Posts made in May 2021

Emporium Arcade Bar x Las Vegas

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Emporium Arcade Bar Las Vegas, the lively new bar known for its classic arcade games and colorful artistic ambiance, introduces Yoshi’s Island, a brand-new boozy slushie. Offering a refreshing mix of Ketel One Vodka, Clement Mahina Coconut Rum, Red Bull Tropical and pineapple, Yoshi’s Island provides the perfect seasonal refreshment served inside AREA15 this summer. More slushie cocktails will be added to Emporium’s summer menu soon.

Emporium Arcade Bar is open for guests 21 years of age or older Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Emporium Arcade Bar is free to enter but guests must reserve a general admission ticket to AREA15 at AREA15.com.

Yoshi's Island Boozy Slushy photo x Emporium Arcade Bar Las Vegas for use by 360 Magazine

Yoshi’s Island Boozy Slushy

Art by Nicole of 360 for use by 360 Magazine

How to Negotiate Used Car Prices: A Basic Guide

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Are you looking for a used car? Before you sign on the dotted line, there are some things you need to know beforehand while on your search.

You might be wondering how to negotiate used car prices and get the best deal possible. Below we’re going to share some useful tips that will help you become a negotiating pro.

Take Your Time

A professional salesperson can smell someone desperate to make a purchase from a mile away. They will take time to turn on the charm and push you towards paying a higher price for a car that isn’t worth that value.

The first tip we’re going to offer when buying a used car is to take your time. You need to take your time to research the car that you’ve got your eye on and the price that other used cars are being sold for.

Check Online Reviews

Reviews will share with you the advantages and disadvantages of doing business with a specific car dealer. The reviews will tell you whether or not the sellers in this business provide fair deals or are just trying to sell a car.

If most reviews don’t show the dealership in a positive light, you should think about doing business with other dealerships. The best dealerships go as far as letting customers know the benefits of buying used cars, like thecoolcarguys.com.

Set Aside Time

Above, we mentioned that when you negotiate car price for a used car, you need to take your time. When you go to see the car, you need to set aside some time to spend at the dealership because you will need to take your time there too.

You need to give yourself time to trade in another car if that’s what you plan to do. You also need time to take the car that you’re purchasing for a test drive to ensure that it’s in a condition suitable for someone that’s going to buy it.

Once you’ve done those things, you will need time to negotiate until you come to a price you’re comfortable paying.

Get Preapproval

Getting preapproved through a bank for financing before you go to the dealership will help to save you some time. It will give you an idea of how much you can spend according to your approval.

Knowing how much you’ve been approved for will come in handy when you’re negotiating your prices.

How to Negotiate Used Car Prices the Right Way

There are several things to know when it comes to how to negotiate used car prices before making your final purchase. The first thing you need to do is some research on the car you want to buy and what it typically sells for when it’s not brand new.

Next, you need to set aside time to spend at the dealership before purchasing the car. Now that you know how to negotiate, scroll through the other posts we’ve published in this section.

Aventador illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Direzione Cor Tauri

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Lamborghini announces its roadmap for electrification: “Direzione Cor Tauri”

A landmark transformation plan for Lamborghini’s sustainability path: from product electrification to the Sant’Agata Bolognese site

  • Top product performance: the absolute priority throughout the entire electrification program
  • Roadmap incorporates celebration of the combustion engine and the range’s hybrid transition by 2024
  • Internal target defined: 50% less product CO2 emissions by the beginning of 2025
  • The largest investment in Lamborghini’s history: more than 1.5 billion euros over four years
  • Vision of a fourth fully electric model in the second part of the decade

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, today presents “Direzione Cor Tauri” (Towards Cor Tauri): a roadmap to decarbonization of future Lamborghini models and of the Sant’Agata Bolognese site based on a holistic approach to its environmental sustainability strategy. Throughout the product electrification process, Lamborghini will focus continually on identifying technologies and solutions that guaranteetop performance and driving dynamics in keeping with the marque’s tradition. In reference to the logo chosen by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, Cor Tauri is the brightest star in the Taurus constellation, and represents Lamborghini’s move towards a future that is electrified but always faithful to the heart and soul of the ‘bull’ brand.

