​ORLANDO, Fla. (February 19, 2019) – Today, Discovery Cove, in conjunction with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), announced the completion of a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training as well as an onsite review of the park property and guest experience. The completion designates Discovery Cove as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as distinguished by IBCCES, making it the first all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the U.S to be certified. 
 
The certification follows sister parks Sesame Place, the first theme park in the world to reach this accreditation, and Aquatica Orlando, the first water park in the world to be accredited.  

Discovery Cove is SeaWorld Entertainment’s day resort park, where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays and other unique animal interactions, all in a tropical setting of rocky lagoons, lush landscaping and white, sandy beaches.  Working closely with IBCCES, the staff at Discovery Cove will be continually trained to assist guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families, to help ensure a positive experience during their visit.  Guests will also be provided with specific information about each of the Discovery Cove experiences, along with in park accommodations to help them plan their day and make informed choices best suited to their individual needs. 
 
“Discovery Cove has long been recognized for its adventure-filled yet relaxed environment with a variety of open, clear spaces that make attractions and services more accessible. and reduces sensory overload for guests with cognitive disorders,” said Kyle Miller, President of Discovery Cove.   “Autism certification is a natural step for us as we continue to create safe and meaningful experiences for all of our guests.  We have seen how well received this certification has been at our Sesame Place and Aquatica Orlando parks, and we are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs.”  
​
For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options, and in response, created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.  As a Certified Autism Center, Discovery Cove is required to provide ongoing training to ensure that team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum.  Training takes place in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness as well as a comprehensive autism competency exam. The autism training must be taken every two years in order to maintain the certification.

According to Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman of IBCCES, "We're thrilled to see the commitment and enthusiasm of the team at Discovery Cove and its sister parks in serving guests on the spectrum and with sensory sensitivities. Certification and review are so important to ensure all guests feel welcomed and safe in these environments. This should be the industry standard, and we're working with leaders in the field to make that happen."

Larry Celzo, a member of the IBCCES community and parent with a son on the autism spectrum said of the Discovery Cove certification, “After so many years of learning how to integrate our 15-year old son with autism into our community, it is refreshing to witness society becoming more aware of how hard we work to provide the same type of recreation and entertainment families without special needs enjoy. I really applaud the organizations who go above and beyond to become trained and certified in autism and other special needs.”        
                                                                 
Robust pre-visit planning resources will be added to the park’s website including a sensory guide developed by IBCCES. This sensory guide will make it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child’s specific needs and accommodations by providing insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for each attraction.   Added IBCCES’ Pincomb, pre-planning is vital for families in the autism community.  “Having a comprehensive resource that allows families to plan their day and avoid the element of surprise is vital. Understanding what the park offers, from its experiences to available food selections, helps in making their day a success.”

The park will also have a quiet space inside the park with adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break.
###
ABOUT DISCOVERY COVE
Discovery Cove® in Orlando is an all-inclusive day resort where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and encounter playful otters. Relax and explore rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers and white, sandy beaches. Freshly prepared meals, snacks and beverages throughout the day and swim gear are included, plus unlimited, 14-day admission to SeaWorld® Orlando and Aquatica, voted USA’s #1 waterpark. Guests will experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere. 
www.discoverycove.com
 
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
In 2001, IBCCES identified a need for standardization within healthcare, education, and corporate environments to meet the growing needs of those with cognitive disorders. We assembled a board of thought leaders and experts in these fields to address the growing international need and create a series of certification programs in autism, ADHD, sensory disorders, dementia, mental health, dyslexia, and other cognitive disorders and special needs.
Our globally recognized certification programs were established to set the industry standards and create a worldwide community of trained and knowledgeable professionals. As the impact of cognitive disorders now reaches 1 in 4 people, our team continues to grow and expand our reach to ensure professionals in these industries are aware of the latest research and applications.
IBCCES adheres to international standards for boards that grant professional credentials. The IBCCES certification procedures and content undergo various reviews and validation, pursuant to the professions that are eligible for certification, as well as standards established by content experts in the field.
To learn more about the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, please visit: https://ibcces.org/

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2019)-  LEGOLAND® California Resort invites families to go from theater to theme park as it debuts The LEGO® Movie 2 Experience at the family theme park in Carlsbad! Guests can experience movie magic by stepping onto an actual LEGO® set as seen in “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part,” that recently opened nationwide. Returning heroes Emmet, Lucy, and their LEGO co-stars can be spotted in their hometown of Apocalypseburg in miniature scale and Park guests can meet the characters in person as well.You’ll be amazed by the details that go into making this exciting new big-screen LEGO animated adventure!
 
