Archive for November, 2009
Make your Christmas Orlando vacation experience unforgettable – be sure to see It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
This unique holiday performance is inspired by the timeless classic Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The story is told by a group of actors who perform several characters each and even make the sound effects – all live – just like a 1940s-era radio play broadcast!
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs December 4th through the 13th on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Osceola Center for the Arts in Kissimmee, Florida.
Show times are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays; 2pm on Sundays.
November 30th, 2009
Celebrate the holidays in style during your Christmas Orlando vacation at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa with Christmas dinner delivery.
Enjoy a sumptuous feast plus a tray of Christmas cookies prepared and delivered to your Orlando vacation condo by the on-site Beacon Deli.
For Christmas menu details and pricing information, please visit the Beacon Deli at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa.
Hurry! Orders must be placed on or before December 18, 2009.
Add a little flavor to your Christmas Orlando vacation at Lighthouse Key – order your Christmas dinner today!
November 27th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
November 27, 2009 Edition
Light Up the Holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For a truly dazzling Christmas light spectacular, see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.
You’ll be awestruck as you watch literally millions of colorful lights dance in sync to a rousing score of powerful holiday music along The Streets of America section of the park.
Buildings come to life with a brilliant glow, carousels twirl, flashing Christmas trees dance and even Santa’s sleigh shoots across the sky!
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays on your Orlando vacation!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights runs now through January 4th, 2010 and begins each night at dusk.
November 27th, 2009
For exciting basketball action on your Thanksgiving Orlando vacation, check out the 4th annual Old Spice Classic NCAA Basketball Tournament at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
This thrilling, bracket-style tournament starts on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26th and continues Friday, November 27th and Sunday, November 29th.
Eight teams will compete, each playing one game per day – including a championship square-off on Sunday, November 29th at 7:30pm.
This year’s featured teams are: Alabama, Baylor, Creighton, Florida State, Iona, Marquette, Michigan and Xavier.
Celebrate Thanksgiving NCAA style – catch the Old Spice Classic on your Orlando vacation!
November 25th, 2009
For a heartwarming holiday Orlando vacation experience, don’t miss the Kenny Rogers Christmas and Hits Tour, coming to Kissimmee next week!
This special one-night concert features the legendary Kenny Rogers singing Christmas favorites plus a selection of his top greatest hits.
Kenny Rogers Christmas and Hits Tour is scheduled for 8pm on Monday, November 30th at Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park.
November 24th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
November 20, 2009 Edition
Snow is Coming to Celebration in Central Florida
Enjoy the beauty of “snow” on your Orlando vacation at Now Snowing in Downtown Celebration.
This unique annual event features nightly ten-minute soap bubble “snowfalls” at 6, 7, 8 and 9PM.
You’ll also enjoy a winter wonderland of fun, including:
- Strolling Charles Dickens carolers
- Photos with Santa
- Celebration Express train rides
- Horse drawn carriage rides
- …and more!
Now Snowing in Downtown Celebration runs November 28th through December 31st, 2009.
Celebrate the season on your Orlando vacation at Now Snowing in Downtown Celebration!
November 20th, 2009
ALL STAR Vacation Homes attended the Central Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association (CFVRMA) Conference and Tradeshow on November 19th at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World.
Members of the ALL STAR team met with over 40 vendors, networked with vacation rental managers from across the region and participated in sessions on marketing and management for the industry.
Topics included: Internet marketing tools, updates from Disney, plus search engine optimization tips from Trent Blizzard, CMO, Blizzard Internet Marketing.
November 20th, 2009
For a truly “wild” Orlando vacation experience, see celebrity animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna at SeaWorld Orlando this weekend.
You’ll earn amazing animal facts, meet exotic animals and more during his thrilling and one-of-a-kind show.
Show times are 1:15 pm and 3:15 pm at the Nautilus Theater this Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nd.
Don’t miss out on a truly exciting Orlando vacation experience – catch Jack Hanna at SeaWorld Orlando!
November 18th, 2009

“It’s been almost a year since our visit and our kids are still asking us ‘when are we going back?’”
The ALL STAR Story of the Month for November is from the Neal Family from Florida.
“Many of our most cherished family memories come from when our parents exposed us to different vacation destinations, especially during the holidays. Last Thanksgiving my siblings and I were able to do the same for our kids with our vacation in the Windsor Palms Resort,” said Mrs. Neal.
“Our kids took full advantage of all of the amenities that were offered especially the Wii game room and 60 seat movie theatre in the resort clubhouse. Its been almost a year since our visit and our kids are still asking us ‘when are we going back?’”
