Firkin and Kegler

The Firkin and Kegler Family Entertainment Center is tucked away behind the Waterford Lakes shopping, dining and entertainment center on the east side of Orlando, just a few miles south of the University of Central Florida campus. Although Firkin and Kegler does have its own restaurant and pub, the real attraction here is the electronic bowling alley, arcade, and golf simulations.

The bowling alleys are state of the art, plenty of HD flat screens around to show the latest sports games. In keeping with the British pub atmosphere, there is a wide selection of domestic and imported bottles and draft beer, as well as wine and cocktails. The arcade uses plastic cards that can have a certain dollar amount programmed onto them and are swiped through a special electronic reading device before the beginning of each game. Any points (which can be redeemed for prizes) are also tabulated on the card, so there are no coins, tokens, or tickets required at Firkin and Kegler.

For the adult crowd, Firkin and Kegler has an upstairs dance floor, and there are private party rooms to accommodate birthdays, corporate events and other special occasions. Best of all, Firkin and Kegler’s location in Waterford Lakes ensures that guests can go shopping or even catch a movie as they round out a full day of entertainment for their family.

Orlando’s very own Darden Restaurants

While casual dining establishments like Olive Garden and Red Lobster are familiar sights in other parts of the country, they are particularly abundant in Orlando, where the corporate headquarters of Darden Restaurants is located. Through subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates more than 1,700 restaurants including Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52. Another Darden restaurant chain, Smokey Bones, was sold off in 2008. The restaurants are still in the Orlando area under different ownership.

In and around Orlando, especially in the tourist areas and the Florida Mall, Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants can frequently be seen located in close proximity to each other. Olive Garden specializes in Italian fare (especially the lunchtime soup, salad and breadsticks) while Red Lobster is the world's leading seafood restaurant company. The newly acquired Capital Grille is located at the Pointe Orlando shopping, dining and entertainment center on International Drive.

While Red Lobster, Olive Garden, the western-themed LongHorn Steakhouse and the Caribbean-inspired Bahama Breeze cater to a family-friendly all-ages crowd, The Capital Grille and Seasons 52 are decidedly more upscale and best suited for adults. Seasons 52 has locations in Altamonte Springs and the Dr. Phillips neighborhood of Orlando, and both restaurants need reservations well in advance. Seasons 52 is beast known for serving up seasonal dishes paired with an extensive wine list, featuring a new menu every week.

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

Now through January 3, enjoy the coolest exhibit in the Orlando area as ICE! returns to the Gaylord Palms and Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL. This holiday attraction is carved from nearly 2 million pounds of ice. The colorful and crystalline sculptures of ICE! are carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China, who spend more than a month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction.

To save time and money, tickets can be purchased in advance online. Dress warmly as well—bring hats, gloves and closed toe shoes because the exhibit is kept at a frigid 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Long blue parkas will be provided, especially for anyone who wants to slide down the ice slides. Other highlights include a frozen carousel, colorful ornaments and other characters, Santa Claus, and a beautiful nativity scene. At the end of your journey through a Winter Wonderland, kids can have their photos taken with Santa and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at the Gaylord Palms atrium lounge.

For more information, visit the Gaylord Palms Web site.

Capital One Bowl 2010

If it’s New Year’s Day, it’s time to head over to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The 2010 Capital One Bowl matches up #12 LSU (9-3) vs. #13 Penn State (10-2) at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 1.

The Capital One Bowl is considered to be the biggest non-BCS bowl game in the country. In addition to the game itself, tickets are available for several related events on New Year’s Day: the kickoff luncheon will be held at noon on New Year’s Day at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, the Kuykendall Gardner Hospitality Village will be held at Tinker Field by the Citrus Bowl, and the family-friendly Capital One FanFest will be held at McCracken Field by the Citrus Bowl. Visit the fcsports.com Web site for ticket prices.

Although the name Capital One Bowl has only been around since 2003, it is actually one of the oldest college bowl games in the country. The Capital One Bowl used to be known as the Tangerine Bowl (1947-1982) and the Florida Citrus Bowl (1983-2002).

Champs Sports Bowl 2009

Orlando hosts the first of two bowl games this week with the Champs Sports Bowl on Tuesday, December 29 at 8:00 p.m., which pits the #15 ranked Miami Hurricanes against #25 University of Wisconsin. In addition to game tickets available on http://www.fcsports.com/, there are also tickets for sale for the Champs Sports Bowl 2009 kickoff luncheon to be held at noon on Monday December 28 at the Marriott World Center.

Since the 2006 football season, the Champs Sports Bowl has matched teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big Ten Conference. The Champs Sports Bowl has been in existence since 1990 under different names. In 2001 it was relocated from Miami’s Pro Player Stadium and has also been called the Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl and the Mazda Tangerine Bowl.

Epcot Christmas candlelight processional

Each year during the holiday season, Epcot’s World Showcase area celebrates Christmas around the world with a traditional candlelight processional. The “Holidays Around the World” celebration that includes a choral musical performance and orchestra hosted by a celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story.

The shows are at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. each evening at America Gardens Theatre. The 2009 celebrity narrators scheduled to appear December 24 – 26 is actor Edward James Olmos, and on December 27 – 30 are Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance. For more information visit the Disney Web site.

New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

If you venture out to Walt Disney World on New Year's Eve, be prepared for larger than usual crowds. Any of the Disney restaurants requiring reservations will be booked well in advance, and getting a Fast Pass for your favorite ride as soon as you get past the ticket gate should be a top priority if you don't want to spend more than an hour in the standby line.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the parks—especially Magic Kingdom—sometimes close down for additional guests if the park reaches maximum capacity--so come early. Reservations at one of the restaurants does not guarantee admittance if the park reaches capacity before you get there. Park hopping is not recommended on New Year's Eve.

Magic Kingdom (which is open until 2:00 a.m.) and Epcot (open until midnight) will have special fireworks displays on New Year's Eve, and Disney's Hollywood Studios (also open until midnight) will have evening performances of their famed Fantasmic light and sound show, which is full of Disney's most beloved heroes and heroines as well as their most memorable villains. Animal Kingdom will close at 8:00 p.m. and does not have any fireworks displays (because, quite frankly, the resident animals would not like it).

Other popular places to spend New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World include Downtown Disney and Disney's Boardwalk. No matter where you ring in the New Year, you'll always be at the center of the action if you spend it at Walt Disney World.

Greek on East Orlando

Just had Cypriana in east Orlando - awesome sit down Greek food at just over fast food prices. We will be back next week! It's never busy, though, so I worry about them closing.

