Diagon Alley coming to Universal

May 9, 2013 By

Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an unparalleled vision to this unique project.  The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films, offering brand-new adventures for fans and theme park guests from around the world.

Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.  The new area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Work on the new area is already underway.  When complete, it will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank – all directly inspired by the fiction and films.

To bring Diagon Alley and ‘London’ to life, Universal’s creative team is working closely with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films – just as it did for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

“I’m so pleased that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, and I’m sure that the attention to detail in creating the new Diagon Alley area will make this an even better experience,” said J.K. Rowling.

“We are continuing the journey and adding an entirely new level of adventure,” said Tom Williams, Chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts.  “And we are bringing the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this project as we did to the first.”

“We are thrilled to offer the legions of fans the opportunity to embark on this new journey and experience Diagon Alley as it was brought to life in the books and films,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010 as a fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment – bringing to life the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros.  Since that time, it has become a global phenomenon, entertaining millions of people from around the world.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are swept into the adventures of Harry Potter.  They can tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine at the Three Broomsticks.  They can soar above Hogwarts with Harry, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, sample Butterbeer and much more.

Filed Under: Blog, slider

Happy Birthday Hollywood Studios

May 1, 2013 By

Today we celebrate the 24th birthday of Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney-MGM Studios).

The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be.

— Michael Eisner, May 1, 1989

Filed Under: Blog, slider

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

January 31, 2013 By

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, is the great new dark attraction located in the Enchanted Forest of the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland. The ride opened this past December to great fanfare and has been delighting Walt Disney World guests who experience it.

The queue for this attraction is truly phenomenal, and winds down along the shore-line beneath Prince Erik’s Castle. Guests encounter playful sea life they descend through the grotto’s and caverns where they can interact with mischievous little crabs engaging guests in games of ‘trash’ or ‘treasure’ to help the crabs fill their treasure chest. It’s an enchanting way to pass the time

Once under the sea, guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid.”, guests climb inside their Omnimover “clam shells” that move and turn to direct the guest’s attention while traveling with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures both above and below the Sea.

Adults and children alike will enjoy and relate to the festive atmosphere of the attraction and the suspenseful villainy of Ursula the Sea Witch.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid uses more than 180 Audio-Animatronic characters to tell its story through song and imagery. Their creation posed some special challenges to Imagineers who strived to place guests inside of the animated world. To achieve their goals a special “skin technology” was developed and used for Ariel, King Triton and Ursula, because they have so much exposed. The vibrant colors and life-like motion help to suspend reality and the familiar musical score playing through will entice everyone to sing along.

Electric convenience vehicles are able to navigate the mermaid queue easily. Though the belt loading system can sometimes be difficult to navigate for guests with impaired mobility, the cast members at this attraction have the ability to slow or stop the ride’s motion in order to assist those in getting on and off the ride. My experience with the cast members at this attraction in needing assistance was both friendly and compassionate.

Filed Under: Blog, slider Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

January 31, 2013 By

Looking for something different that’s fun for kids and extra-special for grownups?

Guests visiting Disney World from March 6th through May 19th can check out Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. First-time visitors with young children often overlook Epcot, assuming that it’s mainly for older kids, but there’s so much hands-on learning and fun at the Festival that a visit is well worth your time. In addition to flower towers, playgrounds, over 100 topiary, 240 floating mini-gardens, and countless beds with hundreds of blooms, this year’s festival offers a few surprises

  • For the first time, Future World and the World Showcase will have illuminated gardens full of sparkly lights each night. I think this is my favorite new addition.
  • There will be a new circus-like play area based on the film Oz: The Great and Powerful, which is being released on March 8, 2013. The play area will feature various play systems that will cultivate your kids’ imagination while they exercise, red and white circus tents, and plants that will recall the movie.
  • The Garden Marketplace will feature drinks like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from a local Florida winery and everyone’s favorite Dole Whip, this time with spiced rum. There will also be non-alcoholic beverages like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade.
  • Kids will love the all the topiary featuring their favorite characters, including Phineas and Ferb, Mike and Sully, and Tinkerbelle and Friends.
  • A Radiator Springs interactive raceway located on the Test Track walkway will have Lightening McQueen and Mater in attendance.

 

As always, there will be exhibits every Friday by HGTV, showcasing various outdoor home improvement projects. In addition, you’ll want to check the schedule for other classes and seminars taking place throughout the 75-day festival.

