Theme Parks

2005-11-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Bring the Kids! A Parents Guide to Stress Free Travel

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Traveling with "little ones" can be one of the most joyous events of all--it can also be one of the most stressful. While seeing the wonder in your children?s eyes as they gaze upon some historic or natural wonder may make your heart swell with pride, you must realize they?ll eventually get bored or tired, and you?ll have to revert back to your roles of referee, peace keeper, and entertainment chairperson.

My mother-in-law used to tell the story of traveling in the car with five children under the age of five. Someone was always asking ?How much longer?? to which her husband routinely answered ?Only 10 more minutes.? When she protested, he responded, ?They just want an answer ? any answer will do!? As a mother of five grown children, I?ve had better luck telling the truth, and then finding something creative to do.

In order to keep your sanity and actually enjoy some of the travel spots you take your children to, follow some simple pre- planning and travel organizing tips. Before you know it, you?ll be looking forward to family travel--no matter how many children tag along.

1. Go to age appropriate locations. If you want your children to enjoy their travel experience, make sure you take them to places suited to their age. This doesn?t mean every trip has to involve a theme park or sports event; it simply means keep the trip?s educational value at a level they can comprehend and appreciate. If your children?s? ages span a wide range, have at least one activity geared to each child. Picking a hotel with a pool can make a big difference!

2. Lay the ground rules early. Before you even leave the house, make sure your children know what is and isn?t acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as this may seem, if you don?t tell your children what you expect, how can they oblige?

3. Let the children pack their own travel bag. Make sure the children?s bag is small enough that they can carry it. If they can read, a parent can make a packing list. Include things they can do on the road or in the air--a Walkman and tapes, comic books, handheld video games, etc. Decide ahead of time about seating arrangements and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.

4. Establish a meeting place. Nothing could be worse that having a child get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Whenever you visit a location, identify a spot the family can meet at if you happen to get separated. Equally important, have some current photos of your children available. That way others can help you locate your lost child. If your child can tell time, make sure they take a watch!

5. Make the children a part of the trip by letting them help plan. Your children will enjoy the trip more if they feel they have some say on the agenda. Get books from the library, or do an Internet search, on the area you plan to visit. Give them some options of what to do while away and actually use some of their suggestions. Who knows, you may enjoy their suggestions more than you think.

6. Keep a separate list for each child?s belongings. Keep a running list of everything your children need on the trip. If more than two children will be traveling with you, keep a separate list for each child. Otherwise the items begin to run together, and it?s difficult to determine if you really have enough supplies for each child. It?s amazing how many people forget to pack basic necessities for their children like toothbrushes, socks, and shoes.

7. Pack a first aid kit Face it. Kids will be kids. That means scraped knees, bug bites, and cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always keep a first aid kit handy. It?ll help get rid of the tears and bring back the smiles and fun times.

8. Check for children travel specials. It?s amazing how many people spend more time planning what they?re going to have for breakfast than how they?re going to spend a week or two on the road. A fun, well-planned travel experience will create memories that can last a lifetime. Plus, pre-planning can save you lots of money. Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer discounts for children, whether it?s a "kids stay or eat free" deal or a "half off children?s rate." If you?re a do-it-yourself-er, surf the Internet for travel web sites. You can usually find some great deals if you?re willing to take the time and look for them. Most important, bring the right attitude. Traveling with children will always present some challenges. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you?ll be creating and less time fretting over what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy traveling.

? Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com

theme park - sesame street theme park

2005-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

Things To See In Los Angeles

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Like many large cities, Los Angeles is a collection of smaller towns, glued together with a grid of roads and freeways.

Roughly 60 miles across it is one of the largest cities by area in the US. Crossing from side to side can take an hour, but with freeway traffic conditions you are more likely to take at least double this time.

Downtown LA is more of a commercial district of skyscraper office blocks than a shopping district. You will find shopping in the form of small shopping plazas and larger shopping malls dotted all over the LA basin.

In this respect LA is a little disappointing if you were looking for an american version of London or Paris. However there is still plenty to see and do, it just takes a little planning so that you are not spending your entire time in a traffic jam or driving endless miles across city.

Places To Visit Here are some selected places to visit whilst in LA.

Angeles Crest Highway A little out of the city this scenic drive twists and turns much like Mulholland Drive along the mountainous crest of the LA basin.

Long Beach Home of the Queen Mary which can be toured.

Aquarium of the Pacific Whilst in Long Beach the Aquarium of the Pacific is definitely worth a visit. From colourful corals and tropical marine fish to California Rays that come out of the water for you to pet and stroke like small dogs! Also a new shark exhibition is worth seeing.

Dodger Stadium Whether going to a ball game or not, the stadium is worth a visit. Top of the Park souvenir shop sells LA Dodger branded clothing and other baseball souvenirs. Parking is free on non-game days.

Griffith Park A good vantage point from where you can see the cluster of skyscrapers making up the commercial downtown of LA and also the world-famous Hollywood sign.

Hollywood Boulevard Aside from the famous stars lining the sidewalk there is usually some form of street entertainment and always a hustle. At the Western end of Hollywood Boulevard is . . .

Mann's Chinese A must-see, even if it's much smaller in real life than you would have imagined! Famous foot/hand/etc. prints of those legendary Hollywood stars.

Frederick's Of Hollywood Also on Hollywood Boulevard is Frederick's flagship lingerie store, world-renowned. Includes a free museum of lingerie worn by stars of the silver screen

Mulholland Drive The famous drive that has views all over the LA basin and will introduce you to the scale of the city.

Universal Studios More of a theme park than studio tour, but true to the glamour and glitz of Hollywood.

Warner Brothers In contrast to Universal, this is a tour of a working studio. A costume museum full of fascinating history is the start of a tour that includes prop departments, workshops, sound stages, usually a chance to sit in on a TV series rehearsal in a sound stage and a chance to wander around some memorable backlot sets.

And don't forget neighboring Orange County which is home to the quintessential Southern Californian Beach Cities of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach where life slows to the ebb and flow of the Pacific along their golden sandy shores. Or for some great shopping visit world class South Coast Plaza at Costa Mesa or the outdoor mall of Newport Beach's Fashion Island.

About the Author

Tony is a keen traveller and has enjoyed many visits to California over the years.

Tony works for Strathlorn Travel who specialise in travel for the independent traveller.

theme park - orlando theme park ticket

2005-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Time Sharing Without Owning a Time Share

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

If you?re dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don?t have a budget to cover outrageous hotel expenses, or to even purchase a timeshare yourself, there are ways to take advantage of the great deals offered by timeshare owners without actually becoming one yourself.

With timeshare locations found all over the globe from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the tropical beaches of the Bahamas, the only thing limiting a destination is a person?s own imagination. But, how does one afford these great vacation destinations without taking out a second mortgage? It?s simple, shop around for timeshare opportunities online where you can look at what various resorts that handle timeshare condos have to offer and even get hooked up directly with a timeshare owner. A timeshare owner just might have a slot open in a location you want, but not have the time to take advantage of it him or herself.

Timeshare locations around the world basically work by having multiple owners for a single condo or unit within a resort destination. Each owner is given a set number of days or weeks to use that location for their own personal vacations. These owners can sometimes ?trade? their time with an owner in another location, effectively increasing their ability to vacation around the world, but sometimes owners simply are looking for a return on their investment.

When a timeshare owner is either unable to take advantage of their time slot, or simply prefers to ?rent? out or ?auction? off their time at their resort, non-timeshare owners can get involved in the action for a fraction of ownership costs. This provides an advantage to the timeshare owner in that his or her slot can now earn them money on their timeshare investment as a rental or auction can cover their money invested, or even exceed it in some cases. For those looking to enjoy the amenities of a timeshare without actually becoming an owner, these situations are boons. Owners will often set a flat-rate fee for a rental or put up their time slot and destination as an auction on an Internet site or other location.

When looking to deal with a timeshare company directly, you can sometimes get fantastic incentive deals by agreeing to visit a resort location and listen to the company?s sales pitch. Some destinations offer timeshare condos for as low as $50 a night and sometimes even free for those who will come and listen with an open mind.

The best places to start looking for timeshare opportunities without actually buying into one are on the Internet, auction sites and through newspapers and travel magazines. Anyone in the market for a vacation will quickly find these offers are available in almost every major vacation destination city around the globe. Orlando, Florida, for example, has literally dozens and dozens of timeshare resorts. Many even offer other discounts for those who come and listen, rent or buy. These discounts can include dining coupons and theme park and other attraction tickets.

If vacationing is on your mind, but spending a lot of money isn?t, timesharing without owning a timeshare might be a great way to see a new part of the world without breaking your bank. To learn more about timeshare rentals and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/timesharecondorentals to do a thorough search and decide what is the best location for you and your family to enjoy.

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Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

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theme park - magic mountain theme park

2005-11-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Photography Tips While Traveling

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Whether you?re embarking on a family vacation or your family reunion, it?s going to be a special time. When we think of trips we?ve taken, we tend to remember them best with photographs. Here?s some ideas to enhance your vacation as well as your memories of them.

Location Preparation

1) Since you know where you?re going (that's a minimum requirement), doesn?t it make sense to check out the location before you get there? Create a list of attractions, accommodations, special points of interest, amusement areas, shopping, etc. A good source to help you do this is: the Places and Travel section of msn.com ( http://groups.msn.com/Browse?CatId=179)

2) Figure out the photo opportunities for each appropriate venue. Anyone can take a ?that?s nice? picture of the kids at an amusement park. Wouldn?t you rather capture a ?WOW? photo that could be hung over the mantle?

3) Depending on the location you?re traveling to, you can see what books are written about them that highlight the best photo opportunities for the entire area

4) If you?re cyber-savvy, start at www.google.com and search using different combinations of: your destination, best photography locations, for images of the location, scenic spots, etc. The options are endless.

5) If you?re off to a non-big city area, scout out the national parks in the area. The great thing about national parks is that the scenery is usually so breathtaking, that a so-so shot looks outstanding, just because of the subject. Once in www.nps.gov, do a search on photos and you will be presented with terrific shots of all the parks

Photography Preparation

OK, you?re either traveling through or you?re at a wonderful location full of photo opportunities. You began this leg of your trip at the crack of dawn and as you?re pulling into the most scenic overlook for 400 miles, the sun is just starting to crack the horizon.

You instinctively pull the car over, grab your camera and your tripod, and look for the best spot to set up. Just one tiny little problem? YOU FORGOT YOUR TRIPOD! Rather than smack yourself on the forehead then, why not plan these things now, before you leave?

Your list should include AT LEAST the following consideration?

1) Do I need to repeat ? BRING YOUR TRIPOD? It doesn?t take up much room, and as explained at www.best-family-photography-tips.com/tripod-photography.html, tripods allow you to capture entirely new categories of photographs that won?t be possible without one

2) Memory. Of course, bring all the memory you have, but also pack your portable storage device (explained at http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/digital-photography-tutorial.html)

3) If your camera has a hot shoe, bring your external flash, and any additional equipment that can be used to help with bounce flash

4) Remember your external shutter release cable for those long exposures. How else are you going to get that ?angel-hair? look of the waterfalls?

5) Don?t forget the basics like: batteries, battery charger, camera bag, and additional lenses and filters (if applicable on your camera)

6) And just in case you need it, bring the manuals for your equipment.

Finally, don?t get so wrapped up in taking perfect shots that you don?t enjoy the trip. Remember to use the tripod so that you'll be in at least some of the photos.

Article courtesy of Best Family Photography Tips.com, where you can see some sample pictures including more photography tips.

Copyright 2005 Robert Bezman. All rights reserved.

