"Holidata" Analysis Shows Many Holiday Flight Routes to Be Busier Than Last Year, But Also Less Expensive

Data from Expedia.com®, one of the world's largest full service online travel sites, reveals a mix of news for the 2015 holiday travel season, some good, some less so. Many popular flight routes this season will run fuller, meaning tighter confines inside already-packed December planes. The good news, however, is that many of those same routes will be less expensive to fly: average coach fares to the most popular holiday destinations between Dec. 18-31 are down more than 5% from 2014.

From 11/19 to 12/18, Expedia is flying one person a day home for the holidays with its #ExpediaSendMeHome campaign. To be considered, Instagram users are asked to follow @Expedia, share their favorite holiday photo and describe why they want to go home for the holidays with the hashtag #ExpediaSendMeHome. Full details can be found here.

The top ten busiest airports this holiday season are**:

1. Los Angeles (LAX)
2. Las Vegas (LAS)
3. Chicago (ORD)
4. Orlando (MCO)
5. New York (JFK)
6. San Francisco (SFO)
7. New York (LGA)
8. Atlanta (ATL)
9. Cancun (CUN)
10. Miami (MIA)

Top Air Destinations and Routes for Christmas 2015*** Top destinations for Christmas include many of the usual suspects such as Chicago, New York and Seattle. In fact, Expedia holiday data analysts have found that average ticket prices are down between 5 and 10% in some top destinations, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cancun and Orlando in addition to Chicago, New York and Seattle.

Additionally, travelers flying on some of the most popular holiday routes are likely saving more on their tickets versus last year. For example, average ticket prices (ATP) for those flying from San Francisco to Las Vegas are more than 30% less than last year's holiday season. Those flying from Chicago to New York can except to save more than 25% from last year and ATPs from Los Angelesto Chicago, Los Angeles to Honolulu and New York to Miami are all down 10% or more from last year.

* Book Date: Jan 1-Nov 17, 2015; Use Date: Dec 18, 2015 – Jan 31, 2016** Based on combining all origin and destination ticket volumes for ticket; Departure: Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2015*** Coach; Travel dates: Dec 18-Dec 31, 2015

Christmas Hotel DemandWithin the top ten markets (see below), Expedia holiday data analysts have found increased consumer interest in California's diverse offerings, with Anaheim, San Diego and San Francisco trending upwards for travel between 12/18-12/25/2015. For those looking for savings during this period, San Francisco hotels also have a nearly 5% decrease in their average daily rates versus 2014. International destinations including London, Rome and Puerto Vallarta are also rising in popularity this year, and each will offer lower daily rates versus this period in 2014.

Top Hotel Destinations for Christmas 2015

Rank	Top Destinations
1	Las Vegas
2	Orlando
3	New York City
4	Los Angeles
5	Anaheim
6	Miami
7	San Diego
8	San Francisco
9	Cancun
10	Chicago

*Booked Date: January 1 – November 22, 2015; Christmas Date of week travel: 12/18 – 12/25/2015

Expert Holiday Travel Tips"With so many more travelers flying home this season, it pays to do some homework and prepare yourself ahead of time so you can travel smart," said Expedia Senior Editor and Travel Expert Sarah Gavin. Gavin's top travel tips for the holiday season include:

• Be flexible with travel dates. The most crowded travel day for the Christmas holiday is the day before Christmas Eve, so if flyers have the flexibility, they should consider traveling the Sunday before Christmas instead. Likewise, since the busiest day for New Year's Eve travel is the day after Christmas, if possible, travelers should consider flying on New Year's Eve.
• Bundles are the gift that keep on giving. Customers who book airfare and hotel as a package – at the exact same time, vs. separately – on Expedia.com can save up to $568, or nearly 20%. And for those in need of a rental car this season, book it as a package with a flight or hotel and potentially save nearly 55% (For pick-ups between 12/16 and 12/19/15).
• Manage via Mobile. Modern travel apps are tightly attuned to the logistical specifics of travel, helping travelers with their itineraries, gate numbers, baggage claim carousels and any relevant changes or cancellations. Power up your travel app and keep it within reach at every stage of the trip.
• Mind your manners. Expedia just released its annual list of Airplane Etiquette offenders. The most offensive air passenger is the "rear seat kicker." The top five least-popular fellow passengers are:
  • Rear Seat Kicker
  • Inattentive Parent
  • Aromatic Passenger
  • Audio Insensitive (talking or music)
  • The Boozer
• Enter to Win. Follow @Expedia on Instagram and enter to win a free flight home for the holidays by posting your favorite holiday image with a caption and tagging #ExpediaSendMeHome.

