New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk

Universal Studios Orlando invites everybody to “Listen to the Music” while Universal CityWalk is “Takin’ it to the Streets” for New Year’s Eve with the Doobie Brothers. Be sure to rock in 2009 with these 1970s era music legends best known for hits like “China Grove,” “Black Water,” and many more. The party starts at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m.

Each ticket for New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk (which is $124.99 + tax if purchased after December 21, 2008) includes:
• Live performances by The Doobie Brothers
• All-you-can-eat gourmet food like filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more.
• Midnight champagne toast

New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk also offers live entertainment at all of the CityWalk nightclubs: Jimmy Buffett's® Margaritaville®, Bob Marley–A Tribute To FreedomSM, the grooveSM, Latin Quarter™, Pat O'Brien's®, Red Coconut ClubSM, and CityWalk’s Rising Star. Be sure to grab your party hats and noisemakers and bid a final farewell to 2008 at Universal Studios Orlando.

Franciacorta - Italy's Answer To Champagne

Franciacorta… the third wine to be discussed in my little miniseries on the sparkling wines of Northern Italy. To recap, we have the Moscato d’Asti from Piemonte, and Prosecco, from the Veneto. In between these two regions we have Lombardy. Land-locked Lombardy, Italy’s largest, most populous region, home to Milan and Lake Como, Lombardy is not known as a major wine-producing area, but it does have the Franciacorta, Italy’s truest answer to Champagne.

Here are the similarities between Franciacorta and Champagne. Both are produced using the Methode Champenoise, or Method Classico, in which the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle. Both are made from the varietals Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. Both use the same labeling system to identify the level of sweetness of each wine. Extra Brut is the driest, followed by Brut, Extra Dry, Sec and Demi-Sec being the sweetest. Like Champagne, Franciacorta must be aged, for at least 18 months, by Italian law; what you get when you use the Methodo Classico is a sparkling wine with smaller and more plentiful bubbles. You also get a more subtle and complex taste, hints of vanilla and almond.

But there are differences as well, between these wines and their French cousins. Only a small amount of Franciacorta is produced each year; only one sixth the amount of Prosecco and far less than Champagne. They work better with food than Champagne also. They are fresh and crisp and lively and pair great with seafood or risotto. In fact, I’ve eaten risotto that has been prepared with Franciacorta in the recipe; this is delicious. Then add another glass on the side. This makes it perfect.

Franciacorta costs more per bottle than Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti. Look for it by the glass at wine bars; an excellent way to try it. Hope you enjoyed this little miniseries; more importantly I hope it entices you to go out and try a bottle or two. Any comments? Suggestions for a next wine to taste? Leave them here...

Guests Can Pay For a Day, Come Back All Year

Guests Can Pay For a Day, Come Back All Year ,For Exciting Entertainment and Non-Stop Thrills.

Big names in country, latin and classic rock, plus a NEW music series, are coming to Busch Gardens and SeaWorld in 2009. It’s the biggest Worlds of Discovery lineup yet with country and classic rock legends at Bud & BBQ, Viva La Música’s chart-topping salsa and merengue, and a new contemporary Christian music series at Busch Gardens.

Can’t decide which event to attend? With a 2009 Fun Card, you can pay for a day and come back all year to catch them all. It’s the best value for again-and-again access to all the amazing animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family adventure the parks offer, plus all of the exciting big-name entertainment. Or, opt for the perfect weekend getaway with Pick 2. Choose any two Worlds of Discovery for only $79.95 and enjoy a one-day visit to each. (Excludes Discovery Cove. Offer available select times of year.)

Visit WorldsofDiscoveryGetaways.com to find the best values every day.

Blazing BBQ and Award-Winning Musicians SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are pairing some of the biggest names in country and classic rock with smokin’ barbecue and ice-cold Budweiser for Bud & BBQ, every Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 through March 1. SeaWorld welcomes Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Daryl Hall and John Oates, and Jason Aldean to its stage Saturdays during the series. Busch Gardens presents Phil Vassar, Miranda Lambert, and Gregg Allman and Friends on Sundays.

Get on Your Feet for Viva La Música Join the fiesta every weekend, March 7 through 29, when Grammy and Latin Grammy-award winning acts perform salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more for Viva La Música. The red-hot lineup includes El Gran Combo, India, Tito El Bambino and Fonseca Saturdays at SeaWorld, and R.K.M and Ken-Y, Guayacan, Grupo Mania and El Gran Combo at Busch Gardens Sundays. Live music, Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Latin heritage combine for this lively experience.

’70s and ’80s Rockers Revisited Independence Day weekend explodes with a pair of performances at Busch Gardens. On July 3, it’s legendary teen heartthrob David Cassidy. From “The Partridge Family” fame to his 18 gold and platinum recordings, Cassidy has had numerous hits throughout the decades, including "I Write the Songs,” “Lyin’ to Myself” and “I Think I Love You.” July 4, former Starship lead singer, Mickey Thomas, rocks Busch Gardens in a special Independence Day celebration, followed by a fireworks finale.

NEW Series Brings Music and Fellowship to the Gardens Glory at the Gardens is the brand new event premiering at Busch Gardens, bringing to the park some of the biggest names in contemporary Christian and Christian rock, including Dove Award winners and nominees. May 9, catch Reliant K, Need to Breathe, This Beautiful Republic, Worth Dying For and Sanctus Real. May 16, the park welcomes Brandon Heath, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Sara Groves and Joel Auge.

