Celebrate the Holidays – Disney Style

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, it’s time to start making your holiday travel plans. You might decide to go skiing or visit the relatives. But, you should consider heading down to Florida to take in one of the most spectacular Christmas celebrations in the country. Nobody does the holidays quite like Disney World. Each park celebrates the season in its own special way. Downtown Disney and the Disney Village are decorated in style complete with Santa’s village. Plus, the weather is perfect. Comfortable during the day and cool at night.




EPCOT:
EPCOT’s signature holiday event is the nightly Candlelight Processional. Each night the Christmas story is retold by a celebrity narrator as a 50 piece orchestra plays and a choir sings traditional Christmas carols. Located at the America Gardens Theater, this event is sure to remind you about the true meaning of Christmas and get you into the holiday spirit.
Holidays around the World is celebrated at the different countries throughout the park. This is your chance to see Santa Claus (aka St. Nick) in Japan, France, Britain, and Germany. You can learn about each country’s Christmas traditions and sample holiday fare. Stop by the American pavilion to see one of the world’s largest gingerbread houses.
Of course, Christmas decorations are scattered throughout the park. The nightly lighting of the Christmas tree is a popular event. Make sure to stay for Illuminations – a nightly fireworks and laser light show spectacular.


Magic Kingdom:
On select nights, the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The party is filled with parades, a snow fall on Main Street (yes, snow in Florida!!), character greetings, complimentary cookies and cocoa, a fireworks show, and character greetings with your favorite Disney characters. Select rides are open, including a special Christmas themed Country Bear Jamboree. This event requires a separate ticket and lasts 5 hours. Tickets range from $43 - $60.

Here is an insider tip for you. The park is decorated throughout the holiday season. You will see the same decorations regardless of when you choose to visit the park. . Instead of 5 hours of fun, go on a day when the park is open for at least 8 -12 hours. You will see a similar fireworks show, snow falls on Main Street, all the rides are open, and you still get to meet and greet with Christmas clad Disney characters throughout the day. You will pay more for your ticket, but you will get more value for your money!! The cookies and cocoa won’t be free, but if you want them bad enough, go ahead and buy them.


Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You probably have someone in your neighborhood who just loves to string hundreds of Christmas lights on their house. But you have never seen a Christmas light display like the one Hollywood Studios puts on each year. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights transforms Hollywood Studios back lot into a brilliantly lit Christmas wonderland. Millions of twinkling lights are choreographed to dance to your favorite Christmas carols. Look for over 30 “Hidden Mickeys” in the display. Make sure to catch the toy soldier march in time under the Christmas tree.

Disney resorts also get into the holiday spirit. The Grand Floridian is our pick year after year for best decorated Disney resort. The elegant Victorian lobby is transformed into a classic Christmas setting, complete with Christmas garland decking the balconies.


For more information on Disney’s Christmas celebrations, visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Visit with the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. So what better way to pay tribute to the day, then take a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts and visit some of the famous sites and landmarks in the area.

The Pilgrims were escaping religious prosecution when they boarded the Mayflower and set sail to the New World. Their voyage across the Atlantic lasted 65 very long days. On December 21, 1620, the Pilgrims discovered Plymouth Harbor and the rest is history. One year later, the First Thanksgiving was celebrated.

Plymouth Rock:



Plymouth Rock is perhaps the most famous rock in America. Did the Pilgrims actually set foot on this exact rock when they landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts? Historians have never been able to find any reference to it in the Pilgrims’ writings. But, over time it has become known as the rock Pilgrims first stepped foot on. The rock you will see is only a fraction of its original size. Tourists once chipped off pieces of this patriotic rock for souvenirs!! Today, you can see the rock in all its glory at the Plymouth Rock State Park. The rock is enclosed in a monument, located at the wharf.

Mayflower II:
No trip to Plymouth would be complete without stepping aboard the Mayflower II. This is an excellent replica of the original 17th century ship, complete with oak timbers, horn lanterns, and hand colored 17th century maps. There were 102 pilgrims who sailed on a ship like this to America. While aboard, imagine being one of those Pilgrims, living in these cramped conditions for 65 days while battling ocean swells and stormy weather!! Strike up a conversation with one of the period sailors or pilgrims strolling along the ship’s deck. It is still 1620 to them. They will tell stories of crossing the Atlantic and making a life in this strange, new world.

Plimoth Plantation:



Would you like to go back in time and step into the world of the Pilgrims? Well, you can at this 1627 English Village. The village, filled with gardens, livestock, and timber houses, gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the 1600’s. You will encounter village residents, dressed just as if it was 1627. In fact, the village residents live as if it was 1627. As you look around, villagers may begin a conversation with you. Remember, they have no idea America won the Revolutionary War. To them, there are no cars or modern conveniences. These players do a fantastic job interacting with children and adults. Don’t be surprised if that ask you about those sneakers you are wearing. To them, something is wrong if you don’t wear black horn buckled shoes!!

Visit this website for more details on the attractions around the Plymouth area: www.plimoth.org

Viewing Sites for Space Shuttle Discovery’s Final Flight

Space Shuttle Discovery is poised to take her final flight later this week. If you are going to be in Florida on launch day, you might want to consider heading over to witness the launch in person. If you aren’t a VIP or purchased (way in advance) a special viewing ticket, you will not be allowed onto the Kennedy Space Center Complex. No worries, there are plenty of viewing areas for the rest of us.

There is nothing quite like a space shuttle launch. People from all walks of life line the banks of the Indian River waiting in anticipation for liftoff. The countdown is at T minus one and then you see the first puffs of white. The engines glow bright orange as the shuttle lifts off from her seaside launch pad. As the shuttle climbs higher and higher you hear the roar of the engines as she thunders off to space. You strain your eyes to see the booster rockets separate and fall back to Earth. All that remains is the trail of smoke in the sky.