Robert Bezman is a professional photographer and owner of Custom Photographic Expressions. Robert has created http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com to help the digital photography users create better photographs. Robert has a blog at http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/family-photography-news.html

theme park - los angeles amusement theme parks

2005-11-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Top Family Beach Vacation Destinations

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:

Mexico

Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour?s drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.

Jamaica

Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica?s resorts offer supervised children's activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid's meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.

Turks and Caicos

On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you're off doing your thing, they're off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination

Bahamas

Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.

Hawaii
A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

Florida

Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.

Don?t forget about kid cruises

This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you?ll feel trapped, you?ll get seasick, it?s too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they'll have the time of their lives.

About the Author

Jolana Klobouk, a graduate of Carleton University,is the webmaster of www.best-family-beach-vacations.com. A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively throughout the world.

theme park - knotts berry farm theme park

2005-11-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Visit Walt Disney World in Style

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Is your image of Walt Disney World one of sleeping in motel-style accommodations and dining on hamburgers as you roam the theme parks? Well, it?s time to change that picture. Instead of a chain motel, how about an African-style lodge or a resort with the sophisticated ambience of an exclusive yacht club? Instead of chicken fingers, how about Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue, Basil-Crusted Rack of Lamb with a Ragout of Spinach, Shitakes, and White Beans, or Grilled Buffalo Top Sirloin with Sweet Potato Hazelnut Gratin and Sweet Onion Jam? No question about it, Walt Disney World offers an abundance of amazing themed resorts and superb restaurants that are perfect for the sophisticated traveler. Here are some of the best experiences to indulge in while touring Mickey Mouse land:

Most Luxurious Resort

Disney?s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside ?palace hotels? of 19th-century America?s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering spectacular views of Cinderella?s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. You?ll also be treated to some of Disney?s very best restaurants along with two sophisticated pools, a crescent white sand beach, a full-service health club and spa, tennis courts, and sophisticated shopping.

Most Atmospheric Resort

Disney?s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunningly faithful celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Here the atmosphere literally pulsates with the beat of drums throughout 33 acres of glorious savanna filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals. The lodge?s 5-story, thatch roof lobby is a wonder with its massive overhead chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields overlooking safari chic seating. Don?t even consider a room without a savanna view, well worth every penny for its front row view of the wildlife. The resort boasts an 11,000 square foot pool overlooking the savanna, a full service spa and fitness center, and one of Disney?s loveliest restaurants, Jiko, serving international food with an African flair.

Best Resort For Romance

Disney?s Polynesian Resort?s lush grounds and white sand beaches with views of Cinderella?s castle are a dream come true. Tangerine and mahogany tinted longhouses are scattered throughout this luxuriant property where ducks and ibis roam the dense vegetation and thick, grassy lawns. Meandering pathways lined with volcanic rock are tiki torch-lit at dusk, and soft Hawaiian melodies set the mood for memorable nights. Come nightfall, pick a hammock on one of three beaches for a spectacular vista of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Best Resort For Nature Lovers

I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping on your first encounter with the awesome eight-story lobby at Disney?s Wilderness Lodge. Sheer walls of ponderosa pine logs, an 82-foot fireplace, and authentic Pacific Northwest totem poles overlook rugged stone and hardwood floors topped with Native American rugs, teepee chandeliers, and a bevy of ?park ranger? staff who roam the lodge attending to guests. Outside is a breathtaking scene of roaring waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering pines, and a boulder-lined, hot springs-style swimming pool, one of Disney?s best. On the shores of Bay Lake, Wilderness Lodge?s very own geyser is surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity and erupts hourly from early morning until late night.

Best Resort Pool

Stormalong Bay at Disney?s Yacht and Beach Club offers three acres of winding, watery delight. Here you?ll find sandy bottom pools, a giant ?shipwreck? waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide near the beach, and enough waterway to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart?s content.

Best Resort Restaurant

The California Grill is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. The modern decor and constant bustle of excited diners only adds to its drop-dead setting on the 15th floor of Disney?s Contemporary Resort. Its broad windows present an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks show. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. The open show kitchen is a treat, and the cocktail lounge has some of the best views in the house. And don?t be discouraged if the coveted window seats are all taken. Head out to the adjoining observation platform during the fireworks presentation where you?ll get a bird?s-eye view of the extravaganza.

Most Romantic Restaurant

Victoria and Albert?s at Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort offers fine dining in a elegant setting combined with flawless service. Honored with a AAA Five-Diamond Award for the 3rd year in a row (the only such restaurant in Orlando), diners feast on six sumptuous, prix-fixe courses served on Royal Doulton china with crystal glasses to the strains of the enchanting sound of harp music. Those seeking a special evening should book the 6-person Chef?s Table set in a candlelit alcove in the kitchen, perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney?s top chef in action.

Best Theme Park Restaurant

Epcot?s Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle ?oque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Here you?ll find gilded mirrors, crimson banquettes, and billowy white drapes that frame windows overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes and stylishly plate them tableside. Fresh ingredients are prepared simply in tantalizing sauces, and the all-French wine list is a pleasure. Afterwards, order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.

Most Exotic Restaurant

The Animal Kingdom Lodge?s premier dining room is Jiko (Swahili for ?cooking place?), one of the most seductive spaces yet at a Disney hotel. Floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. The soft, contemporary lighting, fantastically shaped in the guise of bird wings, hangs from a rich, blue ceiling creating the feeling of open space. Giant, twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of creations prepared with African spices and ingredients are turned out in attractive presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South African wine list, the largest in North America.

In short, Walt Disney World is not just for kids! It?s a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the parks.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

theme park - kings dominion theme park

2005-11-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney World for Teens

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Can teens really have fun at a place like Walt Disney World? Absolutely! Actually, be prepared to have the time of your life. It?s a safe place to assert some independence from your parents, a place you?ll never forget. Here are some of the best experiences for teens at "The Most Magical Place on Earth":

Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney's Water Parks

For a blast of a time, head to one of Disney?s two water parks. Blizzard Beach has a melting alpine resort theme where chairlifts carry swimmers instead of skiers. It?s a place for daredevils to challenge wild, rushing water and death-defying slides including the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot slide reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Those a bit less adventuresome will love Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical fantasyland offering a wave pool with the tallest simulated waves in the world as well as a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, leopard and nurse sharks, and picturesque coral at Shark Reef.

Live it Up at Downtown Disney

After the parks close hop a bus from your Disney resort for a night on the town at Downtown Disney. Highlights include Disney Quest with five floors of interactive games, a 24-screen AMC Theater, a Cirque du Soleil show, and over 60 shops and restaurants. Favorite dining choices for the younger crowd are Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Caf?And definitely consider House of Blues where teens are allowed to attend some of the almost daily concerts in their live music venue next-door.

Cool Off at One of Disney??s Resort Pools

When your parents are wondering which resort to book for your Disney vacation, be sure and put your two cents in and steer them toward one with a great pool. Disney?s very best uniquely themed pools include the Yacht and Beach Club?s Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini-water park, the Swan and Dolphin?s lush, grotto-style lagoon pool, the boulder-strewn wonderland at the Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser, and the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect views of Cinderella?s Castle.

Plan Some Watersport Fun

Disney?s Contemporary Resort is the place for water-ski, parasail, wakeboard, kneeboard, and jet-ski action under the guidance of a professional instructor. There?s nothing better than a bird?s-eye-view of the Magic Kingdom as you parasail high above the Seven Seas Lagoon. And the action down below on Bay Lake is a blast! For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 90 days in advance, and be sure to bring a parent along to sign a waiver to participate if you?re under age 18.

Pilot Your Own Boat

What could be more fun than renting a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater mini-power boat perfect for zipping around Disney??s waterways and lakes. It?s a great pastime for teens with a valid driver's license (those under 18 must bring along a parent to sign a waiver). You?ll get the most bang for your buck at one of the resorts near the Magic Kingdom (the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge) where you?ll find miles of recreation on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Scuba and Snorkel at Epcot?s Living Seas

Scuba dive or snorkel in The Living Seas 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium amid a variety of sharks, rays, fish, and turtles. Epcot's DiveQuest Program along with the Seas Aqua Tour using a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit (snorkelers swim on the surface with a built-in flotation device while breathing compressed air from a regulator attached to a small tank) are two of the most exciting behind-the-scenes tours offered in all of Walt Disney World. Dives include all equipment, but be sure to bring a bathing suit. DiveQuest is open to certified divers, but those ages 14 and under need to dive along with a parent or guardian. The Seas Aqua Tour is open to participants under age 18 as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for reservations.

Surf?s Up at Typhoon Lagoon

"Hang 10" before park opening hours in the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool (some waves as high as 6 feet tall!) under the guidance of professional instructors with surfboards provided. Guests must furnish their own transportation to the park since Disney buses are not up and running that early in the morning, and those under age 18 must have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations up to 90 days in advance.

White-Knuckle Riding at Richard Petty Driving Experience

Lying next to the Magic Kingdom is this speedway where white-knuckle rides in a NASCAR Winston Cup?style race car are offered. If you are at least 16 you can participate in the Ride-Along Program where you?ll ride shotgun at speeds of up to 145 mph for three laps around the track with an experienced instructor (riders 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Even more exciting, those ages 18 and older can drive the car themselves after an introductory class. If you just want to observe you can do so for no charge. Call 800-BE-PETTY for advance reservations.

Head for a Theme Parks

Last but certainly not least are the theme parks. If you?re staying on Disney property it?s a cinch to board a monorail or a Disney bus and head out to the parks on your own.

At the Magic Kingdom you?ll find all the old nostalgic favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. And don?t forget to head straight to Splash Mountain, an unforgettable ride that ends in a plunge over a 5-story waterfall! Epcot?s main attractions for fun-loving teens are Mission Space, a hair-raising rocket into space, and Test Track where you?ll speed through hairpin turns and then barrel outside onto a high-speed banking loop at over 60 mph. At Disney-MGM Studios you?ll be floored by Rock ?N? Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both a thrill a minute. Then there?s the Animal Kingdom where a trip around the African savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris and back in time 65 million years at Dinosaur are quite the adventure.

Super thrill seekers should plan a day at Universal Orlando?s Islands of Adventure where attractions like the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman will leave your heart pounding.

So do you still think Disney is just for kids? I bet you can?t wait to pack your bags. And don?t forget to thank your parents on your return home for taking you to one of the most exciting places on the planet.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com

theme park - jurassic park theme

2005-11-03T08:39:00.003-08:00

Mrs. Disney

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Warren Beatty once observed," That if you get married in Hollywood, you should always do it before noon. That way if it doesn't work out, you don't kill your evening." But in 1925 Walt Disney, still getting his feet wet in Tinseltown was not interested in pampered starlets. His eye was on a employee of his named Lillian Bounds, originally from Lewiston, Idaho who worked for him as ink paint girl making fifteen dollars a week. She reminded him of the hard working girls he knew growing up in Missouri. For her part she found him charming, the way he grew a mustache to look older in business meetings, and how he refused to call on her until he could afford a new suit. Since he was more gentile around women than men, she was spared from the temperamental swearing that he did around his animators. Walt later joked," I didn't have enough money to pay her, so I married her instead."

Early in their marriage Lillian loved going to movies with him and would listen attentively as he criticized his competitor's cartoons and shared his own exciting ideas. But as time went by she became more challenging. Perhaps she understood he needed a sounding board, he was surrounded by yes men who were frightened of him. I don't like the name Mortimer, she told him in 1927. Why don't you call your mouse Mickey? She agreed with his business partner and brother Roy in 1934 that making the first feature length cartoon, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs would ruin them. When it turned out to be a smash hit, Walt took great pleasure in hearing Lillian admit she was wrong. But then he scared her again. "Why would you want to build an amusement park?" She asked him. "Amusement parks are dirty. They don't make any money." His reply didn't make her feel better. "That's the whole point. I want a clean one that will." But she was at Disneyland the night before it opened with a broom, sweeping up the dust off the Mark Twain Steamer.