New Year's Eve Travel is TrendingExpedia data analysts are seeing more interest in New Year's Eve travel this year, due to a longer weekend on the tail end of the holiday. There is good news for deal seekers as there are values to be found for hotels in popular destinations like New Orleans,Dallas and San Francisco, all with average daily rates down 10% from 2014. Through November 22, some of the fastest-growing destinations for stays on New Year's Eve include Atlantic City, Atlanta, Seattle and Los Angeles.

*Booked Date: January 1 – November 22, 2015; New Year's Eve stays beginning 12/31/2015

Top Remaining Value Destinations The clock is ticking on holiday travel, but good deals certainly remain. Top values for Christmas or New Year's flights includeHonolulu, London, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana and Miami.* Christmas hotel deals feature a range of options, including New Orleans,Lake Tahoe and Washington, DC (ADRs down by less than 5%).** For New Year's Eve deal seekers, New Orleans and San Franciscoare great bets for travelers.

*Based on combining all origin and destination ticket volumes for ticket Departure: Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2015**Booked Date: January 1 – November 22, 2015; Christmas Date of week travel: 12/18 – 12/25/2015***Booked Date: January 1 – November 22, 2015; New Year's Eve stays beginning 12/31/2015

It's Vacation Season! Where Travelers Want to Go this Summer

Memorial Day officially kicked off the summer season, and many travelers are looking forward to their next vacation. Travel companies have an insider's view of where customers are looking to go, which often reveals interesting trends.

RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange, looked at search data from RCI® subscribing members planning a vacation from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2015 to get a big picture view of where travelers are hoping to visit this summer.

When searching by destination, the top searched locations were:

1. Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya areas of Mexico (9.1 percent)
2. Florida's Southern Atlantic coast (7.7 percent)
3. Tenerife, Spain (7.2 percent)
4. Cancun, Mexico (5.5 percent)
5. Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina (5.4 percent)

When searching by specific city, the top searched locations were:

1. Orlando, Florida (14.8 percent)
2. Kissimmee, Florida (11.3 percent)
3. Malaga, Spain (4.5 percent)
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (4.2 percent)
5. Williamsburg, Virginia (3.8 percent)

Petco Teams Up with Animal Planet's Dan Schachner to Provide Safe Summer Travel Tips for Pet Parents

With summer just around the corner, families are planning their vacations and considering taking their pets along for the trip. To help pet parents prepare for summer travel adventures, Petco has partnered with Animal Planet host and Puppy Bowl referee, Dan Schachner, to share pet-friendly travel tips.

"As we head into the busy summer travel season, pet parents, like myself, are increasingly looking for ways to travel with their pets," said Schachner. "Do your research ahead of time. Many hotels and even restaurants are catering to animals now, so knowing where to go and what to do before you leave can make your trip extra special for the whole family."

Get packing! Your packing checklist should include essentials like a leash and collar, a supply of sealed pet food and treats, your pet's favorite toys, disposable pet waste bags for picking up after your pet, and food and water bowls. Collapsible travel bowls are a popular option because they're easy to clean and store flat for packing. Last, but not least, don't forget to pack a picture of your pet and their current vaccination records in case you become separated or have a medical emergency.

Identification is a must. Ensure proper identification is securely fastened to your pet's collar or harness and crate at all times while traveling. ID tags should list your pet's name, your name, and your home address and mobile phone number. Be sure to discuss your dog's health with your veterinarian before you make the trip and bring the required vaccination and health documentation. This is especially important for air travel.