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Last chance for Florida residents to get 3 free months on Disney annual pass

December 31, 2009 is the deadline for Florida residents to purchase a Walt Disney World Annual Pass for 2010 and get 3 free months (the passes expire 15 months from the date of purchase). Annual Passes are the most affordable way for Florida residents to enjoy all four Disney World theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
The Disney World Theme Park Premium Annual Passes for Florida Residents are $489 for ages 10 and up and $431 for ages 3 to 9 and include:

· 365 days of magic at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks
· Same-day admission to all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks
· Admission to DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park, Disney water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and Disney′s Oak Trail Golf Course
· Theme park parking
· Special Passholder discounts and offers

The Theme Park Annual Passes for Florida Residents are $369 for ages 10 & up and $325 for ages 3 to 9 and include:

· 365 days of magic at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks
· Same-day admission to all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks
· Theme park parking
· Special Passholder discounts and offers

For more information, visit the Disney Web site.

Buon Natale a Tutti

From Stresa, Italy, and from West Chester, Pennsylvania, and also from New York City, where I took a short pause this past week to see those Christmas sights, Stresa Sights wishes each and every one of you the very merriest of Christmases and the very happiest of New Years.

Thank you all for stopping by Stresa Sights in 2009. Please come back again in 2010.

Play unlimited golf with the Harmony Golf Preserve 7-Day VIP Pass

Play unlimited golf with the Harmony Golf Preserve 7-Day VIP Pass and stay at nearby Lakeside Inn & Café. The only restaurant and hotel located on beautiful Alligator Lake, just minutes from Harmony Golf Preserve. Relax at this old-fashioned, boutique-style hotel with restored guest rooms. Your room includes cable TV, mini fridges and microwaves. Wake up with a free Continental breakfast or visit the on-site cafe. Then be a VIP at Harmony Golf Preserve.

The only Johnny Miller signature course, it's designated as a "preserve" and is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, incorporating existing wetlands and wildlife. The result? A 4 1/2-star rating from Golf Digest as one of the best places to play in Florida. Choose Lakeside Inn for a truly unique Florida experience where you'll enjoy a serene natural setting, priceless sunsets and warm lake breezes so close to your favorite Florida golf course: Harmony Golf Preserve. Don't need a hotel? You can also book the 7 day pass alone.

SeaWorld better decorated than Disney

The MK has some decorations, though not everywhere. And only cuz they have a party they want you to pay for.

DHS has good decorations, especially the phenomenal Dancing Lights. But epcot is all but unadorned.

Meanwhile SeaWorld has five Xmas shows and almost all light poles have garlands. Lights are everywhere. Looks great!




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Walt Disney World during the holidays

The best part about visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays is enjoying the warm temperatures in Central Florida. The average high in Orlando during the month of December is 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is 51 degrees—not bad when you consider that there are other parts of the country that are buried under a blanket of snow with sub zero wind chill factors during this time of year. Even the Blizzard Beach water park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the month of December, although Typhoon Lagoon is close for its annual refurbishment (only one Disney water park is open during the winter months).

The only downside to “doing Disney” during the holidays would be the crowds. With schools out all over the country during the last two weeks of December, Walt Disney World is in the middle of one of its peak tourist seasons (spring break and summer break are also peak periods). Florida resident season passes usually have a blackout period during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Being out of school isn’t the only reason why people are attracted to Disney during the holidays, however, events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (pictured) are annual Disney World traditions that draw residents and visitors to the parks every year.

Value Car Hire with affordable limits

A value Car hire could be the best option in a case when you to reach your destination at the shortest possible time or through the shortest route. This will let you to afford the car hire rates as well achieve your objective to be at the right place and the correct time.

At present there are a number of car hires services which provides easy car solutions to all destinations round the world. Whenever you are exiting from an airport terminal in any place you do not have to worry about your communications. Value Car hire deals are easily accessible as well as reasonable. Being with the reputed car hire agencies you won’t have the fear of getting harassed personally or monetarily. You can access value Car hire deals even from your home by booking for a future journey through online registration.Auto Parts Warehouse

Value Car Hire with affordable limits

European Car Rental Enables You to Save Enormous Amounts

A European Car Rental is the perfect option while travelling with the continent. You will have to make payments of the rented cars depending on the hours or distance you travel. It is very economical to choose European Car Rental and option of luxury and budget cars is also there.

You have the option to hire cars with drivers. A European Car Rental will also allow you to hire cars that will be driven by you. So hiring cars in this way provides independence and you can enjoy the holiday trip to the fullest. European Car Rental provides you the option to choose the cars. So you can hire that car that provides utmost luxury and comfort. Also if you have the desire to travel on a specific car then they provide you this facility too. Different types of cars like large cars, small cars, smart cars and mini cars are also available. Depending on the area of travel you can select among them.

By going for a European Car Rental you are not required to invest massive amounts. Special discount offers are there for travelling within European cities. Also modes of payments are very simple. So making payments is not a matter to panic. They provide local drivers so that the drivers can serve the purpose of guides. European Car Rental also gives you the opportunity to higher cars on long term basis or short term basis. Getting the cars is very simple. You can easily book a car over the internet in advance

Flexible Car hire agencies

With the demands in the market for easier transportation many Car hire agencies have arrived that are ready to provide easy modes of commuting at affordable rates. The best flexibility of these Car hire agencies is that, they are ready to provide services to any destination from their hire point. They are widely spread over great areas and especially the airports, where they are easily be boarded without any confusion. Services have been so popular that, any person on a business trip can arrive in a city, travel to his destination in a hired car, complete his work and then return back to the airport the same day.diesel engine parts

The best thing with the Car hire agencies is that they are easily moldable with the market rates and have given the freedom of payment modes. You can hire the cars on hourly basis as well as on distance basis. However, in case of distance basis, the cars are not going to wait in between destinations. They are more suitable for point to point communication. Varieties of cars are also provided by these Car hire agencies which vary from luxury quality cars to general budget cars at affordable prices.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld with a Splash

Families can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld on December 31 with Michael Andrew and his Atomic Big Band during a musical extravaganza including the best in pop, Latin and swing music. At the stroke of midnight, the evening sky will shine even brighter with a vibrant fireworks show to celebrate the New Year -- and it is all included with park admission. Guests also can enjoy three all-new holiday shows and returning favorites.

For show times and event details, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com . Make you vacation more fun try one of Sea World Vacation Package

Don't Unplug the lights!

It would be easy to unplug a few of the Osborne lights in this hallway to the Muppets.




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New DHS sign?

This warehouse used for Star Wars Weekends used to have only an A-frame




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Santas new sleigh

Dashing through the sea and sky, Santas fly high and dive deep aboard their new sleigh, Manta, SeaWorld Orlando’s flying roller coaster.

