One small step...

Space...the final frontier. As a kid I would sit mesmerized by all things space related. Star Trek, Aliens, Astronomy, Astronauts and NASA.

So when I got an invitation to preview the "Shuttle Launch Experience" attraction at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, I couldn't wait. This is one part of a 10 year, 160 million dollar renovation at the complex.

The evening event started with a bang as the group walked into the complex to find great music and plenty of food and drink. They really spread out the red carpet for us. As the evening progressed we were invited to the new attraction before Mannhiem Steamroller was scheduled to play for us. Up the long gantry we went and into a holding room where the preshow was excellent. Multiple screens showed how the shuttle is launched while our video host explained the process. Everywhere were warnings and disclaimers about who should not ride for health reasons. We were ushered into another holding room that separated us into rows before the doors whooshed open and we were seated inside a shuttle recreation. Soon we launched and the shaking vehicle tilted us backwards so that we were looking straight up at the screen. We leveled off and then rocked forward after a quick emergency maneuver before landing safely. It was fun but milder than I expected. After the initial shaking, it was really quite smooth and even my friend who is scared of rides was not uncomfortable with this one.

After the ride, we ate and drank some more while enjoying the concert and exploring the grounds until it was time to go. A great evening at Kennedy Space Center and I look forward to the next visit. Beam me up, Scotty. (Josh Hallett has a nice post on this attraction at his blog.)

Florida Attractions Association Conference

Just attended the Florida Attractions Association Conference at Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key, Florida and heard some great speakers like Judy Randall and Josh Hallett.

The main message this year was that attraction audiences are changing their needs in some very fundamental ways and the Industry needs to keep up. Research is showing that travellers want more choices and less structure than in the past. The ways people communicate a good or bad experience have accelerated and mushroomed on the Internet. "Word of Mouth" on steroids! Folks don't just tell their friends, they tell the whole world. Obviously, this can work for or against an attraction and the bottom line is we are seeing more transparency at these facilities. Better sweep that sidewalk.

A great experience involved Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, Florida. Hands down the best Dolphin show I have seen! The grounds are beautiful and the animals there are healthy and enthusiastic. Parrots, Dolphins, Turtles, Sharks, Fish, Sea Lions, Seals and more. The natural setting is wonderful and the staff there is top notch. A real treat.

I Love New York

Like a hummingbird guzzling espresso,
New York City is truly a town that never sleeps.


Motion, Lights, Noises, Smells and Voices bombard you like a Hurricane of humanity. People soup. This is a town you love or hate.


Whirling, Diving, Zooming up, up, up the neverending ride of life. Twisting, Shouting, Twirling round and round until you collapse.


Sadder, Wiser, Happier...Alive.

I Love New York.

Her Name is Liberty

Her name is Liberty. Long may she stand.

The Circleline Sightseeing Cruise from Pier 83 in New York City is very popular and it's easy to see why. Big ship with plenty of room inside and out. Two decks so you can find a spot for photos and their are plenty. The New York City skyline, The Statue of Liberty, The Brooklyn Bridge and more on this narrated adventure. They even pointed out Ground Zero from the ship. (Yes, you could take the Staten Island Ferry for free but it's not like this.) Treat yourself and hop aboard Circleline.

I loved the roomy outdoor decks and a snack shop is available onboard. The ride is stable. Two hours fly by and I got to meet folks from all over the world as we "ooohed and aaahed" over the Statue of Liberty. Really good.

Quiet on the set!

This was my favorite tour in New York City! The guide is amazing and the content is funny, interesting and enjoyable. The New York TV and Movie Sites Tour starts at 11am daily next to Ellen's Stardust Diner. For a treat, spend some time with the Diner's singing wait staff!

The three hours flies by as one filming site after another is showcased on this tour. We even got treats! We saw current and classic sites, learned about the TV and Movie industry, best sites to spot a celebrity or see something filmed and where the stars lived. It was action packed. I appreciated several opportunities to step off the very nice shuttle bus for short walks to great sites like the "Friends" opening scene building (pictured) and the Cosby Show House.

What an adventure! We even sang theme songs. Got so much out of this tour and would do it again. (They also do a "Sex in the City" and "Soprano" tour.) One of the best tours I've taken anywhere. A must do in New York City.

New York, New York

The New York Official Heritage Tour in New York City is a slice of native pie. In partnership with the History Channel, this tour is all about the Big Apple from a local's perspective and a great overview of downtown. The red trolley rolls past the popular sites like Times Square and Wall Street, while the historic tour guide relates the history, triumps and tragedies of this fascinating town. I enjoyed the insider perspective on history, politics and events.

This tour lasts about two hours and you have hop on/off privileges, if you wish. Departs at 10am, 12, 2 and 4pm daily. Basically, it covers information you wouldn't always hear on a regular city tour with more emphasis on New York City historical events, not just sites. A real treat for the history buff and a nice way to see the city.

Meet me at the Empire State Building

King Kong move over. Dangling 1050 feet above New York City at the top of the Empire State Building, I was King of the World. Astonishing views in every direction. Even though the thermometer was hovering around 6 degrees during my visit, I couldn't feel the cold...much.

The ESB is such a New York City Icon that you must visit. Pick your times because it does get crowded. Since they are open from 8am until 2am, you have many choices but some of the least crowded times are 8am and between 3-5pm. Eveyone goes through security so be prepared. You can bypass the ticket line with advanced purchase but you will have to wait as needed. For an additional $15 you can visit the smaller enclosed 102 Floor observatory (tickets only on site) and gift shops and food are available upstairs.

Despite the cattle call feel at certain points, the experience is terrific and exciting. Bring a good camera and say hello to Kong for me! (If you like the view from above try the Top of the Rock , too.

Waxing artistic in New York City

So...I think I saw them move. The wax figures at Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York City. Just out of the corner of my eye... has that ever happened to you? Wierd. The famous and the celebrated are captured here for all to see. What a great time capsule into history! After climbing up the grand staircase and riding the elevator to the top floor, my eye was greeted with celebrities filling the room. Woody Allen, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt. It went on and on. You work your way down the building through galleries that are roughly grouped into categories like sports, singers, etc. Here's a bonus you shouldn't miss. A short haunted trail. You can bypass this but it is a treat. Don't want to spoil it for you but the guy inside was top notch! Made me jump. Madam Tussaud's is great fun with plenty of opportunites to shop and eat throughout the facility. Do me a favor...if you see one move...let me know.

The Art of it.

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City is bustling with activity. Tourists, locals and students all move in a dance of delight through the galleries and floors of this wonderful Museum. Every corner you turn a new surprise is waiting. The collection includes over 150,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, and design objects as well as over 300,000 books, artist books and periodicals. To say the collection is enormous is an understatement. You could spend several days here just discovering what you wanted to study. If you have the time, they offer many educational programs for all levels. The layout allows you to linger where your interests take you and with excellent food onsite in several venues, you can take your time. Monet, Cezanne, Lumiere, Van Gogh, Picasso and so much more. Be inspired!

Ground Zero

The space where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood in New York City is under construction. The new Freedom Tower will be the world's tallest building at 1776 feet. It's amazing to stand on the spot. So many people walk by and look silently at this reminder of September 11th. Many begin to cry while others just walk away quickly or stand unable to move. Every trip to New York City should include a stop here. To remember...