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Friday, September 30, 2011

Hard Rock Hotel Tampa Pinktober

1. Pinktober. This year marks the 12th year of Hard Rock International¹s support for breast cancer research and awareness and the fourth year for SHRHC¹s efforts. Hard Rock will donate proceeds from the sale of special limited-edition PINKTOBER merchandise to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation ®, the Caron Keating Foundation and select local charities worldwide. SHRHC will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from its ³Get into Bed² PINKTOBER ³Pink Sheets² guest room bookings to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Guests can request to stay in the limited availability ³Pink Sheets² rooms at no additional cost. In addition to having 25 percent of their room rate donated to BCRF, guests will also receive a complimentary commemorative Hard Rock pin. The select guestrooms will also be supplied with special collectible PINKTOBER bathrobes that can be purchased in the Body Rock Spa and Seminole Hard Rock Retail Store, with a portion of the proceeds donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

SHRHC will be donating 75 percent of the retail purchase price of its limited edition collectible PINKTOBER Hard Rock pins ($12) and 15 percent of the retail purchase price of its charm bracelets ($20); ladies pink t-shirts ($24); pink-hued guitar-embossed ³Sleep Like A Rock² bedding sheet sets (queen $100, king $120); black leather vests ($150); sleepwear (nightshirts $30, shorts $29.99, pants $39.99, robes $80); travel mugs ($24.99); and bandanas ($12) to the cause.

2. Nissan 370Z Trick or Treat Giveaway. Every Tuesday in October. Win a Nissan 370Z or up to $25,000 cash. Hourly drawings 1pm ­ 9pm for $1,000.
Grand prize drawings at 9:30pm. Earn Entries September 28 through October 25.

3. The Angelus Guitar Auction. Thursday October 6th, 7-10pm. Bid on specially decorated and autographed guitars, featuring one of a kind guitars decorated and signed by local and national celebrities including Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton and more! Proceeds to benefit The Angelus, a home for the severely handicapped.

4. $10,000 Spooktacular Giveaway. Wednesdays in October. Win up to $10,000 cash. Hourly Drawings 10am ­ 4pm. Earn Entries September 29 ­ October 26.

5. Doug MacCraw. Eat & Laugh at the Café with comedian/hypnotist Doug MacCraw, as seen on Comedy Central. Sunday October 16. 9pm. Free Admission.

6. Come out for a special night featuring singer Mike Posner! Enjoy his live performance, followed by an after party hosted by Mike himself. Plus, hang out with the ³Cooler Than Me² star in our specially-designed private VIP area! Shows Friday 10/14. Performance 1am, doors at midnight. $15 advance tickets. $20 at the door.

7. PLAY, EARN & REDEEM BONUS POKER MONDAYS. October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2011. To qualify, the player must accumulate a minimum of 4 hours per Monday of live action play during the qualifying promotional time period12:01am through 11:59pm, Monday, October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2011. Players are only eligible to redeem one $25 reward voucher per Monday during the promotional period. Maximum amount of vouchers a participant is eligible to receive over the promotional period is five. Hours may not be combined to receive multiple prizes.
Check out their website for more details seminolehardrocktampa.com

Reader's Questions: Wheelchair Rentals

This reader needed to rent a wheelchair for her father. She wrote:

Q: Do you know of anyone with a wheelchair that we could borrow or hire? That would be so good...


Although we supplied her with a couple of rental suggestions, in the end she was able to find a wheelchair with the help of her hotel (the wonderful La Luna nel Porto). Marisa at La Luna directed the reader to the Stresa chapter of the Red Cross, and they were able to provide her with exactly what she needed. Now she has kindly written back, to share her information with us and pass it along to our readers, knowing that it is going to help others of you. She writes: ....
A: Just to report back that the wheelchair supplied by the Red Cross (based near the convention center/civic offices?) was superb -- brand new and perfect for the job as it folded up when on the boat or in restaurants. In the end it cost us a donation so I was very happy to give them 15 euros a day.


The Red Cross office spoken about is called the Croce Rossa di Stresa. The office is near the Palazzo dei Congressi, on Via Cigala Fulgosi in the center of Stresa, and they can be reached through their website: www.stresa.net/cri/.   
If that does not work for you for whatever reason, here are a couple of other resources to try: 

This company, Ortopedia, is in Verbania; they rent and sell many medical items. http://www.ortopediadurso.com/prestazioni-e-servizi

This is a large supply company in Torino that rents many medical needs. They may be able to arrange for delivery of certain items to Stresa: .lupo-medicosanitari.it 


In general, Stresa makes every attempt to be very wheelchair accommodating. But if you have specific concerns it is best to check with your hotel or accommodations regarding your specific needs.




Fantasy of Flights "Night Flights" Highlight the spooky

POLK CITY, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2011) - Those accustomed to dealing with concrete, easy-to-prove concepts, such as the mechanics of an aircraft, the physics of flight or the value of a rare vintage plane are invited to fine tune their sixth sense this October as Fantasy of Flight explores the unexplained, unidentified and unexpected aspects of its world-renowned collection of rare and vintage aircraft and reveals some of aviation's most puzzling mysteries.

Two unique events, the family-friendly Haunted Hangar Walking Tour and nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation, a spine-tingling late night experience, offer guests a chance to celebrate Halloween like never before.

The "ghoulie"-guided, half-hour Haunted Hangar Walking Tour engages guests of all ages with little known-aviation tales and unsolved mysteries - from the famous Lost Squadron to Lindbergh's spectral companions - all guaranteed to cast a supernatural sheen over the "World's Greatest Aircraft Collection"™. The Haunted Hangar Walking Tour will be offered daily Oct. 1 - 31 and is included free with the price of general admission and is free for annual pass holders. Tour schedule is subject to change.

Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation. Introduced in 2010 to sold-out audiences, the limited-attendance nighttime tours are guided by Florida's Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit team of paranormal investigators (sometimes referred to as "ghost hunters") who have rated Fantasy of Flight an "11" on a paranormal activity scale of 1 to 10. During their four-hour experience, visitors will learn of the aircraft collection's haunted history, explore the unexplained occurrences throughout the halls and hangars of Fantasy of Flight, visit locations where encounters have been recorded and engage in the hands-on use of the tools of the ghost hunting trade. The October 2011 investigations will further examine data collected by nightFlight participants during the initial programs in early 2011 and inspect unexplored areas and aspects of Fantasy of Flight operations including the mysterious female spirit "M" in the Officers' Club, the new approach in the Carrier Deck with the cluster of Naval carrier-based aircraft and the Restoration shop.

nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation will be offered Saturday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 29. The tours run from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and are $75 plus tax, per guest. Reservations are required. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, voice recorder, video recorder and extra batteries. Recommended attire includes secure, flat-soled shoes, a watch and "quiet" clothing that doesn't have strings or glow in the dark. Due to the subject matter, this event is recommended for adults. Participants must be at least 16 years old; those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.nightflightexperience.com/ or call 863-984-3500.

"From the fearless to the faint of heart, there's something new and mysterious awaiting all of our guests at Fantasy of Flight this Halloween season," said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. "And best of all, as guests enjoy these very special events, they can also feel good about helping members of the community by donating to our food drive."

Any visitor who brings a donation of canned goods or non-perishable food items will receive $5 off the price of a single, regular admission from Oct. 1 through Nov. 10.All items collected will benefit The Mission of Winter Haven. Rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables are especially needed. The food drive discount is not valid with other offers or discounts.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the year. Remaining events include Roar n' Soar, which takes place Sat., Nov. 12 and Sun., Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.) at the attraction's spacious lakefront grounds and airfield in Polk City, Fla., midway between Orlando and Tampa. For more information or to purchase Roar n' Soar tickets, call 863-984-3500 or visit http://www.fantasyofflight.com/

Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country's only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.

New at Fantasy of Flight this year is Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor attraction featuring a 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course complete with 33 midair challenges to be performed while tethered to an overhead line at heights of up to 45 feet. Ideal for families, couples, student/youth groups or corporate groups seeking teambuilding opportunities, Wing WalkAir is the first attraction of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando. Admission is $25 for the zip line and ropes course or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately. Group rates are available. Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for entry to Wing WalkAir.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright's Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit http://www.fantasyofflight.com/.

