If you're Canadian, you can give a little, get a lot – of Mickey Mouse.
The new "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" promotion from Disney Parks offers a free one-day admission to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland in California in return for one day of volunteering, reports thestar.com
Through Volunteer Canada, you can sign up for work at volunteer centres and more than 160,000 non-profit agencies.
Many of the projects are family-friendly, and the only stipulation for "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" says helpers must be at least six years old. The program starts Jan. 1 and a list of available volunteer projects can be found at www.disneyparks.ca. You must pre-register and ticket quantities are limited. Disney is looking for 1 million volunteers for this promotion.
So get out there and get volunteering.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Monday, 14 September 2009
Disney spending Fantasy money
This from the Associated Press wires...
Disney executives have announced the largest expansion in the history of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in central Florida. The new development will nearly double the size of Fantasyland and include a new ride based on the Little Mermaid movie.
Disney will be hoping that analysts who predict it will re-ignite travel to Orlando, which has lagged in the global recession, have got it right. Disney's parks contribute about a third of the giant entertainment company's entire revenue - so it's a fair bet that they see any money spent on this development will be worth it.
The Fantasyland overhaul will be complete by 2013. Disney declined to say how much it will spend on the projects.
Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com
Disney executives have announced the largest expansion in the history of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in central Florida. The new development will nearly double the size of Fantasyland and include a new ride based on the Little Mermaid movie.
Disney will be hoping that analysts who predict it will re-ignite travel to Orlando, which has lagged in the global recession, have got it right. Disney's parks contribute about a third of the giant entertainment company's entire revenue - so it's a fair bet that they see any money spent on this development will be worth it.
The Fantasyland overhaul will be complete by 2013. Disney declined to say how much it will spend on the projects.
Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Fewer planes, fewer seats
Here is something to consider if you are thinking of traveling by air between now and December this year. According to Rob Lovitt, writing on CSNBC.com, there will be approximately 307 million seats available on U.S. airlines during the period, a drop of 3.6 percent from the year before. He writes: 'Although smaller than the cut between 2007 and 2008 (8.1 per cent), the cumulative effect is still substantial'.
The states get more telling: only two of the 10 largest U.S. carriers increased their fourth-quarter capacity over the last two years, and the other eight all posted significant drops, with American (down 12.5 per cent), United (down 14.2 per cent) and Frontier (down 16.2 per cent) leading the plunge.
Rob continues: 'The impact on airports has been equally severe. All 67 of the FAA’s “Large” and “Medium” hubs, says ATA, have lost some scheduled service over the last two years. Based on scheduled departures, the hardest hit have been Cincinnati/North Kentucky (down 41.6 percent), Ontario (down 36.3) and Oakland (down 34.2 percent). Other painful cuts include Orlando (25.9 percent), LAX (17.2 percent), O’Hare (9.6 percent) and DFW (5.3 percent).
For passengers, of course, the contraction means fewer choices and less flexibility, but it’s seen by industry analysts as the only viable response to the recession and years of billion-dollar losses. “By the end of the year, capacity will probably be down 12 percent,” says Mike Boyd of Boyd Group International. “The airlines have finally begun to cut capacity faster than the recession has been killing demand.”
The upshot is fewer seats on fewer flights, which is fine if you don't mind a crowded plane, but could lead to some more travel-related headaches before you have even left the ground.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamarianetwork.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
The states get more telling: only two of the 10 largest U.S. carriers increased their fourth-quarter capacity over the last two years, and the other eight all posted significant drops, with American (down 12.5 per cent), United (down 14.2 per cent) and Frontier (down 16.2 per cent) leading the plunge.
Rob continues: 'The impact on airports has been equally severe. All 67 of the FAA’s “Large” and “Medium” hubs, says ATA, have lost some scheduled service over the last two years. Based on scheduled departures, the hardest hit have been Cincinnati/North Kentucky (down 41.6 percent), Ontario (down 36.3) and Oakland (down 34.2 percent). Other painful cuts include Orlando (25.9 percent), LAX (17.2 percent), O’Hare (9.6 percent) and DFW (5.3 percent).
For passengers, of course, the contraction means fewer choices and less flexibility, but it’s seen by industry analysts as the only viable response to the recession and years of billion-dollar losses. “By the end of the year, capacity will probably be down 12 percent,” says Mike Boyd of Boyd Group International. “The airlines have finally begun to cut capacity faster than the recession has been killing demand.”
The upshot is fewer seats on fewer flights, which is fine if you don't mind a crowded plane, but could lead to some more travel-related headaches before you have even left the ground.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamarianetwork.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Be a Viva Diva
Check out this press release from Viator, which offers families advice on getting the best deals from days out in Florida and beyond.