Winkelmann commented: “Lamborghini’s electrification plan is a newly-plotted course, necessary in the context of a radically-changing world, where we want to make our contribution by continuing to reduce environmental impact through concrete projects. Our response is a plan with a 360-degree approach, encompassing our products and our Sant’Agata Bolognese location, taking us towards a more sustainable future while always remaining faithful to our DNA. Lamborghini has always been synonymous with preeminent technological expertise in building engines boasting extraordinary performance: this commitment will continue as an absolute priority of our innovation trajectory. Today’s promise, supported by the largest investment plan in the brand’s history, reinforces our deep dedication to not only our customers, but also to our fans, our people and their families, as well as to the territory where the company was born in Emilia-Romagna and to Made in Italy excellence.”

Cor Tauri, Lamborghini’s roadmap, will comprise of three phases:

  1. Celebrating the combustion engine (2021-2022) by presenting models paying tribute to the company’s recent period of continuous success. In the wake of steady sales growth and a seven-fold increase in turnover over the last fifteen years, Lamborghini has established itself as a center of excellence in the production of the best super sports cars. Unique design, technological innovation at the highest levels backed by huge investments in research and development, and the highest quality and craftsmanship are the basis for a pyramid of products: from the Urus Super SUV, the cornerstone of today’s success, rising to the pinnacle of technology and design masterpieces with the limited series. The most recently unveiled, the Sián, kicked off the electrification journey: the first Lamborghini featuring hybrid technology. This phase will be characterized by the development of combustion engines for versions that pay homage to the brand’s glorious history and iconic products past and present, but always under the impetus of the visionary spirit that distinguishes Lamborghini. Two new cars in the V12 model line-up will be announced in 2021.
  1. Hybrid transition (by the end of 2024): in 2023 Lamborghini will launch its first hybrid series production car, and by the end of 2024 the entire range will be electrified. Performance and the authentic Lamborghini driving experience will remain the focus of the company’s engineers and technicians in developing new technologies, and the application of lightweight carbon fiber materials will be crucial in compensating for weight due to electrification.  The company’s internal target for this phase is to reduce product CO2 emissions by 50% by the beginning of 2025.

Leading the hybrid transition will be an unprecedented investment: more than 1.5 billion euros allocated over four years, the largest in Lamborghini’s history. It is a tangible sign of the company’s strong sense of responsibility towards the need for a concrete response, through significant innovations, to the period of profound transformation that is affecting the whole automotive industry.

  1. First fully electric Lamborghini (second half of the decade): acceleration in the second part of the decade will be dedicated to full-electric vehicles, with the vision of a fourth model in the future. Once again, technological innovation in this phase will be oriented towards ensuring remarkable performance and positioning the new product at the top of its segment. This is how Lamborghini sees the culmination of this part of its journey: Cor Tauri, the brightest star in the constellation to which the company’s roadmap points, is represented by a fourth fully electric model.

Lamborghini’s program towards 2030 starts from a holistic vision of the company’s sustainability strategy: a 360-degree approach that spans product to the Sant’Agata Bolognese site, from the production lines to the offices. The 160,000 square-meter area achieved CO2 neutral certification in 2015, which was maintained even after the production site was doubled in size in recent years. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, environmental protection, sustainability in the supply chain, attention to employees and corporate social responsibility are integral parts of this strategy.

The heart and compass of the Cor Tauri transformation plan is the brand’s DNA, and its innate ability to turn challenges into opportunities through continuous technological innovations, leading to improved performance and driving emotions but within the constraints imposed by the increasingly stringent CO2 regulations. A journey towards a new Lamborghini, but always faithful to itself and its roots.

Analytics Illustration by Ivory Nguyen for use by 360 Magazine

5 Ways Pay Stub Creators Can Help You

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Over 93 percent of Americans get paid via direct deposit.

This is super convenient for them (who want to wait in line to cash a check at the bank?). However, it can also present challenges if you don’t receive a pay stub every time you get paid.

