Character Dining at Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace

Character dining is a popular activity at the Walt Disney World resort for several reasons: the characters keep young children entertained, the food is usually served buffet style (definitely a plus when traveling with little ones) and the atmosphere is classic Disney. The Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom is a popular spot for families who want to meet Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore from the Hundred Acre Wood.

The Crystal Palace serves up one of the best buffets at Disney World, with kid-friendly favorites for the children (a hearty macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and fruit) plus a wide selection of fresh greens, chilled salads and main dishes for the grown-ups, including pasta primavera and ratatouille. The dessert choices are also substantial, with a choice of cakes and custards to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

To make a reservation, it’s best to call several weeks in advance at (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Available slots fill up fast, and walk-in accommodations are nearly impossible to get on weekends.

Universal Orlando Resort

Simpson ride opens at Universal.Guests will be rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They’ll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride’s interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and “live” shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show’s cantankerous Krusty the Clown.
Universal’s award-winning creative team is collaborating with The Simpsons Creator and Executive Producer Matt Groening and Executive Producer James L. Brooks to create and open the first-ever mega-attraction based on the blockbuster TV series. It will feature the show’s classic humor and many of its instantly recognizable characters - all voiced by the original actors.

Families Frolic at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn

The Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn takes family friendly to a new level. Kids can enjoy character dining with SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer, play video games in a state of the art arcade, and bunk down in rooms with the walls adorned with their favorite Nicktoons characters.
The centerpiece of this resort is the Lagoon, which has two interactive pool complexes with multiple slides, climbing nets, water jets, and a 400-gallon dump tank. When the dump tank starts to overflow, crowds of eager children and their parents stand beneath it chanting “We want slime!” while those who prefer not to be doused with green goo can swim in the zero depth entry pool, play basketball or miniature golf.
In the evening Studio Nick, a million-dollar, state-of-the-art theater, features live nightly entertainment, so from sunup to sundown energetic kids will always have something to keep them occupied at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn.

Gaylord Palms Resort Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge

Gaylord Palms Resort Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge:
Bring your family and friends to compete for a grand-prize treasure of $10,000. in cold cash. Beginning May 2 through August 28, the Gaylord Palms Resort will be transformed into a pirate treasure hunt experience. Contestants will prove their skills to act and think like pirate and treasure seekers as they earn points by traversing the resort while solving clues, puzzles and performing unique "piratey" tasks. At the end of the summer, the team that earns the greatest number of points during their stay will be awarded the $10,000 prize. The second-place team will win a $3,500 cash prize and the third-place team will be awarded a three-night stay at a Gaylord Palms Resort.

CT Freedom Riders storm Disney

My sister and her family came from Connecticut and enjoyed a few days at Disney this past week. They were particularly impressed with the renovated ride inside the EPCOT ball. It also had really neat features at the end of the ride. I must go over to see it. Otherwise, Magic Kingdom was too crowded given the entire Northeast seemed to have emptied into Disney's smallest park. However, they were able to enjoy The Laugh Floor attraction before finally fleeing the crowds at 3 pm and running to their motel. They had compliments about the Extended Stay motel on Palm Parkway, minutes from Disney. They payed approximately $180 for four nights tax and fees included with a nice Continental breakfast included, a large pool and spa, kitchenette that included a dishwasher and a large refrigerator. Do not ask how my brother in law, a gourmet cook in his spare time, burned the frying pan cooking pancakes!! Not a pretty sight.

Contributor:

Edgar

Top 10 Orlando Travel tips

1. Travel Off Season — Even January and February are much warmer in Orlando than they are “Up North.” Not only will you benefit from lower air fares and hotel rates, but the crowds will be lighter too.
2. Book Orlando hotel rooms online — Hotels frequently offer their most favorable rates online, sometimes as part of weekend package deals.
3. Share the expense of accommodations — If you are traveling with (or meeting up with) extended family, split the bill on a rental condo or vacation house to defray the costs for everyone.
4. Skip the rental car — Choose hotels that provide free shuttle service to the places you want to go. Some Disney resorts take care of all your transportation needs from the moment you arrive at the airport, while some International Drive hotels have free shuttles to SeaWorld and Universal Studios.
5. Skip the rental stroller — Rental strollers are convenient, but they aren’t free, and the hard plastic rental strollers aren’t as comfortable as the folding strollers your baby or toddler is used to.
6. Eat outside the theme parks — While you wouldn’t want to miss out on all of the fabulous dining that the attractions have to offer, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the theme parks is very expensive. Take advantage of the free continental breakfasts that most hotels offer, and consider a couple of nights eating take-out food in your hotel room.
7. Bring drinks and snacks to the theme parks — Stock up on these supplies at the local supermarket; there are many grocery stores that are a short drive, or even a short walk, from the hotels on International Drive and Universal Boulevard.
8. Purchase Disney and Universal multiday passes — All of the major theme parks offer multiple day passes. It usually means you’ll have to “commit” to one company for the duration of your vacation—Disney, Universal or Anheuser-Busch (SeaWorld/Discovery Cove)—but you can spend a week at any one of these attractions and still want to catch anything you’ve missed on your next Orlando vacation.
9. Cut out those coupons — From your hotel lobby to the outlet malls on I-Drive, you will find dozens of brochures offering discount coupons and other special deals. Tear out the coupons you think you might use and keep them in your wallet for the duration of your trip.
10. Spend one or two days doing non-theme park activities — Spend a day at the pool, take a stroll down International Drive, or if you did go ahead and rent that car, spend a day at the beach. And be sure to pack your own lunch.