Pet proof the car. If you're hitting the road, make sure you protect your car's interior. Seat covers protects car seats from scratches and pet hair. And don't forget that "buckle up!" applies to the entire family, dog included. Choose a dog-specific travel harness or seatbelt adapter like the Good2Go Safe & Hound Easy Click Seatbelt Adapter, which clicks onto your pet's harness and connects to your car's seatbelt.

Keep pets comfortable and secure. Whether you're traveling by plane or car, keeping pets calm, comfortable and secure is key to a pleasant trip for the whole family. Invest in a quality, well-constructed carrier or crate. Both of these items provide protection during travel, as well as a safe place of retreat for your pet while at your destination.

"If you plan to travel by air with your pet, know the airline's pet policies, including size requirements for the passenger and cargo areas," said Schachner. "When I travel with my dog Cali, I love using the Sherpa To Go Pet Carrier, which is approved for in-cabin use by most major airlines."

Travel of any kind can be stressful for a pet. Products like the Thundershirt Anxiety Solution for dogs or cats and calming chews can help reduce anxiety and help pets feel at ease while traveling.

For more information on traveling with your pet this summer visit: https://community.petco.com/t5/petco-scoop/bg-p/PetNews.

Play It Safe When Traveling with Pets This Summer

WARREN, N.J., June 11, 2014 -- In the comin g months, thousands of families will pile into their cars and vans and head down the road for their summer vacations—and many of these families will bring their pets along for the ride.

But traveling with pets can be risky for motorists and their furry (or scaly) passengers. Unrestrained pets in a moving motor vehicle can create a dangerous distraction to drivers. In the event of an accident or a sudden stop, pets can act as projectiles injuring passengers and themselves. And dogs and cats may jump out of car windows, causing other motorists to brake suddenly to avoid hitting them.

"Pet owners often view their pets as part of the family and include them in their summer travel plans," said Christie Alderman, vice president of Chubb Personal Insurance. "But when it comes to safety, too many neglect to take steps to ensure the safety of their pets and themselves. Many vacationers also may be unaware that their four-legged passengers are not insured."

Many states now require motorists to restrain their pets inside moving cars. Harnessing a dog or cat inside the car can help keep it from moving around the passenger area, which can be distracting to the driver. The harness may also keep a pet from jumping out the window. And, like seatbelts for human passengers, the harness can reduce the chance of injury to the pet and other passengers.

Eight out of 10 pet owners will travel with their pets on vacation this year, according to Bark Buckle UP, an organization that promotes pet safety. With the rise in the number of pet-friendly hotels and resorts, it is now easier than ever to include Fido in holiday plans.

"We understand the desire of families to bring their pets with them on vacation, which is why Chubb includes coverage for pets in its auto policies," Alderman said. "Still, it's better to keep Pookie in a safety device than on your lap while driving."

Chubb offers up to $2,000 in coverage to automobile policyholders for pets injured or killed in a crash or other covered loss. The policy will help pay to treat, board or replace domestic pets, even if, like horses, they were pulled in trailers.

Other features of Chubb's Masterpiece™ Auto Preference policy include: Agreed value coverage so policyholders know the settlement amount up front; up to $15,000 for loss of use, with no daily limit; use of original equipment manufacturer parts; the right to choose repair shops; and no depreciation on parts.

SOURCE Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

Vacation Spending Survey: 6 in 10 of Americans Will Go On Vacation

BELOIT, Wis.-- FatWallet.com, the one-stop resource for online coupons and deals with cash back savings, announced results from its Vacation Spending Survey* (TNS Global). Of 1,000 American adults surveyed online, 83% said they regularly go on vacations and 6 in 10 go on vacation every year, with 3 in 10 saying they go on two or more vacations per year. Surprisingly, 17% said they never go on vacations, jumping to 21% for 40-somethings and 35% for those that earn less than$30k/year.

