Tails were wagging at Walt Disney World Resort today when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new, luxury pet resort.  Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were joined by Mickey Mouse's favorite dog Pluto to welcome the first guests.  

The one-of-a-kind pet resort offers 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends clients and their pets.

"Best Friends is thrilled to open the doors of this special, luxury pet facility," said Dolan.  "We've been looking forward to this day for a long time and we are very excited to finally be ready to open the doors and show off this special facility.  It incorporates the very best concepts from our other Best Friends facilities with some imaginative ideas that we think will delight and surprise our Walt Disney World guests.

The facility, which already has many pet guests booked for the Labor Day weekend, is able to accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding.  Dog owners can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from a standard 32-square-foot all-indoor suite, to an expansive 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suite with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yard.  Feline guests will spend their visit in the separate "Kitty City" pavilion – away from the dogs – in two- and four-room condos.  There also is a special area for the boarding of pocket pets, small mammals and birds.

"At Walt Disney World Resort, we are focused on providing the highest quality entertainment experiences for all guests.  Working with Best Friends Pet Care, we are pleased to be able to extend that commitment to pets traveling with their owners," said Bernard.  "Our mutual appreciation for even the slightest detail is reflected in this one-of-a-kind facility and its unique services and amenities."

The facility offers a private dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends guests.  It comprises a walking trail overlooking natural wetlands and several large areas of varying terrain for running and playing, including a 1,300-square-foot "canines only" splash-and-play water feature.  There also are sitting areas where owners can relax and watch their dogs play.  The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.

Other features of the resort include: a grooming salon, which will provide go-home-fresh baths and haircuts for pets, and two 1,100-square-foot camp rooms for play group and doggy day-camp, each opening onto an outdoor play-yard.

Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff.  Additional amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding.  Feline guests can also enjoy private playtimes, activity toys in their suites, and treats such as "Cookies and Milk" or "Tuna on a Ritz."

Best Friends Pet Care resort is located across from Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830.  Pricing and other details are available at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877/4-WDW-PETS.

Best Friends Pet Care resort at Walt Disney World Resort was designed by Mateu Architecture of Palmetto Bay, Fla.  General contractor for the project was Synergy Group of Bloomfield, Mich., and Orlando, Fla.

About Best Friends Pet Care

Best Friends Pet Care Inc. (www.bestfriendspetcare.com) is privately held by Brynwood Partners of Greenwich, CT.  Founded in 1991, Best Friends is a long-time leader in the U.S. pet hospitality industry, providing high-quality boarding for dogs and cats as well as day care, grooming, training and related services.  The Company redefined pet boarding in 1996 with the opening of its first full-service pet resort in Norwalk, Conn.  Since that time, Best Friends has expanded to more than 40 pet care centers in 18 states, always innovating and providing new offerings based upon the needs of pets and feedback from clients.

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort

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Johnny Rockets, known worldwide for its authentic, all-American menu, announces the addition of 17 Deluxe Shakes to its Company-wide selection of classic Shakes and malts. In celebration of the national Deluxe Shake roll-out and September's National Shake Month status, Johnny Rockets today launched its "Snap and Shake" giveaway. Fans can post snapshots of themselves drinking a Johnny Rockets Shake on the Company's Facebook wall or Twitter page for a chance to win free Shakes and free passes to Six Flags theme parks.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/LA57825)

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100901/LA57825)

Throughout September, Johnny Rockets will award 100 Six Flags passes and 100 Johnny Rockets world-famous Shakes to guests who share a picture of themselves with a classic or Deluxe Shake, in any Johnny Rockets restaurant. Fans must upload their images to the official Johnny Rockets Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/johnnyrocketsus) or tweet the picture to @Johnny_Rockets. The first 50 fans who submit snapshots with a Shake will be awarded two free passes to any Six Flags theme park, nationwide.  The second 50 will each receive two vouchers for a free Johnny Rockets Shake.  One randomly drawn photo submission winner will be able to shake things up at their favorite concert with a $200 Ticketmaster gift certificate.

