Posts filed under 'ORLANDO VACATION NEWS'
Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is bringing the sand and surf to families this summer with a brand new sandcastle-themed Kids’ Park water playground. Encompassing an acre, the Kids’ Park will be the largest waterpark playground in Florida, covering 15,000 square feet and spanning more than 60 feet in height. The sandcastle playground will feature two pools with 85,000 gallons of water, guaranteed not to wash away with the tide.
The Kids’ Park will be Wet ‘n Wild’s first new attraction in four years, replacing the current kids’ park. Guests will get splashed by more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and cannons as they explore a giant sandcastle, splash in two pools and ride down 17 slides. Parents will enjoy soaking up rays in a beach-themed seating area surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. Click here to view a full-size image of the Kids’ Park.
Designed to have families enjoy more together, the interactive Kids’ Park was created for families with kids of all ages, no shovel or pail needed! The new Kids’ Park at Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is scheduled to open Summer of 2012 and will be included with general admission.
February 1st, 2012
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?
January 26th, 2012
Help support a charity and really cool off by jumping into Aquatica’s unusually frigid waters during the Polar Plunge® this Saturday! For one day, Aquatica is icing down its wave pool so that brave swimmers can experience a new kind of wintry excitement to raise money for Special Olympics Florida, which provides sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The event takes place on Saturday, January 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and registration begins at 9 a.m. Those who raise or donate at least $100 are able to participate (minimum age is 15). Click here for registration information. Unable to attend or prefer to stay dry? You can still raise money for the Special Olympics by becoming a “virtual plunger” without getting wet. It’s free to get started; click here to sign up.
Plungers will enjoy official commemorative Plunge gear, access to the park for the remainder of the day and of course bragging rights! Fun prizes are also awarded based on the amount of money you raise.
Happy plunging!
January 20th, 2012
“Getting Away Together,” a new half hour travel TV series airing on PBS member stations across the United States, provides a glimpse into the vacations of different families and friends as they come together in celebration. The series documents different groups of people traveling to various American destinations while offering viewers invaluable travel tips and insider information. From girlfriend getaways to family reunions and milestone celebrations, the series shows the benefits of vacationing together in spectacular rental properties across America.
“Getting Away Together” serves as a platform to exhibit heartwarming moments of family gatherings and overdue reunions. The program focuses on the ever-growing trend of vacation home rental during getaways as vacationers seek a more prominent feeling of togetherness. It’s the first reality travel series to focus on this trend of “togethering.”
In one episode, “Get Away Together” travels to America’s number one family vacation destination, Kissimmee in Central Florida, and showcases the magic of the theme parks and attractions and numerous advantages to staying in a comfortable vacation home. Other episodes of the show will visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Central Oregon, the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, California’s Oceanside and more!
Watch “Getting Away Together” now on PBS and see real families make real memories. Check your local listings or visit or visit www.gettingawaytogether.com for more information. You can view webisodes by clicking here.
January 18th, 2012
Now in its seventh year, Otronicon, or the Orlando Electronic Interactive Entertainment Convention, at the Orlando Science Center, January 13-16, celebrates how video games, simulation and digital media impact the way we live by exploring the science, art and technology behind them. “Boot-up” for four days of video game-filled fun and play video games, from classic arcade games to the latest platforms, as well as experience virtual reality and real-world training simulators.
Providing more than just family entertainment, at Otronicon you can learn how video games and interactive technology contribute to advancements in health care, education, training and simulation. Meet creative professionals behind video game technology including EA SPORTS, Lockheed Martin, University of Central Florida, Florida Hospital and for the first time, Walt Disney World® Resort. Disney will be demonstrating how they use modeling and simulation to create some of the world’s most memorable attractions.
Jam in “Rock Band” onstage with the controls embedded in an actual drum kit, attend a workshop and learn how to create video games, control robots, challenge players to a round of laser tag, see a laser light show, explore the Orlando Science Center and much, much more! Otronicon, this year, is expected to be the biggest event yet. Take the whole family and have fun while learning on your Orlando vacation!
Admission to Otronicon is included in general admission to the Orlando Science Center which is $17 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-11. Visit http://www.otronicon.org/for more information.
