A festival devoted to the dark? That’s right! Just before sundown on Saturday, April 14, take a short drive to Harmony, Fla., less than a half hour from Kissimmee, where the 9th Annual Dark Sky Festival celebrates the marvels of the night sky while teaching the importance of protecting its darkness. You’ll become fascinated when you view stars and constellations while learning about how light pollution can affect not only astronomy research but also wildlife and our environment.
This nighttime festival offers activities to delight the celestial curiosity of your entire family. Peer through impressive telescopes as you stargaze on “telescope hill” and interact with local astronomers and scientists from NASA. Challenge your kids to a game of “glow golf” for some unique nighttime fun! Other highlights include a cosmic kids zone, science exhibits, a mobile planetarium and live music.
The Dark Sky Festival is a free public event on Saturday from 6 – 11 p.m. in Harmony, Fla., located less than 30 minutes from Disney. You’ll have your whole family seeing stars at this “must see” event – last year’s festival welcomed an estimated 5,000 attendees! View the festival website for directions and more information.
Soak up the Florida sunshine during a Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park. A popular tourist activity for more than 50 years, the Scenic Boat Tour guides you on a one hour narrated cruise through the lakes and canals of historic Winter Park.
The city of Winter Park was established in the late 19th century and was once a popular winter getaway and resort community for wealthy northerners. Today, it is famous for its stately oak trees, brick-lined streets, abundant parks, world-class museums and upscale homes. With an entertaining tour guide at the helm, learn about the area and take in breathtaking views of landmarks including Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Garden and Isle of Sicily along with tropical water birds, plants, flowers and magnificent mansions.
Winter Park is located less than 40 minutes from Kissimmee. After the boat tour, you and your family can share a meal at one of Winter Park’s fine restaurants or take a stroll down Park Avenue. Tickets for the Scenic Boat Tour are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 ride free. Visit scenicboattours.com for more information.
Today at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m., join host Peter Miller, professional angler and three-time world sailfish champion of the “Get Lit” fishing team, for an episode of “Bass 2 Billfish” on NBC Sports (formerly Versus) and discover some hidden fishing spots in Kissimmee, Florida! “Bass 2 Billfish” tours Florida, the fishing capital of the world, blending travel and sports fishing while uncovering unique fishing spots as it explores new locations around the state.
On today’s episode of the popular reality TV show, Peter Miller and Bruce and Vanessa Callis, a father and daughter team, embark on an once-in-a-lifetime bass fishing adventure on Lake Toho in Kissimmee. Watch as Peter, Bruce and Vanessa hook lunker bass and find out who reels in the biggest largemouth of the day! Also, tour a beautiful ALL STAR vacation home in Acadia Estates, where Peter, Bruce, Vanessa and the “Blass 2 Billfish” crew stayed during their trip.
The Lake Toho episode of “Bass 2 Billfish” airs on NBC Sports today at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Check your local listings or click here for more information.
Hit the road with your family to watch manatees in their natural habitat during the 2012 Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival! The manatee, a marine mammal sometimes called a sea cow, seeks warmer temperatures in Florida’s springs during winter months. This festival, located less than an hour from Orlando in Orange City, celebrates the opportunity to view this rare spectacle; included with admission is a bus ride to the nearby Blue Spring State Park where manatees like to swim.
Have you ever walked on water? Not only will you get the chance to see manatees, but the festival offers a variety of activities for the entire family. Dance to live entertainment, purchase local arts and crafts, view impressive sand sculptures and enjoy shows and rides. Kids can even climb inside a special clear inflatable walk-on-water ball. Additional activities include face painting, zoo presentations, great food and much more.
The Blue Spring Manatee Festival takes place on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $2 for children ages 4-10. Children 3 and under are free. (You must pay an additional $10 if you bring your dog). The proceeds from admission sales benefit the Friends of Blue Spring State Park and other organizations. Click here for directions, details and a printable coupon.
How many manatees can you spot on this live webcam of Blue Spring State Park?
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.
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.