Made with premium ingredients, Johnny Rockets' Deluxe Shake varieties include Banana, Big Apple, Black Forest, Butterfinger®, Chocolate-Banana, Chocolate Madness, Chocolate-Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Strawberry Kiss, Chocolate Vanilla Twist, Coffee, Mocha Fudge, Orange Dreamsicle®, Oreo® Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter, Strawberry-Banana, Strawberry Oreo® Crumble and Very Cherry.

"Beyond our all-American classic fare, including everyone's favorite Original Hamburger, Johnny Rockets is renowned for our unbelievably creamy, hand-dipped Shakes...which start with our custom blend of premium vanilla ice cream," said Johnny Rockets Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications, Cozette Koerber. "And now that all of our restaurants are promoting Deluxe Shakes, we want to show them off through our Guests' photos on Facebook and Twitter." 

Koerber adds, "We know our Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers are great ambassadors for our brand and we want to reward them with some of the things that we like best - milkshakes, amusement parks and music. In fact, we hope to create many more compelling reasons for our Guests to become and stay connected with us by implementing contests, 'secret' events, exclusive announcements and social network specials throughout the coming months."

For more information about Johnny Rockets or franchising partnership opportunities go to www.johnnyrockets.com.

About Johnny Rockets

Since 1986, Johnny Rockets has offered the timeless food, fun and friendliness of classic Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant serves great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped Shakes and malts. It's the place to go for friendly service, flavorful food, uplifting music and relaxed, casual fun. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., Johnny Rockets has 295 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 32 states, including D.C. and Puerto Rico, and 15 countries, including those found in Six Flags amusement parks, FedEx Field and on board 10 Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

SOURCE Johnny Rockets

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Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) and the Yellowstone Park Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the brand-new Old Faithful Visitor Education Center (OFVEC) today at Yellowstone National Park.  The new OFVEC is the first national park visitor center to earn Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)

Toyota engineers partnered with Yellowstone to provide guidance on LEED building construction and design.  The engineers shared the knowledge gained from the 2003 construction of Toyota's Gold LEED certified office complex at TMS Headquarters in Torrance, Calif.  At the time, it was the largest environmentally friendly commercial building in the country.  Toyota also provided a one million dollar gift to the Yellowstone Park Foundation for OFVEC construction.      

"This is part of Toyota's overall commitment to environmental education and sustainable development," said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer.  "The new Old Faithful Visitor Education Center will be a symbol of sustainability and provide environmental education opportunities for over three million visitors a year."

A few green features of the new 26,000-square-foot OFVEC include:

• use of recycled and renewable building materials
• design that allows for a reduced heating space during winter months
• low flow plumbing
• state-of-the-art lighting, insulation and climate control systems to reduce energy consumption

The OFVEC features hands-on, state-of-the-art exhibits that interpret Yellowstone's

volcanic and geothermal science, and enhance visitor understanding of the ecosystem

and natural resources protected by Yellowstone.  The facility also provides additional learning opportunities including a library, classroom space for learning programs, and a theater to view Yellowstone educational films.

"Yellowstone, and every park visitor, has greatly benefited from our partnership with Toyota," said Karen Bates Kress, president of the Yellowstone Park Foundation.  "Their generous support not only made the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center possible, but also helped us make the building a model of eco-friendly design and function."

Toyota's relationship with the U.S. National Park Service began in 2003, with the donation of four Prius hybrid vehicles to Yellowstone for interpretive rangers and park visitor services.  In celebration of Toyota's 50th anniversary in the U.S., Toyota established the Leadership in Environmental Awareness for the Future (LEAF) program, a $5 million grant to enhance environmental leadership across the country and build the next generation of environmental stewards.  Five national parks – Yellowstone, Everglades, Great Smokies, Grand Canyon and Yosemite – received grant funding as well as more than 20 hybrid vehicle donations.      

Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com

SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Just two days before the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, The National World War II Museum in New Orleans has announced major new funding to build a new destination attraction as part of the Museum's ongoing $300 million expansion: The United States Freedom Pavilion: Land, Sea & Air.