 

There’s more than gardening on tap as well. Music lovers will enjoy the Flower Power concert series, which showcases bands from the 1970s and 80s:

March 8-10: Micky Dolenz
March 15-17: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 22-24: The Guess Who
March 29-31: Nelson
April 5-7: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 12-14: Paul Revere & the Raiders
April 19-21: The Village People (new!)
April 26-28: The Orchestra, Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II
May 3-5: Tommy Roe (new!)
May 10-12: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 17-19: Starship starring Mickey Thomas.

Filed Under: Blog, slider Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Preventing Credit Card Fraud

January 14, 2013 By

Here are a few tips to help prevent credit card fraud.

*Never give out your credit card number over the phone unless you placed the original call.

*Use extreme caution in how and where you dispose of credit card carbons and receipts. Tearing the paperwork into very small pieces and disposing of them in your home trash can and greatly reduced you changes of fraud.

*In the state of Florida, it is now illegal for a merchant to require a consumer to display a credit card when accepting a personal check. The only form of identification necessary is a driver’s license or state photo identification card.

*Keep a list of all credit cards and the issuer’s phone numbers in a safe place in case you need to report the cards lost or stolen.

*Many credit card companies are now offering cards that have your photograph on them. Taking advantage of this type of offer can greatly reduce the chances of your card being used fraudulently.

*Carry only the credit cards you need and plan to use. Cards that you are not using should be placed in a secured area of your home. Carry your cards separately from your wallet.

*Always double check the total on your bill prior to signing the credit card receipt and then compare all your receipts to your monthly statement.

*Before discarding expired credit cards, always make sure to cut them up into small pieces and discard them in your home trash can.

*When getting gas on your debit card, always choose the CREDIT option, this will only ask for your zip code, not your pin number.

*During a transaction, keep your eye on your card. Make sure you get it back before you walk away.

*Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.

*Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.

*Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling.

When traveling to Florida, always notify your card issuer. There is an abundance of places to visit and things to do, so you do not need the aggravation of you credit card being stopped because your issuer thinks it may have been stolen.

Filed Under: Blog, slider

“Next Generation Experience”

January 9, 2013 By

With reports of Disney investing as much as $1 billion in what has been dubbed the “Next Generation Experience” or simply “NextGen,” there has been much conjecture and hand-wringing about what the project would entail and what impact it would have on guest visits. By releasing some details about its forthcoming MyMagic+ program, which will initially focus on Walt Disney World, the company has begun to make its intentions clearer. For the most part, the new initiatives would appear to be a positive development for park fans.

Starting in 2011, the company began introducing technology-fueled innovations that gave a sense of where it was heading in its bid to more personally engage its guests, tailor its one-size-fits-all approach, and make its parks more enchanting. Examples of small, but welcome advances included interactive queues in attractions such as Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. (You can see the Haunted Mansion interactive queue in my Tips for Navigating Disney Park Lines video.) The distractions help reduce the monotony of waiting in long lines, a bane of theme parks.

Disney Imagineers also developed intriguing interactive experiences that let guests explore the parks, cruise ships, and Aulani, its Hawaiian resort. The self-paced adventures, which incorporate sophisticated technology, include the Muppets-themed Midship Detective Agency aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.

Disney Pluses the Magic

In early 2013, the company revealed more details about its NextGen project by announcing MyMagic+. The program is being anchored by the rollout of a new Web site and mobile app, both called My Disney Experience. They are now available with limited functionality. When they are fully operational, which is expected to take place in spring 2013, guests will be able to plan their Disney World vacations and visits in the following ways:
Make up to three advance reservations of ride times, show performances, character meet-and-greets, and/or preferred seating for fireworks or parades by using the new FastPass+ program. Yup, you read that correctly. You’ll be able to book a ride down to the day and hour on, say, Expedition Everest months in advance of your visit. How crazy is that?
Explore options and get info about the parks and the entire resort.
In addition to FastPass+, use planning tools to book hotel rooms, make dining reservations, purchase park tickets, and secure other services.
Coordinate trip planning with family and friends who will be joining you.
Share trip photos with your posse.
So How Much Will All this Pampering Cost Me?

Here is perhaps the most revolutionary part of the new program: It’s free. Nada. Zip.
After Disney spent a reported $1 billion on developing the technology, the rampant speculation that it would charge visitors beaucoup bucks for the privilege of pre-arranging their ride times and other vacation itineraries was perhaps understandable. Many feared that a two-tiered system pitting the moneyed elite against the average Joes might evolve.