Make your Spring Orlando vacation complete with these fun and festive events:
Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival
Explore a world of flowery fun with millions of beautiful blooms, Disney character topiaries, gardening tips from HGTV experts and live Flower Power concerts! Now through Sunday, May 15th at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Viva La Musica
Enjoy a fiesta of Latin music, food, arts and crafts. Now in its Final Weekend: Saturday, April 2nd at SeaWorld Orlando and Sunday, April 3rd at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®
It’s “Beads, Bands and Good Times!” with concerts, the sounds of New Orleans, Cajun food and parades! Saturdays, now through April 23rd at Universal Studios Florida®.
ALL STAR Vacation Homes is pleased to welcome the Gray Family, winners of the LIVE! with Regis and Kelly Blizzard Blast Family Reunion Orlando vacation getaway!
The Grays began their Orlando vacation today with a visit to SeaWorld Orlando.
2011 Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival
Flower Power Concert Series Schedule
Make your 2011 Disney vacation “rock” – catch the Flower Power Concert Series at the 18th Annual Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Upcoming concerts include:
March 25 – 27: Melissa Manchester
April 1 – 3: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
April 8 – 10: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
April 15 – 17: Juice Newton
April 22 – 24: Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
April 29 – May 1: Paul Revere & the Raiders
May 6 – 8: Davy Jones
May 13 – 15: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Performances are held at the America Gardens Theatre and are scheduled for 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival.
Explore a “fantasea” world of Halloween fun on your Fall Orlando vacation at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular.
This family-friendly Halloween celebration at SeaWorld Orlando is included with regular park admission and features these exciting kids’ activities:
Trick-or-Treat Sea Sweets – Wear your favorite costumes and search for hidden “sea” treats at over 12 locations throughout the park using special “treasure” maps!
Abby Cadabby’s Halloween Adventure – Enjoy photo-ops with Sesame Street’s Abby Caddaby plus help her search for her magic wand by solving interactive puzzles and more!
Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast – Mingle with The Count and other Sesame Street characters at this special breakfast buffet.
Cookie Decorating Station – Design your own unique Halloween-themed cookies at this special decorating station filled with a wide assortment of cookie toppings!
Frozen Fun Zone – Move to the groove of DJ’d music and join in on special interactive fun at Wild Arctic Plaza.
You’ll also encounter 35 costumed sea creatures including Gummy Worm Wanda, Salt Water Taffy, Swedish Fish Suzy – plus schools of pumpkin fish!
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular starts at 12:00 Noon each day and runs Saturdays and Sundays, October 9th – 24th and Friday through Sunday, October 29th – 31st at SeaWorld Orlando.
Embark on an Aquatic Orlando Vacation Adventure
at Reunion® Resort’s Water Park
During your Orlando vacation at Reunion Resort as a guest of ALL STAR Vacation Homes, you’ll enjoy access to Reunion’s expansive water park.
Just a quick walk or drive from your Disney area vacation home or condo, the on-site water park is an adventure filled with aquatic fun for everyone in the family!
Highlights include:
Flume Ride – slide at high-speed through a tropical landscape of twists and turns!
Water Playground – with water slide tubes, bridges, ladders and a splash pool!
Lazy River – drift the day away past lush shores and splashing waterfalls!
Kids will also love the interactive water activities and the resort pool that’s great for all ages. There’s even a wading pool for the little ones!
The water park at Reunion Resort also features a wooden boardwalk perfect for a casual tour of the outdoors, sand volleyball courts, and plenty of lounge areas in both the sun and the shade!
Plus, quench your thirst and feed your hunger at the water park’s restaurant, Longboards. Longboards features a full service kitchen, outdoor seating and a cocktail bar.
Experience Championship Orlando Golf
at Reunion® Resort
When you stay with ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion, a Preferred Partner of Reunion Resort, you’ll enjoy access to the resort’s exclusive signature golf courses.
Reunion Resort features 54 Holes of championship golf across three challenging courses designed by the pros to bring you a truly challenging Orlando vacation golf experience:
The Legacy™ – designed by Arnold Palmer, the 6,916 yard, par 72 Legacy Course takes you on a “roller coaster” ride over hills and elevation changes of up to 50 feet at times. You’ll also enjoy a variety of shot choices with six tee locations at each hole – many that present you with “go for broke” views of the hole. This innovative course also features strategically placed bunkers, wide fairways and beautiful natural preserve areas.