Memorable Music Gets Your Toes Tapping Notable names from some of music’s most memorable eras present the Real Music Concert Series Jan. 14 through March 21 at Busch Gardens. From sock-hop era idols to swingin’ big bands, the lineup features something for everyone, including The Les Brown Band of Renown featuring Les Brown Jr., The Terry Myers Orchestra featuring Peter Appleyard, The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Harry James Orchestra featuring Fred Radke, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Osmond Brothers, Mickey Dolenz, Little River Band and The 5th Dimension.

Event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Please visit BuschGardens.com or SeaWorldOrlando.com for concert schedule.

The 2009 Busch Gardens or SeaWorld Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2009. Fun Card and Pick 2 are available at the front gates of SeaWorld or Busch Gardens, online at WorldsOfDiscoveryGetaways.com or by calling (888) 800-5447. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass.

New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

There’s nothing quite like New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World—the music, the dancing, the live performances and late night fireworks ensure that everyone will have a night to remember no matter where they are at the resort. Three of the four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—will be open at midnight to ring in 2009 with a fireworks display. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 8:00 p.m. (the animals probably wouldn’t appreciate all those fireworks after all) with “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.

Elsewhere at the Walt Disney World resort, the Atlantic Dance Hall on Disney’s Boardwalk will host a New Year’s Eve dance party. The $10 admittance charge (a fraction of what you’d pay for parking at a New Year’s Eve party in Manhattan or downtown Chicago) includes a free Champagne toast at midnight. There will also "dueling Video DJ's" playing your favorite music videos and tunes from the '80s, '90s and now. Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba show at Downtown Disney’s West Side will have performances at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Pleasure Island closed down permanently in September but there should new ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in that part of Downtown Disney by the end of 2009.

Visit the Disney Web site for a full listing of events and theme park hours.

Prosecco - Italy's Quintessential Aperitivo

Pro-SEC-co… Pro-SECCO… Prosecco… I never know exactly how to pronounce it, how to quite do that double ‘c’ sound, but no matter, I love saying it anyway. I’d go as far as saying that Prosecco is one of the reasons I go to Italy. Yes, I can buy some decent Proseccos in the U.S. now, but it isn’t that. It’s that 'being able to order it in any bar as an aperitivo for 2 or 3 euro/enjoying it with the free meats and cheese the bars offer at aperitivo time/watching the bubbles in the crystalline straw-colored wine/fresh fruity taste that tastes like summer no matter what time of year it is' thing that appeals to me. Continuing my short series on Italy’s three main sparkling wines, Moscato d’Asti, Prosecco, and Franciacorta, today I’ll focus on the Veneto’s contribution, Italy’s best known sparkling wine, Prosecco.

It’s possible that Prosecco’s signature fizziness was discovered accidentally. Since the Veneto lies in the far Northeast corner of Italy, against the Adriatic Sea, and with the Dolomite Mountains to the north, winters are cold and come early. The Prosecco grape, however, is a grape that ripens late in the season. By the time growers harvested the white Prosecco grapes and crushed them, beginning fermentation, the temperatures would drop, halting that fermentation. No temperature control in those days… At that point the wine would be bottled to rest for the winter. With the warmer temperatures of spring it was found that carbon dioxide bubbles had formed in the bottles, and the incomplete fermentation had created a wine that was sweet, low in alcohol, and slightly fizzy.

Today, the best Proseccos are thought to be those from the area called Conegliano-Valdobbiadene in the Veneto, and they are now produced using the same Charmat method as the Moscato d’Asti. For a wine to be called Prosecco it must contain at least 85% Prosecco grapes; the remainder being made up of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and/or Chardonnay.

Coincidentally, the New York Times ran an interesting article today on the current state of the Italian prosecco industry. Since Prosecco is the name of the grape, and not the region, it may be used for sparkling wines made from it, no matter where they are grown or the wine produced. There’s concern among the Italian growers of Prosecco in the Veneto that this will diminish the value of their product. But we know that while they can copy the name, they’ll never copy the unique terroir, the climate, the temperature, the conditions that make Prosecco from the Veneto the one, the only, the original and true Prosecco.

Like Italy’s other sparkling wines Prosecco should be bought fresh and drank promptly. It’s the quintessential Italian aperitivo drink; and mix it with peach juice and you have the cocktail Venice made famous, the Bellini. Does Prosecco say 'Italy' to you, as it does to me? Have a favorite? Leave a comment here.

Looking for a one-way car rental for New Year's Eve

I'm looking for a One way car rental from Long Island,NY to metro Boston on December 31st.

I have searched most of the major sites, but when I get to the end, they say "no car available on the date". I have some flexibility between 12/30 and Jan 1st, is there any way to search for a one way rental that only include cars that are actually available?

I started with a check on Travelocity -- Budget, Alamo, National, Avis and Hertz all have one way rentals available for December 30th - January 1st.... but only for an airport pickup and an airport drop off. Most non-airport locations close early on December 31st and are not open at all on January 1st. That could be why you were getting a "not available" message. Try Travelocity, or any booking site, to start your search (you can search several car rental companies at once) and play around with your locations and dates.

If you find a rental scenario you can live with, make sure to also check that car rental companies website directly, to see if you can get the rate any lower there.

Many car rental companies restrict their one-way rentals from airport to airport.

Good Luck and hope this helps!

Source
One Way Car Rental Tips

Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante - Piemonte's Sparkling Wines

Just because New Year’s Eve and champagne are practically synonymous doesn’t mean you have to open something French to make a bubbly toast. Italy has its own versions of sparkling wine, with three of the most popular types all originating right here in Northern Italy. Moscato d'Asti, franciacorta, and prosecco; Italy’s own sparklers. In this holiday week between Christmas and New Years I’d like to write a bit about these. This first post in my short series on Northern Italy’s sparkling wines will focus on Piemonte’s contribution to this category.

Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante are produced, naturally, around Asti, in the foothills of the Italian Alps in Piemonte. The Moscato d’Asti is a DOCG wine that has been produced in these hills for centuries. There are references to it found in writings of the 1200s, and a recipe printed in 1606 is not all that different from how the wine is still made today. The ripe Moscato Bianco grapes are separated from their stems just before being pressed. Then, the unfiltered grape juice is separated from the skins. The juice is fermented using the Charmat method, in the tank rather than in the bottle, but only for a short period of time. After fermentation the wine is filtered several times, finally leaving a clean and clear wine. Naturally high in sugar and low in alcohol, slightly fizzante, fizzy, Moscato d’Asti has become a sweet and fruity year-round favorite; perfect for apertivi or lunch, as well as paired with desserts. Simple and perfect.

Its cousin, Asti Spumante, is more effervescent than the Moscato D’Asti. Spumante, literally foaming, is also produced from 100% Moscato Bianco, and produced similarly to the Moscato d’Asti, with the unfiltered grape juice being stored in tanks at near freezing temperatures to prevent fermentation until a desired time. Then, temperatures raised and yeast added to the tanks in the Charmat method, fermentation begins. The main difference between the two wines is the length of fermentation time. Shorter for Moscato d’Asti, and longer for the Asti. Asti is a non-vintage wine, meaning best to find a fresh bottle and drink it soon.

It’s tradition here in Piemonte to have a holiday toast with one’s neighbors and family with one of these sparkling Moscato wines and panettone. Nice tradition… let’s keep it going. Have a favorite? Leave me a comment and tell me which. I always love trying new ones... Click here to comment.

Asti is an easy day trip from Stresa and many of the wineries are open for tastings.

Orlando Hotels International Drive

Hampton Inn - Free breakfast * In room refrigerators, microwave, coffeemaker...
Econolodge Discount Hotel – 1 mile to the Convention Center! Free transfers...
Ramada Lakefront – Rates as Low as $49. Free Deluxe continental breakfast
Rodeway Inn - Kids Eat FREE Program * Walking distance to Wet 'n Wild
Quality Inn Orlando - FREE shuttle to Universal * Special Holiday Rates!
Quality Inn Plaza - Offering best family vacation packages to Orlando Florida

Renting from Budget, with a Debit Card

Can I use a Visa Check Card at Budget, or do they only take major Credit Cards?

Budget accepts debit cards at the majority of their locations in the U.S.

Their website offers the following info:

"If you wish to use a debit card rather than a credit card, be aware that some Budget locations will check your credit with a national credit verification bureau. Other locations might not check your credit, but will require you to present a third form of identification:

For debit card customers renting at an airport location, one of the following is acceptable as a third form of identification in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:

A round-trip airline ticket, e-ticket, or travel itinerary to or from the airport of rental, disclosing a return date and showing the renter's name

A valid U.S. passport or current U.S. military identification card
A current vehicle insurance card

A current copy (within the last 60 days) of the customer's cellular phone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement or utility bill "

...It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. It will tell you what the hold will be on the debit card (generally minimum $300 -$500) and whether or not that location requires additional I.D. to use a debit card or whether you will be subject to a credit check, in order to use a debit card.

Hope this helps?

Things to See Around Orlando: Rising Star at Universal CityWalk

For anyone who has ever had the fantasy of appearing on American Idol, one of the more unique things to see around Orlando is Rising Star at Universal CityWalk. Opened earlier this year to replace the Jazz City club, Rising Star takes karaoke by allowing singers to take center stage as the lead singer of a live band—not a recording, a LIVE band—plus a couple of backup singers to boot.

The cover charge is $7 and there is no extra charge for singing. There are approximately 80 songs to choose from plus a gourmet appetizer menu and a full bar with signature cocktails, which means that you’ll have to be 21 or older to enter, although Thursday nights Rising Star is open to guests ages 18 and older. For more details and ideas for things to see around Universal CityWalk, visit Universal Orlando’s Web site.

Church Bus Rental

As those who dedicate their time and energy to religious service are well aware, planning activities that take place outside of church grounds should be an important part of every ministry. It is an excellent way to improve the spirits and interpersonal interactions of a congregation. Whether it is a day of hiking and outdoor sermons for a youth group, or an weekend trip to build homes with Habitat for Humanity, having the participants interact and reflect in a new environment is sure to produce impressive results.
However, the one thing you don't want to spend a lot of time worrying about is the mode of transportation. For instance, attempting to arrange carpools can be thoroughly frustrating, but you don't want to leave the participants to fend for themselves. If you find yourself faced with this dilemma, it's time to consider a church bus rental.
Here at USACHAUFFEUR.COM, we are sensitive to the particular needs of those seeking church-related transportation: in addition to safety, comfort and reliability, you'll find our drivers will also deliver nothing but the best in terms of professional conduct. However, not only are we receptive to the specifics of church bus rental needs, we are also quite experienced working with church groups. We've even done multi-day overnight trips for both youths and adults alike.
So if you're in need of a church bus rental, make the right choice and contact USACHAUFFEUR.COM. As a family owned and operated company, we'll do everything we can to ensure your motor coach trip is nothing short of perfect. In the end, choosing USACHAUFFEUR.COM means you can take the time you'd spend worrying about transportation and attend to the more important aspects of your ministry--leave the driving to us

Picturesque Presepi

As promised, a few photos of the presepi show on Isola Bella. The collection of almost 100 nativity scenes are scattered around the island, like a treasure hunt, wonderful surprises turning up everywhere. Some are in the obvious places, the church, and the chapel, and others are hidden in less obvious spots; a piece of wood in an alcove becomes a pedestal for a porcelain presepio; a summer tourist newsstand is now a shelter for a large display.

