Grand Canyon redesigns trail head

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. » The start of one of the Grand Canyon’s most iconic and popular trails has been redesigned and now includes an etched rock sign marking the Bright Angel trail head.

The revamped area also includes a new paved parking lot around the Bright Angel cabins, new restrooms, a plaza for hikers to rest and buried electrical and phone lines.

A dedication is planned for May 18.

The Bright Angel trail was one of the first entryways into the Grand Canyon, built by the Hava­su­pai people. The trail now is used by day and overnight hikers, mule riders, people who ride the shuttle buses and those walking along the South Rim.

The project was funded by park entrance fees and private donations.

Universal offers Transformers ride

ORLANDO, Fla. » Universal Orlando says its new, 3-D theme park ride based on the Transformers toy brand will open June 20.

According to a news release, the ride is an interactive, "larger than life battle" between the Autobots and Decepticons. It uses flight simulator technology along with wind, heat and smoke to make the riders feel immersed in the experience.

The theme park plastered a 125-foot Transformers display on the side of an Orlando office building this week to drum up excitement for the opening.

The park announced its plans Thursday. The ride was created under license from Hasbro Inc.

Last march for hotel’s noted ducks

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. » The Peabody hotel in Little Rock on Tuesday was conducting its last march for its signature ducks.

The hotel has featured its ceremonial duck marches since it took over the downtown property 11 years ago. But after the 5 p.m. Tuesday march, the ducks will be a part of history.

The hotel is converting to a Marriott, and a Wednesday ceremony marked the change.

The ducks have had a fountain in the lobby, where they would paddle about, eat and nap.