Florida — The Vacation Gals

Harry Potter at Universal Studios Theme Park: Inside the Wizarding World

May 18, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most anticipated new attractions in the theme park world. Universal Studios has been sending out teaser photos for months, along with dribs and drabs of Harry Potter attraction information designed to get fans salivating. I was lucky enough to get a preview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during the International Pow Wow 2010 in Orlando, and even I (sort of on the Muggle end of the scale) am incredibly impressed. The Harry Potter attraction is amazing!

A couple of months ago my family took a VIP Tour of Universal Studios Orlando, and the VIP we talked to described the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction thoroughly (though we couldn’t go inside). Seeing what he described about Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle come to life was a thrilling experience.

Universal Studios Orlando requested that the International Pow Wow guests only take pictures from outside the gate. Yes, there were plenty of photos being taken inside, it’s true (there were repeated reminders that photos were not allowed). What can you do? People were excited. I took a couple photos outside the gate. “The gate,” by the way, refers to the entranceway to the Harry Potter attraction: The idea is that we are visitors to Hogsmeade Village, and one of the first sights we see is a steaming Hogwarts Express train. The conductor waves us in, so a few steps more and Orlando theme park guests are transported, through both sight and sound, to another world.

Hogsmeade Village bustles with signs of magic, and the attention to detail is just amazing. Storefront windows entice guests to explore every inch of the Harry Potter attraction: Gringotts Bank, Honeydukes Homemade Sweets (yes, with a ribbiting chocolate frog in the window), The Owlery, all these Hogsmeade Village shops are there. At Ollivanders, curious customers are invited to try out a wand or two; pick the wrong one, and there are some crazy effects. Pick the right wand, and — just as in the book — a light gust of wind informs you of your correct choice. When asked about the presence of Ollivanders here, by the way, staff members are happy to describe it as an offshoot of the original, which true Harry Potter fans know to be in Diagon Alley.

I especially appreciated the look of the Three Broomsticks and Hogsmeade Pub. English fare and Hogsmeade drinks are available, such as pumpkin juice (just like pumpkin pie), the brew, and butterbeer. The Butterbeer is very sweet — kids will love it — and tastes like shortbread and butterscotch, with just a little fizz. The Three Broomsticks has an outdoor seating option with views of the waterway and the rest of Universal Studios Orlando, and while it wasn’t being used during this preview night, it will doubtlessly be a very popular dining spot in the Harry Potter part of the theme park. There is even a small, semi-private outdoor dining area for up to five guests; it’s first come, first served, though. The general atmosphere is simply perfect. Also, look out for the Quick Quotes Quill and other details. The staff members are excited to be there and talk about details guests may miss, and en route from Hogsmeade Village to Hogwarts Castle, five young people sing a cappella songs from Harry Potter. They are the Hogwarts Choir, and not to be missed!

The wide, paved path does lead to Hogwarts Castle, of course, and while Hogsmeade Village is done to perfection (the set designer for the movies actually used Universal Studio Orlando’s architectural plans for the Three Broomsticks for the restaurant in the films, for added realism), the Castle is truly mind-boggling. All popular rides in theme parks have long lines, but the queue line here is absolutely part of the attraction.

The queue line is replete with exciting visuals, such as the Mirror of Erised, and talking portraits. Seeing them now, those talking portraits’ realism has me blown away. Just like in the books and movies, the people in the portraits move around, some bicker and some act jolly — and the Fat Lady guarding Gryffindor’s Tower preens and chats in a coy fashion. Even better, the four founders of the four houses all talk to each other in a portrait room, with Salazar Slytherin sounding appropriately ominous (Helga Hufflepuff seems a lot more friendly). There are too many details to mention — and I know I missed a few because there are so many — but the unicorn tapestry and statue of a griffin are just a couple other highlights.