Instead, the company seems to be hoping that its magical program will help to further distinguish it from its competitors and make Disney World all the more compelling. Additionally, it seems to be banking on fattened coffers from MyMagic+. By making all of its guests’ visits so much more seamless and engaging, Disney surely hopes that they will barely notice when they’ve parted with more of their hard-earned dollars.

How Will It Work at the Parks?

OK, you’ve planned your visit and you’ve booked your Fastpasses well in advance. Now what? Here’s where it gets even more ingenious. Disney has developed radio-frequency identification (RFID)-embedded bracelets it is calling MagicBands. (There sure is a lot of magic going on around here, isn’t there?) The rubber bracelets will come pre-loaded with all of your reservations and other info.
The MagicBands, which will be complimentary for Disney World guests staying on property, will be capable of being used as hotel room keys, virtual charge cards to make cashless purchases throughout the resort, park tickets, and Fastpass tickets. In the same way that transponders allow equipped cars to zoom past toll plazas on highways, MagicBand-equipped guests will be able to quickly tap their bracelets and avoid bottlenecked turnstiles at the parks.

Guests not staying at a Disney hotel will be able to purchase MagicBands. Regardless, they will still be able to participate in My Disney Experience by using park tickets with RFID chips.

Would you rather save the appointment you made months earlier with the Expedition Everest’s Yeti for another day? No problem. Once guests are at the park, they will be able to make changes on the fly using the My Disney Experience app on their smart phones. The app is sophisticated enough to provide users with real-time info about standby line wait times and Fastpass distribution and return times for attractions.

Possible Downsides

It all sounds fairly remarkable, especially the fact that the benefits of MyMagic+ are free — for now. While the company hasn’t announced anything, wary Disney watchers still suspect that premium options, which could command premium prices, may be on the way. Instead of three complimentary FastPass+ tickets, what if those willing to pay the price could pre-book all of their rides and the rest of their vacations?
Even if the have/have-not scenarios never materialize, it would seem that Disney is making Fastpasses more readily available. That might make standby lines even longer for visitors who run out of Fastpasses or who don’t take full advantage of the My Disney Experience options.

There are also security concerns. Losing a MagicBand, which could contain valuable tickets, credit card data, hotel room access, and other sensitive info could be problematic. Also, there is the 1984 aspect that some may find disconcerting. Disney will be able to track every purchase, every ride guests enter, and virtually every move its RFID-embedded guests make at its resort.

And future iterations of the program will allow users to enter personal information into their My Disney Experience profiles such as anniversary dates and favorite characters. That will allow Disney cast members to add personal touches such as welcoming guests by name and acknowledging their special occasions. Perhaps rides could even be tricked out to respond to passengers. For example, imagine Captain Jack Sparrow whispering conspiratorially to you, by name, in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Personally, I would have no problem sharing personal info with Mickey and the gang. The way I figure it, most of us on the grid gave up any semblance of anonymity years ago. Even so, Disney says that guests will be able to provide as little or as much info as they wish. They need not participate in MyMagic+ My Disney Experience at all if they so choose

Filed Under: Blog, slider

Single Riders

December 3, 2012 By

This suggestion won’t work for parents who have young children, but if you don’t mind seeing your older kids take off in the car before you or the car after you, Disney’s single rider lanes are a real time-saver. Essentially, by getting into this line you agree to let the park personnel at the front of the line assign you to any car where they need to fill a seat, even if that means splitting up your family and friends for the length of the ride. Many times, you’ll find smaller groups stay together anyway. Single rider lines can cut your wait time in half — sometimes by even more at peak wait times. Look for the option if you think your family situation will allow it.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

September 20, 2012 By

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive game attraction for the Magic Kingdom. The game focuses on Merlin recruiting park guests as new apprentice sorcerers and sending them out to battle various Disney villains, recruited by Hades, throughout the park’s themed lands (except Tomorrowland) using special spell cards.

Gameplay
When starting the game, guests are given a specialized park map pointing out various locations for the game, along with a Sorcerer Key card that activates the game screens and tracks the guests’ progress and a set of Spell Cards. Locations included in the paper maps consist of every land except for Tomorrowland. The main play areas are Magic Portals, which Merlin opens up to allow you to interact with the characters and fight the villains. To activate a Magic Portal, tapping or scanning your Key card at a keyhole will activate the Magic Portal screen. The spell cards hold various attacks of differing strengths used to fight the villains.
As the screens are all functionally similar, a computer algorithm points guests to whichever nearby screen might be open at the moment upon completing a Magic Portal task. This is a means to prevent crowding at the Portals.

