Can’t make it to New Orleans this year to celebrate Mardi Gras? Thinking of heating up a box of Red Beans and Rice or Jambalaya to celebrate? Well, put that box of beans away and consider heading to sunny (and warm) Universal Studios Orlando. From February 11th through April 14th, Universal Studios Orlando is turning into Mardi Gras central. There’ll be parades, floats, costumes, beads, concerts, and some good ol’ Cajun cooking.
The best part about Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration – it’s included with your regular theme park admission ticket. Now, you will have to pay extra for the food, but everything else is included. And it’s the perfect time to visit. Crowds are generally smaller. The weather is just about perfect with highs in the ‘70’s and plenty of sunshine.
This Mardi Gras Celebration takes place inside the Universal Studios Orlando Theme Park. You’ll have a great time riding with E.T., singing with The Blues Brothers, and screaming at the top of your lungs on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Plus, you get:
•Concerts: On Saturdays, top name performers will take to the stage and perform their biggest hits. Acts like The B-52s, Kelly Clarkson, Diana Ross, Goo Goo Dolls, and Cyndi Lauper are scheduled to perform. Concerts usually last between 30 and 45 minutes.
•The French Quarter Courtyard: Immerse yourself in all things Cajun. Jazz and blues bands direct from New Orleans perform nightly. And they’ll be Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp Gumbo, powdery Beignets, Jambalaya, and Andouille Sausage to sample.
•The Parade: Floats, street performers, stilt walkers, and beads wind their way through the park at dusk (on select nights). The Riverboat Float is simply gorgeous, but the Deep Blue Sea, Polar Regions, and Coral Reef floats will get plenty of oohs and aahs from the crowd too.
For more information about this year’s big Mardi Gras celebration, visit Universal Studios official website: www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Visit America’s Royal Palace – ‘Iolani Palace
Hawaii is the only state in the union once ruled by a monarchy. Kings and queens ruled this tropical paradise until 1893. They built palaces throughout the Hawaiian Kingdom. But, the best known and most luxurious is Oahu’s ‘Iolani Palace.
Completed in 1882, ‘Iolani Palace was home to jubilant celebrations and the darkest days of Hawaiian history. Queen Lili’uokalani was the last Hawaiian monarch to live here. When her government was overthrown in 1893, she was imprisoned within these walls. For 8 months, she was confined to the Front Room while awaiting her trial. The Palace continued to be used even though the monarchy was gone. Until 1968, it served as the Hawaii Republic, Territory, and State capital.
Today, 'Iolani Palace has been restored to its formal regal glory. Many of the Palace’s original furnishings still decorate the walls and halls. Visitors will tour:
•The Throne Room: The monarchy hosted royal balls, lavish receptions, and jubilees in this maroon and gold decked out room. But, it wasn’t all celebration all the time. In 1895, Queen Lili’uokalani’s trial was held here.
•The Blue Room: The White House may have a Blue Room, but it can’t match this version. Portraits of the monarch adorn the walls. Gifts from the French government, including a larger than life portrait of King Louis Phillipe, found a home here. It’s also where informal receptions were routinely held.
•State Dining Room: Take a look at the massive sideboards in this room. The A.H. Davenport Company made these stately pieces in Boston, MA and shipped them to the islands. Think of that journey!
•The Stairway: Imagine descending these stairs in your regal dress preparing to host the President of France circa 1883. The stairs are hand-carved from Hawaiian woods.
•The Residences: Ladies lived in the rooms on the Waikiki Side. Men lived on the ‘Ewa side. You’ll tour the front room where Queen Lili’uokalani was imprisoned in. And you’ll walk through the library and see one of Honolulu’s first telephones.
•Royal Hawaiian Band Concerts: Try visiting the Palace on a Friday. The Royal Hawaiian Band gives an impressive (and free!) hour long concert on the steps of the Palace. They’ll play Aloha ‘Oe along with other Hawaiian favorites. It’s a Hawaiian tradition since the 1800’s! Concert occurs between 12PM and 1PM.
Visitors can take a docent led guided tour or a self-guided audio tour. Both tours take around one hour. We strongly recommend you take the docent guided tour to make the most of your visit. It will cost a little more, but the history you’ll learn will be priceless. For more details and for tour reservations, visit
www.iolanipalace.org/index.php/museum-information.html
Planning a tropical Hawaiian vacation of a lifetime? Then you need our Great American Vacation Ideas Pocket Guide to Maui. You’ll learn about those beautiful sun-drenched beaches, where to stay, where the locals eat, hikes to take, golf courses to play, and can’t miss attractions. Buy direct from us at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Hawaii.html or from Kindle at: http://amzn.to/xEsqj5
Completed in 1882, ‘Iolani Palace was home to jubilant celebrations and the darkest days of Hawaiian history. Queen Lili’uokalani was the last Hawaiian monarch to live here. When her government was overthrown in 1893, she was imprisoned within these walls. For 8 months, she was confined to the Front Room while awaiting her trial. The Palace continued to be used even though the monarchy was gone. Until 1968, it served as the Hawaii Republic, Territory, and State capital.
