Friday, September 19, 2008

Disney offering free admission to theme parks on birthdays in 2009

NEW YORK — Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on Thursday announced a new promotion to admit visitors free on their birthdays next year.

"Every guest gets in free to one of our parks on their birthday in 2009," Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said at a news conference in Manhattan.

Visitors will have to show valid identification and proof of birthdate to qualify. Details are available at http://www.disneyparks.com, where birthday visits can be registered in advance.

The birthday offer is part of a larger Disney promotion announced Thursday called "What will you celebrate?" It includes a 30-city tour with public events featuring Disney costumed characters, beginning in Minneapolis on Sept. 25 and ending in Phoenix in February.

Disney will also start running "What will you celebrate?" TV ads featuring kids blowing out candles and brides in limousines.

In addition, the parks will offer buttons to wear that identify guests with phrases such as "Just Married," "Just Graduated," and "First Visit."

"Our goal is to mark the special moments in your life in a way that your family will remember forever," Rasulo said.

Peter Yesawich, a consultant on lifestyle trends, said at the Disney news conference that Americans often arrange vacations around personal milestones such as anniversaries and birthdays. He called the phenomenon "celebration vacations."

Miley Cyrus, star of the Disney show "Hannah Montana," plans to celebrate her 16th birthday at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 5.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Luxury Highlands Reserve pool homes or Spacious Regal Palms town homes at Special Fall rates.
Check out our Special Offers now www.Orlandohomestorent.com

Friday, September 12, 2008

TravelCity Direct or XL Airways.
Customers who have booked accommodation at Regal Palms or Highlands Reserve through either Travel City Direct or XL Airways may have lost their accommodation.

www.Orlandohomestorent.com still have plenty of availability at Regal Palms for 2008 & 2009.

Please contact us if you need help in rearranging accomodation email
andrew@orlandohomestorent.com

Friday, October 06, 2006

Top 10 Fun Places to Visit

GoldenTravelGuides.com, one of the fastest growing travel companies in the country, released their much-anticipated list of top 10 fun travel destinations for 2006 as reported by their customers.

East Stroudsburg, PA, USA, October 3, 2006 (XTVWorld.Com) -- The number one destination for the year was Las Vegas, followed by Orlando, with the third most happening destination for vacation fun being New York City.

GoldenTravelGuides.com reserves travel in more than 80 top destination cities or regions across the United States. Their travel professionals have been obtaining customer data over the first three quarters of this year in order to identify the most fun travel destinations according to their customers. GoldenTravelGuides.com lists the following as the top 10 most fun destinations: 1. Las Vegas 2. Orlando 3. New York 4. San Francisco 5. Miami (Tie) 5. Ft. Myers/Naples, FL (Tie) 6. Phoenix 7. Atlantic City 8. Key West 9. Punta Cana, D.R. 10.Tunica, MS.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Denny's, America's leader in family dining, is partnering with the Florida Attractions Association and VISIT FLORIDA to offer restaurant guests the opportunity to save money and have fun at one of 34 family-pleasing attractions throughout the state in a promotion known as "Denny's Florida Passport."

"Denny's has been serving Florida residents and visitors for nearly 40 years," said Margaret Jenkins, Denny's Chief Marketing Officer. "We have over 100 of our restaurants involved in the program and it's a terrific way to thank our valued guests. By working with the Florida Attractions and VISIT FLORIDA, we're providing valuable money-saving coupons to vacationing families."

From August 19 through September 29, every guest visiting a Denny's restaurant will receive a 20% off admission coupon to 34 participating attractions. At the same time the attractions will be giving away Buy-One-Get- One Free coupons to Denny's redeemable for a free entree with every entree and two beverages ordered.

The "Denny's Florida Passport" promotion also includes a Grand Prize Vacation Giveaway which allows every restaurant guest to enter to win a four- night stay for four people at the Radisson Resort in Orlando. The winner will receive a five-day rental car, a private guided tour at the Kennedy Space Center, including a guided tour with maximum access to the Visitor Center Complex and lunch with an astronaut, admission with "Acceleration Alley Passes" to Daytona USA and admission with food and drink to Wet'n Wild. Denny's will select the winner in a random drawing on October 2. Tourists can also receive coupons to dine at Denny's at any of the four Official Florida Welcome Center highway locations.

"All visitors to Florida, including Floridians who are exploring their own state, are winners in this Denny's Florida Passport promotion. Saving twenty percent on participating attractions' entry fee, getting a free entree, and participating in a grand prize drawing is the perfect way for our visitors to enjoy the end of the summer season," said Dale Brill, Chief Marketing Officer, VISIT FLORIDA.

PRNewswire

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Airline security
Following this morning's police action, security at all UK airports has been increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights.
With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport.
All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.
Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:

* pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
* travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
* prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
* spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
* contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
* for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
* female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
* tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
* keys (but no electrical key fobs)

All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened.
Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point.
In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to the USA and all the items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, must be subjected to secondary search at the boarding gate. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.
There are no changes to current hold baggage security measures.
Regrettably, significant delays at airports are inevitable.
Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that other than the few permitted items listed above, all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in.
These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights from UK airports properly secure. We hope that these measures, which are being kept under review by the Government, will need to be in place for a limited period only.
In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the travelling public to be patient and understanding and to
cooperate fully with airport security staff and the police.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

JetBlue - Nonstop from Syracuse to Orlando International.
Low-Fare Airline's New Flight Becomes the Only Nonstop Service from Syracuse to Florida . JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq:JBLU) today celebrates the launch of daily nonstop service between Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Orlando International Airport. This is the only nonstop service offered by any airline from Syracuse to any Florida destination. Orlando becomes the airline's second nonstop destination from Syracuse, with regular fares for the new flights ranging from $99 to $299 each way.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Orange County Convention Center Calnedar of events July 2006 - Jan 2007

Date Event

July 2006
Sun 9 - Thu 13 BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ORDER OF THE ELKS

Mon 10 - Thu 13 ANNUAL NATIONAL / TEACH 1ST!