There are two main features to the queue line that will get Harry Potter fans really excited. The first, Dumbledore’s Office, looks simply great. A hologram of Dumbledore appears to give a stern but kindly speech…now, before anyone worries about the sometimes cheesy effects of 3-D holograms, realize that top technology was used to create this. It really looks like Dumbledore is there! Michael Gambon participated in the creation of this realistic hologram, and it’s thrilling to see it. Further down the queue, there is a classroom (Dark Arts, I think, or Charms) in which the hologram effect is repeated, this time with Ron, Hermione, and yes, Harry Potter himself. There are two mini-shows in the Hogwarts classroom. In one, Ron, Hermione and Harry Potter talk about ghosts and Professor Binns, then put on the Invisibility Cloak (in other words, the hologram disappears). In the other, which I liked even more, they cast a spell to make it snow. Seeing the faintly lit “snow,” falling from the ceiling onto outstretched hands of the theme park visitors, was my favorite moment of the Harry Potter ride queue. Never before have I been so entertained while waiting on line.

The ride wasn’t ready for us yet, so some secrets will have to wait for the official grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in June. However, what’s known about it is that guests will feel like they’re flying through the Forbidden Forest. They will also be part of a Quidditch Match, with a visual of Harry Potter urging them on. Many aspects of Hogwarts from the books and movies will seemingly come to life, and while the ride is less than 5 minutes long, it’s only one part the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience. It’s the culmination of what will be a long wait on the queue, yes, but the entire area is so perfect that there’s little to complain about.

What a hit, what a success, and what a coup for Universal Studios Orlando. The Hogsmeade Village/Howarts Castle attraction should be the guide for any future theme park attractions’ construction. This new attraction and ride is so well done, even a Muggle such as myself is amazed.

Thanks to Universal Studios Orlando and the International Pow Wow 2010 for the preview of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel, Travel News | 13 comments

Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World

May 18, 2010 | Author: TwinCitiesGal

One of my favorite aspects of traveling with my children is the opportunity to expose them to things that are unique to the destination’s region. On our last theme-park vacation to Orlando we were pretty busy meeting characters and riding roller coasters. While we didn’t get to get out in nature and explore the Florida Everglades, we did get to take the kids to the next best thing, Gatorland, a 110-acre attraction and wildlife preserve. The park has gone through many transitions since its opening in 1949. Today there are still plenty of regional wildlife.

The kids were able to touch, view and take photos with the live reptiles including alligators and crocodiles. They still talk about it today. But Gatorland has more than gators. The kids had fun at Allie’s Barnyard, the on-site petting zoo (watch out the llama does spit), and while the kids were a little nervous when they first entered the Very Merry Aviary, they did eventually warm up to the colorful Lorikeets. My husband and I enjoyed the Swamp Walk the most. It reminded me of my childhood (I grew up in the South) and it was my husband’s first time to experience a real swamp.

If you’re visiting Orlando during the summer months pack the kids’ swimsuits and some towels. We missed the warm months but the Gator Gully Splash Park looked like it will be a welcomed relief to the hot and humid Florida days with its giant egrets spilling water fountains, water guns mounted on the backs of two giant gators and Grandma’s Wet Shack, more water play.

Before we left we caught a glimpse of the Gator Jumparoo, if you want to guarantee a good view of the jumping gators (especially if you have children), be sure to claim your spot well before the showtime. Finally, be prepared for the extensive gift shop on the way out. Every type of souvenir can be found here, including the humorous, cute and classic mementos. Gatorland is a classic Florida attraction the kids will enjoy and it’s a nice break from the action-packed theme parks.

Posted in: Family Travel | 2 comments

Universal Studios Orlando VIP Vacation Packages

April 16, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida are two of the most popular theme parks in the theme park capital of the world. Discount tickets can be found online, but these are often harder to come by during the peak travel seasons. Universal Orlando VIP vacation packages, while not befitting a cheap Orlando family vacation, are a great way to help the vacation be a lot more fun.

