Archive for November, 2011
Running through the holiday season is the returning splendor of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Exhibited at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park for more than fifteen years, Dancing Lights features millions of lights that dance in choreographed whimsy to holiday music and include angels, carousels and even Santa and his reindeer.
What began as a Christmas present for his daughter, Jennings Osborne’s elaborate light display grew bigger and bigger with every passing year, until he decided to share it at Hollywood Studios.
Visit Hollywood Studios on your Orlando vacation and take in the breathtaking sight of the Dancing Lights, a spectacle you’ll have to see to believe!
November 30th, 2011
Already a leader in big balloons, Orlando Balloon Rides will be launching the largest hot air balloon in the United States. This new one-of-a-kind balloon is five times the size of a regular hot air balloon. “You could fly the average balloon inside this balloon,” says Orlando Balloon Rides CEO Jason Schulke. Capable of transporting 24 people at a time and measuring more than eleven stories, the new balloon Facebook users named “Perelandra” will take flight mid-December. For its inaugural flight, 24 lucky individuals chosen through Facebook, charity events and other means will have the opportunity to christen the balloon’s maiden voyage through the Central Florida skies.
Make your reservations now for a once in a lifetime experience.
November 29th, 2011
As the holidays approach, the theme parks are sure tobe at high traffic crowds. Many apps can now help you plan and navigate your way through to get the most out of your day at the park. These apps can help you fit in all of your family’s favorite attractions and activities.
Mobile Magic
Disney’s only official app available exclusively through Verizon, Mobile Magic is a great way to ensure a stress-free day at the park. Get updates on attraction wait times and FASTPASS return times, even find out where your favorite characters are.
Touring Plans
Available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry, this app offers information on a variety of parks. Check out wait times for rides, information on attractions and chat with other vacationers to gather tips that will greatly enhance your park-going experience.
Hidden Mickeys
The Hidden Mickeys app has taken a decades-old game to a whole new interactive level. Available for Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, Hidden Mickeys gives you a whole new way to enjoy the Disney parks.
Universal Studios Wait Time
This app for Android is perfect for managing your time at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plan out your day with park information on wait times at all attractions and rides.
SeaWorld App
It’s like a tour guide on your iPhone! Easily navigate through the park with a handy map and highlighted paths and find information about attractions, shows and wait times. Also handy is the car locator and camera option within the app with the added SeaWorld framing option.
Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy your Orlando vacation. Download these apps and start planning today!
November 28th, 2011
Celebration is the perfect place for the whole family during your Orlando vacation for great food and shopping in a small-town atmosphere. The holiday season makes it one of the most festive places to be. Visit Celebration for a delicious dinner at one of the many family-friendly restaurants and stay for the tree lighting and first snowfall of the season on November 26th. Enjoy live entertainment and a special appearance by Santa Claus while snow falls, transforming the town into a winter wonderland of Christmas cheer. Snow will fall nightly through the holidays until December 31st so make it a point to drop by and treat your family to a night of holiday fun.
November 25th, 2011
ALL STAR Vacation Homes wishes you and your family
a safe and happy 2011 Thanksgiving Holiday!
Sincerely,
The ALL STAR Team
November 23rd, 2011
Kick off the holidays with Mickey this year on your Orlando vacation. Starting November 8th, bring the family to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This fun-filled party is complete with live entertainment featuring Disney Characters, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, an exclusive holiday fireworks show and a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Feast on complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while meeting your favorite Disney characters and taking in the Magic Kingdom’s many sights and attractions.
Only Disney could bring a Christmas extravaganza so entertaining and festive!
November 21st, 2011
If you’re looking for a way to treat your family to a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and take in Florida’s natural beauty during your Orlando vacation, look no further than Forever Florida. Join them for Festival Days with their special Thanksgiving Feast and stay for the day. Take the family on an ecosafari through Forever Florida’s conservation lands where you’ll venture through natural forests, pastures and wetlands. In this unique ecological environment, you’ll be able to surround yourself with nature, taking in the quiet peace of the lake or enjoying the animals at the petting zoo.
November 16th, 2011
After returning from one of Orlando’s many theme parks and attractions, relax in the comfort of your Orlando vacation home living room or home theatre with some classic, family friendly films. A few of our favorites:
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Finding Nemo (2003)This Oscar-winning animated feature is Pixar at its very best. Literally a fish-out-water tale, “Nemo” features a son’s adventure to return home and his father’s own journey to find him. |
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The Wizard of Oz (1939)Every generation’s classic film about Dorothy’s trip to Oz and the friends she meets along the way. Re-watch with your family or show this quintessential gem to your kids for the first time. There’s no place like home. |
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E.T. (1982)Grab a box of tissues and relive the adventure of Elliott and his friendship with an extraterrestrial who is trying to get home. |
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Toy Story (1995)Catch Woody, Buzz and the whole gang of toys as they work together to find their way back to Andy. If you’re up to the task, watch the entire top notch, award-winning trilogy from Pixar. |
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The Muppet Movie (1979)Gear up for the new upcoming “The Muppets” by returning to the first film featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and dogs and bears and chickens and things. A laugh-a-minute with dozens of celebrity cameos, this is the perfect way to introduce your children to The Muppets. |
Pop the popcorn and settle in for a relaxing and fun night with your family in your ALL STAR vacation home.
November 14th, 2011
ALL STAR Vacation Homes salutes America’s veterans on Veterans Day. We would like to thank all the fine men and women that have served and currently serve our country.