Story
Starting off at the Main Street Firehouse, Merlin welcomes park guests to his special hideout, teaches them the basics of the game with Portal activation and spell card usage and begins to tell the story. Hades, bored with the nothingness of the Underworld, is looking for a new summer home with the Magic Kingdom park looking like an ideal spot, though Merlin stands in his way. He sends Pain and Panic to Merlin’s home to steal the Crystal of the Magic Kingdom (a powerful artifact that keeps evil forces in check at the park), but they end up awakening Merlin in the process. In a brief scuffle, the crystal is shattered into several pieces, four of which are scattered to different locations throughout the park. Annoyed, Hades decides to call upon a team of villains to help retrieve the crystal shards for him, including Yzma, Jafar, Scar, Maleficent, Ursula, Ratcliffe, Dr. Facilier and Cruella de Vil.

Main Street USA
Main Street only features Cruella DeVil as a villain, though it is also home to Sorcerer Training with Merlin at the Firehouse.

Adventure land
Three villains are located in Adventure land: Yzma, Jafar and Scar.

Fantasyland
Two villains are featured in this land: Ursula and Maleficent.

Cards
Spell cards in the game are divided into nine different spell classes which includes: Toy, Machine, Animal, Fairy, Hero, Princess, Warrior, Monster and Mystic. A card’s rarity is classified by the sign in the bottom left corner, right above the number out of 70. Although Disney confirmed there are only 70, there seem to be more because of these symbols, as told by other sources. A planet means the card is common, a cresent moon means uncommon, a star is rare, a double star is double rare and a lightning bolt means super rare.
Cards 61-70 started to be re-distributed via booster packs beginning in August of 2012. These booster packs feature 7 cards, tokens and one of four gameboards for a home version of the game.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Create a Magical Memento of Your Disney Vacation

August 9, 2012 By

Your Disney World vacation will be packed with magical memories, making it the ideal subject for a scrapbook spread, or even a whole album. Create a day by day journal of your entire vacation. The resulting scrapbook will be a treasured memento for years to come — and a great reference when you plan your next trip to Disney World!
Take Great Photos: Any scrapbook spread begins with great photos, and a Disney World scrapbook is no exception. You can take photos on your own or take advantage of Disney’s Photo Pass, which allows you to download professional photos from your trip right from your home computer.
When you visit any of Disney World’s four theme parks, look for the special “photo” signs that designate great spots to snap a photo. You can also meet and greet your favorite Disney characters while you are in the park — a photo and autograph make great additions to your scrapbook!
Save everything: Disney goes out of its way to make your trip special, and the little extras that you accumulate each day make great embellishments for your scrapbook. From free stickers to park maps and “make it and take it” crafts, you can collect many free Disney World scrap booking supplies and memorabilia during your trip.
Keep a journal: Make a few notes each night to include in your scrapbook later. Writing things down when they are fresh ensures that you will fully capture the experience, and you will be able to transfer your notes to your scrapbook. Whether you make notes about the rides you experienced, the dinner you enjoyed, or the characters you met, you will enjoy revisiting these events when you return home.
Shop for supplies: Make some time to visit Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, located in Downtown Disney for a wonderful selection of scrap booking supplies you just won’t find anywhere else.
Tip: Don’t overlook the Disney World theme parks or your resort as a source for supplies, some stock resort, ride or park specific scrap booking supplies.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Disney World’s Rider Switch Program

July 13, 2012 By

Don’t let traveling with a toddler or infant keep you from enjoying some of the best attractions Disney World has to offer, use the rider switch program to explore some of Disney’s most thrilling rides. The rider switch program works best at rides that have a long line and have a height restriction — or are just too scary for your little one.

Consider using the rider switch if you want to enjoy roller coasters like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The rider switch program isn’t just for roller coasters — Snow White’s Scary Adventures will terrify most small children, so ask for a pass if there is a long line.

How it Works: A child switch or rider switch pass allows you to just wait in line once — so Dad can wait in line and then enjoy Expedition Everest while Mom watches the little ones. Once Dad has enjoyed the ride, Mom can use a the rider switch pass just like a Fastpass, and breeze to the front of the line.

Who can use the rider switch program: Anyone with a child or dependent adult who is unable to ride an attraction like Soarin’, Splash Mountain or the Tower of Terror. At least two adults or responsible parties are required to utilize the rider switch program — one to experience the attraction and one to wait with the child.