A theme park vacation in Orlando over Spring Break – sounds like a headache for the parents, doesn’t it? When kids are out of school, the lines at Disney World and Universal Studios are, reliably, nightmarishly long. However, under most circumstances, it’s exactly school vacations that allow family travel to happen. The driving from hotel to theme park, the standing on line for over an hour for a 5 minute ride, the Florida heat and crowds; these are all aspects of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando that I was NOT looking forward to, unless “…with dread” counts. Fortunately, we were able to reduce that travel headache a thousandfold with a family VIP Pass as part of our Universal Studios vacation package. A VIP Pass does more than let your family cut in front of the lines at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure: A personal tour guide is yours for the day: He or she lets you in the back doors of the rides and attractions, regales children with fun stories and trivia about the theme park, and holds your stuff while you bliss out with the special treatment. The Universal Studios VIP Pass package is not cheap, but for people who cannot abide spending 75% of their theme park day standing on line, it’s worth every penny.

Disney World has its FastPass Program, and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have Express Pass Plus tickets. Both allow theme park guests to cut their waits for rides to maybe 10 to 15 minutes. For a family vacation in Orlando with less stress and annoyance of those long lines, both are heartily recommended. The Universal Studios VIP Pass vacation package takes it one step further, to a complete avoidance of lines, plus a backstage look at some aspects of the the parks. Our guide, Robert, told us about his favorite restaurants, and we were happy to ask him to join us for lunch.

Another aspect I enjoyed at Universal Studios Orlando was staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel there. The harbor boats take guests (for free) to the Universal Studios theme park and CityWalk. By the way, the room key cards at the Universal Orlando Loews hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific) all work as Express Pass Plus tickets. They even serve as charge cards, so visitors to the theme park can charge souvenirs and meals to their rooms back at Loews hotel. If we were to spend another theme park family vacation in Orlando, I can’t imagine doing it any other way.

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel, Travel Tips | 3 comments

Discovering Disney’s Sporty Side

March 17, 2010 | Author: RunningGal

When the good folks at Walt Disney World Resorts invited me to attend their Sporty Blogger Media Mixer during Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend (March 5-7, 2010) I thought the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I was already searching for the right race to launch the “Run Wifey Run Tour,” my new adventure where I’m running in several road races around the county supporting my mission to be the healthiest I can be and, hopefully, inspire others to do the same. Besides, Disney is the most magical place on earth, maybe I could find a little pixie dust to help me cross the finish line.

Participants in the Disney Princess Half Marathon run through Cinderella's Castle.

While more than 13,000 women ran the half marathon, there were nine of us princesses treated to a whirlwind weekend discovering Disney’s sporty side. Saturday, after checking-in to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, we headed over to the newly renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to attend the race expo and learn about the 220-acre state-of-the-art facilities. Beyond impressive, it hosts more than 2 million professional and amateur athletes per year, ranging in age from 6 to 86, from more than 70 countries and features more than 55 sports. There is always a game to catch, a competition to cheer for or an opportunity to just relax and grab a bite to eat.

Speaking of eating we did just that at celebrity chef Cat Cora’s restaurant, Kouzzina, located at The Boardwalk. I’m still smiling from the delicious pre-race meal I devoured. If you ever have the opportunity try the Pastitsio, Greek-style lasagna with bucatini pasta, cinnamon-stewed meat sauce and béchamel – um, yum! After dinner we turned in early to prepare for the big race.

All smiles after finishing the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

Fun does not begin to describe the time I had participating in this event. Sporting my tiara, I started the 13.1 mile run from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and back with a bang – literally. Fireworks flew at the starting line and many of Disney’s most popular characters met and cheered the runners on along the way. The excitement of running through Cinderella’s castle and all of Disney’s magic makes this race tons of fun for a newbie runner or a veteran, too. This event is just one of Disney’s Endurance Series featuring the Expedition Everest Challenge (June 12, 2010), the Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct. 1-2, 2010), the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (Jan. 6-9, 2011) and Champion 5k at ESPN the Weekend (February 2011).

Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club

After receiving my beautiful, shiny medal, and nice hot shower, I was thrilled to learn that I had an appointment arranged for a 50-minute Swedish massage at The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club. To say it was AMAZING is an understatement. It was the perfect way to recover from such an active morning. I was truly starting to believe I was a princess, lounging in the lap of luxury. If you’re a spa lover, you’ll love it. If you’re not a spa lover you will be after visiting The Grand Floridian.

The remainder of my weekend was spent exploring some of the other sporty activities Walt Disney World has to offer. Who knew you could water ski, parasail or drive a real race car 140 mph while visiting Mickey and his pals?

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Park: WDW has two family-friendly water parks open year-round, with fun for all ages. Typhoon Lagoon is home to nine waterslides, a children’s play area, a Shark Reef, and one of the world’s largest Surf Pools. Blizzard Beach boasts raft rides, toboggan slides, a wave pool, a children’s play area, and some mega water slides – it has one of the tallest and fastest in the country.

Gearing up to ride shotgun at 140 miles an hour at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Water skiing champion, Sammy Duvall, brings the thrill of water sports to WDW. Water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, and tubing instruction are available for all ages. Parasailing and guided excursions, as well as personal watercraft rental are also available. Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the center offers an alternative experience from the traditional Disney theme parks.

Richard Petty’s Driving Experience Disney Speedway Orlando: Ever wanted to speed around a track at 140 mph? Well thanks to Richard Petty’s Driving Experience at Disney Speedway Orlando you can. Open 7 days a week, you can ride shotgun in a NASCAR-style stock car driven by a professional instructor or sit behind the wheel yourself and put the pedal to the metal. I can vouch for this awesome experience firsthand as I wrapped up my Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend during a ride-along. It was three laps of pure exhilaration. A must do for any thrill seeker!

Thanks to the wonderful folks at WDW for hosting me during this fun-filled weekend!

RunningGal, Lorraine “Wifey” Robertson, is also a wife, mother, freelance writer, digital media consultant, tennis player and chocolate lover. When she’s not running, you can find her at one of her sites, Ask Wifey or The BlogRollers. Keep an eye here at The Vacation Gals; she’ll be posting more dispatches from her Run Wifey Run Tour this year!

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways | 12 comments

Orlando Golf Resort: Omni at ChampionsGate

March 11, 2010 | Author: TwinCitiesGal

Orlando triggers visions of themed characters, roller coasters and funnel cakes but actually, not every Orlando Resort has a character-themed environment. When my family traveled to Orlando recently we stayed at and Orlando golf resort: Omni at ChampionsGate. This luxury resort presents a tropical ambiance and appeals to the entire family and is only a short drive away from the theme parks (six miles from Disney World).

We’ve always loved Omni for their terrific service and family-friendly features. Upon check-in the kids received backpacks which are part of the Omni Kids Program. The bags held surprises such as toys, a water canteen (which can be refilled around the hotel), a flashlight and other kids items to keep the kids entertained throughout the stay.

The resort itself is neighbored by 1,200 acres of orange groves and wetlands, making Omni Orlando the perfect setting for its two world-class golf courses and The David Leadbetter Golf Academy headquarters which is equipped with some of the latest golf swing analysis technology. Golfers appreciate the complimentary Callaway practice facility with both a putting green and short game area. The golf carts are equipped with GPS Industries Informer yardage systems which can assist with skill improvement, PGA-type scoring and overall play enhancement.

