About

Wednesday Weekend Roundup

2012-05-16T08:00:45Z

This weekend, with temperatures in the mid-80s and a 30-to-50 percent chance of thunderstorms, many of us may be hunting ways to beat the Florida heat and things to do when it rains. Here's what's happening around Florida this weekend:

This is the last weekend to enjoy the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival that continues through May 20, 2012. The festival, including the popular weekend Eat to the Beat! concerts featuring Micky Dolenz, The Monkees lead singer, is included in the price of regular Epcot theme park admission.
The sci-fi fun kicks off Friday, May 18 and continues through Sunday, May 20 and every weekend through June 10 for Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios
More than 400 dealers of antiques and collectibles will be on hand at Renninger's for the Antique Fair, scheduled this weekend — May 19 & 20.

Get tips on visiting Florida and your favorite theme parks this month:

Stay Connected:

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}

Wednesday Weekend Roundup originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at 08:00:45.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Dinosaur World Expansion Is Open

2012-05-15T08:00:55Z

In case you missed it like I did, Dinosaur World has opened its 12-acre expansion that was announced in November of 2010. Much of the new prehistoric area is visible from I-4 near Plant City. The expansion, besides adding more parking, restrooms, picnic areas, a 5,000 sq. ft. gift shop and two new dinosaur-themed playgrounds, includes a 22,000-square foot prehistoric museum displaying everything dinosaur! What you won't want to miss though is the five new animatronic dinosaurs that roar to life!

^{Photo © Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com}

Dinosaur World Expansion Is Open originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 08:00:55.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Memorial Day Travel Tips

2012-05-14T08:00:47Z

Mother's Day is now behind us, but one of the heaviest travel weekends is ahead — Memorial Day. Although it comes a bit earlier on the calendar this year — May 28 — this is the weekend that seems to mark the beginning of summertime travel; and, every year AAA forecasts millions of Americans will take to the roadways. Travelers can pave the way to a smooth trip with these timely tips and bits of information that specifies new traffic laws.

If you're not sure whether it's cheaper to fly or drive to your destination? Check this cool cost calculator from AAA and places to find the cheapest gasoline.

This can also mark the beginning of Florida's unrelenting summer heat and humidity. Make sure you are aware of heat stress symptoms and try these tips to beat the Florida heat.

Memorial Day Travel Tips originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Monday, May 14th, 2012 at 08:00:47.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

They're Back... and They're Bugging Me!

2012-05-11T08:00:07Z

What's back? Love bugs, that's what! I just saw my first one the other day, so while I'm preparing for a trip this weekend I'll need to pack something to get the crushed critters off my windshield. A couple of years ago, a reader wrote in response to reading my article "What's Bugging Florida?" where I wrote about the not-so-lovely love bugs: "Other than avoiding the peak hours for the 'bugs' flight, not much can be done to spare your automobile. Regular windshield wiper fluid often does not easily remove the bugs and the result of running your wipers is a streaked gooey mess that cuts visibility. Keeping a bucket in your car stocked with a bottle of water, a non-scratch pad, and baking soda is your best defense. The baking soda is known to make removal of the little critters easier."

Wanda had a better idea. She included this tip in her email: "I live in Louisiana the easiest fastest way to remove the love bugs you speak of on your website that plague Florida, Texas and Louisiana — use water and a Bounce^® fabric [softner] sheet, will remove the bugs instantly and not scratch the paint. Very best method there is."

Comment: This works great!!! I even tried it with another fabric softner sheet — Snuggle^® — and it works just as well. Everyone should be able to keep a small supply of fabric softner sheets in their car along with a bottle of water. Great tip! Thanks again, Wanda!

They're Back... and They're Bugging Me! originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 08:00:07.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Starbucks Coming to Disney World

2012-05-10T08:00:22Z

Soon you'll be able add Starbucks to these best places to get coffee in Disney World! Starbucks will open locations at each Disney theme park beginning this summer. Cafes will serve Starbucks menu items, including beverages, signature sandwiches and desserts. While the exact locations have not been announced, each location inside the theme parks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings. Check out what else is new at Disney World.

^{Starbucks Logo, Getty Images/Alex Wong, Photographer}

Starbucks Coming to Disney World originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 08:00:22.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Universal's New Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular

2012-05-09T00:20:52Z

Everyone loves a parade and everyone is going to love Universal Studios' new Superstar Parade that rolled down the streets of the theme-park for the first time yesterday. The parade incorporates today's most beloved stories and characters with wildly creative floats and hundreds of performers for a fun and exciting entertainment experience.

Unforgettable moments in the parade include Gru, his daughters and Vector from the blockbuster animated adventure Despicable Me dancing to "Boogie Fever," Nickelodeon's SpongeBob arriving in his pineapple home from under the sea with his friends from Bikini Bottom, E.B. from the hit comedy Hop playing the drums and acrobatic performances by characters from Nicelodeon's Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! Special performances at select locations throughout the day will invite park guests to sing and dance with their favorite characters.

