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Friday, April 30, 2010
Annual Home & Hurricane Expo
Presented by the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce
When? Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 9am to 2pm
Where? Vistawilla Office Building Grounds1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs (Just off S.R. 417 next to the HESS)
Limited to 25 vendors. $100/Members, $150/Future Members Registration Includes 6' table & 2 chairs!Guest speakers and FREE food, drinks & admission!
Donations will be accepted to benefit a local charity (TBA). For more information please visit www.OviedoWinterSprings.org
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Photography Festival to be Held in Orlando this May
Spanning a dozen art galleries, cafés, boutiques, and pop-up exhibition spaces in the downtown area, Snap! will exhibit the visionary work of more than 30 artists, including master photographer Douglas Kirkland.Snap! Orlando is a program of The Lucie Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) that celebrates master photographers, discovers and cultivates emerging photographers, and promotes the appreciation of photography worldwide.
Events include performances by multimedia artists, VIP parties, fashion shows, photography workshops, public art projects, exhibitions and more. Supporters include the City of Orlando, United Arts of Central Florida and the Orlando/Orange County CVB. Snap! Orlando is looking for additional sponsors and in-kind donations to help produce this large-scale event. For more information, visit snaporlando.com.
Mother's Day brunch in Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Join for Mother's Day brunch in Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. From 10:00am-4:00pm, enjoy a champagne brunch featuring roasted prime rib of beef, glazed ham, Cornish game hen, leg of lamb, red snapper, omelets and crepes made to order, chilled seafood, risotto and pasta stations, plus cakes, pies, tortes and desserts in a shot glass. Entertainment includes Universal Orlando characters, strolling musicians and face painter. Mom will also receive:
• Iris stem
• Mandara Spa gift
• $20 gift card to help fund a project posted by a public school teacher on the Donors Choose* website
Adults: $48.95
Children (ages 4-12): $26.00
Children 3 and under complimentary
Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for reservations
More Mothers Day Specials
With Portugal Car Rental Enrich Your Journey to Portugal
Portugal is a country that is worth exploring. From the twisting cobbled alleys of Lisbon’s Old Town to the religious architecture, imagery and symbolism of Braga, from cosmopolitan, chic and sleek tourist resorts to remote, quaint fishing villages, and from the port producing city of Porto to the golfing Mecca of the Algarve, Portugal has something to offer to everyone. In the mountainous north of the country, the visitors, traveling with Portugal car rental will find a stunning range of picturesque drives past plateaus and through lush river valleys. The Portuguese coast is lined with some of Europe’s best beaches and towns and cities, including Aveiro in the north and Faro in the south, that successfully manage to combine a bustling nightlife with a more historic appeal. The rolling plains of the more Mediterranean southern region point further to the startling level of diversity and natural beauty that Portugal has to offer.
Portugal car rental offers several good deals on car rental. All you have to do is book in advance to find the deal to be your wallet friendly. You can find Portugal car rental offers on Internet, which lets you compare the price of various car rental companies. Take advantage of these offers and enjoy Portugal like you never did before with Portugal car rental.
Compare Car Hire for a Budget Trip
You can compare car hire best online. There are several compare car hire websites. These websites list all the offers from different car rental companies and make them available for you on one single website. That way, comparing deals being offered by different can rental companies, becomes easy. This also helps you to save your time. Well, you do not have to collect information from different car rental companies. These compare car hire website filters all the data and keep on updating the deals and offer every hour and every day of various car rental companies. They don’t charge you any extra amount for doing this they get their agency commission from the car rental companies. Hence, you don’t have to worry about paying extra while using one of these compare car hire websites. In fact, you might end up paying less and the best deals to suit your budget.
If you are planning to make a trip to some place and thinking of renting a car, then visit compare car hire website now. First of all you have to decide on the car that you would be interested in renting. For example: economical cars, luxury cars or van. This will help you in narrowing your search time. Secondly decide on the date you will be renting the car. There are many deals from the car rental companies such as weekend deals and week day’s deals. And they even offer some good deals on destination basis. Keep your eyes open for all the best deals and go for the best deal that you come across. Deals come and go very fast!
Compare car hire if you respect your hard earned money. Compare car hire offers you a budget trip!
Top Locations For Car Hire In France
Visitors can hire a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to explore the historic capital, with its timeless attractions such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, are set to benefit from great new car hire deals thanks to Izzicarhire.com. Enjoying the rich cultural heritage of the city by car, or venturing further afield on day trips to the Versailles Palace or Euro Disney will become easier and cheaper than ever before.
The same car hire service will be available to travellers flying into Paris Orly Airport.
The addition of Nice Airport to Izzicarhire.com’s list of destinations opens up access to the beautiful French Riviera. Thanks to a range of great car hire deals in Nice from Izzicarhire.com, travellers can enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches, seaside promenade and museums or take a day trip to the nearby city state of Monte Carlo.
New car hire services from Lyon Airport make it even easier to explore the Alps, head onwards to the south of France or visit an appealing destination in its own right. With over 2000 years of history, the city has a rich archaeological and cultural history. Visit sites such as the magnificent Fourvière Basilica or explore the diverse city districts and neighbourhoods.
