Toddler Fun in Orlando

Disney has so many rides and attractions that even your toddlers can enjoy. So, why not take your little ones on your holidays to Orlando. Here is a sample of where to take them:-

Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (even if it has a long line get in it--the ride never stops so the line moves quickly), Mickey's Toontown Fair, Dumbo (go to this one as soon as the park opens--it is very popular and late in the afternoon the line is a mile long and moves slowly), Tea Cups (you can make it spin as fast as you want or just let is slowly coast along for the little ones), Adventures of Pooh (ride in cute little honey pots), Peter Pan's Flight (if you little one is really scared of the dark or going up a little high you may not want to do this one but if not it is really cute), Small World, Mickey's Philharmagic (best 3-D ever), Alladin's Flying Carpet and Jungle Cruise. Don't miss Spectromagic Parade and Wishes Fireworks. Do not do Snow Whites Scary Adventure unless you have a true brave one--it is dark and scary.

Animal Kingdom: Do the Safari first thing in the morning to see the most animals, walk through the Trail and the Trek, do not miss the Lion King Show and Flights of Wonder (unless your little one is really scared of birds because they fly right over your heads--most kids love it though). Go down to Camp Minnie Mickey. If they don't mind getting wet Kali River rapids is fun too. Take the train down to Rafiki's Planet Watch to a little petting zoo. Let them dig and play at the Boneyard and the Tricertop Spin is like a Dumbo ride but with flying dinosaurs. Note: even if your little one thinks they like Dinosaurs and want to ride the ride--even if they make height requirement be aware that it IS SCARY!

MGM: Fun character meet and greets with the Power Rangers, Little Mermaid Show is good (has one sort of scary part with Ursula), Playhouse Disney Live On-Stage, Backlot Tour, Beauty and the Beast Show, Lights Motors Action Show (a little loud but the kids seem to love it anyway because it is exciting), and they LOVE to play in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground!!! Fantasmic is a great show but may scare some little ones--would recommend sitting near the back so you could leave if you had to. The Stars and Motor Cars parade is great because all of the characters ride in it and many even walk and come right up to the kids.

Epcot: Living Seas, Turtle Talk with Cruch is FUNNY, Living with the Land, Journey Into Immagination with Figment , Honey I Shrunk the Audience is SCARY in parts so be aware of this and don't let the name fool you, Test Track for the braver ones, go to all of the Kidcot Stops for crafts, just many many things to see (try to catch some of the street performers).

Typhoon Lagoon is the best water park for little ones.

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Golfing in Florida

There are 1,067 golf facilities in Florida. Since many facilities have more than one golf course, it turns out that this equates to an astonishing 1,216 courses. What does all this mean? It means that, if you’re a golfer, Florida is the place. No other state in the U.S.A. comes close to the abundance of fine layouts found here.

But Florida isn’t just about the world-class tour resorts seen on television. It has plenty of friendly municipal courses and historic links.

You may even be admitted to some of Florida’s private clubs if you play with a member or if you ask your club golf pro to call ahead to arrange a game. Or, you may want to take advantage of golf privilege cards, which offer special pricing on many courses and often include access to private clubs.

If you prefer to travel light, or decide to play a few rounds of golf on a whim, you’ll be happy to know that most facilities rent excellent, pro-line quality golf clubs. You may even be able to closely match the set you left at home.

Florida has three levels of courses: tough, legendary PGA Tour calibre tracks; challenging courses; and layouts so easy it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. The vast majority are in the “challenging” category, but you’ll need to select the one that best fits your game.

If you do go for the famous tracks, you should play from the set of tees that will allow you to walk away with fond memories of your round, not frustration from a day of torture. The special features that make celebrated courses famous are still in front of you and awaiting your attempt to defy them. If you play from the middle tees, you have a better chance to see what a Tour player is really up against in the heat of a tournament. You’ll play faster, have a more enjoyable experience and not hold up all the other golfers on the course who are attempting to create their own lifelong reminiscences.

Of course, if you are a scratch player and you want the full experience of some of the best and most difficult courses in the world, Florida’s got them here for you. Go to the back tees and fire away. Just pick the right track, and enjoy your day in the Florida sun.

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British Airways Cuts Fuel Surcharges

British Airways has followed Virgin Atlantic in cutting its fuel surcharges as airline passengers finally benefit from the fall in the cost of oil. The reduction will bring down the cost of a return trip to long-distance destinations such as Los Angeles by up to £26 for economy passengers, bringing the levy down to £192. Shorter trips such as New York will cost £20 less, with the surcharge falling to £136.

These cuts, which are the same as those announced by Virgin, will mean that passengers in the slightly more spacious World Traveller Plus cabin will get more modest reductions. The £10 cut on trips to destinations like New York, will bring the fuel surcharge down to £166 for return trips. While the levy on journeys over nine hours will be £229, £13 less than before.