Tips for Economical Car Hire USA

In a tough economy, almost everyone is looking for ways to economize. Whether it is daily living or a family leisure trip, one looks for the best deals. People try to cut costs on air tickets or accommodation but the most overlooked area is the cost of renting a car. Most people book a car rental thinking that the prices offered by all the companies are same. There is hardly any difference, which is not true. If you are planning a trip to USA, there are many ways in which you can get the best car hire USA deals. You need to research online and pay attention to the discounts and additional benefits on vehicle rentals offered by various companies. Here are some tips for saving money when renting a car:

  • Most travelers operate under the misconception that they can get the best deals by picking a car directly from the car rental locations. But this is not true. Renting a car without any prior booking can be extremely expensive. It is better to take advantage of their online car booking facility and make an advance booking. Most car companies offer discounts and schemes on online booking. You can avail a suitable offer and cut costs.


  • Beware of hidden charges. Do not rent a car until you are clear with all the inclusions in your car rental contract. When booking online, go to the reservation page of the company website and know about taxes, fees and extra charges. If you think it is charging really high, you can consider booking a car with other company.


  • Although airport car rentals offer you maximum comfort and convenience but to cut cost you need to walk a little to another car rental location and pick a car from there. Many states levy ridiculous taxes and user fees on airport rentals. If it is possible for you to pick a car from the other location, you can certainly save money.


  • New York is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the United States. Millions of visitors flock to this city every year. To keep the hassles out of your life and cut the costs, make sure to book car rental prior to your arrival in the city. Spot booking is extremely expensive plus you will have to wait to get your car.

Not hiring a private car, of course, helps you save a lot of money but where driving is unavoidable, make sure to follow the above tips to hit the best deal.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Halloween Favorites at Fantasy of Flight

Those accustomed to dealing with concrete, easy-to-prove concepts, such as the mechanics of an aircraft, the physics of flight or the value of a rare vintage plane are invited to fine tune their sixth sense this October as Fantasy of Flight explores the unexplained, unidentified and unexpected aspects of its world-renowned collection of rare and vintage aircraft and reveals some of aviation's most puzzling mysteries.

Two unique events, the family-friendly Haunted Hangar Walking Tour and nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation, a spine-tingling late night experience, offer guests a chance to celebrate Halloween like never before.

The "ghoulie"-guided, half-hour Haunted Hangar Walking Tour engages guests of all ages with little known-aviation tales and unsolved mysteries - from the famous Lost Squadron to Lindbergh's spectral companions - all guaranteed to cast a supernatural sheen over the "World's Greatest Aircraft Collection"™. The Haunted Hangar Walking Tour will be offered daily Oct. 1 - 31 and is included free with the price of general admission and is free for annual pass holders. Tour schedule is subject to change.

Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation. Introduced in 2010 to sold-out audiences, the limited-attendance nighttime tours are guided by Florida's Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit team of paranormal investigators (sometimes referred to as "ghost hunters") who have rated Fantasy of Flight an "11" on a paranormal activity scale of 1 to 10. During their four-hour experience, visitors will learn of the aircraft collection's haunted history, explore the unexplained occurrences throughout the halls and hangars of Fantasy of Flight, visit locations where encounters have been recorded and engage in the hands-on use of the tools of the ghost hunting trade. The October 2011 investigations will further examine data collected by nightFlight participants during the initial programs in early 2011 and inspect unexplored areas and aspects of Fantasy of Flight operations including the mysterious female spirit "M" in the Officers' Club, the new approach in the Carrier Deck with the cluster of Naval carrier-based aircraft and the Restoration shop.

Any visitor who brings a donation of canned goods or non-perishable food items will receive $5 off the price of a single, regular admission from Oct. 1 through Nov. 10.All items collected will benefit The Mission of Winter Haven. Rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables are especially needed. The food drive discount is not valid with other offers or discounts.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the year. Remaining events include Roar n' Soar, which takes place Sat., Nov. 12 and Sun., Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.) at the attraction's spacious lakefront grounds and airfield in Polk City, Fla., midway between Orlando and Tampa. For more information or to purchase Roar n' Soar tickets, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

SeaWorld Orlando released Caleb the manatee


Animal care experts from SeaWorld Orlando released Caleb the manatee at Blue Springs today (September 29, 2011).Caleb was a 460-pound manatee suffering from cold stress at Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, Fla. when he was brought to SeaWorld Orlando by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) on January 21, 2011. While being cared for, Caleb gained 230 lbs and weighed a total of 690 lbs upon his release.

SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals including manatees like Caleb.

Orlando's Rosen Hotels Invite Guests to "Sleepover for the Cure"

ORLANDO (Sept. 29, 2011) - As a hospitality group known for its support of numerous healthy initiatives, Rosen Hotels & Resorts is offering a special nightly rate at each of its three award-winning convention hotels -- AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza - to support breast cancer research. Not only will guests receive an incredibly low rate on room nights at their choice of the three luxurious Orlando hotels, in addition, the company will donate three percent of each room night sold to the Central Florida Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which is dedicated to education and research about breast cancer causes, treatment and the search for a cure.

"We at Rosen Hotels & Resorts value the gift of good health, as we know our guests and community do," said Harris Rosen, President/COO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts. "Realizing this, we were compelled to create a package that offered our guests an affordable respite at one of our beautiful hotels while making a contribution to a worthy cause."

The special "Sleepover for the Cure" package is available for select dates now through Dec. 31, 2011 and is $79 at Rosen Plaza, $89 at Rosen Centre and $99 at Rosen Shingle Creek, plus tax per night, double occupancy, based on date and rate availability and includes:
· Complimentary self parking
· Two for one golf at Shingle Creek Golf Club, named a Four Star Best Places to Play by Golf Digest
· Fifteen (15) percent off coupons valid at Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza dining and lounging outlets including:

o "Dine around" restaurants including AAA Four Diamond A Land Remembered, AAA Four Diamond Cala Bella, Café Osceola, Tobias Flats and Banrai Sushi at Rosen Shingle Creek; Everglades Restaurant, Banshoo Sushi, 98Forty Tapas & Tequila and Café Gauguin at Rosen Centre; and Jack's Place and Café Matisse at Rosen Plaza
o Headwaters Lounge, Cala Bella quiet bar, A Land Remembered Bar and Osceola Bar at Rosen Shingle Creek; The Lobby Bar and Everglades Bar at Rosen Centre; and The Lobby Bar and Backstage Nightclub & Sports Bar at Rosen Plaza
o Coffee and pastries at Smoooth Java coffee bar at all three properties

To book this special rate, guests may call 866-996-6338 and ask for the "Sleepover for the Cure" available dates or find the dates and book online at http://www.rosensleepoverforthecure.com/. The offer does not include taxes or gratuities and is not valid for groups or with any other discounts or offers. Reservations are recommended for golf and dining.

In addition to its support of breast cancer research, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has been lauded for its revolutionary in-house associate health care and insurance program, which provides low-cost insurance and prescriptions, as well as affordable and accessible healthcare and wellness programs to all Rosen Hotels associates. The hospitality group is also a leader in community philanthropy, having contributed greatly to local education projects through scholarships, donations and youth programs.

Together, the Rosen convention hotels boast more than 3,600 luxurious guest rooms, more than 611,000 gross square feet of flexible meeting space including one of the nation's largest column-free ballrooms and the new Rosen Centre Skywalk pedestrian connector to the Orange County Convention Center. Each offers steps-away convenience to International Drive, the Pointe Orlando shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and Orlando's world-class theme parks and water parks. Rosen Hotels & Resorts guests may enjoy the amenities at any of the three hotels, including the award-winning championship 18-hole Shingle Creek Golf Club and Brad Brewer Golf Academy, two incredible day spas - The Spa at Shingle Creek and the Body & Sol Spa at Rosen Centre, nearly two dozen award-winning dining, entertainment and lounging options including Jack's Place which has been voted the best restaurant on International Drive, Backstage Nightclub & Sports Bar at Rosen Plaza, Everglades Restaurant featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood, the new 98Forty Tapas & Tequila at Rosen Centre, the new Tobias Flats and Banrai Sushi, as well as AAA Four Diamond A Land Remembered classic steakhouse and AAA Four Diamond Cala Bella Italian Bistro at Rosen Shingle Creek, as well as state-of-the-art fitness centers and a variety of tennis and sport courts, nature trails and seasonal fishing.