The cultural and ethnic melting pot of Marseille, France’s second biggest city, offers visitors a host of sites and experiences to enjoy. Car hire from the airport, pre-booked online via the Izzicarhire.com website, gives visitors easy, unrestricted access to the city and surrounding area. Watch fisherman sell their stocks at auction, visit the Notre Dame de la Garde or explore la Corniche for unrivalled views of the sea.
Which Rides Are At Marvel Super Hero Island
· The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Experience the rage of the Incredible Hulk on a high-speed roller coaster rampage.
· Storm Force Accelatron
Help the X-Men’s superhero Storm in her battle against the evil Magneto.
· Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Strap yourself in as Doctor Doom’s diabolical new device rockets you 150 feet into the air and then drops you faster than gravity itself.
· The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Don your 3-D Spider Vision glasses and careen through the streets for an eye popping, Pulse-pounding 3-D thrill ride.
Jamaica Car Hire Gets More Comfortable
It’s this care and attention to detail that has seen the Slovenian based company expand its operation throughout Europe and beyond. Car hire Jamaica is the next project country Izzicarhire has in its sights as it continues to grow beyond its traditional heartland.In the main cities and established tourist areas, road conditions in Jamaica are generally very good. Travellers planning to investigate more rural areas, should prepare for some pretty bumpy roads and obstacles. A 4x4 might be the best bet to explore outlying areas and smaller towns. The volume of traffic in Jamaica is light, but encounters with domestic animals and livestock can be fairly common. Beeping horns are not a sign of impatience, just friendly locals saying hello. The laid back nature of life here is evident as people don’t think twice about stopping their cars in the middle of the road to hold a conversation with someone. Izzicarhire’s customer service agents are on hand to provide help when choosing a vehicle for a holiday in a new country.

Thanks to Izzicarhire.com, visitors arriving to enjoy this beautiful Caribbean island via car hire Kingston Airport will enjoy better value car hire than ever before. Idyllic white sandy beaches litter the island which is dominated by magnificent blue mountain peaks. Jamaica is geared up to tourism and there’s plenty to see and do. By car, visitors can enjoy charming colonial towns and leafy parks or investigate the livelier aspects of island life – night clubs and the reggae scene.
Car hire in Kingston offers a great range of makes and models, ideally suited to exploring the city and surrounding area. The historic capital buzzes and pulses with energy. Take a hire car and check out the Georgian plazas and magnificent colonial mansions. The Bob Marley museum is a celebration of the music of the man himself as well as the rest of Jamaica’s musical heritage.
Izzicarhire.com office at Montego Bay Airport offers car hire services to travellers arriving at this fabulous coastal resort. The beaches here are nothing short of sensational and tourists will find all the trappings of an established holiday destination – fine dining, championship golf courses, lively clubs and beach bars.
Car hire Florence
Florence is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural gem of Italy. One day is not enough for exploring Florence, as it has so many sites for visiting. An entire day can be spent in an Uffizi museum watching the unbelievable Renaissance art. Some of the other sites, which are worth visiting, include Boboli Gardens, Santa Maria del Fiore, and Historic Centre of Florence. The most popular eatable on the Italian platter is pasta and the grappa is the most liked desert wine.
The best time to travel Florence is May, early June, September and October.
Florence is home to the most, and best preserved, important Renaissance architecture in the world.
If you wish to enjoy the sites of nearby places like Pisa, Rome and Milan, then hire a car and travel around.
Use a Hertz car hire to give a visual treat to your eyes.
Car hire Lille
Lille, the centre for French Revolution, has several famous places to visit, which includes the façade of the ’vieile bourse’, the grand palace and vauman citadel. The city also has some other points of interest such as Jardin Botanique de la Faculte de Pharmacie, Jardin Botanique Nicolas Boulay and Jardin des plantes de lille.
The best time to visit Lille is in spring and in autumn.
The visitors can also hire a car to visit the nearby cities, such as the world famous Paris, Brussels and Lyon. The famous railway service TGV is also a major tourist attraction.
Hertz car hire services are well suited for exploring Lille and the areas around it.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Full Coverage Car Rental Insurance
I am looking for rent a car going one way Seattle to Orange County. I would like to get the best deal possible. I was told that since my own auto insurance is full coverage I do not need to get insurance for the car rental. Is this correct?
Purchasing rental car insurance coverage from the rental car company is optional; whether or not you have any coverage of your own or not.
They (the car rental company) just expect that you be aware that if you decline the optional loss damage waiver or collision damage waiver offered at the rental counter, that you are fully financially responsible for any loss of (ie theft) or damage to the rental vehicle while it's under contract to you. This will often inlcude admistrative fees and/or loss of use fees should anything happen to the rental car.
While you may not "need" to purchase the rental car company's coverage, you should know exactly how your own coverage applies to the rental car.
The comprehensive collision insurance that you have, may fully cover you for loss, damage or theft of a rental car.... or it may not. You should contact your personal auto insurance representative, and have them clarify for you exactly to what extent you will be covered for the rental. Make sure to ask about any terms, conditions and restrictions. Such as:
Are you covered up to the full value of the rental car, or only up to the value of your own personal vehicle?
