




In just a few days more than 80 million will take to the roads for year-end holiday travel. It is estimated, however, that more than 1.2 million motorists will become stranded between December 19, 2012, and January 2, 2013.
“Becoming stranded on the roadway is the last thing on anyone’s holiday wish list,” said Marshall L. Doney , AAA National Vice President, Automotive, Financial Services and E-Business. “Whether you are staying local or planning a long distance road trip, having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for holiday driving will help ensure it gets you and your loved ones to your destination safely and without incident.”
Drivers can avoid the causes of some roadside breakdowns by keeping their vehicles properly maintained. AAA advises motorists to follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for the rigors of year-end holiday driving.
Here are a few things to add to your list before heading out for a holiday drive:
Other important areas to have a certified technician check in preparation for winter include the vehicle’s fluid levels, lights, brakes, exhaust system and heater/defroster. Throughout the winter driving season, motorists should continue to have regular services, including oil and filter changes, performed at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
While preventative measures go a long way toward keeping motorists driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or vehicle problems may still arise and leave them stranded. It is recommended that motorists update their emergency roadside kit for winter to include a mobile phone and car charger; blankets; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; a small shovel; a sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats; windshield scraper and brush; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors.
For more than 20 years, the Roycroft Campus was a center of entrepreneurship, creativity and learning. It was a hub of activity with over five hundred working artisans and craftsmen and drew visitors from faraway places.In total the group of artisans that lived at the inn represented 20 different skill types and they were provided with room and board in exchange for their goods. When I open the door to my room I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised with what was waiting for me. Like a cottage, my suite had wooden paneled walls and ceilings. I was welcomed by a spacious foyer that branched off in three directions. Straight ahead was a sitting area complete with a desk and armoir that contained extra pillows, an iron and quite a few hangers. To the right was a huge bathroom, with his and hers vanities, a huge soaker tub and a separate shower. To the left was my a queen bed, with a sitting area attached. The only thing missing from my room was a coffee maker, but I quickly learned that there was a station set up in the lobby for guests who would like some. In total my room was about 800 square feet. One of the front desk attendants informed me that I was staying in a 5 room suites, the best the hotel had to offer. A couple of the writers I was traveling with were in 4 bedroom suites. Interested to see what the layout was, I was surprised to see that no two rooms were the same. Years ago when the building was constructed, a room like mine would have been divided into 3 separate rooms, housing 3 craftsman – all likely sharing the bathroom. Visitors can chose between 3, 4 and 5 bedroom suites or to stay in a guest house room, which are like standard hotel rooms. Over the years the hotel has changed hands many times transforming from hotel, apartments, restaurants and back to the building that you see now. I was surprised, however, to learn that 70% of the wood in the building was original and was painfully restored when the inn was transformed back to it’s former grandeur between 1986-1995. I had the pleasure of staying at the Roycroft Inn for two nights during my visit to East Aurora. On my last day, while wandering around taking pictures, I happened upon the office, which was a beautiful space with vaulted ceilings on the third floor at the back of the building. Equipped with 2 fireplaces, the staff told me that it was originally the Master Bedroom. Still in the middle of the room was a ladder that was used to access the look out point to view the town. The Inn offers many dining areas each with their own unique ambiance and atmosphere.
The Lion King wing marks the third in the four-phase opening of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Earlier this summer, 320 “Finding Nemo” family suites and 480 “Cars” family suites opened. Each of four distinctly designed wings of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort celebrates rich storytelling, spirited characters, original sketches and playfulness with colorful icons and whimsical theming inspired by classic Disney and Disney•Pixar films.The beautiful property, which is situated adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, offers rates from $248 per night. The 1,120 family suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six. The 864 standard rooms at the “Little Mermaid” wing, opening in September, will sleep up to four, with rates as low as $94.