According to the US Travel Association, total domestic leisure travel is forecast to exceed $1.6 Billion in 2014. FatWallet's vacation survey also reveals that almost half (46%) will spend more than $1,500 on their next vacation, while 13% will spend more than $3,000(20% for those that earn $75k/year or more). To save money, 73% of vacationers said they look online for special offers and travel deals, use miles and points or look for cash back rewards. Clothing and souvenirs rank as top choices for what vacationers will shop for.

Key vacation survey results:

• Frequency:  Total of 83% of Americans said they go on vacations (93% for those who earn +$75k/year), of those, 32% go more than once a year, 27% once a year, 6% every other year, 18% every few years and 17% never go on vacation.

• Spending:  54% will spend less than $1500 on their next vacation (71% under the age of 30), 46% will spend more than $1,500and of those, 13% said they will spend more than $3000.

• Booking:  48% book 1-6 months in advance, 11% +6 months ahead, 15% less than 1 month and 2% wait until the last minute. 46% get vacation information and advice from family and friends while only 7% use a travel agent for this. 60% said they will use a travel web site and/or a coupons and cash back sites to book their next vacation.

• Saving:  Free WiFi (72%), Free Breakfast Buffet (67%) and Free Parking (66%) are the most important hotel amenities. When booking, special online offers and deals (42%), points or miles (18%) and cash back rewards (13%) will be used most to save when booking their next vacation.

• Shopping:  Vacationers mostly shop for wearables (58%), health & beauty products (30%) and swimwear (28%) to take with, while souvenirs (65%), clothes (39%) and jewelry (16%) were tops for bringing back home. Notably, 1 in 4 will shop for coupons to use and save on their vacation activities.

"Late April is prime time when consumers look to book and save the most on their summer vacations," stated Brent Shelton, FatWallet spokesperson. "FatWallet offers vacationers easy opportunities to save more by earning cash back from more than 100 of top travel sites, including Booking.com, Priceline, and Hotels.com." FatWallet members will stack cash back savings with hundreds of the most current airfare, car rental and hotel deals. The FatWallet Deal Discussion forum is host to smart travelers that share insider information and travel tips for finding the best domestic and international vacation rates.

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

ST. LOUIS - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN), manufacturer of LLumar® window film, is educating consumers on the risk of sun damage in places that may surprise people. To help kick off Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Eastman will be providing skin protection tips and hosting a sweepstakes on their Facebook page May 8-30th. The sweepstakes winner will receive free window film professionally installed on their vehicle and $1,000 Visa® prepaid card. Additionally, the company has partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to make a free, downloadable brochure (PDF) about window film available to the public, dermatologists and window film distributors. The brochure outlines the danger of UV rays that can penetrate glass, and discusses how window film can protect people while in their home, in the office and while driving.

Many people are unaware that the sun's harmful rays can penetrate glass – both in cars and buildings. Scientific research shows that drivers are especially vulnerable on the left side of their bodies, where they are exposed to harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) rays from side windows in cars, which are typically unprotected. The average American spends more than 101 minutes a day in a car, and most of that time, they are inadvertently exposing themselves to damaging rays.

"Damage from certain kinds of ultraviolet rays is cumulative," says Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, vice-chair of the dermatology department at St. Louis University.  "These rays, called UVA rays, penetrate deep into the skin and can silently accelerate the aging process, cause wrinkles and even skin cancer."  Unlike UVB rays, which create immediate effects like blistering and burns, UVA rays create long-term damage that is not immediately noticeable. "That's why many people don't realize their skin is getting damaged from sitting near windows in cars or even at their desks at work," says Dr.  Glaser.   

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends adopting a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. The Foundation also emphasizes the importance of sun protection while driving. Using high performance window film (sometimes referred to as tint) in a car offers all-day protection.

From the Best Museums to the Top Theme Parks, FamilyFun Announces Winners of Annual Travel Awards

Disney's Magic Kingdom takes #1 overall spot; Educational museums and historical sites among family favorites

NEW YORK 

-- FamilyFun magazine announced today the winners of the 2014 FamilyFun Travel Awards, an annual search for the best kid-friendly locations and vacation spots as chosen by real families from across the country. For the second year in a row, U.S. family travel destinations were ranked in a variety of categories, including kid-friendly cities, zoos and aquariums, and theme parks. All of the winners will be featured in the April issue of FamilyFun, including the top 12 overall winners, which represent the highest-scoring destinations from each category.

