Orlando Has Big Plans For 2013!

Lisa Arneill
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Orlando Has Big Plans For 2013!
Each year Orlando welcomes over 50 million visitors.  Travellers from all over the world make the trek to the sunny city to visit the theme parks, and This year Orlando is giving visitors more reasons to visit their beautiful city as unprecedented expansions and technological advancements come to fruition. New theme park attractions, accommodations, dining and shopping, provide more reasons to put Orlando at the top of vacation lists in 2013. Visitors will come face to face with royalty, a colony of penguins and larger than life Transformers as new attractions and thrills open throughout the year. Here are some highlights! 1)    Visitors will embark on a voyage to the bottom-of-the-world, to the coldest and windiest continent as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment welcomes their biggest expansion to date across all parks with the spring 2013 opening of Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando. Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin More than just a new ride, the new “realm” will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world and include a variety of new experiences for guests. A state-of-the-art interactive ride will take guests on an exciting journey through the dangers and wondrous beauty of the Antarctic as they follow and mimic a young penguin’s adventures. Additionally, the new area will include a new penguin habitat that will bring guests closer than ever to a colony of penguins, a gift shop and a new dining concept featuring market-style, international food. 2)    Following a packed 2012 with more new entertainment experiences unveiled in Universal Orlando Resort’s history with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show, Universal’s Superstar Parade and the reopening of The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, 2013 brings TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. TRANSFORMERS The Ride – 3D Opening in summer 2013, the attraction combines the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects to place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. 3)    Little princesses and princes will have even more magical experiences awaiting them at the Walt Disney World Resort, as Fantasyland is undergoing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. Walt Disney World Fantasyland 2012 Fresh off the December 2012 opening is Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a musical showcase featuring Ariel and friends, as well as Enchanted Tales with Belle where guests of all ages reenact “the tale as old as time” alongside Belle and Be Our Guest Restaurant, the first restaurant in Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. Opening in 2013 Princess Fairytale Hall will allow guests to interact with beloved princess like Aurora, Cinderella and others in the Castle Courtyard located in the heart of Fantasyland. 4)    Waiting in line may be a thing of the past, when Walt Disney World Resort launches MyMagic+ later this spring. Walt Disney Parks MyMagic+ Through MyMagic+, a new Web site and app will give guests, prior to leaving their homes, the opportunity to lock in seating for parades, fireworks and character interactions or even coveted FastPasses. Once in Orlando, guests will wear wristbands called MagicBands, serving as room keys, tickets and FastPasses. The optional system also allows for changes through the app and customization so that characters may even be able to provide personalized greetings. 5)    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will unveil the 90,000-square-foot (8,100-meter) home for the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which retired in 2011. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Opening July 2013, the $100 million exhibit will provide views of the vehicle up close, along with interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. 6)    With shopping one of the top activities for visitors to Orlando, 2013 will provide more options for savvy shoppers seeking high-end products.Two of Orlando’s malls, The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia will debut new luxury offerings. The Mall at Millenia Clothing retailer Michael Kors, along with accessory and jewelry retailer Tous will be added to the more than 250 retailers a The Florida Mall. The Mall at Millenia, ranked in the top 10 among the world’s most successful shopping centers by Shopping Centers Today, will open a new wave of internationally recognized retailers including Prada, YSL and Swiss watchmakers Hublot, Omega and Breitling. 7)    Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Ave,one of two Orlando Premium Outlet locations in Orlando, is expanding by adding 80,000 square feet (7,200 square meters) and 12 new stores. The expansion, to be named The Promenade, will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and will include additional dining as well as an Information Center. Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave 8)    Joining Orlando’s nearly two dozen luxury resort and day spas, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort welcomes Senses – A Disney-owned-and-operated spa. Recharge, Reenergize and Reconnect The new facility blends turn-of-the-century elegance with modern accoutrements and a dash of Disney whimsy. From water therapy and rejuvenating citrus facials, to a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for little ones ages 4 – 12, the 15 treatments rooms offer a wide variety of options for visitors looking for a little pampering. In addition, the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is temporarily closed for renovation and will reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. 9)    Universal Orlando Resort offers two new dining experiences for guests at its Universal Studios Park. The Superstar Character Breakfast offers guests a chance to meet characters from the Universal Superstar Parade including Despicable Me Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. Superstar Character Breakfast Guests also receive access to a special viewing area for the parade later that day. The second addition is the Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience where guests enjoy dinner at Lombard’s Seafood Grille followed by dessert in a private viewing area for Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show. 10)    The charming town of Winter Park, just north of downtown Orlando welcomes the Alfond Inn at Rollins. Alfond Inn at Rollins Opening in 2013, the boutique inn on the property of nationally ranked liberal arts school, Rollins College, offers 110-rooms that feature a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, lounge and 9,000 square feet (836 square meters) of meeting space. All profits will go into an endowment to provide full scholarships for top Rollins College students. Via PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1yfa5)

