Archive for November, 2007
 Get into the spirit of the holidays while you shop at Downtown Disney this Christmas season. It’s a shopping experience like no other…because it’s right in the middle of all the Disney magic! Every avenue is dressed up for the holidays and you’ll find fantastic dining, entertainment, shopping and more as you stroll the decorated storefronts and eating establishments. Everyone visiting this awesome shopping emporium is full of good cheer and bubbling with excitement and it’s no wonder…there’s so much to see and do! From cute, eclectic boutiques to decadent candy stores and a plethora of fine dining choices, it’s a fun and whimsical journey you’ll want to experience again and again. Kids will love the decorations and the chance to see Santa himself in a beautifully decorated cottage that is Santa’s home away from home while he greets children from around the world. You’ll also find a Lego store unlike any other with giant Lego sculptures and statues made entirely of Legos! You’ll find the World of Disney Store with life-size audio animatronics, larger-than-life size Disney characters flying suspended from the ceilings and special sections for boys and girls to dress up and imagine to their hearts content. You’ll have a hard time deciding what to do next, but you’ll definitely have more fun than you ever thought you’d have while shopping!!
November 29th, 2007
Florida may be known for it’s theme parks, but did you know Florida is also the “Fishing Capital of the World?” Less than 15 miles from the All Star Hospitality Center, there are some of the best freshwater fishing lakes in the country. Throw in a line along many of the public-access piers available along the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, or take a guided tour in your search for “the big one.” You can also find that many tour operators offer eco-tours and nature tours as well as guided fishing excursions. Also, less than an hour from All Star’s Hospitality Center you’ll find ocean fishing piers, fishing charters, and places to surf-cast all along the east coast of Florida. Called the “Space Coast,” there’s plenty to do and see so while the fishermen in the family go off on the charter. The rest of the group  can tour the Kennedy Space Center, get some sun on the famous “Cocoa Beach,” do some surfing or swimming or shop at the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop that’s open 24 hours a day!
November 29th, 2007
The parks are great for non-stop fun and excitement, but there’s another side of Orlando that offers visitors the chance to see the beautiful, natural side of Florida. A popular alternative to the hsutle and bustle of the parks is a visit to Florida’s wetlands on an airboat tour. There are many areas you can visit on an airboat, but the closest one to your All Star Vacation Home is Boggy Creek Airboat Rides…about 14 miles from most of All Star’s homes. Florida’s wetlands are a cornucopia of various shore birds, turtles, fish, critters and of course, alligators. The tour boats glide effortlessly over the marshlands at speeds of up to 50 mph, but your tour guides stop often to point out the many different areas of interest or that local alligator sunning on the shore! Special group tours are available and you can book an evening sunset tour as well. It’s a different experience for everyone and may even be one of the highlights of your visit.
November 29th, 2007
 This year get wild and crazy for the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Join a bunch of “animals” for Christmas and have the most fun at any theme park. All your favorite Disney characters are dressing up for the holidays and are appearing daily for “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” that runs through January 6 2008. Watch all the crazy character antics as they perform along the parade route, and then visit them up close at Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village which is decorated with festive holiday trees and features live entertainment and photo opportunities. While your’e there, make sure to take a safari ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris, experience the fearsom Expedition Everest, see the amazing Festival of the Lion King show – which is truly an adventure you won’t want to miss, and take in the fantastic Finding Nemo Musical. Try something different this year and join in all the fun at the “wildest” theme park Disney offers!
November 29th, 2007
Couldn’t get to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City? You’re in luck … see the best of the parade every night at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. From December 7th through January 1st, Universal presents the Macy’s Holiday Parade with many of the  same parade balloons, floats, performers and much more. New this year is the Simpson’s Family RV, an all-new Shrek balloon, and new holiday shows featuring the Blues Brothers, Barney and more. The show is included in the general admission price so this year enjoy the warm, sunny Florida weather and the best parade ever…all in one place!