All Walt Disney Characters

All Walt Disney characters have a place at Walt Disney World, although the characters you may find depend on the overall theme of the park. All Walt Disney Characters are well-represented in Walt Disney World gift shops, especially at places like The Emporium at Magic Kingdom or the 12-room World of Disney store in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace, which is the largest Disney character store in the Walt Disney World Resort—and on Earth. World of Disney is the best spot to find all Walt Disney characters in various forms of Men's, women's and kids' apparel, Disney character merchandise, collectibles, arts and crafts, plush toys, trading pins, watches, and much more.

For character greetings, the best place to find them is at Magic Kingdom. This is where you will find the most Disney Princesses—plus the Disney Fairies, Mickey & Minnie, Toy Story’s Woody & Buzz, and many more Walt Disney characters. Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, the newest Disney Princess, is currently in a parade at Liberty Square with a meet and greet behind the Liberty Tree Tavern. And of course, there is always the Cinderella Castle for character dining. Disney character dining with the Winnie the Pooh characters can be found at the Crystal Palace.

Dining with the Disney Princesses is also available at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot at the Norway pavilion of the World Showcase. In the Future World area of Epcot, visitors can explore The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Other than those attractions, there are not as many Disney characters at Epcot (unless you count Figment, who does have his own character meet and greet).

At Animal Kingdom, the Tusker House offers Donald’s Safari Breakfast and all of the characters from The Lion King are well represented in The Festival of the Lion King live performances. The Camp Minnie-Mickey greeting trails include Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and other Walt Disney characters. Lesser known characters like Jiminy Cricket and Pocahontas can also be spotted for character meet and greets at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the go-to place for Pixar characters at the Block Party Parade, the Little Einstein characters from Playhouse Disney Live, plus live performances based on The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. This is also the hot spot for non-animated Disney characters like the cast of High School Musical.

At Walt Disney World, it’s all about the characters, and no matter where you go, you are sure to find them, whether it is at a character meet and greet, dining experience, or purchasing a souvenir at one of the many gift shops. Make your Walt Disney World vacation more fun, check out what is happening at the Walt Disney World Resorts .

Tickets and Packages
Disney Vacation Packages
Disney World Tickets

Disney World Dining
Disney's Character Dining

Disney World Info.
Disney's Fast Pass
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney Events
Mickey's Christmas Party - Nov. 10 - Dec. 18, 2009
Epcot's Candlelight Processional - Nov. 27 - Dec. 30, 2009

One Way Pickup Truck Rental

I am in San Diego CA and need to go to Dallas TX. I want to rent a pick up truck in order to take a few things with me,(mountain Bike)and other items best for truck bed. Can I rent a pick up truck one way?? or is it best to have some one Rent one in Texas Drive it out here and then go back or for me to fly to texas and do same,,,it seem that if u got out of state, milaige rates go up??? Any ideaas or suggestion thanks

I did some checking and could find no one way pickup trucks anywhere. I don't think it's something that's allowed in general.

You certainly could have some one rent one in Texas, drive it out to San Diego and then go back or you could fly to Texas and do same; but there may be another option that you may want to look at first.

I know it's bigger than when you need, but renting a 10' moving truck one way may be a cheaper option.

I checked with Budget Truck Rental and UHaul. Both companies will allow a one way pickup truck from San Diego to Dallas. With Budget, the costs starts around $1000 or so for a week and had unlimited mileage.

Budget truck rental website offered the following tip

"...the best rates and availability are mid-week (Sun.-Thurs.) and mid-month"

A UHaul rental was a little bit more expensive and and the rental was limited to 1608 miles (for up to 6 days).

Just something you may want to consider along with your other options.

Hope this helps!

More info on Truck Rentals

Highland Manor's New Year's Eve Events

“New Year’s Eve Champagne Dinner”
Price: $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Place: 604 East Main Street, Apopka, Fla.
Reservations recommended, but not required. For more information, call 407-886-6226
www.highlandmanorapopka.com

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Highland Manor where guests can enjoy a champagne toast as the perfect start to an elegant three-course dinner. For course one, select from your choice of one starter such as Highland crab cake, Porcini mushroom soup and grass fed beef carpaccio. For your main course, enjoy a choice of either Dover sole stuffed with rock shrimp, grilled filet of beef with wild mushrooms, boiled porch chop with mashed sweet potato, prime rib and stuffed artichokes with seasonal vegetables. For dessert select from egg nog panna cotta, warm chocolate tart and apple cranberry crumble with maple ice cream. Live music adds ambiance for an unforgettable evening.

“New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Manor”
Price: $95 per couple or $47.50 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Time: 9 pm – 1 am
Place: 604 East Main Street, Apopka, Fla.
Reservations recommended, but not required. For more information, call 407-886-6226
www.highlandmanorapopka.com

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Celebration like no other at Highland Manor featuring an extensive holiday buffet, live music and dancing in Highland Manor’s Grand Ballroom, live showing of the NY Times Square Ball Drop toasted with champagne and all of the right party makers to ring in the new year in style. The special New Year’s Eve buffet includes Chef John Mooney’s favorites such as the Highland raw bar, carved prime rib, baked shrimp d’john, gin and tonic salmon, roasted pork loin with corn bread stuffing, thyme roasted pistachio chicken and sides from maple glazed sweet potatoes to baked mac and cheese. Top off the evening with apple cranberry cobbler, eggnog crème caramel, warm chocolate tart and a dark chocolate fountain.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Now through January 4, the Streets of America at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios comes to life with music and lights as part of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The festivities begin after the sun goes down around 6:00 p.m., as crowds gather to wonder in amazement at the millions of twinkling Christmas lights that have been a tradition since 1995.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual Christmas display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights until the assortment became large enough that Walt Disney World Resort offered to become the new permanent home for their holiday display. Now sponsored by Sylvania, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights also includes flurries of snow (on the warm Florida breeze) plus plenty of excitement as Disney visitors enjoy the multicolored lights synchronized to the tune of their favorite Christmas carols.

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate!

Celebration Suites is getting pumped for this year’s bowl games! Orlando is home to the Capital One Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl, and fans take this chance to watch the games and visit Central Florida’s famous attractions. Miami, LSU, Penn State and Wisconsin football fanatics are going to be enjoying much more than the game this year! Celebration Suites is located 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World and next to Interstate 4 which takes fans directly into the action less than 20 minutes away! Why not double up on the excitement this year?

This holiday season, you can help children in need by taking staying at Celebration Suites. Mention the code “KIDS” when reserving your suite for December and Celebration Suites will donate $10 to Give Kids the World, a non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

There’s too much happening in Orlando to miss, so bring the whole family! Spend this season together in a suite that sleeps six people, or even a two bedroom suite that sleeps ten. With a free scheduled shuttle to the parks, there’s no excuse not to experience all that Orlando has to offer while you enjoy your stay at Celebration Suites!

Cheapest Car Rental Scenario for Disney World Christmas Eve

I'm looking for tips for the most affordable way in the following senario?

