Fun with Minions at Universal Studios Hollywood

The newest experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, California is the new Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem 3-D ride. The audience joins Gru and becomes minions on an adventure that starts at Gru's home, goes through the super villain lab and ends with a dance party. The theme park does an amazing job at recreating the street that Gru and his adopted daughter live on and the film’s memorable seaside carnival, Super Silly Fun Land. Visitors will be thrilled to climb, jump and slide in a dry zone, ride on the Silly Swirly Fun Ride, or get soaked in the more than 80 different water-play features. Guests can also have the chance to meet and get their photo taken with a life-sized minion. Guests can also vie to win a replica of Agnes' lovable stuffed unicorn.

Guest Services at Universal Studios Hollywood

To avoid the frustration of waiting in long lines, the best way to experience Universal Studios Hollywood is by paying extra for the Front of the Line pass for $139 per person (ages 3 and older). The pass will enable you to cut the line for rides and attractions. You actually have a good chance at seeing the entire park in one day. However, be aware that the park does not move at a fast pace. The service at restaurants, shops, and rides can take longer than anticipated. Another feature parents will appreciate is the Child Switch feature that will cut down on wait time for those without the Front of the Line pass.

Thrill Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

Some of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood are not best suited for young children, but are thrilling for adults. Here are some of the thrill rides that the park features:

• House of Horrors
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Jurassic Park
• The Simpson’s Ride
• Transformer's: The Ride-3D
• King Kong 360 3-D
• Shrek 4-D

Live Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

See Hollywood in action at the live shows the park has to offer. Feel Donkey sneeze at the Shrek 4-D ride, watch a ramshackle city catch on fire at the WaterWorld show, see how movie magic is made at the Special Effects Stage, or witness highly intelligent animal actors strut their stuff. For a true taste of Hollywood, take the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with action-packed fun that features King Kong, Jaws, a flash flood, and an earthquake. May not be age-appropriate for younger children. For an even more in-depth look, choose the VIP Experience, which includes guided access to working sound stages, famous sets, a VIP lounge and a gourmet lunch for $239.

While visiting the park, keep your eyes open for familiar movie characters, such as the following:

• The Grinch and Max
• Shrek and Princess Fiona
• Donkey
• Sponge Bob
• Curious George
• The Simpsons

Whether you're a movie buff, a thrill ride seeker, or just want to have a family fun adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood is bound to be a good time for all.

Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove Close to Family Fun

Conveniently located between Anaheim and Garden Grove, California, the newly renovated Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove hotel offers guests easy access to theme parks along with family-friendly accommodation. As a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, guests have can take advantage of the free shuttle to and from Disneyland and California Adventure. After a full day of amusement, families can relax in the heated pool or hot tub, grab a bite to eat at the California Grill & Bar, or book the next day's adventures at the Disney Desk located in the lobby.

Family-Friendly Rooms at Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove

The eco-friendly and sustainably progressive hotel offers 376 rooms, including three oversized Family Rooms that come with a queen bed and a bunk bed -- perfect for a slumber party atmosphere. Adjoining rooms are available for larger families. On-site and room accessibility features are available for guests with specific needs. The decor is understated with a upholstered furniture and a neutral, white and brown palette, unlike the updated lobby and dining areas that have a more modern look and feel with splashes of color, leather furniture and artistic lighting.

Most of the all non-smoking rooms offer the following amenities:

• Mini-refrigerator
• Bottled water
• Flat-screen HDTV with Cable and satellite
• Coffee/tea maker (Keurig)
• Hair dryer
• iPod docking station
• Iron and ironing board
• Pillow top mattress
• Premium bedding and linens
• Wi-Fi Internet access (fee applies)
• Work desk

In case you forgot anything essential, there is a Target conveniently located across the street from the hotel!

On-Property Dining at Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove

Guests can indulge in an extensive breakfast buffet, a freshly prepared cappuccino, a scoop of gelato, a glass of Napa Valley wine, a poolside burger, or in-room dessert. These are just some of the many options offered on property at the Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove.

The California Grill & Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features California Cuisine with a focus on using the freshest ingredients available. The breakfast buffet (only $14.95) includes a full range of items including scrambled eggs, french toast, potatoes, cereal, toast, muffins, juice and more.  For dinner, the menu has items such as Sriracha Honey Wings with Jicama, Carrot, Celery Sticks and Ranch Dip ($11), Kenter Farms Organic Greens Salad with Mixed Greens, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Drake Family Farms Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette ($9), Gluten Free Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Roasted Mushrooms ($16), or Mary's Farm Chicken with Smashed Red Bliss Potatoes, Caramelized Shallots, Baby Broccoli, and Mustard Reduction ($22).