The scene below is actually two-dimensional and etched in a piece of glass. It's small, and locked safely in a frame attached to a stone wall.

This very old and fragile set of figures is made completely of chalk. Sadly, the cow and the Virgin Mary have been lost, and the chalk is crumbling badly in places, but I love the soft colors and tender feel of this arrangement.

A nativity scene as depicted by an Ethiopian artist. Look at the details, the pots and dishes, the women seated on the left working, and the gauzy desert fabrics.

This Asian artist has so lovingly captured a feeling of total adoration. Mary’s hand gently cradling her baby's head, Joseph’s hands folded as he gazes at them. These little faces may be my favorite of all.

It’s quiet on Isola Bella. The weather on Vigilia di Natale, Christmas Eve, was unseasonably warm. Tourists are few. A Christmas mass was held in a small chapel. Normally the chapel holds 18; this day a ‘crowd’ of 40 filled it. Not too many shops are open. Nothing distracts from the serenity, simplicity, and true meaning of the day.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, a gallery of these and other presepi on Isola Bella can be seen by clicking here.

Makahiki Christmas Luau at SeaWorld Orlando

From now until January 4, SeaWorld Orlando’s Seafire Inn will host a Hawaiian style Christmas every night with the Makahiki Christmas Luau, proving once again that you don’t need blustery, cold weather to fully appreciate the holiday season. This festive and fiery show is a celebration of man’s co-existence with the earth and sea, with authentic Christmas music, costumes and dances.

The Seafire Inn is well known for its innovative meals with an international flair, and the luau meal is served family style with traditional Polynesian dishes, which include mahi mahi in pina colada sauce, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and sour pork, tropical salad and fruit, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, drinks and desserts. Advance reservations can be made by calling 1-800-327-2420.

Auguri...

Wherever you are this holiday season, may you be surrounded by friends, family, and love.

Buon Natale a tutti,
Dana

Santa Makes One Last Stop At Aquatica

Santas from all over the world visited Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark in Orlando, to unwind after a busy night delivering presents. The Santas spent the day floating down a tranquil river next to black and white Commerson's dolphins (pictured here) and enjoying the Florida sunshine.

The Presepi of Isola Bella

Being on Isola Bella is always a bit like being inside a fairy tale. This Christmas season it is especially so, as it hosts an enchanting exhibition of presepi, nativity scenes.

Nowhere else in the world has the art of nativity scenes been taken to such a level as in Italy, where the tradition dates back to the 13^th century, when St. Francesco d'Assisi found a small stable and asked for permission to construct a recreation of the birth of Christ. Permission was granted, and a tradition was born. It is my favorite Italian Christmas tradition. I lose myself in each one, taken back in time and place, imagining myself right in the scene.

And in a country with literally thousands of presepi, the ones here on Isola Bella are still unique. A private collection, they are displayed here now in the streets, chapels, and alleys that surround the giant palace owned by the Borromeo family, who live there still. Yes, like a fairy tale. The presepi have been gathered here from all over the world. They are constructed of almost any material you can think of. There are large ones and small ones, elaborate and austere. There are about 100 of them here on display all around the island. I hope to have some photos to post soon of these.

In past years these presepi have been loaned to the merchants of Stresa for the Christmas season and displayed in their shop windows. As lovely as that was, I think this is by far a more meaningful and memorable way to take them in. Magical scenes of a magical event, on display in a magical place.

The presepi will be on display on Isola Bella until January 6, 2009.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Now through January 4, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing will enthrall visitors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and this popular Orlando area tradition has nothing to do with a certain British family that had its own reality show on MTV a few years ago.

The Osborne family display actually got its start 19 years ago when Arkansas business and philanthropist strung up 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter. Eventually, their 22,000-square foot home was covered in twinkling lights as the display continued to grow.

The home display eventually outgrew its original location, and after the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered the display to be turned off, the Osbornes moved their display to Walt Disney World in 1995, where it found a permanent home at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios. Disney has continued to expand the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and in recent years has added 3-D and motion-based displays to the Hollywood Studios back lot.

Hampton Inn Reservations

On your next visit to Orlando, submerge yourself in luxury and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Florida.
Spend some time at the Hampton Inn Universal Studios,just minutes away from one of the best theme parks in the United States, and make some memories for yourself and your family.
The Hampton makes the perfect home away from home for you and your family as you explore the city of Orlando.
Located centrally, just a few minutes from both airport and Disney features, the Hampton can offer you a complimentary shuttle to the theme parks, so no matter when you take off, you will arrive in plenty of time.
The Hampton is quite willing to spoil you to excess, while you take in the sights and check out the Universal Studios, or try out Sea World, they will be working to assure that your visit to Orlando is unencumbered by anything even remotely resembling a care.
These guys are incredible and thats a fact.They offer so many outstanding amenities and extra services and availing yourself of them won't break the bank either.Whether you just want a weekend getaway or a long leisurely visit to Orlando, whether its a holiday away, or a family reunion for fifty, they offer you all that you need to accomplish it in style and easily, with online planning tools to help you get the job done.
Enjoy Orlando to the fullest. Visit Hampton Inn Reservations for your Hampton Inn closest to Universal Studios.

Update! Panettone o Pandoro...

Thanks to Babbo Natale, who made an early stop here, it's going to be much easier for me to decide which of the Christmas desserts I prefer. Wait! I don't have to decide at all. I can enjoy them both! Grazie mille Babbo Natale... :-)

Car Rental for Christmas

Maui Hawaii Car rental... I can't find any, HELP!?

I am trying to find 2 cars to rent in Maui, Hawaii for Dec 27 - Jan 3rd. I have checked all the major rental car companies for the airport and they are all sold out. HELP!