I need to drive from disney world to jacksonville, FL 12/24/09.
I fly out of Jacksonville, Fl 12/30/09.
I will be visiting family there so could possibly return car upon arrival.
Thank you for your advice.

The first thing I did was check Travelocity (so I could compare mulitple companies at once) for pickup at Disney World on the 24th of December. When I tried checking rates it appears that all the disney world locations are closed Christmas eve. The airport car rentals are the only ones open.

If you look at pickup at the Orlando airport (MCO), on the 24th of December, Budget seems to be the cheapest - over $100 for one day - if you drop off at the Jacksonville airport (JAX) within 24 hours.

If you look at renting at a disney location for pick up on the 23rd of December and dropping off in Jacksonville within 24 hours, Budget is still the cheapest (still over $100 for the one day).

If you look at renting for the full time - pick up at a Disney World location on the 23rd of December to drop off in Jacksonville on the 30th - Avis seems to be the cheapest - over $800.

YOur best bet always is to compare mulitple companies and book as far in advance as you can. Booking sites like Travelocity are great because you can compare multiple car rental companies at once, but I would always still double check the cheapest supplier through their own website as well. You can also check with a discount code, if you qualify. There are hundreds of membership programs and professional associations that offer car rental discount codes to their members. You can find a list of over 350 car rental discount codes for 8 major car rental companies on my website, at Car Rental Discount Codes

I hope this helps!

20 percent off prepay special for Holiday Inn Main Gate East

In honor of the re-launching of the Holiday Inn Main Gate East in Kissimmee, FL—just minutes away from the main gate of Walt Disney World—guests at the Holiday Inn Main Gate East can get a 20 percent discount on their hotel room stay price if they book their reservation for three nights or more and prepay for the room.

The newly renovated Holiday Inn Main Gate East has interior corridor access for all guest room accommodations, updated amenities and includes complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Outlet Stores.

Guests can book online and use the reservations booking code IDOTH20P. Holiday Inn will charge the credit card within 24 hours for the entire amount of your hotel reservation after the reservation has been made online. The entire hotel reservation amount is forfeited if the hotel reservation is cancelled, and a five day advance purchase is required. This offer is not available December 27, 2009 to January 2, 2010.

Get to Know More about London Car Hire

London is the one place in Europe, which is, visited for both work and leisure purposes. Needless to say, there is always demand for London Car Hire services. The number of companies providing these services in London is unimaginable. There are car rental services available in all the cities of London and that too at very reasonable prices. For a little amount of money, you can have the comfort and convenience of traveling at your own leisure as compared to public transport. The London car hire companies are extremely efficient and reliable. They also have a wide variety of cars in the best condition and the most polite and helpful chauffeurs.

Whether it is a van or you are looking for or a luxury car, these companies have it all. There is also an availability of economical cars as well as sports cars. The London car hire services are one of the best and a little bit of research and knowledge can save you a loot of money. There are a lot of websites which give you an option to compare the services as well as prices of various car hire companies in London. This way, you know exactly what company you want to opt for. These websites also allow you to make your bookings through the internet.

Ways of Choosing Budget Car Rental

The best form of car rentals are the ones that are high on quality and low on prices. Almost all the companies are now providing budget car rental services to their clients so that it is mutually beneficial to the company as well as the client. There are packages offered by these companies, which are aimed at people who want cars on hire for days at a stretch. Taking these packages puts them at a financial benefit as compared to hiring cars each individual day. The longer the duration of the car hire, the more is the monetary advantage.

Another way of availing budget car rental services is by hiring economy cars and not ones from the luxury car section. In addition, the discount coupons as well as offers of the car rental companies should be made use of. These companies have secret discount codes on their websites, which put the client at a benefit of saving some serious money. Hence, budget car rental services are not that difficult to acquire, provided you research a little.

Book your way to a smart car hire

Booking online can be a good decision and can fetch you a smart car hire deal. When it comes to travelling in a new country, car hire is the way to go. It is difficult to explore a new city to the full without hiring a car and being independent. Thus it is always best to book a car rental in advance to get the best deals.

All major car hire companies have their own websites which offer good discounts when booked in advance. Such smart car hire deals can be availed when a person makes a travel plan in advance. There are many types of cars available for rent and it depends on the budget of a person to choose from them. Generally smart car hires are of those small, economical cars which have good fuel efficiency and excellent mileage.

These cars are hired by people who want to ravel on a low budget and want to spend less. At the same time, they want best quality and comfort of the journey. Then a small smart car hire is the ideal option. These small economical cars give you value for money and can be two seater as well as four seater cars. These smart car hires are a better option than a bus or train as it gives the person the independence of travelling on his own time. With train and buses running on strict schedules, the traveller has to follow them ritually. But a smart car hire doesn’t cost much more than train tickets and still makes you independent. Booking a smart car hire can be the best option when looking for low budget efficient cars for hire.

Lake Eve Resort Celebrations

Lake Eve Resort celebrated their first Thanksgiving holiday with their guests 2 weeks ago in an exceptional way. Thanksgiving Dinner was served on and the menu included Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie and all of the accompaniments and allowed it’s guests to celebrate this special holiday with their families while, away from home.

A violinist played while guests enjoyed the relaxing setting of Siddhi Steakhouse throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Poolside there was a DJ with free entertainment playing favorites on the pool deck. Food and Beverage Specials were also available. All sources say that it was a success.

For the upcoming Holiday Season, dinners are planned, entertainment has been booked and activities have been established to celebrate with our guests during this very special time of year. Every holiday will be celebrated at Lake Eve Resort in the same style. For your next trip to Orlando, choose Lake Eve.

Winter Holidays Aboard Disney Cruise Line

Winter Holidays are magical aboard Disney Cruise Line where guests will find a nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby.

An Extravagant Presepe at Spazio Luparia

Giuseppe Loda made his first terracotta house when he was 8 years old. He baked it in his grandfather Paolo's kiln. Now, Loda creates nativity scenes of truly spectacular size. His latest work is over 12 meters in length, 4 meters in depth, and features over 100 statues. It is on display in Stresa in Spazio Luparia, an always fascinating little gallery located on Via Bolongaro, just off of the new Piazza Pozzi.

Loda spends an entire year working on each of the enormous presepi. He creates each piece, no matter how minute, by hand and by himself. Loda explains, "I construct all myself, the houses, the vegetation. See those houses in the Arabic style on the hill? I constructed them and also the palms. It is meant to be a homage to the immigrants of the Muslim faith. The lights that shine through the windows of those houses are the types used in their religion." There is also a homage to Stresa in this presepe; don't miss the reproduction of the little train which ran at one time to the summit of Mt. Mottarone.

