Courier January Courier | Page 69

RIDE THE DUCKS OF SEATTLE the exhibition opening, and it includes a private photographer and a USB drive of images for the group to take home.” The experience also includes the museum shop’s Chihuly Catalog coffee table book. After my tour of the exhibition and garden, I ascended the Space Needle. The views are exceptional, and the integration of digital technology into the attraction is fascinating. “Guests can experience augmented reality, 3-D images and virtual reality as if they are flying on a seaplane or walking the halo at the top of the Needle,” says Schmidt. After downloading the attraction’s mobile app, I was able to point my phone’s camera and see simulated views through portholes in the floor, or take a selfie with a tiny Space Needle. Later in the week, I toured the city with Ride the Ducks of Seattle. I climbed aboard a World War II-era amphibious transport for a ride around Seattle, seeing the city’s landmarks and some of its quirkier nooks. Then, we splashed down into the water and enjoyed a beautiful panorama of the city’s houseboats, skyline and Gas Works Park. The tour has been voted Seattle’s best for eight consecutive years. From where I was sitting, I understood why. “My absolute favorite moment is when we transition from being a streetside duck to a water-based duck,” says Tammy Guill, director of sales for Ride the Ducks of Seattle. “Especially that feeling of liftoff and watching the faces of folks who have never ridden with us before.” “We offer [tour operators] a lot of value-added options,” says Guill. Her company has partnered with Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Buca di Beppo, Gordon Biersch and the Hard Rock Cafe to create combination packages, and it offers a staggered pricing structure for NTA tour operators. Ride the Ducks has also worked with tour operators to provide guide services to neighborhoods its tours do not normally reach. “We pride ourselves on being an entertainment venue from the moment guests step on until they leave,” says Guill. During the ride, guides provide narration, crack jokes and turn the music up. To learn more about the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass, contact Schmidt at [email protected]. For more about Ride the Ducks of Seattle, contact Guill at [email protected]. UNFORGETTABLE EXCURSIONS. UNMISTAKABLY SEATTLE. Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combo Ticket Space Needle Scavenger Hunt Chihuly Garden and Glass VIP Experience Chihuly Garden and Glass Private Hosted Tour TO INQUIRE ABOUT DISCOUNTED RATES FOR GROUPS AND AVAILABILITY CONTACT: Space Needle Group Sales 206.905.2186 [email protected] spaceneedle.com/groups Chihuly Garden and Glass Group Sales 206.905.2186 [email protected] chihulygardenandglass.com/visit NTAonline.com 65