If this is the case for you, consider generating your own pay stubs. Listed below are 5 benefits you can enjoy by doing so. 

1. Rent an Apartment

Often, when you’re applying to rent an apartment, you need to provide proof of income.

If you get paid by direct deposit, you might not have this information readily available. Generating your own pay stubs ensures you have the documents you need to verify that you can afford the rent.

2. Stay on Top of Your Earnings

Generating pay stubs also makes it easier for you to manage your finances and keep track of your earnings.

When payment information is right in front of you in an easy-to-read pay stub, you’ll be able to pick up on potential issues and correct them sooner. You may also be able to budget better since you have a clearer idea of what you’re bringing in.

3. Qualify for Loans

You can also create pay stubs to apply for an auto loan more easily. When you generate your own pay stubs, you can present them at the bank or car dealership and get approved for a loan faster.

4. Pay Employees Faster

If you run a business, you definitely ought to consider generating pay stubs yourself. This helps you to get your employees paid faster since you can print the stubs right there in the office, rather than waiting for them to be mailed to the employees’ houses.

5. Avoid Employee Payment Errors

More than 82 million workers have experienced paycheck errors at some point in their lives.

When you use a pay stub generator that comes with an accurate pay stub calculator, you’re less likely to make errors and pay your employees an incorrect amount. This makes life simpler for everyone at the company, including you.

How to Make Your Own Pay Stubs

You get to enjoy all these benefits when you make your own pay stubs. As a bonus, it’s also easy to make pay stubs online.

There are lots of tools out there (many of them are free) that you can use to create pay stubs for any purpose. When looking for a pay stub generator, consider the following:

  • Price
  • Ease of use
  • Template options
  • Customer support

Consider whether or not the generator provides a pay stub example, too. This gives you a chance to see what the pay stub will look like and ensure it doesn’t leave out any important information.

Start Generating Pay Stubs Today

As you can see, there are lots of reasons to make pay stubs yourself. If you want to experience these benefits, follow the tips outlined above and start using a simple pay stub creator today. 

Do you need more help managing your money or making plans for the future? Check out some of the other resources on our site today.

DJ Illustration by Rita Azar for use by 360 Magazine

6th Annual Black Music Honors

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Chicago-based television production company Central City Productions will televise the 6th Annual Black Music Honors in national broadcast syndication starting June 5 to July 4, 2021 and on Saturday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m. EST on Bounce TV. This year’s presentation will celebrate Black Music Month and commemorate Juneteenth or Emancipation Day with a special tribute to the holiday presented by Speech of Arrested Development.

This years performers include Cece Winans, Montell Jordan, After 7, Syleena Johnson, Pleasure P, Stokley, Avery Sunshine, J. Moss, Q Parker, Bahamadia, Chrisette Michele, Jac Ross, Jacquees, Mumu Fresh, Kevin Ross, Theresa Tha Songbird, and Zacardi Cortez. Emmy Award-winning talk show host, comedienne and author Loni Love will host the star-studded two-hour special which will honor artists and musicians who have influenced and made significant contributions to American music.

The honorees for this year’s Black Music Honors includes, multiple Grammy Award-nominated R&B legend Angie Stone tapped to receive the Soul Music Icon Award, Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter and actor Ginuwine will receive the Urban Music Icon Award, multiple Stellar Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated gospel vocalist Marvin Sapp will receive the Gospel Music Icon Award, and Grammy Award-winning jazz virtuoso, Ramsey Lewis will receive the Legends Award. The National Museum of African American Music will be honored with the Legacy Award.

Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson stated, “I am extremely excited about our 6th Annual Black Music Honors in commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday, and we’ve assembled a spectacular line-up of performers to celebrate our music icons and the spirit of the holiday. It’s especially fitting that we honor the National Museum of African American Music, now open to the public, which supports our mission of honoring legendary Black artists who have influenced the culture and music worldwide.”

Assets and downloadable photos of the host, honorees and performers can be found by clicking here. For more information on Black Music Honors, please visit the Black Music Honors website and connect on social media.

