— Universal Orlando —
Orlando, Florida
The properties of Universal Orlando offer a wide breadth of experiences for travel groups, with two theme parks, four on-site hotels and a dining and retail complex.
The two theme parks — Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios — are adjacent to each other, and both feature rides and attractions based on popular, current entertainment brands, such as Spider-Man and Transformers.
One of the most heralded recent additions is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a 20-acre themed section of Islands of Adventure that re-creates the world of the massively popular book and movie series. Due to the popularity of this attraction, which opened in 2010, the company is opening a similar area on the Universal Studios side called Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, doubling the amount of Universal’s Potter-themed experiences.
Universal offers numerous special services and perks for groups.
“We can take everything here and customize it for groups,” said Tom Schroder, the organization’s vice president of public relations. “We can host a meeting that requires tech support, or bring in your group and make sure they have some private meals and character meet-and-greets. We can even get some dedicated ride time after hours.”
— HersheyPark —
Hershey, Pennsylvania
One of America’s oldest theme parks has its roots in a community created by a famous candy-maker.
“HersheyPark was built in 1907 by Milton Hershey, the chocolate magnate,” said Kathy Burrows, public relations manager for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. “It was built as a picnic and pleasure grounds for his employees and people of the town.”
In the century since then, the pleasure park has expanded beyond a local attraction to become a full-fledged theme park. The 65 rides on the 110-acre site include 16 roller coasters. The Boardwalk at HersheyPark has 12 water rides and slides of varying intensity. The park is also home to the 11-acre ZooAmerica, which has more than 200 animals. Though it isn’t a chocolate-themed experience, Hershey brands and characters are prominent throughout the park.
Groups that visit HersheyPark can stay in one of two hotels operated by the company, and both offer free transportation into the park. Guests staying overnight at the upscale Hotel Hershey also get early entrance to the park, giving them an hour to enjoy the attractions before the general public is admitted.
