Halloween is a little over a month away. So, Orlando’s theme parks have begun hosting their annual Halloween spectaculars. Adults and teens will be frightened and terrorized at Universal Halloween Horror Nights. While the little ones will head to Walt Disney World or SeaWorld and enjoy tamer frights, tricks, and treats.
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights
For the past 20 years, Universal has hosted the ultimate Halloween event. The park transforms into a series of haunted houses with frightfully entertaining shows. This year’s lineup of haunted houses include a visit to the Catacombs, a trip to Hades through the Gates of Ruin, a walk through the ghostly Wyandot Estate, a frightening visit to a home for the criminally insane, and more. Don’t miss Zombie Gras – a ghoulish take on Mardi Gras parades. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure makes a return visit along with some of your favorite frightening Halloween Horror characters from years past.
The event begins September 24th and continues on selected nights through Halloween. Tickets prices vary based on the night you choose to go. Package deals are available along with discounts for Florida residents. Residents and non-residents can find discount coupons on Coke Zero products throughout the Florida market and at Burger King Restaurants.
Because of the nature of the event, children under the age of 13 are strongly recommended not to attend. Visit their website for more details: www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
The Magic Kingdom has had great success with their annual Christmas party, so why not celebrate Halloween to? This is the ultimate place to do some trick or treating. Guests, big and small, are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume as they trick or treat throughout the park. Your favorite Disney characters and villains dress up in their Halloween costumes, posing for pictures. Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade is headlined by the Headless Horseman. A special fireworks show featuring Disney villains light up the night sky. Plus, some of your favorite rides will be open for you to enjoy.
There is nothing frightening about this Halloween celebration, just good clean fun. This event is held on selected nights in September, October, and November between 7PM and 12AM. Make sure to get to the gate as early as possible. It will take a while to ride the monorail or boat to the main entrance.
Tickets are cheaper if you purchase them in advance on Disney’s website. Adult tickets run in the $50’s and children (3-9) tickets run in the $40’s. Visit their website for more details: www.disneyworld.com
SeaWorld Halloween Spectacular
SeaWorld has gotten in on the act too. The best part about their Halloween celebration - a separate ticket is not required!! You can enjoy their Halloween festivities as part of your regular admission ticket. Children are allowed to wear costumes (or not) and visit 14 different treat stations scattered throughout the park. Sesame Street puts on a special Countdown to Halloween Show featuring the Count and Elmo. Their Halloween event takes place on selected days during October. All Halloween events begin at 12PM.
Take a look at their website to see event times: www.seaworldspooktacular.com
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Cars Lovers Heading To Las Vegas for Barrett Jackson Auction
Las Vegas, Nevada will become the center of the classic car universe September 23 – September 25th. Barrett Jackson returns to Las Vegas. For three days, classic, customs, modifieds, and first editions will roll across the auction block. Car collectors and car lovers will get the chance to see some of their favorite cars, bringing back memories from their youth, and see some of the more modern classics.
Barrett Jackson used to host just one auction a year in Scottsdale, Arizona. But as the car collector hobby has grown, they have expanded. Palm Beach, Las Vegas, and Orange County, California now host yearly auctions. Why the popularity? For the car collector, the auction offers a wide variety of rides in all different price ranges. For the car enthusiast, you never have to bid on a car. You can simply walk through and see all the cars that will roll across the auction block.
A general admission ticket (only $15) allows you access to see each of the cars that roll across the block. Rows and rows of automobiles are lined up for you to see up close and personal. Car enthusiasts hunt for their favorites and reminisce with fellow enthusiasts. Check out the car manufacturer’s displays and vendor displays. A general admission ticket also allows you to stand in the auction area. You can’t bid, but you can watch your favorite cars be auctioned off.
For those who want to bid, you will need to pre-register in advance. The auction begins on Thursday afternoon. The beginning of the auction typically offers the best deals. Saturday night is the big night, with some cars exceeding $200,000. Part of the fun is you never know which car is going to be the hot item. Every year is different – some years the vintage T-Birds are the “it” car to collect and other years the SS or the Dodge RT.
This is a must event for car lovers. Where else can you see hundreds and hundreds of perfectly restored or maintained classic Mustangs, T-Birds, Camaros, Cadillacs, Model As, and more? For more information, check out their website: www.barrett-jackson.com
Barrett Jackson Las Vegas
September 23 – September 25, 2010
Mandalay Bay Resort Las Vegas, Nevada
Barrett Jackson used to host just one auction a year in Scottsdale, Arizona. But as the car collector hobby has grown, they have expanded. Palm Beach, Las Vegas, and Orange County, California now host yearly auctions. Why the popularity? For the car collector, the auction offers a wide variety of rides in all different price ranges. For the car enthusiast, you never have to bid on a car. You can simply walk through and see all the cars that will roll across the auction block.