It reads:
Viator.com the leading resource for researching and booking more than 5,500 trip activities and experiences in 75 countries at the best prices, is continuing its summer series, Viva La Viator, aimed at inspiring every traveler to explore as they never have before in any destination they choose. This week the team at Viator has selected a theme rather than a destination to highlight - Family Friendly Experiences. Viator features a "Family Friendly" category of tours and activities in top cities so families can easily find and book the best things to do in the destination they are visiting.
Check out the full details here
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamariavacations.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
It reads:
Viator.com the leading resource for researching and booking more than 5,500 trip activities and experiences in 75 countries at the best prices, is continuing its summer series, Viva La Viator, aimed at inspiring every traveler to explore as they never have before in any destination they choose. This week the team at Viator has selected a theme rather than a destination to highlight - Family Friendly Experiences. Viator features a "Family Friendly" category of tours and activities in top cities so families can easily find and book the best things to do in the destination they are visiting.
Check out the full details here
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamariavacations.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Wake up and smell the coffee
Flying in to Orlando? Smell coffee? You must be on a Southwest Airlines plane...
Here's the tale from the Telegraph newspaper, London, England.
Flight 693 departed from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut at 7.21 on Sunday morning, bound for Orlando, when a flight attendant reported an electrical smell.
But after the 131 passengers and five crew members were safely evacuated after the plane made an emergency landing at Long Island Islip MacArthur Airport at 8am, it emerged that the odour had been caused by a coffee maker in the back of the aircraft, a company spokesman said on Monday.
The aircraft was examined and the smell was determined to be from a coffee maker in the back galley of the Boeing 737. The aeroplane was put back into service by 12.30 pm on Sunday, said Chris Mainz, a Southwest spokesman.
Read the full story here
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamariavacations.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Here's the tale from the Telegraph newspaper, London, England.
Flight 693 departed from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut at 7.21 on Sunday morning, bound for Orlando, when a flight attendant reported an electrical smell.
But after the 131 passengers and five crew members were safely evacuated after the plane made an emergency landing at Long Island Islip MacArthur Airport at 8am, it emerged that the odour had been caused by a coffee maker in the back of the aircraft, a company spokesman said on Monday.
The aircraft was examined and the smell was determined to be from a coffee maker in the back galley of the Boeing 737. The aeroplane was put back into service by 12.30 pm on Sunday, said Chris Mainz, a Southwest spokesman.
Read the full story here
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamariavacations.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Save money on Orlando parks
We love hitting the parks in Orlando, but if you've got a large family in tow it's hard to escape without spending your kids' college fund.
Thankfully, Carmel Snyder at examiner.com has some great tips for enjoying all the Disney, Sea World and the rest have to offer, without breaking the bank.
Thankfully, Carmel Snyder at examiner.com has some great tips for enjoying all the Disney, Sea World and the rest have to offer, without breaking the bank.
- Most of the major theme parks often have special offers throughout the year such as Busch Gardens, Sea World and Adventure Islands’ buy one day, get another free day option. In-state visitors get even a better deal, paying the price of one-day admission for a season pass.
- If you’re traveling with older family members, check out discounts by most parks. Military families also can get discounts at theme parks in Florida. Check the theme parks Web sites before you go to get the best deals.
- For families, food and drink can be a major expense in theme parks. Bring a cooler that you can leave in the car and go out for meals. Check the park policy, but don’t hesitate to call and ask, often the “no cooler” ruled is waived for the small soft-sided packs you can carry in.
- Places like Busch Gardens in Tampa also sell souvenir cups that get you a discount on refills. In addition, most will refill the drink cup with water for free. If bringing a cooler is not practically, tuck a few snacks into back packs.
- Parks sometimes offer a one-price eat all day pass. This can be a major saver if you are going to be in the park all day for more than one meal.
- Another money-saving tip for families -- check out the local Wal-Mart for theme park character T-shirts and other “must haves” for kids. Have them wear their T-shirts to the park and save some of the goodies for later.
Great advice Carmel! Read the whole article on examiner.com here. Also check out Carmel's home page here which is full of top tips for those visiting our fabulous Sunshine State!