How to Use the rider switch program: Approach the cast member at the Fastpass or main entrance of the attraction you want to ride. Some rides will do a rider switch even though they do not have a Fastpass option. Let the cast member know you want to do a rider switch, and you will be issued a special paper ticket. The first rider will need to wait in the line, but the second rider will not.

Warning: You must have all parties present to qualify for a rider switch ticket — at least one child and two responsible adults. If all parties are not present, you won’t be issued a pass.
Tips:

*You can still use a Fastpass with the child switch program — just show up at the time on the Fastpass and let the ride attendant know you need to make a switch.
*Look for play or shopping areas to explore while you wait for your turn to ride, or use the waiting time to allow your child to take a quick nap.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Disney Fast Pass

July 12, 2012 By

1. Once you’ve decided to use the Fastpass system for an attraction, go to the bank of Fastpass machines near that attraction’s entrance. Insert your admission ticket, and the machine will spit out a Fastpass ticket indicating the time you need to return.
2. You have a one-hour window. For example, the Fastpass may read “Please return anytime between 1:10 p.m. and 2:10 p.m.” Go enjoy other things in the park. Return to the Fastpass line at the attraction during the designated time.
3. A cast member (Disney speak for employee) will check your Fastpass before allowing you into the line. DON’T DISCARD YOUR FASTPASS TICKET! At many of the attractions, a second cast member will re-check your Fastpass before letting you board the ride. (This prevents scofflaws from sneaking from the standby line into the Fastpass line.)
4. You can’t get another Fastpass for any attraction until it’s time for you to return for the first attraction OR two hours have passed since you obtained the first Fastpass (whichever comes first).
Fastpass tips
• The most important tip is the same as before Fastpass: plan ahead and get to the parks early–particularly during peak periods. You’ll be able to get Fastpasses with quick return times for the most popular attractions right away, and you’ll probably be able to walk onto some attractions as well. Later in the day, when the Fastpasses are gone and the lines have swelled up to two hours, go hang out by your hotel pool with a frozen drink.
• To save time and energy, give the quickest one or two members of your touring group all of your admission passes and have them get the Fastpasses. You can order their meals or start some other activity while they’re traveling back and forth across the park.
• Look at the posted standby line time. If it’s just a few minutes, it’s probably not worth wasting a Fastpass. Just wait in the regular line and use Fastpass later for a more crowded attraction. On less busy days, you may only need to use Fastpass once or twice, if at all.
• Look at the posted Fastpass return time. There are signs at the entrance of all Fastpass-enabled attractions that indicate the current return times. If it’s much later in the day and you’re planning to go somewhere else, you may want to skip the Fastpass. Remember, you can’t get another Fastpass until it’s time for you to return for the first attraction (or two hours have lapsed).
• Ask cast members if any Fastpass machines are distributing “Surprise” Fastpasses. These bonus tickets, given at the same time as a regular Fastpass, will allow you to skip the line for a second attraction.
• Look at the posted Fastpass return time and the standby line time. If it looks close, you may be able to get a Fastpass, wait in the standby line, then get back in the Fastpass line for an immediate re-ride.
• Once you get a Fastpass for later in the day, try not to plan an itinerary that will have you crisscrossing the park. The time you save from Fastpass may be wasted walking all over the park.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Six more ways to eat healthier at theme parks this summer

July 12, 2012 By

1. Pack lunches to bring with you to the park. You won’t have to wait on line for food, can eat exactly what you want and you’ll save big bucks.
2. Bring reusable water bottles and forgo sugar-laden drinks. Pat yourselves on the back for traveling greener and avoiding plastic water bottles. The kids can turn their bottles into instant souvenirs by slapping stickers on them.
3. Skip kids’ meals entirely and share an adult portion with your child or divide an adult portion between two kids.
4. Make reservations for dinner at a “sit down” restaurant in the park where you have more healthy options to choose from. Order a half portion from an adult menu for the kids. Use vacation to encourage them to try new foods!
5. Opt to stay someplace where you have a kitchen or at least a fridge so you can prepare a healthy breakfast-cereal and milk, yoghurt, fruit, etc, rather than calorie-laden pastries or doughnuts.
6. Pack your own snacks so when the kids-and you-get the munchies you can satisfy your cravings without cotton candy, giant lollipops or caramel apples.

