Discover Adventure! New Animated Build-A-Bear Float To Debut At 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®

New Giant Character, Angry Birds’ Red, Is Set To Take Flight in Celebration of Next Summer’s Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment’s “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE”

The 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Airs Nationwide On NBC-TV, on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, from 9 AM – Noon; In All Time Zones.

With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For almost 90 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade proudly marches down a more than 2-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy’s employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The Parade also features America’s best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy’s signature giant helium character balloons.

On Nov. 26, a new float from Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, will roll through Manhattan during the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The latest Build-A-Bear float in the annual spectacle will feature a variety of scenes and of course, bears – all with one mission in mind: Discover Adventure! A part of the Macy’s Parade family since 2002, this year’s latest floating wonder marks the third Build-A-Bear float for the Parade which is sure to delight the more than 3.5 million spectators lining the Parade route on Thanksgiving Day.

Build-A-Bear is a multi-generational brand that will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2017. Since the company was founded in 1997, more than 145 million furry friends have been made. Build-A-Bear has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East.

“Making memories and celebrating life’s moments are at the heart of everything we do, and countless memories are made every year when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of America’s most anticipated events, takes place,” said Gina Collins, chief marketing officer, Build-A-Bear. “We worked closely with the talented team at Macy’s to create exciting scenes that evoke a sense of adventure and incorporate teddy bears – the icons of our brand – into one incredible new float.”

The engineers and craftspeople at Macy’s Parade Studio began working with Build-A-Bear on the new concept in early 2015, and construction took approximately five months. The front view of the float begins with two bears playfully riding ocean waves, while a sailboat captained by a Sailor Bear rocks gently overhead. A castle featuring Build-A-Bear’s icon, Bearnard, serves as the centerpiece, complete with a friendly, smoke-breathing dragon climbing up to see a Princess Bear, who showers the crowds with confetti. The sides of the float feature different scenes of wonder and adventure including a classic teddy-bear tea party, as well as a trip to outer space on a rocket ship manned by an Astronaut Bear, who turns his head to gaze upon the world as he flies into the air with bouncing stars.

“For nearly 90 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought generations of families together to enjoy the wonder and magic of the official kick off to the holiday season,” said Amy Kule, executive producer, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Once again, we enthusiastically welcome Build-A-Bear and their new float to our glorious procession as together we celebrate the childlike spirit in everyone.”

More than 50 million viewers tune in to watch the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade each year. The latest design from Build-A-Bear is one of only five new floats that will take part in this year’s event.

“As we look ahead to our upcoming anniversary, we recently unveiled a fresh look and feel through our new Discovery concept stores, so it was important to reflect that into the design of our newest float in the Macy’s Parade,” added Collins. “On Thanksgiving Day, our float will allow millions to get a peek at the fresh face of Build-A-Bear.”

In addition to the Parade experience, this holiday season, Build-A-Bear is once again teaming up with Macy’s to offer shop-in-shops at seven Macy’s locations nationwide so that shoppers can take part in the full Build-A-Bear Workshop experience inside a Macy’s store.

Build-A-Bear Workshop will also bring its wildly popular Merry Mission story to life with the return of everyone’s favorite eight reindeer, along with a brand-new face, to stores this season. Glisten, the strongest, fastest reindeer of all time will light the night and help Santa and his team deliver toys to everyone on the nice list. Her special medallion unlocks the Merry Mission app and its features, and additional outfits and accessories are sold separately. Fans can download the updated Merry Mission app on iTunes and Google Play starting Nov. 1.

A giant bird also takes to the sky in a mad dash down Manhattan streets as THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE’s Red debuts as a colossal character balloon in the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. Known to 3 billion fans as the hero of the blockbuster “Angry Birds” mobile game franchise by Rovio Entertainment, Red will transform into a helium giant ready to protect a precious egg during his inaugural flight in the famed holiday spectacle. Before hitting the big screen next summer in Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment’s “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE,” Red will migrate to New York City to celebrate the start of the holiday season during the annual Thanksgiving Day march.

