Ken Burns' new PBS documentary, "America's Best Idea" spurs national park deals galore

09-18-2009

On Sept. 27, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is set to unveil his much-anticipated six-part series, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” on PBS. With participation from famous actors like Tom Hanks, Andy Garcia, and Josh Lucas – and more than 12 hours of footage of America’s majestic national parks – travelers are feeling the hype of re-discovering America’s Best Idea and visiting the national parks this year.

 

In celebration of this special documentary that captures the heart and soul of America’s national parks, leading National Park Service concessionaire, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, is offering an array of “Americas Best Idea” packages: 

 

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Starting at $255, the package includes a two-night stay in a traditional or standard room at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, bag lunch for two, and a special scavenger hike adventure book. 

Dates: Available for booking Sept. 7, 2009 through fall 2010

Savings: 20-30 percent depending on day of week and season 

 

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Starting at $349, the package includes a two-night stay in a standard, pinion or kiva room at the Far View Lodge, two tickets for a half-day ranger-guided tour of Mesa Verde’s ancient sites and cliff dwellings and a full DVD set of Ken Burns' "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" documentary.

Dates: Available for booking Sept. 15 – Oct. 21, 2009 and Apr. 22 – June 6, 2010.

Savings: 18 percent if standard room is booked

 

Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Wyoming

Guests will receive the first night free when staying at Togwoteee Mountain Lodge, the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Travelers staying up to 12 nights will receive the first and 12 night free when staying 12 nights at the lodge, to give guests time to explore the 12 peaks of the Tetons at over 12,000 feet!  The 12 night package includes a full DVD set of Ken Burns' "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" documentary.

Dates: Available for booking Sept. 20, 2009 – Sept. 20, 2010.

Savings: 15-20 percent savings

 

Olympic National Park, Washington

Stay one night at any of Olympics’ three properties: Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs resort and receive a unique interpretive gift based on Ken Burns’ "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" documentary. Prices start at $ 119*, stay an additional night at another property for just $99.

Dates: Available Sept. 21, 2009 - April 30, 2010.  
(Note: Sol Duc closes for the season on Oct. 24, 2009)

Savings: 15-30 percent depending on location and dates

 

Denali National Park, Alaska

Starting at $799, the package includes a two night stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort or McKinley Village Lodge, Tundra Wilderness Tour tickets for two and a full DVD set of Ken Burns’ "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" documentary. Optionally add round trip railroad tickets on “Alaska Railroad Gold Star Service” from Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Dates: Available May 13, 2010 – Sept. 13, 2010. Must be booked by April 30, 2010.

Savings: 20 percent

 

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, Arizona/Utah

Starting at $398, the Rainbow Bridge Centennial Excursion package gives guests two nights lodging in a traditional room, breakfast daily and two seats on the Half Day Rainbow Bridge Scenic Boat Tour. Audio headsets with interpretive commentary are included for the tour.

Dates: Available through Nov. 15, 2009

Savings: Up to 39 percent

 

All ARAMARK Parks and Destinations’ “America’s Best Idea” packages can be booked with the promotion code of “BESTIDEA.” [Back to Press Releases Main]