Today, 'Iolani Palace has been restored to its formal regal glory. Many of the Palace’s original furnishings still decorate the walls and halls. Visitors will tour:
•The Throne Room: The monarchy hosted royal balls, lavish receptions, and jubilees in this maroon and gold decked out room. But, it wasn’t all celebration all the time. In 1895, Queen Lili’uokalani’s trial was held here.
•The Blue Room: The White House may have a Blue Room, but it can’t match this version. Portraits of the monarch adorn the walls. Gifts from the French government, including a larger than life portrait of King Louis Phillipe, found a home here. It’s also where informal receptions were routinely held.
•State Dining Room: Take a look at the massive sideboards in this room. The A.H. Davenport Company made these stately pieces in Boston, MA and shipped them to the islands. Think of that journey!
•The Stairway: Imagine descending these stairs in your regal dress preparing to host the President of France circa 1883. The stairs are hand-carved from Hawaiian woods.
•The Residences: Ladies lived in the rooms on the Waikiki Side. Men lived on the ‘Ewa side. You’ll tour the front room where Queen Lili’uokalani was imprisoned in. And you’ll walk through the library and see one of Honolulu’s first telephones.
•Royal Hawaiian Band Concerts: Try visiting the Palace on a Friday. The Royal Hawaiian Band gives an impressive (and free!) hour long concert on the steps of the Palace. They’ll play Aloha ‘Oe along with other Hawaiian favorites. It’s a Hawaiian tradition since the 1800’s! Concert occurs between 12PM and 1PM.
Visitors can take a docent led guided tour or a self-guided audio tour. Both tours take around one hour. We strongly recommend you take the docent guided tour to make the most of your visit. It will cost a little more, but the history you’ll learn will be priceless. For more details and for tour reservations, visit
www.iolanipalace.org/index.php/museum-information.html
Planning a tropical Hawaiian vacation of a lifetime? Then you need our Great American Vacation Ideas Pocket Guide to Maui. You’ll learn about those beautiful sun-drenched beaches, where to stay, where the locals eat, hikes to take, golf courses to play, and can’t miss attractions. Buy direct from us at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Hawaii.html or from Kindle at: http://amzn.to/xEsqj5
Friday, January 13, 2012
Arizona’s Sunset Crater Volcano
Arizona probably doesn’t come to mind when you hear the word volcano. Hawaii’s flowing rivers of lava and the Washington State’s Mount Saint Helens probably do. But Arizona has a volcanic past that has been preserved at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Sometime between 1040 AD and 1100 AD, Sunset Crater erupted, violently. Jagged hunks of lava oozed from the volcano and rolled down its slopes filling up a small valley. Red cinders were hurled from the summit creating an eerie red shadow on top the mountain. Then, the eruptions stopped.
Today, visitors have the chance to step back in time and explore this amazing landscape. Because of the climate and lack of humidity, the thick black lava flows look as if they just oozed down the mountain side. It would appear an eruption occurred 10 years ago, not 1,000 years ago.
Although visitors are no longer able to climb to the top of Sunset Crater Volcano, there are still plenty of places to explore:
•Visitor’s Center: Make this your first stop. You’ll learn about the eruption, geology facts, and the plants and animals that live here. There’s a seismograph that records the small earthquakes that still rattle the area. You can even attempt to create an earthquake of your own.
•Bonito Lava Flow: Stop at one of the pullouts and grab your camera. The lava here, known as ah-ah, is nearly 1,000 years old. Only the hardiest of vegetation has found a way to survive.
•Lava Flow Trail: This easy to moderate 1 mile loop trail is the best way to experience the park. Picture perfect views of Sunset Crater can be found at nearly every turn. You’ll be able to walk right past splatter cones – magma once bubbling up here, and large lava flows. Finish it up with a picnic lunch in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks.
•Lenox Crater Trail: Want to climb a volcano? Here’s your chance. This steep, strenuous trail leads to the top of Lenox Crater. Spectacular views of Sunset Crater and her lava flows greet those hardy enough to make the climb! Allow 30 minutes to climb up and just 15 minutes to climb on down.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located off Hwy 89 between Flagstaff, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. It’s the perfect place to see the extreme climate differences found in Northern Arizona. Plan on spending a few hours exploring! For more details, visit www.nps.gov/sucr
Sometime between 1040 AD and 1100 AD, Sunset Crater erupted, violently. Jagged hunks of lava oozed from the volcano and rolled down its slopes filling up a small valley. Red cinders were hurled from the summit creating an eerie red shadow on top the mountain. Then, the eruptions stopped.
