Theme parks open summer attractions

By Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

Universal Orlando this morning will hold a small grand-opening celebration for its newest ride, "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem," in Universal Studios Florida.

It's the last of several new additions Orlando's big theme parks have introduced ahead of the busy summer rush.

SeaWorld Orlando in the spring added "TurtleTrek," and its limited-admission sibling park Discovery Cove on Friday officially opened "Freshwater Oasis." And Walt Disney World has opened "Storybook Circus," part of its broader Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom, which includes an expanded"Dumbo" ride and a new children's water-play area.

There is still another big addition to come later this year: the "Fantasyland Forest" phase of Disney's Fantasyland expansion, which will include a Little Mermaid-themed ride and a Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant.

Rosen adds free Internet

Rosen Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to drop its daily fee for web access and offer free Internet at its three local convention hotels.

Guest at the Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza will be able to access wireless and hard-wired Internet in guest rooms and public areas starting July 4. The hotel previously charged $9.95 for a 24-hour period of Internet access.

The hotel said it is making the change because travelers today are "even more reliant on their smartphones, iPads, tablets and laptops for work or play." In addition to business travelers who need Internet access to work, people on vacation are using the Internet for last-minute planning and research on attractions, the company said.

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Theme parks open summer attractions