As Loda learned the art of ceramics and nativity building from his 'nonno Paolo', he is hoping that the passion will again skip a generation and be picked up by his grandson, Eduardo. "To my own two sons I didn't succeed to pass it on," he says. Let's hope that six-year-old Eduardo shows an interest, as talent such as this would be a shame to lose.

Spazio Lupario will be open to view Giuseppe Loda's hand-crafted and animated precepe
on December 20, 25, 26, and 27, and in January on the 2, 3, 6, 9,
and 10. Yes, it is open on Christams Day, making it the perfect
place to warm up temporarily during that after-Christmas-lunch
stroll.

This article has been translated from the original on Stresa 2.0, Stresa's own news blog.

Can I rent a Car One Way if I Don't have Personal Car Insurance?

I am wondering if I can rent a car to return to Salina KS from Las Vegas, around mid Feb 2010. Also, I have a valid KS driver's license but don't own a car. Is it possible to rent one-way and would me not having car insurance present a problem? Thank you!

Hertz is the only company that has a location in Salina (at the airport); one way rentals are allowed and available for booking.

Avis, Alamo and Dollar allow the one way rental, but their closest location to Salina is in Wichita.

Budget allows the one way rental, but their closest location to Salina is in Hutchinson.

Enterprise website states:

"As a rule, Enterprise does not specialize in state-to-state or city-to-city one-way rentals. However, some Enterprise offices can, on occasion, accommodate your needs in this area. To ensure accurate booking, one way rentals are not available online or through email. Please call 1-800-261-7331 and one of our agents would be happy to assist you."

Thrifty did not offer the one way option; their closest location was in Wichita.

Re: the insurance:

The Hertz website states

"Hertz will provide secondary liability protection from claims of injury by others against you resulting from an accident with the rental car. Your personal/business insurance is primary to the minimum state limits. In the
event there is no applicable liability protection, Hertz, by default, becomes primary."

So because you have no personal automobile insurance, Hertz automatically provides primary liability coverage, but only up to the minimum limits required by state law. (They do offer a Liability Insurance Supplement that you can purchase, if you wish to have more than the minimum coverage) Note that the basic liability coverage
from Hertz does NOT cover any loss or damage to the rental car itself... that would be a seperate, optional waiver (Loss Damage Waiver) if you wish to purchase it.

Hope this helps!

More info on:


Car Rental Insurance Overview

One Way Car Rentals

Edible Carousel is a Holiday Tradition at Disney's Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World

You Can't Ride This Carousel But You Can Eat It! - This life-size, edible carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney's Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Featuring ponies made of sugar, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and portraits of famous Disney characters on a lighted roof of gingerbread, the spinning carousel is created by Disney Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer and his talented team. Each holiday season, Disney chefs deck the halls in sweet fashion, creating larger-than-life, edible displays all across the 47-square-mile Walt Disney World Resort. Make your Disney Vacation more fun with Disney World Vacation Packages

Graffiti For Christmas

The presepi season is in full swing in Stresa. And as mentioned in the last post, one of the new additions to the presepi celebration is the more than two dozen large panels that were recently painted by graffiti artists . All were painted in a short time frame as most graffiti is, but these were also painted with onlookers, as most graffiti certainly is not. And this is no ordinary graffiti. These are beautiful works of art, which are now positioned strategically in interesting places on Isola Bella and Isola Pescatore. Each piece is numbered, and viewers have the ability to vote for a favorite. The hope is that this will be the first of such events. It certainly adds yet another element to the holiday fun here in Stresa.

Let's take a walk around the island together now and look at some of these panels..

Next, we'll visit another new presepi attraction in Stresa. Watch this space...

Highland Manor Christmas Day Brunch Buffet

Friday, Dec. 25, 2009

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

604 East Main Street, Apopka, Fla 32703

Grand Christmas Day Brunch Buffet featuring prime rib, pineapple glazed ham, green beans almandine, mama’s mashed potatoes and a freshly harvested seafood bar. Buffet is complemented with an array of sweets such as apple cranberry cobbler, holiday shaped cookies and hand made brownies. Reservations recommended, but not required. http://www.highlandmanorapopka.com/

Price: Adults $30, children ages 5-12 $15 and children under 5 are free. Add unlimited mimosas for $5 or Bloody Mary’s for $10.

Christmas shopping in Orlando

If you've scheduled an Orlando vacation during the holidays, save your Christmas shopping for the outlet stores and shopping malls that Orlando has to offer.

Orlando has some of the best outlet shopping in the state of Florida. Prime Outlets is the largest outlet mall in the southeast, with 175 shops, and is located on the north end of International Drive. Prime Outlets features brand names like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Gap, The North Face, Columbia, Bass Shoes, Gymboree, Juicy Couture and many more. Prime Outlets is located just north of Festival Bay Mall, home of Orlando’s only Bass Pro Shop location.

On the south end of International Drive (8200 Vineland Avenue, Orlando) Premium Outlets offer some of the same stores as Prime Outlets, with even more parking. There are 150 shops at Premium Outlets, with brand names that include Anne Klein, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Tommy Hilfiger.

If retail indoor mall shopping is more to your liking, the two malls in town that cater mostly to tourists are the elongated Florida Mall near the Orlando International Airport—anchored by Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue—and the decidedly upscale Mall at Millennia, with Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus as the anchor department stores. Mall at Millennia is located next to Orlando’s only IKEA store, a Swedish-based home furnishing retailer.

Of course, there are plenty of theme park souvenirs to be had at Downtown Disney or Universal CityWalk—or even Orlando International Airport for a last minute before you catch your flight out of town. Either way, there will be plenty of choices and some surprisingly good prices for anyone who does their Christmas shopping in Orlando.

Holiday events at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is getting into the spirit of the Christmas season with the return of the Polar Express Experience now through January 3, plus several new Christmas shows performed weekends only until December 13, and daily from December 19 through January 13.

Based on the movie and book of the same name, The Polar Express Experience recreates classic scenes from the animated film as guests are immersed in a multi-sensory experience with special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. And in true SeaWorld style, passengers aboard this Polar Express will be treated to the sight of beluga whales, polar bears and walruses in a Winter Wonderland setting.

The holiday shows at SeaWorld Orlando include the return of Shamu Christmas—Miracles, featuring festive Christmas carols and the amazing feats of Shamu the killer whale. Christmas-themed shows that are new to SeaWorld include Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas (Clyde and Seamore are SeaWorld’s resident sea lions), a Sesame Street Christmas featuring Elmo, Big Bird and Abby Cadabby, and Winter Wonderland on Ice at Bayside Stadium.

Driving a Rental Car into Mexico-- is it allowed?

I need to rent a mini-van in the Evansville, IN area for a 10 day trip into Mexico for a wedding.

What rental company could I get a van from that will allow a trip of approx 4-500 miles ino Mexico?

