Orlando Florida

Orlando Airport Marriott Offers Prime Location with Fewer Crowds

2009-01-07T05:00:00.006-05:00

The newly renovated Orlando Airport Marriott has always given guests the advantage of a centralized location without the large crowds that are expected along International Drive as well as the Disney and Universal resort areas. Business travelers and vacationers have easy access to downtown Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center, as well as all of the theme park attractions that have made Orlando an international travel destination. Located just one mile from the Orlando International Airport on Augusta National Drive, the Orlando Airport Marriott is close to a variety of popular restaurants, including Tony Roma’s, TGIFriday’s, Cracker Barrel, Chili’s Grill and Bar and many more.

With so many new amenities to enjoy, guests might not want to venture too far from the Orlando Airport Marriott. The hotel restaurants include the Porterhouse steak house, which serves up generous portions of U.S. Prime beef, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and delicious dessert choices; while the LUXE restaurant offers traditional American fare while dinner guests enjoy the view overlooking Lake Michelle.

Visitors to the Orlando Airport Marriott will discover a hotel with environmentally friendly facilities and unsurpassed amenities. As a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, the hotel has a sophisticated, modern flair with the most up to date technology. The updated fitness center also has state of the art equipment, and the banquet facilities make the Orlando Airport Marriott an ideal location for weddings and other important events. Easy to find, and easy to enjoy, the Orlando Airport Marriott offers a prime location with fewer crowds that guests will appreciate every time they visit Orlando.

Orlando Vacation Homes For Rent

2009-01-06T22:59:00.001-05:00

Upcoming Auditions for Disney Channel
Disney World What Will You Celebrate
New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk
Guests Can Pay For a Day, Come Back All Year
New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World
Orlando Hotels International Drive
Things to See Around Orlando: Rising Star at Unive...
Church Bus Rental
Makahiki Christmas Luau at SeaWorld Orlando
Santa Makes One Last Stop At Aquatica

SeaWorld Orlando Kids Play & Stay Free Package

2009-01-05T05:00:00.009-05:00

SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and select Marriott hotels have extended their Kids Play & Stay Free package, so that even more families will have the opportunity to enjoy everything that SeaWorld and Aquatica have to offer.
The Kids Play & Stay Free package is available at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, Residence Inn SeaWorld International Center, Residence Inn Orlando International Drive, Courtyard Orlando International Drive Convention Center, Fairfield Inn & Suites International Drive, and the Marriott Grande Vista.
Each Kids Play & Stay Free package includes the following amenities:
· Deluxe accommodations
· Exclusive "Length of Stay" tickets to SeaWorld Orlando, giving guests the flexibility to come and go to SeaWorld Orlando for up to 14 consecutive days from first visit
· Free kid's ticket for each adult ticket purchased (two-ticket maximum - ages 3 to 9 years old)
· A free plush toy for each child
· SeaWorld Guest Value Card with a number of special SeaWorld offers
For more information on the Kids Play & Stay Free package and to make a reservation, call 1-888-922-7829.

Disney Princess Party

2009-01-04T08:10:00.004-05:00

It's a tea party fit for a princess at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Girls are encouraged to attend dressed up in their favorite princess attire and enjoy tea filled with fantasy and delight at My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party offered in the Garden View Lounge.
Little princesses will get the royal treatment with tea for two, deliciously decorative princess cakes, plus a personal meet-and-greet with Princess Aurora from the classic Disney animated film "Sleeping Beauty." The enchanting tea party is hosted by Miss Rose Petal, a magical rose from Aurora's garden that has come to life to lead storytelling, sing-alongs and a princess parade.
But that's just the beginning of the magical experience. Guests age 3-11 also receive a My Disney Girl doll dressed in a matching Princess Aurora gown, plus accessories. Special princesses also take home their very own ribbon tiara, silver princess link bracelet, fresh rose, special scrapbook set and a Best Friend certificate.