You made a commitment and sacrifice to uphold and defend the freedom we enjoy each day in America, and for that we extend our deepest appreciation and thanks.
THANK YOU!
November 11th, 2011
Pay tribute to our country’s veterans at Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade. Join the Central Florida community in Downtown Orlando to honor the courageous men and women of our armed forces. Over 150 Central Florida veterans’ organizations will be in attendance as well as Orlando’s firefighters and police officers and a number of participating high school marching bands and creative floats also featured in Tampa’s Gasparilla parade.
November 11th, 2011
Check out these upcoming fun and family-friendly events during your fall
Orlando vacation:
A Taste of Celebration – November 10th
A free fall festival in Celebration’s town center, A Taste of Celebration features live music, an interactive Kids Zone, a fireworks show and food from Celebration’s finest restaurants. Dance to the swinging sounds of special guests Michael Andrew & Swingerhead and enjoy the moves of the Swing Knights dance team.
Fantasy of Flight’s Roar n’ Soar Event – November 12 & 13
Attend Fantasy of Flight’s 5th Annual Roar n’ Soar event in Polk City. Watch some of the finest land, sea and sky machines as they exhibit their racing prowess. Check out the exotic automobiles, vintage watercraft and rare airplanes. Guaranteed high-speed fun for the entire family.
Festival of Trees – November 12 – 20
Get into the Christmas spirit with Central Florida’s premiere holiday event. The Orlando Museum of Art will be made over with designer trees and holiday decorations to set the Christmas mood. Participate in the seasonal activities like the Reindeer Romp and Holiday Stroll. Included are fine food, live entertainment and shopping for all of your holiday accessories.
November 10th, 2011
SeaWorld has announced today that it is planning three incredible additions to its Orlando parks, and guests will be lining up to take part in these new adventures as early as Spring 2012. Already the leader in up close and personal attractions, SeaWorld is pushing the envelope a bit further to provide an even more intimate look at aquatic life.
| TURTLE TREK |
 Turtle Trek, opening at SeaWorld Orlando in Spring 2012, features naturalistic habitats of more than 1500 freshwater and saltwater fish and rescued manatees and sea turtles. The program continues with a 3-D/360-degree dome theater with a completely unique glimpse into a sea turtle’s epic journey from its point of view. Turtle Trek’s goal is not only to entertain and delight but also to educate and inspire guests to get involved in animal rescue and habitat preservation. |
| FRESHWATER OASIS |
 Discovery Cove’s Freshwater Oasis, also opening in Spring 2012, contributes to the park’s continuing reputation of being completely interactive. This new addition provides a tropical and relaxing setting allowing guests to explore at their own leisure and pace. As they wander and wade in the water-filled trails, they’ll discover playful otters and marmosets. Freshwater Oasis is more of a tranquil getaway than a park attraction. |
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| EMPIRE OF THE PENGUIN |
 In Spring 2013, SeaWorld Orlando will be debuting its most ambitious expansion with Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin. Guests will have the opportunity to experience life on the frozen continent and engage in close encounters with the inhabitants. This is sure to be a truly adventurous excursion into new territory.Stay up-to-date on the new additions by visiting the parks’ websites and be sure to purchase your tickets for SeaWorld and Discovery Cove during your next Orlando Vacation. |
November 8th, 2011
Celebrate art at the 36th annual Festival of the Masters on November 11th. Hosted by Downtown Disney and presented by Michaels, this two-day event is sure to satisfy the art-lover in everyone. The festival is a truly unique spectacle with specialty drawings by Disney artists as well as various Disney-inspired art fused with more than 150 local and national artists. Chalk drawing, LEGO-building and two new interactive Disney video games make this is a fun event for the whole family. Come for the art, stay for the waterside shows, live music and specialty foods.
Location
Downtown Disney Area
Dates and Times
- Friday, November 11, 2011 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 0:00 am to 5:00 pm
November 8th, 2011
There are a number of advantages to booking your Orlando vacation this time of year. The theme parks are all decked out in celebration so you can enjoy all the holiday magic that is already in the air! Crowds are considerably lighter, and you will find the best specials and rates during early November and early December travel dates. While avoiding longer lines and crowded parks, you will also enjoy Orlando’s incredible Fall weather. The mornings and evenings may be a little chilly so bring layers for your all-day excursions, then head back to your vacation home to take full advantage of your heated pool or hot tub.
Learn about ALL STAR’s FREE night Fall Special, and plan your Fall getaway!
November 4th, 2011
Taking your Orlando Vacation during the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a traditional family Thanksgiving meal. Here are some great ways to celebrate Thanksgiving without any of the hassle:
Avoid the grocery stores.
Don’t waste your vacation standing in lines or fighting over the last pumpkin pie. Pre-order your groceries from Garden Grocer. Everything you need to prepare dinner will be delivered to your vacation home prior to your arrival.
Stay out of the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a little more relaxation during your vacation, let someone else do the cooking. From the appetizers to dessert, Publix Supermarkets can provide you with an entire meal, complete with all the traditional dishes your family will enjoy.
Hire a personal chef.
Treat your family to a gourmet meal prepared by your own personal chef. For Thanksgiving dinner or through the duration of your stay, a personal chef is a wonderful way to enjoy delicious meals with your family during your vacation.
November 2nd, 2011
Running through the holiday season is the returning splendor of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Exhibited at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park for more than fifteen years, Dancing Lights features millions of lights that dance in choreographed whimsy to holiday music and include angels, carousels and even Santa and his reindeer.
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