Living in Florida most of my life, I have seen my share of launches. Titusville, Florida is my pick for the best viewing. This small city sits on the banks of the Indian River directly across from the space center. You will be able to stand here and see the entire launch. Cocoa Beach is another popular spot, but I feel you just see more when you view a launch in Titusville.

There are plenty of free viewing areas in Titusville. You can stake out a spot anywhere along the Indian River on US 1 and are sure to see quite a show. One area is not necessarily better than the other. The city has created the following parks along US 1 that offer great views.

• Space View Park
• Rotary Riverview Park
• Kennedy Point Park
• William J Manzo Park

Bring your patience for two reasons. One – the launch may be scrubbed due to technical reasons or weather. Two - traffic will be a mess. Hundreds of thousands of people will descend on a relatively small town and everyone will be leaving at the same time!!

If you can’t make this launch in person, you will have one more chance. The last scheduled shuttle mission is set to take flight in February 2011.

Halloween Haunts – Salem, Massachusetts

With Halloween right around the corner, let’s visit a few attractions in America’s most bewitching town – Salem, Massachusetts.

The Salem Witch Museum:

In 1692, witchcraft hysteria swept through this part of the country. Over 400 people were accused of witchcraft, 19 people were hung, and one person was pressed to death. In the end, none of the accused was involved in witchcraft. Hysteria and fear led people to accuse friends, neighbors, enemies, and even a dog of unspeakable acts.
This museum takes you back in time and gives you a front row seat at the witch trials. A combination of special effects, life size figures, and narration gives you a chilling view of the events that unfolded here. You will witness Tituba, a West Indian housekeeper tell Salem Village children stories of the Devil. This was the main cause for all the hysteria. You will see the hanging of George Burroughs. And you will be extremely happy you did not live during that time period!!



See their website for more details and hours of operation: www.salemwitchmuseum.com

The House of the Seven Gables:

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote “The House of the Seven Gables” back in 1851. This fictional story begins with a distinguished colonel accusing a local man of witchcraft just to get his land.



Well, the real House of the Seven Gables may not have quite that rich a history, but you can visit it today. The real Seven Gables was built in 1668 and the Turner Family called it home for over a century. You can tour six rooms and see the secret staircase. You will have to visit to see where the stairway is located!!

You can also visit Nathaniel Hawthorne’s home which was moved onto the property back in 1958. You can see where this famous American author was born and where he penned some of his most famous works. Three other 17th century homes are located on the property along with the beautiful Seaside Gardens. Guided tours are available. www.7gables.org

Tail of the Dragon

Germany may have the Autobahn, but America has the Tail of the Dragon. North Carolina’s US 129 has been billed as “America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.” It’s easy to see why. The road is only 11 miles long, but has 318 curves. Sports car enthusiasts love to bring their rides up here to test their driving prowess. You may not actually be a professional race car driver, but you sure can feel like one!! But, keep in mind the speed limit is only 30 miles per hour.

Now, this road is not for everyone. If you are a person who constantly rides his (or her) brakes driving down a mountain, perhaps you should skip The Dragon. If you decide to conquer the drive, make sure to keep your eyes on the road, and not the scenery. With all those curves, you would hate to miss one and end up on the side of the mountain. For those who love to drive and want to test their skills, the Tail of the Dragon is a must. And, you don’t have to have a Ferrari or Porsche to enjoy it. (But those would be nice!!)



The Cherohala Skyway is another popular drive in the area. It only cost $100,000,000 to build, so you might consider giving it a try!! This road isn’t quite as treacherous as Tail of the Dragon. You will climb 5,400 feet in about 15 miles and are rewarded with spectacular views. Views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tellico River are worth the drive. If you are looking for a beautiful waterfall that requires no hiking, take the small detour to Bald River Falls.

Both of these drives hug the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. Fall is a perfect time to visit. The air is crisp and the leaves are beginning to change. If you are visiting Great Smoky Mountain National Park, consider taking these two drives.

For more information and detailed directions, check out this website: www.tailofthedragon.com

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Fall has finally arrived. Temperatures are turning cooler and Mother Nature has begun putting on one of her most spectacular shows. Forests across the nation are being transformed. Trees are now filled with gorgeous red, orange, yellow, and golden leaves. People are gearing up to take driving tours to look at beautiful fall foliage. And, one of the nation’s best drives offers some spectacular views.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For 489 miles, drivers will travel through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery east of the Mississippi River. Fall provides an extra incentive to visit. Fall foliage is spectacular here. Forests line the parkway which means ample leaf peeping opportunities. Overlooks provide picture perfect views and great picnic areas.



Many attractions and natural landmarks are close to the Parkway. Easy on and off access allows the traveler to visit one of the many close by cozy mountain towns. Towns like Boone, Hendersonville, Asheville, and Cherokee are located just a few miles from the main road. Some of the more popular attractions and sites include:

• Natural Bridge of Virginia
• Shenandoah Caverns in Virginia
• Chimney Rock Park, NC
• Grandfather Mountain, NC
• Mount Mitchell State Park – the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River
• Linville Falls, NC
• Linn Cove Viaduct – a 1,234 foot curve with gorgeous views
• Mount Pisgah
• The Biltmore Estate, NC

The Parkway’s speed limit is 45 mph. Take your time enjoying the sights. Be on the lookout for wildlife. Deer love to graze by the side of the road and an occasional black bear comes out hunting for fruits and berries. The drive is open year round, but inclement weather does force closures. Expect extreme temperatures changes. Last October, we were caught in a snowstorm!!

For more information about The Blue Ridge Parkway, check out their website: www.blueridgeparkway.org.

Orlando’s Theme Parks Begin Their Halloween Celebrations

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