Dive in to Package Deals at Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld

2009-01-03T05:00:00.003-05:00

The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld is currently offering a number of special packages for guests who want to maximize their savings as well as their Orlando experience. Located across the road from SeaWorld and adjacent to Discovery Cove and Orlando’s newest water park Aquatica, the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld is only steps away from some of the most popular attractions that Orlando has to offer, with Walt Disney World and Universal Studios only a short drive from the resort.

The special package deals for the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld include:
• Orlando Fifth Night Free package, where guests can stay for four nights and the fifth night is free.
• A $100 resort credit for guests who stay three nights.
• The Stay for Breakfast package, featuring breakfast for two adults and up to two children under the age of 12.
• AAA Orlando Hotel Rate, featuring a deluxe guest room with a king bed or two queen beds.

There are many more package deals available, including special spa packages at the neu lotus spa, the Renaissance Orlando Resort’s main location for relaxation and rejuvenation. A number of spa services are available, including the signature Zen garden custom massage experience, a variety of facials and body treatments, and beauty salon services that are perfect for a girls’ night out or a little “me” time.

To learn more about the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, visit the hotel Web site or call 1-800-380-7917 for more details about the upscale package offerings available at the resort that combines modern luxury with an ideal location.

Upcoming Auditions for Disney Channel

2009-01-02T05:00:00.004-05:00

Throughout the year, information will be posted on various Web sites about upcoming auditions for the Disney Channel. The following Disney Channel and Disney XD shows are currently in production and are now casting principal acting roles and extras: JONAS, Sonny with Chance, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Zeke and Luther, Suite Life on Deck, I’m with the Band (pilot episode) and Oops! (pilot episode).

Several Disney Channel original movies and feature films are also going into pre-production soon, including Camp Rock 2, High School Musical 4, Avalon High and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie. Keep in mind that talent agents are supposed to earn a percentage of each job they book for an actor or model AFTER that booking has been paid. Paying up front fees to a talent agent is a big red flag.

A full listing of Disney auditions are available through the Disney Web site.

Disney World What Will You Celebrate

2009-01-01T07:37:00.003-05:00

In 2009, Disney Parks poses the question “What Will You Celebrate?” in response to a travel trend that finds American families hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions. And to put guests in the spirit, Walt Disney World Resort is offering free admission to everyone who visits one of its theme parks on their birthday in 2009.
“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.
“We see our parks as the ideal setting for a personal celebration,” Rasulo continued. “Guests can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and their favorite characters, creating a visit they’ll never forget.”
Walt Disney World guests can choose from experiences ranging from breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures) in order to personalize their celebration. Even the Disney florist has gotten into the act, creating special offerings that silently scream “surprise!” when vacationers open their guest-room door.And to aid guests as they plan their personal celebrations, a new Web-based tool at Disney Park helps guests sort through the possibilities – whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, reunion, personal accomplishment, first visit or something else. Orlando Hotel Reservations

New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk

2008-12-31T05:00:00.002-05:00

Universal Studios Orlando invites everybody to “Listen to the Music” while Universal CityWalk is “Takin’ it to the Streets” for New Year’s Eve with the Doobie Brothers. Be sure to rock in 2009 with these 1970s era music legends best known for hits like “China Grove,” “Black Water,” and many more. The party starts at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m.

Each ticket for New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk (which is $124.99 + tax if purchased after December 21, 2008) includes:
• Live performances by The Doobie Brothers
• All-you-can-eat gourmet food like filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more.
• Midnight champagne toast

New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk also offers live entertainment at all of the CityWalk nightclubs: Jimmy Buffett's® Margaritaville®, Bob Marley–A Tribute To FreedomSM, the grooveSM, Latin Quarter™, Pat O'Brien's®, Red Coconut ClubSM, and CityWalk’s Rising Star. Be sure to grab your party hats and noisemakers and bid a final farewell to 2008 at Universal Studios Orlando.