Luxury Travel: The Ritz-Carlton Set To Debut In Mexico City In 2019

Legendary Luxury Hotel Brand To Introduce Stunning New Hotel On Avenida Reforma

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced plans to open its first hotel in Mexico City in 2019. Upon completion, the 153-room Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City will operate under a long term management agreement with Thor Urbana Capital and Heldan Hotels & Resorts. The hotel marks a significant milestone for Ritz-Carlton development in the Caribbean and Latin America, representing its entrée into one of the region’s most prominent capital cities.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Thor Urbana Capital and Heldan Hotels & Resorts to expand our presence in the Caribbean and Latin America, particularly in Mexico City – an epicenter of commerce and culture,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer for The Ritz-Carlton. “Mexico remains one of the largest and most important international markets for our company, and we are confident that our legendary Ritz-Carlton service and culture is a perfect match for this vibrant, exciting destination.”

The hotel will be part of the Chapultepec Uno mixed use project, prominently located at the intersection of Avenida Reforma and Circuito Interior in the heart of the city’s financial center. Once completed, the stunning structure will include 58 floors and 1.1 million square feet of space, rendering it one of the tallest buildings in the city. KMD Architects and Taller GLOBAL are leading the design and architectural efforts for the project.

The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City will occupy floors 36-47 of the building, featuring unobstructed views of Chapultepec Park. The hotel will include signature Ritz-Carlton luxury services and amenities including a Club Lounge and spa.

“Mexico City is the country’s economic, industrial and cultural center,” said Jaime Fasja, chief executive officer of Thor Urbana Capital. “We are so proud to be a part of this extraordinary project that we know will bring a new level of luxury hospitality to the city.”

“Travel to Mexico continues to grow for both business and leisure travel throughout the Caribbean and Latin America region and for inbound travel to the United States,” said Gabriel Helfon, chief executive officer of Heldan Hotels & Resorts. “This project will play a helpful role in the continued emergence and success of Mexico City as a leading international destination.”

Recently named by highly reputed London-based consultancy, Luxury Branding, as the world’s most popular luxury hotel brand, The Ritz-Carlton currently offers a collection of seven luxury hotels throughout the Caribbean and Latin America including The Ritz-Carton, Santiago, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico). In addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, future locations in the region include Panama City, Panama (2016) and Los Cabos, Mexico (2017). The Ritz-Carlton portfolio currently includes 90 hotels around the world, with expectations for the brand to reach 100 hotels by the end of 2016.

Holiday Travel: Visit Pensacola Invites Travelers to its Snow-White Beaches to Experience a Different Kind of Winter Wonderland this Christmas Season

A Gingerbread City, Boutique Shopping, Surfing Santas, Historic Home Tours and the Annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl are Just A Few of the Fun Christmas Events That Make Pensacola One of the Best Beach Destinations for the Holiday Season

Visit Pensacola invites travelers to make cherished holiday memories in the historic Pensacola Bay Area this November and December. Watch Santa parachuting onto the beach, wave hello to Santa at one or all of the area’s numerous Christmas parades, or listen to the sounds of the season at holiday concerts. Take in the classic Nutcracker ballet, ice hockey game or the famous Snowball Derby.

Visit Pensacola leads the effort of economic development through tourism in Escambia County. Comprised of over 200-member businesses, Visit Pensacola’s mission is to position the Pensacola Bay Area as a premier year-round travel destination through tourism marketing, communications, meetings and conventions, reunions and group tour initiatives.

Pensacola is truly a winter wonderland, without the frigid temperatures, offering a myriad of holiday events guaranteed to even get Scrooge in the spirit. Weekends are jam-packed with original island-style, historic and jolly holiday activities. Whether you book a week, or a weekend, pack your camera, spirit of adventure and an ugly Christmas sweater (more below) and head for the white-sand beaches that were just voted Florida’s best. Holiday fun awaits in the Pensacola Bay Area.

NOVEMBER

November 27

Snow Princess Tea

Christmas season kicks off in Pensacola the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 27, with an afternoon and evening filled with holiday activities. Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience for your child? Attend the Snow Princess Tea, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Pensacola Cultural Center.