For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts, visit http://www.rosenhotels.com/.

Downtown Atlanta Hotels

luxury-modern-hotel-design-indiaA constant hub of activities and events, functions and celebrations, and lots more enjoyable moments, Atlanta is indeed a melting pot of joy, happiness, learning, adventure, and excitement. So, why to miss all the fun by staying somewhere far away from the center of excitement? To place you next to all the wonderful and amazing centers, downtown Atlanta hotels exist.

Some truly amazing downtown hotels are Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Ritz Carlton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Omni Hotel at CNN Centre, Wyndham Atlanta, Courtyard Atlanta Downtown, Renaissance Atlanta Downtown Hotel, Quality Hotel Downtown, Marriot Marquis Atlanta, Amerisuites Downtown Atlanta, and Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel - Atlanta Suite Underground.

The aforementioned hotels are an amalgamation of beauty, luxury, convenience, and comfort. Situated in downtown Atlanta, such hotels are minutes away from all the major attractions of the place like Georgia Dome, Georgia State Capital, Underground Atlanta, CNN Center, Turner Field, Golf Course, Stone Mountain, Georgia Gift Mart, Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, High Museum of Art, historical mansions besides others.

Almost all hotels are ideal for business meetings, weddings, other occasions, conferences, and many more events. Most of the hotels offer a wide array of amenities such as data ports, Internet services, complimentary newspapers, coffee maker, iron and ironing boards, cable access television, hair dryer, handicapped rooms, restaurants, halls, ballrooms, indoor or outdoor swimming pools, spa or fitness centers, business center, and many more services.

Among the hotels, Marriot Marquis Atlanta is connected by skywalk to Peachtree Centre Mall and has been awarded 'the Gold Key', 'Meetings of Distinction', and 'Pinnacle' awards. Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is equally enticing as it offers an array of packages which can take you to Georgia Aquarium and football matches, besides others. Apart from this, it also boasts of having the 'greatest pool' in Atlanta.

With Georgia World Congress Center and Atlanta Civic Center within walking distance, Hilton Atlanta is the perfect combination of convenience and luxury.

Glass elevators up to 73 floors lead from the Westin Peachtree Plaza to the Sun Dial, renowned for its food and views.

Some hotels like Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, Quality Hotel Downtown, and Amerisuites Downtown Atlanta besides others also offer special handicapped rooms in addition to the other amenities.

Discount Hotels Orlando

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Swim With The Dolphins 2 Day Getaway

Imagine swimming alongside a dolphin as part of your Orlando vacation! Come and take a two-day side trip from Orlando to enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of South Florida during the Swim with the Dolphins Getaway.

Your swim session is in a natural ocean water lagoon that is approximately 15 feet deep. A flotation vest is provided and it is mandatory for all dolphin swimmers to wear. The entire program lasts approximately 2 hours. It involves an educational briefing, where you will learn about dolphins in general, as well as the individual dolphins you will be swimming with.

Two people enter the water with two trained dolphins at a time. Whilst in the water you can expect foot pushes, dorsal tows, water fights, kisses and handshakes as well as a number of other behaviors.

Day two begins with your Everglades adventure and the wildest airboat ride in the State – hold on to your hats and keep your hands inside the boat as you come face to face with some real Florida locals – the Alligators! 180 and 360 degree spins are the norm as you see the Everglades in a way only possible on an airboat. You then get to see an alligator and snake handling show including a great photo opportunity with your chance to hold an alligator and some snakes!! View more Orlando tours

Busch Tampa Howl-O-Scream Preview/Review #hos

I had a chance to experience Busch Gardens Tampa's Howl O Scream last week, and it's a hoot. There are six Hauned Houses and an upcharge 7th one, called Alone, that is well worth the extra price ($40 for a group of four). We saw numerous hordes/gangs of scareactors roaming the streets and menacing other visitors.

Here are the two shows from the event, in full:

Midnight Hour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKRQLb4mJJs

Fiends:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s5x5H3PMH8

Then, part of this Disney-focused slideshow video will also show more of Howl o Scream.
Slideshow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8S5eO_vCBk

Enjoy!

Book Car Hire Barcelona and Explore the Stunningly Beautiful City

Laid-back yet lively city of Barcelona boasts of its exceptionally impressive architecture, fantastic natural beauty and excellent beachfront and great food. Visiting this sparkling city is a must during your trip to Spain. The city offers its guests with a plethora of activities to do and several places to see. In fact, one should also travel to the cities outskirts and surrounding regions. It takes a short drive from the city centre to arrive at these destinations. To explore the city and nearby areas thoroughly and to enjoy your trip to the fullest, it is good to book car hire Spain. Driving in the beautiful lanes of the city is an experience which is second to none. Whether you are planning a romantic holiday with your partner or a fun- filled family vacation, Barcelona makes an ideal destination.


Barcelona is home to numerous tourist attractions. It has some of the best examples of Roman, Gothic and contemporary architecture. The major tourist sites in the city are Sagrada Familia, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Park Guell, Palau Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, The Cathedral of St. Eulalia, Church of Santa Maria del Mar, Gothic Church of Santa Maria del Pi, Church of Sant Pau del Camp, The Columbus Monument, The Arc de Triomf and Medieval Church of Sant Pau del Camp. Many of these sites have been included in the World Heritage Sites List. It is worth seeing these historical monuments as they boast of Roman and Gothic architectural excellence.


Barcelona has a large number of museums covering different eras and areas. The National Museum of Art of Catalonia has a collection of Romanesque Art whereas Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on post 1945 Spanish Art. The Erotic Museum of Barcelona is the most peculiar one while The Fundacio Joan Miro, Fundacio Antoni Tapies and Picasso Museum possess important collections of these internationally-recognised artists. With 45 kilometer of coastline, the city has seven beaches in total.


In addition to historical sites, Barcelona offers all other means of entertainment such as festivals, events, live music concerts, theatrical performances, opera, pop music festivals and the Primavera Sound Festival. Take advantage of car hire to thoroughly explore the city of Barcelona and surrounding region. Driving in the beautiful lanes of thiscity gives you extreme pleasure and happiness and of course, comfort and convenience. To avoid last-minute problems, book your car prior to your arrival in the city.

Days Inn Universal North Hotel Reviews


The Days Inn Universal North is located at the intersection of Interstate 4 and John Young Boulevard, Exit 79, just minutes from all major attractions and downtown Orlando. The Day Inn Universal North is centrally located within minutes of Universal Studios, SeaWorld Adventure Park, Walt Disney World, Epcot, the Holy Land Experience and all other major attractions. The Days Inn Universal North offers a great shopping experience at the most elite, Mall at Millennia along with an excellent dining experience at one of the many famed restaurants located within minutes of the hotel, including those at the Festival Bay at International Drive. We are Close to the TDWaterhouse Convention Center and the Orange County Convention Center.

The services include an on-premise restaurant and sports bar, an IHOP adjacent to the hotel, free-wireless Internet connectivity, free breakfast for children, game room, swimming pool, free HBO, free ample-parking for all-types vehicles along with alternate (for a small service charge) transportation to all tourist and shopping attractions.The Days Inn Orlando is an Orlando pet friendly hotel ($10.00 USD Per day fee)

A summary of 195 guest reviews from verified websites only
  • Neutral 15 guests mentioned the bathrooms in a review, six said it they were in good condition, nine felt otherwise
  • Neutral We found 16 reviews that said the rooms were very clean and 12 that said they were not
  • Approval Out of 24 reviews of the hotel's location, 19 said it's in a convenient spot
  • Approval 19 guests mentioned the staff in a review, 15 found them helpful and polite
  • Approval 11 guests mentioned the bed comfort in a review, eight felt the beds were comfortable
  • Approval Nine mentioned the cost of their booking in a review, eight thought it was a fair price

Based on reviews from the following websites


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Explore Stunning France with Car Hire Services

France is one of the most visited countries in the world. The land of lovely beaches, architectural masterpieces, incredible natural beauty, beautiful monuments and great wine and food offers you everything that you can think of. Although you can indulge yourself in French pleasures at any time of the year but many people swear spring is the best. During this season, it looks exceptionally stunning. Home to some of the most beautiful cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Cannes, Monaco, Porto, Provence and Versailles, the country attracts people of all age groups. You can certainly find something suiting your interests. A self-driven trip is the best way to explore this fabulous country. You can opt for France car hire services and explore various stunning locations and monuments as per your convenience.