While I could go on and on about the resort’s attractive golf offerings, I also want to tell you about this gorgeous and elegant hotel. For one, it’s huge. There are five restaurants, a gym, spa and 720 guest rooms, suites and villas. The rooms are modern, comfortable and quiet. We were lucky and received a room with a balcony which I highly recommend. Our view overlooked the outdoor recreational area and once you see it you won’t want to spend your time indoors. The pool area consists of a lazy river, swimming pools, a water slide, sand volley ball court and private cabanas complete with fans and TVs (see photo above left). Since we visited over the winter we didn’t get to enjoy the pools as much as we wanted but I can tell you staying here is one spectacular way to spend a vacation.

Every morning we enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Trevi’s. The staff was helpful and friendly and made an effort to get to know us. Not to mention the food was fresh, delicious and healthy.

Our final morning we were surprised to see a number of hot air balloons lifting off in the distance. Before long they were heading our way. I was thrilled the kids were getting the opportunity to see so many balloons in flight but it got better. One balloon cruised right by our room at eye level. As we stood on our balcony the passengers waved and shouted out “good mornings” and we did the same. It was a great way to end our memorable stay in Orlando but we’ll be back.

Posted in: Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Romantic Getaways | 2 comments

Your Questions Answered: What to See and Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a Romantic Vacation

August 13, 2009 | Author: ColoradoGal

Seems as if our readers are keen on traveling to Florida this fall. First, we answered a question about where to stay and what to do in the Florida Keys with kids, then a query about how to buy cheap tickets to Disney World and Universal Orlando. Now, reader Amy Draper writes: “My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary in September and we’re going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Can you give us some ideas about places to visit and dine?”

ftlasolas2 First, Amy, congrats on your wedding anniversary! The Florida coast sounds like a great place to enjoy a romantic weekend (or do you get to stay longer?).

I queried some friends on Facebook and Twitter — since none of the Mamas are intimately familiar with Fort Lauderdale — and found out from an old high school friend who spent a couple months there earlier this year that the “Las Olas” area has lots of quaint bistros and high-end shopping boutiques. You’ll find countless seaside restaurants between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, all on route A1A (a.k.a. Ocean Boulvevard).

@TravelZoo on Twitter chimed in with these tips: Stroll along 25 miles of beach, tour historic Bonnet House, cruise on the riverfront; had great meal at Chima once

ftair2 The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau is a wealth of information. (You gotta love the website address: www.sunny.org.) Peruse the site for all sorts of suggestions on things to do and places to eat. If you’re into culture, consider the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. I think an Everglades airboat ride sounds fun, too.

Francine Mason, VP of Communications at the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB and who is the Tweeter behind the @VisitLauderdale account, suggests Pillars for a romantic inn on the Intracoastal Highway, a few blocks from the beach. If you’ve got money to burn, consider the Ritz Carlton or the Atlantic Hotel “for a luxe retreat.” W is a property for the young and hip (or young at heart, I think).

Depending on your activity level, Francine suggests a moonlit kayak tour; scuba diving or snorkeling; paddle boarding or surfing lessons. But one popular romantic activity, she says, is a gondola ride in the “Venice of America,” gliding past the mega-yachts and waterfront mansions.

For dining and drinking, Francine highlights Johnny V, YOLO or Bova on Las Olas; also consider wine tasting at the Ritz wine room ($25 per person). Finally, two restaurants that get big thumbs’ up on Trip Advisor are the Capital Grille and the Casablanca Cafe. Again, the Mamas haven’t eaten there, but both are recommended for romantic dining, according to the user reviews.

We hope you enjoy your Fort Lauderdale vacation, Amy!

Posted in: Romantic Getaways | no comments

Your Questions Answered: How to Get Cheap Disney and Universal Tickets

August 11, 2009 | Author: ColoradoGal

We’ve been inundated with questions from our readers lately — which is GREAT! We’re happy to help you with your queries about saving money on vacation or the best things to do in favorite destinations. So, keep those questions (and answers) coming!

