Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 tion services teams providing support (maps, visitors guides, hotel and restaurant suggestions, guides for requesting permits for pic- nics on the National Mall, etc.). Most family reunions take place March through October, when the weather is warmer, with the majority taking place when school is out. As for the accommodations, activities, attractions and venues, this is where DC shines. With over 30 free national museums, including the National Zoo and 15 other Smithsonian Institution museums, there are myriad choices. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall and historic Howard Theatre, home to a stellar gospel brunch on Sundays are popular with reunion attendees. Large new restaurants like the 800+ seat Hamilton and their supper club Hamilton Live have been wonder- ful for small meetings and family reunions. The Hamilton is two blocks from the White House. For families planning to come to DC for a family reunion with- out the support of a professional meeting planner, they can request materials at: http://washington.org/DC-information/bulk-order- official-visitor-guides-and-maps. ORLANDO, FL Orlando offers a world of possibilities for unique one-of-a- kind family reunions. Theme parks, beauti- ful weather, great golf, nightlife and relax- ation are the hallmarks of this central Florida paradise. From low-cost accessi- bility and wide variety of hotels to world- class entertainment and unforget- table experiences, Orlando is an exciting gateway city for reunions of all sizes. With 119,000 guest rooms and in more than 450 hotels and resorts across the destination ranging from budget-priced and mid-scale brands to luxury resorts with all of the amenities, family reunion planners and attendees alike have plenty of options to choose from. Family reunion participants will surely want to visit Orlando's world-famous attractions, includ- ing SeaWorld Parks, Universal Orlando® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort. Walt Disney World Resort recently transformed Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, doubling the number of shops, restaurants and other venues. At Disney's Epcot Center, you can gather with family and friends to celebrate the fascinating cultures and numerous wonders of the world around you through dazzling shows, interactive experiences and amaz- ing attractions. At Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park fami- ly members can journey off the beaten path and create exciting events in exotic surroundings with adventurous endeavors – a unique experience that will fascinate and excite your reunion participants. The world of "make-believe" comes alive in the Magic Kingdom® Park, where new adventures, fantasy, and fun surround your reunion attendees in seven wondrous lands of enchantment. Walt Disney World has multiple properties and event ven- ues throughout its theme park that are ideal for family reunion activities. Disney's Boardwalk Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to name a few. The incredible Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect spot to catch jazz concerts, Broadway theater and oth er shows depending on when your reunion will be in town. With two theaters, a public performance space and educational facilities, it will be a unique venue for reunion planners and fam- ily members who want to use specific rooms, public spaces and theaters for special events. For more information contact Visit Orlando at (800) 972-3304 | (407) 363- 5872 or http://www.visitorlando.com . Aerial view of Sea World photo copy: Nataliya Hora