Today, visitors have the chance to step back in time and explore this amazing landscape. Because of the climate and lack of humidity, the thick black lava flows look as if they just oozed down the mountain side. It would appear an eruption occurred 10 years ago, not 1,000 years ago.
Although visitors are no longer able to climb to the top of Sunset Crater Volcano, there are still plenty of places to explore:
•Visitor’s Center: Make this your first stop. You’ll learn about the eruption, geology facts, and the plants and animals that live here. There’s a seismograph that records the small earthquakes that still rattle the area. You can even attempt to create an earthquake of your own.
•Bonito Lava Flow: Stop at one of the pullouts and grab your camera. The lava here, known as ah-ah, is nearly 1,000 years old. Only the hardiest of vegetation has found a way to survive.
•Lava Flow Trail: This easy to moderate 1 mile loop trail is the best way to experience the park. Picture perfect views of Sunset Crater can be found at nearly every turn. You’ll be able to walk right past splatter cones – magma once bubbling up here, and large lava flows. Finish it up with a picnic lunch in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks.
•Lenox Crater Trail: Want to climb a volcano? Here’s your chance. This steep, strenuous trail leads to the top of Lenox Crater. Spectacular views of Sunset Crater and her lava flows greet those hardy enough to make the climb! Allow 30 minutes to climb up and just 15 minutes to climb on down.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located off Hwy 89 between Flagstaff, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. It’s the perfect place to see the extreme climate differences found in Northern Arizona. Plan on spending a few hours exploring! For more details, visit www.nps.gov/sucr
Friday, January 6, 2012
Disney’s 24 Hour Leap Year Celebration
If you’re thinking about a Disney vacation in 2012, then mark February 29th down on your calendar! Disney is going all out this Leap Year with a special, One More Disney Day promotion. Florida’s Magic Kingdom and California’s Disneyland will be open for 24 straight hours on Leap Day.
Beginning at 6AM on February 29th, you’ll have 24 hours to meet up with Mickey, Minnie, and pals, scream at the top of your lungs as you whiz through deep space at Space Mountain, and sing “It’s a Small World” to your heart’s content. They’ll be fireworks, parades, and meet n’ greets. But the best part, you get 24 hours of fun for the same price as a 1 day ticket. It’s like getting an extra day free. That is, if you can stay up 24 hours straight!
As part of this Leap Year Celebration, Disney is giving away 60 free vacations to “the happiest place on earth.” Don’t feel bad if you don’t win. You can get a free night when you book a room and ticket package at a Disney resort between February 26th and March 10th. For more details, visit disneyparks.disney.go.com/one-more-disney-day/?CMP=KNC-DPOMDD|G|4121000.DM.AM.K2104.01&s_kwcid=TC|11537|one%20more%20disney%20day%20promo||S|b|10554890053
We’ve created the Ultimate Pocket Guide to the Magic Kingdom. Use this guide to plot your strategy to see it all in 24 hours. Read in-depth descriptions of each ride (laid out by land), learn the best place to see those fabulous fireworks, ways to save a little money, where to eat, and what shows you just can’t miss. Buy it direct from Amazon’s Kindle Store: www.amzn.to/zBBBIJ or through our website: greatamericanvacationideas.com/WALT_DISNEY_WORLD.html
Beginning at 6AM on February 29th, you’ll have 24 hours to meet up with Mickey, Minnie, and pals, scream at the top of your lungs as you whiz through deep space at Space Mountain, and sing “It’s a Small World” to your heart’s content. They’ll be fireworks, parades, and meet n’ greets. But the best part, you get 24 hours of fun for the same price as a 1 day ticket. It’s like getting an extra day free. That is, if you can stay up 24 hours straight!
As part of this Leap Year Celebration, Disney is giving away 60 free vacations to “the happiest place on earth.” Don’t feel bad if you don’t win. You can get a free night when you book a room and ticket package at a Disney resort between February 26th and March 10th. For more details, visit disneyparks.disney.go.com/one-more-disney-day/?CMP=KNC-DPOMDD|G|4121000.DM.AM.K2104.01&s_kwcid=TC|11537|one%20more%20disney%20day%20promo||S|b|10554890053
We’ve created the Ultimate Pocket Guide to the Magic Kingdom. Use this guide to plot your strategy to see it all in 24 hours. Read in-depth descriptions of each ride (laid out by land), learn the best place to see those fabulous fireworks, ways to save a little money, where to eat, and what shows you just can’t miss. Buy it direct from Amazon’s Kindle Store: www.amzn.to/zBBBIJ or through our website: greatamericanvacationideas.com/WALT_DISNEY_WORLD.html
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