A general admission ticket (only $15) allows you access to see each of the cars that roll across the block. Rows and rows of automobiles are lined up for you to see up close and personal. Car enthusiasts hunt for their favorites and reminisce with fellow enthusiasts. Check out the car manufacturer’s displays and vendor displays. A general admission ticket also allows you to stand in the auction area. You can’t bid, but you can watch your favorite cars be auctioned off.
For those who want to bid, you will need to pre-register in advance. The auction begins on Thursday afternoon. The beginning of the auction typically offers the best deals. Saturday night is the big night, with some cars exceeding $200,000. Part of the fun is you never know which car is going to be the hot item. Every year is different – some years the vintage T-Birds are the “it” car to collect and other years the SS or the Dodge RT.
This is a must event for car lovers. Where else can you see hundreds and hundreds of perfectly restored or maintained classic Mustangs, T-Birds, Camaros, Cadillacs, Model As, and more? For more information, check out their website: www.barrett-jackson.com
Barrett Jackson Las Vegas
September 23 – September 25, 2010
Mandalay Bay Resort Las Vegas, Nevada
Friday, September 10, 2010
Great Finds in the Florida Keys
Ah – The Florida Keys. A tropical paradise at the tip of Florida. The beautiful blue-green waters, the palm trees swaying in the breeze…….what more could you want out of a vacation? I am wrapping up our new Florida Keys Travel Guide (will be out at the end of this month) and wanted to share with you some of our top picks.
The Islander Resort Islamorada, Florida:
Wow. For years, I have driven past the historic Islander landmark and never really gave it a thought as I drove to my other hotel. But, this year, I wanted to give it a try. What a find!!
The Islander Resort is located in Islamorada on the Atlantic Ocean. Recently renovated, it offers some of the best amenities in the Keys. The resort sits on 25 acres of tropical paradise. Enjoy their private white coral sand beach (over 1,300 feet of beach), complete with complimentary lounge chairs. Fish off their 200 foot pier day or night and catch grouper, snapper, flounder, and more (no fishing license required). Take a dip in one of their two Oceanside pools. Thirsty or hungry? Sit at their poolside Tiki Bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Interested in watersports? Well, there is an activity hut on their beach where you can rent kayaks, bikes, snorkel equipment, and more.
The accommodations are first rate too. Each room comes with a complete kitchen and a large screened in porch (with a ceiling fan). Grills are scattered throughout the property where you can enjoy grilling out after a relaxing day on the beach. Guests can choose from oceanfront suites or lanai villas. Did I mention you also get a complimentary continental breakfast with your room rate? Plus, no resort fees!!
If you are looking for a first class resort experience in the Florida Keys, with an incredibly friendly staff, then make sure to check out The Islander Resort. Take a look at their website for great package deals throughout the year: www.islanderfloridakeys.com
Sandy’s Café Key West, Florida:
Since Key West is only about 90 miles away from Cuba, prepare to taste one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Florida. Growing up in the Tampa area, I have tasted my fair share of Cuban sandwiches – the La Tropicana in Ybor City being one of the best.
But in the Keys, Sandy’s Café by far serves up the best Cuban Mix sandwiches. Pressed Cuban bread, roasted pork, ham, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes are served up hot and fresh with French fries. Absolute heaven!! Add a cup of Café con Leche and you have a traditional Cuban lunch. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they serve up traditional Cuban breakfast sandwiches and great entrées too.
Don’t let the location deter you – it’s at the M&M Laundry. Just step up to the counter and place your order. There is no indoor seating and just a few stools at the counter. But hey, drive just a few blocks to the beach and have a picnic.
Location: Sandy’s Café; 1026 White Street; Key West, Florida 33040
The Islander Resort Islamorada, Florida:
Wow. For years, I have driven past the historic Islander landmark and never really gave it a thought as I drove to my other hotel. But, this year, I wanted to give it a try. What a find!!