Unfortunately, most car rental companies book up in Hawaii for that time of year, months and months in advance. The only thing that I might suggest is to keep checking; even several times a day. It is usually about 2 weeks in advance, or less, that many people must make modifications or even have to cancel their trips. Also, some car rental companies may try and add more vehicles to their fleet if they are sold out.

Probably the easiest way to check multiple companies at once, is to go to a booking site, like travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.

Good Luck!

Orlando Airport

Orlando International Airport is now the only airport in the state to house on-site, walk-in urgent care. Solantic, a leading provider of walk-in urgent care across Florida, offers travelers an average of $517 savings per patient compared to going to an emergency room while on vacation. The airport clinic features time-conscious technologies, such as cell phone pages and lobby wait time monitors, to let patients know when they will be seen, and a kid’s playroom. Solantic is open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Here are the location details:
9331 A Airport Blvd.Orlando, FL 32827 Phone: 321-319-0349Fax: 407-859-8215Sun. - Sat. 8am - 9 pm
Driving directions:Near the West Checkpoint (Gates 1-59) directly across from the Disney store.

Market Report - Christmas Shopping

It's the last Stresa Friday market day before Christmas and the weather is cooperating by being chilly, but sunny. I expand my search outside of the market proper and into the narrow medieval streets searching for gifts. Here are some of my favorite finds, that I'd like to both give and receive (hint hint).

Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Orlando

From now until January 1, selected balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be spreading holiday cheer to park guests at Universal Studios Orlando—and no one needs to stand outside in freezing temperatures to enjoy them. Visitors will also get to enjoy street performers, marching bands from around the country, and a Rockettes-style kick line. Santa will also make an appearance, and after sundown there will be a spectacular tree lighting ceremony with music and a dazzling display of lights.

The balloons that are scheduled to appear in the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Orlando include the Cat in the Hat, Curious George, and the signature Macy's toy soldier. The parade is just one of many holiday-themed events taking place at Universal Studios Orlando during the month of December, which includes the annual Grinchmas celebration, a KidZone Holiday Show, Barney’s Christmas Show, and the Blues Brothers Christmas Show.

Unlimited Mileage on Car Rentals

Do all car rental companies also charge by the mile, not just the daily or weekly rate?

Most car rental companies offer unlimited mileage on the average rental. You usually see mileage restrictions on speciality vehicles (like SUV's and Minivans), on geographic restrictions ( you only get unlimited mileage if you Drive within certain states or provinces) or one-way rentals (if you're dropping off your vehicle in a different city, state or province). Make sure to check your rate carefully to check and see if it includes unlimited mileage and if there are any geographic restrictions on that rate.

Penguin Chicks Hatched at SeaWorld

Staff at SeaWorld's Penguin Encounter have their hands full this holiday season with nearly two dozen recently hatched penguin chicks. SeaWorld is home to more than 200 penguins, including these recent additions – 24-day-old (left) and 12-day-old (center) Magellanic penguins, as well as an 8-day-old rock-hopper (right).

Leu’s Holiday House

The Leu House Museum at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando will be decorated with festive with Christmas trees trimmed in ribbons and bows, amazing displays for dioramas designed by Ron’s Miniature Shop & Museum and beautiful ornaments garnishing every room. Admission to the 1880s-era Leu House Museum is included with garden admission, which is $7.00 for adults and $2.00 for children grades K – 12. This special holiday event continues through January 1.

Conveniently located near the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Art, the Harry P. Leu Gardens has three miles of paved scenic walkways to allow visitors to stroll through fifty acres of southern styled gardens. Special features of the Harry P. Leu Gardens include America's largest Camellia collection outside California, the largest formal rose garden in Florida, and a two acre tropical stream garden.

For more information visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens Web site or call 407-246-2620.

Panettone or Pandoro?

It’s the big question. The important one in every Stresiani household during the Christmas season. The one asked by pollsters on the street and in surveys online. Namely, will it be Panettone or Pandoro in your home for Christmas? No small matter, and not an easy decision.

On the one hand, there’s the Panettone, the traditional Christmas bread of Milan. There are several legends, as sweet as the bread itself, explaining its origins. I like the one attributing the recipe to a baker named Toni, a servant in the kitchen of the powerful Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan in the late 1400s. A nobleman named Ughetto, pretending to be a kitchen apprentice, prepared a dessert for the daughter of Toni, with whom he was in love. The bread is a success, Ughetto gets his girl, the Duke approves of the marriage and has a new dessert, and the cake is forevermore called pane di Toni, panettone, Toni’s bread.

The process to make Toni’s bread is long and arduous, taking several days, and it is still lovingly prepared in the traditional method in special ovens all over Italy. The basic dough has remained the same for these centuries; the tall cylindrical shape we know today dates to the early twentieth century when a clever baker put a paper shape inside the baking pan to prevent the dough from overflowing. And today the panettone can be found with not only the traditional sultane, raisins, but also with a variety of other fruits, even chocolate chips.

On the other hand there’s the Pandoro, recently gaining in popularity as a holiday bread. Also Northern Italian in origin, Pandoro was originally created in Verona. Pandoro, pan de oro, meaning golden bread, gets its name from the rich color of the cake due to the eggs used for its leavening. What I like about it is its unique shape. Baked in a special pan, the cake, when turned out on a plate, assumes a shape not unlike a Christmas tree. And better, when sprinkled with powdered sugar the effect is of a snowy golden pine. And best, when sliced horizontally, the slices of cake are stars. And best best, some of the newer versions have custard hiding inside!

You can now understand the dilemma. Tough decision. But either way, it wouldn’t be Christmas in this region of Italy without a Panettone or a Pandoro.