Fri 14 - Sat 15 13TH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY CONFERENCE

Fri 14 CELEBRATION OF 2005 ACHIEVEMENTS

Sat 15 - Sun 16 NECRONOMICON

Tue 18 - Wed 19 AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL 11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

Wed 26 - Sat 29 WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP

Wed 26 - Thu 27 STUDENT LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY

Wed 26 - Thu 27 HYUNDAI SANTE FE RIDE/DRIVE EVENT

Wed 26 - Fri 28 JUDAH CONFERENCE

Sat 29 DGTRIALS

Sun 30 - Wed Aug 02 AMERICAN ASSN OF PHYSICISTS IN MEDICINE

Sun 30 BARBIZON MODELING CENTER GRADUATION


August 2006
Thu 3 - Sat 5 SOUTHCONFERENCE

Sat 5 ORANGE COUNTY'S NATIONAL ARTS PROGRAM

Sat 5 - Tue 8 ORLANDO GIFT SHOW

Mon 7 - Wed 9 ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION OFFICIALS

Mon 7 - Sat 12 GENERAL COUNCIL ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, FOR ASSMBLIES OF GOD FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Fri 11 - Mon 14 HOT SUMMER BOAT SHOW

Fri 11 INDIA ARIE LIVE

Thu 17 - Sun 20 MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT

Thu 17 - Sat 19 TUPPERWARE JUBILEE

Sat 19 CAIR ORLANDO ANNUAL BANQUET

Sat 19 AUTISM 5K WALK

Sat 19 2006 FEDERAL COURT INTERPRETER EXAM

Fri 25 - Sun 27 ORLANDO FURNITURE & ACCESSORY MARKET

Sun 27 - Mon 28 PREMIERE BEAUTY SHOW


September 2006
Thu 7 - Sat 9 THE TOY & GAME INDUSTRY FOUNDATION

Fri 8 - Sun 10 THE FLORIDA RESTAURANT & LODGING SHOW/ORLANDO PIZZA SHOW

Sun 10 - Wed 13 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRAVEL AGENTS

Tue 12 - Thu 14 NATIONAL ASSN OF ELEVATOR CONTRACTORS

Thu 14 - Sat 16 ARBONNE INTERNATIONAL

Fri 15 - Sun 17 SURF EXPO

Fri 22 - Sun 24 ORLANDO HOME SHOW

Sat 23 - Mon 25 EXPO DREAM BODIES

Tue 26 - Thu 28 YAMAHA UNIVERSITY AND THE 2007 NATIONAL DEALER CONFERENCE

Thu 28 - Sat 30 FLORIDA NURSERY, GROWERS & LANDSCAPE ASSN


October 2006
Thu 5 - Fri 6 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN COLLEGES & SCHOOLS

Fri 6 O/OCCVB BUREAU LUNCHEON

Sat 7 - Mon 9 INTL ESTHETICS COSMETICS AND SPA

Thu 12 - Sun 15 SOUTHERN WOMEN'S SHOW

Tue 17 - Thu 19 NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION

Mon 23 - Fri 27 CENTRAL FLORIDA FACILITIES EXPO

Tue 24 - Wed 25 SYSCO FOOD SERVICES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Wed 25 - Fri 27 NATIONAL AUTOMATIC MERCHANDISING ASSN

Wed 25 - Thu 26 CONEX CENTRAL FLORIDA

Fri 27 - Sun 29 HAY HOUSE, INC.

Sun 29 - Tue 31 APICS

Mon 30 2006 AUTO GLASS TECHNICIAN OLYMPICS


November 2006
Thu 2 - Sun 5 ACTIVE ISOLATED STRETCHING W/AARON MATTES

Sat 4 WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

Wed 8 - Sat 11 DEMA SHOW 2006

Fri 10 - Sun 12 BEAD & ART GLASS FEST AND MEMORIES SCRAPBOOKING EXPO

Sat 11 MRS. FLORIDA PAGEANT

Sun 12 SOUTHEAST BARBIZON COMPETITION

Sun 12 - Wed 15 INTERNATIONAL ASSN OF EMERGENCY MANAGERS

Wed 15 - Fri 17 RICHARD ROBBINS INTERNATIONAL

Wed 15 - Fri 17 MATCHMAKER 2006

Fri 17 - Sun 19 COMPANY DANCE

Sat 18 - Sun 19 THE INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY EXPO

Sat 18 NATIONAL HBCU SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER CONCERT

Wed 22 - Sun 26 CENTRAL FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Tue 28 - Thu 30 POWERGEN


December 2006
Sat 2 - Sun 3 NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL FOODS ASSN, SE REGION

Mon 4 - Thu 7 I/ITSEC INTERSERVICE TRAINING SYSTEMS MEETING

Tue 5 - Wed 6 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AVIATION ASSOCIATION

Fri 8 - Mon 11 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY

Thu 14 - Sat 16 PERFORMANCE RACING INDUSTRY


January 2007
Thu 4 - Sun 7 FLORIDA UNITED NUMISMATISTS

Mon 8 - Tue 9 TRUE VALUE RENTAL MARKET

Thu 11 - Sun 14 SURF EXPO
North/
Thu 11 - Sun 14 SHOOTING, HUNTING AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW


Full details www.occc.net

Planned 2006 launches from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

August 1

A two-year mission to provide a unique and revolutionary view of the Sun-Earth System.
Launch Windows: 2:42 - 2:44 p.m. and 3:50 - 4:05 p.m.

