Universal Studios due for upgrade
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. » NBCUniversal plans to begin construction this summer on a $1.6 billion, 25-year expansion of its Los Angeles-area theme park, offices and production facilities.
The company, owned by Comcast Corp., announced Tuesday that it would start building The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, along with upgraded TV production studios and office space on the studio lot.
The project would eventually include a hotel and retail outlets, adding nearly 2 million square feet to the studio complex. The plan initially called for nearly 3,000 residences, but that was dropped last year after objections from local residents and politicians.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors tentatively approved the plan Tuesday.
United, US Air boost change fees
Changing an airline ticket is getting more expensive at US Airways and United Airlines.
Last week United quietly boosted the fee to change a ticket in advance to $200 from $150. A spokesman for United Continental Holdings Inc. says the fee helps cover the cost to the airline when a traveler gives up a reserved seat.
On Wednesday US Airways did the same thing. The website for US Airways Group Inc. also shows that the airline now charges up to $300 to change some international tickets.
The airlines also make travelers pay the higher fare if they switch to a more expensive flight.
Fees for changing tickets and for baggage have become a major source of revenue for the biggest U.S. airlines, although Southwest doesn’t charge to change a ticket.
Tours highlight Bangor’s best
BANGOR, Maine » Guided tours to showcase the high points and history of the Bangor region will be offered as early as June.
The tours will feature four walking and four bus tours, each with an experienced guide. Each tour will take guests through a part of Bangor’s history with a different focus, from a Stephen King literary tour to a "Best of Bangor" tour chronicling 178 years of the region’s history.
The tours are being offered through a partnership between the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bangor Museum and History Center.
The walking tours are three-quarters of a mile long. The bus tours are about 11⁄2 hours long and feature step-on services for group motor coach tours.
Save spot for fireflies’ light show
GATLINBURG, Tenn. » It may be only love but it’s quite a show.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has scheduled June 6-13 as the Elkmont Firefly Viewing Event. A firefly species known as Photinus carolinus flashes synchronously to attract mates. Thousands of visitors throng the park each year to see the naturally occurring show.
Visitors are encouraged to get tickets online through www.recreation.gov to guarantee parking at the visitor center without having to arrive hours early.
Each reservation costs $1.50.