Allora, dimmi, so tell me... panettone or pandoro?

Government Car Rental Rates

Rental Car question for Federal Employee?

Are there government rates per day for rental car and does it limit what type of car should I can rent?

You should check with your HR department and whomever handles your department's travel arrangements.

Government rental rates are often restricted to certain vehicles when on official government travel, but government employees (and military personnel) are often entitled to leisure rates on most vehicles if not on government travel orders.

You can check here for a breakdown of government travel programs
for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, National and Thrifty.

Good luck and hope this helps!

hotel in kingdom magic

The Seralago Hotel and Suites Main Gate East is located in Kissimmee, Fla and is one of the hotel in kingdom magic area and stands adjacent to Kissimmee's Old Town. The hotel is positioned three miles from Disney's Main Gate, less than five miles from MGM Studios and seven miles from Downtown Disney and Epcot. The Sports Court Street Bar serves appetizers and cocktails, while Tropical Treasures serves poolside drinks from February to October. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in the lobby, food court and restaurant. The hotel features a fitness room with cardiovascular equipment. The hotel includes two lighted tennis courts, and volleyball and basketball courts. A dungeon-themed game room keeps younger guests occupied. Family-friendly movies are shown nightly in the hotel's theater.Hotel in kingdom magic

Christmas in Milan

I love the way the Christmas season can change the whole mood of a city. And being the fashion capital of the world, Christmas in Milan is celebrated in its own elegant way. The festivities begin early in December, on the Piazza of the Basilica di San Ambrogio, where the O Bei O Bei market starts off the shopping season by offering all kinds of gifts, handmade crafts, religious items, and Christmas decorations. Simple things for the most part; sort of a warm up for the serious shopping to come. And to warm you up while you’re shopping there are vendors with hot drinks, cioccolata and vin brule, to wrap cold fingers around.

To keep the Christmas spirit going Milan has set up two skating rinks, the Villaggio delle Meraviglie at Porta Venezia, and another at the Idroscalo. Fun to watch, even if you don’t feel like skating. There are winter sports for nonskaters too; wander over to the winter wonderland of a snow park that's been created behind the Castle, in Piazza del Cannone, where you can go tubing, or even take a little ski or snowboard run.

As the days tick off towards Christmas many shops in the city will remain open on Sundays and extend their hours. Now’s the time to see and be seen on some of the finest shopping streets in the world. Lights twinkle everywhere. There’s an overabundance of Christmas trees. Trees of silver and gold, trees covered with Christmas balls, and trees wrapped in silken strips. But the piece d’resistance, the thing that sets Milan apart, is the magnificent Swarovski Christmas tree, this year set up in front of Stazione Centrale, Centrale train station. This 12-meter tall tree sparkles and dazzles, emblazoned with 12,000 lights and 8,000 Swarovski crystals.

And as Christmas Eve draws near, the Duomo becomes the center of activity in Milan. Stop inside to warm up, not only your hands but your heart and your soul, moved by the splendor of the cathedral and the music of the many choral groups performing there during the season, and the lovely feeling that only comes at Christmastime.

It’s easy to visit Milan from Stresa and enjoy the Christmas festivities. Visit my post here for some instructions.

SnowFest at RDV Sportsplex Ice Den

Native Floridians will get a rare opportunity to play in the snow during the annual SnowFest on Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den in Maitland, FL just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando off of Exit 90 on Interstate 4.

As the name suggests, SnowFest visitors can play in the (manufactured) snow, ice skate, enjoy DJ music, clowns, bounce houses, and get a chance to meet Frosty the Snowman. Admission is $13 for ages 3-17, $6.50 for ages 18-64, and free for ages 65 and older.

The Ice Den at the RDV Sportsplex boasts one IHL/NHL-sized ice rink (200' x 85') and one Olympic-sized ice rink (200' x 100'). Public skating and skate rentals are available seven days a week. For more details about SnowFest, call 407-916-2550.

Kingdom Magic Park Theme

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial Train to become a pirate. Looking for new recruits, Captain Jack and his mate Mack lead guests through a series of pirate skill tests to prove their mettle. Who is craftiest at wooden swordplay? Who can flash their most menacing pirate grimace? Faster than you can say ”Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho, the Pirate’s Life for Me,” the big moment arrives: getting officially sworn in with the Pirate’s Oath to become honorary buccaneers of Captain Jack’s famous Pirate Crew.
“Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” (Tomorrowland) Guests laugh, joke, sing songs and match wits with the beloved animated characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” in an engaging and interactive attraction created by Disney Imagineers. “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” features one-eyed hero Mike Wazowski, who has opened a comedy club to collect laughs that will generate power for the future. As Monster-of-Ceremonies, Mike recruits two comedian wannabes whose slapstick humor delights and engages audiences. Guests even get to text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.

Cheap Weekend Car Rentals

What's the cheapest car rental in Ottawa for
weekends?

Since my building does not have parking space and buying a car would be a hassle, I'm thinking of renting a car every weekend. Is there a cheaper rental agency or someone that could give me a good deal? I live in Ottawa, ON, Canada

Most car rental companies offer their cheapest rates on weekend rentals. The easiest thing to do would be to go to a booking site, like travelocity or expedia,etc . You can quickly compare lots of car rental companies at once. When you find the cheapest car rental company, try going to their website directly to see if they have any deals or specials that would lower the rate even more.

You can also try using a discount code. There are many membership programs and professional associations that offer car rental discount codes to their members. You can find a list of car rental discount codes for 8 car rental companies at discount codes for car rental.