Walt was a good provider for Lillian and their two daughters even if he had to be in debt to do it. It pained her when he had to sell his Mercedes during the depression to meet the studio payroll, or when old friends would call on him for a loan and he was so tapped out he had turn them down. They were both content to spend evenings at home avoiding the publicity glare of Hollywood parties. When times were better she put up with Walt called his "one sin" owning six polo ponies, which he paid for dearly by taking a nasty spill. He became a life long scotch drinker to dull the reoccurring pain in his neck. His next hobby annoyed her more, a miniature railroad in the backyard that ran through her flowerbed. She gave in only because it seemed to give him a release from studio pressures. Sometimes she thought maybe he was using the rides to hide out and avoid facing overwhelming problems. Later, Disneyland would provide him with a bigger train giving Lillian more peace at home.

Lillian didn't worry about Walt cheating on her with another woman but would sometimes get jealous of his work. Often he would come home late, choosing instead to spend the night at the studio prowling around his animator's desks, even going through their trash cans to pull out their best ideas. One time he arrived late for a date and drunk. Angrily she locked him out of the house. He made amends the next day by presenting her with a female puppy in a hat box. That event later became the basis for the Disney classic Lady And The Tramp (1955).

The Disney's were world travelers. Lillian was thrilled to get the call from Walt to pack up for their next surprise vacation and marvel how he would turn their experiences into Disneyland attractions. They fell in love with skiing in Switzerland and it lead to the Matterhorn Bobsled Ride. They enjoyed buying antiques in the French Quarter, inspiring the creation of New Orleans Square. They learned about hidden treasure on a island near Cuba sparking the construction of The Pirates Of The Caribbean, which Walt did not live to see completed.

Lillian fell short of her own dream. She did not share Walt's love of classical music, preferring to listen to Lawrence Welk. But she felt his pain when Fantasia (1940) failed at the box office. In 1987, 21 years after he passed on, she donated fifty million dollars to build the Walt Disney Concert Hall which would be the new home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. What better legacy than to bring Beethoven and Mozart to the masses just like Walt wanted. But she became discouraged when her idea for a simple brick building became much more elaborate in the hands of architect Frank Gehry. Soon the fifty million was gone and she wanted it back fearing she had wasted her money on an incomplete boondoggle. Her daughter Diane convinced her that Gehry's design was wonderful but she died six years before the hall opened.

One great thing about Walt building Disneyland was that he and Lillian got to play tour guide to world leaders. But Mrs. Disney was very disappointed when the head of Russia Nikita S. Khrushchev and his wife failed to come to the park in 1960. The Anaheim police said they could not provide enough security. The Soviet Prime Minister grumpily settled for a star studded luncheon at Twentieth Century Fox instead. During the meal Frank Sinatra was informed of Mrs. Khrushchev's disappointment at missing out on The Magic Kingdom. Old Blue Eyes slammed his fist on the table. "Screw the cops. I'll take the old broad down there and watch her myself." He grabbed her by the hand and was near the door when he was stopped by the KGB. Back at Disneyland Walt made Lillian smile by telling her he was just as disappointed as she was. He was dying to show the Communist ruler his new submarine fleet.

About The Author

Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks Fascinating Walt Disney and Tales Of Hollywood. The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these great, unique gifts at http://www.hollywoodstories.com.

orgofhlly@aol.com

theme park - hot springs amusement theme parks

2005-11-03T08:39:00.002-08:00

Mrs. Disney

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

About The Author

orgofhlly@aol.com

theme park - hot springs amusement theme parks

2005-11-03T08:39:00.001-08:00

Mrs. Disney

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

About The Author

orgofhlly@aol.com

theme park - hot springs amusement theme parks

2005-11-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Disney

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

About The Author

orgofhlly@aol.com

theme park - hot springs amusement theme parks

2005-10-31T10:45:00.001-08:00

What Travel Agents Won't Talk About Can Save You 50%

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Are you planning your next trip? Do you want to save more money and have more fun? You may stop by a travel center and ask for a quote. And then, you walk by another travel agent and ask for another quote. You read your local newspapers, look through travel magazines, and check for the cheapest vacation package to Europe, Caribbean, Asia, or South Pacific. You are still not sure if it is the best price. You become a little obsess. You spend several hours every evening on the Internet to search for the best travel deal. It doesn?t have to be so complicated and difficult. Let me show what travel agents won?t talk about can save you 50% to 70% every time on all your vacations.

First, we need to understand the travel industry. It is a very ?elastic? or ?seasonal? industry. This means prices change quickly according to supply and demand. When there are lots of people want to go to Hawaii in summer, the prices for all the hotels, resorts, and condos will be very expensive. When there is no one going to a ski resort in summer (where is the snow?), the prices for these winter resorts will be very cheap. Travel industry is very dynamic and price sensitive. Tourism goes hand-in-hand with the ups and downs of a travel industry. So, if you want to save money, you need to search for the ideal vacation package that will allow you to book rooms, recreations, and tours ?whenever? you want and ?wherever? you want at the best discount prices.

Here are 10 simple ways to save money on all your vacations:

1. Get a discount travel membership card for hotels, resorts, and condos. These are not time share condominiums. These are in fact quality and brand name hotels and resorts that are looking for ways to fill up their rooms early so that they can charge the last minute clients at high price. When hotels don?t fill up their rooms or don?t have full occupancy, they lose money that night with no income at all. Therefore, hotel managers? job is to fill as many rooms as possible at the best possible rates to maximize their profit margin. Using a discount card to book your rooms allows hotels to fill up empty rooms and guarantee occupancy. You may just pay the basic cleaning fees and taxes and enjoy a room at 50% to 85% off.

2. Use travel certificates and coupons to get discounts on golfing, camping, skiing, and various recreation activities. You can save money from 2-for-1 passes or 25% to 75% discounts anytime. When you travel with families or groups, you can save lots of money for shopping later.

3. Get discount dining cards to save on meals, from casual to classy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can save up to 50% each meal in 26,000+ restaurants in 1,000 cities around the world. You choose your taste of French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and many more world cuisine. Enjoy life with exceptional dining values.

4. Join a discount travel membership that provides you with discounts for any tour around the world. No matter it is a family or business group. You can save money and time to have a tour guide showing you around. Stop reading your maps and get a professional tour guide at a discount price.

5. Find out where you can get discount coupons for all the theme parks across USA. Admission fees and rides in these theme parks are expensive. Visit the websites or join a travel membership that includes discount coupons.

6. Remember to get your roadside assistance or emergency service before you start a road trip. You never know what will happen when you are driving on a highway in the middle of a day or night. You can save hundreds and thousands of dollars on towing and repairing.

7. Search for a car rental company that gives the best discount and provides free upgrades. Car rental companies will usually provide a 10% to 15% discount for members.

8. Get a few phone cards that give you best long distance rates with free calling minutes. When you are away and feeling home sick, you can quickly pick up a free phone card and make some calls. Using the long distance at hotels, on cruise ships, and in tourist centers can add up to be very expensive.

9. Purchase gift coupons or gift cards all the times. You can get many free gifts, such as: earrings, pens, rings, radios, wine glasses and many accessories at a discount rate or free. You can fill up your suitcases and giveaway real gifts (not the free napkins from the airlines) for real people in your family, in your office, or even your neighbors next door.

10. Take every opportunity to get a bonus cruise vacation to Alaska, Mexico, Bahamas, or Caribbean. The best part is all your meals and entertainment shows are inclusive. You only need to pay for your drinks and tips. You can save 90% of your vacation fees.

Visit http://www.Dream-Travel-Comes-True.com to learn more ideas on how to plan for your dream vacation. Dress right, carry light, and travel safe!

Please feel free to reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, RSS, website, or print publication with original content and author bio.

Dr. Vivian Lee is the founder and CEO of GLOBAL MCN (http://www.globalmcn.com). She writes, coaches, consults and speaks about best practices to accelerate growth and success. She likes to inspire individuals and organizations around the world with value, balance, and trust. Her goal is to empower you, enhance communication, and enrich life. She is an expert in bridging the gap between the East and West, as well as the digital and real spaces in the 21st century. She has a Ph.D. in Organizational Management, major in E-Business; a M.B.A. in Marketing; and a B.Sc. in Biopsychology. Her research interests include Competitive Intelligence, Internet Marketing, and Cross-Cultural Communication.

theme park - florida theme parks

2005-10-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Florida Real Estate Investing Tips

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Purchasing Florida Real Estate Investment
Considering researching the purchase of Florida real estate investment? Do you find yourself wishing you didn�t have that lawn to mow and the constant upkeep on a home? Purchasing florida real estate investment can relieve you of all those household chores but purchasing florida real estate investment requires you do some homework. You need to know what you are looking for in florida real estate investment. Some important things to consider in florida real estate investment are: size, price, location and future salability. Are you looking for the best price on an economy unit, or do you desire luxury florida real estate investment with more to offer. Prices on florida real estate investment will vastly vary depending on size, location and other amenities provided. Remember to keep the main thing, the main thing when purchasing florida real estate investment: location, location, location. This is the most likely factor in determining whether your purchase of florida real estate investment will escalate in value. A florida real estate investment location near banks, shopping, restaurants and cultural venues in a growing real estate sales area will probably mean home values will continue to escalate. The market can always be volatile but purchasing florida real estate investment in areas such as this will give you a greater chance of profitable resale value.
Purchasing florida real estate investment in High Traffic Areas
Are you looking for florida real estate investment accommodations as your primary residence or are you considering purchasing florida real estate investment as a source of providing rental income? Or is your goal to purchase florida real estate investment that can be used for family vacations, giving you the benefit of anytime availability without the hassle of searching for last minute specials on low cost holiday lodging. Owning florida real estate investment can provide you with the security of owning your own vacation villa. Purchasing florida real estate investment in high traffic tourist areas will also give you the benefit of renting to help off-set the cost of your purchase. Many profitable rental locations exist with one of the hottest areas being the Orlando, Florida area. Orlando is one of the world�s most popular tourist destinations due to its proximity to Walt Disney World and the major area theme parks, Sea World and Universal. Owning florida real estate investment in the Kissimmee, Florida, Orlando, Florida or Davenport, Florida area will provide rentals with the closest lodging locations near the major theme park attractions.
Owning florida real estate investment Close to the Major Attractions
Kissimmee is closest to Disney World, the number one Central Florida tourist destination. Besides Disneyworld, don�t overlook other area attractions near Kissimmee that are also a boost to owning a rental accommodation in this area. A family with kids will have loads to do when booking rental accommodations in Kissimmee. Green Meadows Petting Farm transports you to the country where more than 300 farm animals are on display to touch and see. Other farm activities are also scheduled at this country adventure land. For the horse lover, Horse World is what you�ve been dreaming of! 750 acres are yours to explore with nothing above you but blue sky and nothing below but the creaking of the saddle. Along with horse riding, Horse World also allows you to relax with a good old fashioned game of horse shoes, volleyball, or basketball. Reservations are suggested. A trip to Kissimmee would not be complete without a visit to the Silver Spurs Arena where rodeos are held every Friday night at 8:00pm. Opening in October of 2003, the Silver Spurs Arena has a capacity of 8,300 with 12 luxury skyboxes in an indoor arena hosting concerts, sporting events and more. Along with these old Florida attractions, you won�t want to miss the Arabian Nights dinner theater which was voted best dinner show by Orlando Sentinel readers. Step back into medieval times where an Arabian fairytale is played out before your eyes on horseback. Along with the amazing entertainment, you will feast on an elegant three course meal. Kissimmee is loaded with amazing hidden surprises.
Owning Florida Investment Property in the Orlando Area
Owning real estate resort condominiums in the Orlando area will provide you and your renters with access to all the theme parks around Central Florida plus the hundreds of discount attractions in or near Orlando. Orlando�s nickname is The Beautiful City�. It more than lives up to its name with its towers of gleaming glass metal skyscrapers set between sparkling lakes. Orlando is also all about historic preservation also. You will find charming brick streets and many gardens and parks. Cultural attractions near Orlando Florida Investment Property include the Morse Museum of American Art where a permanent display of Tiffany glass is on exhibit along with American paintings from the 19th century. The Orlando Museum of Art features American portraits and landscaping, art of the ancient Americas and American impressionist works. Looking for a garden oasis far removed from the hectic tourist pace? Try Leu Gardens, an oasis covering 50 acres featuring annuals, palms and an orchid house. These fine cultural experiences will seem like cheap deals for their reasonable price.
Orlando Area Florida Investment Property � Other Fine Attractions
The list goes on and on. After spending a fortune at the major attractions, you will appreciate finding low cost but fun entertainment near your Florida Investment Property. A trip to Florida would not be complete without a visit to Gatorland. The name says it all, as this 70 acre park is home to thousands of gators and some crocodiles. Breeding pens and nurseries are available to view, containing critters of all sizes. Don�t miss gator feeding time when you will get a close up view of gators in a feeding frenzy. This family owned park also has a mini water park for children, a petting zoo and a 2000 foot boardwalk which winds its way through a cypress swamp. Looking for the �au naturale� wild side of Florida? Wekiwa Springs pumps 42 million gallons of sparkling clear water a day. Canoeing, swimming, picnicking and fishing are popular outdoor activities. You are also likely to spot a gator in the wild, along with other wildlife native to Florida. For information on these and other local Orlando attractions and to check out the lowest price see www.orlandoinfo.com.
Renting Florida Investment Property
Owning Florida Investment Property may be a great option for those with the funds but maybe all you want to do is find discount lodging for a Florida dream vacation. There are many options for renting Florida Investment Property. Kissimmee and Orlando are great choices for location of your rental villa. Check out this web source for more information on lodging: www.orlandotouristinformationbureau.com. Looking for a time share resort rental? Redweek.com lists time share rentals with price and availability listed on site. Maybe your idea of a dream Florida vacation is staying in a quieter area, somewhat removed from the mainstream of the tourist hubbub. Staying in Davenport, Florida offers that quiet respite. Davenport may seem like its miles removed from the mainstream but it is only 5 miles southwest of Disney making it a close commute to the major attractions. One choice in Davenport is Bahama Bay Resort offering 2 and 3 bedroom suites with balconies and fully equipped kitchen. Other amenities include: outdoor pools, children�s play room, mini cinema, poolside bar and grill and recreation center. Another great choice is the Island Club Resort and Spa. With its variety of discount deals, you are sure to find what you are looking for here. Everything from an economy size villa to a 5 bedroom vacation villa can be found here. Along with low cost lodging, you will also find resort amenities which include a large adult pool and kiddie pool, volleyball, basketball and tennis court, massage and fitness room and on-site store. See www.islandhideaway.net for more information.
Lisa Carson
lcarson@biminibayresortinvestment.com
www.biminibayresortinvestment.com