Are you subject to the same deductible as you would be with your own car?
Are there any restrictions geographically (certain cities, states, countries) on where you are covered (or not covered) while in the rental car? Are there any coverage restrictions with regards to mileage (if the rental car is being driven for many, many miles)?
Does your rental car insurance coverage for damage to the rental car apply only when you are driving the vehicle, or would it apply if something happened to the rental car while another authorized driver was drving?
If you have rental car insurance coverage, would it cover theft of the rental car, loss of use charges and the adminstrative fees charged by the rental car company?
These are the points you should clarify with a representative from your own personal automobile insurance carrier.
I hope this helps!
Read More about:
Car Rental Insurance
Car hire at Ipswich
Car hire at Ipswich could not have been easier; all you need to do is search online for the various car rentals and their choice of services and rates. Continually trying to keep abreast with the changing needs of the customers car hire at Ipswich has started offer the best of deals across the UK. They allow the customers to drive free with no mileage restrictions not only that but they also provide service in case of breakdowns. This is what is called true customer dedication.
Besides helping you with such valuable services, car hire at Ipswich helps you choose the car best suited for your need such as for the budget traveler, an economy car that runs on diesel or for those seeking luxury the best of cars and style! If you think this is cool wait till you hear more, car hires at Ipswich also help customers a step further by providing cars with maps for directions and the fuel tank filled. The car hire representatives are also willing to help you on any travel query that you might have, giving you tips and tricks ensuring you have the drive of your life!
Most of these car hires at Ipswich provide online support and you can book the car online with just a few clicks of the mouse, this means a car hire process can be done in a matter of minutes! You can choose from a range of cars, decide your pick up locations, decide your travel route and plan. Services such as chauffeur driven cars, package deals and discounts can all be availed at the Ipswich car hires. These cars are not just economical or good but also safe, they come with all legal papers such as insurance and requires you to just carry your license documents. There are thus no extra expenses involved. Just ensure however that you read all terms and conditions carefully before enrolling for the service.
If you are not a minor and you require traveling on road then Ipswich car hire is the best option on offer!
Airport Car Hire – Convenient and Easy
It is of course more prudent to book car hire a little ahead in time as you will be able to better compare prices and services, opting for the best deal. But in the case of urgent business travel or an impromptu holiday the airport car hire comes real handy! This provides a risk free and flexible option of travel to various destinations with the same country or even outside.
Services such as pick up and drop to the hotel or airport are available and so is the possibility of a round trip or dropping the car off in another country. Things get even better with the luxury car hire that can be used for corporate travel with important clients or a special occasion. Airport car hire is useful on more than one occasion.
At an airport car hire you will require documents such as your international driving license etc and they will provide you with the car and all its documents such as insurance. Ensure the car is in good condition as you do not want trouble half way through the journey. The choice of car is yours and ranges from economy to luxury. Choice depends on the budget for travel, also taking into account the fuel type.
There are various driving rules at different countries just familiarize yourself with rules and drive safe to stay out of trouble. In case you do not want to drive the car yourself then these airport car hires offer you with chauffeur services also.
Some of these airport car hires offer package deals to various tourist spots with transport and accommodation as well. The things that need to be kept in mind however is that the airport car hire might prove to be costlier than options available within town. Also in times of holiday and festivals the airport car hire may not be able to help you with last minute booking because of the rush.
With added services such as airport car hires observing flight schedule to save customers time, it is quite worth it to take an airport car hire for your travel, business or pleasure!
Walt Disney World tip: Reducing the wait
Disney's Fast Pass can cut down the wait time in half for many of Disney World's most popular rides, like Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Test Track at Epcot, Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Attractions that accept Fast Pass are listed on the park maps. If you already know what your "gotta ride it" attractions are going to be, go to the ride first to get the Fast Pass, then return at your designated one hour window of time, which will probably be a couple hours later. It's one extra step to take, but considering that the Fast Pass is free, it is worth the effort.
If you don't mind missing a parade, the ride lines shorten considerably whenever a parade is winding its way through one of the parks. You can even catch the beginning of the parade, then slip away before the crowd breaks up. Another way to reduce the wait is to visit Walt Disney World during off peak season, or wait until the park is about to close to attempt getting on one of the big rides.
At least one thing can be said about the magic of Disney regarding lines--you'll never have to wait long for a bathroom in the House of Mouse.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
SeaWorld Helps Families Reconnect with $5 Tickets for Kids

Now through December 31, with each full-paid, SeaWorld Orlando single-day, adult admission purchased online, any child age 12 and under gets a $5.00 admission, all of which goes to fund non-profit organizations that are working right now on wildlife conservation projects. Families even can choose which wildlife conservation effort receives their donation.
Complete details are available at SeaWorldCares.com.
“This offer makes it easy for families and friends to reconnect during a vacation, a getaway or even just a day trip to one of our parks,” said Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “At SeaWorld, families experience amazing up-close animal connections that can’t be found any place else. And we believe a greater respect for the world we share follows a visit to one of our parks.”
