Gatorland serves as canvas for artists

The finishing touches are being applied to the large murals on the attraction's new retail building.

Working alone in swamps isn't unusual for Peter Pettegrew. But Gatorland, his current south Orange County location, is hardly the typical studio for the renowned landscape artist.

The 4 phases of a theme-park unveiling

This spring's trio of openings -- Aquatica at SeaWorld's water park, Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios -- provides a glimpse into the dress rehearsals required to launch a new ride.

Hyatt changes are on drawing board

A new Hyatt Vacation Club is in the planning stages for construction next to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, according to Paul Tang, the hotel's general manager.

Hostels offer young people bunk beds and South Beach

Young travelers save in South Beach by staying in low-cost, no-frills residences.

Charity Simon is sharing a bedroom and a bathroom with two other young women she has never met during her stay at the Tropics Hotel & Hostel in Miami Beach. But that's fine with her because she is saving a ton of money every night.

Theme-park lot closes after suspicious package is found

Orlando police shut down a parking lot at Universal Studios late Saturday after finding a suspicious item.

Orlando theme-park goers preview Toy Story Mania

The Toy Story Mania attraction preview is open to annual pass holders of Walt Disney World.

Mr. Potato Head nailed it.

What slowdown? Universal posts rosy results

Universal Orlando said Friday that it had enjoyed another fiscal quarter of improved attendance, sales and profit -- the second local theme-park operator this week to report that it started the year by defying fears of a tourism slowdown.

Major airlines raise their fares

The three biggest U.S. carriers said Thursday they have again raised ticket prices, this time by $20 round trip, to recoup rapidly rising fuel costs. The increases by American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines affect the carriers' fuel surcharges, which now total $130 round trip on many flights. That means passengers on some cheap flights could be paying more in fees and taxes than for the airfare itself. Delta Air Lines Inc. initiated the increase, which applies to most domestic routes. It is the Atlanta-based carrier's second hike in just over a week.

Sky's the limit for floating logos

Region's theme parks express interest in an Alabama company's technology.

If Francisco Guerra has his way, cloud-like Mickey Mouse figures the size of small table tops will one day drift into the sky above the Magic Kingdom, along with Harry Potter clouds over Universal Orlando or perhaps Shamu phantoms above SeaWorld Orlando.

Disney selects Dreamers, Doers

After spending thousands of hours helping others, 100 Central Florida students were honored Thursday as Disney Dreamers & Doers during its 25th anniversary ceremony at Epcot. The finalists selected from 400 students nominated by schools in Orange, Lake, Polk, Osceola and Seminole counties. Among their good works: feeding the homeless, volunteering with migrant workers, helping hurricane and tornado victims and entertaining nursing-home residents. Three of the students -- from Orange, Seminole and Lake counties -- were picked by a panel of community leaders and Disney employees as this year's top Shining Star award recipients.