"This year's travel award winners offer worlds of discovery and adventure for families across the map," said Ann Hallock, Editor-in-chief, FamilyFun magazine. "Family vacations are all about having fun, and while many of the families in our survey seek that out through attractions like theme parks and zoos, it's clear that families are also looking for learning and outdoor experiences."

Orlando, Florida, swept this year's family travel destinations, with Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and the City of Orlando taking the top three overall spots. The Strong Museum, located in Rochester, New York, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, in South Dakota, round out the top five Travel Awards winners of 2014. Museums, historic sites, and national parks and preserves also had a strong presence in the awards, with the top five in each category listed below:

Top 5 Family Museums

1. The Strong Museum (NY)
2. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (IL)
3. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (IN)
4. American Museum of Natural History (NY)
5. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (DC)

Top 5 Historic Sites

1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial (SD)
2. National Mall and Memorial Parks (DC)
3. The White House (DC)
4. Lincoln Home National Historic Site (IL)
5. World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (includes Pearl Harbor Visitors' Center and 8 other sites in 3 states) (HI, AK, CA)

Top 5 National Parks and Preserves

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN)
2. Yellowstone National Park (WY, MT, ID)
3. Mammoth Cave National Park (KY)
4. Yosemite National Park (CA)
5. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (MN)

Additional categories include kid-friendly cities, zoos and aquariums, and theme parks. To view the full list of FamilyFun Travel Awards winners for 2014, check out the April issue of FamilyFun magazine in print or on the iPad, or visit familyfunmag.com.

St. Louis' Iconic Budweiser Sign Goes Digital

This is one of the coolest things to do in St. Louis... the Budweiser brewery tour. We had a change to tour the facility a couple of years ago when we were there for a wedding. We got to see the famous Clydesdales up close and personal. Their barn, which is amazing, makes this a definite a must see if you're ever in St. Louis!

It's a landmark for those who call St. Louis home, a beacon and marvel for out-of-towners who visit and visible to air travelers flying over the city. Now, the Budweiser sign that sits atop the Bevo building on the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis brewery grounds will be renovated to retain its famous classic style and design, but in a new, brighter version that uses LED technology and will be better able to withstand exposure to the elements. The new sign will be illuminated with Budweiser red and retain the same signature block typeface of the existing Budweiser sign – the font that also was used on Budweiser packaging the year the sign was first erected.

On Monday, Jan. 28, the process of dismantling the 150-foot, 14,000-pound structure began. During this phase the Budweiser letters will go dark. Once installation of the new sign is complete, Anheuser-Busch will "flip the switch" and bring the beloved sign back to illuminate the St. Louis community.

"The Budweiser sign has stood over the brewery for more than 30 years and has proudly represented Anheuser-Busch and its flagship brand, Budweiser," said Jeff Pitts , general manager of the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis brewery. "But we're preserving more than just a sign. It's a part of St. Louis, representing the bond between Budweiser and its deep roots in this community. We're excited to begin the process of being able to keep this icon shining for years to come. It will look exactly the same, but will rely on better and more energy-efficient technology."

Pending any weather delays, the entire project will take four to five weeks to complete. The new sign will be the same size and will also consist of steel framing and aluminum supports. The project exceeds $500,000 and will include the use of St. Louis-based laborers throughout the installation. Adults can view regular updates of the transformation process on Anheuser-Busch's Facebook page.

According to Anheuser-Busch records, the original Budweiser sign "has proportions as great as the name it illuminates." The "B" alone is 18 feet tall and weighs 2,400 pounds. The remaining letters are 15 feet tall and weigh about 1,600 pounds each, although the "I" is the lightest, weighing 450 pounds. When it was lit for the first time in early 1979, it replaced a 35-year-old Anheuser-Busch sign. A custom neon sign has been on top of the Bevo building for more than six decades.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1yXTl)

Holiday Cheer Spreads Throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as The Happiest Place on Earth Gets Merrier Beginning Nov. 12

I got to go to Disney World during the holidays a few years back. It really is a magical place at a magical time of the year! 