At SeaWorld Orlando, fans can brave Manta, an all-new flying roller coaster and the only one of its kind in the world. It’s a seamless blend of up-close animal encounters with a head-first, face-down thrill ride that’s sure to top the must-see lists again.
This summer, the nights are cooler and the atmosphere is hotter during SeaWorld AfterDark, when the park transforms daytime favorites into nighttime spectacles.
SeaWorld AfterDark showcases the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime
rock ‘n' roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show and a mystifying fireworks finale. That's in addition to being able to experience all that's awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows. SeaWorld AfterDark begins May 29 and continues through August 15.
Whether day or night, SeaWorld Orlando is the place to be this summer for a one-of-a-kind experience.
“We know the economy’s been tough for everyone, but more than ever before, everyone needs to spend time together,” Atchison said. “We think families also will have fun deciding which wildlife conservation project gets their donation, too. It’s a wonderful way for kids to learn about the work that goes on to save animals in the wild.”
For important details on this offer and to buy tickets, go to SeaWorldCares.com.
Back To Our Mystery (Novel) -- And Bar Nazionale
The star of our novel, the forensic bone detective Gideon, who just happens to be in Stresa at this time, is of course called in to consult on the case. After a stressful day of investigations and interviews he goes alone to relax, and to think, to the Bar Nazionale in Piazza Cadorna.
From the book:
In the evening, with the rain having slackened off, Gideon had a half carafe of local Barolo at the outdoor cafe across the street from the hotel, and then walked the few short blocks to the cobblestoned Piazza Cadorna, to the Ristorante Nazionale, where he, Julie, and Phil had been for dinner on their first night. He sat outside, on the lively piazza, at an umbrellaed table set among potted flowering plants and ordered what he'd had before: pizza quattro stagione, with artichokes, ham, olives, and mushrooms, each on its own quarter; a salad; and a limonata. As it had been the other time, the pizza was perfectly baked in a brick, wood-fired oven, the crust was thin and tender, with just the right dusting of ash on the bottom, and the vegetables were fragrant and al dente.
A nice descriptive passage from the book. The incredible thing was that I was sitting outside at Nazionale when I read this. What a coincidence! And the description in the book is completely accurate. Unlike Gideon however, I was there at lunchtime, taking some time on my own to read and enjoy the piazza. I sat in an area that did not have the umbrellas open, better to feel sun that shines in this direction at midday. I ate a focaccia con prosciutto cotto e formaggio, basically ham and cheese, which I paid about 4 euro for. It was more than enough, almost too large, with delicious fresh focaccia. Like Gideon, I have found Nazionale to be consistent, a great spot for very basic and economical meals and snacks, and in a fantastic location. In the mornings it's one of the spots in Stresa where friends meet for more lingering caffes, or in the summer, Shakeratos. At later at night, with its cool blue neon sign under the arched arcade, it's a quiet corner from which to watch the piazza.


Read more posts about Piazza Cadorna:
Piazza Cadorna
The Shakerato
Gelati I Have Known

Mothers Day in Orlando

Monday, April 26, 2010
Walt Disney World tips: Restaurant reservations
Restaurants that feature character dining, such as the Crystal Palace or the Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, are rarely available for walk-in customers, and if they are, you are more than likely to have a reservation time right before the park closes. By calling 407-WDW-DINE at least one week or more in advance, your party can get reserved seating. When making a reservation through 407-WDW-DINE, keep the following travel tips in mind:
- Larger parties (usually eight or more people) are often told that the restaurant cannot guarantee that everyone will sit together. Disney usually manages to find a way to accommodate everybody in the end, but you've been warned.
- Don't expect to be seated immediately at your appointed time. Reserved seating at any of the Disney World restaurants usually means a 15 minute wait from the moment you check in.
- Make sure that everybody from your party is present when the hostess seats your group. Disney will not seat incomplete parties, and you could lose the reservation. For a dining companion who is running just a few minutes late, be prepared to say, "He's in the bathroom."
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Festa Della Liberazione!

In the (translated) words of C.A. Ciampi, former president of the Italian Republic:
"The 25th of April, it was for the cities of the North the day of liberation. For all of Italy it was the day of the reformation of a united nation, united in the name of liberty. It was revealed, that day, the first rays of the light of democracy. It opened a new era in our history. That we are still living today. An uninterrupted thread of alliance with the ideals and the achievements of the Risorgimento [the Revival] of the fight for liberation and for the rebirth of Italy: a republic, for the free choice of the Italian people. The memory of the conflicts, of the tragedies which we survived, the memory of those fallen for our liberty, they will not be ever lost. We will wear always in our hearts the love for the institution of democracy. We have the want and the knowledge to build this to life together, in peace, for the joys of liberty. Long live the Resistance. Long live the Republic. Long live Italy free and united."