One of our latest emails concerns Disney and Universal Orlando in Florida:

My husband and I (both retired) are looking for tickets to Disney and Universal. I’ve looked online and they are so expensive! Any suggestions for less expensive admission tickets would be appreciated! Thanks, Donna

I feel your pain, Donna. A one-day Magic Your Way ticket (admission to just one of the Disney’s four theme parks) is $79 on the online Walt Disney World Ticket Store. That said, if you buy multiple days worth of Magic Your Way or ParkHopper (allowing you to go to multiple parks in one day) tickets, the daily price drops up to 50 percent when you plan a week’s worth theme park visits. (But, frankly, do you really want to spend 7 days at Disney World? I doubt it!)

Here are some Disney ticket tips I gathered from a little online research, posts on Twitter account and my personal Facebook page. Thanks to everyone who offered advice!

A high-school classmate who lives in Florida noted that for the remainder of 2009, you can register online and visit Disney World (or Disneyland) for FREE on your birthday. (Very cool – I hadn’t heard of this.)

She also suggested you find a hotel you’d like to stay at and ask if they have room packages that include discounted park tickets

DeliciousBaby’s Debbie Dubrow recommended checking for tickets through your membership at Costco.

One warning: do not buy park tickets from a third party on eBay. Apparently you cannot confirm how many days are left at the park on the ticket AND there is some sort of high-tech fingerprinting scan (!) used to determine if the ticket has been transferred (which is verboten). Just sounds too risky to me. (Thanks, Suzanne Rowan Kelleher of WeJustGotBack.com, for chiming in on that!)

Writing Travel’s Lanora Mueller says her go-to resource for anything Disney is Mary Waring’s Mousesavers.com. “It’s been my bible for Disney travel for nearly 10 years.” Indeed, Mary’s section on Disney World Tickets & Passes is chock full of advice, tips and tricks.

Lanora also recommends wdwinfo.com, passporter.com and allears.net for more Disney advice.

Regarding Universal Orlando (comprised of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), @tsekuech on Twitter says that auto association members can get discounts at the ticket window, so pack your AAA card. According to the ticket page on the official Universal Orlando site, you can save a few bucks by purchasing in advance online and printing tickets at home. And, like Disney, the more you commit — here, to a two-park pass that can be used for up to a week’s time — the more you save.

Good luck, Donna. We hope you have a GREAT vacation in Orlando!

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel | no comments

Your Questions Answered: Where to Go in the Florida Keys for a Family Vacation?

August 2, 2009 | Author: ColoradoGal

What a great website. I found it while searching for info about the Florida Keys. I am trying to put together a family vacation to the Keys, but I’m finding myself totally confused. I have two boys — ages 8 and 10 — who love to snorkel and be on the beach. My husband and I are both outdoor people and would like any help finding the best location to stay and have a good family time. Thanks for any input, Denise.

First, thanks for the kudos, Denise. We appreciate the compliments!

I’m actually thinking about a family vacation to the Florida Keys myself, and our kids our similarly aged (mine are 7 and 9). We’re “outdoor people,” too, and we like to be active while we’re vacationing. So, I thought I’d share some site links and information I’ve uncovered in the (very short) time I’ve spent researching the destination.

The Cheeca Lodge resort has actually been closed for the past seven months, since a New Year’s Eve fire; the main lodge has been totally rebuilt and the resort is set to open December 15, 2009, with new “premier oceanfront and island-view rooms.” Cheeca Lodge is definitely on my family’s short list of accommodations.

Another upscale property my friend (also a mom of two) recommended was Hawks Cay on Duck Key. She actually worked there about two decades ago, during a college internship, and has warm memories of the Florida resort. She’s considering it for her family vacation.

If we do all end up in the Keys, we’ll be in good company: The New York Times named the Florida Keys the Family Destination of the Year.

My sort-of local Sunday newspaper travel section, the Denver Post, just ran a comprehensive piece about traveling to Key West; the story by Lindsay H. Jones has some great advice.

Finally, peruse all the information on the Official Tourism Council Website for the Florida Keys. Or, if you’d like some firsthand advice and help for planning your family vacation, call 800-FLA-KEYS.