Disney Makes Guest Experiences Even More Magical with New Features Online and at the Park

Cathy
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Disney Makes Guest Experiences Even More Magical with New Features Online and at the Park
Disney really is one of the most magical places on the planet, but it only stays that way because the magic makers are constantly looking for new ways to take the guest experience to the next level. Some of the recent changes – interactive queues at Walt Disney Resorts and the Enchanted Art on their cruise ships – can already be seen by guests. But Disney is currently working on a feature that will allow any family the chance to customize and personalize their visit, right down to the minute, if they wish. Walt Disney Parks MyMagic+ bracelet The feature, expected to roll out over the next several months, is called MyMagic+. Families can choose this option when purchasing tickets for their Disney adventure. Even more advanced than the FastPasses, the FastPass+ feature of MyMagic will allow families to book ride times, show times and dining times before ever setting foot in the park. Disney creators hope that this will give families more park time together, helping them create a Disney experience that works best for them. Walt Disney Parks MyMagic+ At the heart of this feature, the My Disney Experience through the website and mobile apps will give families the most up-to-date information on all that Disney World Resorts have to offer. Families can change their schedules at any time before they visit or even while at the park, right from their smart phones. They can stop and explore an area a little longer if they choose, they can move up their times if they run ahead of schedule. Best of all, each family can plan as little or as much as they want, which will allow them to explore the park at their own pace, and hopefully give them the best Disney Park experience possible. Disney Parks MyMagic+ Disney announced the upcoming feature on the Disney Parks Blog earlier this week. They reported that the entire MyMagic+ experience will be linked together with a new, innovative piece of technology, the MagicBand. Worn on the wrist, MagicBands will serve as a room key, theme park ticket, FastPass+ access band, PhotoPass card and an optional payment account all throughout the park. Disney says they have already done some testing of certain aspects of the upcoming feature in their Florida Disneyworld Resort. Feedback, so far, has been extremely positive. They added that more information on the upcoming features will be shared in the months to come. Changes to these new features will be made as needed, based on guest experience and feedback. SOURCE  