Read their story and enter for your chance to Win a 7-night stay with ALL STAR!
November 16th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
November 13, 2009 Edition
The Polar Express Experience
Opens Today at SeaWorld Orlando
Travel to the North Pole on your holiday Orlando vacation – “board” The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld Orlando.
Embark on a magical adventure that takes you through your favorite scenes of the hit book and movie.
Journey into a winter wonderland of polar bears, beluga whales and walruses plus enjoy the sights, sounds and – yes, even scents – of the holiday season as you reach your destination.
You’ll even experience a magical greeting from Santa!
Located at The Wild Arctic attraction at SeaWorld Orlando, The Polar Express Experience runs today through January 3rd.
November 13th, 2009
ALL STAR salutes America’s veterans on Veterans Day.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who have served and are serving our country.
THANK YOU!
November 11th, 2009
For free, family friendly Orlando vacation fun, visit the 34th annual Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World this weekend.
Presented by Sharpie, the Festival of the Masters features over 150 award-winning artists with their work on display – including paintings, sculptures, photography and more.
Other highlights include:
- 6,000 square feet of sidewalk chalk art on display – plus a special area for the kids to make their own!
- A meet and greet with Cirque du Soleil® La Nouba™ performers – including face painting fun!
- Special kids’ activities – like Disney character drawing lessons, a DJ Dance Party and more!
Also, don’t miss the House of Blues Folk Art Festival celebrating the 11th annual “Where the Art Meets the Soul” festival with top folk artists, live music and more!
The festival, located at Downtown Disney West Side, runs this Friday, November 13th through Sunday, November 15th. Hours are 9:30pm – 5:30pm. Admission and parking are free!
Don’t miss this free and fun Downtown Disney event – check out the Festival of the Masters on your Fall Orlando vacation!
November 11th, 2009
Don’t miss out on the last scheduled space shuttle launch of the year – visit the Kennedy Space Center on your Orlando vacation.
Space Shuttle Atlantis will embark on STS-129, the shuttle program’s 31st mission to the International Space Station.
The mission, scheduled for launch on November 16th at 2:28pm ET, includes delivery of key space station components and will feature three spacewalks.
November 10th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
November 6, 2009 Edition
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Starts Next Week
Starting next week, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party brings the magic of the season to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – the perfect place to celebrate the holidays on your Orlando vacation.
At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you’ll enjoy special holiday cheer featuring Mickey and his pals, plus special celebrations, including:
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
- Holiday Wishes Fireworks – a magical fireworks spectacular
- Castle Dream Lights – watch Cinderella’s castle sparkle like the stars!
… and much more!
There’s also special holiday treats, greetings from your favorite Disney characters and even snow falling on Main Street!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts next Tuesday, November 10th and runs on select nights through Friday, December 18th. Hours are 7pm to Midnight. Separate admission is required.
November 6th, 2009
ALL STAR Vacation Homes, along with the vacation rental industry, is celebrating International Vacation Rental Awareness Month throughout the month of November.
International Vacation Rental Awareness Month was recently established at the 25th Annual Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) National Conference held in Washington D.C. last week.
The new initiative, part of the Discover Vacation Homes vacation rental awareness campaign, was launched to help travelers reconnect with family, friends, partners and spouses via convenient resources and tools that assist in showing how to stay together on their next trip for less, including:
- Vacation Rental Specials
- 10 Secrets to Saving on Travel with Vacation Rentals
- Top 8 Vacation Rental Myths, Debunked
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Vacation Rental Planning Tips
- Choosing the Right Vacation Rental
Join ALL STAR in the celebration by visiting our Orlando vacation rental specials page.
November 4th, 2009
Don’t miss the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World on your Orlando vacation. Enjoy food, music and fun, including regional foods, wines, and beers from around the world – plus the final Eat to the Beat! concerts:
- 11/3 – 11/5 – Billy Ocean
- 11/6 – 11/8 – Los Lobos
Concerts are held at the America Gardens Theatre daily at 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm.
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, now in its last week, runs through this Sunday, November 8th.
November 3rd, 2009
Members of the ALL STAR Vacation Homes team joined over 500 professionals in the vacation home rental industry for the 25th Annual Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) National Conference in Washington D.C., October 25th – October 28th.
The team attended sessions on marketing, business development, housekeeping, guest services and more.
During the conference, VRMA provided updates on the association’s initiatives that included an updated strategic plan, tracking and analytics for the industry as well as updates to the Discover Vacation Homes awareness campaign, including designating November as International Vacation Rental Awareness Month.
November 2nd, 2009