If you’re willing to risk looking dorky in a hotel lobby wearing a white sequin Michael Jackson glove, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will reward you with a complimentary Disney-view upgrade.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

The offer is in celebration of the return of the ‘Captain EO’ musical to Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Peter Kacheris, managing director of the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, says the Disney-view is a thriller and that ”when it comes great hotel perks… you certainly can’t ‘beat it.’

The promotion is available during July and August. Upgrades subject to availability, and you have to book and stay by Aug 31 at the latest.

The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has 1,001 guest rooms and suites adjacent to the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando. Both are part of the 482 acre Bonnet Creek development surrounded on three sides by the Walt Disney World Resort.

Amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, six restaurants and lounges, a two acre lagoon style and zero-entry resort pool. A family fun area includes a river pool and waterslide. Read More »

Gary, IN is cooking up plans to build a Michael Jackson hotel, a museum and a performing arts center in the Jackson family’s hometown, as part of ‘The Jackson Family Project’ aimed at honoring the King of Pop’s legacy. 

Michael Jackson at White House & Gary Mayor Rudy Clay in front of Jackson home

Michael Jackson was born on Aug 20, 1958 in Gary, and the family lived at their home on 2300 Jackson St until 1971, at which time they moved to Los Angeles to further the musical career of the Jackson 5 group.

Joe Jackson – Michael Jackson’s father, accompanied by Rudy Clay – Mayor of the town of Gary, IN – was in Las Vegas late last month, meeting with investors and partners for the hotel and museum project, according to a statement by Brendan Theater Corp.  Read More »

Hotels in Los Angeles are offering special rates for Michael Jackson fans who want to attend the King of Pop’s Memorial service at the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7th at 10 am.

Staples Center, Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered with the Michael Jackson fan club to make arrangements for out-of-town fans. Initial estimates suggest that at least 750,000 people are expected to be in Los Angeles for the Memorial service. 

The Staples Center held a lottery for 17,500 free tickets, and received 1.6 million registrations, with over 1 billion hits on their website. 

Hotels in Downtown LA offering special rates include the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Wilshire Grand Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Hotels close to LAX include the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Radisson Hotel at Los Angeles Airport and Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

In the Hollywood and Universal City area the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City are offering special rates.

Each participating hotel’s special offer is detailed at http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/arts-music-and-entertainment/michael-jackson-memorial.html and includes a special promotional code to redeem at the time of booking.

A note of warning – even if you have a place to stay in downtown LA, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to attend the memorial service. The free tickets have already been handed out, and LAPD has made clear that only ticket holders and credentialed media will be allowed in or even anywhere near the Staples Center.

But if you want to experience a Michael Jackson themed trip, then you could make use of the special rates at one of the aforementioned hotels, take a chance with the Staples Center, and also attend the other events being organized in LA to honor Michael Jackson.

On July 9th, Universal CityWalk will become “Universal Moonwalk” with Southern California’s largest public outdoor celebration of Jackson’s life. The GRAMMY Museum in Downtown LA has extended its exhibition of Jackson’s most iconic wardrobe pieces, Jackson’s star is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Jackson filmed his “You Are Not Alone” video at the Pantages Theatre and of course, STAPLES Center is where the public memorial for Michael Jackson will take place.

Staples Center photo by liangjinjian; Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel photo by B.D. Solis