Guests Can Pay For a Day, Come Back All Year

2008-12-30T07:58:00.002-05:00

Guests Can Pay For a Day, Come Back All Year ,For Exciting Entertainment and Non-Stop Thrills. Big names in country, Latin and classic rock, plus a NEW music series, are coming to Busch Gardens and SeaWorld in 2009. It’s the biggest Worlds of Discovery lineup yet with country and classic rock legends at Bud & BBQ, Viva La Música’s chart-topping salsa and meringue, and a new contemporary Christian music series at Busch Gardens.
Can’t decide which event to attend? With a 2009 Fun Card, you can pay for a day and come back all year to catch them all. It’s the best value for again-and-again access to all the amazing animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family adventure the parks offer, plus all of the exciting big-name entertainment.
Or, opt for the perfect weekend getaway with Pick 2. Choose any two Worlds of Discovery for only $79.95 and enjoy a one-day visit to each. (Excludes Discovery Cove. Offer available select times of year.)
Visit WorldsofDiscoveryGetaways.com to find the best values every day.
Blazing BBQ and Award-Winning Musicians SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are pairing some of the biggest names in country and classic rock with smokin’ barbecue and ice-cold Budweiser for Bud & BBQ, every Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 through March 1. SeaWorld welcomes Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Daryl Hall and John Oates, and Jason Aldean to its stage Saturdays during the series. Busch Gardens presents Phil Vassar, Miranda Lambert, and Gregg Allman and Friends on Sundays.
Get on Your Feet for Viva La Música Join the fiesta every weekend, March 7 through 29, when Grammy and Latin Grammy-award winning acts perform salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more for Viva La Música. The red-hot lineup includes El Gran Combo, India, Tito El Bambino and Fonseca Saturdays at SeaWorld, and R.K.M and Ken-Y, Guayacan, Grupo Mania and El Gran Combo at Busch Gardens Sundays. Live music, Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Latin heritage combine for this lively experience.
’70s and ’80s Rockers Revisited Independence Day weekend explodes with a pair of performances at Busch Gardens. On July 3, it’s legendary teen heartthrob David Cassidy. From “The Partridge Family” fame to his 18 gold and platinum recordings, Cassidy has had numerous hits throughout the decades, including "I Write the Songs,” “Lyin’ to Myself” and “I Think I Love You.” July 4, former Starship lead singer, Mickey Thomas, rocks Busch Gardens in a special Independence Day celebration, followed by a fireworks finale.
NEW Series Brings Music and Fellowship to the Gardens Glory at the Gardens is the brand new event premiering at Busch Gardens, bringing to the park some of the biggest names in contemporary Christian and Christian rock, including Dove Award winners and nominees. May 9, catch Reliant K, Need to Breathe, This Beautiful Republic, Worth Dying For and Sanctus Real. May 16, the park welcomes Brandon Heath, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Sara Groves and Joel Auge.
Memorable Music Gets Your Toes Tapping Notable names from some of music’s most memorable eras present the Real Music Concert Series Jan. 14 through March 21 at Busch Gardens. From sock-hop era idols to swingin’ big bands, the lineup features something for everyone, including The Les Brown Band of Renown featuring Les Brown Jr., The Terry Myers Orchestra featuring Peter Appleyard, The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Harry James Orchestra featuring Fred Radke, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Osmond Brothers, Mickey Dolenz, Little River Band and The 5th Dimension.
Event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Please visit BuschGardens.com or SeaWorldOrlando.com for concert schedule.
The 2009 Busch Gardens or SeaWorld Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2009. Fun Card and Pick 2 are available at the front gates of SeaWorld or Busch Gardens, online at WorldsOfDiscoveryGetaways.com or by calling (888) 800-5447. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass.

New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

2008-12-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

There’s nothing quite like New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World—the music, the dancing, the live performances and late night fireworks ensure that everyone will have a night to remember no matter where they are at the resort. Three of the four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—will be open at midnight to ring in 2009 with a fireworks display. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 8:00 p.m. (the animals probably wouldn’t appreciate all those fireworks after all) with “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.