The newly expanded Disney California Adventure Park gets a spectacular seasonal makeover, and such beloved holiday traditions as "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, fireworks and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. return to Disneyland Park as the Disneyland Resort just gets merrier for the holidays, now through Jan. 6, 2013.

Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations and tasty treats add magical warmth to the holiday fun at both parks. The Disneyland Resort hotels shimmer with holiday cheer and guests will enjoy a new ice rink for the holidays at Downtown Disney.

Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park

Celebrating their first Disneyland Resort holiday season, Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, the new lands of Disney California Adventure, will be decked out in unique and festive seasonal decor.

A whimsical "snowcar" (the Radiator Springs version of a snowman) will stand at the entrance to Cars Land, and each address along Route 66 – Flo's V-8 Cafe, Fillmore's, Cozy Cone Motel, Luigi's Casa della Tires and more – will feature holiday decor that reflects the personality of the "Cars" character who lives there.
A dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree will adorn Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street. The tree and surrounding buildings, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s, will be decorated with vintage-style ornaments

.
The classic department store Santa Claus comes to Buena Vista Street. Children of all ages may tell Santa what they want for Christmas by visiting him atElias & Co., the main department store along this thoroughfare, reminiscent of 1920s Los Angeles.  New wintertime fun rocks the night at "Mad T Party" as Alice and the Mad Hatter add their own brand of off-kilter holiday spirit to the nighttime celebration in Hollywood Land. 

 
The nightly "World of Color" water and effects spectacular on Paradise Bay welcomes special holiday guests Lanny and Wayne, elves from the television show "Prep & Landing." "A bug's land" transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
The holiday scene along the Paradise Bay boardwalk includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and lampposts decked out with seasonal wreaths.

A Holiday edition of the street show, "Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party," includes festive decor, costumes and holiday tunes. The showinvites guests of all ages to "seize the day," dancing and singing on Paradise Pier with the Disney Channel's inventive animated boy geniuses.

Holidays at Disneyland Park

At Disneyland, holiday guests will find the traditional snowdrifts and icicles adorning Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle. After dark, a sensational holiday lighting and special-effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the Christmas tree in Town Square. The 60-foot-tall Disneyland Christmas tree is specially designed to present a nightly holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

The Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle presentation unfolds throughout the evening in three acts, each of them featuring a touch of winter snow on Main Street, U.S.A. The finale of the show includes the legendary "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of "White Christmas," along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., "it's a small world" Mall and New Orleans Square.

"A Christmas Fantasy" parade has become a holiday tradition in Disneyland. Guests enjoy watching as Disney characters celebrate the magic of the season, wrapping gifts, baking holiday treats and preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus, who shouts a jolly greeting to spectators along the parade route. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse even take to the ice for some skating fun.

"It's a small world" Holiday becomes a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its facade. Along with the children of many nations in their holiday attire, the attraction features a sparkling snowman dressed in a gold top hat, golden scarf and hundreds of twinkling lights for its finale. A frosty snowflake mobile twirls over his head, and his "Happy Holidays" sign is sculpted out of ice that changes color. 

Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus greet Disneyland guests at Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Big Thunder Ranch, Frontierland. Kids and their families can chat with St. Nick, meet Disney characters, and enjoy games, music, crafts and seasonal entertainment. 

Disneyland will celebrate Three Kings Day, also known as Dia de los Reyes Magos, from Jan. 4-6, 2013, with special decor, food and entertainment that showcases this Latin American holiday tradition.

 
Guests may book guided "Holiday Time at Disneyland" tours that provide entry into "it's a small world" Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday along with reserved seating for the Disneyland "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, a view of the new holiday decor in Disney California Adventure, a keepsake remembrance and entertaining information about the history of Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations guests may visit any Disneyland Resort Guest Relations location or call (714) 781-TOUR (781-8687).