November 27th, 2007
 We all love shopping and finding deals! Recently I had received a VIP coupon book for the Orlando Premium Outlets that included a specific deal at each of the 110 stores. Depending on the store the savings could be applied to one item or a specific dollar amount or % for the total purchase. You can purchase a VIP coupon book at the Information Center for $5.00 near the Food Court. The savings were HUGE for a $5.00 investment.
November 26th, 2007
While it’s true that many visitors come to Florida to escape the wintry weather up north, you might be surprised to see it’s snowing every night in Florida this December! But, there’s a big difference. You see, when it snows in downtown Celebration, Florida … it’s still T-shirt weather!  That’s because every night from December 1st through New Years Eve, the snow that falls four times a night, right on schedule, is made of the feather-light soapsuds variety….so there’s no need to wrap up in that fluffy parka or mittens! You can also enjoy a stroll though the beautifully decorated downtown area to nightly caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express and more. Celebration also offers an evening of live entertainment and fireworks on New Years Eve, so make your plans early to ring in the new year in a family-friendly old-town atmosphere. Join the fun in Celebration this year and you can tell everyone back home it snowed every single night when you were here!!
November 23rd, 2007
 It’s not news that Walt Disney World plans to continue the “Year of a Million Dreams” through 2008 … but what IS new are the many “firsts” that will be given away to Walt Disney World visitors randomly throughout the year! Some of the new wishes include a ride high above Epcot in a Spaceship Earth-shaped hot air balloon, a chance to go to the High School Musical 3 premiere in Hollywood California and an appearance on TV at the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Parade and so much more! New prizes are given out every day by the Disney “Dream Squad” to guests who are totally surprised by their selection as prize winners. Some are so overwhelmed by their selection, that they are almost speechless! Disney is also offering a giveaway contest on their website so check it out and enter to win the dream of a lifetime!
November 21st, 2007
 Gatorland is a one-of-a-kind, protected conservation habitat where you’ll find unexpected adventures around every corner! Well-known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland’s 110-acre theme park and nature conservatory is located in Central Florida at the head of the Florida Everglades. Once you have experienced Gatorland, you’ll want to come back again and again! Locals love Gatorland’s Nature Walks through undisturbed conservancy areas and the wide variety of animal exhibits you won’t find anywhere else. Little ones can pet baby goats and have nectar-loving birds literally eat from their hands and perch anywhere there’s an available cup of nectar! And, of course, there are gators! Lots of ‘em! Small ones, big ones, hungry ones and not-so-hungry ones. There are even gator replicas to climb on for that photo op the kids crave! Be sure to catch the animal shows that offer fun and entertainment but also help to educate all of us about the animal world and how we can help preserve it for future generations.
November 20th, 2007
 Put your inhibitions on hold and go crazy at Islands of Adventure….part of the Universal Studios’ theme park duo in Orlando Florida. It’s the popular theme park with rides that will thrill, chill and scare even the  most experienced adventure park aficionado in your group. With heart-throbbing rides like The Incredible Hulk coaster, Revenge of the Mummy, Dueling Dragons double coaster, the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man and more, the adventure-seeker will be sure to find something to “hang on” to! The younger ones will have plenty to do as well with rides like the Flying Unicorn, Pteradon Flyers (even the older ones like this one), the Caro-Suessel carousel and One Fish, Two Fish. One thing’s for sure…you will not have trouble fnding things to keep everyone in your group happy! It’s an all-day adventure that’s hard to top. Many rides have height and other requirements so be sure to check each ride’s rules so little ones won’t be disappointed when you arrive. Check the website for hours and ticket information and be prepared for as much fun as you can handle!
November 20th, 2007
 The most unusual “show” in Orlando this year has to be the “Blue Man Group” at Universal Studios Orlando. Part musical, part acrobatics and part visual extravaganza … the Blue Man Group is a multi-media show that will give you thrills and chills no other “attraction” can offer! The Blue Man Group blends the lines between traditional entertainment and a wild and crazy party atmosphere. It’s hard to describe what goes on during the show, so instead of wondering….mark your calendar to see for yourself the next time you’re in Orlando Florida. You don’t want to miss this!