August 28

STS-115 will deliver a truss and other key components during the Space Shuttle Program's 19th mission to the International Space Station

October 19
THEMIS will study the dynamic and colorful eruptions of auroras.
Launch Window: 1:53 a.m. - 2:12 a.m

2007
June 21
Dawn
The Dawn Mission will be the first time a spacecraft will orbit two planetary bodies on a single voyage as it studies Ceres and Vesta.

August 3
Phoenix is the new Mars lander mission and the first of NASA's scout missions. Phoenix will work to uncover clues in the martian arctic soils about the history of water and potential for habitability.

September 1
Space Tracking and Surveillance System. A U.S. Air Force tracking technology demonstration mission for the Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency.

September 7
The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) will enable astronomers to study how black holes, physicists to study subatomic particles at energies far greater than those seen in ground-based particle accelerators and cosmologists will gain valuable information about the birth and early evolution of the Universe.

You should always check these date at http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

ST. PETERSBURG – Salvador Dali experienced a chaotic era of two World Wars which influenced the artistic movement of Surrealism and Dali’s own work. “Dali by the Decades“ explores his interpretation of these events through an exhibit of oil paintings, drawings and watercolors from Dali compared to photographs, text and graphics from this era of shifting political power, American heroes and destructive forces. The collection will be on display at the Salvador Dali Museum through January 2007. (727) 823-3767. www.salvadordalimuseum.org.

HALLOWEEN IN ORLANDO

Universal – For 19 select nights Halloween Horror Nights 16 will be the most chilling in the event’s history and will feature chilling new haunted houses, more intense scare zones and frightening theme shows. The designers, also known as the “scream team” of Universal Studios Orlando create a celebration involving hundreds of gruesome “scare-actors” and a twisted “Sweet 16” theme. Halloween Horror Nights runs through October 6-8, 11-15, 19-22, 26-29, and 31. (407) 363-8000. www.universalorlando.com.

SeaWorld - is putting a sea-faring twist on with Halloween Spooktacular. This incredible underwater FantaSea stars sea witches, mermaids, pumpkin fish and more to bring the myth of the sea to life. Visitors can dress-up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat at the park. At Spooky Spectacular Sleepover, join your favorite SeaWorld characters for an unforgettable breakfast. Spooky nights include October 7, 8, 13, 14 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 and 31. (407) 363-2200. www.seaworld.com.

Cypress Gardens – Get ready to face fears every night this October at PHOBIA, Cypress Garden’s Halloween fright fest with haunted houses and the Black Forest. Spiders, monsters, ghosts, snakes, clowns, heights, falling and darkness are just a few fears unleashed at each “Scare Zone.” For the younger children “Friendly Frights” await with a Boo House and fun Halloween activities. (863) 324-2111. www.cypressgardens.com.


Disney World Orlando
– Take a dive into a tropical reef and visit with familiar sea friends at the unveiling of two Walt Disney World Resort’s “Finding Nemo” themed attractions. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom enjoy singing and dancing Dory-style at “Finding Nemo –The Musical”. The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot opens a whimsical and visually stunning show starring “Finding Nemo” favorites swimming amid the live marine life of the Seaspavilion’s huge aquarium. (407) 934-6707. www.disneyworld.com.

ORLANDO– The Mennello Museum of American Art presents a rare opportunity for American art enthusiasts to study remarkable works of art in the exhibit “From Cassatt to Wyeth: American Masterworks from the Mitchell Museum“ November 3 -February 25. For the first time this entire collection of American paintings and drawings are permitted to travel to a handful of venues while the Mitchell Museum in Chicago
to a handful of venues while the Mitchell Museum in Chicago undergoes an expansion.
The arrangement is comprised of works such as Mary Cassatt’s “Young Woman Nursing Her Child” and Andrew Wyeth’s “Winter Furrows” from the late19th and early 20th century. (407) 246-4278. www.mennellomuseum.com

Friday, July 14, 2006

ICE - Gaylord Palms Resort
It might be 95 now but its going to get cold - very cold- in fact down to 9 degrees!!!!

Who says the holidays in Florida are all about palm trees and sunshine? Prepare for the coolest winter on record as Gaylord Palms™ Resort presents ICE! An instant dose of winter, this spectacle is made from nearly two million pounds of ice!

This year, ICE! will feature several new and revised scenes, including a new train depot with a 3-car locomotive you can walk through, a heartwarming Victorian holiday home scene with a life-sized horse-drawn carriage you can sit in, the whimsical Santa's Toyland, and a majestic Church in the Woods. Back by popular demand, the breathtaking life-size nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice. And, of course, three fantastic ice slides will return amid a towering Christmas Castle.

Put away the flipflops, this event is a chilly 9 degrees! But, don't worry, we've got plenty of parkas to keep you warm!