Also, will additional drivers be allowed while we're in Mexico?

I checked and could not find any company in Indiana that would allow travel into Mexico with one of their vehicles. Travel into Mexico with a rental car is generally only permitted from certain companies (Budget, Hertz and Enterprise) from certain cities in Texas, Arizona and California.

You would have to check and see if there is a company in Evansville that would allow you to take a minivan to one of their locations that allow Mexico travel (whichever state you plan to cross the border from), and see if they would allow you to leave your rental on their lot, while you take a seperate rental into Mexico, and then pick up your original vehicle when you return from Mexico to take back to Indiana. You should check with Budget, Hertz or Enterprise directly about this. It isn't something that you could set up online. You should call the local location that you wish to rent from and ask to speak with a manager. (If you find a rental car company that can fufill your Mexico travel request, check with them for the additional driver policy while in Mexico.

Hope this helps and good luck!

2009 Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade

The Kissimmee Civic Center is hosting its second annual Santa Social from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 (the jolly old elf himself will appear at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.).There will be an opportunity for the children to have their pictures taken with Santa (at $2 per photo), Frosty’s Playland with Snow, arts & crafts for children and food vendors. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a Festival of Lights Parade through the streets of historic downtown Kissimmee. For more information visit the Kissimmee Civic Center Web site.

Ever since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, Kissimmee has been a popular destination for visitors seeking hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment near the Walt Disney World resort. Kissimmee is also home to two of the area’s most popular dinner shows: Arabian Nights and Medieval Times.

Esposizione di Presepi Artistici

One of the international, antique presepi on display on Isola Bella.

If you plan to be in Stresa during the Natale season then a not-to-be-missed attraction is the "Esposizione di Presepi Artistici." This show of presepi, nativity scenes, grows each year in size, stature, and locations. The heart of the exhibiton is on the islands of Isola Bella and Isola Pescatore, where there are more than two dozen presepi scattered around in interesting and sometimes unexpected places. Using the maps provided, it becomes a bit of a scavenger hunt to find them all, and a fantastic way to get a walk peeking into all the nooks and crannies of these islands that you might otherwise miss. And as described in last year's post, these are no ordinary presepi, but a private collection gathered from around the world.

This year, there is a new addition. And it started out as a live art performance. A group of graffiti artists gathered at Carciano recently, at the shore of the lake near the Lido Beach Club. Each was given a panel, and with spectators watching, each spray painted his version of a nativity scene. These painted panels were then moved to Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori, where they are now on display on the sides of buildings and walls.

(This is not the first time, btw, that Stresa has encouraged and organized a graffiti painting activity of this type. On a warm summer evening I watched in Piazza Cadorna as one artist painted a panel 10 meters long. His subject was a tribute to jazz. Nearby in the piazza a band played classic jazz tunes, the perfect inspiration and accompaniment for his work.)

Beginning just yesterday there are also presepi visible around Stresa itself, as many shops in the center of town and in Carciano have put presepi displays in their windows. The presepi maps are available at the Wunder Kammer shop on Isola Bella. The presepi all around town can be seen from now until the end of January 6.

Here's a link to another post written last year about the presepi on Isola Bella. That post also has a link to an album of photos of the exhibit.



And here is a link to these presepi "treasure hunt' maps on a page that can be printed.

Re-launch for Holiday Inn Main Gate East

Sporting a new logo and a renewed commitment to customer service, the Holiday Inn Main Gate East has announced its official re-launching. Located at 5711 West US Hwy 192 in Kissimmee, the Holiday Inn Main Gate East is just minutes away from the entrance to Walt Disney World, and is an official Walt Disney Good Neighbor full-service hotel.

The modern new signage on all of the Holiday Inn hotels is a sign of the many exciting changes to come. The Holiday Inn Main Gate East has newly renovated rooms with cozy tripled-sheeted beds and enhanced bathroom amenities. The hotel offers kid suites, meeting facilities, pool, a kids’ theater, plus a business and fitness centers. Each Holiday Inn hotel also has a newly created position of Guest Service Champion.

Best of all, guests of the Holiday Inn Main Gate East have easy access to the Happiest Place on Earth, plus many more of the attractions that lure millions of travelers to Orlando each year.

Christmas Day Buffet at Rosen Hotels

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

Reservations: (407) 996-0256 recommended, but not required

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. rosenplaza.com/specials/christmas_2007.asp
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Rosen Centre/Cafe Gauguin

9840 International Drive

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch

Buffet Hours: 11:30 am - 6 pm

Price: Adults $39.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 - 12 $16.95 plus tax and gratuity
Reservations: (407) 996-9840 ext.3593 recommended, but not required

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch featuring traditional favorites such as Tom Turkey, candied sweet yams and cornbread dressing to honey glazed ham and peppered beef toa pasta bar and stations featuring seafoods such as spiced shrimp and smoked salmon, hand-carved meats and breakfast favorites like made to order omelets and waffles. Buffet is topped off with an array of sweet indulgences from Yule logs sacher torte, apple strudel, black forest cake, chocolate fondue strawberries and more. www.rosencentre.com/
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Rosen Shingle Creek/Café Osceola

9939 Universal Blvd.

Christmas Day Buffet

Price: Adults $55.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 - 12 $24.95 plus tax and gratuity; 25% Florida resident’s discount (show id)

Buffet Hours: 11:30am to 7:00 pm

Reservations: (407) 996-9770 recommended, but not required

Extensive Christmas Day Buffet from traditional fare such as Carolina roasted turkey with spicey sausage and gravy, carving station, seafood station with fresh shrimp, crab cakes and seared Ahi tuna, pasta station with ravioli, omelet and waffle station with eggs benedict, fresh seasonal vegetables including butternut squash with pineapple and raisins and market salads and cheeses. Finale includes an extravaganza of desserts including a chocolate fountain and pastries, muffins and breads from award-winning pasty chef David Ramirez and his team. rosenshinglecreek.com

Space Mountain reopens at Magic Kingdom

After seven months of refurbishment, the long wait is over for fans of Space Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Space Mountain officially reopened right before the Thanksgiving Day holiday after its first major renovation since the ride was launched in 1975.

The new Space Mountain has a recalibrated track, it is darker inside the mountain and Disney Imagineers also installed video games for guests to play while waiting in line. Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom theme park features 2 rocket-shaped vehicles consisting of 3 seats per vehicle that blast off from 2 separate tracks. It is the only version of the attraction that contains 2 separate tracks (Space Mountain has a counterpart in Disneyland that underwent even more extensive renovations).