About the Author

Florida Real Estate Investing Expert

theme park - discount theme park ticket

2005-10-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Resort Lodging

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FL
There are numerous choices for lodging hotels in the Kissimmee, FL area. Vacationers most often think of the standard hotel with smaller sized room when booking travel accommodations, but considering a vacation villa could prove much more accommodating for you and your family. Island Hideaway in Davenport, FL offers villas and suites of all sizes, as well as the amenities you would expect from a five star resort. The two bedroom suites are three times the size of a normal hotel room! You can relax, kick your feet up and feel comfortable knowing you made the right choice for your resort lodging. Think you are sacrificing dining options, maid service or maintenance by choosing a villa option? Island Hideaway offers 24-hour guest services and security. If you need something at 3:00 a.m., rest assured that Island Hideaway will be there to answer any questions you have. The resort offers on-site check-in so you will never have to drive too far to relax and settle in. Your suite not only comes with kitchenette accommodations for the convenience of cooking in your room, but the resort offers a full service restaurant. Visit www.islandhideaway.net today for a virtual tour of this resort lodging option and information for booking your reservation.

Lodging Hotels in Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Sheraton Vistana Resort is only one mile from Disney?s gate and minutes from Universal Studios and sits on 135 acres of tropical landscaping with lakes, fountains and waterfalls. This is another villa option that has all the amenities of a full scale resort. This lodging hotel leaves you within walking distance to the shopping, dining and attractions of Lake Buena Vista. Sheraton Vistana Resort offers one and two bedroom floor plans, seven outdoor swimming pools, poolside massages, full activities program and four restaurants to choose from, including Pizza Hut right on the property!

This resort lodging offers several villa layouts to choose from, including one and two bedroom floor plans with lock-off options. The bathrooms have whirlpool tubs and the patios are screened in for extra privacy. The rooms are decorated beautifully with lots of color and special touches for that home away from home feeling. Check online at www.sheraton.com for information on this and more Sheraton lodging hotels.

Resort Lodging in the Disney Area
The Disney area isn?t just theme parks, but there is an entire area dedicated to shopping, unique restaurant themes, entertainment and nightlife! Downtown Disney in the Lake Buena Vista area has an array of entertainment including Cirque De Soleil?s La Nouba show, Pleasure Island, which is a host to numerous nightclubs from country to rock to jazz themes, Rainforest Caf?nd shopping, shopping and more shopping. Finding a lodging hotel in this area with comfortable accommodations is an easy task and you can rest assured that you will never run out of things to do.

The Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa is an upscale resort lodging option in the Downtown Disney area with over 1,000 guest rooms and suites. You will be pampered and catered to 24/7 while staying at this resort. The amenities are top notch and guest service is their number one priority. There are 17 rooms with handicap accommodations, 124 suites and 750 non-smoking guest rooms. The rooms are decorated for a King and come with such amenities as ceiling fans, high speed internet, cordless phones, mini bars, speaker phones and desks to take care of any business you need to do away from home. This lodging hotel offers a salon, seven restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and even wedding services complete with wedding coordinator. Book your lodging hotel reservations online in advance and you can find upcoming special rates the Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa may offer or book today with www.expedia.com.

Lodging Hotels in Kissimmee, FL
Kissimmee is still in the center of all the action, shopping, restaurants and dinner shows, but you will find that it is a little more tucked away than downtown Orlando or Lake Buena Vista. You can, also, find better deals on lodging hotels in Kissimmee because of its huge draw for vacationers. Book reservations ahead of time online by doing a search on lodging hotels in Kissimmee and you will find special deals and pricing based on the season.

Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee, FL is a nice option that provides apartment style rooms complete with kitchens and fireplaces. Traveling with your pet? Mainstay Suites welcomes every member of your family, including your pets for only $10 more per night! Like hearing the word, free? This lodging hotel offers free shuttle service to Disney World and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet Mall, free continental breakfast, free local calls and free daily newspaper. The hotel, also, boasts a lakefront picnic area with charcoal grills, wave runner rentals, playground, poolside bar, heated pool and Jacuzzi and a kid?s movie night. The Studio Executive room is 500 square feet containing a fireplace, two closets, television, king size bed and a pull out sofa. The Family Suite sleeps up to six guests with two queen beds and a pull out sofa. The Family Suite, also, has two closets and a television. The Bi-Level Penthouse Suite is 800 square feet, contains one king size bed, a wall pull-down or Murphy bed, three closets, two televisions and two full bathrooms. If you are traveling alone or with friends or family, Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee, FL is guaranteed to have accommodations that you will find comfortable and affordable.

Resort Lodging near Universal Studios
Universal Studios, Orlando is only minutes away from Walt Disney World, downtown Orlando and International Drive, which contains endless shopping, dining and entertainment. There are many lodging hotels in the area with great deals year round for your stay. The Best Western Plaza on International Drive offers great accommodations starting around $47.95 per night or as low as $27.95 per night if you book with www.hotelscorp.com in advance. This lodging hotel has 672 rooms, sits between Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World Orlando and offers free shuttle service to all Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World.

Orlando International Resort is another comfortable option for the Universal Studios area, with average rates starting around $43.85 per night or as low as $23.85 per night when you book with www.hotelscorp.com in advance. Orlando International Resort offers standard accommodations at a great discount to you.

Choosing Your Lodging Hotel
Choosing your lodging hotel is an easy task, as Orlando and its surrounding communities have an array of lodging choices for you and your family. Many of these resorts, villa communities and hotels allow pets if you do not want to board your other family member. Information can be obtained easily online, so research your options well before booking your reservations. Remember that the standard hotel, although sometimes cheaper, is not always the best choice for space and convenience. Vacation Villas, such as Island Hideaway in Davenport, can give you a much more relaxed feeling for your vacation. These villa options provide more activities and comfort amenities, such as kitchenettes, so that you can spend a day relaxing away from the theme parks and shopping and the kids will never get bored. Explore your lodging hotel options online and use the virtual tours that resorts provide to get a closer look at the accommodations. Once you do this, you can feel comfortable and relaxed with your decision.

http://www.islandhideaway.net

About the Author

None

theme park - dallas amusement theme parks

2005-10-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

Madrid Spain - Take a Tour of a City That Rocks!

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

One thing is for sure, "Madrile?? certainly know how to enjoy life to the full, and you should too whilst in Madrid, for the capital of Spain is a charming city, rich in culture and, at night it really rocks!

For shopoholics, its bustling Gran Via offers some of the finest stores in Europe.

For the children, there is plenty to keep them amused with the Zoo-Aquarium, the Faunia Theme Park, the Wax Museum, the Amusement Park, Warner Bros-Madrid Theme Park ...

And the city comes alive at night for everyone. Cinemas, theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, floorshows, ballet, opera ... the choice is yours!

During the day, there are all those sensational sights to see, many of which can be viewed from an open-top tour bus if you?re feeling too lazy to walk!

The Palacio Real or Royal Palace has been the residence of the Spanish Royal Monarchy in Madrid since 1764. Across its courtyard is the Royal Armoury and, close by, are the beautiful Sabatini Gardens and Cathedral of the Almudena, where Prince Felipe recently married his true love.

The Plaza Mayor is a huge square of 3-storey buildings constructed in 1617 with a statue of Felipe III on horeseback in its center.

The Puerta de Alcal?located in the center of the Plaza de la Independencia, is on the calle de Alcal?where you will also find the Fine Arts Museum and the Casino.

At the other end of the street is the Puerta del Sol.

Moving along to the Plaza Col??you will find monuments dedicated to Colombus and his travels. In the center of this square are the Gardens of Discovery, towered over by huge blocks of stone, inscribed with details of Colombus? travels.

Madrid is famous for its museums and a major attraction is the Prado Museum, housing the world?s greatest collection of Spanish paintings.

Two other museums well worth a visit are the Museo Thyseen-Bornemisza in the Palacio de Villahermosa, and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sof?

Madrid also has many pleasant parks and gardens, the main one being the huge, 12-hectare Parque del Buen Retiro with its two palaces and central lake.

Madrid is also noted for its beautiful fountains, for example, la Cibeles in the central Plaza de la Cibeles, and the Fountain of Neptune, close to the Prado Museum.

So ... make your way to Madrid. You?ll love it!

Linda Plummer is webmistress of http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com Top Tour of Spain providing information on Spain be it for travel, food, language or living.

theme park - california theme parks

2005-10-23T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Best Beach Resorts in Bulgaria

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

The Bulgarian Black sea coast is about 400 kilometers long with large and small resorts. Sun-seekers have a wealth of choices for accommodation. Most of the hotels are privately run and maintain Western standards of health and safety. Among the most popular resorts is the northern Black Sea coast resort of Golden Sands, which has 61 hotels, many recently fully renovated.