ICE! will be open daily from November 18, 2006 - January 2, 2007, including holidays. Tickets for ICE! will go on sale October 1.

NOTE: ICE! is kept at a frigid 9 degrees. Be sure to dress appropriately; closed toe shoes and long pants are required. Hooded parkas will be provided for your warmth and comfort inside the exhibit.

www.gaylordpalms.com/ice


Thursday, July 06, 2006

New Atlantic Route
- Flyglobespan, Liverpool's (UK) John Lennon Airport's latest airline, has today announced that it will commence daily flights direct to New York from May 2007. The news brings JLA its first scheduled transatlantic service.

The news that Liverpool's historic links with New York, previously associated with the strong maritime heritage of both cities, is now to be re-established by an air link, was made at a press conference appropriately held at the top of the city’s famous Liver Building - scene of many departing passengers bound for New York by sea.

flyglobespan's flights from JLA will commence on 25th May 2007 to the "Big Apple's" popular Newark Airport, with fares starting at only £149 per sector including taxes. flyglobespan will operate two cabins on their Boeing 757 aircraft with 22 of the 189 seats in business class and the remainder economy. The business cabin fare will start from £299 per sector including taxes with 22 business class seats with full individual in-flight entertainment, dedicated priority check-in and the use of an airport executive lounge. Champagne will be offered prior to departure and during the flight passengers will enjoy gourmet meals served with fine wines.

Seats from New York to Liverpool will also be on sale in the USA from only $259 per sector including taxes with the added benefit of the route attracting vital tourist and business numbers from the States into the area.


More details
FlyGlobespan - www.flyglobespan.com or
John Lennon Airport - www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com

Thursday, June 29, 2006

ORLANDO International Airport (MCO)
– For the convenience of visitors picking up arriving passengers in private vehicles at Orlando International Airport, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board has approved the development of a complimentary 100-space cellular phone parking lot on South Airport Boulevard.

"The operation of the lot will increase roadway capacity because it will minimize congestion on airport entrance road, provide freer movement on terminal loop roads and circulation on baggage claim curbs. Most of all, it will provide a higher level of customer service," says Chris Schmidt, Deputy Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Federal security requirements have eliminated the ability for motorists to wait for passengers on the arriving flights curb resulting in vehicles circling around the terminal roadway system.

The lot will be situated on a portion of the current Red Satellite Lot in a convenient location south of the main terminal building. The lot allows drivers to wait until notified of their passenger’s arrival and baggage pick-up before driving to the arriving flights curb. In considering the lot location, it was important that there was close proximity to the terminal, easy entrance and exit at a traffic signal and that the construction could be both speedy and economical.

The project is expected to be completed by the Thanksgiving holiday travel season.

Orlando International Airport served more than 34.1 million passengers in 2005 making it the 12th busiest airport in the nation, 21st busiest in the world and busiest in Florida.

AirTran Airways Flights Sale
-Air Tran Airways launch a sale for flights to all of the airline's destinations with fares starting as low as $59* each way. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at airtran.com or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.

These special fares are available for purchase through July 11, 2006, are good for travel through November 15, 2006, and are valid for travel on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or a Saturday night stay.

Following is a sample of the one-way fares. Fares listed require a 14-day advance purchase and are valid in either direction:

Tuesday/Wednesday Mon/Thur/Sat
Atlanta - Orlando $79 $89
Baltimore - Tampa $79 $89
Newark - Orlando $109 $124
Seattle - Tampa $169 $179
White Plains, N.Y. - Orlando $59 $79

Why not take adavantage of these great fares and spend a few days in one of our Luxury homes at Highlands Reserve Championship golf course.
For mor info on our homes look at our web site Orlando Homes to Rent

*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $50 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase plus any applicable increase in airfare. Fourteen-day advance purchase required. Tickets must be purchased by July 11, 2006. Travel must be completed by November 15, 2006. Lowest advertised fares are valid for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Additional sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fares are not valid for travel on Fridays or Sundays. Seats are limited, subject to availability and may not be available on all flights. Blackout date is September 4, 2006. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.30. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included.

Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Jet Blue Announce New Nonstop Service Between Syracuse and Orlando

Service Begins July 20, Fares Start at $99(a), Plus - Fourth Daily Nonstop to New York’s JFK Starts November 1 --

NEW YORK - JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq:JBLU) today announces new nonstop service from Syracuse-Hancock International Airport to Orlando, FL. Flights feature its award-winning service, 36 channels of DIRECTV(r) programming and roomy, all-leather seats. Daily nonstop service will begin July 20, with regular fares ranging from $99(a) to $299(a) each way.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Universal to use solid-state lasers in show

A new generation of compact laser display equipment is a key technology that will be used in Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, the new nightly show that opens July 1 at Universal Studios.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Slow the pace down an try a scenic Lake Cruise
Clermont's Sunshine Express, takes advantage of one of Lake County's strongest resources: its abundance of lakes. Based at the marina on Lake Susan
just off Hwy27 between lakes louisa and Minnehaha.

Sunshine Express operate a 42-foot pontoon boat that will cruise the Clermont chain which runs from Lake Louisa south of Clermont to Lake Emma in the Villa City area north of Groveland. There it connects to the Harris Chain of Lakes via the Palatlakaha River. The Clermont chain has been officially designated by the state as Outstanding Florida Waters. The major lakes in the chain are Lake Minneola, Lake Minnehaha and Lake Louisa.