Elf Parade and Lighting of the Greens

Winterfest Christmas holiday celebration in Downtown Pensacola at the foot of the old city courthouse

Following the tea, the annual “Elf Parade and Lighting of the Greens” begins at 4:30 p.m. throughout Downtown Pensacola and anyone may participate. Hundreds of children dressed as elves, adults and holiday characters meet Santa Claus at the Escambia County Courthouse for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and a blizzard of Southern-made snow.

Winterfest Trolley Tours and Carriage Rides

Pensacola Winterfest offers old-fashioned trolleys and intimate carriage rides throughout Downtown Pensacola beginning on Nov. 27 – Dec. 23. The lively, music-filled Christmas trolley tours provide family-friendly entertainment and the chance to get close to Santa Claus, Frosty, and other classic Christmas characters.

DECEMBER

December 4-6

Snowball Derby

Sports fans won’t want to miss the nationally-known Snowball Derby automobile races at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola that attract big names in short track racing and even top series NASCAR drivers. Preliminary races and car contests lead up to the big event, the Snowball Derby, on Sunday, Dec. 6.

Pensacola Symphony’s “Home For The Holidays”

The Symphony joins forces with Broadway star and Pensacola native Ashley Brown for a melodious Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Pensacola’s historic Saenger Theatre.

the Lighted Boat Parade on Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade and Surfing Santa Parade

Pensacola Beach hosts several coastal Christmas-themed events with Santa sightings including the beautiful Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. and the Surfing Santa Beach Parade on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.

Historic Pensacola Lighthouse Christmas Gala

The Historic Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum will officially light “Pensacola’s tallest Christmas Tree” (the lighthouse itself) during its annual Christmas Gala, featuring Santa Claus and hot cider on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m.

HalloweenCostumes.com Reveals 2015 Trends and Popular Costumes

Check Out Some Of The Hottest New Trends In Halloween Costumes For The 2015 Season.

From Donald Trump To Minions To Star Wars, See What Children And Adults Will Be Wearing This Year.

All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Eve, Halloween, whatever you refer to it as, this annual fall celebration has become a behemoth of a holiday. The debate surrounding Halloween’s origins is still being waged, but when you are at a house party surrounded by “sexy” Minions, provenance matter little. This year, like almost every year preceding it, Halloween is becoming more popular, more commercialized, and more outrageous. No longer a holiday just for kids, Halloween has become increasingly popular with adults looking for an escape and the opportunity to dress as their favorite superhero, monster, or meme.

Adult – Katie Perry Left Shark Costume

Boys – White Big Hero 6 Baymax Inflatable Costume

Child – Minions Deluxe ‘Bob’ Jumpsuit

Inside Out ‘Joy’ Classic Costume

Paw Patrol Marshall Child Costume

Squiggly Pig Costume

“Overall, one trend we are seeing among Halloween enthusiasts is no longer thinking of costumes as a ‘one and done‘ throwaway affair. People are looking for costumes made with better (higher quality/more expensive) materials that fit more like “regular” clothing. And rather than those one piece tunic-style costumes, these apparel costumes often have multiple pieces – a vest, jacket, pants, etc.” states a spokesperson for the company.

With Halloween’s popularity skyrocketing in the last few years, expect to see manufacturers creating more elaborate and higher price point costumes for children and adults. With more parties and opportunities to wear said costumes, many adults feel that spending a little more on a costume is justifiable, and with that higher quality, it can be reused year after year. So go ahead and spend $120 on that deluxe Attack on Titan costume—you deserve it.

Popular themes for adult costumes this year range from the political to the cinematic to the flash-in-the-pan topical. Donald Trump, everyone’s favorite political fascination, is going to be showing up at nearly every Halloween party this year. His iconic wig has already sold out once on HalloweenCostumes.com, and has since been restocked – only to sell out again! The biggest blockbuster films of 2015 will also be hot costumes this year, whether it be Chris Pratt’s Velociraptor trainer (or the dinosaurs themselves) from Jurassic World, Mad Max: Fury Road’s Furiosa, or the intergalactic heroes and villains from the soon-to-be released Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Travel America: New Wolves of Yellowstone Photography Safari from Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science School Announced for 2016

Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools, known for its exceptional biologist-led tours of Yellowstone National Park, has created a new small-group U.S. safari to experience and photograph the park’s famous wolves. Offering an unparalleled intimate eight-day wildlife adventure for March 2016, the Wolves of Yellowstone Photography Safari includes a scenic flight for breathtaking aerial views of wolf habitat.