Other dining options include:

• Blend Cafe: Serving grab-and-go items such as pastries, coffee, juice, paninis, gelato and more.
• Trinitas Wine Bar: Featuring Napa Valley wines, micro-brews, and light snack foods.
• Poolside Dining
• Room Service

Theme Park Fun Near Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove

With free shuttle service to Disney theme parks, the Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove is a convenient location for tons of family fun. Planning a multiple-day stay, check out some other theme parks in the area:

• Knott's Berry Farm
• LEGOLAND
• Universal Studios

Or, for an alternative to the theme park outing, visit the San Diego Zoo, take in an Angels baseball game, hear a concert at the Honda Center, or check out the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Guest Services
The hotel offers the following amenities:

• Business Center
• Fitness Center
• Meeting and Event Facilities
• Technology Services
• Transportation and Parking
• Private Limousine (for an additional fee)
• Concierge Service
• Hotel Front Desk and Bell Desk available for assistance with all directions, boarding pass, and printing needs
• Laundry facilities
• Wyndham Vacations travel planning desk

Contact Information
Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove
12021 Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92840
714-867-5555
www.anaheimwyndham.com

New Vibe at Hyatt Palm Springs

Located conveniently in downtown Palm Springs, the suites-only Hyatt Palm Springs offers guests modern luxury with easy access to shopping, dining and outdoor activities. The resort has recently undergone renovations that included updating the pool area with new splashes of color, additional fire-pits and unique heat lamps to heighten the contemporary lounge-like atmosphere. The entrance now boasts a "Palm Springs" photo mural by local artist Dean Mayo, and don’t miss the Taili Song Roth photo exhibit of celebrities behind the scenes at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Enjoy the relaxing desert environment with all the conveniences to make your trip comfortable and easy. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, experience the tram, or enjoy fresh and seasonal culinary concoctions, the pet-friendly Hyatt Palm Springs can cater to individual travelers' needs to make each vacation memorable.

Suites at the Hyatt Palm Springs

They Hyatt Palm Springs is the only hotel in the area that offers suites-only rooms, including four large executive suites. All 197 suites are large and comfortable with a separate sitting area for lounging, watching TV, or socializing. The brown and orange color palette mimics the desert environment with a contemporary feeling, but some of the furniture can be a bit worn. The rooms do offer great desert hillside views with private balconies.

Most rooms offer the following complimentary amenities:

• Plush Grand Bed™
• Refrigerator
• Marble bathrooms with Portico Products
• In-Room Safe

The following amenities are available at no charge upon request:

• Baby shampoo
• Deodorant
• Hair brush
• Hairspray
• Lint Mitt
• Mouthwash
• Makeup remover wipes
• Raor
• Slipppers
• Wine opener

On-Property Dining at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Guests looking for creative and delicious cuisine don’t even have to leave the restaurant. At SHARESmall Plate Bistro and Wine Lounge, guests can indulge in fresh, seasonal breakfast, lunch or dinner items. Located just off the lobby, it might not have the ambiance of more upscale restaurants, but your palate will be pleasantly surprised and you won’t bust your budget. The dinner menu includes things such as the Goat Cheese Brulee with Fig Compote Served with Pita Bread ($12), Mushroom and Fig Pizza with Fresh Herbs, Manchego Cheese, and Dried Figs ($13), Sensi Salad with Sun Kissed Baby Greens, Skirt Steak, Lychee, Nuts, Papaya, Manchego Cheese, Pequin Sweet Peppers and Roasted Pine Nuts with Guava Vinaigrette ($15) or Stir Fry Udon with Chilean Sea Bass, Black Beans and Saffron with a Black Beach Garlic Sauce Over Udon ($30).

The restaurant supports local growers and producers, including Suzy Farms, Fillmore Citrus, Harry’s Berries, and more. The compliment the cuisine, SHARE offers more than forty wines to choose from by the glass. It’s a great place to grab a glass of wine and an appetizer, have a full meal with the family, or fill up on a satisfying breakfast before heading out the door.

For those looking for a nightlife hot spot, HooDoo Patio Restaurant & Bar, located on the front patio of the Hyatt Palm Springs, offers live music from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday with a menu offering California cuisine with a South American flare. Handcrafted cocktails and open fire pits make it an inviting place to socialize, but it might not be appropriate for children.

Nearby Activities at the Hyatt Palm Springs

The following activities are worth checking out while in the Palm Springs area:

·      Nearby walking & jogging trails

·      The Palm Springs Aerial Tram

·      The Living Desert Zoo

·      Thursday Night Street Fair

·      Golf Course

·      Shopping – right out the front door

    Guest Services

They Hyatt Palm Springs offers the following amenities:

• Customizable experience with Hyatt e-Concierge
• Underground Parking
• Complimentary shuttle to/from Palm Springs airport
• Outdoor Pool Bar (seasonal)
• 24 hour StayFit™ gym
• In-room Spa Services
• Poolside cabanas
• YogaAway™ (Yoga mat, water bottle and DVD to borrow)
• Heated outdoor swimming pool/hot tub with misters– can get crowded during busy times.

Contact Information

Hyatt Palm Springs

285 North Palm Canyon Dr.

Palm Springs, CA 92262

(760) 322-9000

http://palmsprings.hyatt.com