The Sunshine Express cruises either head south to Lake Louisa, or north to Lake Minnehaha -- both directions for the longer cruises. The scenery ranges from unspoiled cypress shoreline to some high density boathouses and conventional homes. Sunset cruises run Wednesdays, Thusdays, Fridays and Sundays. Lunch cruises operate Wednesdays through Sundays, and dinner cruises are on Saturdays.

Sunset cruises in the Sunshine Express cost $10 per person. Lunch cruises are $20 and dinner cruises are $30. Sunshine Express is booking breakfast cruises at $17 per person.

For more information, call 352-243-9227.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Safety advice
Many overseas visitors rent vacation homes from us at Orlando Homes to Rent and a couple of usefull web sites are
www.myflorida.com
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/laws/ped_bike_pedLaws.htm

Orlando International Airport
Orlando International(MCO) has a very helpfull & informative web site http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/main.htm
If you are flying in to Orlando for the first time it is worth taking a look.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Windsor Hills Resort
- is a brand new development which builds on the success of the nearby Windsor Palms Resort. Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, the five-star resort facilities include a beach pool, clubhouse and games room. The Windsor Hills Resort will be the vacation resort of choice for families seeking the best in Orlando vacation rentals.


This private, secure guard, gated community features the best amenities any resort has to offer.

Some of the features include:
• Double Olympic sized, lagoon style pool, complete with fountains
and waterslide, toddler pool and waterfalls
• Spa
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Most impressive high definition surround sound movie theater
• 7500 sq foot clubhouse overlooking the pool with work out room,
video arcade, games room, video rentals and convenience store
• Outdoor activities: table tennis, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball,
playground, giant chess set and gazebo.

To compliment the wonderful attractions, we are offering a choice of two brand new 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom condos in which to relax after a hard days entertainment. The condos are on the first floor of the same block and each condo sleeps up to 8 so a party of 16 could be accommodated.

They are furnished to a high standard comprising lounge with sleeper sofa, dining room, a king, a queen and twin bedrooms all with TV and VCR or DVD, two ensuite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen with oven, microwave, washer, dryer, a screened lanai / balcony and air conditioning throughout.

Full details www.simplystay.com or email andrew@simplystay.com


Regal Palms Resort at Highlands Reserve
Special Deals- Orlando Homes to Rent have a spacious 4 bedroom private pool home with full access to the water park and other facilities at Regal Palms Resort.
On selected dates up to October 1, 2006 only US$145/night including tax minimum 6 nights.
On bookings of 4 or 5 nights an additional US$85 cleaning charge will be added.
Full details of this offer on www.regalpalmsathighlandsreserve.com

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Orlando International Airport (MCO) - Baggage handling & Customer service improvements

- A plan to expedite passenger screening and improve customer service at Orlando International Airport (MCO) was approved by the board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at its April meeting. A new Baggage Handling and Customer Service Representative System will begin operations at Orlando International in mid May.
The program will deploy staff from a private baggage handling company (PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc.) to provide line queue management, divesting assistance for those in line and movement of baggage in the terminal.
"This program, working in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will expedite the screening process by allowing those agents currently performing these functions to concentrate on baggage and passenger screening. This will enhance the overall customer service experience at Orlando International as we enter into the busy summer travel season," says Steve Gardner, Interim Executive Director for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
The new Baggage Handling and Customer Service Representative System at MCO is believed to be one of the only programs of its type in the nation and it will work in conjunction with the country’s only registered traveler program (CLEAR), which has recently enrolled 20,000 members, to help enhance customer service at Orlando International Airport.
Orlando International is the busiest passenger airport in Florida with over 34.1 million travelers in 2005.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

F1 USA Grand Prix may be held in Daytona from 2007
“The road course at Daytona is a perfect place for Formula One to call home in the U.S.,” said Formula One boss Ecclestone. “It also opens the F1 schedule to new possibilities due to the ability to hold the race during the warm Florida winter.”

Daytona is within easy driving distance from Orlando so why not
bring the family and stay in one of our luxury homes where you will have all the theme parks, Golf and much more right on your doorstep. Orlando is the ideal location to stay and Orlando Homes To Rent have the perfect homes for you.
Check them out on our web site Orlando Homes To Rent www.orlandohomestorent.com

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Disney Magic could be cruising European waters this summer
Disney Cruise Line is expected to announce the Disney Magic cruise ship, which is based at Port Canaveral, will be taking a European vacation in summer 2007.

Disney officials would not discuss specific details but rumour are that Disney plans to offer European cruises on the Magic, from May to August 2007, with possible stops in England, France and Italy. There likely will be "repositioning cruises" from Port Canaveral to Europe in May; and from Europe to Port Canaveral in August.