Wantilan Luau at Royal Pacific Resort Orlando

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Disney Grad Nite
Performers scheduled to appear for the 2010 Disney Grad Nite include:
April 23rd and 24th
Keri Hilson
Paramore
All Time Low
MTV's America's Best Dance Crew - "QuestCrew"
April 30th and May 1st
Mario
Hey Monday
Boys Like Girls
MTV's America's Best Dance Crew - "Beat Freaks"
Space is limited for this event, and reservations must be made on advance through the Disney Web site. For school coordinators planning ahead for next year, the 2011 dates have already been announced.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Main Street Electrical Parade returning to Magic Kingdom

The Main Street Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom is fondly remembered by millions of Walt Disney World visitors who watched the spectacle of lights in Florida before the parade floats were moved to Disney’s California Adventure park in 2001, and this summer the Main Street Electrical Parade will return to delight audiences of all ages once again.
Since 2001, Magic Kingdom has presented the SpectroMagic parade on select nights, which has similar music and special effects featuring Disney characters waving from the parade floats. SpectroMagic had its first run at the Magic Kingdom in 1991 – 1999, before resuming in 2001. The Main Street Electrical Parade was a regular feature at Magic Kingdom from 1977 – 1991, and has not been seen at Walt Disney World since its brief comeback from 1999 – 2001.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A Special Lunch With Elmo and Friends Offered To Honor Mom

She gives the best hugs and always makes everything better. She’s Mom and it’s her day! Spend breakfast or lunch with Mom at a Dine with Elmo and Friends in the new Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. Lunch is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Your family will enjoy delicious food served buffet-style, character meet and greets with the lovable Sesame Street characters, family together time and a special treat for Mom. Lunch menus include items sure to please both parents and kids alike. One 6x8 photo with Mom, kids and your Sesame Street friends is included per family. Lunch is $22 adults and $15 for children. Pass members receive a 10 percent discount. Admission to the park is not included, but is required.
To make your family’s reservation, visit SesameStreetSafariofFun.com or call 1-888-800-5447.
After filling up on hugs from characters and awesome food, enjoy family time playing together in Busch Gardens’ new Sesame Street Safari of Fun. The all-new, Sesame Street-themed sunny, funny play land is filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun, memorable adventures and shows that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Take a dive on Air Grover, the new junior coaster for parents and kids to ride together. Splash in Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole, a wet adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more. A photography studio offers photos with characters daily, and a musical stage show brings safari tales to life.
Busch Gardens has fun for the whole family to enjoy all day. With thrilling rides, award-winning shows and exotic up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Once-in-a-Lifetime Memories for Mother’s Day
Located in the heart of Orlando, Discovery Cove provides a secluded, tropical retreat where families can enjoy extraordinary adventures through up-close encounters with exotic marine life and other animals. In the sparkling Tropical Reef, families can snorkel, swim and wade among thousands of tropical fish and hundreds of velvety rays. In the Explorer’s Aviary, guests can hand-feed more than 250 exotic birds. A winding river, sandy beaches and resort pool add to the paradise, but the highlight of Discovery Cove is the dolphin experience, where guests enjoyinteracting with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins – for most, a dream come true. And for Moms, a dolphin delivers a personalized “love note” on a keepsake buoy for a fantastic finale.
In addition, this special Mother’s Day Escape package features Crabtree & Evelyn® La Source spa essentials gift basket, photo and frame, champagne and a private cabana, and is available April 26 through May 9, 2010 for $329. Package prices are in addition to park admission and require the purchase of at least one dolphin-swim, which start at $199 per person, plus tax.
With approximately 1,000 guests per day, guests can enjoy the all-inclusive benefits of a light continental breakfast, freshly-prepared lunch, as well as snacks and beverages throughout the day. Other park amenities include complimentary snorkel gear, towels, lockers and parking, as well as a 14-day, unlimited-use pass to SeaWorld or Aquatica in Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
For those looking to “wow” Mom this Mother’s Day, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 1-877-434-7268 to make a reservation.
Use an Eppicard to Rent a Car
Can I use an eppicard as a credit card to rent a car?
According to the eppicard site, there is no credit line associated with your debit card. see: eppicard.com/faq
Therefore, it would not be considered a credit card and would be not be able to be used as a credit card to rent a car.
Hope this helps.
More on:
Credit Identification
Car Rental Deposits
Using Debit Cards
Malta Is Perfect For Independent Travel
All three islands that make up the country of Malta are very safe and visitors can wander and explore to their hearts content. Nothing beats stumbling unexpectedly upon a hidden cove or turning that final bend to discover a sleepy village or deserted beach. The country is steeped in history, having been ruled by the Phoenicians, the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St Johns. Archaeological sites can be found all over the islands, history buffs will be in heaven. Malta is also a great place to relax. Well established coastal resorts like Sliema and St Julians cater for beach side relaxation and vibrant night life.
Thanks to Izzicarhire.com, visitors arriving in Malta via La Valletta Airport can source the perfect car hire deal. The country’s capital is a fascinating place to explore. Valleta’s history is closely associated with the Knights of St John. Known as the Hospitallers, this ancient order founded at the time of the crusades, defeated the Ottoman Turks in a great battle here in 1565. Some of the original fortifications used in the battle still survive today.
The Izzicarhire.com office in Hamrun offers great deals on car hire, ideally suited to exploring the town and venturing further afield. The town itself is a busy, bustling place with great shops and a lively atmosphere. There are a number of beautiful churches to visit, such as the chapel of Tas-Samra, which contains an usual icon of a dark skinned Madonna.