However the surcharges levied on business and first class passengers will be unchanged as will those on anyone travelling on shorter flights.

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Virgin Atlantic Cuts Fuel Surcharges

British airline Virgin Atlantic said it has cut its passenger fuel surcharges following the drop in oil prices.

From 2300 GMT on Wednesday 15th October, Virgin Atlantic will reduce the charge by up to 13 pounds per passenger, depending on the destination and class of cabin, the airline announced.

Passengers travelling on longer flights in economy class will benefit from the full 13-pound cut, taking the charge to 96 pounds.

Passengers travelling in premium economy class will pay five pounds less on shorter flights and 6.50 pounds less on longer flights.

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Loews Hotel in Miami

Our very own, Sharon, recently stayed in the Loews Hotel, Miami and has filed the following blog.

I was very impressed with the Loews Miami. The location is excellent, Lincoln Road is only 3 blocks away which is great for shopping and eating with plenty of restaurants to chose from. It's also really close to Ocean Drive so I didn't need to get a taxi anywhere the whole time I stayed at the Loews.

The pool area is great with a huge pool, a jacuzzi and plenty of sunbeds and very helpful, friendly staff on hand to help. During the day the staff would come round offering chilled towels and the chance to get spritzed with water and aloe mist, both of which were great for cooling me down when the temperature was in the 90's! It didn't stop there, Iwas also offered samples of fresh fruit, smoothies and ice cream at various times during the day. On my first day I thought perhaps it was for a one off special occassion but I'm pleased to report I got offered this every day and I was at the hotel for a week.

The Nautilus poolside bar and grill was great for lunch or better still you have the option to get the food served to your sunbed so you don't even have to move!

I stayed in a partial ocean view room with a balcony which was great and I thought the room was a really good size and so was the bathroom. I love a good shower and Iwas not disappointed, it was really powerful. You're given lovely bathrobes and lots of toiletries which are replenished every day. The room has a flat screen TVand an iHome for your ipod which is great for playing your favourite music in your room and for charging if you'd forgotten to bring yours like I did! The bed was amazing, it was so comfortable, I certainly didn't have any problem getting a good nights sleep.

All in all I really enjoyed my time at the Loews, it's a big busy hotel but very well organised. If you want somewhere that has friendly staff, good facilites,decent size rooms and a great location then this is the place. I recommend it for families, singles and couples who want to holiday in florida.

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Fly Like James Bond on Virgin

The new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is out on general release on 31st October in the UK. But....did you know that some of the scenes in the new movie were filmed at The Base , Virgin Atlantic's amazing new facility near Gatwick Airport, the largest cabin crew training facility in Europe. Giancarlo Giannini who plays Mathis and Daniel Craig, completed filming in just one day. A few days later the 007 cast, crew and a huge amount of cargo took a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 to Panama to continue filming.

Virgin Atlantic flights are the coolest way to fly UK to USA. We have some exclusive fares for you. Simply fill out our on line enquiry form and our Florida experts will find the right flight at the right price for you.

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Eating Out in Orlando

Our very own Rob likes his food. On a recent trip to Orlando he tried out the following three restaurants and recommends you do the same.

Pizzeria del Dio - This restaurant opened in Feb 2008 greet old at a new downtown Orlando location. It features the same specialty foods and pizza that thousands of customers have grown to crave along with the casual atmosphere and friendly service they've always been known for. Located at 3210 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. the restaurant is in the Colonial Landing Plaza (old Herndon Plaza), which includes Bed Bath & Beyond,PetSmart and Sports Authority. It is opposite Orlando's Fashion SquareMall.

Rob says, "I had the lasagna and it was the best I have had in years. I'll come here again on my next trip over Great food, lots of parking, prompt service".

Timpano Italian Chophouse - Reminiscent of the classic restaurants and clubs of Chicago and New York, Timpano Italian Chophouse revives the big city dining experience with big flavor steaks, chops and pasta matched by full-bodied red wines and sophisticated setting while intimate torch songs and ballads echo through the lounge and dining room. Upscale beef and snazzy pasta and fish: osso buco, fusilli with wild mushrooms and Gorgonzola, Tuscan seafood stew. Pay a la carte for soups, salads and sides like mashed potatoes or spinach. The seared sirloin is a fine choice, and spring a buck for the finish: al forno (garlic and Parmesan) or al balsamico (honey and vinegar). For a tasty vegetable ration, try the minestrone. Sop up the garlic-tomato broth(with the grilled grouper) with Timpano's excellent foccacia, one of the housebreads.

Rob says, "The 8oz filet was very good. The grilled vegetables were good, especially the tomatoes and peppers. The hot rolls were excellent. Complimentary valet parking was nice. The service was good, lots of trips for water, and friendly."