Today’s festivities kicked off with streamers exploding as the stage doors were finally opened by LEGOLAND California Resort General Manger Peter Ronchetti – officially opening the new LEGO® Movie 2 Experience. Guests were treated to movie clips, LEGO characters and an unveil of a new LEGO costume character, General Mayhem, before entering the new attraction.The LEGO® Movie 2 Experience offers behind-the-scenes thrills that can be enjoyed by LEGO fans of all ages. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the LEGO® Movie 2 Experience during the Park’s LEGO® Movie Days which kicks off this weekend, Feb. 16-18 and continues Feb. 23-24.
 
Following the morning’s awesome opening ceremony, Golden Globe-winning writer and producer of “The LEGO® Movie 2,” Chris Miller, and his family, were one of the first guests to see The LEGO® Movie 2 Experience. When asked about what fans can expect from the new attraction, Miller said, “They’ll get to feel like they’re inside the movie and also notice all the detail work that the set designers, prop designers and everybody else put in. You know I spent a lot of time in this basement set for the first movie and the second movie – and in Bianca’s room set, in the second movie, so I’m having real flashbacks to six months ago when we shot this stuff.”
 
Six members of the Model Shop Team at LEGOLAND California Resort have been reconstructing the set from the blockbuster motion picture for five months, working with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and sets designers to ensure the details are as accurate as possible in both the basement scene and Bianca’s room. Bianca’s room highlights the fanciful DUPLO® city and cake palace she was building in the movie, along with the film’s memorable characters such as Queen Watevera Wa-Nabi, ruler of the faraway Systar System, and General Mayhem, a masked space pilot.  
 
THE LEGO® Movie 2 Experience features more than 500,000 LEGO bricks and took Master Model builders more than 960 hours to assemble for the blockbuster film. The new attraction offers guests an up-close look at Apocalypseburg and models from the Systar System. Movie fans can stand in the same place as characters from the film and imagine being in the action!  
 
        LEGOLAND® California Resortincludes LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park and LEGOLAND® Hotel. All are geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. At LEGOLAND California, you’ll find more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including NINJAGO™ The Ride where guests experience 3D imagery, high-tech sensors and use hand movements in a striking motion to master their skills before battling the Great Devourer,  LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display, Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park. The LEGO® Movie 4D A New Adventure™ opened in 2016. Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny band together to face an evil plot created by Risky Business, a new villain. SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 living creatures and incorporates LEGO® models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails. LEGOLAND Water Park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River.  The nation’s first LEGOLAND Hotel features 250 rooms, all themed either as pirate, adventure, kingdom, LEGO® Friends and new this year, LEGO® NINJAGO™! For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346). 

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (opening 2018). With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Merlin Entertainments plcis a global leader in location based, family entertainment. As Europe's number one and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates more than 120 attractions, 18 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 25 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable experiences to more than 65 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its approximately 29,000 employees (peak season). Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

WHAT
The Los Angeles Zoo launches a new up-close animal encounter where guests can come face to feather with one of the Zoo’s most colorful residents. Flamingo Mingle allows visitors to step into the flamingo habitat and become one of the flock during a fifteen-minute interactive experience. Guests will have the chance to feed the flamingos, learn about their care, and mingle amongst these charismatic birds. Flamingo Mingle is $25 per person and is offered daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. except on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Participants must be two years of age or older.   

MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE: 
An intimate group of up to six guests will interact with the L.A. Zoo’s ambassador flock of greater flamingos, known for their friendliness and ability to create strong bonds. During the encounter, guests will gather in a designated area of the flamingo habitat for safe viewing and interaction to learn about their care and special adaptations, along with the importance of conservation. While a highlight of the experience is the chance to hand feed the birds krill – a tiny, shrimp-like crustacean – which gives flamingos their brilliant pink hue, guests shouldn’t be surprised if they are groomed by the birds, for an unforgettable up-close-and-personal experience.  

WHEN
Daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. except on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

INFO
Flamingo Mingle is $25 per person. Participants must be two years of age or older.   
To learn more or purchase tickets, please visit www.lazoo.org/flamingomingle.

 WHERE
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027L.A. ZOO
​
The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.8 million visitors each year, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare and has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.

TAMPA, Fla. (February 14, 2019) – Park guests have more to love at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the park gears up for its 60th Anniversary Celebration, kicking off on March 1 with a concert and fireworks event. Originally opening on March 31, 1959, Busch Gardens has come a long way from the simple brewery tour and bird garden it once was to feature a world-class zoo, seasonal events and an impressive rollercoaster collection, including the latest addition, Tigris.
 
Hearts will race on Florida’s tallest launch coaster when Tigris opens this spring. The park recently celebrated the completion of the track for the attraction, which will launch guests forward and backward during the ride, reaching speeds over 60 miles per hour. In addition to launches and twists, a dramatic heartline roll at Tigris’s top height of 150 feet will give riders a unique view of Busch Gardens.
 
Beyond Tigris, the park is offering more experiences for guests to enjoy this spring as a part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration.

• At the 60th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff on March 1, guests can enjoy the “Women Rock” performance from the Florida Orchestra, a tribute to the women who changed rock ‘n’ roll forever, ending in a dazzling fireworks display. The field opens at 5:30 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. concert and 8:30 p.m. fireworks presentation.
• Also beginning on March 1, park guests will be able to engage in the all-new Pin Trading program at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Launching with over 150 collectible pins, the new Pin Trading program offers pocket-sized souvenirs inspired by fan-favorite animals, attractions, events and more at merchandise locations throughout the park. Guests can trade their purchased pins with park ambassadors to collect exclusive series not sold in stores. Limited and special edition pins will also be made available throughout the year.
• Beginning March 16, the 5th Annual Food & Wine Festival not only features a world-class concert line-up but will also highlight the park’s history with an anniversary themed culinary cabin, featuring flavors inspired by treats and snacks once featured at Busch Gardens.
• 2019 is still the #YearofBeer for all adult park guests. With a nostalgic nod to the park’s roots, guests age 21 and older can enjoy two complimentary beer samples each day of 2019 at Serengeti Outlook Pub and Restaurant and Garden Gate Café. Valid identification is required for age verification.

​Best Way to Play
To fully enjoy all that the 60th Anniversary Celebration has to offer, guests can select from multiple annual admission products that provide value and benefits all year:
-Pay for Day, play ALL YEAR at 2 parks- For a limited time, guests can buy a 2019 Busch Gardens Fun Card and get an Adventure Island Fun Card free! Block out dates apply.
-MORE VALUE, MORE OPTIONS WITH ANNUAL PASS - Pick your way to play in 2019 with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass, starting at $10.99 a month for Florida Residents. Guests can select from four pass levels for the benefits they want most – including FREE parking, discounts on merchandise and food, as well as animal encounters – to gear up for a calendar full of special events plus EXCLUSIVE pass member ride time for the opening of Tigris: an exciting new attraction coming in 2019. Add more parks – Get a 4-park pass to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, SeaWorld and Aquatica, starting at just $15.99 a month.
-FREE Preschool Card- Kids 5 and younger can enjoy FREE admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island throughout all of 2019 with the Preschool Card. There’s never been a cooler time to be a kid! Florida residents only, other conditions apply, visit BuschGardensTampa.com to register. 
 
Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s blog and social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
###
 
About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos with more than 12,000 animals, and live shows and events, providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.