Saturday, February 25, 2006

Neiman Marcus to open outlet

Department store Neiman Marcus to open an outlet center at Prime Outlets in Orlando, according to mall owner Prime Retail Inc. The 28,000-square-foot outlet will be called Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center and is expected to open in 2007. Neiman Marcus has a department store at Mall at Millenia.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

SNOWBIRD SPECIALS - Orlando Fl.
Simplystay.com are offering special rates for rentals of 3 weeks or more at their Regal Palms Resort Town Homes in January/February 2007.
Regal Palms incorporates a club house with 24-hour check-in facility, sports pub broadcasting live events worldwide, casual dining, arcade, business center, meeting facilities, fitness center and a large swimming pavilion complete with waterslide, lazy river and sunbathing terraces.
Located close to theme parks and next to Highlands Reserve Championship Golf course and Publix supermarket.
www.Simplystay.com

Friday, February 17, 2006

FLYWHO - Birmingham England to Florida
UK Based Flywho (THE AIRLINE WITH THE LONG LEGROOM!) Launch twice weekly flights to Florida from July 8, 2006.
The two class carrier will fly from Birmingham England to Sanford FL twice weekly and to St.Petersburg/Clearwater once a week in conjuction with Go Visit America.
www.flywho.com/
Why not stay in one of our luxury vacation homes Orlando Homes To Rent

Monday, February 13, 2006

New Wal Mart Super Store
204,000sq ft new store opens south of Clermont at 1450 Johns Lake Road.
Store features
• Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products and fresh produce, apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, full line of electronics, Tire & Lube Express, vision center, Blimpie restaurant, portrait studio, one-hour photo lab, pharmacy, Smart Style hair salon, Regal nail salon, SunTrust Bank branch, Murphy USA gasoline station and a Wal-Mart Connect Center
• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• 22 full-service, eight express and four self check-out lanes

Universal Orlando - Abolish Universal Express
Universal Express the service that allowed visitors to skip an occasional long line is switching entirely to its Express Plus service, in which people pay extra money for the privilege of cutting lines all day.
Working a bit like Disney's FastPass service, Universal visitors could obtain free reservations to come back later, at one of two specified times, and skip the long line in favor of a much shorter Express line.

Universal introduced the alternative, Express Plus, in 2003. In that program, visitors pay extra -- a fee that ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the season and package -- for a pass that allows them to get into any of the Express lines, any time.
Express is out and Express Plus is in, Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said. The Universal Express pass dispensers will be removed, he said.

"Express Plus allows guests to have front-of-line access to all of our attractions whenever they want to," Schroder said. "Our regular Express system allowed guests to choose a window of time, a reserved time. What we were finding is guests were only able to go to one or two attractions a day with it, and they told us it didn't really enhance their experience."

A Disney spokesman said Walt Disney World has no plans of getting rid of FastPass.

Universal Orlando - Abolish Universal Express
Universal Express the service that allowed visitors to skip an occasional long line is switching entirely to its Express Plus service, in which people pay extra money for the privilege of cutting lines all day.
Working a bit like Disney's FastPass service, Universal visitors could obtain free reservations to come back later, at one of two specified times, and skip the long line in favor of a much shorter Express line.

Universal introduced the alternative, Express Plus, in 2003. In that program, visitors pay extra -- a fee that ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the season and package -- for a pass that allows them to get into any of the Express lines, any time.
Express is out and Express Plus is in, Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said. The Universal Express pass dispensers will be removed, he said.

"Express Plus allows guests to have front-of-line access to all of our attractions whenever they want to," Schroder said. "Our regular Express system allowed guests to choose a window of time, a reserved time. What we were finding is guests were only able to go to one or two attractions a day with it, and they told us it didn't really enhance their experience."

A Disney spokesman said Walt Disney World has no plans of getting rid of FastPass.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

“World’s Fair for Kids.”
The first “World Fair for Kids” takes place April 15th through the 23rd at the Orange County Convention Center. Quasi, an intelligent robot for kids created by Carnegie Mellon University, is the official mascot. Guests will be invited to check out the latest in virtual video sports games and at least nine Guinness World Record attempts will be made. (Your family can be part of history by joining an attempt to break the world record for the largest number of people to jump rope simultaneously on April 17th.) Popular characters and celebrities will sign autographs, and the event will include non-stop live music from performers like Whizkid recording artist Jillian Wheeler, television star and singer Raven Symone, country music artist Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others. Single-day passports cost $29.95 each, and multi-day passports are $59.95 per person. Kids under three attend free. www.orlandoinfo.com

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Universal Orlando - Free Children Tickets
Universal is offering free tickets to children ages 3-9 when their parents buy two-day, two-park tickets over the Internet.

The deal might be permanent if it works. For at least through July 31, a child can get in free for each $99.95, two-day, two-park pass a parent buys. A similar children's ticket previously cost $99.95. Children younger than 3 already get in free.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Ginn Clubs & Resorts LPGA OPEN
The Ladies PGA Tour kicks off the 2006 season with the inaugural event at Ginn Clubs& Resorts - Reunion Resort Orlando Florida.
With a Purse of $2.5m making this the top prize money event of the LPGA year.
The event will be played over a composite course of Reunion's Arnold Palmer's Legacy and Tom Watson's Independence Courses.
Pro-Am April 26, 2006
Open April 27 -30, 2006

Orlando Homes To Rent are offering a special accommodation package for those wishing to stay in the area. Anyone booking a minimum of 5 nights stay in one of their Luxury vacation homes will receive 4 free rounds of golf per booking, at the Highlands Reserve Championship course. For full details email home@orlandohomestorent.com

Useful contacts
LPGA.com
Ginnopen.com
reunionresort.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Walt Disney Co., the world's largest theme-park operator, set a holiday-season attendance record at its Walt Disney World resort in Florida.
Crowds were so heavy at Disney World the week after Christmas that the Magic Kingdom parking lot was closed briefly one day as it reached capacity in the early afternoon.
Overall, 2005 was a strong year for attendance at Disney World's four theme parks, with the Magic Kingdom coming in again as the most-visited park in North America and the world.
More than 16 million people visited the park, a 6.5 percent increase, according to figures from Amusement Business, a trade publication.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Expedition Everest - Disney's Animal Kingdom's newest attraction
Ancient legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.