Samba Room - This restaurant offers all the jet-set glamour and romance of the Rio Havana holiday without the State Department hassles. Palm trees, sheer curtains, amber lighting, cool cocktails and intoxicating Latin rhythms provide a recipe for escape. The Latin cuisine includes dishes like Chilean seabass, redsnapper, steaks, mashed poatotes, salads and more. The dinner menu ranges from appetizers such as plantain chips or mango barbecued ribs to Cuban sandwiches to "large plates" of paella or sugar cane beef tenderloin with chipotle mashed potatoes. Order the grilled mussels to start, which you dip in coconut milk laced with sour orange. Don't let the "wine-habanero"syrup scare you away from the cachaca chicken, a delicious quarter of smoked chicken atop a colorful, fruity coconut rice.

Although Cuban bread is somewhat bland, the shredded beef sandwich packs plenty of flavour. Finish with the divine coconut creme brulee.

Rob says, "The food is very good with alot of flavor. Service was excellent. It isn't a place for intimate dining because there is alot going on but the food is reasonably priced for the quality."

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50 Fun Things To Do On I-Drive

Do you need some ideas? Do you need to take in a list of things to do when planning your trip to Orlando? Would you be able to impress your fellow travellers with a list of exciting, fun-filled things to do whilst on holiday? Well...look no further. Take a look at our list of 50 (yes...fifty) fun things to do on I-Drive.

• Have your picture taken in front of a 1934 replica Ford Woody at Ron Jon's Surf Park at Festival Bay Mall.


• Slide through a pool of Dolphins or just kick back on the 80,000 square foot beach at Aquatica Water Park.


• Take a ride from the air in an Air Florida Helicopter Charters and see world famous attractions.


• Learn to Belly Dance or just fill your belly with authentic Greek food at Taverna Opa.


• Play golf on the championship course at Shingle Creek.


• Experience an explosion of dynamic effects on the all new BLACK HOLE; The Next Generation at Wet 'n Wild.


• Visit six of the world's greatest theme parks SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Wet 'n Wild, Aquatica SeaWorld's Waterpark, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!


• Satisfy your inner pirate at the giant galleon at Pirate's Dinner Adventure.


• Eat a burger and fries in the world's largest McDonald's Play Place!


• Unwind and relax at Body & Sol Spa at Rosen Centre.


• Sing pop classics at Howl at the Moon.


• Enjoy dinner while listing to the Great Blues of yesterday and today at B B Kings.


• Take the kids for some fun at Johnny Rockets at Pointe Orlando.
  Watch live European sports via satellite at a British pub, Cricketers Arms Pub, at Festival Bay Mall.


• Dance to a live band at the Rosen Plaza Hotel.


• Be serenaded by singing waiters at Bergamo's Italian Restaurant at Festival Bay Mall.


• Buy art off the walls and meet the artist at Café TuTu Tango.


• Escape the ordinary at Ripley's Believe it or Not with its Orlando Odditorium filled with the unusual.


• Let your imagination run wild at WonderWorks, Orlando's only upside-down building!


• Land the space shuttle. Design a roller coaster. Fly a fighter jet.


• Dine at the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk.


• Enjoy some pizza while the kids bounce out their energy at Monkey Joe's.


• Go for a swim or workout at the Central Florida YMCA Aquatic Center.


• Check out the 32-lane bowling alley right in the heart of the I-Drive area, the World Bowling Center. The wacky decor features murals of astronauts bowling, among other whimsical touches.


• Enjoy nonstop recreation at Vans Skate Park at Festival Bay Mall, Orlando's premier skateboard park.


• Take a spin on Magical Midway's extreme go-cart track with corkscrew turns and daring elevations.


• Sip some wine at The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro at Pointe Orlando.


• Golf under a waterfall at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf.


• Skydive in a wind tunnel at Sky Venture Orlando Indoor Skydiving.


• Swim with dolphins in the morning at Discovery Cove and encounter JAWS in the afternoon at Universal Orlando.


• Get married at the Royal Wedding Chapel!


• Putt a hole-in-one at Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf, Congo River Golf, Tiki Island Golf or Gator Golf.


• Solve a murder mystery at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater.


• Be sure to wear white and watch yourself shine at Putting Edge Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Golf at Festival Bay Mall.


• For a fun way to get around International Drive, leave the driving to someone else and take the I-Ride Trolley!


• Shop for bargains at designer outlets ( See our shopping in Orlando blog post)


• Sleep in a castle at Doubletree Castle Hotel.


• Be a guest duckmaster at The Peabody Orlando.


• Have a carhop deliver to your car at Sonic, America's Drive In!


• Be a marine life trainer at SeaWorld Orlando.