‘ABC Travel Guides for Kids’ Lists Their Top 7 US Family Destinations for 2013

Lisa Arneill
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‘ABC Travel Guides for Kids’ Lists Their Top 7 US Family Destinations for 2013
Where will you be travelling in 2013?  If you have domestic plans this year ABC Travel Guides For Kids has listed their top 7 US family destinations for the new year.  A great list that is positioned all over the United States, offers many destinations that are perfect for road tripping! ABC’s Top Destinations for US Family Travel in 2013:
  1. Washington DC – With 19 Smithsonian Museums and Galleries and the National Zoo families should start a tradition and plan a trip to DC every year.  Look for special annual events in the Embassy Row and Georgetown sections of the city and reserve your Nationals tickets early as once again they look like the team to beat in the National League East. The historic Renaissance Mayflower is the perfect launching pad for an ABC Washington DC adventure. Washington, DC
  2. San Diego, CA – It’s always sunny in San Diego and there are 70 miles of beaches, a world famous Zoo and Balboa Park the “Smithsonian of the West” with 15 diverse and family friendly museums.  Visit Old Town for great eats and hand-made tortillas and La Jolla, Del Mar and Coronado for spectacular views and family fun.  For amusement park fun, visits to LegoLand and Sea World are a must.  The Manchester Grand Hyatt is a great place for families.San Diego, CA
  3. Boston, MA –   Meet the Mallards and ride on a Swan Boat in the Public Garden then spend your afternoon at the Museum of Science or New England Aquarium.  On days two, three and four you’ll want to visit the Boston Children’s Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, walk on the Freedom Trail and visit Fenway Park for a game (or tour).  The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and BMA are fantastic art museums. The Omni Parker House is a great place to stay.boston, ma
  4. New Orleans, LA – Heaven on Earth for foodie kids and their families, NOLA offers great food, culture and four super kid-friendly Audubon Nature Institute attractions: the Zoo, Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.  Older kids will appreciate the history and sounds of Preservation Hall, younger kids will love the Louisiana Children’s Museum: all kids we love a visit to Blaine Kern ‘s Mardi Gras World .  Make the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel your home away from home.Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana
  5. Miami, FL – Back on our list for the second time in three years, this City has so much culture and energy it remains one of our country’s greatest cities.  Foodie kids will love a Miami Culinary Tour with Grace Della .  Plan to spend a day or two and visit the family friendly attractions of the Historic Redland Trail or the Art Deco district of South Beach, then head back downtown to Little Havana and Domino Park to learn about Cuban food and culture.  The Palms Hotel and Spa is an ocean front property in the heart of Miami Beach and in walking distance to Lincoln Road, Espanola Way , and more!Miami beach - aerial
  6. Niagara County, New York – There’s so much more to do than just Niagara Falls.  Visit small towns like Lewiston, Lockport and North Tonawanda (home of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum) and create unique and memorable experiences for your family.  Visit Old Fort Niagara and the Niagara Power Project Power Vista Visitor Center to understand the power and importance of the region.  Pick your own fruit at Becker Farms but be sure to save some to top your frozen custard from Hibbards.  The Barton Hill Hotel and Spa is a great lodging choice when visiting the region. Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
  7. Hershey, PA – The “Sweetest Place on Earth”, Hershey’s Chocolate World features a free chocolate “factory” tour ride (and sample!), Hershey’s Really Big 3D movie and much more.  The amusement park, gardens and zoo are all top notch just like the Hershey Bears, the reigning champions of the American Hockey League!  Stay at either the Hershey Hotel or Hershey Lodge. Hershey's Chocolate World
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1xYNC)

Just Like Grandmas ~ Lynn’s Paradise Cafe, Louisville Kentucky

Lisa Arneill
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Just Like Grandmas ~ Lynn’s Paradise Cafe, Louisville Kentucky
During a trip to Louisville last October it was recommended by a friend that we try out Lynn’s paradise cafe. Not familiar with the city we checked some online reviews and then headed over for dinner on our last night. Located in an area of the city that has some cute shops and other restaurants, Lynn’s definitely stands out. While looking for this restaurant you may pass it but you won’t miss it. Lynns Paradise Cafe - exterior The building itself is all windows and covered in Christmas lights. Out front there is a life sized tea pot tipped slightly pouring tea into a huge cup. It is like a scene from Alice in wonderland. A large horse statue welcomes you at the door as you make your way into the restaurant. We would learn, however, that this was tame compared to what we were about to walk into. Lynns Paradise Cafe - tree inside the restaurant If you come in through the front door you will enter into the store. The host stand, which is half way through the store, sits under a pair of tea bag pants and right in front of a pink pig, which I promptly sat on and had my husband take a picture of me. It wasn’t after we checked in that I got a glimpse of the actual restaurant. Wide open with an 20ft high, A-line roof, the place is a little crazy.  Did I mention there is a massive ‘tree’ in the middle of the room? Lynns Paradise Cafe - interior On the night we visited Lynn’s was packed to the rafters with birthday celebrations and even a stagette. After a 30 minute wait we were seated at the back at a booth, surrounded by crazy lamps. The waiter later told us that they hold an ugly lamp competition and by looking around it seems that the winner gets to hang from the roof! Lynns Paradise Cafe - ugly lamp The menu was as eclectic as the decor. To start I ordered the Kentucky Reuben quesadilla, which comes with shaved corn beef, swiss cheese and fried cabbage baked inside two tortillas. For dinner I had the turkey dinner and my husband had the ‘Highlander’, a turkey and bacon club sandwich with onion rings. I am incredibly fussy about my turkey and the waiter assured me this would be the best. With high expectations I was pleasantly surprised by the size and the taste. Lynns Paradise Cafe - Highlander Sandwich Lynns Paradise Cafe - turkey dinner My dinner came with 2 sides and I chose rosemary braised cabbage and sweet potato fries instead of mashed potatoes. I am well known for my good appetite but I couldn’t finish my dinner. My husband loved his club but couldn’t finish his either. The portion sizes are definitely generous for the great price. I wanted to have dessert but could not fit one more crumb in my belly. Lynns Paradise Cafe - dessert menu When you eat at Lynn’s Paradise Cafe it feels like you are having dinner at grandmas. No two chairs of the same, the tables look like they were left over from the 60’s and there are mannequin legs protruding from the walls. On our way out we looked through the gift shop which was stocked with some on the craziest novelty items including a wide array of bacon flavored items, crazy mugs and jesters hats. Lynn’s does have a patio but it was too cold out for us to enjoy it. Lynns Paradise Cafe - Bacon Merchandise While in Louisville a couple months ago, Lynn’s was high on my list to return to with my sister and girlfriend. In a year not one thing had changed. The food was still stellar, filling and the place was still packed even though it was a Tuesday night. Me at Lynns Paradise Cafe!