French architecture is famous all over the world. You can spend hours walking through the streets of the French cities watching buildings and monuments of different periods such as The Gothic Period, The Renaissance Period, The Baroque and Rocco period, The Nineteenth Century and The Twentieth Century. Most historic monuments are preserved and some of them are in real good condition. You can make a list of all these places and visit these locations admiring the French architectural excellence. The most famous monuments in the country are Notre Dame de Paris, The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musee Rodin, Montmarte, Musee d’Orsay, Champs Elysee, The Elysian Fields and Arc de Triomphe. Traveling by personal vehicle is the best way to discover all these monuments. Book your car hire and travel down to the beautiful lanes and explore each and every corner of this fabulous country.


France is home to several museums. Dig out the glorious past by visiting French museums such as Louvre Museum, The Pompidou Centre, The Orsay Museum and The Rodin Museum. In addition to this, France offers excellent shopping and dining opportunities to its guests. There are several fine dine restaurants, nightclubs, cafes and bars. You can party all night, get drunk and shake till wee hours on loud music. It is good to make a list of all the monuments, attractions and places that you want to visit during your trip to France. Make sure to book Car hire in advance to avoid last minute troubles. Additionally, advance car booking helps you cut costs and save money.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando Food and Wine Weekends


Culinary fans, wine enthusiasts, and foodies will find a delicious “home base” at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, as the new luxury resort hotel hosts Orlando Food & Wine
Weekends, Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2011.

For five weekends, the resort will feature special programming and events aimed to complement and “fill the gaps” around the wildly popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,
held at the nearby Disney theme park.

“For the past 15 years, Disney has done an amazing job of building their Food & Wine Festival at Epcot,” said Peter Kacheris, managing director of Waldorf Astoria Orlando. “As
the festival has grown, so has the public’s appetite for additional culinary-focused experiences. We’ve created our Orlando Food & Wine Weekends to highlight our own culinary
team while we complement the Epcot festival.”

Orlando Food & Wine Weekends events will be held at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, which is conveniently located less than one mile from Epcot, and accessible inside the gates of the Walt
Disney World Resort.

Event highlights include:

• “Grand Pairings” Wine Dinners – These exclusive events are scheduled Friday evenings at Bull & Bear restaurant. Diners will enjoy an extravagant prix-fixe meal
paired with wines from select wineries. Wine representatives will be on hand to discuss these special pairings. 7pm, $200 per person (tax and gratuity included) Reservations:
407-597-5409.
o Friday Sept. 30 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars .
Presenter will be Lori Barranon from St. Michelle Wine Estates.
o Friday Oct. 7 - featuring Robert Mondavi Winery.
Presenter will be Teresa Romi from Constellation Winery.
o Friday Oct. 14 - featuring Ferrari Carano Winery.
Presenter will be Jim Boswell of Ferrari Carano Winery.

• Bull & Bear Prix-Fixe Chef’s Tasting Menu – Join us at Bull & Bear as Chef David Sears offers an extraordinary prix-fixe menu featuring superb food and wine pairings.
Reservations: 407-597-5409.
o Saturday Oct. 1 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Saturday Oct. 8 - featuring Robert Mondavi Winery
o Saturday Oct. 15 - featuring Ferrari Carano Winery
o Saturday Oct. 22 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Friday Oct. 28 - winery TBA
o Saturday Oct. 29 - winery TBA

• Trick or Treating for Adults – An event destined for your Facebook photo gallery! Purchase a passport to enjoy a featured drink during your stay at each of six lounge venues:
Bull & Bear lounge, Aquamarine pool bar, Peacock Alley lounge, Sir Harry’s lounge, La Luce lounge, and Sena lounge. Talk about a treat – and no costume is required!
($50 per couple)

• Ashton Cigars “Grand Pairings” Wine & Cigar Dinner – Featuring Ashton Cigars, Stag’s Leap Cellars wine, and The Glenlivet Scotch. The third course will include bull and
bear – a “briquette” of aged striploin with truffle ashes, and “pressed” black bear braised in Syrah Jus. Lori Barranon will present on behalf of Stag’s Leap Cellars, and Liz
Hannah from The Glenlivet Scotch. Reservations: 407-597-5409.

o Friday Oct. 21 6:30pm, $150 per person (tax and gratuity included)
• Up Late at Sir Harry’s – A Food & Wine Culinary After-Glow -- Why go to bed early? We’re creating a fun experience for foodies to hang out AFTER the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is over for the evening, and we’re inviting the entire culinary community to join us! Sir Harry’s Lounge becomes the “place to be” for culinary fans and foodies, as you sit back, relax and enjoy the live music and camaraderie. Also, guests can participate in sampling, and enjoy an assortment of gourmet small bites that showcase our culinary team. (Friday and Saturday nights – 10pm until 1am)

• Steak and Eggs Breakfast at Bull & Bear – In the summer of 2010, we invited a group of food bloggers to indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience: a fine-dining “Steak and Eggs Breakfast” at Bull & Bear. The participants raved over this memorable meal as they tweeted mouth-watering photos to their fans. Almost immediately, our guests began to ask when we would be offering this opportunity again! So, for one month only, we bring back the spectacle that is known as “Steak and Eggs Breakfast at Bull & Bear,” featuring Certified Angus Beef Prime. (Sunday mornings in October, from 10:30am until 1pm. Prix-fixe price is $49 per person, and includes a drink from the Bloody Mary Station.) Reservations: 407-597-5409.

• Waldorf Astoria Chocolate Shop – Meet Waldorf Astoria’s pastry chefs in this special venue created especially for Food & Wine Weekends, as they share tricks and tidbits during sugar-sweetened demos. Friday and Saturday evenings (5-7pm).

• Friday Night Flights Wine Tasting Experience, scheduled Friday evenings at Sir Harry’s (6-10pm, $25 per person)
o Friday Sept. 30 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Friday Oct. 7 - featuring Robert Mondavi Winery
o Friday Oct. 14 - featuring Ferrari Carano Winery
o Friday Oct. 21 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Friday Oct. 28 - winery TBA

• Live Entertainment. After dinner on Friday and Saturday, enjoy the Jazz-infused Joseph Jevanni, appearing live at Peacock Alley, 8:30 – 11:30pm. Also, the modern
lounge vibes of HarvesTown are featured live 10pm-1am in Sir Harry's Lounge.

• Astoria After Dark – nightly children’s dining program at WA Kids Club, giving parents the opportunity to dine at our restaurants or attend our events.

A companion Orlando Food & Wine Weekends package includes:

• Deluxe guest room

• $25 gift card to use at the “sampling” booths in World Showcase, home to the Epcot
International Food & Wine Festival (one per package and per family)

• Complimentary scheduled transportation to Epcot® (and other Disney® theme parks)

• 2pm late check-out on Sunday afternoon

• 10 percent discount for the “Grand Pairings” Wine Dinners at Bull & Bear, excluding
Ashton Cigar Dinner.

• In addition, an opportunity to participate in special events and experiences**

For more information or reservations on this Waldorf Astoria Orlando weekend package, please visit www.waldorfastoriafoodwineweekends.com, or call 888-353-2009

Monday, September 26, 2011

LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer


A unique Ford Explorer rolling off the line today at Chicago Assembly Plant will feature the model’s trademark eye-catching craftsmanship with one notable distinction. This Ford Explorer is created from more than 380,000 LEGO bricks and marks the beginning of a long-term alliance between Ford and LEGOLAND® Florida theme park.

The bright red LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer, created by 22 designers, weighs 2,654 pounds and is supported by a 768-pound interior aluminum base.

The completely reinvented Ford Explorer is a head-turner on its own, of course, blending style, capability and technology with class-leading fuel efficiency. It delivers an EPA-certified 28 mpg on the highway with an all-new EcoBoost® engine.

After its debut at the historic Chicago plant, which produces the Explorer, the vehicle will be loaded onto a trailer with transparent sides so motorists can see the LEGO Explorer as it makes its way to the new 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida theme park just outside Orlando.