Prostate cancer illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Battle Against Prostate Cancer

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New Insights into Hormone’s Action Could Help in Battle Against Prostate Cancer

Discovery Sheds Light on How Cancer Cells Use Androgen

Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have unveiled important new insights into how hormones known as androgens act on our cells – and the discovery could boost efforts to develop better treatments for prostate, ovarian and breast cancers.

The findings shed light on how androgens interact with their receptors inside cells to affect gene activity. This process is important in both healthy cells and certain cancers. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer, for example, aims to reduce the amount of androgen in the body, or to stop it from fueling the cancer cells. However, the approach does not work for some men, and for others it eventually fails. So, scientists are eager to better understand how our cells – and cancer – interact with androgen.

“Our study reveals a new mechanism for how androgen regulates communication within prostate cancer cells,” said Bryce M. Paschal, PhD, of the UVA School of Medicine’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. “Anti-androgen therapies continue to be the cornerstone for prostate cancer therapy. The better we understand how androgens work, the better clinicians will be positioned to understand why it fails, and how even better therapies can be designed.”

Androgen and Cancer

In a new paper in the scientific journal Nature Communications, Paschal and his colleagues describe how a complex signaling system regulates androgen receptor activity. The system, they found, uses a “writer” and a “reader” to modify cellular proteins – sort of like how a computer reads and writes information.

Scientists have appreciated the importance of these modified proteins but understanding just how they influence the androgen receptors has been difficult. One key to the regulation process, found by Paschal and his SOM team, is an enzyme, Parp7, produced by the PARP7 gene. Parp7 is part of a family of enzymes involved in important cellular functions including DNA repair.

Certain cancer drugs already target certain Parp enzymes; these drugs are used to treat prostate, ovarian and breast cancers in patients who have mutations in DNA-repair genes. And while androgens are usually discussed in the context of prostate cancer, androgens may be important in ovarian and breast cancer as well.

Paschal’s new findings offer fresh insights into these Parp drugs and could lead to improved treatments that help patients get the best outcomes. Further, Paschal and his team found lower levels of Parp7 in prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body than in the initial tumors. That may suggest that a reduction in Parp7 is associated with the progression of the disease, the researchers say.

With their new androgen insights, Paschal and his colleagues have provided scientists with important new directions to explore in the battle against prostate and other cancers.

“Our next steps will be to use pre-clinical models to determine the role this pathway plays in prostate cancer progression, and whether inhibition of the pathways slows disease,” Paschal said. “We are very excited by what we have learned thus far. Our study emphasizes there is still so much to be learned, and that basic science plays a critical role in defining the molecular context for enzyme and drug action. “

About the Research

The research team consisted of Chun-Song Yang, Kasey Jividen, Teddy Kamata, Natalia Dworak, Luke Oostdyk, Bartlomiej Remlein, Yasin Pourfarjam, In-Kwon Kim, Kang-Ping Du, Tarek Abbas, Nicholas E. Sherman, David Wotton and Paschal.

The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute, grant CA214872.

To keep up with the latest medical research news from UVA, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog.

Bleachers artwork courtesy of RCA records for use by 360 Magazine

Bleachers – Stop Making This Hurt

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BLEACHERS RELEASE NEW TRACK STOP MAKING THIS HURT ALONG WITH THE MUSIC VIDEO, THIRD ALBUM TAKE THE SADNESS OUT OF SATURDAY NIGHT TO BE RELEASED JULY 30TH 2021 – AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW, TAKE THE SADNESS OUT OF SATURDAY NIGHT FALL 2021 TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED, THE FIRST FULL BAND TO PERFORM IN STUDIO ON NBC’S THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON ON MAY 26TH

Bleachers released their new track Stop Making This Hurt along with the music video, directed by Carlotta Kohl. Watch here. Bleachers third LP Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night will be released July 30th, 2021 via RCA Records. Pre-order here.

Additionally, Bleachers will be hitting the road this fall on their Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night headline tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 21st at 10am local time. To purchase tickets go here.