Now that legend roars dramatically to life in a new runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.

Expedition Everest is part of the 18-month "Happiest Celebration on Earth," the jubilee honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks and commemorating the 1955 opening of Disneyland. The celebration began May 5, 2005, with the launch of the largest lineup of new shows and attractions and continues through 2006.

Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome lore of the yeti when Expedition Everest peaks in early 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Aboard out-of-control railcars screaming forward and backward, white-knuckle adventurers swoop into the unknown, braving twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain leading to an unforgettable encounter.

Friday, November 11, 2005

What to see & do over Christmas

Celebration Market Street
November 25 - December 31 hourly from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Now Snowing Nightly
Snow falls on MARKET STREET at 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m.
Photos with Santa
Pet Photos with Santa on Wednesday evenings
Strolling Holiday Carolers and Holiday Entertainment


ICE at Gaylord Palms
November 19 - January
2. 10.00am to 8.30pm
CHILL OUT THIS CHRISTMAS

Put away the flipflops, this event is a chilly 9 degrees! But, don't worry, we've got plenty of parkas to keep you warm!

ICE! will be open daily, including holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The last ticket for the attraction will be sold promptly at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for ICE! are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the ICE! box office at 407-586-4-ICE.

NOTE: ICE! is kept at a frigid 9 degrees. Be sure to dress appropriately; closed toe shoes and long pants are required. Hooded parkas will be provided for your warmth and comfort inside the exhibit. There is a parking fee of $7 per vehicle.

Magic Kingdom
Selected dates between November 27 - December 20
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Join in this festive extravaganza sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Experience the enchantment of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade and the excitement of an all-new fireworks spectacular, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. This sensational celebration also features live Disney Character stage shows, Character greetings throughout the Park, cookies and cocoa, and even snow on Main Street, U.S.A
Full details http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/specialEventsDetail?id=MickeysVeryMerryChristmasPartySpecialEventPage



Monday, October 31, 2005

Cypress Gardens
Announced a new four-tiered ski show pyramid reminiscent of the spectacles staged by founder Dick Pope.
Groundbreaking for the Starliner roller coaster is set for later this year. The classic wooden coaster was purchased by Buescher earlier this year from the Panama City Beach Miracle Strip Amusement Park. It is expected to open in 2007.

Memorial Day weekend 2006 will launch a nightly laser and fireworks show over the park's Lake Eloise.

Plans also call for the re-opening of the Wings of Wonder butterfly atrium this month and the opening of the Pope Memorial Museum. The museum will house a collection of memorabilia for Cypress Gardens and Florida's tourism history.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Halloween
- A scary Halloween to all our guests
Orlando Homes To Rent

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Delta - New Links to Orlando
This fall Delta Air Lines opens five new South and Midwesten links to Orlando, one of the premier vacation capitals of the world.

Beginning Nov. 1, Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) will offer new daily flights between Orlando and Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla.; and Delta Connection carrier Freedom Airlines will start daily non-stop service between Orlando and Baton Rouge, La. On Dec. 1, ASA will begin daily non-stop service between Orlando and Kansas City, Mo.

“Delta is the leading airline to Florida, and we continue to respond to our customers' demands for more flights from more destinations to the Sunshine State,” said Bob Cortelyou, Delta’s vice president for Network Planning. “Thanks to the flexibility of Delta’s network of regional carriers, its mainline operation and its low-fare service, Song, Delta is offering customers more choices for non-stop travel to and from Florida.”

With its winter schedule, Delta will operate 114 daily flights from Orlando to 43 destinations in the United States and the Bahamas.

Additionally, Delta offers daily service to 16 other Florida cities. ASA will operate its new service from Orlando using the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. Freedom Airlines will fly the 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft on its new route between Orlando and Baton Rouge.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Traveling to the USA
- Advance Passenger Information (API) is information currently required by the US Government about passengers prior to them travelling. We (and all other airlines) are required to collect this information from our passengers who are travelling to the US and transmit it to the US Customs and Border Protection.

Due to new regulatory and legislative requirements, from 4 October 2005 all airlines will be required to collect additional Advance Passenger Information from you at check in.

API INFORMATION REQUIRED
From 04 October 2005 you should be prepared to provide us with the following documents and information at check in:

* Machine readable passport (or other identity documents such as Visa)
* Travel documentation (e.g. tickets, e-tickets)
* The address of where you’ll be staying in the US.

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Universal Studios
- Halloween Horror Nights XV

No One Will Live Happily Ever After. Universal Orlando® Resort rewrites the book of fear with Halloween Horror Nights®—TALES OF TERROR, Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7-9, 12-16, 20-23, 27-31. Explore the most terrifying haunted houses ever created, skin-crawling scare zones and more, as you experience stories clawed from the depths of your worst nightmares.

Visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com to learn more.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Travelling to the USA
Advance Passenger Information (API) - is information currently required by the US Government about passengers prior to them travelling. All airlines are required to collect this information from our passengers who are travelling into the US and transmit it to the US Customs and Border Protection.