The new Izzicarhire.com operation at St Julians serves travellers arriving to holiday at this fabulous coastal resort. Originally a fishing village, the area has developed from a favourite with wealthy locals into Malta’s premier tourist resort. Relax at the sheltered bay or head to Paceville for the vibrant night life and enjoy the bars, discos, restaurants and casinos. Hire a car to experience a little of the real Malta beyond this tourist haven.
Visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main island, might want to jump in a hire car and take the ferry to Gozo . This sleepy agricultural outpost has a number of fascinating attractions and some scholars believe it to be Calypso, the mythical island in Homer’s Odeyssey. Prehistoric megaliths can be found here and divers are drawn here by some of the best dive spots in the Mediterranean.
LEGO Imagination Center at Downtown Disney
Inside the LEGO Imagination Center, there are life-size LEGO displays (and plenty of opportunities to pose in front of them) build your own LEGO kits and computer kiosks where LEGO fans of all ages can play video games. There is even a computer screen that allows kids to hold up boxes from select LEGO sets to see what the finished product will look like.
No purchase is necessary to enjoy all of the “attractions” within the LEGO Imagination Center, although if the lines to the cash register are any indication, there are plenty of purchases that are inspired by this unique shop.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Austria Is Best Seen by Car
La Rocca Angera
Rocca Borromeo
– guest post by Stresa Sight’s reader – Nora
In August 2009 I visited the magnificent Rocca Borromeo (also known as Rocca di Angera) with my husband and young daughter. It is just across the lake from Stresa. There is a local ferry that runs directly from Stresa to Angera but it is not a regular service. You can do what we did and take the car or train to Arona (just a 15 minute journey - 9k from Stresa). There is a frequent service of boats from Arona across the lake. When you arrive, stroll through the pretty town of
Rocca Borromeo dominates the southern end of Lago Maggiore. It is a perfectly preserved 14th century medieval fortress atop a spur of limestone rock on the Quirico hill, 200m above the town of
Little pianist, just one of the dolls in the incredible Doll Museum.
I was fascinated by the overwhelming number of dolls and was stunned by the level of detail in the miniature pieces and the fine embroidery in the costumes. The
Frescoe representing Visconti military exploits in 1277.
The castle has many historical rooms, one of which is The Hall of Justice (La Sala di Giustizia) which preserves a marvellous fresco cycle of the late 13th century. The frescoes represent Ottore Visconti and his military exploits in 1277. This room is also used as a concert hall. From the Sala a wooden staircase leads to the Tower Castellana which affords magnificent views across the wide expanse of Lago Maggiore to Arona, the pre-Alps and the
A view from the Tower Castellana.
Suggestion: the castle and museums can be seen in half a day. You could combine this with a visit to the lovely town of
And now that you've read about it, take a look at the video slideshow. If you weren't already convinced to visit La Rocca, this will do it:
Open 20 March 2010– 17 October 2010 (9.30-12.30/14.00-18:00)
October closed at 17:00
Tickets - 2010 prices – Adults €7.50 Children €5.00 euro (6-15 years)
For the 2010 season they have also opened several new museums at La Rocca; we've mentioned them in an earlier post here.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Downtown Disney
On Downtown Disney’s West Side, visitors can enjoy a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, engage in interactive arcade adventures at Disney Quest (where the dim lights can make you feel as if it is nighttime even in the middle of the day), dine at Planet Hollywood or even catch a first run feature film at the AMC 24 Theater. The guests who visit this side of Downtown Disney tend to have older children who can fully appreciate these attractions.
On the other side of the Pleasure Island area (which still has several food and beverage establishments that are open for business until the grand reopening in 2011) is the most crowded area of Downtown Disney, known as Disney Marketplace. This is where all of the major themed restaurants can be found, from the T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, Rainforest Café, Fulton’s Crab House, the Portobello Italian restaurant plus a very popular McDonald’s, which is rumored to be closing down to accommodate a Guatemalan fast food chain known as Pollo Campero.
Families who come to the Disney Marketplace to eat also find themselves spending a lot of time with their kids purchasing souvenirs at the World of Disney store—the largest Disney character store in Walt Disney World Resort—or the nearby Lego Imagination Station, where children of all ages can be found playing with Lego sets or climbing through the preschool playground area. No matter what you are in the mood for after a day at the Disney theme parks, Downtown Disney delivers.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Shen Yun In Orlando

Thunderous drums shake the stage, while spectacular backdrops take you to another world.See ancient legends of virtue brought to life alongside modern tales of courage. Hear soaring songs by masterful vocalists that will move and inspire.
Experience a sense of beauty and enchantment like no other with this unique, thrilling and unforgettable show.
Show date and time JUNE 30 • 7:30 PM at the Bob Carr Performong Arts Centre
Buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the #1 ticketing portal on the web
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Enoteca La Cambusa
Rosaria Bolla and her family have owned and run Cambusa in this same location since 1981, and previous to that there was another location in town that had opened in 1961. The shop is divided into somewhat narrow sections, with shelves lining the walls from floor to ceiling. These hold a stunning selection of wines and spirits, but also local food specialties, pastas, and sweets. These alone would make Cambusa a favorite shopping destination of both locals and tourists alike, but what really makes it special here are the wine tastings that Rosaria offers... for free.