The resort, 17 km north of Varna, is an attractive combination of a calm and warm sea, forested slopes near the beach, mineral springs and a tempting choice of good quality restaurants. The area is famous for the purest sand on the Black Sea coast.

Also on the northern Black Sea coast, very close to Golden Sands, Riviera Holiday Club has six hotels located on the beach in a nice and quite park.

Sunny Day tourist complex, 10 km north of Varna, has four hotels ranging from five stars to two. The resort also has two well-equipped spa health centres, with treatments from mud baths to laser therapy to aromatherapy available.

Thirty km from Varna, Albena has a total of 14 900 beds in 43 hotels, ranging from two to four stars. Nestled in a picturesque bay, the resort has a temperate climate and boasts a wide sandy beach. Water sports, a children?s amusement park, and many fine restaurants complete the picture.

On the southern Black Sea coast, Sunny Beach has more than 100 hotels, 2 campsites, over 130 restaurants, taverns with folklore shows, bars with floor shows, night clubs, casino, discos and cafes.

Sozopol, about 30 km south of Bourgas, has a smaller range of hotels, with about 1,800 beds between them. Sozopol is one of the oldest of Bulgaria's coastal towns. It is founded in 610 BC by Miletian Greeks. Today, this charming place is a popular tourist resort best known for its casual ambience, sandy beaches and distinctive nineteenth-century stone and wood houses.

Nessebur, named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1983, draws about a million visitors annually, and its narrow, historically venerable streets, are often choked in mid-summer with tourists sampling its culinary delights and shopping for memorabilia. The town, which dates back about 9,000 years and is famed for its beautiful medieval churches, has a competitive range of hotels and private accommodation.

About the Author

Marina Marinova is a free-lance specialized in travel articles about Bulgaria. Currently she writes mainly for www.discover-bulgaria.com

theme park - atlanta amusement theme parks

2005-10-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

Barcelona Spain - That Sensational Second City of Spain

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

What more could you want out of life than a tremendous trip to Barcelona?!

Second city of Spain and major Mediterranean port, bustling Barcelona incorporates a delightful historic mix of Roman remains, medieval quarters and 20th century avant-garde art. It also possesses beautiful beaches nearby!

Nature lovers need not travel far to be able to hike through hills that are part of the Coastal Mountain Range and Catalonian Pyrenees.

Not only is Barcelona a tremendous artistic source, there is also penty for the children to do. How they will love the beaches that surround the city, the Aquarium, Zoo, Maritime Museum, Museum of Barcelona Football Club, Olympic Stadium and nearby theme park!

For shopoholics, the Barcelona Shopping Line will greatly appeal!

The velvet night vibrates with night clubs, discos, shows, restaurants, bars, caf?... not to mention theaters, cinemas, opera and classical music concerts.

Needless to say, Barcelona is a culture-vulture?s dream come true with most places of historic interest being situated in the Old Town.

The Old Town spreads north-west from the harbor and, at its heart, is the Gothic Quarter or Barrio G??o. El Arco de Triunfo can be found there, plus the impressive Cathedral of Ciudad Condal.

Adjacent to the Gothic Quarter is the Barrio de la Ribera, also of medieval origin, where several historic buildings have been turned into museums, such as the Palau Aguilar which is, nowadays, the Picasso Museum.

The renowned Las Ramblas of Barcelona is a series of lively streets that combine to make a broad avenue leading to the harbor and Mediterranean Sea. What a superb atmosphere they possess!

To the south-west lies the fortress-topped hill of Montjuic, where the Barcelona Olympic Stadium and some fine museums are located.

At the southern end of the Ramblas lies Barcelona Harbor and Port Vell. This area now combines high-class restaurants with trendy clubs and bars.

To be found in the central area of Barcelona (the Eixample) are the fantasy works of Gaud?uch as Park G?Palau G?nd Casa Mil?a Pedrera.

However, Gaud?s best remembered for the part he played in the construction of the Cathedral of Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia.

So ... boomerang on over to Barcelona and get to know Gaud?/P>

Linda Plummer is webmistress of http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com Top Tour of Spain providing information on Spain be it for travel, food, language or living.

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2005-10-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

Take the Grandchildren to Walt Disney World

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

What better opportunity to spoil the grandchildren than a trip to ?The Most Magical Place on Earth?. And spoil them you can with so many things to see and do that children as well as adults will absolutely love. It?s a vacation guaranteed to create lasting memories. Here are some suggestions that will make this very special trip one to remember for a lifetime:

Book a Resort with a Great Pool Kids love swimming pools, and Disney resorts come with some of the best. Children?s favorites: the Volcano Pool at Disney?s Polynesian Resort featuring a smoking volcano slide, underwater music, and sparkling waterfall, all with a superb view of the Seven Seas Lagoon; the Wilderness Lodge?s boulder-lined pool featuring glistening waterfalls, rocky overlooks, a fun water slide, and nearby geyser; the eye-popping Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park complex that meanders between the Yacht and Beach Club, offering three acres of winding, watery delight including sandy bottom pools, a giant ?shipwreck? waterslide, tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart?s delight.

Start Your Day Together at a Character Breakfast If you?re traveling with young children, at least one or two character meals are a must. These extremely popular dining spots, offered at both the theme parks and the Disney resort hotels, are a perfect way for the grandchildren to spend extra time with their favorite characters. Young ladies don their favorite Disney princess costumes at Restaurant Akershus in Epcot?s Norway pavilion to dine with Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Belle, while both boys and girls alike adore the Fantasyland breakfast offered at the Magic Kingdom?s Cinderella?s Castle. Just be sure to call 407-WDW-DINE exactly 90 days prior at 7 a.m. Eastern time to assure yourselves a spot at these coveted venues.

Head Over to Ft. Wilderness for a Campfire Sing-along Gather 'round the campfire each evening at Disney?s Ft. Wilderness for a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a Disney animated movie. It?s complimentary to all Walt Disney World resort guests.

Start Your Day Early at the Magic Kingdom Each morning one of Disney?s theme parks opens an hour early only for guests staying at a Disney resort. The Magic Kingdom?s early open days are Sunday and Thursday, a perfect opportunity to knock off the children?s attractions in Fantasyland where waits can sometimes be extremely lengthy during normal park hours.

Don?t Miss the Magic Kingdom?s Afternoon Parade and Evening Fireworks Presentation The wonderful Share a Dream Come True parade is Disney?s best where giant floats topped with rotating globes, twinkling lights, and live Disney characters are accompanied by over a hundred walking characters and a medley of classic Disney songs. And the Jiminy Cricket narrated nighttime fireworks display is probably the most magical experience in all of Disney.

Take a Spin on a SeaRaycer Rent one of these two-seater mini-power boats for zipping around one of Disney?s waterways. The grandkids will love you for it. They?re available at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, the Yacht and Beach Club, Downtown Disney, and the Wilderness Lodge.

Head to a Water Park for a Splashing Good Time Disney has two of the most fantastic water parks imaginable, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, each offering their own brand of wonder. At Blizzard Beach you?ll find quite a few tame attractions along with wild, rushing water and death-defying slides. Typhoon Lagoon offers a whopper of a surf pool. But both have wonderful children?s areas with smaller versions of the adult attractions. There are even areas for the adolescent set.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world. Visit her at http://www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

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2005-10-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

Take the Grandchildren to Walt Disney World

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

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2005-10-19T02:03:00.000-07:00

Seville Spain - Spectacular City of Color and Romance

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Capital of Andalucia and largest southern city of Spain, this dashing and romantic place is packed full of life, history and culture.

Nature lovers will also find plenty on offer at the Do?? Nature Reserve and the Sierra Norte Nature Reserve. Children will delight in the Isla M?ca Theme Park, Aqu??is Seville Guadalpark Water Park, and nearby Mundo Park.

Seville is, of course, steeped in history with colorful districts such as Triana and La Macarena, plus magical monuments and buildings dating from the Moorish Conquest. Many of these are to be found in the Old Quarter.

At the heart of the Old Quarter is the Cathedral of Seville. Originally built as a mosque by the Almohads in the late 12th century, it later became the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.

Attached to the Cathedral is La Giralda, tallest tower in Spain. Ancient minaret of the Islamic Mosque and erected in 1184, its foundations use stones from Roman monuments.

Alongside the River and close to the bullring is the Torre del Oro or Golden Tower. Built between 1221 and 1222, it formed part of the last wall of defence from the Alc?r to the River and today houses the Naval Museum.

The Alc?r or Royal Mud?r Palace which was begun in 931 has glorious gardens to enjoy. The Casa de Pilatos or House of Pilate is a 16th century mansion and a beautiful blend of Mud?r, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Near the Barrio Santa Cruz is the magnificent Plaza de Espa??a "must" for all visitors.

Seville is also renowned for its two major fiestas which take place in Spring. During Semana Santa or Easter Week, is a religious festival and there is also the Feria de Abr?(April Fair).

Both are truly spectacular so come and enjoy them!

Linda Plummer is webmistress of http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com Top Tour of Spain providing information on Spain be it for travel, food, language or living.

theme park - amusement and theme parks chicago

2005-10-18T01:29:00.000-07:00

Seville Spain - Spectacular City of Color and Romance

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Capital of Andalucia and largest southern city of Spain, this dashing and romantic place is packed full of life, history and culture.

At the heart of the Old Quarter is the Cathedral of Seville. Originally built as a mosque by the Almohads in the late 12th century, it later became the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.

Attached to the Cathedral is La Giralda, tallest tower in Spain. Ancient minaret of the Islamic Mosque and erected in 1184, its foundations use stones from Roman monuments.

Near the Barrio Santa Cruz is the magnificent Plaza de Espa??a "must" for all visitors.

Seville is also renowned for its two major fiestas which take place in Spring. During Semana Santa or Easter Week, is a religious festival and there is also the Feria de Abr?(April Fair).

Both are truly spectacular so come and enjoy them!

Linda Plummer is webmistress of http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com Top Tour of Spain providing information on Spain be it for travel, food, language or living.

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2005-10-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

The East Coasts Number One Family Resort

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Ocean City Maryland is one of the favorite vacation
seashore destinations in the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Ocean City
has 10 miles of clean sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean
which includes a boardwalk, approximately 20 blocks long.
Ocean City Maryland offers many recreational activities
for everyone. Some of the numerous activities include
fishing, watersports, golfing, historical attractions,
amusement park rides, or just plain old fun in the sun on
the clean sandy beaches.

Ocean City, Maryland has been referred to as the "East
Coast's Number One Family Resort". The title comes well
deserved because it hosts numerous activities and events
that will appeal to every member of the family. In addition
the area has accomodations to meet your tastes, no matter
what your budget may be.

Come here in the summer time, and experience the Atlantic
Ocean. There are tons of activities to participate in,
including boogie boarding swimming, kite flying, surf
fishing, jogging, bodysurfing.

Also in spring, summer or fall, charter boats take anglers
out of Ocean City to fish for blue fish, tuna, wahoo, shark,
and marlin. One of the things that Maryland is famous for is
it's blue crabs. Crabbing for Maryland's infamous blue crabs
can be done from the bayside fishing piers. These bays,
which are west of Ocean City offer a wide variety of
watersports. Come here to go windsurfing, powerboating,
fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing and
sailboating, just to name a few.

Golfers can choose from nine award-winning courses.
surrounded by wetlands and marsh near Ocean City. Many of
the local hotels and motels offer golf packages all year
long.

