MATTEL TO OPEN SECOND ADVENTURE PARK IN KANSAS CITY
VIRGIN HOTELS PARTNERS WITH AUTISM DOUBLE-CHECKED
To further cement its commitment to accessibility , Virgin Hotels recently partnered with Autism Double-Checked , a company specializing in comprehensive autismawareness education and training resources . Through this collaboration , the brand has worked to achieve Autism Double-Checked certification for four of its properties — Virgin Hotels Chicago , Virgin Hotels Dallas , Virgin Hotels Nashville and Virgin Hotels New York . It hopes to add Virgin Hotels New Orleans and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to the same list later this year . “ It is so important to us to provide a safe and accessible space that allows all individuals the freedom to travel with ease and partnering with Autism Double-Checked was an essential step for Virgin Hotels to make a significant difference and impact for neurodiverse travelers ,” said James Bermingham , CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection , in a March 2024 statement .
Virgin Hotels Nashville is one of Virgin Hotel ’ s four Autism Double-Checked certified properties .
JUSTIN CORDOVA PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF MATTEL
COST OF GLOBAL ENTRY TO INCREASE
A U . S . passport holding a Global Entry card
EVGENIA PARAJANIAN / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City to open in 2026
MATTEL TO OPEN SECOND ADVENTURE PARK IN KANSAS CITY
Hot on the heels of the highly anticipated 2024 opening of Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale , Arizona , popular toy and entertainment company Mattel announced plans for a second installation of the all-new , family-friendly themed entertainment destination in Bonner Springs , Kansas . Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will break ground later this year and is anticipated to open in 2026 . The new land will feature the same buzz-worthy attractions as its counterpart in Arizona , including a larger-than-life Barbie Beach House™ , thrilling rollercoasters Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker ®: The Ultimate Ride and Hot Wheels™ Twin Mill ® Racer , Thomas & Friends : World of Sodor™ and activities like laser tag , mini golf and more .
For the first time in over 15 years , the federal government will raise the cost of the popular Global Entry Program this fall . According to the U . S . Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ), beginning Oct . 1 , the application fee for Global Entry will increase from $ 100 to $ 120 . “ As these programs have matured and expanded , updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs ,” said the CBP in a statement regarding the price increase . Applicants under 18 will be exempt from an application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member of , or is applying for , the Global Entry program .
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