Elsewhere at the Walt Disney World resort, the Atlantic Dance Hall on Disney’s Boardwalk will host a New Year’s Eve dance party. The $10 admittance charge (a fraction of what you’d pay for parking at a New Year’s Eve party in Manhattan or downtown Chicago) includes a free Champagne toast at midnight. There will also "dueling Video DJ's" playing your favorite music videos and tunes from the '80s, '90s and now. Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba show at Downtown Disney’s West Side will have performances at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Pleasure Island closed down permanently in September but there should new ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in that part of Downtown Disney by the end of 2009.

Visit the Disney Web site for a full listing of events and theme park hours.

Orlando Hotels International Drive

2008-12-27T07:43:00.003-05:00

Hampton Inn - Free breakfast * In room refrigerators, microwave, coffeemaker...
Econolodge Discount Hotel – 1 mile to the Convention Center! Free transfers...
Ramada Lakefront – Rates as Low as $49. Free Deluxe continental breakfast
Rodeway Inn - Kids Eat FREE Program * Walking distance to Wet 'n Wild
Quality Inn Orlando - FREE shuttle to Universal * Special Holiday Rates!
Quality Inn Plaza - Offering best family vacation packages to Orlando Florida

Things to See Around Orlando: Rising Star at Universal CityWalk

2008-12-26T05:00:00.005-05:00

For anyone who has ever had the fantasy of appearing on American Idol, one of the more unique things to see around Orlando is Rising Star at Universal CityWalk. Opened earlier this year to replace the Jazz City club, Rising Star takes karaoke by allowing singers to take center stage as the lead singer of a live band—not a recording, a LIVE band—plus a couple of backup singers to boot.

The cover charge is $7 and there is no extra charge for singing. There are approximately 80 songs to choose from plus a gourmet appetizer menu and a full bar with signature cocktails, which means that you’ll have to be 21 or older to enter, although Thursday nights Rising Star is open to guests ages 18 and older. For more details and ideas for things to see around Universal CityWalk, visit Universal Orlando’s Web site.

Church Bus Rental

2008-12-25T05:02:00.003-05:00

As those who dedicate their time and energy to religious service are well aware, planning activities that take place outside of church grounds should be an important part of every ministry. It is an excellent way to improve the spirits and interpersonal interactions of a congregation. Whether it is a day of hiking and outdoor sermons for a youth group, or an weekend trip to build homes with Habitat for Humanity, having the participants interact and reflect in a new environment is sure to produce impressive results.
However, the one thing you don't want to spend a lot of time worrying about is the mode of transportation. For instance, attempting to arrange carpools can be thoroughly frustrating, but you don't want to leave the participants to fend for themselves. If you find yourself faced with this dilemma, it's time to consider a church bus rental.
Here at USACHAUFFEUR.COM, we are sensitive to the particular needs of those seeking church-related transportation: in addition to safety, comfort and reliability, you'll find our drivers will also deliver nothing but the best in terms of professional conduct. However, not only are we receptive to the specifics of church bus rental needs, we are also quite experienced working with church groups. We've even done multi-day overnight trips for both youths and adults alike.
So if you're in need of a church bus rental, make the right choice and contact USACHAUFFEUR.COM. As a family owned and operated company, we'll do everything we can to ensure your motor coach trip is nothing short of perfect. In the end, choosing USACHAUFFEUR.COM means you can take the time you'd spend worrying about transportation and attend to the more important aspects of your ministry--leave the driving to us

Makahiki Christmas Luau at SeaWorld Orlando

2008-12-24T05:00:00.005-05:00

From now until January 4, SeaWorld Orlando’s Seafire Inn will host a Hawaiian style Christmas every night with the Makahiki Christmas Luau, proving once again that you don’t need blustery, cold weather to fully appreciate the holiday season. This festive and fiery show is a celebration of man’s co-existence with the earth and sea, with authentic Christmas music, costumes and dances.

