Holiday in Florida

Are you sick of the dull, dreary British weather? Looking for an exciting location for your summer holidays? Trying to find some cheap package holidays for you and your family? With the British Pound remaining consistently strong against the United States dollar, the best option may be to fly to sunny Florida and spend a few weeks soaking up the rays, the atmosphere, and the sheer exhilaration of being in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's no surprise Florida is so popular for holiday-makers, after all it is home to Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, the Keys and several world-class beach resorts. It also has a vibrant entertainment scene that is made all the more richer for the location's close ties to Latin America. All of these factors add up to a top class holiday destination which is now all the more attractive because of the exchange rate that works in British holidaymakers' favour.

The first thing to plan if you are intending to holiday in Florida are your flights. Flights to the USA are relatively cheap when compared to other popular tourist destinations (like Australia, South East Asia or Japan, for instance), particularly as there are several airlines which operate direct flights between British and United States airports. If it is possible it is always recommended to get a direct flight (without connections) from your nearest international airport to one of the handful of international airports in Florida. Depending on where you live within the United Kingdom this may not be possible (some of the smaller British international airports run routes into Europe but may not run into the States). It's also important to determine which part of Florida you will be spending most of your time in, simply because your airline may not fly into the closest international airport. Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Sanford, Panama City, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach all have international airports.

Once you have organized your flights you can move on to searching for the perfect holiday package. Fortunately Florida has many large resorts which offer deals both in the off-peak and peak seasons. These deals may range from reduced room rates for a large group booking to discounted or free amusement park passes to complimentary restaurant dining or free use of nearby entertainment facilities. Most resorts will have swimming pool, sauna and gym areas for the use of guests, and if you are nearby the coast they may also have private beach facilities. Of course the most important part of visiting Florida for most tourists is getting to Disney World, an amusement park which is now so big that it is recommended that visitors invest in a multi-day pass. Disney World is full of rides and attractions that include all your favourite Walt Disney Productions' characters - Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and newer personalities such as the characters from the movie 'Cars' are all present. If you are going on vacation in Florida it is an absolute must that you visit Disney World.

Secure a Lifetime of Orlando Vacations With a Timeshare

With it's family-friendly attractions, warm sunny climate and world-class golfing, it's easy to see why vacationers come from all over the globe to experience this beloved city in America's Sunshine State.

Orlando's attractions aren't just for kids, which is why many vacationers have decided to make vacations to this beloved city a regular part of their lifestyle. A timeshare can help you and your family secure a lifetime of vacations (perfect for any age) in beautiful Orlando.  In fact, Florida is one of the top ten timeshare destinations in the world, with Orlando attracting the largest percentage of its visitors.

Orlando timeshare come in all shapes and sizes. From the five-star rated Westgate Towers, which is ideally located just one mile from the gates of Walt Disney World; to the Star Island Resort and Club which specializes in celebrity-style treatment of every guest, there are hundreds of timeshares to choose from in Orlando.

This huge array of choices guarantees that there's a resort out there for you, but with so many options to choose from, finding the perfect one might seem like a daunting task. One way to make choosing the perfect vacation property fun is to rent timeshare at a few different resorts. As a renter you'll reap many of the benefits of ownership (like reduced rates and expanded units). When you rent you get to explore the timesharing lifestyle at dozens of resorts, with no long term commitment. You certainly won't complain, but you might be wondering: how are timeshare so cost-effective?

Timeshare's budget-friendliness comes from shared ownership.  Essentially, timeshares make it possible for individuals to own, and pay for only a portion of vacation property. Several owners (sometimes as many as 52, one for each week) will pitch in on the rights to one unit. You'll share the cost of ownership and usage.

If you're considering purchasing timeshare, but are working within a budget, consider buying timeshare resale. Rather than purchasing direct, where resorts sell timeshare at highly-inflated pricing, when you buy resale you can often save thousands.

Disney-MGM Studios to become Disney's Hollywood Studios in January 2008

Walt Disney World Resort announced its new attractions set to open at Disney-MGM Studios, which will become Disney's Hollywood Studios in January 2008.

Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive "Toy Story" competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride is set to open in summer 2008.

"Block Party Bash" encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opens in spring 2008.

"Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opens in February 2008.

"Disney High School Musical 2: School's Out!" comes to life on the streets with interactive fun and high-energy performers on a traveling stage who invite guests to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. Opens in fall 2007.

Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny - Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny in November 2007.

More information at disneyworld.com

New exotic jungle area for Busch Gardens Africa

Busch Gardens Africa unveiled plans to build a new exotic jungle area in the theme park, called Jungala. The 4-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction area will be located in the existing Congo area and include tiger, orangutan and gibbon habitats mixed with dense landscaping. Two signature rides will be added including a zip line experience with three different flight patterns and a ride launching guests above a towering waterfall. A three-story family climbing area letting visitors explore different layers of jungle life and a children's water-play area will also be constructed. Two new restaurants, Bengal Bistro and Orang Café, will open in the themed area. Jungala will open in spring 2008.