The Convention center is a big attraction for many venues.
Concerts, festivals, and everything from car to boat shows
are open to the public. These events are held throughout the
year at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. So there is
always soemthing to see or do at the Convention Center.The
Center is located in the middle of Ocean City, with lots of
parking available. There are additional exhibit halls,
meeting rooms, and a full-service kitchen that can serve
2,500 people. So it makes a great place to hold a group
meeting. The Convention Center also houses Ocean City's new,
beautiful Visitor Information Center, a great place to start
your visit.

Ocean City is home to some of the finest dining and
nightlife on the East Coast. Whatever you are hungry for,
it's right here. There's everything from the "local seafood"
specialties to Pizza and world-famous Thrasher's french
fries. Do you like ethnic foods? How about Italian or
Chinese or Greek, and everything in between. If you like the
night life, there's plenty of that as well. Restaurants and
clubs in Ocean City have the whole enchilada when it comes
to entertainment. There are sports bars, jazz and blues
bars, rock 'n roll, and country. It's all here.

Are you bringing kids, or adults who act like kids? There
are (2) amusement parks, numerous arcades, miniature golf,
go-kart tracks, and many movie theaters available. Ocean
City also has (2) malls, a and discounted Shopping Outlets.

There are lots of events happening in the winter months,
too. Ocean City's annual Winterfest of Lights Celebration
features hundreds of lighted displays with over one million
lights. Where else could you see a nautical theme with Santa
fishing for tuna or how about Santa riding the waves, on his
surfboard?

Ocean City, which is Maryland's only oceanside and bayside
resort, has become a year-round fun destination.

Elizabeth Ann Wares is the webmaster of Airfare X:
http://www.airfarex.com
A leading resource for airfare and other travel related
information on the internet.

About the Author

Elizabeth Ann Wares is an avid traveler and enjoys sharing her traveling and vacationing experiences. She is the webmaster of Airfare X:
http://www.airfarex.com
A leading resource for airfare and other travel related
information on the internet.

theme park - theme park

2005-10-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

The East Coasts Number One Family Resort

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

About the Author

theme and amusement parks - best resource for information, discounts and articles on theme parks - theme park articles

2005-10-15T00:41:00.000-07:00

Visualizing a Healthy Family Vacation and Holiday

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

If you have ever experienced a vacation, whereby
one of the members of the family was ill,
you will probably know that it spoiled the
vacation for the whole family.

It is not fun to have plans to spend a day at
the amusement park, only to have one family
member feeling nauseous or running a fever
and having to stay behind.

Or worse yet, trying to tough it out and going
anyway, only to have to leave early, due to
needing to return to bed.

What are some of the steps you can take to insure
a fun and healthy vacation?

There is really only ONE step necessary and that is
to visualize everyone being healthy.

It has been scientifically proven that what we
think about...comes about.

(You can do a search on google.com or yahoo.com
on the phrase "quantum physics" and you will see
the studies that have been done proving that we are
all made of energy.)

Our energy molecules are influenced by what
we think about.

Whether we think about what we "Want" or whether
we think about what we "Don't Want" - wherever
our focus is...that is what we experience.

Very briefly, if we focus on illness (or the
yucky "not wanting" of illness), we will have an
experience of illness (because of the energetic
focus on the yuckiness of it).

If we focus on health (and having that), we will
experience health.

So, do whatever necessary to put out of your mind
the ruined vacation(s) of the past, due to illness
and think only of how great and fun your vacation
will be, as a result of all of the family members
being healthy and vibrant, and that is exactly
what you will have as an experience.

PS Make sure you take lots of film. You'll need it!

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` `
Pat Graham-Block and her husband, Elon Block are
avid travelers and share their "Take Along A Book"
resources at
http://www.booksfeast.com
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` `

theme and amusement parks - best resource for information, discounts and articles on theme parks - theme park articles

2005-10-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

Tips for Disney World First Timers

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

So you?ve finally decided to head to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do, it?s important to come prepared. Here are some excellent tips to make your trip one that will be remembered for a lifetime.

? Plan ahead. Decide ahead of time what your priorities are and make a plan of action.

? Get to the parks early! It?s amazing, particularly in busy season, how many of the popular rides you can knock off before half the ?World? gets out of bed.

? Take the time to rest in the middle of the day. Stay at one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts, allowing a return in the middle of the day for a nap or dip in the pool.

? Call exactly 90 days prior at 7 AM Orlando time for priority seating if breakfast at Cinderella?s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom is tops on your child?s list. The only way you might get away with sleeping in and booking a bit later for this highly coveted character breakfast is if you are traveling in extremely slow season.

? Come prepared for an afternoon shower during the rainy summer months even if the sky looks perfectly clear in the morning. Rent a locker to store your raingear and circle back if skies start to look threatening. However, if you?re caught unprepared, just about every store in the parks sells inexpensive rain ponchos.

? Use Fastpass, Disney?s free, nifty timesaving device. It?s offered at all four theme parks and is a great way to save hours of waiting in line. Just insert your park pass in one of the machines located at each individual Fastpass attraction and receive a ticket printed with a designated one-hour window in which you may return and enter a special line with little or no waiting.

?Pre-arrange priority seating, Disney?s answer to dining reservations, by calling 407-WDW-DINE. On arrival you?ll receive the next table available for your party size, thus saving hours of frustration and waiting.

? Allow plenty of time to reach the theme parks each morning. It?s easy to miss your breakfast priority seating is you don?t allocate enough time.

? Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it?s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore. If not, you could miss something wonderful.

? Realize the limitations of your children. If they?re tired, take a break. If their feet hurt, get them a stroller (forget that they outgrew one years ago). If a ride scares them don?t force the issue. Such precautions will make your day and the day of other park visitors a lot less stressful.

? Bring pagers, 2-way radios, or cell phones. If your party plans on splitting up, they are a perfect way to keep in touch.

? Wear broken-in, comfortable footwear. Better yet, bring two pairs and rotate them. Nothing is worse than blisters on your first day and then nursing them for the remainder of your vacation.

? Most importantly, slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can?t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com

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2005-10-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Locating Inexpensive Lodging in Orlando, FL

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Locating Inexpensive Lodging in Orlando, FL

Your Orlando vacation will be packed with excitement from the start and filled with activity, so you might want to save money when it comes to your lodging choice. The great thing about visiting a diverse city, such as Orlando, is that we have an array of lodging to choose from, including budget lodging and inexpensive resorts hotels. Booking your stay in advance by using the internet can prove useful as well. Many websites are able to offer inexpensive lodging because of the large amount of business they provide a resort. Also, by using the internet to book your budget lodging advance, you will be able to see any upcoming specials a resort will offer.

Centrally Located Inexpensive Lodging

Finding a location that is centrally located to all the attractions you want to experience and accommodates all of your needs while away from home is key. Orlando offers numerous choices for budget lodging that will suit all your needs. Best Western has over five convenient Orlando locations, including adjacent to the centrally located Florida Mall, International Drive location and Orlando International Airport location. Each hotel offers the same commitment to quality that you have learned to trust from Best Western. The Best Western Orlando Airport is best suited for a business traveler, while the Florida Mall and International Drive locations are better suited for a vacationing family. Standard amenities for this budget lodging include complimentary airport shuttle service, dry cleaning services, guest laundry facilities, USA Today newspaper daily and wireless internet access. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable. Best Western offers special theme park packages, also. One package is specially designed to include two night hotel accommodations with two 1-day admissions to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. Another package is specially designed to include a three-night stay with two 4-day Walt Disney World park hopper passes. Check www.bestwestern.com for your budget lodging locations, promotions and reservations.

Budget Lodging in Downtown Orlando

Want to stay close to the Orlando nightlife? Downtown Orlando is the perfect location for you. Choose lodging in the heart of the city and walk to various shopping destinations, area bars, nightclubs and sports venues. Orlando Comfort Suites is an excellent choice for budget lodging without sacrificing comfort and great amenities. Orlando Comfort Suites offers a convenient location to Loch Haven Park, Orlando?s cultural district, as well as shopping, historic buildings and more. Each suite at the hotel comes standard with a 25-inch color television, hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, iron and ironing board. The rooms, also, feature a separate sitting area with pull out sofa bed and work desk with data port phones. Business travelers can enjoy a business center complete with a computer equipped with high-speed internet access, printer and copier. A continental breakfast is standard every morning. Check online at www.orlandocomfortsuites.com or call 1(877)228-4007 for budget lodging specials and to book reservations.

Inexpensive Lodging in the Disney Area

Walt Disney World is one of the biggest draws to Central Florida for families all over the world and finding lodging near the theme parks is a #1 priority to many, especially finding budget lodging. Straying away from the center point of Lake Buena Vista and venturing onto the Kissimmee side can leave you with a lot more choices of inexpensive lodging.

Travelodge Suites Kissimmee Maingate offers comfortable accommodations from $20 to $50 per night and often offers specials depending on the season. This hotel boasts 144 comfortable rooms located within walking distance to Sea World Orlando. Rooms come standard with two double beds, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, alarm clock, 24-hour staff on call, handicapped facilities, free newspaper and cable television.

La Quinta Inn Lakeside is another inexpensive lodging choice in the Kissimmee area, conveniently located on Irlo Bronson Highway, which is overflowing with entertainment to keep you busy during your trip, including dinner shows, shopping, miniature golf and an array of restaurants. The La Quinta Inn offers family accommodating rooms that come standard with a safe, refrigerator, coffee maker and Sony Playstation. Also, to keep the kids entertained, La Quinta offers an arcade and game room. Free transportation to and from the theme parks is an added luxury for your stay. This inexpensive, budget lodging choice is only two miles from Walt Disney World, twelve miles from Sea World and seventeen miles from Universal Studios Orlando. Prices start around $59 per night for a standard room and $60 per night for a pool view room. Check www.cheap-hotels-lodging.com for details on specials, reservations and booking or call 1(800)469-9146.

Why Budget Lodging is Right For You

Budget lodging does not necessarily mean giving up luxuries and comfortable accommodations. This choice means you really value your family and the experiences you will share with them while staying in Central Florida. You can still book an extremely comfortable lodging option, while saving money to use by experiencing the sheer life that the city of Orlando and surrounding communities have to offer. No matter what lodging option you choose for your accommodations, you will be near great Central Florida attractions, shopping, restaurants, scenery and nightlife. Rest assured that you have made the right choice by choosing budget lodging in Central Florida.

Inexpensive Lodging Near Attractions

You will be able to locate inexpensive lodging for your stay in Central Florida at the turn of every corner. Are you planning to visit the Walt Disney World resort? Here's a tip: Register online at www.DisneyWorld.com and request email updates and special offers. Often, you will receive updates on special promotions that Disney offers for lodging. Florida residents often have an upper hand on Florida lodging and attractions, so check the website periodically for updates on discounts. The Quality Inn & Suites Eastgate is another good option with rates started at $37 per night. Quality Inn is a name you can trust at an affordable, inexpensive lodging price. You can feel good about your trip to Central Florida and the accommodating services you or your family will receive.

Are you planning to visit Universal Studios in Orlando? Try the Country Inn & Suites near Universal Studios. The rates start around $60 per night and the location is central to a ton of area attractions and entertainment. Hotel amenities include a business center, fitness center, free continental breakfast, free evening cookies and milk, free newspaper, free transportation to any Disney theme park, game room, valet service. This hotel allows pets! Visit www.budgethotelsorlando.com for more information on rates and reservations for this lodging choice.

Choosing your budget lodging is an important decision and you should plan in advance to ensure the best lodging accommodations during your stay. Use your resources to research information on inexpensive lodging and plan accordingly. Your trip to Orlando will be one to remember and your budget lodging should be too! http://www.islandhideaway.net

Inexpensive Lodging in Orlando Florida Expert

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2005-10-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Vacation Packages...Just Book It...and Enjoy it!