January 13th, 2012
ALL STAR Vacation Homes recognized four team members today, January 10, 2012, who have served for 10 or more years honoring ALL STAR’s vision to provide a vacation home experience like no other. ALL STAR Vacation Homes is guided by its 5 Star Promise through commitments to Guests, Home Owners, Team Members, Community and Company. The following team members were recognized for their dedication in fulfilling the 5 Star Promise, and helping to create the ALL STAR Difference:
Kelly DiGiovanni, Director of ALL STAR Standards
Cari Licata, Reservations Director
Mike Trover, Property Care Director
Jean Miller, Senior Accounts Manager
Congratulations from the entire ALL STAR team!
January 10th, 2012
It has terrorized Amity Island for years. It’s coming and you can’t escape it… January 2, 2012, the last day you can ride JAWS® at Universal Studios Florida®! One of the original attractions since Universal opened, JAWS® has been thrilling park visitors since 1990.
JAWS® takes visitors on a fictional scenic boat tour off the cost of Amity where the famed 1974 great white shark attacks that inspired movie took place. Visitors are assured great white sharks haven’t been spotting in the area for years, until now! According to the ride description by Universal Orlando® Resort, “Your boat’s skipper calls for help and fires into the water. A darkened boathouse offers no refuge. The monstrous shark hammers your boat relentlessly, surrounding you with a sea of wreckage. If you can just get past those flaming fuel pumps you might make it back to dry land…” Can you and your family survive JAWS®?
Don’t miss your chance to make memories with your family and enjoy the iconic JAWS® ride one last time during your Orlando Vacation. JAWS® closes January 2, 2012 and is included with park admission. The Amity Island area of the park will also be closing. Click here for more information on the closing of JAWS®.
December 28th, 2011
ALL STAR Vacation Homes has joined the prestigious new Disney affiliation program for vacation rental home companies, Vacation Rental Home Connection, Part of the Disney Ticket Network®. This new affiliation program provides Central Florida professional vacation rental management companies and guests staying in the vacation rental homes with a greater connection to the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Over the last year, Disney has worked with key vacation rental management companies, including ALL STAR Vacation Homes, to develop clear standards for vacation rentals, and guidelines for promoting the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks. Participating companies are required by Disney to meet a criterion for high quality and service standards, providing guests with consistent and reliable accommodations.
Disney’s recognition of the Vacation Rental Home industry in Central Florida and through the Vacation Rental Home Connection, part of the Disney Ticket Network®, assist guests in identifying these spacious accommodations providing families and groups of all sizes the ability to enjoy a Disney Vacation.
For more information, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes – 2011 News & Releases.
December 21st, 2011
Have you ever seen a giant Christmas tree that was made of LEGO® bricks? Now through Saturday, December 31, families visiting LEGOLAND® Florida can experience a truly “Bricktacular” sight — a more than 30-foot tall LEGO® Christmas tree made entirely with a combination of 270,000 forest green LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks! If you’re lucky, your family might even be chosen to help light the tree during the daily tree lighting ceremony.
As part of the Christmas Bricktacular, visit the historical botanical gardens and take pictures with Santa. In The Beginning and Fun Town areas of the park, enjoy festive decorations, sounds of the season and more.
Through December 25, LEGOLAND® Florida will be open until 6 pm, Friday-Sunday. Special tip: stay until dark to get a good nighttime view of the tree and its lights making it the perfect spot to take your families’ picture and capture memories from your Orlando Family Vacation. Admission to the Bricktacular is included in park admission.
December 13th, 2011
Steve Trover, Chief Executive Officer of ALL STAR Vacation Homes, has been elected to serve the fast-growing vacation rental industry on an international level, taking on the role of President for the long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA). Trover joins the nonprofit group’s Board of Directors effective immediately, contributing his time and talent to the betterment of the association and the vacation rental industry.
Trover together with 11 industry professionals from across North America will form one voice that governs the association and professionally managed vacation rental industry, assisting with: determining the association’s strategic vision and planning; guiding, directing and monitoring goal development and implementation; representing the association in cooperative efforts with community, state and national associations; helping to identify and nurture future association leaders and more.
For more information, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes – 2011 News & Releases.
December 1st, 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
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
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
Previous Posts
Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is bringing the sand and surf to families this summer with a brand new sandcastle-themed Kids’ Park water playground. Encompassing an acre, the Kids’ Park will be the largest waterpark playground in Florida, covering 15,000 square feet and spanning more than 60 feet in height. The sandcastle playground will feature two pools with 85,000 gallons of water, guaranteed not to wash away with the tide.
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