Search Results for: blog see whats new at universal studios orlando this summer

Dream Cruise for Families

The cruise industry is hyped about the maiden voyage of Disney’s newest vessel. The massive ship can hold 4,000 passengers. It features 14 decks and more than 1,200 staterooms. The Disney Dream sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Nassau and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on cruises of three to five nights. Currently, Disney’s website is showing cruise-only fares starting at $1,150 per person for a three-night cruise in an inside stateroom in March, and from $1,718 for a four-night cruise in April. Shore excursions are not included in the base price. However, they are what caught my eye as … Continue reading →

End-of-Summer Fun in the Sunshine State

Florida’s pushing hard for you to spend your travel dollar in its neck of the woods. And who can really blame the state given the recent oil spill and the impending storms? Frankly, I find it hard to believe that the state is actively seeking out visitors, given that it is home to some of the largest and most popular tourist attractions on Earth. Some rodent named Mickey… ahem… Mouse. Still, in a previous blog I promised that I would spotlight some of the state’s non-over-commercialized hot spots, so here we go: MIAMI Not the Kardashian sisters’ Miami; rather, the … Continue reading →

Fall in Florida

Thanks to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, most of us have seen a substantial increase in TV commercials touting the finer points of Florida travel. Even my 6-year-old can tell you that Florida’s beaches are clean and open to the public… and we live in Wisconsin. Given all that has transpired in the last few months, I figured I would give Florida some coverage in this blog. Not Orlando. After all, the home to the world’s most famous mouse helps the state top travel lists as one of the most visited places in the United States. Rather, I plan to … Continue reading →

Too Big for Summer Fun

Summer fun came to a screeching for a visitor to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. According to reports, a 300-pound man was recently turned away when he tried to board the roller coaster, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, because he couldn’t fit into the ride’s seat. Universal reps say all the seat restraints on the ride require three clicks from the safety bar. If the bar does not click three times for a passenger, the person is asked to forfeit his seat. Sounds like a real summer bummer, right? Not if you are Banks Lee. Lee is … Continue reading →

Family Travel: Dolls and Dolphins

If your holiday travel plans take you over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house in Wisconsin or Florida, then you might find the following information quite useful: WISCONSIN The Waukesha County Museum (located just west of Milwaukee) has something very special planned this holiday season for doll lovers of all ages. The museum is hosting more than 150 dolls representing ethnic groups from 65 different countries. The elaborate exhibit is dubbed: “Dolls of the World: Customs, Cultures and Celebrations,” and will be on hand through January 30, 2010. The unique exhibit is a collaborative effort with The … Continue reading →

Get Ready to Visit Potter’s Playground

It’s being billed as the “most anticipated theme park attraction in history.” The “Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” is on track to open in the spring of 2010 at Universal Orlando Resort, and the buzz surrounding its debut is deafening. I blogged about the new theme park area a couple of years ago, but now the final pieces of the (estimated) $300 million Potter playground puzzle are finally coming together, and soon fans of the boy wizard will be able to board high tech rides, such as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” The futuristic ride was named by author … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Summer Getaways

You know the travel industry is hurting when you can find roundtrip non-stop flights from Chicago to Honolulu for around $500. I paid more than double that amount for my ticket last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. Bottom line: If you haven’t been able to score a sun-sational deal on a summer getaway, then you simply haven’t been looking—at all. Perhaps, you can’t afford to take an extended break from work. If that’s the case, then consider soaking up the summer sun during a long weekend away. So what if you can’t take two … Continue reading →

An Incredible Travel Deal with a Crazy Catch

Imagine taking a family vacation to a luxury resort in sunny San Diego, which boasts three gloriously gigantic pools, a sensational spa and a phenomenal golf course, all for the jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, dirt cheap price of $19 a night. Did I also mention that the same room typically sells for $200 per night? Sound too good to be true? Well, it isn’t. Business is slow at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, so from August 16 to 31, you can sun in style at the ultra-luxe property. Okay, okay, there is a catch. The hotel’s “Survivor Package” does come with a few … Continue reading →

How to Meet Your Favorite Hollywood Stars

Los Angeles is the place to be if you are starstruck fan looking to bump into your favorite celebs. Unfortunately, a summer trip to Hollywood doesn’t always yield random meetings with Tinseltown hotties. Sure, there’s always a chance you might cross paths with a star while shopping at The Grove or Whole Foods, but you might have better luck on Hollywood Boulevard where the wax versions of entertainment’s elite are now on display. Madame Tussauds newest wax museum just opened a location in Hollywood next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and steps away from Oscar’s Kodak Theatre and the Hollywood Walk … Continue reading →

Summer Deals for a Steal

With summer fading fast, many hotels and resorts are trying to make the most of last-minute family vacations by offering unbeatable seasonal rates. The following are sample savings found at some of the most popular family-friendly vacation destinations: MEXICO Mexico’s Riviera Maya boasts sparkling white-sand beaches and picturesque ancient ruins. It’s also home to the Maroma Resort and Spa, which features 65 spacious, sunlit guestrooms and suites featuring king-sized beds, handcrafted mahogany furniture, and hand-painted tiles. Right now you can book a 3-night weekend stay for just $395 per night. The Best Deal Days offer includes complimentary inclusions valued at … Continue reading →