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Vacation packages can be of different kinds, depending on the destination. Las Vegas is the place to escape from all sense of convention known by all as "The Gambling and Entertainment Capital of the World." In recent years the attractions have expanded to include theme parks, family activities, excellent shopping, spas and world-class golfing. The whole world comes to Vegas to let loose and, in turn, you find yourself happily lost in a skylines from all the great cities of the earth. If you didn?t know better, you might think it was some strange desert mirage and Who knows, Elvis might still be in the building!

Disney vacation packages, Hawaii vacation packages, and all inclusive vacation packages, can offer you a great deal. How about Orlando vacation packages? A good travel agent can also help you with all this. Some package will handle virtually everything. For the same price you would pay for a hotel, a vacation rental home can offer you a lot more. Aside from the traditional accommodations, you will often get more space and amenities, a great alternative for family vacation package with kids.

Vacation packages in Hawaii, includes the best honeymoon location in the world. No place else on Earth is as romantic. With almost limitless attractions and activities, this is the perfect location for family vacations. It offers something for everyone - sports enthusiasts, beachcombers, adventure seekers . . . you name it!

Whatever you?re looking for, a well planned vacation package that includes covers all your concerns might be just what you?re looking for.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-vacations-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

theme and amusement parks - best resource for information, discounts and articles on theme parks - theme park articles

2005-10-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

Oh No! Summer Camps Over...So Now What?

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Well, there is a name for it and it's called post-summer camp gap year travel!

A mouthful to digest, but an easy decision to make! And as an after taste you'll have plenty of time to let it all sink in on your explorations of America.

Once your summer camp duties have been fulfilled and you've squeezed every ounce of fun and satisfaction out of your time there, the last thing you'll want to do is go home. So, what else is there to do in America? And what are you going to spend that hard-earned summer camp cash on anyway?

America is a land of infinite possibilities. Since the US has a staggering 12,000 available summer camps scattered throughout the country, you'll have to consider which camp the launching pad for your adventures is going to be.

A good idea is to plan your route before deciding on the camp you're going to be working at. Remember, with your J1 visa, you'll have up to ten whole weeks of travel time in the United States. Spend that time wisely.

Summer camp is a great place to meet the people who actually live in America. They know the country well so get their advice on interesting places to visit, especially the ones that are off the usual touristy trails. Since there are 12,000 summer camps to choose from and thousands of possible places to visit, here are a few options to help give you some ideas on your camp choice.

Let?s start at Route 66

Route 66 is the Great American Road Trip. ?In addition to (working at) Camp America, I got to travel from coast to coast? says Bojan from Serbia. Many who leave camp start road trips in Chicago and end them on the sunny beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles, California.

Travel through a series of eight American states and the landscapes that made the West famous. You'll literally find thousands of things to see and do. It is highly recommended that you take your own transport. That way you'll be able to stop in the various towns for as long as you like. If you're familiar with motorcycles, this is the iconic bikers dream route; there is no other.

America: Land of Theme parks

The most awe-inspiring park has got to be Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, California. From a New Yorker?s perspective, Gordon Teoh says ?It?s all going on, all the time?.

This is not a theme park so much as it's an extreme park, and it's home to one jaw dropping rollercoaster ? The Viper, otherwise known as the largest looping rollercoaster in the world. But wait, the Viper is set to lose this title to an even taller and faster opponent with the planned unveiling of The KingDa Ka. Towering at 456 feet and launching you screaming at over 127 MPH, America's theme parks just keep getting bigger, faster and meaner....almost out of control. So make sure your camp is based around the Los Angeles area if you decide to take the plunge.

The Grand Canyon

Few people have not heard of the Grand Canyon, but not many have seen it. This is an American classic for film locations of every kind and for those who know, this was Airwolf's lair in the famous TV series by the same name. The Grand Canyon is an exceptionally deep, steep-walled canyon in the northwestern Arizona area.

?It is amazing - just like in the movies!? comments Helen Anderson who worked at Camp Canonicus. River rafting in the Colorado River, hiking and of course good old photography are things to do at the Canyon. The Grand Canyon cannot be missed; it's big, it's wild and it's absolutely amazing.

These destinations represent only a small fraction of the possibilities of post-summer camp gap year travel. The summer camp you work at could be anywhere in the USA, so do some research or contact one of the camp organizers for things to do after camp. Ten weeks of America's infinite possibilities await, so waste no time!

Camp America is the largest and most respected provider of staff to summer camps in the USA. They work closely with summer camps around America and have affiliations with a number of travel companies that can be used to plan gap year travels in America.

theme and amusement parks - best resource for information, discounts and articles on theme parks - theme park articles

2005-10-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

Vacation Lodging and Travel Lodging in Orlando Florida

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Travel Lodging: Location Is Key

You have already decided to come to one of the most beloved vacation spots anywhere, Central Florida. Now, you are left to decide what fabulous restaurants you want to dine at and what area attractions you want to visit. Once you have decided, you should choose a location centered in the middle of the action. After all, vacation is about relaxation and convenience. Your vacation lodging should be close to the action. Your vacation lodging should, also, be a wonderful and comforting home away from home. Central Florida?s travel lodging is at your fingertips. Planning your vacation is easy and just a few clicks away.

A lot of vacationers only think of one type of vacation lodging, the hotel. The Orlando, Florida area has a wide variety of choices for travel lodging, including luxury hotels, discount hotels, villas and time share resorts. Explore your options to ensure that you will be a happy and relaxed traveler. No matter what your decision, there are attractions all around you to put you in the middle of the action, including Walt Disney World theme parks, Universal Orlando theme parks, water parks, shopping and exhibits.

Travel Lodging: Luxury Hotels

Central Florida offers a wide array of choices in luxury hotels for your vacation lodging. Choose from the Walt Disney World area to Universal Studios area or, perhaps, International Drive which boasts an abundance of shopping and nightlife.

Do you want to stay near the Walt Disney World resort area? Walt Disney World resort has over 20 hotels to choose from and the surrounding Lake Buena Vista area has even more. Disney?s Grand Floridian luxury hotel has been a favorite for decades. The hotel sits right in the middle of Walt Disney World property, leaving you only moments away from the theme parks. When you walk into this grand hotel lobby, you will be whisked away by the sounds of the live orchestra, arch windows, gas lamps and breathtaking chandeliers as if you just walked into the turn of the century. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is truly a grand choice for your travel lodging. The staff is friendly and ready to accommodate you in any way they can. The Grand Floridian has over 900 guest rooms, with accommodations for guests with disabilities, also. Choose between the garden view, lagoon view or lodge tower. There are 5 restaurants to give you plenty of dining choices. Visit www.wdw4me.com/resorts/grand_floridian.htm for more information on this luxury hotel.

The Portofino Bay Hotel onsite at Universal Orlando is a newly built recreation of Portofino, Italy, decorated with cobblestone paths, sidewalk cafes and shops. Visiting either of the Universal Orlando theme parks is a breeze with your free water taxi trips. All rooms are decorated with an Italian flair and the hotel offers eight different restaurants and cafes to choose from. Think Universal isn?t close enough to the action? Think again because the Portofino Bay Hotel is located just 12 miles from the Walt Disney World resort, 7 miles from Sea World Orlando and shopping is only a short walk away at Universal?s Citywalk. Check www.orlando.com for 360deg tours of the resort, rates and availability.

Travel Lodging: Discount Hotels

Central Florida has a variety of travel lodging options for your visit, including many discount hotels, which still offer you the comforts of guest service and amenities to keep you relaxed during your busy stay. Choose between names you know and love, such as Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Holiday Inn, Best Western and Clarion. Most vacationers become attached to a particular place of lodging that they know they can depend on and why shouldn?t they? If you know the service is great, the comfort level is high and the convenience is perfect for you, then you have made a great choice. You will find a favorite name near any attraction you plan to visit. Want to stay near the Airport? Relax in the comfort of the La Quinta Inn Airport Suites, Amerisuites Airport Northeast, Holiday Inn or Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport. It is important to be comfortable with your decision of vacation lodging.

Travel Lodging: Vacation Villas

The best part about choosing to rent a villa for your vacation is that ?home away from home? feeling you will have. Central Florida has many villa choices to suit your needs, whether you are traveling alone, with family or with friends. Central Florida villas are privately owned and will meet even your highest standards. The vacation villa option for travel lodging is great because you will end up with more space than a hotel room, reduced costs and personal and convenience items. Many villas offer private pools and lounging areas for better relaxation. The vacation villa option is a choice that would be completely fulfilling to you or your guests on your Central Florida vacation. Care to golf? Many of these vacation villas are set right on scenic golf courses. There is so much more to Central Florida than theme parks!

Island Club Resort and Spa offers luxury town homes, where the comfort of home shines through with its cozy atmosphere, charming appeal, fully equipped kitchens and dvd or vcr players in every room. Need a day of rest and relaxation from all the Orlando area activity? You will feel as comfortable as if you were in your own bed at Island Club Resort. The luxury town homes offer a wide selection of rooms from small/economy for the vacationing couple to 5 bedroom, 3 bath villas for families. You don?t have to worry about not having the luxuries a hotel can offer because Island Club Resort and Spa has an on-site 24-hour staff to accommodate whatever needs you may have, as well as a restaurant, fitness center, resort style pool and relaxing spa. Visit www.island-club.com to book your reservations today.

Travel Lodging: Time Share Resorts

Time share is an option a lot of vacationers often forget about, but it can be a very comfortable lodging experience. What is time share? Time share is an opportunity for you to purchase time at a fully furnished accommodation, usually in weekly increments, at a much lower price than it would cost to own a vacation home. The most popular type of time share is a resort condo, which ranges in size from a small studio with a partial kitchen to spacious, multiple bedroom units with full kitchen and luxury accommodations. You are able to own a piece of the resort, but still be catered to similar to any luxury hotel.

Many familiar names are now taking part in this wonderful opportunity for you, including Fairfield, Sunterra, Marriott and Hilton. Marriott?s Grande Vista time share resort sits on 160 acres of land, with convenient access to golf, theme parks and thrilling nightlife. The resort has over 20 buildings and 726 villas. This is one of the largest resorts that Marriott?s Vacation Club has to offer. This resort offers a 9 hole golf course with a 35 acre practice area, as well as a neighboring state of the art 18 hole course for the active vacationer. The activities of theme parks, nightclubs, shopping, attractions, restaurants and sports are never ending in Central Florida and this resort puts you right in the middle of it. Visit www.vacationclub.com for more information on time shares.

Vacation Lodging: Travel Experience

The most important tip for choosing your vacation lodging is to make sure your experience is one of a lifetime. You should be comfortable in your lodging decision and your accommodations should leave you feeling relaxed after a tiring day. Make sure you choose a spacious room, with plenty of amenities that will make you feel as if you never left home. Almost any resort in the area is near plenty of activity. Whatever lodging option you choose, whether it be a luxury hotel, discount hotel, vacation villa or time share resort, you will have the vacation of a lifetime here in Central Florida. http://www.islandhideaway.net

Vacation Lodging in Orlando Florida Expert

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2005-10-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

The Rise of UK Theme Parks

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Since Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened the Pepsi Max Big One in 1994, UK rollercoaster construction and theme park competition in general has been gathering pace. New parks have been built across the country and established centres such as Thorpe Park and Aulton Tours have battled for supremacy. This was a scenario that was hard to conceive 15 years ago with the impending opening of EuroDisney (now Disney Resort Paris), as many thought the UK theme park industry would struggle to survive and thrill seekers would instead be enticed through the tunnel to one of America?s biggest brand names.