The tour kicks off on September 11th, 2021 at Jack’s ‘Shadow of the City’ festival in New Jersey. For more information check here. 

Bleachers will be performing Stop Making This Hurt on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 26th – making them the first full band to perform in-studio in over a year.

Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff says,‘Stop Making This Hurt’ is what you get when we are not allowed to go play for our people. it’s a line that had been ringing in my head for years. I fell into a dark place after a loss and then started to have that feeling of rage towards the depression – which is when you know there’s a way out. started looking at the people close to me in my life and finding all the ways we keep ourselves from breaking through. ‘Stop Making This Hurt’ started ringing more and more in my head. Then the pandemic hit and I got the band in a room and we played like we may never play again. at that point it took on another meaning. found myself banging at the door of the next phase of my life and to open brings up all the darkness from the past and what’s holding you back. i could intellectualize it for days but what i’m truly left with is a voice in my head shouting ‘Stop Making This Hurt’. 

Stop Making This Hurt is the first single and third offering from Bleachers’ forthcoming album and follows previously released tracks Chinatown feat. Bruce Springsteen and 45 which were met with mass critical praise in late 2020. 

Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night tracklist

  1.   91
  2.   Chinatown (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
  3.   How Dare You Want More
  4.   Big Life
  5.   Secret Life
  6.   Stop Making This Hurt
  7.   Don’t Go Dark
  8.   45
  9.   Strange Behavior
  10. What’d I Do with All This Faith?

Bleachers ‘Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night’ Fall 2021 Tour Dates

Date City Venue

September 11, 2021 Sat Asbury Park, NJ Shadow of the City

September 12, 2021 Sun New York, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17

September 13, 2021 Mon Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE

September 15, 2021 Wed Columbus, OH Express Live

September 17, 2021 Fri Milwaukee, WI Summerfest

September 18, 2021 Sat Newport, KY Ovation

September 22, 2021 Wed Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion

September 23, 2021 Thu Philadelphia, PA Skyline Stage at The Mann

September 24, 2021 Fri Washington, DC Anthem

September 25, 2021 Sat New York, NY Gov Ball

September 28, 2021 Tue Birmingham, AL Avondale Brewery Company

September 29, 2021 Wed Tampa, FL Jannus Live

October 3, 2021 Sun New Orleans, LA Fillmore

October 5, 2021 Tue Houston, TX House of Blues

October 6, 2021 Wed Dallas, TX House of Blues

October 11, 2021 Mon Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren

October 13, 2021 Wed San Diego, CA Humphrey’s

October 15, 2021 Fri Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium

October 16, 2021 Sat San Francisco, CA The Masonic

October 19, 2021 Tue Seattle, WA Showbox SODO

October 20, 2021 Wed Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom

October 22, 2021 Fri Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center

October 23, 2021 Sat Denver, CO The Mission Ballroom

October 24, 2021 Sun Kansas City, MO Uptown

October 26, 2021 Tue Minneapolis, MN Fillmore

October 27, 2021 Wed Madison, WI The Sylvee

October 28, 2021 Thu Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom

October 30, 2021 Sat Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room

October 31, 2021 Sun Detroit, MI Fillmore

November 2, 2021 Tue St. Louis, MO The Factory

November 3, 2021 Wed Cleveland, OH House of Blues

November 4, 2021 Thu Grand Rapids, MI 20 Monroe Live

November 6, 2021 Sat Harrisburg, PA Harrisburg University at XL Live

About Bleachers

Bleachers are set to release their highly anticipated 3rd album Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night due out July 30th 2021 via RCA Records. In late 2020 they offered up the first taste of new music to preview the album with the release of Chinatown ft. Bruce Springsteen and 45.  This music is the follow up to their critically acclaimed second album, Gone Now, which came out on June 2nd, 2017.  The first single Don’t Take The Money hit #3 at Alternative Radio. Ahead of the album release, The New York Times put out a piece that called Bleachers’ new music anthemic life-affirming pop-rock. Bleachers, who are known for their incredible live shows,  headlined a North American tour in support of the album, which included a number of major festival dates like Sasquatch Festival, Governors Ball, and Firefly Music Festival. Five-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, Jack Antonoff, is the creative force behind Bleachers.