Let’s hear it for Mickey Mouse.
Order a kid’s meal at a Disney park and you get apples instead of fries, (unless you ask for fries), and low-fat milk rather than sugary soda. Of the more than 12 million kids meals served last year at Disney Parks and Resorts in the U.S., parents stuck with the healthier options six out of 10 times. Now Disney will enhance these efforts by further reducing sodium in kids’ meals and introducing new well-balanced kids’ breakfast meals.

This is all part of a broader initiative just announced that makes Disney the first major media company to introduce new standards for food advertising on programming targeting kids and families.

We all know the dismal childhood obesity statistics: 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese. But whether a child is overweight or not, it’s certainly not healthy to eat a steady diet of fried and fat-laden foods on vacation.

As we all head to theme parks this summer, let’s consider how we might eat healthier while we’re there. Sure you can still get churros, burgers, chicken fingers and fries and all the ice cream you want at theme parks, but you can also get fresh salmon and rotisserie chicken at LEGOLAND Florida, where there is an entire new exhibit, complete with LEGO characters about farming and where our food comes. At Sea World Orlando’s Sharks Underwater Grill, there’s a steak kabob on the kid’s menu.

Nearby at Downtown Disney, Kids chowing down at Wolfgang Puck Cafe can choose California rolls made from ham and cheese while the Italian restaurant Portobello offers whole-wheat cheese pizza and the kids’ menu at Fulton’s Crab House includes crab legs and fresh fish.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Things To Do in Florida

December 16, 2011 By

There is no doubt that when it comes to an ideal location to rent a vacation condo within the U.S., or just enjoy perfect sunny weather and out-of-this-world attractions, Florida is near the top of the list. It rarely ever experiences winter frost, with average temperatures ranging in the upper 80’s in the summer, and the 60’s in the fall and winter.

The city of Orlando is a prime vacation destination, with the main attractions being the numerous ever expanding theme parks. The biggest is the great Disney vacation getaway, Walt Disney World Resort, which includes the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Disney’s Boardwalk, Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, and two of the biggest water parks in the world.

When you’re done with your Disney vacation, to the North you’ll find Universal Studios Plaza, featuring the Islands of Adventure, which is known for its innovative and thrilling roller coaster rides, including Jurassic Park River Adventure, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Storm Force Acceleration. There is also the Fun Spot Action Park with its 10,000-square-feet of arcade games, a 100-foot Ferris wheel, bumper boats and four go-cart racing tracks.

Then there’s Anheuser-Busch’s Seaworld with its extravagant marine exhibits and water shows. There is the Discovery Cove, where you can swim with marine life, including Dolphins. Wekiwa Springs has thousands of acres of natural oasis and offers hiking, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, horseback riding, skydiving, swimming and sunbathing. The area is rich with a variety of wildlife, ranging from gray foxes deer to manatees.

Known for its spectacular theme parks, Orlando is also home to an assortment of resorts and a city life saturated with activities and attractions. The downtown area boasts of historic buildings and fine architecture, gardens, art galleries, famous world-class museums, and performing art venues. Outdoor recreation and cultural treasures are scattered throughout Baldwin Park, Thornton Park, Loch Haven Park and Winter Park. There are nine major shopping malls, numerous antique shops and fleas markets. In the daytime, there are a variety of sporting opportunities from golf and tennis to swimming and basketball. Whether you’re a spectator of professional sports or a participant, there’s something for the athlete in everyone. At night, the city turns into a dazzling array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Because Florida offers such an array of attractions and events, it’s simply not possible to experience everything in just a few short days, or even a week. New residential developments, villas and condo rentals are expanding on an annual basis, and bargain condo rentals are not at all hard to find. Sometimes tourists just grow so attached, irresistibly allured by the sights, the malls and shopping centers or the rich artistic and cultural heritage, that they decide to either become permanent residents or vacation condo renters. Considering there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a family looking for a long fun-filled vacation, Florida is the perfect location.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Disney Area Attractions

December 15, 2011 By

Few places come close to the breadth and diversity of attraction in the Orlando, Florida area. Whether traveling with children, parents, a spouse, or on spring break, central Florida offers premiere entertainment for all, exceptional choices for the vacation condo and enough to satisfy the pickiest of personalities. No longer is the area synonymous with pixie dust alone, as golfing, award winning dining, shows, sports, theme parks, and food, wine, garden and Mardi Gras festivals promise unmatched excitement and lifelong memories.

When traveling to the Disney vacation area, peruse condo rentals early for exceptional rates and quality during your stay. While there are times of the year considered low season in the central Florida area, an attractions packed calendar keeps vacationers streaming to Orlando and the surrounding region regularly.