A trip-of-a-lifetime opportunity for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, Wildlife Expeditions of Tetons Science Schools‘ exciting new March 2016 Wolves of Yellowstone Photo Safari provides a photographer’s eye view of the Lamar Valley – known as the American Serengeti – and the wolf packs that call it home. Incorporating a scenic flight for breathtaking aerial views of Yellowstone National Park and beyond, the all-new eight-day tour is open to all levels of photographers who wish to see and photograph one of North America’s wildest places. Recently recommended by The New York Times, the new adventure travel experience combines useful tips and techniques from Wildlife Expeditions’ expert photographers with the deep knowledge and wildlife spotting skills of the group’s highly skilled biologist guides. The rare small-group U.S. safari is available to a limited number of people on specific dates from March 6 – 28.

A once in a lifetime opportunity for all levels of photographers, the new Wolves of Yellowstone Park Safari from Wildlife Expeditions promises wight days of adventure. (Photo by Paul Maddex)

Over the course of eight days, small groups of just six people per customized Mercedes-Benz safari vehicle will have the opportunity to discover some of the U.S.’s most remarkable scenery and wildlife – while gaining skills to capture the adventure through a camera lens like a pro. The tour begins in Bozeman, Mont., heading to Yellowstone’s Paradise Valley and on to explore the geothermal features of Mammoth Hot Springs.

Snowboots and poles are supplied for a Yellowstone hike and guests travel in style via a cozy Mercedes-Benz safari vehicle for Wildlife Expeditions March 2016 Wolf Photo Safari. (Photo by Sean Beckett)

Next, guests experience three days in the Lamar Valley, known for its one-of-a-kind wolf-viewing opportunities. In addition to the extensive focus on the wolves, the Lamar Valley leg of the tour will also provide the chance to see and photograph other wildlife that may include bison, pronghorn, elk, eagles, bighorn sheep and bears. Groups will comfortably ride in Wildlife Expeditions Mercedes Sprinter safari vehicles customized with large viewing windows and sunroofs, perfect for photography. Overnights in Montana hotels will be arranged by Wildlife Expeditions, as well as daily meals and snacks.

Big horn Sheep are one of the many species to see and photograph on the new 2016 Yellowstone safari trip from Wildlife Expeditions (Photo by Sean Beckett)

Lunch Tour Winter Yellowstone: Clients eat lunch near Canyon in winter in Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife Expeditions provides snacks, meals and accommodations for safari guests for a unique and comfortable experience while esploring the wild. (Photo by Jay Goodrich)

The seventh day of the new wolf photography safari offers a scenic private flight over wolf habitat in Yellowstone National Park, as well as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Old Faithful and possibly the Tetons and Jackson Hole, weather permitting. The tour then returns to Yellowstone for an afternoon hike on snowshoes, followed by an overnight at Chico Hot Springs Resort. Groups will depart from Bozeman on the final day of the tour.

The new Wolves of Yellowstone Photography Safari is offered on three sets of dates in 2016: March 6 – 12, March 13 – 20 and March 21 – 28. Each trip is limited to six people to accommodate photography equipment as well as comfortable riding space in the custom vehicles, and guests will receive expert photography instruction using their own cameras and equipment. The cost of the eight-day adventure is $4,495/person.

Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools has a well-earned reputation of leading exceptional safari tours and locating wild animals in the wilderness in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. As Jackson Hole, Wyoming‘s premier and original safari provider, Wildlife Expeditions offers family-friendly educational tours year-round in a stunning natural environment. The tour company has been recognized by national media including Conde Nast Traveler and USA Today’s “10 Amazing Adventures under $1,000.” Teton Science Schools is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, providing snowcoach tours, ski and snowshoe trips, photography and chartered programs in Yellowstone National Park. For more information or to book a Wildlife Expeditions tour, visit www.tetonscience.org.