Follow Bleachers via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their website.

Analytics Illustration by Ivory Nguyen for use by 360 Magazine

Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference

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Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference to return for its fourth year.

Researchers, practitioners, corporate leaders and philanthropists share findings and best practices to address today’s most pressing societal issues.

The fourth annual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference (DIRC21) will take place as a virtual event on November 17-19, 2021. DIRC21 brings together researchers, practitioners, corporate leaders, philanthropists and policymakers to share findings and best practices for today’s most pressing societal issues related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), ranging from health and wealth inequities, to social justice and workplace DEI.

“The inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and by the murder of George Floyd have raised global awareness of the profound impact of one’s personal traits on virtually every facet of our society” said DIRC co-creator Paolo Gaudiano. “DIRC fills a unique and much needed niche, elevating the discourse about DEI beyond qualitative, narrative approaches.”

DIRC21, organized by DEI research nonprofit Aleria Research Corp (ARC) in partnership with the New York University Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity and Strategic Innovation, will be hosted on the Socio virtual event platform, and all content will be available at the DIRC website info page.

Taking full advantage of its virtual format, DIRC21 will combine pre-recorded and live content to give the audience maximum flexibility in accessing the information that is most interesting and useful to them. In addition to a full roster of talks and panels, DIRC21 will feature live workshops, interactive experiences, immersive videos, fireside chats and Q&A sessions, offering every attendee the opportunity to focus on topics of interest to them.

“Our virtual format, which was originally developed out of necessity, has proven to be superior to in-person events in many ways” said Toni Shoola, DIRC co-organizer. “We learned a lot last year, and for DIRC21 we are unveiling even more ways for the audience to gain invaluable knowledge about DEI.”

DIRC will showcase an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists from corporations, foundations, academic institutions, government agencies and other sectors, who will discuss the importance of research as a way of addressing a wide range of societal problems related to DEI, while sharing key findings and best practices.

In alignment with its mission, DIRC21 will introduce novel approaches to share its proceeds equitably with presenters, and will also donate a portion of its revenues to a select group of charitable organizations supporting greater inclusion and equity in our society. For additional information or to purchase single or bulk tickets, please visit the DIRC website.

Hotel Planner CEO illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Disney Parks Reopening × Travel Trends

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By: Tim Hentschel, Co-Founder and CEO of HotelPlanner

Headline:  Mickey Mouse Comes Out of His House…Kind of 

Since 1955, families from around the world have made a special pilgrimage to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA. What began on 160 acres of orange groves is now one of the most famous and beloved destinations in the world. Prior to the pandemic, Disneyland hosted more than 18 million visitors a year who spent nearly $3 billion in the process, not including the revenue generated by restaurants, hotels and other local venues. However, for the past year and a half, Mickey’s doors in Anaheim have been shut. 

It’s a very welcoming sign from California that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park partially reopened with limited capacity on April 30. Disney theme park re-openings have become a barometer of sorts for other venues to gauge whether it’s time for them to reopen. This is a positive step in the right direction to bring California’s tourism vitality back to full strength. 

Disney’s venture into post-pandemic life is taking a tiered approach. According to Disneyland, “as required by California directive, the Disneyland Resort is only welcoming in-state visitors in parties no larger than 3 households at this time.” There are no date targets set for inclusion of out-of-state visitors, meaning non-Californians won’t really be able to plan a Disneyland pilgrimage for some time. The Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has begun its phased reopening. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel plans to reopen on June 15 with reduced capacity, while the Disneyland Hotel has not yet announced reopening plans. The Downtown Disney District is partially open with select shopping and restaurants. 

Like so many places devasted by this pandemic, this “reopening” leaves many questioning whether it signifies a lasting bureaucratic micromanagement of consumer affairs, or a glimmer of hope that a return to normalcy may one day be attained. Under current conditions, local resident guests will be greeted with a two ID requirement for entry, one of which will include personal medical data on vaccine status. This “welcome” is yet another example of California’s top-down, one-size-fits-all approach to pandemic life, something which has alienated many residents from their beloved state. The Golden State recently lost Congressional House seats for the first time in modern history due to the last decade’s mass exodus of residents fleeing to other states that have fared better economically or handled the Covid crisis better. 