Fans of the Walt Disney World Theme Park will find a wealth of attractions to explore and occasions for fun of all ages. Disney offers six distinct theme parks and opportunities for everything from boating and fishing to celebrity concerts, spa treatments, princess makeovers and more. Spring is home to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival where the nation’s top designers flock to demonstrate the ins and outs of garden planning and design. In the fall, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival features wine and culinary delights from around the world for the adventuresome palate. Finally, the theme park hosts a Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Princess Marathon, Summer Concert Series and host of other attractions, making it festive no matter the time of year you chose to plan your Disney vacation.

Universal Studios is home to arguably the most talked about Mardi Gras festival outside of New Orleans. Crammed full of big name concerts, parades, and authentic Cajun eats, the Universal Studios Orlando Mardi Gras festival promises Big Easy fun for the whole family. For those who go big on Halloween, the park’s critically acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights breaks the mold when it comes to nightmarish fun. For those traveling with younger ones, or those simply young at heart, Universal Studios offers a wealth of theme park rides, including what some are calling the best theme park ride in America at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

For an awe inspiring event, consider the Holy Land Experience, a museum and living exhibit based on Israel in the 1st century. Owned by the Trinity Broadcast Network, it’s considered by many to be a wonderful experience for Christians. Among its exhibits are a replica of the Dead Sea Qumran Caves, the Last Supper and a boat modeled after another found in the Sea of Galilee, dating back to the times of Jesus.

Whether venturing to the area for a bit of professional sports, theme park family excitement, or for five star wining and dining, enjoyment is sure to be had. The right vacation condo is available whether you are traveling alone, with a few friends, or a large family. Since condo rentals can fill up quick, begin your search today.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Accommodations for Your Disney Vacation

December 15, 2011 By

Are you planning a vacation including a visit Disney Word and the surrounding theme parks and attractions in Central Florida, particularly those in the Orlando area? Are you hoping to play at one of the championship golf courses or partake in the numerous sailing and water sport offerings of nearby Tampa and the Gulf Coast cities?

For most, a Disney vacation is a family affair that includes individuals of all ages and requires several rooms for accommodations. Planning a family Disney vacation that includes siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and even grandparents makes obtaining appropriate accommodations very important, but often difficult. On top of this, considering all of the attractions that the central Florida area has to offer, the accommodations for such a trip may exceed several days, a week, or more.

Given these considerations, when planning a vacation in the Orlando, Florida area it is very important to carefully choose the lodging for your stay. A hotel stay for a group of any size is rather expensive, and especially so during peak tourism season. Additionally, given the size of most hotel rooms the family would need to break up into several rooms with sufficient place to meet or interact as a group. The risk of noise from an adjacent room and simple lack of privacy are also valid concerns.

One alternative to a hotel for your Florida family vacation is the rental of a multi-bedroom deluxe vacation condo. Such lodging is typically rented from private owners at a cost per room that is significantly more economical than renting several hotel rooms, and comes with the benefit of a private unit large enough to comfortably accommodate the lifestyle of a family on vacation, including easy access to younger family members that several hotel rooms cannot provide. A vacation condo rental effectively serves as a home away from home for an extended family or group stay in Florida.

Additionally, condos usually have additional amenities such as a pool or golf course nearby. Such resources may be difficult to use in a large hotel. Vacation condo amenities are either completely private (such as a patio or balcony) or much more private than a crowded hotel (such as a condo community pool). A vacation condo rental will also accommodate your beloved family pet, a service denied to pet lovers at most hotels.

A vacation condo rental in Florida allows a family or group the personal space for individuals and the shared space for a group to enjoy the time that they don’t spend enjoying the many attractions that a central Florida area vacation has to offer. In fact, vacation condos can provide every convenience of your own home (and maybe more!) for the duration of your stay.

Imagine renting a luxury 3 or more bedroom condo with multiple baths that is completely furnished with a washer and dryer, sheets, towels, and full kitchen in a gated community with a private or community pool, internet access and shopping facilities all within minutes of Disney World at a cost per room of less than a mid priced hotel/motel and certainly less than a luxury resort hotel. Certain agencies even include concierge services with some luxury condo rentals and villas. This makes it possible to obtain laptops, bicycles, baby supplies, cribs, high chairs, strollers and more. You can also arrange spa days, golf tee times or obtain attraction tickets at discounted prices in advance of or after arrival.