More information at buschgardens.com

Orlando World Center Marriott Special Offer

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort is offering a "SeaWorld Orlando One- or Two-Night" package, which includes deluxe accommodations, one Shamu plush toy per child, exclusive length-of-stay SeaWorld tickets and a Guest Value Booklet with special offers. Package starts at $255 per room, per night, and is valid through Dec. 31, 2007. Guests should ask for rate code "THM" when making the reservation.

See marriottworldcenter.com

Kennedy Space Center to host innaugral World Space Expo 1 - 4 November, 2007

Kennedy Space Center will host the inaugural World Space Expo Nov. 1-4, 2007. The expo celebrates humanity’s first 50 years in space by featuring one of the largest space artifacts and hardware displays ever assembled. It will be coupled with renowned aerospace personalities, including John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, to celebrate the past, showcase the present and provide a look at the future of space exploration. Tickets for the expo, which also include admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, are $28 for adults and $18 for children ages 3-11.

See kennedyspacecenter.com/worldspacexpo

Swim with the Dolphins at the Orlando World Center

(openPR) - [Orlando, Fl. – April, 2007] – Discover a once in a lifetime adventure with the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort’s “Swim with the Dolphins Experience,” an exhilarating Florida resort package.

This unforgettable package encompasses one-night deluxe accommodations at the Orlando resort complete with a complimentary upgrade to a pool-view room, buffet breakfast in Solaris Restaurant and one-day all-inclusive admission to Discovery Cove for two. Guests also receive a pass for seven consecutive days for unlimited admission to SeaWorld® Orlando or Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay.

Admission to Discovery Cove features a reserved dolphin swim experience (must be at least six years of age to swim with the dolphins), unlimited access to the Coral Reef, Ray Lagoon, Resort Pool, Tropical River and free-flight Aviary, complimentary parking and use of snorkel gear, wet suits, towels, lockers, lunch buffet, snacks and beverages.

The one-night package at this Orlando luxury resort starts at only $714 per room, for two and is valid now through December 31. Additional package prices are available for up to five people upon request.

Free Universal Orlando Tickets for Kids

British families who want to experience the magic of big-screen movies at Universal's two theme parks in Orlando, Florida are being offered free kids' tickets in 2007.

The US resort of Universal Orlando, which includes Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, is giving a child ticket free with an adult ticket - a saving of £52. The Free Kids Ticket is available when holidaymakers buy a full price adult two-day, two-park ticket (which also includes a third day for free).

The ticket must be bought between January 1st and April 30th 2007 for travel at any time next year. The offer includes entrance to both parks – Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

For more information see www.universalorlando.co.uk

Orlando Plans $68 million ad campaign to promote itself as ultimate famaily destination

ORLANDO, Fla. (December 15, 2006) – Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) executives today announced plans to launch a two-year, $68 million advertising campaign highlighting Orlando’s unique and powerful family vacation experiences over competing vacation options. Launching in first quarter 2007, the unprecedented Orlando destination advertising campaign appeals to the current mindset of moms who are looking for ways to use vacation time to reconnect family members and bring them closer together.

With the slogan, “Built for families. Made for memories.”, the new campaign is the most integrated and comprehensive undertaking in Orlando’s history and represents a 240% increase in advertising spending over 2005-2006 levels.

Low Disney Prices for January and February 2007

This is the Year of a Million Dreams at Disney World and hopefully there will be enough to go around for all the kids who have their hearts set on receiving a trip to Orlando as a holiday gift. Savvy parents will opt to sit out the holidays at home and instead take advantage of the value season, one of the best times to save a buck and headaches at Disney. The shortest lines come from now until December 19, in what is known as December dead weeks, and then again in the holiday hangover period, specifically from January 1 through early February.

The mouse is also offering a hangover helper with specially discounted packages that includes free ticket upgrades worth about $100 per person. The upgrades turn the Magic Your Way base ticket into a Park Hopper that allows visitors to come and go from one theme park to another each day. The Free Water Park Fun and More Upgrade permits a total of four visits per person to their choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest indoor interactive theme park, or the downtown Disney Pleasure Island nightclubs.

The four-night Magic Your Way package is available for travel most nights January 1- February 14, starting at $377 per adult, $221 per junior, and $182 per child based on double occupancy. This offer and includes a standard room at a Disney value resort, theme park tickets, and free ticket upgrades. Call Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-327-2996 and ask for package code zcm. The booking deadline is December 16.

Information before you travel to Orlando

For information on Orlando or to get a free holiday planning pack, contact the Orlando Tourism Bureau on 0800 018 6760 or visit www.orlandoinfo.com/uk

Before heading out there on holiday, visit the website to download a free Orlando Magicard. This is a discount card which gives you savings at 68 establishments in the Orlando area including attractions, dining, evening entertainment and shopping. It's free and can be downloaded at www.orlandoinfo.com/uk/magicard Click on the link and print it off.

The Orlando Magicard can also be ordered online to be sent to you in the post.
And while in Orlando, visit the Official Visitor Center at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row to find out about local events.

Orlando

Orlando is best known for the many tourist attractions in the area, particularly the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. With other area attractions such as SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort, and downtown Orlando, in excess of 50 million tourists visit each year.