Tips For Making A Vacation Photo Book

Lisa Arneill
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Tips For Making A Vacation Photo Book
I will admit that I am one of ‘those’ people who doesn’t stop taking photos while on vacation. In fact I managed to snap more than 1,000 photos in just 7 days on our last vacation.
Cover from Picaboo books
Cover from Picaboo books
I never want to miss a moment and love putting together photo books of our vacation for friends and family of trips we have taken together. But if you look at the books I make now as opposed to the ones I made 5 years ago they are more organized, bigger and have a wider variety of photos.
Sample page from Mixbooks
Sample page from Mixbooks
On average I use between 100-150 images for a vacation book and never worry about the number of extra pages I am adding.  While most companies will now print 100 page books, a book that documents a 7 day vacation may only end up being 35-40 pages long. I don’t just focus on our family, but I also like to take a lot of photos of landmarks, quirky signs or unusual buildings to break up all the photos of us. Creating a book that will document our journey is not only a passion for me, but it gives us something to Here are some tips I have learned for creating a nice vacation book:
  • Create an itinerary page to remember where you went each day.  If we are cruising I will try to find a map on board that shows the route the ship will be taking and snap a shot of that for the first page of the book.  If you are doing a road trip you can list the cities you visit each day along with the day, month and year.  You can also find a map online and note points on it along with your route and destinations.
  • Document fun moments from each day and include any interesting facts you learn about your destinations
  • Be in the moment and always take the photo as soon as you see something interesting. Don’t think “Oh, I’ll come back after and get this later” because plans change, weather happens and most of the time you don’t get back and are later kicking yourself.
  • Don’t be afraid to tell your friends and family to pose for a picture and don’t forget to ask others to take a photo of your family together.  Some of the best photos I have of my family were taken by other vacationers.  Often the ‘would you like me to take a picture of your family?’ will turn into the offer to do the same for you.
  • Organize your trip by events and take advantage of the auto-fill feature that most photo book makers are now using.  If all of the dates are accurate then this feature will sort put 4 or 5 shots on each page. This makes it easier to get all the pictures into the book and then you can go through and fine tune which photos you would like to be together on each page.
  • The bigger the better.  I recently made a 12″ x 12″ book for my mom and was in love with how big and beautiful each page was. Most images were 4″ x 6″ but many were 5″ x 7″, which allowed us to see the detail of every photo.   Even though it is more to make, I have noticed in the last few months that it was the size that goes on the sale the most.
In addition I make 3 copies of each photo book; 1 hard copy for my husband and I and two 8×8 soft covers – one for each of my boys when they get older.  I also complete the book but don’t print it until the printer has a good sale. ie. 40% off or free extra pages. Before the digital age I scrap booked the old fashion style, which was messy and VERY time consuming.  Having my books printed  gives them a more polished, professional look that will last forever.