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
What's going on in Florida - August
Here it is again folks, the best darn rundown of everything going on in Central Florida there is, courtesy of the good folks at the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. You can read the guide to the whole of Florida for this month here
Aug. 1: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 5 p.m. There will be informal music jams, free workshops, food, and a barn-style dance at 3 p.m. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org
Aug. 1: WaZoo, Tampa. Featured as one of the "10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country" by USA Today, this 14th annual tropical taste explosion features beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from local restaurants, a wine garden, and live music. Admission $50 per person, $20 for designated drivers, $75 per person for Beastly Beverage Club. At Lowry Park Zoo. 813-935-8552 x276. www.lowryparkzoo.com/calendar_events.php
Aug. 1: A Day in Florida History of DeLeon Springs, DeLeon Springs. Historical reenactment of an early 1800s skirmish between Seminole Indians and soldiers and settlers of the period. Explore an authentically replicated Indian village and soldiers encampment, examine Indian artifacts and old weaponry, watch artisans ply their crafts, and join in the performance of Indian dances. At DeLeon Springs State Park. Admission $6 per vehicle. 386-985-4212. www.floridastateparks.org/Events-State-Proc.cfm?criteria=*
Aug. 4: Lake Louisa Summer Cycling Series, Clermont. Continuing bicycle race series. Races will be split into two categories ranging between 15 and 30 miles long. Top three finishing racers in each category will be awarded trophies. At Lake Louisa State Park. Admission $4 per vehicle. 352-217-1673. http://www.floridastateparks.org/EventsDistAll.cfm?Dist=3
Aug. 4: National Night Out, Ormond Beach. Cookout with live DJ, face painting, cotton candy, raffles for prizes. At Nova Community Center, 5:30-9 p.m. 386-677-0311. www.ormondbeach.org/Events/Default.htm
Aug. 6: 18th Annual Gourmet Feastival, Tampa. Annual fund raiser for Centre for Women. Features delectable foods and beverages from Tampa Bay's best restaurants, caterers, wineries and other purveyors. Also includes live music and fabulous Opportunity Prizes including upscale travel and leisure, home entertainment, event tickets and more. At Hyatt Regency Downtown. Admission $60 at door, $50 in advance. 813-251-8437 x251. www.centreforwomen.org
Aug. 7: National Lighthouse Day, Ponce Inlet. Join the staff at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida's tallest, to observe National Lighthouse Day. Enjoy family-oriented activities, demonstrations and newly installed lighthouse exhibits. Watch as children participate in turn of the century children's activities. Included with regular admission of $5 adult, $1.50 children 11 and under. 386-761-1821. www.ponceinlet.org/
Aug. 7-8: ArtWalk, Bradenton. Visit the various galleries, studios, restaurants and other small businesses in the arts district on the first Friday of every month, 6 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Village of the Arts neighborhood just south of downtown Bradenton. 941-747-8056. www.artistsguildofmanatee.org
Aug. 15: Grape Stomp and Music Fest, Lake Placid. Henscratch Farms presents the ninth annual Grape Stomp featuring California Toe Jam Band from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the winery located on Henscratch Road. This award-winning '50s and '60s musical group brings toe-tapping energy to its four-hour concert. Attendees will join the stomp buckets with this year's MC__TBA, in an attempt to crush two tons of grapes for this year's "Foot Stomped Vintage." Participants may purchase finished wine in November, complete with their picture on the label and a caption reading "Foot stomped by my diligent feet." Included in the day is a walking tour, winery presentation, complimentary cheese and wine tasting and All You Can Eat Grapes. Admission adults $6, children 6 and under free. 863-699-2060. www.henscratchfarms.com/impcal2/event.php?ID=33
Aug. 15-16: Pioneer Settlement Outdoor Extravaganza, Barberville. First annual Outdoor Extravaganza, on 30-acre facility with 18 historical buildings set to the late 1800s era. Event features hunting, archery shoot, canoeing, hiking and kayaking, venison cook-off, black powder and pioneer reenactors. Admission adults $6, children $4. At Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org/outdoorcolor2.pdf
Aug. 22: Caribbean Night and Island Market, Ormond Beach. Caribbean themed celebration at The Casements, including Island Paradise Outdoor Oasis, Kids' Caribbean Castle, Island Market crafters and Caribbean cuisine. Admission $5. 386-676-3216. www.ormondbeach.org/Events/Default.htm
Aug. 22-23: The August Stomp, Lake Wales. Live music, wine, food, grape stomping. At Lakeridge Winery. Admission $2. 800-768-WINE. www.lakeridgewinery.com/aboutus-events.php
Aug. 28-30: Caladium Festival, Lake Placid. Includes bus tours to the colorful caladium fields, sale of caladium plants and bulbs, exhibits on caladium history, Florida-friendly landscape and ornamental plants. Also includes wine display featuring the area's growing grape industry, plus arts and crafts, entertainment, and the 13th annual Antique and Classic Car Show. Admission free; bus tours $10 per person. 863-465-4331. www.lpfla.com/events/caladium.htm