If your summer vacation plans included a visit to see Mickey in Disneyland, but you live outside California, then consider visiting Orlando’s Disneyworld which re-opened last July. It may be cheaper for you as well. On average, rooms in Anaheim will cost the average traveler approximately $23.00 more per night compared to Orlando, or $135 vs $112 a night. That said, both Anaheim and Orlando’s average nightly hotel room rate are both down about 20% compared to the same time last year.

For the more adventurous traveler, Disneyland Shanghai, which attracts about 12 million guests per year, has been open for normal operations since May 2020 (reservations are required). Disneyland Paris partially reopened in May 2021 with full reopening scheduled for June 17, 2021. These overseas parks serve as a stark contrast to Disney’s more cautious approach to reopening in the U.S. Even under one corporate governance, a company’s local response to a global pandemic can look very different.  

Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Ideas with a Warm Welcome

Fortunately, there are plenty of other equally fun options for your family this summer. If your children are begging to go on an adventure, and you don’t live in California, here is a sample of alternatives that are fully open:

  • Disney World:  In Orlando, Magic Kingdom Park was the most visited theme park in the world in 2019, with almost 21 million guests. The new VelociCoaster is scheduled to open this summer at nearby Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Avator Flight of Passage is an immersive, animal-focused experience. At Universal Studios, you can immerse yourself in some of the top films and television shows like Harry Potter and The Simpsons. At Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are very popular with children.
  • Dollywood: In the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, you can visit Dolly Parton’s theme park which has rides, music, and other family-friendly attractions. While you’re in the area, there is beautiful hiking and camping options, just watch out for bears.   
  • Busch Gardens:  With amusement parks in Tampa, FL and Williamsburg, VA, Busch Gardens has thrilling rides, animals, and a host of family-friendly activities. Visit the Tampa beaches, go fishing in the gulf, or visit Colonial Williamsburg too for a taste of history. 
  • Six Flags: There are 13 Six Flags theme parks across America with a universal season pass. If your family likes rollercoasters and thrill rides, visiting all 13 locations would be quite the bucket list adventure. Road trip anyone? 
  • Silver Dollar City: This 1880s nostalgic theme park in Missouri’s Ozark mountains has more than 40 rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment.

There are dozens of other theme parks across the country. These are just a few ideas. 

Plan Early, Book Early

Regardless of where you go this summer, we’re seeing a significant surge in hotel bookings right now across the board, from limited service to luxury accommodations. As we approach summer, we recommend booking accommodations as early as possible to ensure a lower rate, but the law of supply and demand is still in effect. 

Popular beach, lake and mountain towns and cities across the U.S. are charging higher rates. If beach front hotels are too expensive, stay in a nearby suburb within driving distance to the beach or hotels near the airport. Alternatively, big cities like Las Vegas or New York City may be cheaper as those cities are eager for tourist dollars. New York fully reopens for business on July 1 and full-capacity Broadway shows return on September 14. 

If you’re itching to jet set overseas, more than 75 countries are accepting vaccinated American tourists. Now may be the perfect time to take that bucket list trip overseas while prices remain low and availability high.

Health & Safety While Traveling

You and your families’ personal safety, health and wellness should always be top of mind when planning any form of travel, along with enhanced personal hygiene, avoiding large crowds and pandemic hot spots, and reviewing local health advisories and restrictions. Most airlines have invested heavily in the latest cabin air filtration systems and enhanced cleaning effort, so much so that air travel is an even safer form of public transformation. Plus, hotels, restaurants, and other venues are now cleaner than ever before to keep patrons safe. 

As vaccination rates increase, and states allow large venues to fully reopen, travel and tourism will take off like a rocket ship. And as public confidence in travel increases, the entire hospitality, travel and tourism industries stand to greatly benefit. Don’t wait to take your family on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. There is no time like the present.