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Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 ONLINE CHECK-IN SERVICE DEBUTS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN FLORIDA Service Available to Guests Staying at Select Walt Disney World Hotels A new Online Check-In Service is now offered at Walt Disney World in Florida. Designed to simplify guest arrivals, the new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at the six Walt Disney World Convention Hotels and other select Disney hotels. Meeting attendees who take advantage of the new Online Check-In Service can access it from their home or office com- puters within 10 days of their arrival dates. A few clicks of a mouse lets them pre-register for rooms, note arrival times and request room preferences (although preferences cannot be guaranteed). Attendees can also register the names of other guests who will be staying in the room and place credit card guarantees for incidentals. Upon arrival at their hotels, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration mate- rial are waiting. Disney Cast Members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions. Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney convention center or other locations. "Our new Online Check-In Service offers added convenience and time savings for meeting attendees," said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "It's the latest benefit creat- ed as part of our continuous effort to provide a seamless and hassle-free arrival experience for attendees whether they're here for important meetings or an unforgettable incentive vaca- tion." The Online Check-In Service is the newest benefit available to groups meeting at select Walt Disney World hotels. Attendees can also take advantage of Disney's Magical Express service, which provides complimentary motor- coach transportation and luggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport and their Disney hotels. With Disney's Magical Express service, guests check bags at their hometown airports, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to Walt Disney World – while their bags are delivered directly to their hotel rooms. Eliminating the need for private group shuttles and taxi service, Disney's Magical Express service offers significant savings potential for organizations and individuals alike. With the new Online Check-In Service and Disney's Magical Express service, guests experience the magic of meeting at Disney before they arrive. To learn more about both services or about bringing a meeting or event to Walt Disney World, call (321) 239-7221 or visit disneymeetings.com. H O T E L H O T E L HAPPENINGS HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE MARINA SPRINGS INTO ACTION WITH GROUP DISCOUNT Transformed Hotel Debuts New Style, New Name and Affordable Rates That Will Stimulate Any Budget The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina has just the group package to stimulate any budget. The newly transformed hotel understands the understated and is offering groups a spring forward rate of $159 per room including compli- mentary room rental, Internet access in rooms, a 10% audio visual discount and a 10% food and beverage discount. "Companies are shifting their energies these days and focusing on the bottom line, however, they still have to meet to conduct and discuss business affairs of today and in the future." said Mari Garcia, area director of sales Fort Lauderdale Collection, for Luxury Resorts & Hotels. "We wanted to offer something that was easy to book, addressed the needs of the customers and was in line with the budget; our spring forward escape package does just that." Situated on the Intracoastal waterways of Fort Lauderdale and only 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale airport, this hotel offers stylish accommodations, comfortable meetings space, easy to get to and easy to work in environment and affordable prices. Meeting planners wishing to book the Spring Forward Escape meeting package can do so by calling (954) 463-4000. The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina recently completed a remarkable $70 million transformation and joined the Hilton brand, receiving its new identity. Formerly the Fort Lauderdale Grande, the hotel's renovation blends modern and contem- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa GEORGE AGUEL