Due to new regulatory and legislative requirements, from 4 October 2005 All airlines will be required to collect additional API. From this date, we need to collect this from you before you travel. You will have to supply this information by the time you check in for your flight or you will be unable to travel.
The US Customs and Border Protection Agency will require the following for all travellers to the US from 4 October 2005 (for both existing bookings as well as those made after the date the new laws come into force):

Full name (last, first name, middle name if applicable)*
Date of birth*
Gender*
Citizenship*
Travel document type (normally passport and alien/permanent resident card if applicable)*
Document number*
Document country of issue*
Document expiry date*
Country of residence
Address where you’ll be staying in the US
If you are in transit, your final destination.


*The details marked with an asterisk can be taken from your machine-readable passport.

Check with your airline for full details.

Monday, July 18, 2005

SeaWorld expanding

Planned to open in 2007
SeaWorld's new "naturalistic water park" will feature slides and other attractions in which guests can get close to dolphins and other sea creatures.
One feature of the park, will be transparent acrylic flumes that guests slide down through a pool of black-and-white Commerson's dolphins, although people won't come in direct contact with the animals, said Jim Atchison, SeaWorld Orlando's executive vice president and general manager.

The attraction "will whisk guests through a naturalistic lagoon within inches of Commerson's dolphins," SeaWorld said. "Commerson's dolphins have vivid black-and-white coloration, and are fast, agile swimmers that symbolize the energy of the sea."

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Kennedy Space Center
- A $160 million redevelopment plan -- including nine new rides and exhibits -- is aiming to transform Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

The centerpiece of the 10-year plan for the Visitor Complex is a much-anticipated $60 million Shuttle Launch Experience motion simulator that is designed to simulate a shuttle liftoff. Construction begins this month, and it's expected to open in early 2007.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Daytona Race Calender

Jan. 28-29, 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona

February 11, 2006 Budweiser Shootout

February 12, 2006 DAYTONA 500 Pole Qualifying

February 16, 2006 Gatorade Duel At Daytona

February 17, 2006 Truck Series 250 IROC

February 18, 2006 Hershey's 300

February 19, 2006 DAYTONA 500


More details from Daytona http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Orange County Convention Center - Update
- Events taking part in 2005
Why not tag on a few days - stay in one of our luxury pool homes and play a few rounds at the Championship Highlands Reserve Golf course.

7/21/2005 7/23/2005 Tupperware Jubilee
7/26/2005 7/28/2005 American Assn for Clinical Chemistry, Inc.
8/28/2005 8/29/2005 Premiere Beauty Show
9/9/2005 9/11/2005 The Florida Restaurant Show
9/12/2005 9/14/2005 American Society for Industrial Security
9/16/2005 9/18/2005 Surf Expo
9/21/2005 9/23/2005 National Safety Council
9/23/2005 9/25/2005 Orlando Home Show
9/29/2005 10/1/2005 Florida Nursery and Allied Trades Show (FNATS)
10/14/2005 10/16/2005 MARKET AMERICA
10/19/2005 10/20/2005 PRINT SOLUTIONS 2005 CONFERENCE & EXPO
10/21/2005 10/22/2005 IFDA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
10/23/2005 10/27/2005 AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION
11/1/2005 11/3/2005 INTERNATIONAL POOL AND SPA EXPO
11/11/2005 11/13/2005 THE ENTERTAINMENT SHOW
11/18/2005 MATCHMAKER 2005
11/23/2005 11/27/2005 CENTRAL FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
12/1/2005 12/3/2005 ATHLETIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE & EXPO
12/1/2005 12/3/2005 PERFORMANCE RACING INDUSTRY
12/10/2005 12/11/2005 CHEERNATION
12/19/2005 12/20/2005 CITIES OF AMERICA

Disney - Thrilling New Adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom Brings the Legend of Yeti to Life
Legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.

Now that legend comes dramatically to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a new high-speed train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.

Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome legend of the yeti when Expedition EVEREST opens in 2006 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Missing your favourite British Food -
ShoppingfromBritain.com is the online supermarket that sells you all the British food and household goods that you need.

Delivering directly to you worldwide using discounted shipping, www.ShoppingfromBritain.com serves the British Expat shopping community and anyone who wants to buy those British favourites.

The easy to use store layout and search facility, with our secure and encrypted checkout system, will make online shopping with ShoppingfromBritain.com a pleasure.

Selling a wide range of your favourite British food and other items. Keep a look out for our broad range of organic and fairtrade items which is expanding all the time.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Orlando Homes To Rent
VR360 Photo tours of our luxury Highlands Reserve pool homes are now on most of our properties - see our Orlando Homes to Rent web site for full details of our homes
http://www.orlandohomestorent.com

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Theme Park Tickets
Usefull contacts for Orlando Park tickets - remember to shop arround to get the best deals.

Buying in the UK
Cheapest Park Tickets - www.cheapest-park-tickets.co.uk
Attraction Tickets4Less - www.attractiontickets4less.com
Theme Park Tickets - www.themepark-tickets.com
365tickets.com - www.365tickets.com
UnPackaged Attractions - www.unpackagedattractions.co.uk
Theme Park Holidays - www.themeparkholidays.com
UnderCoverTourist - www.undercovertourist.com
Attraction Tickets Direct - www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk
Keith Prowse - www.keithprowsetickets.com
Theme Park Direct - www.themeparkdirect.co.uk

Buying in the USA
UnderCoverTourist - www.undercovertourist.com
TicketMania - www.ticketmania.com
Discount Tickets - www.discount-tickets.us
Check out the parks direct for special offers and discounts for seniors and Florida residents.

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