nov-2010)

Sometime early next year, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will unveil a mobile-phone application that boosters say will put the Ohio attraction on par with anything the theme-park industry's biggest players can offer guests.

Although the technology will debut in Columbus, it was born in Central Florida.

Accesso Launches Attractions Industry's First Integrated App

accesso, a leader in theme park ticketing and e-commerce, has released the attraction industry's first comprehensive mobile content and commerce solution.

CBS Early Show Shares Top 10/10/10 Travel Deals

The once-in-a-century date of 10/10/10 is just around the corner.  Of course, the travel industry is always looking for an excuse to create a promotion so check out some of the deals being rolled out.

On the off chance that you're celebrating your 10th or 100th birthday on 10/10/10, you can get free water park admission to any one of the 10 CoCo Key Water Resorts.

CoCo Key Celebrates 10/10/10
with Trio of "Perfect 10" Deals

DENVER (September 28, 2010) - The power of 10 has added significance at CoCo Key Water Resorts this Oct. 10 when guests celebrating their 10th or 100th birthday that day will receive free water park admission.

Free birthday admission on 10/10/10 is one of three "Perfect 10" deals all 10 CoCo Key locations will honor that day.

Top Fall Travel Spots Revealed
(scroll down to "Industry News")

Vegas, NYC and Orlando remain top fall travel spots, but surprising destinations like Grand Rapids, Mich., Asheville, NC, and Key West making big gains compared to 2009.

Coco Key Water Resort Debuts in Omaha

(Meetings Focus, Sept 10, 2010)

The Omaha Holiday Inn Convention Center is now operating under the banner of the CoCo Key Water Resort-Hotel & Convention Center, Omaha.

Top five bargain destinations for fall 2010

(USA Today, Sept 9, 2010)

Here's a secret: If you're looking for a great vacation at a great price, there's a good chance fall is the best time to go.

Lessons From the JetBlue Debacle

(Talent Management, Aug 17, 2010)

Pay cuts, increased workloads and dispassionate leadership have resulted in a disturbing level of employee frustration, as evidenced by flight attendant Steven Slater’s shocking exit — off a plane and from his job — earlier this month. Employers, beware: This may be a sign of things to come.

Splash Zones

(Agent@Home, August 2010)

Orlando's new CoCo Key water resort keeps kids entertained on a family budget

CoCo Key is Affordable Altnerative for Family Gathering/Labor Day Weekend

CoCo Key is a great alternative to the sold-out Gaylord Palms (host location for the Tom Joyner Family Reunion) and an affordable option to the $139 rates at Disney's Yacht and Beach Resorts (backdrop for Baisden's Family & Friends Weekend).

Omaha's Largest Convention Hotel Now CoCo Key

A well-known Omaha hotel is changing flags.

Florida Friday: Farris & Foster's
(Not Your Typical Mommy Blog - Aug 6, 2010)

Two words for you: Chocolate Party.

Brazilians are a growing market for U.S. tourism
(Orlando Sentinel - June 20, 2010)

Anyone who has ever seen a group of teens in brightly colored shirts making their way through a theme park or clutching clusters of shopping bags at an outlet mall has likely witnessed the economic punch of visitors from Brazil.

Author discusses history of Disney's 'Project Future'

(Winter Haven News Chief - June 16, 2010)

A few people may have known it as Project Future decades ago, but many today call it the Walt Disney World Resort.

Pow Wow brings good news for local tourism industry

(Orlando Business Journal - May 21, 2010)

New flights will bring 9,200 travelers to the City Beautiful and its surrounding destinations.  Any remaining empty seats on the flights won't stay that way for long, as the Brazilian travel market has been growing rapidly, said Ana Donato, CEO of Imaginadora, a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based marketing firm specializing in Brazilian travel.

Brazil beating out China as US tourism market?

(Travel Mole - May 20, 2010)

As overseas travel to the U.S. begins to rebound, American companies are paying closer attention to one market that is expected to more than double in the next six years  – Brazil.

Rare find: Cheap, tasty hotel food in Orlando

(Gadling - April 23, 2010)

Yes, those are French fies.  Real, freshly cut French fries.  And they're awesome.

CoCo Key Water Resort Ready to Make a Splash

(Orlando Sentinel, April 23, 2010)

CoCo Key Water Resort is part of a remodeled International Drive hotel that officially opened this week, but even folks who aren't staying there can experience the watery attractions (Florida residents get a discount.)

New Waterpark Hotel Splashes Down in Orlando

ORLANDO (April 22, 2010) - The opening of the new CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando continues an impressive wave of waterpark hotel development in North America and signifies a first for that industry segment – a hybrid canopy-covered/outdoor concept.

'Project Courage' zeros in on eliminating domestic violence in Orange (Orlando Sentinel, March 30, 2010)

Calling domestic violence an epidemic in Orange County, officials announced a "revolutionary" plan Monday to target a single six-block area with an intense prevention effort.

New Book Serves Up Spy-like Story Behind Creation of Disney World

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 1, 2010) -- It's a plot Jack Bauer would love - a clandestine project by one of America's most brilliant business leaders punctuated with multiple code names, fake identities, make-shift affiliations, and unique regulatory arrangements.

Project Future, The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World, is a fascinating new book that explores one of the most comprehensive and successful private developments in U.S. history - the Walt Disney World Resort.

CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando

Great New Vacation Option for Families Opens April 15 

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 23, 2010) -- A new, purpose-built and value-priced hotel and water resort will soon open in Central Florida., offering a fun and affordable option for families anxious to experience the magic and wizardry of Orlando without breaking the bank.

Scout's Dream Results in Florida's First Official 9-11 Memorial

WINDERMERE, Fla. (February 20, 2010) - At first glance the structure appears as little more than a rusting, gnarled piece of metal peppered with bolts that would choke a 50-foot Frankenstein. But armed with the backdrop of where this artifact originated, an onlooker is transported and transformed.

Former Disney Exec Launches Communications Firm

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 15, 2009) - A former Disney executive and travel industry leader has established a new strategic communications consultancy - Vicki Johnson Communications - in Central Florida.

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