Space Mountain is located in the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom, and riders must be at least 44 inches or taller to board this ride, a Disney Fast Pass is highly recommended, especially now that visitors will want to see what’s new and different about the classic Space Mountain indoor roller coaster

Stay In Comfort & Style- sneak a peek at our new rooms

Comfort Inn lake Buena Vista located at 8442 Palm Parkway has completed a $9 million dollar renovation project that created a totally modern look for the hotel.

The comfortable rooms now feature new pillow top bedding and are completely made over in warm jewel tones. Private bathrooms now feature completely new furniture, an oversized mirror, decorative lighting and granite-topped vanities. Rooms still feature every creature comfort, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron, ironing board, hairdryer all included in the room rate. New occasional chair, night table, wardrobe, the sliding privacy doors and work desk with ergonomic chair were all made in North Carolina, keeping an American furniture company very busy this year. New lap top size reprogrammable electronic safes are free of charge as is the WIFI access in the hotel rooms and public areas. Book select dates online www.comfortinnorlando.com/sneakapeek
or you may call 1-800-999-7300 to book.

The free shuttles to the theme parks also insure more savings as Kids eat free, stay free and families can park and ride for free at this Disney Good Neighbor(r) hotel.

Holiday concert series brings merriment to Universal Orlando’s Grinchmas

Grinchmas returns to Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, where the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life with a live stage show featuring an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. During the show, six songs are performed by The Grinch and The Whos from Whoville. As a part of the Grinchmas celebration, guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch.

The show times for Grinchmas 2009 are December 5 – 25 at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30p.m., 5:30p.m. and on December 26 – January at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:30p.m., 6:30p.m., 7:30p.m.

At the neighboring Universal Studios theme park, there will be a holiday concert by Mannheim Steamroller on Dec. 5. Chris Isaak performs on Dec. 12 and Natalie Cole performs on Dec. 19. Each concert begins after that night’s Macy’s Holiday Parade. The performances will take place at the new Music Plaza – a brand-new, state-of-the-art, outdoor permanent concert venue located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park.

The Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios features the world-renowned balloons and floats from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In addition to the parade, Universal Studios guests can enjoy performances by marching bands from across the country, a nightly Christmas tree lighting, and special holiday shows.

Weekend car rental

Are you tired of your boring week at work? Would you like to spice up the break that you get? Rent out a car this weekend and hit the road. Weekend car rental is a great way for you to hit the road over the weekend with friends or family. Hire out a car with weekend packages usually from Thursday noon to Sunday and avail of amazing weekend deals. Hiring a car for more than two days continuously means one can avail of special rebates as well. Long weekend deals will sweeten your road trip.
Get a weekend car hire and drive out of town. Hit a camping trail or just drive around the countryside. You could even fly into your favorite holiday spot for a weekend trip and get a rental car. Drive around the town in a classy sports car, convertible or if you like to maintain a low profile, there are always a host of regular cars to choose from. The greenies will find that eco friendly efficient gasoline cars and hybrids are also available at any rental outlet for their driving pleasure so you can drive around in a rental car, with peace of mind about polluting the earth.
Car Hire London

Cheapest car rentals

Taking the week off and going on a long drive is the dream of many. But car rental prices keep many people away from the idea. Very few people realize that they can get the cheapest of car rentals if the look around properly. One can hire a car for a road trip for a day or several days according to their requirements at really low affordable prices. A cheap car rental will bring down the cost of the trip that has been planned by a lot. The considerable savings can be used in many other ways to create a more enjoyable trip.
The cheapest car rentals need not necessarily mean that the shabbiest and poorly maintained cars will only be available at such low prices. One can find really cheap rental cars that have been maintained in pristine condition. Chances are one could even get reasonably new cars too. The prices can go down really low especially if one takes up a long rental contract. There will be a considerable difference over hiring for just one day and hiring for over a week. So plan you trip accordingly and you could have a really cheap rental car for a really long holiday!Taking the week off and going on a long drive is the dream of many. But car rental prices keep many people away from the idea. Very few people realize that they can get the cheapest of car rentals if the look around properly. One can hire a car for a road trip for a day or several days according to their requirements at really low affordable prices. A cheap car rental will bring down the cost of the trip that has been planned by a lot. The considerable savings can be used in many other ways to create a more enjoyable trip.
The cheapest car rentals need not necessarily mean that the shabbiest and poorly maintained cars will only be available at such low prices. One can find really cheap rental cars that have been maintained in pristine condition. Chances are one could even get reasonably new cars too. The prices can go down really low especially if one takes up a long rental contract. There will be a considerable difference over hiring for just one day and hiring for over a week. So plan you trip accordingly and you could have a really cheap rental car for a really long holiday!
car hire worldwide

Experts in car hire

Car hire in Spain

A Car hire in Spain is the best way to travel around the country. The Spanish region is deeply rooted in history and has numerous places to visit and explore around the country. Its countryside is dotted with villages and ancient relics that would have any person inclined towards history jumping with joy. The cities like Madrid are modern places that are great to hang out and go shopping in. A Car hire is quite literally one of the best ways to explore the cities of Spain. Driving out of the capital, there are numerous highways and other major roads that lead to various parts of the country. They are great driving stretches and provide for amazing scenic views that can be seen only by road.
The beaches of Spain are another major tourist attraction. The towns along the Mediterranean coast are famed for their cuisine and beaches. Driving down to the beach is always a fun activity with family or friends. If the mainland bores you, there is always Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands to travel to. These islands are famed for hosting great summer parties and have great roads for getting a Car hire in Spain, for a spin.

Universal Studios Celebration

Enjoy a musical celebration with live performances by Mannheim Steamroller, Chris Isaak, and Natalie Cole!

Dec. 5, 2009 - Jan. 1, 2010
Celebrate GrinchmasTM at Islands of Adventure, and join in the fun of the Macy’s Holiday ParadeTM at Universal Studios®, featuring larger than life balloons from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York City!
CHECK IT OUT >

Plus, enjoy a Holiday Breakfast with The Grinch™ and Friends Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 17-30, & Jan. 1-2Treat your family to the food and fun of a special holiday character breakfast at Confisco Grille® in Universal’s Islands of Adventure®.
LEARN MORE >


Double your fun at Universal Studios Orlando and feel the rush of adventure at Islands of Adventure! The world’s two most amazing theme parks. Live the adventure and get the most out of your Universal Orlando vacation and take advantage of this amazing package.

Tre Domande -- Three Questions With Canio Di Milia, Mayor of Stresa

In this new feature I plan on occasion to introduce you to some Stresiani, people who live in Stresa. I'll ask them each three questions, and in this way we'll get to know them and hear their own perspectives on this lovely little city. For my very first interview I have the great honor of introducing you to il Primo Cittadino di Stresa, that is, the mayor. Canio Di Milia has been the mayor of Stresa since 2005, and he was kind enough to take the time to answer three questions for me.