Marriott Hotels Plentiful in Orlando

If you are planning a trip to Orlando, there is a Marriott hotel in a location and a price range to suit your needs. There are over 35 Marriott hotels in the Orlando area, which include Renaissance Hotels, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites, and a Marriott Vacation Club Resort.

No matter where you want to stay in the Orlando area, there is a Marriott brand hotel nearby, including locations near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, International Drive, downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport. The largest Marriott in the Orlando area (and the largest Marriott in the world) is the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center, which can be spotted easily from the I-4 Expressway.

From the high end Marriott resorts to the budget conscious Fairfield Inns, all Marriott guests receive high quality customer service and are minutes away from Orlando's most popular attractions.

Epcot Center

After an amazing Disney's Pirates and a Princess Party celebration, Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival begins for it's 15th year in a row.

During this seasonal celebration, families and garden enthusiasts blooms with Disney magic! Visit our new Garden Odyssey Festival Center, meet well known horticulturists and enjoy an enchanting evening "under the stars" at the Flower Power Concert Series. On May 11th, mom's around the world can enjoy Epcot's "Mother's Day Brunch" so make your reservations early!

Orlando Philharmonic

The Orlando Philharmonic joins forces with the Bach Festival Choir to present Verdi’s Requiem.
The concert takes place on Saturday, May 10th at 8 pm at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.
Tickets are $13, $26, $36, $48 and $62. For more information, call (407) 770-0071 Click here for hotels in Orlando Downtown

96th Annual Central Florida Fair Runs April 17 – 27

The 96th annual Central Florida Fair continues until April 27, with a traditional fairground full of rides, entertainment, and other family friendly activities. This week’s events include the 2nd annual Step Battle Step Show on Saturday, April 26 for middle school and high school step teams, and the 3rd annual World Dance Day on Sunday, April 27. The finals for the 2nd annual Central Florida Fair Idol Contest will also take place on Sunday night.

Adult admission for the Central Florida Fair is $10, Children’s admission (6 – 10 years old) is $5, and children 6 and under are admitted for free. The fairgrounds are located just three miles west of downtown Orlando and parking is free. For directions and more information, check out the fair’s Web site at www.centralfloridafair.com.

Great American Pie Festival Returns to Celebration, FL

The 2008 Great American Pie Festival just wrapped up in Celebration, FL this weekend. The festivities in Lakeside Park were part of the 2008 American Pie Council Crisco National Pie Championships, which took place at the Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL. As the event has increased in popularity, so have the number of pies entered; in the amateur division alone, there were 300 pies and 80 entrants competing from 22 states.

Whether or not visitors were entered in the contest, everyone who attended the Great American Pie Festival had a chance to sample pies from Baker’s Square, Publix, and other professional bakeries at the Never-Ending Pie Buffet. A Kids Zone enabled budding bakers to make their own artwork and edible creations, and Food Network personality Gale Gand charmed her audience with a cooking demonstration. The Food Network camera crew was on hand to capture the excitement of the competition, and a special program about the Pie Championship will air later this year.

Orlando Weather Warming Up

For most people living “Up North,” the first day of spring is just another day on the calendar, but Orlando residents and visitors alike know that the Sunshine State lives up to its name when spring arrives.

Daytime temperatures in Orlando at the beginning of spring are in the 70s and 80s, with pleasant evening temperatures in the 60s. By the month of May things start to heat up; summertime temperatures average in the 80s and 90s with short but powerful thunderstorms in the late afternoon.

Fortunately there are many ways to beat the heat in Orlando. There are four major water parks to choose from: Wet ‘n Wild, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and SeaWorld’s brand new Aquatica water park. Several Orlando area hotels have water parks on the premises, such as the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn and the Clarion Resort and Water Park.

Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando

The Gaylord Palms resort is now offering an incredible discounted rate. This special $129 rate is being offered for April 26th – May 3rd. WOW!!!! Gaylord Reservations

Encantada Resort near Disney World Orlando

We stayed at Encantada Resort for a week in a 4 bedroom townhouse. It was a perfect vacation: beautiful grounds, spacious spotless brand new twonhouse that had everything we needed (plenty of towels, starter supplies, heated pool). The property is very close to Disney, but in a quiet neighbourhood, so we could relax after a busy day in a crowded park. Staff was very helpful and responded immediately to our requests. Thank you, Encantada! We look forward to our next vacation at your Resort. Posted by guest.

Hampton Inns in the Orlando Area

As part of the Hilton family of hotels, Hampton Inns belong to a brand that travelers trust, with prices that vacationing families and business travelers can afford. There are at least a dozen Hampton Inns in the Orlando area, with amenities that include a pool and fitness area, high speed Internet access, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast every morning.

Most importantly, these Hampton Inns are just minutes away from all of the main Orlando attractions, with Hampton Inns located near Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Orlando International Airport, Florida Mall, the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive, and the University of Central Florida.

The Hampton Inn hotels have proven that stellar service and modern amenities do not have to cost a fortune, which is why so many travelers seek out Hampton Inns wherever they go.

Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo at Orange County Convention Center

The 15th annual Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo will take place at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive this weekend, April 18 – 20. The Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo is open to the public and is the largest Expo of its kind in the United States, with over 800 exhibitors and a projected attendance of more than 35,000 people in three days.
The Expo is presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and there will be special appearances by former Orlando Magic player Neil Anderson and current player “Bo” Outlaw, as well as the Magic Dancers. Other celebrity appearances include Willy Cirino, Lucy Pereda, and Telemundo stars Vanessa Hauc and Ponch de Anda.

Other activities at the 15th annual Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo include an interactive Kids World, free health screenings, plus door prizes and free gifts throughout the Expo.

Park Square Homes

Park Square Homes’ “Summer Move in Program” accommodates new home buyers with great deals now, closing later

Park Square Homes has introduced a new Summer Move-in program that allows new home buyers to lock down great deals and incentives now and postpone closing on their home until as late as August.

Mary McKaig, vice president of marketing at Park Square Homes, said the program is already a hit with new home buyers.

“Most new home buyers in today’s market want a ready-to-move in home,” McKaig said. “Home builders are offering fabulous incentives and pricing on ready to move in homes, but typically home builders want buyers to close as soon as possible,” McKaig explained.

But not every home buyer is ready to close immediately. “A lot of potential buyers have kids in school or job transfers to consider, or they are waiting for the sale of their current home to close,” McKaig said.

Park Square Homes’ Summer Move-in program allows new home buyers to lock in low prices and take advantage of new home buyer incentives now, but postpone the closing of their new home until as late as Aug. 15.

Already, Park Square Homes has gotten rave reviews from home buyers for the new program.

Orlando Luxury Hotels Offer Upscale Amenities

Orlando luxury hotels cater to vacationing families as well as business travelers who have become accustomed to certain standards of quality. There are hundreds of hotels to choose from in the Orlando area, and Orlando luxury hotels are available in all of the popular tourist destinations.

Visitors who need to be near the airport can stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, which offers the upscale amenities that the Hyatt name is known for. Conventioneers at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive frequently check into the Peabody Hotel, which is one of only two Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond hotels in the entire city.

Families staying at the attractions can choose from the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World or the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Both of these Orlando luxury hotels offer easy access to the theme parks.

Joel wrestling with a gator.

Wild Bill Y- Country 97.5 in action at Encantada Resort

Radisson Celebration Hotel

The Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration also offers fabulous vacation packages to enhance your time with this beatiful resort located near Disney

Walt Disney World® Vacation Packages
Universal Orlando® Resort Flex-Packages
Orlando Dinner Theaters packages at Medieval Times, Arabian Nights or Pirate's Dinner Adventure
Orlando Golf Packages at world-class championship golf courses

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in Full Bloom

The 15th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues until June 1. This year’s festival has been expanded to 75 days, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this year’s theme—“Fun in the Sun”—at Epcot.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival includes topiary displays, several new kid-friendly activities, environmentally friendly gardening tips, and a beautiful butterfly garden that will delight visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival are the live concert performances. This month’s headliners include the Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill (April 10 – 13) Peter and Gordon (April 17 – 18) and BJ Thomas (April 27 – 30). Next month’s scheduled performers include Davy Jones (May 11 – 15), Jose Feliciano (May 16 – 17), and Tony Orlando (May 28 – June 1). For a full listing of concerts and special events, visit http://www.disneyworld.com/.