November 20th, 2007
Universal Studios’ CityWalk is the place to be this holiday season! If you want great dining, fantastic holiday decorations, and shopping galore … this is the place to be! With dining experiences like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Bob Marley’s –A Tribute to Freedom Restaurant, the new Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Emeril’s, The Hard Rock Cafe and more….there’s fantastic dining for every palate. If dining and dancing are more to your liking, then try CityJazz a live music club that also offers pasta, burgers, appetizers and more. CityWalk has the best nighlife in the area with several dance clubs, ethnic eateries and non-stop excitement! Check out everything CityWalk and make your Orlando vacation the most amazing adventure yet!
November 20th, 2007
Soar into an all-new experience, one that is unlike any other Orlando-area attraction …Fantasy of Flight! This art-deco inspired attraction is an experience you and your family will want to visit over and over, as there’s something new going on all the time. It’s part museum, part antique airplane and car display and part thrill-ride! You can take a ride in a restored bi-plane that soars over Florida’s wilder countryside, or get up early for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride in the  tranquil early morning hours. Other activities include tours of the restoration facilities, a tram ride through the back lot areas, a chance for little ones to climb and sit in restored aircraft, take a ride in a virtual hang glider and climb aboard the last known airworthy flying boat … the Sunderland …with a wingspan of more than 100 feet! With so much to do be sure to plan on spending enough time to enjoy it all!
November 20th, 2007
 Olrando, Florida’s Arabian Nights Dinner Show is host to some of the most elegant Arabian horses and riders in the largest equestrian dinner show arena in Orlando. With a romantic bent to the story line, all horse lovers will be spellbound by the amazing horsemanship and pagentry the show provides. The story allows the audience to see the horses do incredible stunts and beautiful dances with their capable riders. There is something for everyone with romance, thrilling chases, battles, contests of skill, lovely costumes and don’t forget …great food and drinks. It’s a show that continues to attract and entertain audiences over and over but never ceases to amaze! Check the website for show times and tickets … the show books early especially during the holidays!
November 19th, 2007
For a change of pace this Christmas, have some swashbuckling fun at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Through January 6th you can enjoy high-flying acrobatics, sword battles, and amazing pyrotechnics galore…with a holiday twist. This year, the show features an innocent elf who’s forced to become a pirate and joind the crew on a mysterious pairate ship in order to save the day….and Christmas, too! Have a great dinner, enoy an evening of fun and festivities and see the all-new Christmas show at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure this holiday season.
November 19th, 2007
This holiday season, Cypress Gardens is offering a beautiful, old-fashioned Southern Christmas celebration from November 16-December 31. The crowning glory at the theme park this holiday is a magnificent 80-foot christmas tree that will have its official lighting on November 23. While many of the holiday decorations are brand-new to the park, Cypress Gardens was fortunate to be able to restore some of the historic park’s original holiday displays which help to re-create the simpler, old-fashioned holidays of years past. Adding to the theme will be elegantly costumed carolers and musicians, live nativity performances, holiday-themed shows and more. Check out the events going on this holiday season at Cypress Gardens in nearby Winter Haven Florida.
November 19th, 2007
For something different, be sure to catch the “ICE!” spectacular at Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida. ICE! delivers a distinct chill with a temperature of 9 degrees and over 2 million pounds of ice sculpted into a truly amazing winter wonderland of ice igloos, animals, candy-inspired houses and an ice-slide that brave visitors can ride! While the dress code for the rest of Orlando might be flip-flops and shorts, be sure to dress for a “cool” time .. but there’s no need for your winter coat and mittens! ICE provides a warm parka for everyone and there is tasty hot cocoa available to take the chill off as well! So, if you miss the colder temperatures of home while you are in sunny Florida this holiday season, re |