Unfortunately, for the Walt Disney Company this did not quiet materialise. The first sign of problems was when French locals started holding protests ? due to concerns the park was going to damage and dilute the proud local culture. These protests partly led to crowds in the opening year falling drastically lower than predictions. EuroDisney also had to deal with the problems of an excess of under-populated hotels which had ran drastically over budget. This combined with high prices led to the closure of hotels during the winter months. By the start of 1994, EuroDisney was in serious financial difficulties and press speculation indicated that the park was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Meanwhile back in the UK the theme park industry was enjoying somewhat of a renaissance. 1994 was hailed as ?The Year of the Rollercoaster? as new rides sprang up across the country. Drayton Manor opened its ?Shockwave? ride along with Alton Tower?s who launched the famous ?Nemesis?. At the same time Blackpool opened its 11th roller coaster, the Pepsi Max Big One, which for a short time was the tallest in the world...suddenly the UK found itself gripped in roller coaster fever which contrasted harshly with the negative press emanating from the outskirts of Paris.

Over the next ten years the UK continued to ride at the forefront of theme park technology?even out doing stateside industry giants such as Six Flags. Alton Towers - www.alton-towers.co.uk - ensured its park received world wide attention with the launching of the first ever vertical drop roller coaster, Oblivion in 1998 and the world?s first ?flying roller coaster? with Air in 2002. Not to be outdone Fantasy Island near Skegness opened the tallest and fastest type of this ride in the world in the form of the 2002 Jubilee Odyssey and in 2002 Thorpe Park opened a record breaking ten inversion rollercoaster named Collosus.

By 2002 EuroDisney had now become Disney Resort Paris - http://www.disneylandparis.com. With the addition of more attractions and the re-branding of the entire theme park complex, to better appeal to European tastes, the Walt Disney Company finally announced their first annual profit for the park. Disney had at last found the right balance between implementing such a strong American brand on foreign soil without diluting the local culture. However, the time it had taken to find the balance ensured that Disney has not achieved the domination in the European market that many predicted.

At the present time the UK theme park market seems to be going from strength to strength with continued investment in their facilities. For example, Drayton Park have spent over ?2 million in time for the new season upgrading their entry and ticketing facilities, while the ever inventive Alton Towers are launching their new ride ?Spinball Whizzer? which has the carriage as the focus of the ride rather than the actual track!

With the volume and popularity of parks increasing all the time in the UK, the demand for accommodation in surrounding areas has also expanded. Last year Alton Towers opened its second hotel, Splash Landings, which boasts an exciting all-weather water park, ?Cariba Creek?. In addition to this companies such as UK short break specialists Superbreak.com ? http://www.superbreak.com ? have a number of excellent package deals with parks such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Aulton Towers and Legoland near Windsor which has over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops.

Overall the future seems bright for the theme park industry across the UK and Europe as a whole. The slow progress of Disney Resort Paris has allowed other parks to get on an even footing and with continued investment in rides and general infrastructure competition should continue to be fierce between the major parks ? which can only be good news for the consumer.

About the Author

Robin Richmond
http://www.bigmouthmedia.com

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2005-10-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Planning a Discount Orlando Vacation

One of Orlando's premier attractions is Disneyworld theme park. Disneyworld and the Epcot Center attract millions of visitors every single year, making it one of the world's top tourist attractions. Disneyworld is the world famous icon in theme parks and people travel from around the world to ride the rides and see the sights unique at the mother of all theme parks.

In order to bring more families to the area, travel agents and travel websites offer discount vacation packages to Orlando. Discount packages typically feature reduced airline ticket prices, discounted hotel rooms, and savings on entertainment venues. Savings vary depending on the time of year and the travel agent or website you use.

There is another possibility for families who want the opportunity to take a discount Orlando vacation. Some people choose to start their own travel websites in order to have access to discounts and to generate extra income. You can visit a discount travel site that offers to help users start their own internet business to learn more.

Coastal Vacations Club, which is a lifetime wholesale travel club, offers its member over $15,000 worth of vacations, which can be used over a lifetime.

Within the club's 30 travel premiums and vouchers, are many Orlando based exursions.

For example, families can stay in 2,3,4,5,6 and even 7 bedroom pool homes right within driving distance from Universal Studios and Disney Theme Parks, and save over 25% off through the travel club.

Condos can be snatched up for $107 for one bedrooms or up to $400 for 2 bedrooms, with no timeshare tours or sales presentations required.

Other noted discounts come with their Orlando themed vacation voucher which is good for a family of four. The voucher, provided through the Mini Vacations International company, allows families to stay for 4 night and 5 days in Florida. It also includes a free pass on one disney theme park attraction. But what is even more amazing is the cost. This voucher, on average, only costs the family of four only $36.74 for the entire 4 nights and 5 days.

Yes, that is not a typo. It is the real cost, using the unique travel club connections which come from a membership in Coastal Vacations Club.

Jeff Mills is a former Youth Pastor of 9 years, who is now a full time internet information entrepreneur, author, speaker, sales coach, and also an avid traveler. Jeff has passionately pursued seeking the best discount travel clubs and has discovered Coastal Vacations Travel Club to be the top of the heap. Discover more about it immediately at http://www.travelwithcoastalvacations.com

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2005-10-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Bring the Kids! A Parents Guide to Stress Free Travel

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2005-10-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Best of Universal Orlando

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

So you?ve done Walt Disney World and now you?re ready to discover Universal Orlando. But where to start? Universal Orlando is a whopper of a destination composed of exceptional resorts, first-rate restaurants, and two theme parks offering a certain brand of high-speed intensity certain to please. Here are some of Universal?s best experiences:

Best Deluxe Resort

For the height of luxury in a Mediterranean seaside setting head straight for this exclusive hotel designed to resemble Italy?s idyllic seaside town of Portofino. The scenery is pure postcard with colorful fishing boats bobbing in the seductively curving bay, sun-bleached stucco buildings with shuttered windows and trompe l?oeil decorative facades, and a charming, waterside piazza loaded with appetizing restaurants. Guestrooms are large and luxurious with four-poster beds, luxe linens, down pillows, and a pile of other amenities that can?t be beat.

Best Resort For the Utterly Cool

Hard Rock?s motto is ?love all, serve all? and serve they certainly do at the single coolest place in Florida to hang out in California hip style. It?s a mix of pure luxury and star worship where an ultra slick marble lobby, a marvelous pool complex, and stylish guestrooms are interspersed with over one million dollars worth of rock and roll memorabilia and rock music blasting away in every public space; over 900 speakers are scattered throughout the property, all running seven days a week, 24 hours a day. But rest assured, from the moment you enter the hallways leading to your trendy guestroom, only beautiful silence is heard.

Best Resort Pool

Hard Rock?s 12,000 foot zero-entry pool is almost too hip to handle. It comes with an underwater sound system and a 250-foot slide (the longest at any U.S. hotel), all surrounded by a sand beach and swaying palm trees. For the ultimate in luxury, rent a poolside cabana equipped with lounge chairs, TV, telephone, fax line, refrigerator, and ceiling fan. You can even order up your own private masseuse.

Best Resort Lounge

It depends. The hip crowd should head to Velvet, Hard Rock Hotel?s so cool cocktail lounge offering a huge list of specialty martinis and premium cigars along with rock and roll, chic seating, and a great outdoor terrace with a view of the resort?s pool. Those with a more sophisticated inclination will love Bar America at Portofino Bay Hotel where a pianist entertains a fashionable crowd feasting on Beluga caviar and fine wine in an elegant setting.

Best Attractions For Thrill Seekers

Universal Orlando is the perfect place for those who crave a rush of adrenaline. And the best park for thrills is Universal?s newest, Islands of Adventure. Head first to the Incredible Hulk Coaster where you?re launched from a near standstill to 40 mph in 2 seconds, then immediately into a zero-G dive roll looping through inversion after inversion and twice underground before coming to a halt. Then take a ride on Dueling Dragons, the world?s first inverted, dueling (there?s two of them), near-miss coasters. At certain points during the ride you?ll swear your dangling feet almost touch those of the opposite dragon as it goes roaring by.

Best Way to Spend an Evening Without the Kids

First check the children into one of the Universal resort?s excellent child care centers. Then head to either Emerils at Citywalk, a classy spot reminiscent of the New Orleans warehouse district with intoxicating Creole/Cajun food or Tchuop Chop at Universal?s Royal Pacific Resort, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Orlando serving innovative Asian/Polynesian fare. Afterward dance the night away at Universal?s Citywalk. Buy a Party Pass for unlimited admission to all the nightclubs and enjoy!

Best Resort Restaurant

It?s a toss up. Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort for it?s breathtakingly beautiful dining room and imaginative cuisine or Delfino Riviera, Portofino Bay Hotel?s stylish and sophisticated Italian restaurant perched above the piazza overlooking the bay.

Best Way to Spend an Afternoon Away From the Parks

Immerse yourself in luxury with one or two soothing spa treatments at Portofino Bay?s Mandara Spa. Choose from a variety of massage, face, anti-aging, and body treatments including Indonesian four hands massage and Javanese Lulur. Follow this with an afternoon lazing beside one of the resort?s three luxurious pools.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com

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2005-10-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Sight Seeing

This article courtesy of http://www.themeparkmaster.com

Like many large cities, Los Angeles is a collection of smaller towns, glued together with a grid of roads and freeways.

Roughly 60 miles across it is one of the largest cities by area in the US. Crossing from side to side can take an hour, but with freeway traffic conditions you are more likely to take at least double this time.

Downtown LA is more of a commercial district of skyscraper office blocks than a shopping district. You will find shopping in the form of small shopping plazas and larger shopping malls dotted all over the LA basin.

In this respect LA is a little disappointing if you were looking for an american version of London or Paris. However there is still plenty to see and do, it just takes a little planning so that you are not spending your entire time in a traffic jam or driving endless miles across city.

Places To Visit Here are some selected places to visit whilst in LA.

Angeles Crest Highway A little out of the city this scenic drive twists and turns much like Mulholland Drive along the mountainous crest of the LA basin.

Long Beach Home of the Queen Mary which can be toured.

Aquarium of the Pacific Whilst in Long Beach the Aquarium of the Pacific is definitely worth a visit. From colourful corals and tropical marine fish to California Rays that come out of the water for you to pet and stroke like small dogs! Also a new shark exhibition is worth seeing.

Dodger Stadium Whether going to a ball game or not, the stadium is worth a visit. Top of the Park souvenir shop sells LA Dodger branded clothing and other baseball souvenirs. Parking is free on non-game days.

Griffith Park A good vantage point from where you can see the cluster of skyscrapers making up the commercial downtown of LA and also the world-famous Hollywood sign.

Hollywood Boulevard Aside from the famous stars lining the sidewalk there is usually some form of street entertainment and always a hustle. At the Western end of Hollywood Boulevard is . . .

Mann's Chinese A must-see, even if it's much smaller in real life than you would have imagined! Famous foot/hand/etc. prints of those legendary Hollywood stars.

Frederick's Of Hollywood Also on Hollywood Boulevard is Frederick's flagship lingerie store, world-renowned. Includes a free museum of lingerie worn by stars of the silver screen

Mulholland Drive The famous drive that has views all over the LA basin and will introduce you to the scale of the city.

Universal Studios More of a theme park than studio tour, but true to the glamour and glitz of Hollywood.

Warner Brothers In contrast to Universal, this is a tour of a working studio. A costume museum full of fascinating history is the start of a tour that includes prop departments, workshops, sound stages, usually a chance to sit in on a TV series rehearsal in a sound stage and a chance to wander around some memorable backlot sets.

And don't forget neighboring Orange County which is home to the quintessential Southern Californian Beach Cities of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach where life slows to the ebb and flow of the Pacific along their golden sandy shores. Or for some great shopping visit world class South Coast Plaza at Costa Mesa or the outdoor mall of Newport Beach's Fashion Island.

Tony is a keen traveller and has enjoyed many visits to California over the years.

Tony works for Strathlorn Travel who specialise in travel for the independent traveller.

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2005-10-01T22:05:00.000-07:00