Joel Osteen

OE had the pleasure of meeting Joel and Victoria Osteen, what a great couple to meet and I am honored to have spend some time with them. Also check out his new book "Become a Better You"

Travel Tip: Program In Case of Emergency (ICE) Numbers into Cell Phones

Nobody plans on getting into a serious accident—especially when they are on vacation—which is exactly why cell phones with easily identifiable phone numbers to call “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) can help police officers, emergency medical technicians and hospital personnel to quickly reach an accident victim’s next of kin if they become incapacitated.

The ICE campaign was developed by a British paramedic who observed that many of the accident victims he treated already had cell phones with them, but it was difficult to determine which number to call if the patients were unable to communicate.

By labeling your primary contact number as ICE in your cell phone, emergency and hospital personnel can quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as “ICE.” For more than one contact number, use the labels ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. Even if you never need someone to dial your ICE number, it’s one less thing to worry about while you’re on vacation.

Samba Room

Samba Room would like to invite you to our Ladies' Night every Wednesday starting April 2nd.
~ Free original Mojitos for the ladies from 6-7 p.m.
~ Free hors'doeurves from 7-8 p.m.
~ Live entertainment from 5-8 p.m.

And gentelmen don't think we forgot about you...

Join us every night from 4-7 p.m. for our Happy Hour.
~ Half Priced Domestics, House Wines, Wells and Mojitos.

We hope to see you soon :)

Samba Room - Orlando is located at:

7468 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407.226.0550
Fax: 407.226.7226

Orlando Suite Hotels Offer Homey Touches for Travelers

It’s been said that the family that plays together stays together, but even the closest families need a little space. Orlando suite hotels provide all of the amenities that travelers are looking for, easy access to the attractions, plus plenty of room to relax.

Orlando suite hotels such as the Royale Parc Suites offer a choice of roomy one bedroom suites or spacious two bedroom suites with well-equipped kitchenettes. Themed rooms are also popular among Orlando suite hotels—the Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites has 90 safari suites with 504 square ft. of space, and the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn has Kid Suites where guests can rent video games and movies under the watchful eyes of their favorite Nicktoons characters.

Business travelers will appreciate the homey touches at Orlando suite hotels, with Internet access and generous work space. Whatever reason travelers have for visiting Orlando, a suite hotel can accommodate their needs.

Great American Pie Festival Comes to Celebration

2008 Great American Pie Festival Comes to Celebration, FL April 19 – 20

Who doesn’t appreciate a slice of homemade pie? The 2008 Great American Pie Festival will take place just minutes away from Walt Disney World in Celebration, FL on April 19 - 20. This annual event, organized by the American Pie Council, has been featured on the Food Network. Amateur and professional bakers from across the nation will compete in the 2008 Great American Pie Festival, and the general public is invited to enjoy a weekend packed with fun events.

Activities include children’s pie making, cooking demonstrations, games and crafts, a pie eating contest, and the Never-Ending Pie Buffet, featuring award winning pies, ice cream, toppings and beverages. Admission to the buffet is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children age 6-12.

Contest participants and pie enthusiasts will be staying at the Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee. Other resorts in the Celebration/Kissimmee area include the BellaVida Resort and the Encantada Resort.

Encantada Resort

We really enjoyed our stay at encatada. The reosrt is very well maintained and the townhomes are spacious! It is truly a beatiful and relaxing time. Also, it is near every attraction in Orlando! We will visit again! Ingrid and Jeremy are very accomodating and do an excellent job as ombudsmen (and women) !
PS: two suggestions:
1. put a key pad by the gym. It would be nice to work out early in the mornings!
2. sign in sheets for the computer lab are needed.

Thanks Again!

Posted by guest BM

Orlando Hotels on International Drive Close to all the Attractions

There are several reasons why savvy travelers choose Orlando hotels on International Drive when they plan their vacations. Orlando hotels on International Drive are strategically located close to all of the main attractions: Walt Disney World and Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure are just minutes away, and many Orlando hotels on International Drive provide shuttle service to one or both resorts.

Between all of the available attractions and restaurants, it’s possible to spend an entire vacation on International Drive: outlet shopping malls are located on either end of the strip, and “I-Drive” is also home to Wet ‘n’ Wild, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and the Orange County Convention Center.

Families will appreciate the “Kids eat FREE” programs at many Orlando hotels on International Drive, including the Rodeway Inn, Quality Inn Orlando, and Quality Inn Plaza. By taking the airport shuttle to the hotel, busy families can spend less money on food and transportation and more time enjoying their time together.