The Islander Resort is located in Islamorada on the Atlantic Ocean. Recently renovated, it offers some of the best amenities in the Keys. The resort sits on 25 acres of tropical paradise. Enjoy their private white coral sand beach (over 1,300 feet of beach), complete with complimentary lounge chairs. Fish off their 200 foot pier day or night and catch grouper, snapper, flounder, and more (no fishing license required). Take a dip in one of their two Oceanside pools. Thirsty or hungry? Sit at their poolside Tiki Bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Interested in watersports? Well, there is an activity hut on their beach where you can rent kayaks, bikes, snorkel equipment, and more.
The accommodations are first rate too. Each room comes with a complete kitchen and a large screened in porch (with a ceiling fan). Grills are scattered throughout the property where you can enjoy grilling out after a relaxing day on the beach. Guests can choose from oceanfront suites or lanai villas. Did I mention you also get a complimentary continental breakfast with your room rate? Plus, no resort fees!!
If you are looking for a first class resort experience in the Florida Keys, with an incredibly friendly staff, then make sure to check out The Islander Resort. Take a look at their website for great package deals throughout the year: www.islanderfloridakeys.com
Sandy’s Café Key West, Florida:
Since Key West is only about 90 miles away from Cuba, prepare to taste one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Florida. Growing up in the Tampa area, I have tasted my fair share of Cuban sandwiches – the La Tropicana in Ybor City being one of the best.
But in the Keys, Sandy’s Café by far serves up the best Cuban Mix sandwiches. Pressed Cuban bread, roasted pork, ham, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes are served up hot and fresh with French fries. Absolute heaven!! Add a cup of Café con Leche and you have a traditional Cuban lunch. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they serve up traditional Cuban breakfast sandwiches and great entrées too.
Don’t let the location deter you – it’s at the M&M Laundry. Just step up to the counter and place your order. There is no indoor seating and just a few stools at the counter. But hey, drive just a few blocks to the beach and have a picnic.
Location: Sandy’s Café; 1026 White Street; Key West, Florida 33040
Friday, September 3, 2010
America's National Park
Summer is winding down. Maybe some of you went to one of America’s beautiful National Parks for vacation. Or maybe some of you are planning your next National Park getaway.
Ever wonder what your favorite park looks like at this very moment? I stumbled upon a great website that has live webcams at some of America’s most popular parks. The National Park Service operates the site, which is actually for measuring air quality. But go ahead and ignore all that mumbo jumbo about air quality. Just click on your favorite park and be transported to a relaxing moment with Mother Nature.
Take in the beautiful vistas of Grand Canyon National Park. Relive your family’s Washington DC vacation by taking a peak at the Lincoln Memorial and National Monument. Wonder if the leaves are changing yet in Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Check out their two webcams. California dreaming? Take a look at the Point Reyes cam.
Check out these webcams by going to www.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams. There are live shots of Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, National Mall, Great Smoky Mountains, Point Reyes, Big Bend, Denali (in the summer), Mount Rainer, Olympic National Park, Acadia, North Cascades, Sequoia, and Theodore Roosevelt Parks.
But the best National Park webcam of all can be found by clicking on this site: www.nps.gov/archive/yell/oldfaithfulcam.htm. Why?
You get to see live shots of Old Faithful – watch it erupt just like you did when you visited Yellowstone National Park!! There is even an eruption prediction in the upper left hand corner. Plus there are links to webcams at Mammoth Hot Springs and Mount Washburn.
Enjoy!!
Ever wonder what your favorite park looks like at this very moment? I stumbled upon a great website that has live webcams at some of America’s most popular parks. The National Park Service operates the site, which is actually for measuring air quality. But go ahead and ignore all that mumbo jumbo about air quality. Just click on your favorite park and be transported to a relaxing moment with Mother Nature.
Take in the beautiful vistas of Grand Canyon National Park. Relive your family’s Washington DC vacation by taking a peak at the Lincoln Memorial and National Monument. Wonder if the leaves are changing yet in Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Check out their two webcams. California dreaming? Take a look at the Point Reyes cam.
Check out these webcams by going to www.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams. There are live shots of Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, National Mall, Great Smoky Mountains, Point Reyes, Big Bend, Denali (in the summer), Mount Rainer, Olympic National Park, Acadia, North Cascades, Sequoia, and Theodore Roosevelt Parks.
But the best National Park webcam of all can be found by clicking on this site: www.nps.gov/archive/yell/oldfaithfulcam.htm. Why?
You get to see live shots of Old Faithful – watch it erupt just like you did when you visited Yellowstone National Park!! There is even an eruption prediction in the upper left hand corner. Plus there are links to webcams at Mammoth Hot Springs and Mount Washburn.
Enjoy!!
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