• See how I-Drive shines at night!


• Unwind in an Irish owned & operated pub, The Lucky Leprechaun.


• Shop till you drop at over 485 designer, brand name and outlet stores!


• Catch a movie at Regal Pointe Orlando 20+ IMAX.


• Taste international flare food on I-Drive with over 150 restaurants.


• Have an elegant dinner in the highly acclaimed Capital Grille at Pointe Orlando.


• Dine on authentic Italian fare at Maggiano's Little Italy at Pointe Orlando.


• Check out the nation's second largest convention center, Orange County Convention Center.

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Shopping in Orlando

Orlando is home to some of the finest shopping venues in Florida. Here is a selection of our top picks:-

1. The Mall at Millenia, 2. The Florida Mall, 3. Festival Bay Mall on I-Drive, 4. Orlando Premium Outlets, 5. Pointe Orlando on I-Drive, 6. Orlando Fashion Square Mall.

There are two major malls close to the tourist areas. The Mall at Millenia is an upmarket mall, with Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Cartier, and restaurants such as PF Changs and the Cheesecake Factory. Mall at Millenia is located at the Conroy Road exit of I-4. Florida Mall is one of the largest malls in Florida, anchored by Macys, Dillards, JC Penney, Lord & Taylor, with a large selection of specialty stores.

Florida Mall is a vast complex and is located at the intersection of Sand Lake Road and the Orange Blossom Trail, halfway between the Orlando International Airport and International Drive.

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Harry Potter in Orlando

Orlando is getting its very own Harry Potter Theme Park. Announced last May, and expected to open in late 2009, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world’s first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Desribed as a “theme park within a theme park” and titled “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.

The attractions are to include a giant recreation of Rowling’s fictional Hogwarts Castle, a permanently snow-covered Hogsmeade village, the Forbidden Forest and a Hogwarts Express that will steam away from Platform 9 and 3/4.

The village, with steep-roofed slate-and-stone buildings will boast “experiential shops and restaurants” selling cauldrons and broomsticks, wands, magic potions and Harry Potter-themed meals.
Across the park, through “immersive rides and interactive attractions”, fans will be confronted with characters and scenes from Rowling’s epic story.

Computerised special effects will display figures looking like real characters but which will disappear in a flash.

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Halloween in Orlando

The month of October is time when tricks and treats abound, creating an atmosphere of festive fun for those of all ages. Orlando is no exception, and they provide several ways to celebrate the spooky holiday.

Universal Resort Orlando presents its 18th Annual Halloween Horror Nights throughout the month of October. This event is geared towards adults and may not be appropriate for young children. The entire theme park is transformed into a fright-fest featuring monsters, zombies, ghosts and goblins. The theme of this year's event is Urban Legends, and Bloody Mary herself will play host. Promising to bring the most fearsome Urban Legends to life, Universal Resort Orlando is the place to be to celebrate Halloween. There are more scare-zones, more scare actors, the most haunted houses Universal has ever seen, along with all new fear-filled live shows. There are great Universal Halloween Horror Nights Packages available for those who dare to be scared.

Disney World is playing host to a family-friendly event, one where kids can celebrate the fun of Halloween opposed to the scary aspect of it. Disney World's Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party is a magical place to trick-or-treat. Children can come in their own costumes and trick-or-treat next to their favorite cartoon characters. A few of the highlights of this event include Mickey's Boo-To- You Halloween Parade and The Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Display, where the night sky is lit up with Disney Characters in their best Halloween regalia. It's a Halloween your children will never forget.

Orlando always offers the best celebrations, and Halloween is no exception. Whether you want to be frightened or want to create a memorable holiday for children, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Halloween Holiday.

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Private Villas in Florida

Our allocation on arrival villas are the perfect choice for Florida bound holiday makers. We have a wide selection of exceutive private villas which are simply fantastic, and very spacious! Great when travelling with kids as you are not all squeezed into one room.

Why not stay in a executive villa on allocation on arrival? Drive yourself to the key collection office using our directions and it is very simple. Make sure you have some Dollar change for the toll roads!! When you arrive you will be provided with directions to your villa and a key code to get in.

Our villas are clean and modern and have everything that you could possibly need including your own private pool. Pre-heat your private pool because it does take a day or so to warm up and we do advise that you arrange it prior to arrival.

Spending some time around the pool is a great way to relax as going to the parks is exhausting and the villas are such great places to chill out around the pool, with a fridge full of beer and ice cream it can be described as bliss.

Kids love it as they have their own rooms, can watch TV and even play snooker in the games room.(Some villas have garages that have been converted to a games room).

You have to have a car when you rent a villa as it is such a big place and walking anywhere is just not possible really.

We cannot recommend staying in a villa enough, that is why our customers book with us every year.

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