The Independence™ – designed by Tom Watson, the 7,257 yard, par 72 Independence Course features a link-style layout that’s a mixture of undulating dunes and fairways surrounded by a variety of native grasses, flora and other natural boundaries. Each hole includes five sets of tees, giving you the choice to play the short game. Additional course features include large greens and creatively placed bunkers that add to challenge.
The Tradition™ – designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 7,300 yard par 72 Tradition Course presents a beautiful, flowing Parkland-style layout. Its narrow, tree-lined fairways can get tricky and the plentiful water hazards will test your limits. This course also includes five sets of tees at each hole – plus elevated greens and tee boxes.
Beyond the courses, learn how to play your best game ever at The ANNIKA Academy™ – Reunion Resort’s state-of-the-art golf training facility by pro Annika Sorenstam where you’ll learn her unique golfing approach from personal swing coach Henri Reis and personal trainer Kai Fusser.
Plus, hone your skills at the driving range/practice green and stock up on all your golfing needs at the on-site golf shop.
Located near the Gator Jumparoo Show area of the park, this H2O-filled world of fun for the kids features:
Giant Egrets – a whole row of “birds” with flowing beak fountains
Gator Water Guns – for a friendly one-on-one water duel!
Ol’ Jalopy – overrun with water and places to splash
Bucket Tree – perfect for dashing, splashing fun for the little ones
Grandma’s Wet Shack – filled with a “fountain” of water-filled fun
Plus, don’t miss the Gator Wrestlin’ show, Up Close Encounters, the Gatorland Express Train Ride and all of the other great gator experiences that make Gatorland one of the most unique Orlando vacation attractions!
For cool evenings of music, dance, food and more on your Orlando vacation, be sure to catch the Taste of Africa Street Party – running July 9th through July 24th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® in Walt Disney World®.
Located in the Africa area of the park, this fun summer Disney Orlando vacation eventbegins each night after Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade and continues until closing time, including nights with Extra Magic Hours!
In addition to a great party atmosphere, enjoy special merchandise and animal education experiences. There’s even beer and wine tastings in Tamu Tamu Courtyard!
Explore the wild side of Africa on your Orlando vacation – don’t miss the Taste of Africa Street Party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®!
Located in the Bird Gardens section of the park, this new animal encounter area features a walking trail surrounded by kangaroos and wallabies where you can meet, pet and even hand feed these truly unique animals!
Be sure to check for scheduled feeding times to make sure you get the most out of this amazing experience.
Walkabout Way also features:
Kookaburra’s Nest – a free-flight aviary filled with the “laughing” kookaburras
Education Station – enjoy up-close encounters with Australian parrots, cockatoos and other animal ambassadors
Exotic Australian Birds – including Australian black swans and magpie geese
Take your Central Florida vacation “outback” – stroll down Walkabout Way at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
A festival devoted to the dark? That’s right! Just before sundown on Saturday, April 14, take a short drive to Harmony, Fla., less than a half hour from Kissimmee, where the 9th Annual Dark Sky Festival celebrates the marvels of the night sky while teaching the importance of protecting its darkness. You’ll become fascinated when you view stars and constellations while learning about how light pollution can affect not only astronomy research but also wildlife and our environment.
ALL STAR Vacation Homes is pleased to welcome the Gray Family, winners of the LIVE! with Regis and Kelly Blizzard Blast Family Reunion Orlando vacation getaway!
The Legacy™ – designed by Arnold Palmer, the 6,916 yard, par 72 Legacy Course takes you on a “roller coaster” ride over hills and elevation changes of up to 50 feet at times. You’ll also enjoy a variety of shot choices with six tee locations at each hole – many that present you with “go for broke” views of the hole. This innovative course also features strategically placed bunkers, wide fairways and beautiful natural preserve areas.
The Independence™ – designed by Tom Watson, the 7,257 yard, par 72 Independence Course features a link-style layout that’s a mixture of undulating dunes and fairways surrounded by a variety of native grasses, flora and other natural boundaries. Each hole includes five sets of tees, giving you the choice to play the short game. Additional course features include large greens and creatively placed bunkers that add to challenge.
The Tradition™ – designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 7,300 yard par 72 Tradition Course presents a beautiful, flowing Parkland-style layout. Its narrow, tree-lined fairways can get tricky and the plentiful water hazards will test your limits. This course also includes five sets of tees at each hole – plus elevated greens and tee boxes.
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