Arrange a time with her for your group and Rosaria will choose a few wines for you. She'll explain them a bit, offer tastings of all to all with little appetizers as well. There are several square wooden high tables scattered around, with stools, for you to use for as long as you like enjoying the wines. The atmosphere in the shop is friendly and relaxed, one never feels pressured to buy, or to leave. If you're not there for a tasting you can still enjoy the tables and the ambience. Simply buy a bottle off the shelves and if you'd like to stay and enjoy it there Rosaria will open it for you and provide you with as many glasses as you need. Just like with the tastings, there is no additional charge for this service. And you'll probably get a bit of education and some great conversation also. (What a great idea for a rainy afternoon when you're wondering what to do!)
Rosaria proudly showed me a magazine article written about her in a Disney publication. It features a great photo of her in her shop, where everyone leaves as a friend of hers. She has built up quite a clientele over the years, with customers and fans from around the world, and when they return to Stresa they contact Rosaria first to ask her what they can bring back to her from their own countries.
I didn't stay for a bottle that day, as Rosaria was leaving. But you can be sure I'll be there the next time. Like everyone else who enters Cambusa, I feel I left with a new friend.
You can contact them with an email to arrange a tasting, or contact us and we'll be happy to assist you with this as well.
via Cavour 27
28838 Stresa (VB)
Tel: 00 39 0323 31938
e-mail: contact@winelacambusa.com
Free Nights for Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios
Younglings can hone their lightsaber skills and prepare to do battle with Darth Vader himself at the Jedi Training Academy. Prove yourself the master of trivia in contests with prize giveaways. Board a runaway Starspeeder on the Star Tours attraction, or stare in awe as visitors from Naboo, Endor and every planet between pass by in a motorcade. This is such an exciting experience!
In addition to all the special entertainment, there are plenty of conversations, autograph sessions and motorcades with the celebrities and creators of the Star Wars galaxy.
Be sure to grab a Disney FASTPASS ticket to ensure your place in line for the celebrity autographs, or find special limited-edition merchandise to add to your collection at the Tatooine Traders store and other vendors around the Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.
Each day ends with a Hyperspace Hoopla show, where many favorites let loose with music, dancing, comedy, and much more.
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel is an “Official Walt Disney World Hotel”, located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel is the most affordable full-service hotel in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. The property prides itself on offering amenities normally found in higher priced accommodations including, private furnished balconies, and guest rooms with two queens or one king size beds, with triple sheeting and luxury linens and wireless internet service though-out the entire hotel. The hotel’s contemporary lobby level features a variety of dining and shopping outlets including an official Disney Gift Shop. Enjoy breakfast at Trader’s Island Grill where you can even make your very own Mickey Mouse waffles. Flamingo Cove offers indoor and poolside dining with daily specials and also serves Pizza Hut Express pizzas. The hotel also offers continuous shuttle to the Walt Disney World Theme parks and the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Book early and take advantage of our Spring Savings with Free Nights! Buy one night at regular rate and get the second night free. Maximum number of free nights is two. Rate is plus hotels nightly resort fee and is valid for travel between April 14, 2010 and June 7, 2010. For reservations please call 800.348.3765 or book on line at Lake Buena Vista Hotels
Star Wars Weekend 2010 dates are: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 4-6, June 11-13. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be cancelled at any time.
Universal Orlando Meal Deal
Eat All Day Long
One-Park Meal Deal
Adult: $19.99* + Tax
Child: $9.99* + Tax
*Children ages 9 and under must order from kids menu
2 Park Meal Deal
Also Available
Unlimited trips through the line at select theme park restaurants throughout the day. Dining
Available until 30 minutes prior to posted theme park closing time.
Add a Meal Deal Souvenir Cup with unlimited fountain refills for $8.99* + tax
Universal Meal Deal
Available for purchase at:
All participating restaurants, Dining Reservations Carts, Theme Park Ticket Booths, and Select Merchandise Stores
Participating Theme Park Restaurants:
Universal Studios
Louie’s Italian Restaurant * Mel’s Drive-In* International Food & Film Festival Food Court
Islands of Adventure
Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous * Comic Strip Café * Burger Digs
· Sharing of meals not permitted, additional charges will be applied
· Meal includes ( each time through the line): 1 entrée platter and 1 dessert
· Beverages, Shakes and Merchandise not included
· Food Service available until 30 minutes prior to theme park closing time
· Children 9 and under must order from exclusive Meal Deal Children’s Menu only
· Add a Meal Deal Souvenir Cup with unlimited fountain refills for $8.99 + tax (refills at participating Meal Deal restaurants only – valid day of purchase only)
· Meal Deal and Wrist Bands valid day of purchase only
Two Park Meal Deal
Adult: $23.99* + Tax
Child: $11.99* + Tax
Children ages 9 and under must order from kids menu
Click here for more Universal Orlando Meal Deal information
Friday, April 16, 2010
Relay For Life Of South Lake
Event Date: 3:00 PM start, 6:00 PM Survivor Lap
Event Location: East Ridge High School 13322 Exclibur Road Clermont,Fl 34711
Event Schedule: Friday, April 30, 2010
Some exciting spa specials are going on through April and May
Give Your Feet a Vacation, Too! - Use Spring Break as an opportunity to give your feet a break! If you plan to visit any Orlando theme park this month, just show your theme park, attraction or exhibition ticket stub (or annual pass), and save. Learn More...