Universal Orlando's "Year to be Here" is creating more new entertainment than any other year in its history, so it also unveiled "Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories" yesterday. Stirring emotions and imagination, the nighttime show unfolds across Universal Studios' central lagoon as it highlights some of the most fun, dramatic and awe-inspiring moments from Universal Pictures' most iconic films. Cast on huge waterfall screens, the clear images are surrounded by colorful fountain and pyrotechnic special effects... all against an incredible musical score and powerful narration by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman.

Special film clips in the spectacular include such iconic moments as Elliott and E.T. riding across the moon in E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, the heroic struggle of the crew from Apollo 13 or the terror of watching the famed shower scene in Psycho. Other memorable films featured in the show include American Pie, The Bourne Ultimatum, Jurassic Park, Scent of a Woman, The Mummy, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Fast and the Furious.

Plan your Universal Orlando visit:

^{Photo © Universal Orlando}

Universal's New Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 at 00:20:52.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

How to Beat the Florida Heat

2012-05-08T10:00:23Z

It's not even officially summer and we're experiencing temperatures in the high 80s and 90s. Whether you're pounding the pavement at a theme park or basking in the sun at the beach, the heat can be a problem if you're not used to it and don't take the proper precautions. Remember these common sense and fun ways to keep your cool in the hot Florida sun. Also, if you're planning a trip this summer to Florida's favorite theme parks, try these great tips for overcoming the heat at Disney World.

Learn how to treat common heat-related illnesses from About.com's First Aid Guide, Rod Brouhard:

^{Photo © St. Pete-Clearwater CVB}

How to Beat the Florida Heat originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 10:00:23.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Star Wars Weekends

2012-05-07T00:45:44Z

Could anyone have guessed that the first Star Wars' film, Star Wars: A New Hope would launch more than 30 years of Star Wars mania? Now it has even become a "force" within Disney World. If you're a Star Wars fan, there is no place else to be on weekends than at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends — scheduled for consecutive weekends (Friday-Sunday) May 18 through June 10, 2012. It's an out-of-this-world treat that is included with regular park admission.

What: Star Wars Weekends
Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios
When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays - May 18 thru June 10, 2012

Plan a Trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars Weekends originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Monday, May 7th, 2012 at 00:45:44.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Opening Next Month

2012-04-30T15:58:25Z

Disney has just announced earlier opening dates for its newest value resort and are taking reservations. Disney's Art of Animation Resort will open its Finding Nemo-themed family suites May 31, 2012! Just two weeks later they will roll out the Cars-themed wing of family suites on June 18. The innovative family suites will sleep a total of six. The space will offer a private bedroom for Mom and Dad, two bathrooms and fold-away beds for the kids — including one very cool convertible Murphy bed-by-night that becomes a table for the family by day.

Additional family suites featuring The Lion King will open August 10, 2012, and standard rooms with The Little Mermaid decor will open September 15, 2012.

Compare rates for this resort on Kayak.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Opening Next Month originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 15:58:25.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Mother's Day Weekend Adventures

2012-04-24T08:00:42Z

Mother's Day — May 13 — will be here sooner than you think. If you can't decide what to get Mom, there's nothing wrong with flowers and chocolate... but why not give her something a little different? Here are some suggestions for great Mother's day adventures and getaways that are sure to put a smile on her face.

Mom's are sure to have a good tine at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and festival-goers can top off the day with a Flower Power concert featuring Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone.
Mom's get in FREE on Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13, to these great attractions. Be sure to read carefully — most offers require a purchase of a full-price ticket and some deals require printing a coupon.
Families can hop aboard the rolling Florida Railroad Museum on Mother's Day. Mom's ride FREE with a paid child's admission. Departures are 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13. Tickets are $14 for adults; $10 for children 3-11; Mom's and children under age 3 ride free. Seating is limited, so reservations are required.
Gaylord Palms Resort will do the cooking this year... you just have to bring Mom. A Mother's Day Buffet with a special menu featuring delicacies such as a Mediterranean-inspired antipasti station and salad marketplace, baked salmon with leek fondue, roast chicken with mustard sauce, chilled seafood market, slow-roasted prime rib with horseradish sauce and plenty of desserts! The buffet is Sunday, May 13 from noon until 9:00 p.m. Reservations from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. will offer moms a special treat — a gift certificate valid for a complimentary enhancement at Relache Spa & Salon! The Spa is offering special discounted rates in May from 20-50% on various massages, facials and customized styling. >Photo Tour ...
Mother's Day Weekend Adventures originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 at 08:00:42.
Permalink | Comment | Email this