Significant Rise Expected in the Cost of Canadian Passports Next Year

Cathy
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Significant Rise Expected in the Cost of Canadian Passports Next Year
If you’re planning on renewing or replacing your Canadian passport next year, you should expect a price increase from the previous years. For some, the increase may prove to be nothing more than a slightly frustrating financial setback, but for others the increase could mean giving up travelling altogether. Canadian passport office According to the Passport Canada website, adult 10-year passports will go up to $160 and child passports will go up from $20 to $57. And by March 2014, replacement passports, which are currently free, will cost $45. But those applying for a passport from outside of Canada’s borders can expect to see the biggest increase. Currently, those applying for a five-year document while in another country pay $97. Next year, the same document will cost them $190. canadian passportThe agency says that, currently, they are losing about $5 per passport issue. The loss has been covered by accumulated surpluses up to this point, but that surplus will run out next year. And while they understand the struggle that the increase may cause for some when it comes to out of country travels, the increase is absolutely necessary at this point to continue operations and improve technology.
“Passport Canada is quickly reaching a point where not only will new advancements such as the ePassport be impossible, but the organization’s ability to maintain current operations and deliver its mandate will be jeopardized,” the agency said in a statement posted on the Canada Gazette website. “Passport Canada must secure a fee to introduce the 10-year ePassport, keep pace with the technological advancements and maintain its current level of service for Canadians.”
Canada is the only G8 country not offering ePassports to the general public at this time. These technologically advanced passports contain an electronic chip that contains all of the information found on the passport’s second page. This helps provide faster validation and fraud protection to passport holders and border authorities. A 10-year ePassport, which will be available starting July 1, 2013, will cost $260. Unfortunately, while the increase is necessary, some Canadians may find it too much to bear. Passport Canada acknowledged this problem but they said that there are other options.
“Consultations have demonstrated that some segments of the Canadian population may be more sensitive to an increase in passport fees,” the agency said. “Canadians unsatisfied with the passport fee increase may also choose an alternative travel document, such as the NEXUS card…or [they may] decide not to travel.”
The NEXUS card is a ‘fast pass’ that can be used to travel between the U.S. and Canada. It can be used on its own if you are travelling to the US by car, but must be accompanied by a valid passport if flying to the United States from Canada. Canadians wishing to travel to any other country will need a full passport. SOURCE

Travel Review ~ Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Lisa Arneill
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Travel Review ~ Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
While in New York City attending a conference a few months ago I had the pleasure of staying at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel - exterior-1 Located at 7th and 52nd street, the Sheraton is conveniently positioned on the ‘E’ line, which comes directly from JFK airport. Instead of paying $55 dollars for a taxi to get into the city, I rode the airtrain and transferred onto the subway at Sutphin Station and took it into Manhattan for $7.50. And as luck would have it the hotel was at the top of the stair when I came out of the subway. Perfect AND the money savings(there and back) allowed me enjoy a nice dinner out while I was in the city! I have stayed at many hotels in the last few years while attending events and conferences in Manhattan and am always a little nervous of the classic hotels because many of them are starting to show their age. Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel-1 Built in 1962, the Sheraton has definitely been kept up over the last 50 years. In fact, all of their 1,781 rooms were recently renovated to include Wi-Fi, 37” flat-screen HDTVs, plush bedding and coffee machine with Starbucks™ coffee. A little different from other hotels I have stayed it, it also had a full wall working space as opposed to a desk or hutch. Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel - work space-1 The room was average size for Manhattan and it overlooked the city, which was nice at night. The Sheraton New York was modern, clean and convenient to everywhere I needed to be for the weekend. It is ideal for couples enjoying a weekend away, business travelers or families looking for a location central to everything. Complimentary cribs are available and pets are welcome. Small pets weighing less than 40 pounds are welcome at the Sheraton with one requirement, that they remain on a leash while in public spaces. My stay at the Sheraton New York was very nice and I would definitely return if traveling for work or with my family.

Crystal Cruises Offers ‘Kids Sail Free’ For Select Northern Europe and Mediterranean Itineraries For Summer 2013

Lisa Arneill
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Crystal Cruises Offers ‘Kids Sail Free’ For Select Northern Europe and Mediterranean Itineraries For Summer 2013
Regardless of your age, the price to cruise is normally the same for everyone with the exception of the 3rd and 4th berth charges.  Some cruiselines do offer a slight discount for cruisers under 3 but after that the price is the same for all passengers. Crystal Serenity 10 day summer voyageThis Summer Crystal Cruiselines is helping lighten the fare a bit by offering a kids sail free promotion on four June and July voyages.  Junior cruisers age 17 and under can travel for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults. This is the first time ever the popular program has been offered in the Baltic, with three Crystal Serenity sailings of 10 days each on June 25, July 20 and 30, through Stockholm (overnight), Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (two overnights); Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemunde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Crystal Cruises A seven-day sailing through the Mediterranean departs July 6 on Crystal Symphony, visiting Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Sicily/Taormina, Sorrento, and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.
“With attractive savings for bringing the kids along, combined with incredible opportunities to see and learn about Europe’s history firsthand, these cruises offer not only great value, but also invaluable experiences in terms of family bonding, world education, and memories,” explains Jack Anderson , Crystal’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing.
Crystal Cruises’ dedicated on-board kids and teens spaces is a rarity among luxury cruise lines.  During summers and holidays, junior activities directors host complimentary supervised activities on board, ranging from behind-the scenes tours to cooking classes and scavenger hunts.  The Crystal Visions Enrichment Program also offers entertaining education, including Magic Castle at Sea shows and classes, iPad Digital Filmmaking classes in association with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and presentations from expert speakers.  Every cruise also has babysitting services, “finicky eater” foods, movies, library books, family-friendly excursions, and more available. All-inclusive fares for the four luxury European cruises start at $2,495/person(outside cabin) if booked by December 28.  The Crystal Family Memories program also offers additional free berths and perks for groups of six or more.
Crystal Serenity - outside cabin
Crystal Serenity – outside cabin
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1xuZT)