There it will be featured in front of one of the park’s attractions, the Ford Driving School for children.

“Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers. The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

LEGOLAND Florida, which opens Oct. 15, will cater to kids ages 2 to 12 with more than 50 family-focused rides, shows and attractions and a historical botanical garden.

The park, which features exhibits using more than 50 million LEGO bricks, is divided into 10 themed entertainment zones for kids. It allows them to experience different adventures, including the empowering thrill of getting behind the wheel and learning to drive their own vehicle.

“We’re less than a month from opening and the anticipation level is incredibly high,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “This is the only park of its kind in the world built exclusively for kids ages 2 to 12, and it will be a total departure from anything families with young children have seen before. It’s a completely immersive experience, engaging kids’ imaginations and their sense of adventure through interactive play.”

WDW Slideshow Update 9/26/11:parking lot signs at MK, Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-o-Scream, Universal (Ripsaw Falls). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8S5eO_vCBk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8S5eO_vCBk

• New names (and signage) for parking lot sections at the Transportation and Ticket Center. The sub-lots now combine for a big "heroes" lot and a big "villains" lot -- and each one has a dedicated tram


• Big tower outside PotC has speakers for Sorcerers game

• New railings outside Splash Mountain

• Crane is out installing castle Dreamlights

• Spotted: half-size ODV cart selling ice cream

• Splash Mtn final boat scene is fully fixed, even rocking back and forth

• Spotted: benches outside Mansion have always had "dogs" as handles on the end of the armrests... but the eyes are now painted red

• Spotted: new doll in the window outside Hall of Presidents. For Sorcerers?

• New dish: $11 salmon with couscous and broccoli, at Columbia Harbour House. Well worth the price.

• Osceola signs: all but one are fixed! (and the last one was being worked on late in the weekend; probably fixed now).

• Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream: a rollickin good time, decent scare houses (6 of them), and one standout named "Alone" for a $40 upcharge (you can bring 3 others with you, so it's not truly alone). But the Alone house is not overrun with visitors; they only let groups go in every 5-10 minutes. Spectacular.

• At Howl-O-Scream, there are no scare zones -- everywhere is game! Instead, the scareactors roam in groups.

• The Midnight Hour show is campy fun with live singing (Obama, Palin, Sheen, Snookie as comic relief).

• The Fiends (naughty nurses) show is equally campy, more Monster Mash oriented.

• Construction photos of Universal mini golf. Still quite barren ground, some structures going up.

• Despicable Me signs are up at former Jimmy Neutron simulator

• Ripsaw Falls photo report: looking great!

Davenport Cheap and Luxury Motels

comfort inn davenportDavenport is a city in Scott County, Iowa. It is located by the Mississippi River. Davenport is the third largest city in Iowa, and is home to major academic institutions. One notable institution is Palmer College of Chiropractic, where chiropractic techniques were created and developed. Davenport has become famous for holding several major yearly events. These include the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival and the Mississippi Valley Fair. A number of historic places can also be found in Davenport. Some of these include parks, historic houses, and museums.

With all these places and events, Davenport has become one of Iowa's favorite destinations of tourists, students, and professionals. If you are planning to stay in this famous city, you can find many cheap alternatives for lodging and accommodation. There are a number of Davenport motels situated within the area. These cheap Davenport motels present the same amount of comfort and luxury at a lower cost.

Davenport Motels

One popular example of these establishments is Motel 6 Davenport. Room rates start at $40.00 per night. Other additional fees may apply. This motel in Davenport is near Palmer College and the Davenport Municipal Airport. Attractions near Motel 6 include Rhythm City Casino and Wacky Waters. You can also find a variety of restaurants serving authentic Iowa dishes nearby. Standard room features include free expanded cable, wireless Internet, and data ports. In addition, Motel 6 provides coin laundry, an outdoor pool, and public transportation. Check-in age is 18 and above. For room reservations and other concerns, call 800-4-MOTEL6 (407-403-5616).

Another motel in Davenport Iowa is the Super 8 Motel. Room rates start at $48.00. This motel is near John Deere Headquarters and Isle of Capri Casino. Other places of interest near Super 8 Motel include the Northpark Mall, Mississippi River, and Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Similar to most motels in Davenport, the Super 8 offers wireless Internet, a business center, laundry, and breakfast. Each room is well-maintained with frequent housekeeping services. The Super 8 also offers rooms and facilities for disabled guests. Groups offering tours around the city can be contacted through this establishment. You can reach the Super 8 Motel at 407-403-5616.

The Baymont Inn & Suites is another famous Davenport Iowa motel. Room rates in this inn starts at $59.00 per night. Other charges may apply. The Baymont Inn & Suites is near John Deere Commons, IMAX Theater, and Putnam Museum. This inn is also minutes away from the Scott Community College and major hospitals in the city. The Niabi Zoo and a golf course is also nearby. If you are looking for somewhere to party, places for nightlife are a few steps away from this inn. Notable features of the inn include a casino, conference facilities, and a lounge area. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a coffee maker, wireless Internet access, and free local telephone calls. Public transportation and vehicle rental services are also accessible through the inn. questions regarding reservations and rates, you can call Baymont Inn & Suites at 407-403-5616

For more information on Davenport Motels and Davenport Hotels please visit our website.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Fantasy of Flight American Heritage Camporee

This fall, Boy Scouts will have the rare opportunity to relive one of America's proudest eras through the eyes of the very men who lived it. From Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25, Fantasy of Flight will hold its inaugural Boy Scouts American Heritage Camporee, a brand new event providing scouts the chance to meet and talk with decorated World War II veterans amidst actual planes flown in the war, part of the world's largest collection of rare and vintage aircraft. The weekend's activities will help scouts earn requirements toward their American Heritage and Aviation merit badges, among others.

This is not the first time that Fantasy of Flight has set the stage to help scouts earn merit badges. The attraction hosted its 3rd Annual Aviation Camporee March 18-20, 2011 and has hosted more than 1000 Boy Scouts since its inception. Inviting World War II veterans to share their compelling stories is nothing new for the attraction either... This year Fantasy of Flight expanded its popular Legends & Legacies Symposium Series to feature veterans who served on D-Day and at Pearl Harbor, veterans groups including the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), as well as heroes from WWII who served on the ground protecting and supporting the men and women in flight.

As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks is proud to provide a unique educational venue for scouts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of aviation and American history. "We are proud to expand our scouting program to include requirements toward the American Heritage merit badge as well as the Aviation merit badge, in a hand-on, interactive and totally immersive way," said Weeks. "Even more so, we're eager to unite what's been called the 'Greatest Generation' with the leaders of tomorrow, face-to-face, veteran-to-scout, in a way that is rarely, if ever, done. This is an incredible opportunity for scouts to hear firsthand from real live American heroes who fought for our freedom."

The American Heritage Camporee includes three days and two nights of primitive camping at Fantasy of Flight; unlimited admission to Central Florida's premier aviation attraction; as well as lunch on Saturday and all activities and merit stations. Troops or individual scouts are invited. Individual scouts under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Reservations are required and space is limited. Cost is $30 per person, plus tax. To register, contact Stephanie Conner, 863-984-3500, ext. 220

The "Legends & Legacies Symposium Series" featured six topics scheduled for 2011. One remaining topic included "The Great Escape: Heroes Underground," Oct. 14-15. All symposiums are included with daily general admission and are free for all Annual Pass holders. Call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information. Also on the calendar for 2011 is the 5th Annual Roar n' Soar, November 12-13.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 21 MOBILE APPLICATION

App is Available as a Free Download for Apple and Android Mobile Devices


WHAT: This year, guests can enhance their experience at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 21 with the first-ever official mobile application specifically designed for the event. Available as a free download for iPhone and Android users, the app offers an array of useful features to help attendees plan a terrifying and entertaining night they’ll never forget.
The all-new Halloween Horror Nights 21 mobile app will allow guests to:
o Pinpoint their exact location and the terrors that surround them using GPS navigation
o Plan which haunted houses they’ll dare to enter with the app’s interactive event map
o Learn more about each of the eight all-new haunted houses and six horrifying scarezones as they get ready to experience them first-hand
o Get updates and exclusive details on Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights by connecting with the event’s official Facebook and Twitter pages

The app also offers a check-in game that challenges guests to explore each all-new haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 21. If they survive each house, guests can “check in to win” a Universal CityWalk savings guide worth up to $50.
For 25 nights beginning September 23, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights returns as the nation’s best and most intense Halloween event. Guests will confront extreme Halloween entertainment that cannot be experienced anywhere else. This year, they will scream as they become prey to fiendish creatures, panic as they come face-to-face with a horrifying “thing,” feel chills as they are haunted by deceased souls – and watch in paralyzing fear as Lady Luck transforms from a tempting seductress to a bloodthirsty beast.
For more information about Halloween Horror Nights 21 or to purchase tickets, visit www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando.
WHEN: The application is available as of Wednesday, September 21
WHERE: Apple and Android mobile app stores
Apple: http://bit.ly/qkdHOJ
Android: http://bit.ly/q9KTP0  

Celebration Oktoberfest


Celebration Town Center will transform before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street during Oktoberfest, October 7-8. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, or enjoy live music with family and friends at this one-of-a-kind themed extravaganza.