1. Please describe Stresa for my English-speaking readers who have never been there.

Stresa is a city that captures its visitors with its natural beauty. For its lush greenness and for its flowers. We are, in fact, a city known for its gardens, where it is also possible to see and discover diverse styles and philosophies of gardening, from Italianate gardens on Isola Bella, to those in the English style on Isola Madre, to that specializing in the Alpine botanical species at Il Giardino Alpinia. These natural beauties are found between the water, Lago Maggiore, and the mountain, Mt. Mottarone, Stresa’s own mountain. These characteristics make Stresa, from a certain point of view, unique and magical, and they have permitted, almost naturally, that these natural beauties have paired with numerous cultural initiatives. Think to the concerts of the “Settimane Musicali di Stresa e del Lago Maggiore,” or to the philosophical-humanistic culture found here in the presence of the immortal spirits of the philosopher Rosmini and the poet Rebora, the symposium Rosmini, and the International Center of Rosminian Studies. And there is also its great cuisine, inspired by the Scuola Alberghiera of Stresa, which is the oldest cooking school in all of Italy.

2. What thing do you like the most in Stresa?

If I must say what, to me it pleases most Isola Pescatori, where it is possible to rediscover the charm of a little village of another time, where fishermen really do live, with a romantic atmosphere of an earlier age.

3. How do you see Stresa five years from now?

Stresa, five years from now, will be renewed but always in our historic tradition. It needs in fact, for the future, to move in the direction of a more selective level of tourism, and more respect for the environment, the things which are most precious for the city.

Canio keeps a blog of his own for the citizens of Stresa to read. If you'd like to take a glance at his (Italian) blog, or listen to the video talks he gives on it, here is the link: www.caniodimilia.blogspot.com

Can I take my Car Rental Out of State?

We are traveling to Alabama in the spring and wonder if there are rental agencies that would allow a trip from say Wisconsin to Alabama for 8 days?

If you mean a trip to Wisconsin to Alabama and back to Wisconsin; I'm sure that you'll be able to find at least one or two car rental companies that will allow the travel to adjacent states. Check different companies for a rate quote using your preferred pickup location, dates, times, return locations, dates, times and preferred vehicle type.

Just make sure that when you're checking rates, to pay careful attention to the mileage restrictions (look for unlimited mileage) and check for any "terms and condition" or "policies" or "restrictions" related to the rental rate and especially mileage to make sure that you will be allowed to take the rental car where you want to.

I hope this helps.

More Tips:

Comparing Car Rental Rates

The uncertain fate of Lake Eola fountain

The water-spouting Lake Eola fountain in downtown Orlando appears on the city's street signs--but the fountain hasn't spurted out any water since it was zapped by lightning in late August 2009.

The current fountain was built in 1957, replacing an earlier fountain that was constructed in 1912. The fountain was in need of some repairs prior to the lightning strike, but the estimated repairs to fix this latest damage has a $1 million price tag, and the city's insurance policy on the fountain has a $500,000.

The city is still deciding on the fate of the Lake Eola fountain, since budget cutbacks make it difficult to afford repairs at this time. The City Beautiful motto still remains, but as for the fountain--stay tuned.

Custodial drawn Mickeys

Since summer at least, we've seen Custodial CMs "paint" Mickey faces on the concrete using just water and bound up brooms. It's a cool effect.

This one is great for being a full Mickey body, and also for the artistry. I like this minor addition to the parks.




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Ski Season Opens December 5 On Mt. Mottarone

In just a few days, On December 5, Mt. Mottarone will open its ski resort for the 2009 - 2010 season. The opening, as always, coincides with the official beginning of the Christmas season in Italy. So far, the opening looks good to go. The first dustings of snow fell last week, and with the lower temperatures and rainy days of this week the summit of the mountain will surely be ready. We've talked about Mt. Mottarone in winter here before, but let's review again for the new season and all those of you who are coming here, or thinking of coming here, to ski. In addition, there are some new features at Mottarone to talk about.

Mottarone is a surprisingly large mountain which rises 4892 ft/1491 m. behind Stresa. The summit, where the ski runs begin, can be reached with the 18 minute ride on the cableway from Carciano, or, with the 20 minute drive up the private mountain road (there is a small fee required on the last part of this road). Last year saw the opening of a new, short ski lift which brings skiers and visitors from the cableway station at the top a bit higher, to the ski station, eliminating what previously had to be done on foot, with skis over shoulders.

Now let's look at the new features this year:

In the area of the mountain called Campetti Milanese a section has been enclosed and will now be used for the renting and riding of small motorized sleds and miniquads, providing an alternative activity for skiers, or perhaps for those who do not ski.

Attention has been given to the littlest guests this year; and Sunday afternoons beginning on December 28 will see special events just for them. In addition to the lesson groups already available for young skiers, Sundays they will be visited by, and have the opportunity to ski with Motty, the costumed blue bear mascot of Mt. Mottarone. Motty and his friends will have games, entertainment, and music exclusively for the children.

Another new initiative, from December 24, each Tuesday and Friday, inside of the daily journal Libero, look for a coupon which will give a 3 euro discount on the price of a daily skipass. Just clip the coupons and use them at any time during the season, bringing it with you when you purchase your ski pass.

Mt. Mottarone boasts 21 km of ski runs and 7 chair lifts taking skiers to 21 different trails. There are runs to please all levels, from beginner to expert. The mountain's unique position provides sunshine on all runs for much of each day, and the mountain is fully staffed, including many persons qualified to assist should medical aid be necessary.

There are several restaurants in which one can warm up, sit by a fire, eat comforting mountain food, and drink the specialty, fil de fer.

Tickets can be purchased at the cableway station, at the tourist office at the Stresa embarcadero, and at several tourist agency offices. For more information on Mt. Mottarone's winter skiing:

Here is the link for the winter cableway schedule: http://www.stresa-mottarone.it/winter_timetable_rates.htm

And the link to Mottarone's main ski Web site: http://www.mottaroneski.it/it/index.php

Don't forget to check at the station for any potential weather closings, and don't forget, it will be much colder at the top!

Visit the Web sites, and don't hesitate to write to us if you have any questions regarding your trip.

Motty is waiting to ski with you!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

It’s a magical night of special holiday entertainment including Castle Dreamlights!, an enchanting holiday parade, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade,” featuring Santa Claus, a festive nighttime fireworks spectacular, Disney Character greetings, live stage shows and tasty treats on Main Street U.S.A.®, plus the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions!

Castle Dreamslights!Cinderella Castle is transformed every night at the Magic Kingdom® Park during Castle Dreamlights! When Mickey and friends realize the castle isn’t decorated for the holidays, they enlist the help of Cinderella, the Prince, and even the Fairy Godmother! With all of their help, Cinderella Castle transforms into a glorious, wintry confection, twinkling in the sky!