My last piece of advice would be to book all of your weekend rentals in advance, at the same time. You can always cancel or modify them later, but booking in advance will generally give you a much better rate.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Need Francobolli? The Italian Post Office

My blogging friend Diana, who owns the beautiful Baur B&B in Acqui Termi, Piemonte, has written a hilarious retelling of her encounter in her local Italian post office on a busy afternoon preceding an expected snowstorm. The link to it is below.

It made me think, however, that there are many reasons why you may venture into a post office while here in Italy. Postcards and letters of course, but these days, with airline regulations becoming more and more strict, it may be easier to ship certain items rather than to try to bring them back with you. So use my friend’s story as a little warning that the post office system doesn’t work quite the same way here in Italy as you may be accustomed to, but don’t be discouraged to attempt sending home that case of wine, or that large ceramic vase you desire. I haven’t had quite such an exasperating experience ever at the Stresa Post Office as Diana’s, but bear in mind, if you do need to go there, that it is also a bank, and that sometimes things can seem a bit unorganized. As far as mailing specific items, the Web site of the PosteItaliane may prove helpful to explain what you can ship, and how, and any restrictions that may apply. Just need stamps? Francobolli, stamps, cost 60 euro cents each. International mailings will vary based on destination, size, and weight. To mail a postcard to Europe outside of Italy costs 65 euro cents, and 85 euro cents elsewhere. You can ask for them by saying English numbers, three francobolli, for example. I’ve discovered that holding up the right number of fingers also works well.

The Stresa Post Office is located at Via Anna Maria Bolongaro, 39.

English version of the official Web site: www.poste.it/en/

Link to Diana’s story: Warning... The Post Office May Be Hazardous To Your Health

Link to Baur B&B: http://baurbb.com/

ICE at the Gaylord Palms

This holiday season be part of Orlando's coolest attraction ICE! Featuring a walk-through igloo and a towering gingerbread candy house, meticulously hand-carved from enormous blocks of colored ice

An Evening of Bubbles -- AIS Champagne Tasting

When one travels to a place unknown it is helpful to have a guide, someone who can share their knowledge, and enhance the experience. It is the same with wine; if one is learning about wine, and there is always something new to learn, it is just as helpful to have a guide for this as well. Here in Stresa we are fortunate to have access to the wonderful events planned by AIS, the Associazione Italiana Sommeliers. Each event is presented by an expert of his area of specialization, and all bring a passion and enthusiasm that is contagious.

The next event is planned for this evening. Aperitivo a Tutto Bolle, an Aperitivo of all Bubbles, will offer the opportunity to taste and compare three fabulous champagnes: De Saint Gall Brut Blanc d Blancs, De Saint Gall Brut Tradition, and De Saint Gall Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs. There will be a buffet of aperitivi accompanying the bubbly, and at 16 euro per person, what a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

The Degustazione Champagne, sponsored by AIS, will be held this evening at Mary Lee Cafe, in Crusinallo, Via IV Novembre, 72, at 19.00. Call +339 831 89 37 for information.

The AIS Web site, with a listing of upcoming events, is: www.sommelier.it

Free photo contest at MK this Sunday (2pm) - no RSVP needed!

Do you remember Scott Wolf's book "Where in Disneyland?" It was a photo book that turned on a very simple premise: it showed you a super-close-up picture of a tiny detail, usually of something inside an attraction, and the reader's job was to guess exactly where this was from. You could check your skill by flipping to the next page, and seeing a wide-angle shot of the same detail.

In more recent times, and with today's Internet, many folks have played much the same game on discussion forums. It still has the same appeal as ever!

Folks such as myself have tried over the years to find a way to bring that kind of game into the parks themselves. It's a hard question to answer. What is the live-experience equivalent of guessing where the small detail is?

One early iteration of a game I tried to roll out some years ago was the EyeSpy game: I provided thumbnails of a detail somewhere in the park, and asked folks to write out longhand where exactly they found it. Some variation of that has been going on for several years now, in multiple live-action games.

But it's time to try something new in the parks. The new game, Photo Frenzy, will start the same way, with thumbnails of close-ups distributed on paper, but rather than write out in pen what the location is, participants will instead be asked to *take a duplicate picture* using their own equipment (digital camera or cell phone). At the end of the game, they just show up and reveal to me all the photos they managed to take. Whoever gets the most, wins!

I'm going to roll this out on Sunday, December 14 at the Magic Kingdom. The occasion is MouseFest. If you haven't heard of it, you should go! It's the largest collection of website owners, columnists, bloggers, podcasters, authors, and "independent" Disney personalities out there. The big event is always the Saturday MegaMouseMeet (in this case, on December 13), where all the hosting sites and authors have their own tables to meet folks, say hi, and perhaps to sell goods. You should drop by and say hi to me! It's at the Beach Club this year. It's open to the public--no registration required--from 11:00-1:00.

But the Photo Frenzy--also free and open without need of reservations--takes place the next day, on Sunday December 14. The location for that one is in the Magic Kingdom. We're not going to cover the whole theme park, since the allotted time is only sixty minutes (from 2:00-3:00). It'll be restricted to just one land. We're meeting at 2:00 in the covered verandah in Adventureland, just between Aloha Isle (the place with the pineapple drinks) and the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

If you're in the area, please do come visit, and pick up a game packet! You need only bring something to snap digital pictures with. I'll even bring along a prize or two for the top finishers.

I hope to see you there!

KangaRoom

KangaRoom will be hosting Shop in Socks on Dec. 14 from noon to 5pm. Activities will include Santa's Workshop filled with pre-wrapped gifts for kids to purchase for family and friends :

Reindeer Games

Kids DJ

Dancing

Food and Refreshments

Ornament Crafts

Free Frozen custard

Bouncing of course

Kids may bring or purchase a gift to benefit Give Kids the World . For more details please visit

www.kangaroomparty.com

Personal Car Insurance and a Rental Car

Does my AL car insurance transfer to a rental car rented in AL and drove to CA?