The best approach to finding a choice of luxury condo rentals or townhouses/villas for your family group is to work with a rental agency with integrity who will listen to your needs and provide you an honest assessment to book the right accommodations for your family or group and ensure that your Florida vacation is a cherished memory for years to come.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , , ,

Benefits of Renting a Villa

December 15, 2011 By

A family getaway is a great way to leave behind the stresses of everyday life, and reconnect with the people most important to you. If you’re planning a Disney vacation in the Orlando, Florida area, you should carefully consider your choices in lodging. Think outside the hotel box, and let your family enjoy one of the well appointed vacation villas the area has to offer. Florida Deluxe Villas can help you find the accommodations that will best suit the needs and wants of your family.

Villa rentals can provide a welcome change from staying in a hotel. Choosing a to stay in a villa while you enjoy the Disney parks provides several benefits for your family. You’ll have more privacy than a hotel could afford, since you won’t be surrounded by hundreds of strangers. Also, vacation villas offer your family a great deal more space than a hotel room would. This will allow you to enjoy your time together, while having ample room to store your belongings, and to allow each family member some personal space of their own. Orlando area villa rentals make your Disney vacation even more wonderful!

Renting a villa also means you will have your own, private kitchen, where you can prepare meals for your family. Not only will this help you be sure your family eats healthfully, but it will save you a great deal of money on eating out at the Disney parks, or at nearby restaurants. Villas are available in a variety of styles, and you can choose one that provides the best accommodations for you. Want a pool? Need several bedrooms? Traveling with a beloved family pet? In most cases, there is a property available to rent that will give you exactly what you’re looking for.

You may be wondering how you can find information about these rentals. When planning your Disney getaway, you will want to work with a vacation rental agency with integrity; someone who can listen to your needs and provide you an honest assessment. Florida Deluxe Villas can provide the great service you deserve, matching you with just the right property to fit your requirements. No matter which agency you choose, be sure to make your wishes known. Being open will make it easier for an agency to help you find the right property.

A Disney vacation will leave your family with many cherished memories for years to come. You can add even more enjoyment and fun by renting a private villa during your stay. The Orlando area and surrounding cities are full of wonderful accommodations, and with the right agency to aid you, you can find the one that’s just right for you. Make the most out of your trip by booking the right accommodations.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , ,

Vacationing in the Orlando Area

December 15, 2011 By

Nostalgia is big today. Notice how many ’50s diners have sprung up along the highways and byways, how many trolleys have been turned into roadside diners, and how many inns are built to resemble Tara. When people plan a vacation to get away from the stress of life today, they often go back in time to their childhoods. What says childhood better than Disney? Perhaps people do need to time travel a little to a time when the only stress in life was keeping their little brother away from their Mouseketeer ears. Planning a Disney vacation in or near Orlando, Florida would be the perfect escape.

Another thing that says stress-free is vacation villas. Orlando has some exquisite architecture, along with enjoying a lifestyle found only in Florida. Laid-back, easy-going and polite, renting villas in this area is like stepping into another world. No hurly-burly hustle and bustle, just slow warm days amid the fun and laughter that can only be found in a Disney vacation. No worries, no deadlines, no one breathing down your neck will be allowed here so you can charge the batteries, give the mind a rest and just plain have fun.

While planning to see all that Disney has to offer, and then some, keep in mind that concierge services come with vacation villas. No worries about forgetting the baby’s stroller. They have it covered. Forgot the golf clubs? They have it covered. Perhaps not knowing where to begin could be answered with these services by obtaining tickets to the theme parks, renting boats, making reservations for dinner while you’re enjoying the parks, setting up villa rentals for friends you’ve convinced to join the fun. Not doing-it-yourself says stress free best, perhaps, and just one more thing to love about a vacation spot here.

Of course, it can be stressful deciding what to see first among the many, many attractions, events and things to do in the Orlando area. Don’t let this happen to you, because you’re here to relax. If it’s necessary to extend your holiday in order to see and do everything, don’t let it bother you, because there’s plenty of time. All that is necessary is to let your concierge service know and they’ll take care of the rest. Let the sunshine, the water, the fun and the laughter ease the worries away – villa rentals in Florida tend to have that effect.

Life today is hard enough to make people look back in wonder at simpler days and wish them here again. That’s possible with a Disney vacation in Orlando. Allowing the sun and the water, the palm trees and cool breezes to ease away the troubles is worth a trip to Disney.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,