Downtown Disney Ice Skating, Holiday Shopping, Resort Hotel Decor and Themed Menus 

For the first time during a Disneyland Resort holiday season, guests in the Downtown Disney district will be able to go skating on an outdoor "The Secret of the Wings" ice skating rink, located near ESPN Zone and AMC Theatres. Ice skates will be available for rental. The rink pays tribute to "The Secret of the Wings," the new Tinker Bell adventure released to DVD and Blu-ray by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertaiment.

Holiday shopping at Disneyland Resort offers an array of merchandise available exclusively at Resort theme parks and the Downtown Disney district. Along with ornaments, holiday-themed Mickey Mouse ears, jewelry and tasty holiday sweets, guests can discover a new line of Cars Land holiday-inspired merchandise that is sure to have you Dashing Through The Snow and Wishing others a Happy New Gear.

Disneyland Resort hotels join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus. Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks extend the family fun and offer more time for guests to enjoy all there is to see at do at Disneyland Resort. .

For more information about Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays. For ticket and hotel offers, visit www.disneyland.com/offers.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1qPMG)

National Museum of American History Satisfies Food History Craving

New Exhibition Looks at Food, Wine and Eating in America

The Smithsonian's first major exhibition on food history—"FOOD: Transforming the American Table 1950–2000," opening at the National Museum of American History Nov. 20—explores some of the major changes in food and eating in postwar America. Among the topics on the 3,800-square-foot exhibition's menu are changes in food production and processing, in who cooks and why, where and when meals are consumed and what people know (or think they know) about what is good for them.

Julia Child's kitchen, which she donated to the museum in 2001 along with its hundreds of tools, appliances and furnishings, serves as the opening story of "FOOD," demonstrating her influence on the culinary field, food television and the ways many Americans think about food and cooking.

"Food is a fundamental subject that everyone can relate to," said Paula Johnson, museum curator and project director for the exhibition. "The second half of the 20th century was a time of rapid change in America. This exhibition taps into the widespread and robust interest in food-related topics and encourages dialogue about food and the forces and factors that influenced how and what we eat."

"FOOD" looks at the impact of innovations and new technologies and the influence of social and cultural shifts in four sections with 160 objects:
"Resetting the Table" reveals the influences of new immigrants and how the foods and flavors from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and Central America have become an integral part of daily life for many Americans. This section also explores the impacts of the counterculture and "back to the land" movements in the 1960s and 1970s and the increased consciousness for "good food"—local, organic and artisanal.

"Wine for the Table" is devoted to the growth and expansion of American wine and winemaking after 1950. This section examines how new approaches to vineyard planting and management, new technologies and practices, and innovative marketing strategies helped winemakers overcome challenges that remained from the Prohibition era. While most of this section focuses on California, one of the most significant changes revealed is that by 2000, wine was being produced in all 50 states.
 
"New and Improved" explores how science and new technologies increased food production in the fields, processing and distribution, and how an eager American public embraced the abundance, variety and convenience. This section also looks at innovation in food preparation at home and the rise of snacking and drive-through and on-the-go eating.

"Open Table" invites visitors to take a seat at a 22-foot-long communal table, made at the museum, to share their own thoughts and experiences about food and change in America.

For more information on "FOOD," the public may visit http://food.americanhistory.si.edu/.

"FOOD" has been made possible through support from Warren and Barbara Winiarski (Winiarski Family Foundation), the Land O'Lakes Foundation, the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, the History channel, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and the Nutrients for Life Foundation.

The exhibition is open-ended and serves as the foundation for a major initiative by the National Museum of American History to create an ongoing program on food and drink in America. The museum envisions taking food and food history to the nation through its ongoing collecting efforts and a series of symposia and intellectual exchanges, online offerings and dynamic public programs. An advisory group will counsel the museum on ongoing collecting, research, programming and fundraising efforts. In 2015, following completion of renovations in the west exhibition wing, the museum's first floor will house a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen.

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. To learn more about the museum, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

SOURCE Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

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