I'm originally from San Diego, CA and moved to Alabama slightly over 7 years ago. My husband and I have reserved a rental car for a trip out to California during the winter break. We made the reservation here in Alabama and will be driving out to California with our children. We have full coverage through Geico on our car, will this insurance transfer to our rental? Will it cover us in all the states we cross or are in?

If you have liability insurance, you are covered, but only for liability. Liability insurance basically covers the driver and not the car. If you have liability insurance, (which is required by law) then you are covered in whatever car you drive, as long as (if it is not your personal vehicle) it is a rare occurrence, and not part of your normal routine. A rental car would be considered a rare occurrence; your insurance company will cover any damages you cause to anyone else (property and injury), up to your limit.

However, your other coverage options may not transfer (collision, comprehensive) so any damage to the you cause to the rental car could be your responsibility. Even if you have collision and comprehensive insurance in your policy, these coverages are specific to the car, so you must check with Geico to see if these coverages carry over to a rental car as well.

Your insurance companies may also offer a special endorsement policy that provides coverage for non-owned cars. But keep in mind, under this plan, if you cause damage to a rental Car it will cause your regular car insurance premium to increase.

Call and discuss your concerns with your Geico agent.

Hope this helps!

Source:
Car Rental Insurance

Rosen Hotels has great Holiday Buffets

Rosen Plaza/Café Matisse

9700 International Drive
Christmas Day Buffet
Buffet Hours: 11:00 am - 7 pm
Price: Adults $31.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 - 12 $15.95 plus tax and gratuity; Bring in this listing for $3 off each adult.
Grand Holiday Buffet Brunch featuring a traditional buffet of holiday favorites such as Christmas roast prime of beef, sliced roast turkey with chestnut dressing, pork loin, whipped new potatoes with cheddar and scallions and serving stations with seafood selections such as oysters on the half shell and beer basted shrimp, chilled salads and antipastos, soups, a fruit and granola bar and extensive dessert station with chocolate drummer boy cake, Christmas yule log, NY cheesecake, rum cake, Christmas cookies and more is available at the Rosen Plaza/Café Matisse.Visit Rosen Hotels and for more orlando hotels

Osteria del Castello

The first time I went to Osteria del Castello was on a beautiful summer night, and we sat outside on one of the picnic-style tables arranged in front of the restaurant. There was a simple pergola of twigs and branches overhead, spun with twinkling lights and greenery, and the location of the osteria, in a quiet and dimly lit stone-paved piazza, lent even more to the ambience. I never even put a foot inside the actual restaurant that evening. The menu was handwritten on a blackboard on the wall, and even that wasn’t necessary. The cameriere, the waiter, came to the table and told us what local cheeses, risotto, meat, and fish were being prepared. We ordered costata, steak, and it comes the way I love, a big, beautiful bistecca, perfectly cooked, brought to the table on a cutting board to slice and share as we liked. There were also giant knives, which made me think of medieval banquets and kings. I felt like jamming the point of the knife down into the wooden table after each cut. (I didn’t.)

In winter Osteria Il Castello is just as warm indoors as that summer night was outdoors. The cozy two-floor restaurant, which is one of the oldest in Verbania, has walls lined with wine bottles and barrels. There is no wine list. There are, however, over 400 wines to choose from, and they are exclusively Italian, for the most part local, certain available varietals may be listed on the chalkboards, and the rest are yours to discover either by asking or searching among the shelves. And at approximately 20 euro per person, excluding wine, this is, indeed, a special place for food lovers and wine lovers alike.

Osteria del Castello
Piazza Castello, 9, Verbania
+39 0323 516579
Hours: 12.30 to 15.00, and again from 19.30 to 1. Closed Mondays.
Dinners cost approximately 20 euro per person.

Web site: www.osteriacastello.com

Light Up UCF at UCF Arena

The UCF Arena on the University of Central Florida campus is bringing a new tradition to Orlando with Light Up UCF this holiday season. Running from November 14, 2008 until January 2, 2009, Light Up UCF promises 50 nights of music, lights, and ice (which is a little hard to come by in Central Florida even at this time of year).

As part of Light Up UCF, Santa will be appearing nightly inside the UCF Arena lobby from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. from now until December 23. The movie nights through the month of December include a Miracle on 34th Street, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Jingle all the Way, The Polar Express, and Babes in Toyland. The films and the holiday light show in front of the UCF Arena are free.

For just $10 per person, visitors can ice skate at the plaza ice rink in front of the UCF Arena (skate rentals are included with the cost of the ticket). The nearby Community Pavilion will also feature concerts from local high school bands and choirs. Visit lightupucf.com for exact dates and movie times, as well as directions and additional details about all of the activities at Light Up UCF. Hotels near UCF area

History of the Nutcracker Ballet

Nutcracker Ballet in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center.The Orange County Convention Center will host the Central Florida Ballet company’s production of “The Nutcracker” for two performances on Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 7:00 p.m. and one performance at Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be held at the Linda Chapin Auditorium at the Orange County Convention Center on Orlando’s International Drive.

Pyotr IIyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet originally premiered in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The story is based on the classic fairytale story of a Nutcracker toy soldier that comes to life as an enchanted prince and saves a pretty young maiden, Maria, from distress. Through music and dance, the Prince takes Maria through a magical journey to the kingdom of “The Land of Sweets.” There they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier who pay tribute and honor to Maria with a festive celebration in the second and final act.

For more information about obtaining tickets for the Nutcracker Ballet at the Orange County Convention Center, visit the Central Florida Ballet company’s Web site at History of the Nutcraker Ballet