Celebrate Romance - If you are joining us for our Remember Romance getaway package, you can enjoy a 20% savings on select spa services at Relâche. Spa services include: Shampoo & Style, Royal Relâche pedicure, The Smoothie, Tropical Island Glow, and Total Elegance. Learn More About Out Remember Romance Getaway Package...
Spa Week at Relâche, May 3-7, 2010 - Be among the first to take this opportunity to sample our most popular signature treatments at a special "Spa Week" rate. Learn More...
Kids Time Out at Gaylord Palms
Mothers Day Weekend at Gaylord Palms
Celebration Exotic Car Festival Revs Up This Weekend
Highlights for this weekend’s line-up include a world-class food & wine festival, Saturday’s Concours of Exotic Cars, one-night-only concert at Hard Rock Live, and the Shooter McGavin Celebrity Golf Scramble.
Friday, April 16th
Jetport Food & Wine Festival Presented by Westgate Resorts Foundation
Kissimmee Airport
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Ticketed Event. Tickets still available - register at www.celebrationexoticcars.com
A private jet hangar at the Kissimmee Airport is transformed into a South Beach-inspired nightclub. Hosted by Bocuse d’Or and Les Chefs de France, this culinary showcase features world-renowned celebrity chefs and the area's finest local chefs in a world-class culinary extravaganza for guests, as well as a fashion show, display of private jets and exotic cars, spectacular air show, and silent auction.
Saturday, April 17th
Concours of Exotic Cars
Downtown Celebration
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free admission!
Stroll Celebration Town Center's waterfront promenade among one of North America’s largest gatherings of exotic cars, race cars and movie cars. More than 250 ultra-exotic cars will be on display, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti, Maserati, Pantera, Aston Martin and Lotus, as well as the Back To The Future DeLorean and the Lamborghinis from Cannonball Run and Dumb & Dumber. Enjoy a demonstration of Special Olympics Young Athletes Program (for children ages 2-7 with special needs) at 10:30 a.m. and enjoy the show alongside celebrities throughout the day!
Saturday, April 17th
Special Olympics ROCKS!
Hard Rock Live
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Ticketed Event - SOLD OUT
600 guests will mingle with celebrities, enjoy a gourmet dinner, top-shelf open bar, one-of-a-kind live auction items, and a live concert performed by some of rock's most legendary lead singers, at this sold out event. Scheduled to appear: Tone Loc, Skip Martin (former lead singer of Kool and the Gang), Wally Palmer (The Romantics), Jimi Jamison (former lead singer of Survivor), and John Cafferty (John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band).
Sunday, April 17th
Shooter McGavin Celebrity Golf Scramble
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ticketed Event - SOLD OUT
The inaugural Shooter McGavin Celebrity Golf Tournament, hosted by "Shooter" himself, actor Christopher McDonald, from the film "Happy Gilmore." Each team will be joined by a celebrity and the course will be flush with exotic cars. The blend of celebrities, exotic cars and the Shooter McGavin them makes this one of the most unique tournaments anywhere!
For a full schedule of events, visit www.celebrationexoticcars.com
Top quality service at the Radisson Orlando on International Drive
For guests who stay at the Radisson Orlando on International Drive, quality customer service is just as important as an ideal location.
The Radisson Orlando on International Drive is conveniently situated in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district, with plenty of modern amenities, well-equipped rooms, free Wi-FI Internet access, spacious meeting facilities for business travelers and a heated pool for vacationing families. The biggest attractions in the Orlando area—Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, the Walt Disney World resort, and SeaWorld/Discovery Cove/Aquatica—are only a few minutes away via a complimentary shuttle ride.
Many of the Radisson Orlando hotel’s satisfied customers have taken the time to express their pleasure with the hotel’s service. Here are just a few examples of the comments that the Radisson Orlando on International Drive has received in recent months:
“Everyone was friendly and professional. We were able to get an early check-in, thanks. The bartender was especially nice.” –Christine
“The absolute best shower in Florida or the US for that matter. Thank you.” –James
“I was greeted by a wonderful lady named Jodie. She helped me decide to continue the rest of my stay at this hotel. She has great customer service and I love that in a company I'm trying for the first time. The Radisson will see more of my business.” –Lashun
“Overall good experience. (A) clean, comfortable, courteous hotel.” –Josh
“Friendly check-in and willing to answer all questions. Room was clean and smelled fresh. Location of hotel was great.” –Pamela
“The maid servers were very thorough and efficient.” –Gerald
“Excellent value for money. Staff at (the) desk were fantastic and enrolled me in your rewards program.” –Michael
For experienced travelers who care about quality service as much as an ideal location, the Radisson Orlando on International Drive fulfills every expectation.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Cheap Car Hire UK Popular with Travelers
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