And don't forget ... When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.net for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
Aug. 1: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 5 p.m. There will be informal music jams, free workshops, food, and a barn-style dance at 3 p.m. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org
Aug. 1: WaZoo, Tampa. Featured as one of the "10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country" by USA Today, this 14th annual tropical taste explosion features beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from local restaurants, a wine garden, and live music. Admission $50 per person, $20 for designated drivers, $75 per person for Beastly Beverage Club. At Lowry Park Zoo. 813-935-8552 x276. www.lowryparkzoo.com/calendar_events.php
Aug. 1: A Day in Florida History of DeLeon Springs, DeLeon Springs. Historical reenactment of an early 1800s skirmish between Seminole Indians and soldiers and settlers of the period. Explore an authentically replicated Indian village and soldiers encampment, examine Indian artifacts and old weaponry, watch artisans ply their crafts, and join in the performance of Indian dances. At DeLeon Springs State Park. Admission $6 per vehicle. 386-985-4212. www.floridastateparks.org/Events-State-Proc.cfm?criteria=*
Aug. 4: Lake Louisa Summer Cycling Series, Clermont. Continuing bicycle race series. Races will be split into two categories ranging between 15 and 30 miles long. Top three finishing racers in each category will be awarded trophies. At Lake Louisa State Park. Admission $4 per vehicle. 352-217-1673. http://www.floridastateparks.org/EventsDistAll.cfm?Dist=3
Aug. 4: National Night Out, Ormond Beach. Cookout with live DJ, face painting, cotton candy, raffles for prizes. At Nova Community Center, 5:30-9 p.m. 386-677-0311. www.ormondbeach.org/Events/Default.htm
Aug. 6: 18th Annual Gourmet Feastival, Tampa. Annual fund raiser for Centre for Women. Features delectable foods and beverages from Tampa Bay's best restaurants, caterers, wineries and other purveyors. Also includes live music and fabulous Opportunity Prizes including upscale travel and leisure, home entertainment, event tickets and more. At Hyatt Regency Downtown. Admission $60 at door, $50 in advance. 813-251-8437 x251. www.centreforwomen.org
Aug. 7: National Lighthouse Day, Ponce Inlet. Join the staff at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida's tallest, to observe National Lighthouse Day. Enjoy family-oriented activities, demonstrations and newly installed lighthouse exhibits. Watch as children participate in turn of the century children's activities. Included with regular admission of $5 adult, $1.50 children 11 and under. 386-761-1821. www.ponceinlet.org/
Aug. 7-8: ArtWalk, Bradenton. Visit the various galleries, studios, restaurants and other small businesses in the arts district on the first Friday of every month, 6 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Village of the Arts neighborhood just south of downtown Bradenton. 941-747-8056. www.artistsguildofmanatee.org
Aug. 15: Grape Stomp and Music Fest, Lake Placid. Henscratch Farms presents the ninth annual Grape Stomp featuring California Toe Jam Band from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the winery located on Henscratch Road. This award-winning '50s and '60s musical group brings toe-tapping energy to its four-hour concert. Attendees will join the stomp buckets with this year's MC__TBA, in an attempt to crush two tons of grapes for this year's "Foot Stomped Vintage." Participants may purchase finished wine in November, complete with their picture on the label and a caption reading "Foot stomped by my diligent feet." Included in the day is a walking tour, winery presentation, complimentary cheese and wine tasting and All You Can Eat Grapes. Admission adults $6, children 6 and under free. 863-699-2060. www.henscratchfarms.com/impcal2/event.php?ID=33
Aug. 15-16: Pioneer Settlement Outdoor Extravaganza, Barberville. First annual Outdoor Extravaganza, on 30-acre facility with 18 historical buildings set to the late 1800s era. Event features hunting, archery shoot, canoeing, hiking and kayaking, venison cook-off, black powder and pioneer reenactors. Admission adults $6, children $4. At Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org/outdoorcolor2.pdf
Aug. 22: Caribbean Night and Island Market, Ormond Beach. Caribbean themed celebration at The Casements, including Island Paradise Outdoor Oasis, Kids' Caribbean Castle, Island Market crafters and Caribbean cuisine. Admission $5. 386-676-3216. www.ormondbeach.org/Events/Default.htm
Aug. 22-23: The August Stomp, Lake Wales. Live music, wine, food, grape stomping. At Lakeridge Winery. Admission $2. 800-768-WINE. www.lakeridgewinery.com/aboutus-events.php
Aug. 28-30: Caladium Festival, Lake Placid. Includes bus tours to the colorful caladium fields, sale of caladium plants and bulbs, exhibits on caladium history, Florida-friendly landscape and ornamental plants. Also includes wine display featuring the area's growing grape industry, plus arts and crafts, entertainment, and the 13th annual Antique and Classic Car Show. Admission free; bus tours $10 per person. 863-465-4331. www.lpfla.com/events/caladium.htm
And don't forget ... When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.net for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
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