The Seafire Inn is well known for its innovative meals with an international flair, and the luau meal is served family style with traditional Polynesian dishes, which include mahi mahi in pina colada sauce, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and sour pork, tropical salad and fruit, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, drinks and desserts. Advance reservations can be made by calling 1-800-327-2420.

Santa Makes One Last Stop At Aquatica

2008-12-23T15:33:00.003-05:00

Santas from all over the world visited Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark in Orlando, to unwind after a busy night delivering presents. The Santas spent the day floating down a tranquil river next to black and white Commerson's dolphins (pictured here) and enjoying the Florida sunshine.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

2008-12-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

Now through January 4, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing will enthrall visitors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and this popular Orlando area tradition has nothing to do with a certain British family that had its own reality show on MTV a few years ago.

The Osborne family display actually got its start 19 years ago when Arkansas business and philanthropist strung up 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter. Eventually, their 22,000-square foot home was covered in twinkling lights as the display continued to grow.

The home display eventually outgrew its original location, and after the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered the display to be turned off, the Osbornes moved their display to Walt Disney World in 1995, where it found a permanent home at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios. Disney has continued to expand the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and in recent years has added 3-D and motion-based displays to the Hollywood Studios back lot.

Hampton Inn Reservations

2008-12-21T17:00:00.003-05:00

On your next visit to Orlando, submerge yourself in luxury and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Florida.
Spend some time at the Hampton Inn Universal Studios,just minutes away from one of the best theme parks in the United States, and make some memories for yourself and your family.
The Hampton makes the perfect home away from home for you and your family as you explore the city of Orlando.
Located centrally, just a few minutes from both airport and Disney features, the Hampton can offer you a complimentary shuttle to the theme parks, so no matter when you take off, you will arrive in plenty of time.
The Hampton is quite willing to spoil you to excess, while you take in the sights and check out the Universal Studios, or try out Sea World, they will be working to assure that your visit to Orlando is unencumbered by anything even remotely resembling a care.
These guys are incredible and thats a fact.They offer so many outstanding amenities and extra services and availing yourself of them won't break the bank either.Whether you just want a weekend getaway or a long leisurely visit to Orlando, whether its a holiday away, or a family reunion for fifty, they offer you all that you need to accomplish it in style and easily, with online planning tools to help you get the job done.
Enjoy Orlando to the fullest. Visit Hampton Inn Reservations for your Hampton Inn closest to Universal Studios.

Orlando Airport

2008-12-20T05:00:00.003-05:00

Orlando International Airport is now the only airport in the state to house on-site, walk-in urgent care. Solantic, a leading provider of walk-in urgent care across Florida, offers travelers an average of $517 savings per patient compared to going to an emergency room while on vacation. The airport clinic features time-conscious technologies, such as cell phone pages and lobby wait time monitors, to let patients know when they will be seen, and a kid’s playroom. Solantic is open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Here are the location details:
9331 A Airport Blvd.Orlando, FL 32827 Phone: 321-319-0349Fax: 407-859-8215Sun. - Sat. 8am - 9 pm
Driving directions:Near the West Checkpoint (Gates 1-59) directly across from the Disney store.

Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Orlando

2008-12-19T05:00:00.003-05:00

From now until January 1, selected balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be spreading holiday cheer to park guests at Universal Studios Orlando—and no one needs to stand outside in freezing temperatures to enjoy them. Visitors will also get to enjoy street performers, marching bands from around the country, and a Rockettes-style kick line. Santa will also make an appearance, and after sundown there will be a spectacular tree lighting ceremony with music and a dazzling display of lights.

The balloons that are scheduled to appear in the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Orlando include the Cat in the Hat, Curious George, and the signature Macy's toy soldier. The parade is just one of many holiday-themed events taking place at Universal Studios Orlando during the month of December, which includes the annual Grinchmas celebration, a KidZone Holiday Show, Barney’s Christmas Show, and the Blues Brothers Christmas Show.