We’d love to hear from locals and frequent visitors to southern Florida — anyone else have ideas for where we should stay and what we should do while we’re in the Florida Keys? Please leave any info in the comment section.

Thanks, Denise, for your question. Let us know where and when you end up visiting the Florida Keys. We hope you have a great family vacation!

Photo by Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau. Key Largo Sunset.

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel | no comments

What’s New at Walt Disney World this Summer

April 27, 2009 | Author: ColoradoGal

orlandodisney Who’s heading to Disney when school lets out? The mega theme park is not on my family’s list this summer, but I know thousands of Americans will be loading up the cars or hopping on planes to visit Orlando and the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Here are a few more attractions that families can look forward to enjoying when they visit this spring and summer.

Characters in Flight in Downtown Disney: If you’re not afraid of heights, take to the skies in this massive gas balloon that rises 400 feet into the air to offer riders a true birds-eye-view of Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. This ride debuted earlier this month, and allows 30 guests at a time to board the gondola underneath the yellow balloon that is decorated in hand-painted silhouettes of some of Disney’s famous “flying characters,” such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo.

Trend-D in Downtown Disney: This is a new store, where Summer Sands used to be, that will absolutely appeal to Disney’s biggest female fans. It’s a boutique selling fashionable clothing and eclectic accessories — many with the trademark mouse ears logo or stylized Disney characters. Forget boring T-shirt souvenirs:Â think trendy headbands, jeweled sunglasses, embroidered handbags and much, much more. The boutique opened in mid April.

Sanaa Restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge: This brand-new restaurant, pronounced “Sah-NAH” debuts May 1 with “the art of African cooking with Indian flavors.” Menu items include tandoori-roasted meats, curries, and sides, such as dahl (stewed lentils), curried crushed potatoes, stir-fried green beans and Indian style flatbreads. (Yum!)

The Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom: We’ve got a new president, so naturally, there’s a new addition to the Hall of Presidents. An audio-animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened. Seasoned Disney visitors will recognize some other brand-new show elements when the attraction reopens in mid July.

Posted in: Family Travel | no comments

Celebration, Florida: Freaky Fake Town or Slice of Paradise?

August 22, 2008 | Author: ColoradoGal

Are any of our readers familiar with Celebration, Florida? This is the Disney-planned community in Osceola County, Florida (2.5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort). About 3,500 people live in the town that’s modeled after a “southern American village from the 1930s.”

I visited Celebration a couple years ago with some friends who live in Orlando. We brought our kids to the Oktoberfest celebration, where giant fans blew colorful paper “leaves” into the air and onto the meticulously clean streets below. Another popular celebration takes place in the seasons-challenged town around the holidays, when fake snow is blown all over the streets — enough for making soap-bubble snowballs.

I felt like I was at a Disney theme park, frankly. Or a movie set. It was all too Stepford-Wives perfect for me. The entire town was built out of open space in 1994, so all the buildings, shops and homes are brand new. Its set on a pretty lake, with well-manicured parks and lawns. I was like, “Where’s the grit? Where are the stories? The history? The authentic charm?” I don’t think there is any other town in America that looks or feels like Celebration.

But, maybe I’m just envious about this picture-perfect community, where residents walk or use “neighborhood electric vehicles” (these sound to me like Segways, but they are speed-limited little cars or carts), to their town-center shops and cafes, and where crime is virtually nil, and everything looks so clean and crisp.

My take on Celebration, though, definitely leans toward the “This is just weird” variety. I’d love to hear from folks who actually live in the town to give me the down and dirty (or does Celebration not do dirty?). Perhaps folks are looking at real estate listings here? (I saw MLS listing for a 3 bed, 2 bath home at $415,000.) And if anyone has plans to stay in Celebration’s new Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, let me know! I’d love to hear your take on the town.

Posted in: Destinations | no comments

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