Great event not to be missed so make your hotel reservation today and choose from any of the following hotels they have some great deals available make it a family weekend getaway or a romantic weekend escape. Here is the hotel list

Friday, September 23, 2011

Rosen Centre Vine & Dine Oct 28

On Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., Rosen Centre presents its final Vine & Dine wine pairing dinner of the 2011 series, a "Vine & Dine Spooktacular" featuring the culinary wizardry of six creative chefs preparing five gourmet courses, as well as a high-end wine selection that will be announced just a few days before the dinner, long after the event is sold out. In keeping with the spooktacular theme, patrons are invited to dress in costume for the opportunity to win wines, wine-related items or hotel stays.




The wine selections are guaranteed to include some of the most expensive wines in the Rosen Centre cellar. In past years, these wines included selections from acclaimed Napa Valley wineries, including Quintessa. The only confirmed wine is a 2001 Opus One, which sells for $250-350 per bottle. This very special wine will be reserved for the main course. Guests wanting to be the first to hear about the wine selections should follow Rosen Centre on Facebook for wine announcements and other exciting offers.



Throughout the dinner, patrons will be able to "trick or treat" or sample from Rosen Centre's diverse restaurants without leaving the comfort of their seats. Each of the evening's courses will be overseen by Rosen Centre's Executive Chef Michael Rumplik, whose team has earned numerous Gold Platter awards from Meetings & Conventions magazine based on the hotel's outstanding reputation for food and beverage.



The first course will be presented by Chef Tadayoshi "Yoshi" Kohazame of Banshoo Sushi Bar. Known for his passion for seafood, an unwavering commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and a gift for artistic presentation, Chef Yoshi will serve a Banshoo Trio of Hotate Scallop Seaweed Salad, Ika Sansai Squid and Seared Yellow Fin Ahi Tuna with Garlic Ponzu.



Emeterio "Telo" Luna of 98Forty Tapas & Tequila will follow with a Tapas Trio including Mango Gazpacho with a splash of Patron Tequila, Chicken Arepa with Guajilo & Queso Fresco and a Roasted Pork Tamale with Mole and Tomatillo Sauce. Every item Chef Telo creates, from his signature ceviches, salsas and guacamoles to his quesadillas, nachos and tapas, is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, including imported Mexican spices, ground by hand using the carjeta, or stone method, to unlock their true flavors just moments before arriving at the table.



Chef Tony Novoa of Café Gauguin provides the third course of the evening. Chef Tony is known not only for his culinary skills but also for his incredibly creative presentations, including his stunning ice sculptures and elaborate carvings from fruits, vegetables and cheeses. He will present a Trio of Rigatoni stuffed with Jumbo Lump Crab, Sweet Sausage and Carmelized Onion, and Grilled Portobello and Spinach.



The main course will be prepared by none other than the head chef of the Everglades Restaurant, Chef Fred Vlachos, who is known for his prime steaks, wild game and fresh seafood, as well as his inventive use of classic Florida flavors ̶ key lime, mango, sweet plantains, rock shrimp, crab, and even alligator ̶ to create a mouthwatering selection that is unique to the Sunshine State and to Everglades Restaurant. Chef Fred will treat guests to a Beef Tenderloin stuffed with Spinach, Pancetta and Wild Mushrooms, drizzled with Cognac Cream Sauce and served with an Onion and Gruyere Potato Tartlet.



The final treat of the night comes from Pastry Chef Stephan Schmid at Smoooth Java coffee bar, who will provide a Coffee Delight Trio with Starbucks Tiramisu, Cappuccino Cheesecake and Espresso Mousse.



The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a "Pre-Party Party" in Everglades Bar where guests can mingle and unwind with the evening's first selection of wine. The group then adjourns to Everglades Restaurant, offering a comfortable, yet refined setting that evokes the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of the Florida Everglades, for a five-course, gourmet dinner highlighted by fresh, seasonal ingredients and wines expertly selected to complement the cuisine. During dinner, guests may engage in casual conversation about wines with an experienced wine maker or knowledgeable sommelier chosen for each event. Guests can also enter to win exciting raffle prizes, such as bottles of wine, wine-related items or hotel stays. An intimate dining experience, each Vine & Dine event is limited to no more than 40 guests, ensuring personal attention for each attendee.



The cost of the "Vine & Dine Spooktacular" is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Diners may make their evenings even more special by spending the night in a deluxe guest room for a special rate of only $89 plus tax. As with all Rosen Centre dining experiences, valet parking is complimentary.



For Vine & Dine reservations and more details, call 407-996-8560. For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.



Vine & Dine dinners can be customized for private group events. The Everglades Restaurant's extensive wine list, which features an array of wines from all regions, winemaking styles and price points, allows the culinary team to work with event and meeting planners to arrange unique experiences within any budget. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of organic wines from wineries that share the hotel's passion for protecting the environment and creating quality products in a sustainable manner.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 21 NOW OPEN

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 23, 2011) – Screams will fill the darkness tonight as Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 21 officially opens at Universal Studios Florida. Starting tonight and running select nights through October 31, guests will confront extreme Halloween entertainment that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Recently named “the country’s best Halloween event” for the fourth consecutive year by Amusement Today, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is not your typical Halloween event. Each year, the bar is raised as Universal Orlando creates original, horrifying experiences to entertain thousands of guests from all over the world.


EIGHT HAUNTED HOUSES

Nevermore: The Madness of Poe
The madness of Edgar Allen Poe’s greatest works has come to life. Step into the mind of the iconic writer, where every turn of the page takes you closer to the brink of insanity.

The Forsaken
Four ships began Columbus’s fateful voyage, only three became legend. Condemned to a watery grave, the mutinous and cursed crew of that fourth ship has returned with a vengeance. For within the walls of a Spanish fort, a maelstrom has brought from the depths....death itself.

H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: Holidays of Horror
Join creature feature host, H.R. Bloodengutz, in his final televised broadcast as he presents a SCARE-athon of holiday-based horror that is guaranteed to cleave you screaming for more.

The Thing
Paranoia spreads like an epidemic among a group of researchers in an isolated Antarctic outpost as they are infected, one by one, by a horrifying creature from another planet. In a place where there is nothing, they found something.

Saws N’ Steam: Into the Machine
Spinning blades and massive, crushing pistons await you around every corner as you are forced deeper into the bowels of a mechanical nightmare. Give yourself to “The Machine.”

The In-Between
An ominous portal reveals a 3rd dimension where all is not what it seems: a realm where our world and another collide. Surrounded by fiendish creatures, your eyes will deceive you with every step through this phantasm of terror.

Winter’s Night: The Haunting of Hawthorn Cemetery
As snow falls on this normally serene gothic cemetery, the deceased souls that occupy its confines have their sights set upon you, insuring that the chill you feel up your spine is more than just the cold of night.

Nightingales: Blood Prey
Within every war, the Nightingales have appeared. Able to transform themselves to fit any setting, these savage banshees feed on the weak and the helpless. Patrolling WWI era trenches, you discover that you are more than just at war…you’re being hunted.

SIX SCAREZONES

Acid Assault
For decades now the city has been degrading from the effects of Acid Rain that still falls today, caused by factories which sprung up on the city’s edges during the 20th century. Those that have lived and survived the blistering decay are all alone in the city. Survivors have stripped the city of all life to sustain their own…dare to enter the ACID ASSAULT.