Featured Review ~ Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina

Lisa Arneill
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Featured Review ~ Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina
Before we cruise my husband and I like to arrive the day before in order to have some time to relax and adjust to our new location before boarding the ship. Arriving early also ensures that you are in your port city on time just in case there are flight delays on the day of travel because we all know, the ship waits for no one. Ahead of a cruise on Allure of the Seas a few weeks ago our family had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale. A chain we often stay with, Hilton has three properties in Ft. Lauderdale for travelers to chose from; one at the airport, a location on the beach and the marina resort that we chose to stay at. Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina - overhead A 10-15 minutes ride($15-20) from the airport, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the hotel. The lobby was very nice and the property is quite big. The hotel recently underwent a $70 million transformation to ‘a vibrant and sophisticated coastal retreat.’ Modern and charming, this location has 589-rooms including 17 suites. Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina - lobby Our room, which was located in the villa section by the pool, overlooked the marina and the incredible yachts that were parked in the water. Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina - yacht It was a standard Queen room with 2 beds, a 32″ flat screen television and sunny decor. It was also equipped with an iPod radio and a Keurig machine, which was a huge bonus! Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina villa room Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina - villa room Wifi is available but at an additional cost for each device you connect. Hilton also offers a two speed options, with the slowest costing $8.95/24 hours and fastest 12.95/24 hours. If you are traveling with a laptop and device and want them both connected, it will set you back almost $22,a charge I thought was a little steep. Food is available poolside at the hotel’s G restaurant or at the Asian-inspired China Grill restaurant. Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina - pool For dinner we walked just a couple minutes down the road on the right and ate at a nice seafood restaurant on the water. In that strip mall there are 4 or 5 restaurants that you can chose from with varying price points. Just one building over you will find a Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery and a Chiptoles. If you travel a little further on the same side you will find Southport Shopping Center which has more food options and some shopping in case you have forgotten anything. If you are looking to have some time at the beach it is just a couple minutes(1.5 miles) down the road. On the morning of the cruise we liked that our hotel was very close to the cruise terminal. It is between $5-10 to get a cab to take you to Port Everglades. Our family enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Marina.  We would definitely return for a pre-cruise stay, but would probably try the Hilton Ft Lauderdale Beach Resort if we were staying for a few days as our water babies would be happier being right on the ocean.

Universal Orlando Resort Introduces ‘4th Night and 3rd Day Free’ Promotion

Lisa Arneill
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Universal Orlando Resort Introduces ‘4th Night and 3rd Day Free’ Promotion
If you are planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort in the near future, now is a great time to book! Universal Orlando Resort On Tuesday Universal unveiled an all-new vacation package that gives families more time together to enjoy their action-packed adventure of a lifetime. With this new offer, vacationers will receive a fourth night of hotel accommodations and third day of theme park admission Free. Quality Inn International, a Rosen Hotel Starting at $769 tax inclusive for a family of four the special offer includes the following benefits:
  • Three nights of accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner hotel(CoCo Key Orlando, Quality Inn International Hotel) with the fourth night Free
  • 2-day Base ticket to Universal Orlando theme parks – with the third day Free
  • Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the rest of the general public
  • Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
  • FREE scheduled transportation between Universal Orlando and hotel
Florida Vacation Resort, CoCo Key Orlando To take advantage of this offer travelers must book their vacations between Dec. 18, 2012 to March 28, 2013 for travel from Jan. 3 to June 30, 2013. via PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1xjFB)
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