"The United States Freedom Pavilion will be our largest building, a dramatic architectural statement anchoring the entire Museum campus," said Dr. Gordon "Nick" Mueller, Museum President and CEO. "It will further our mission to tell all generations the epic story of the war that changed the world – every service, every campaign, every hero."

Announced this morning in a ceremony on the Museum campus were a $20 million Congressional grant through the Department of Defense and a $15 million gift from The Boeing Company. These commitments represent the largest federal grant and the largest private contribution The National World War II Museum has ever received.  "As the country's only Congressionally designated World War II Museum, it serves to recognize and showcase the significance of World War II and its veterans," noted Senator Mary Landrieu, the senior member of the Louisiana Congressional delegation. "It is with great pride that we dedicate the site of the United States Freedom Pavilion that will serve as a new centerpiece of honoring our veterans and educating our young people.  The Freedom Pavilion will bring new and engaging exhibits to Museum visitors, helping to increase tourism to New Orleans and bolster the local economy.  Just as Louisiana's Higgins boats were instrumental in our World War II victory, the continuing growth of The National World War II Museum is instrumental in Louisiana's recovery." 

Once open in early 2012, the new Pavilion also will showcase large artifacts integral to the Allied victory, including a restored Boeing B-17G "Flying Fortress."  Nearly 13,000 B-17s were produced for the war effort. Together, the companies that make up the heritage of Boeing, including Douglas Aircraft and North American Aviation, contributed a stunning 98,965 aircraft to the "Arsenal of Democracy," nearly 28 percent of the total American aircraft production during the war.

Other iconic aircraft to be mounted aloft in the Pavilion are the B25J Mitchell Bomber, representing the Burma Bridge Busters, the TBM Avenger, the P51, and the SBD Dauntless. The Boeing Center will have elevated visitor "catwalks" for closer viewing of the aircraft, and dramatic LED screens will be programmed with historical films and other presentations.

Announcing The Boeing Company gift were Boeing Senior Vice President Rick Stephens and President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security Dennis Muilenburg. "Boeing is proud to support The National World War II Museum and help repay a debt to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who sacrificed so much in that global war, many who never returned to their homes and families," said Muilenburg. "We also believe that, as this Museum pays lasting tribute to all those who sacrificed on the battlefronts and the home front during World War II, future visitors will have a fuller appreciation of what these Americans did for us…and what today's generation of warfighters continue to do for us every day."

Galleries in the United States Freedom Pavilion will pay tribute to all branches of U.S. Armed Forces active during World War II: the Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Interactive experiences will bring to life how all the service branches worked together both strategically and tactically in this global conflict to win many of the most critical battles such as Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Okinawa and more.

Another highlight of the United States Freedom Pavilion will be an immersive and interactive submarine experience based on the last war patrol of the USS Tang in the Pacific Theater. Visitors will man the positions and perform the battle actions of actual crewmembers as the sub engages the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces.

New Orleans Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu noted the significance of the announced funding and the growth of the Museum: "These extraordinary gifts represent an investment of $35 million dollars in The National World War II Museum, in our city and in our state. It's a concrete expression of our recovery and the continuing renaissance of our cultural tourism economy."

"After opening a $60 million complex of three new attractions in November 2009 and breaking all visitation records since, the construction of the United States Freedom Pavilion continues the momentum to complete the entire campus of the Museum while the Greatest Generation is still alive," said Philip G. Satre, Chairman of the Museum's Board of Trustees.

Today, in 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are 1.98 million surviving veterans of WWII.  However, they are dying at a rate of 800 per day.  When the capital expansion of the Museum is completed in 2015, only 855,000 are expected to still be alive.

In addition to the United States Freedom Pavilion, expansion plans call for the construction of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion (Summer 2011), the Campaigns Pavilion (2012) and the Liberation Pavilion (2014), as well as an expansive special exhibits gallery and proposed hotel and conference center.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.  Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America's National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.

SOURCE The National World War II Museum

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