Canyon of Dark Souls
Upon entering into the Canyon of Dark Souls, you will feel like a small spec of humanity as the overwhelming sense of death surrounds you. Creatures that dwell within the Canyon are not welcoming so walk slowly as to not disturb them.

Grown Evil
Enter, if you dare, into our garden where Evil grows. Nature has taken this once well manicured sanctuary back from the humans who once kept it. Now the creatures that inhabit the garden are making any human that enters their prey.

NightMaze
Journey through the ever changing maze of darkness. This all black maze will morph and change as you walk through it. You will not be scared the same way twice.

7
As daylight shines upon our Temptresses, their appearance, though evil, allows you the spectacle of beauty. As night falls, these 7 temptresses will show their true colors and take on their true Fatal Evil forms. Beware of your own temptations.

Your Luck Has Run Out
Enter if you dare into the lair of the LUCKY! Your choices will determine if you make it out alive. Witness luck’s deadly wrath, will she choose you to be her next victim?

TWO LIVE SHOWS

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure
Party on as those two most excellent dudes return to skewer the biggest names in entertainment and pop culture.

Death Drums
A seductive, hard-hitting and raw extreme drumming experience.

Have a great time with the family with kids and drive to all the amazing places in Ft Lauderdale

Opt for car rental services and drive through this lively city in the comfort of your car. Situated in the state of Florida, USA, Fort Lauderdale is known for fine restaurants, nightclubs, bars, colorful markets and world’s largest drive-in movie theater which is why, it attracts thousands of young travelers every year.


Fort Lauderdale is a great destination especially for families to travel to as it offers many great and fun-filled attractions. Some of the places which you must visit are:-

Main Library Theatre showcases a wide variety of shows and event throughout the year. It is located at the Broward County Main library at 100 South Andrews Avenue.

Animal Tales presents an interactive wildlife shows for the children’s parties and events. The show is held for nearly 40-60 minutes. Children are guaranteed to have a good time at these shows.

Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park offers many great rides and activities for the kids and that too at reasonable prices. It is located at 3291 West Sunrise Blvd.

Museum of Discovery and Science is a great place for the entire family. This indoor museum has two floors offering wide range of fun-filled activities along with an IMAX film theatre. You also get to see several animals on the first floor including alligators, snakes, shark, sea turtles and bats. The kids can have a great time at the Aviation Station on the second floor.

Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre is a non-profit children theatre offering theatre and dramatic arts programs for children of three and a half years to eighteen years of age.

Dillard Center for the Arts offers training of visual and performing arts education for students attending Broward County Schools. It is located on the campus of Dillard High School. It offers wide range of facilities and classes to the students including two theatres, a 200-seat recital hall, three dance studios, five visual arts suites, two vocal studios, an orchestra suite, a piano lab and many other facilities.

Bonnet House Museums & Gardens is a plantation house built by Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1920s. It offers tours of grounds and house and you can also be part of the lectures, art classes and a music series.

Swap House is a huge 88-acre shopping facility with a shopping complex, an outdoor flea market, a farmers market, a car museum, multiple food courts and many other great attractions. It is billed as the second largest attraction of South Florida.


Hop in your rental car in Ft Lauderdale and get ready for a joyful ride with the entire family.

Search Cheap Hotels in USA

Hotels in OrmondProviding comfortable accommodation at reasonable rates, Cheap Hotels in USA are popular among travelers with a stringent budget. Dotting all parts of the country, USA economy hotels are an important part of the tourism infrastructure of the country.

The gamut of tourist attractions, the varied topography and the cultural diversity of the USA attract numerous tourists to this country all the year round. Traveling for leisure as well as business purpose, visitors can have a pleasant stay in one of the cheap hotels in USA.

The rooms of the cheap hotels in USA offer necessary amenities to ensure a pleasant stay for guests. The hotels also feature certain services and facilities for the guests. The rates of the rooms in the economy hotels vary from 50 to 80 US Dollar.

Some of the budget hotels in USA include the following:

  • Arizona cheap hotels- Best Western Grand Canyon and Prescottonian, Americas Best Value Inn at Miami, Lake Havasu City and Springville and others.
  • Cheap accommodation in California- Piccadilly Inn Shaw Fresno, Granada Inn, Santa Clara, Host Airport Hotel, Sacramento, Astoria Hotel, San Francisco, etc.
  • Florida cheap hotels- Comfort Inn, Panama City, Days Inn, Orange City, Sea Side Inn, Ormond Beach, Hampton Inn, Palm Coast, Econo Lodge, Orange Park and so on.
  • Budget accommodation in Hawaii- Kona Seaside Hotel, Castle Kona Bali Kai Hawaii, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Hawaii(Big Island), Best Western Pioneer Inn Maui, etc.
  • Maine economy hotels- Best Western White House Inn, Bangor, Americas Best Value Inn at Portland and Old Orchard Beach, Econo Lodge, Waterville and others.
  • New York cheap hotels- Millennium Hilton Hotel, Roosevelt Hotel, Cosmopolitan Hotel, The New Yorker Hotel, Milford Plaza Hotel, Hudson Hotel, etc.
  • Economy hotels in Oklahoma- Best Western Altus, Best Western Inn Enid, Best Western Atoka Inn, Inn and Conference Center, Oklahoma City, Best Western Elk City Inn, etc.
  • Budget hotels in Washington DC - Hampton Inn, President Inn, Washington Plaza Hotel, Comfort Inn Tysons Corner, Georgetown Inn, River Inn and others.

The other states of USA also feature numerous cheap hotels. Book cheap hotels in advance to avoid the last minute hassles, especially during the tourist season. Hotel reservation in USA can be done online and various websites offer discount rates for advance hotel bookings.
https://www.securereservation.net

Cuban Restaurants in Orlando



There are 3 Popular Cuban restaurants in Orlando namely:
  • Colombia which is located on front Street in Celebration the Columbia restaurant is an upscale Cuban restaurant. Tel # 407 – 566 – 1505
  • Cuba Libre which is located in Pointe Orlando on International Drive . Tel # 407 – 226 – 1600
  • Padrino's Cuban Bistro located in Village park , Orlando Tel # 407 – 251 – 5107.
Looking for other recommended eating check out this list Top 20 Orlando Restaurants

Car Hire Italy: The Most Convenient Way to Explore Italy

From glorious history to contemporary art, stunning beaches to countryside landscapes, world heritage sires to modern complexes, colourful festivals to fireworks on volatile volcanoes, great food to thirst quenching beverages, Italy is the single largest repositories of the greatest sensorial pleasures on earth and offers you everything that you can think of. A leisure vacation in Italy offers you a lifetime experience. A self-driven trip is the best idea to drive through the beautiful lanes of the Italian cities and towns and dip your senses in all heavenly pleasures on earth. Book car hire Italy and start with your discovery voyage and travel through the places brimming with art, history, palaces, churches, fountains and antiquities. With thousands of beaches, monuments and historical buildings, the country offers you unlimited opportunities to explore its grand past.


Where to Go in Italy

Italy is home to several beautiful as well as historically important cities such as seductive Rome, beautiful Venice, attractive Florence, fashionable Milan, golden Sardinia and bustling Sicily. These cities are truly worth exploring and admiring. Whether you are a history lover or a great foodie, the country offers ample choices to everyone. It has so many delights to offer that you will never fall short of things to doVenice is hauntingly beautiful whereas Milan is stunningly fashionable. Rome is historically important whereas Florence is exceptionally romantic. Simply take advantage of car hire Italy services and explore these cities thoroughly. Littered with stunningly beautiful architectural masterpieces, world class restaurant and cafes and big shopping markets, these cities unfold a different beauty and lifestyle in front of you.


Natural Beauty

Natural beauty is present in abundance in Italy. The breath-taking vistas of the Amalfi Coast, the timeless beauty of Sardinia, the fairytale atmosphere of Ischia, Milky Way ski area in Piedmont region, stunning Siena unspoilt medieval Tuscany and glittering Italian lakes such as Garda, Maggiore, Como and Orta make you feel as if you have come to a fairyland. Apart from this, the country has an active nightlife. There is nothing more enjoyable than dressing elegantly, sitting in a restaurant, chatting with friends and relishing great food and wine. Italians have a fetish for good food and great wine. You can also experience flamboyant fashion. It feels as if there were some festival or occasion but if you notice deeply, it is like just another day. Book car hire and drive down to the stunning Italian cities and other areas located on the borders of the country.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Grand Tour Gala - Rosen College Hall of Fame on Oct 1

Saturday, Oct 1 will be the inductions to the Hospitality Hall of Fame, benefitting UCF. For information and tickets, see http://www.grandtourgala.com/

Rental Car Insurance Coverage

my wife and I were traveling from her parent's home in Arkansas back to Tennessee. While driving on the hwy in tennessee we sustained car damage from flying tire debris. We did not get rental car insurance coverage from the car rental company. Would I have any coverage on my own?


So sorry to hear about that.

You should first contact the company that you rented from,, to see if they require you to fill out any kind of accident/damage report. Some companies even attach an incident report form to their contracts.

Where you didn't purchase rental car coverage from the car rental company, you should contact your personal automobile insurance company to see if you have any sort of collision or damage coverage for damages to a rental car.

You also should check with the issuer of the specific credit card that you used to rent the car.... American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and Discover cards often have rental car insurance as a cardholder benefit. Make sure to get information on all the terms, conditions and/or restrictions of coverage, if you find your credit card offers such a benefit.

Hope this helps.

Read more about:

What if you have an Accident in a Rental Car?
Car Rental Insurance Overview
Personal Auto Insurance Coverage for Car Rental
Car Rental CDW and LDW Coverages
Car Rental Credit Card Coverages

Avail Heathrow Airport Car Hire Services for a Smooth and Comfortable Journey

Heathrow is the largest airport in London and caters to millions of people every year. As London is the hottest holiday destination in the United Kingdom, it remains crowded all through the year. In such a case, a pre-booked Heathrow airport car hire direct from your terminal offers you the maximum ease and comfort. There are pick up and drop off points at each terminal of the Heathrow airport. Additionally, all the terminals at Heathrow airport have car hire desks. You can book a car on your airport arrival but a pre-booked vehicle always offers you more benefits. It not only cuts your car rental cost but also helps you save time..


As Heathrow is London’s largest airport, there are flights to more than 180 destinations all over the world from here. It experiences traffic annually of around 68 million passengers. Comprising of five terminals and two major runways, the airport operates domestic, European, long-haul and other international flights. You can take advantage of airport car hire services at the terminal you land. Some people prefer going for tried and tested brands whereas some do not have a clue about what to do and where to hire a car from. In such a scenario, it is good to make a thorough online research about your destination prior to your visit. It not only helps you know about different cities but also gives you an idea of what you can get where. Although all major car rental companies have their desks at each terminal of the Heathrow airport but a pre-booked service offers maximum advantages. The best part is that you don’t have to wait after your arrival. You will get your pre-booked Heathrow airport car hire on time. You can just load your luggage, get in and start.


Heathrow Airport is the best place where you can pick your car. But if you have made a booking from other car rental locations, the shuttle bus transports you to various car hire desks which operate outside the airport. All major car rental companies have their desks there. In addition to this, Heathrow Airport has excellent transport links to Walrus Road, Gatwick Airport London Paddington, West London, Thames Valley and other locations in London. Heathrow airport offers you the best car hire services as compared to other locations in the city.

Accommodation for Leisure

Daytona Beach Vacation RentalA well deserved holiday on Daytona Beach

The use of Daytona Beach vacation rentals is becoming commonplace. There are up to one hundred and eleven hotels in this location and fourteen Bed & Breakfast establishments. You could access the nine specialty lodging facilities or the sixteen holiday rentals. Many of the establishments in the area are highly rated with some creeping up to the top of the scale. You can get there very easily using the local map and the facilities are readily available. This is a safe area where you can take your family without any major trepidation. There are guides that will help you to understand what to expect from the experience. If you are a landlord then there are also provisions to get you involved in the business model. Those that are using the Daytona Beach vacation rentals could get access to owners and managers that have been verified. There are reviews facilities that give you advance warning of the type of accommodation that you are going to be using.

There is a featured Beach Home that runs at about two hundred feet. It has a beach view and allows children. You could also include your friends. It is located within the Ormond Beach area. The price includes rates for two bedrooms but can accommodate up to six people. There is one bathroom but you have to have a minimum stay of two days. You will need to contact the owner for further details. The second offer lies in Fisherman's Fantasy and is within the DeLand area. You will get three bedrooms but can sleep up to three people. The one bathroom and minimum stay of three days makes this an attractive offer on different levels. Port Orange has a place for rent with three bedrooms and living spaces for up to eight people. There are two bathrooms and you have to stay for a minimum of seven days. At Ormond Beach we have two bedrooms with living spaces for six and one bathroom. The minimum stay is three nights. This is brought to you by the Beautiful Beach Homes group.

The Flagler Oasis Beach House has room for up to eighteen people. There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms. You will have to stay for a minimum of three days. The Ocean Front Condo is situated on the Daytona Beach. This is a non smoking facility and is run by the Daytona Beach Holiday Villas. The establishment is managed by the owner. It is Condo and Apartment with two bedrooms. There is living space for up to six people. You have two bathrooms and must stay for at least seven days.

Given the latest troubles with the oil spill we are happy to announce a home without the oil to book. It is a two bedroom and two bathroom homes with a luxurious setting. There is a no smoking policy and the house is privately owned. It has an Ocean front on the tenth floor of the Sand Dollar Condominium. You will pay between five hundred and thirty six pounds and seven hundred and ninety three pounds per week.

Browse Daytona vacation rentals and other vacation rental cities at my website..

More Orlando Travel News and Hotel Deals

Orlando Balloon Rides to Launch Nation's Largest Hot Air Balloon. This October, Orlando Balloon Rides, the nation's biggest hot air balloon operator, will launch the largest hot air balloon in the United States.

Currently in production at Ultramagic in Spain, the balloon will tower more than 11 stories and will be able to carry 24 passengers. To launch its new addition, Orlando Balloon Rides will be giving 24 people an opportunity to ride in the inaugural flight. Pairs of tickets will be given away through the company's Facebook page, through chosen charities and other outlets.

Orlando International Airport Traffic up so many Orlando hotel rooms will be booked fast. A 6.8 percent increase in international traffic helped offset a 0.44 decrease in domestic traffic at Orlando International Airport in July.

Overall traffic at the airport increased to 3.27 million passengers in July, a 0.26 percent increase over the previous month.

Make plans to visit Orlando to experience the Orlando Balloon Rides choose from the following hotels that are offering some great deals:
Ramada Inn Lakefront on International Drive
Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista
Celebration Suites
Country Inn and Suites

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Rent a car and discover some of the most amazing places in the world

The world is filled with many beautiful places. There are many hidden gems in this universe which are waiting to be explored but because not many know about these amazing places they are still left undiscovered by many travelers. It is always a good idea to rent a car and go on an unplanned road trip as you get to explore many new places and sometimes get pleasantly surprised to discover beautiful but secluded places away from the crowd. There are many good car rental agencies in the market offering a wide variety of vehicles meeting all your unique needs.

Some of the hidden and mystical vacation spots which are left undiscovered by many and are definitely worth visiting especially if you want to get away from the maddening crowd are mentioned below:-

# Bhutan – It is a lovely small country situated in the Himalayas between China and India. The stunning scenic view and serene atmosphere, makes the kingdom of Bhutan an ideal vacation spot if you are looking for some peace and tranquility. It has a very strong Buddhist culture and traditions which bind the kingdom together. The country has awe-inspiring Buddhist monasteries.

# Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland – Iceland is a perfect country to go to when you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle and want to have a peaceful and relaxing vacation. The nation is covered with lush green forests and is truly one of the best god’s creations. The country is a delight for all the nature lovers with some of the best kept and stunning national parks. The Golden Falls is a stunning and the most popular tourist attractions of Iceland. Drive 60 miles east of Reykjavik and you will see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

# Mayotte part of the Comoro Islands - The Comoros islands are the archipelago of African island situated off the south-east coast of Africa. These mysterious and fascinating islands are a great place to get away from the crowd and to relax and have a peaceful time. Mayotte is the only Comoro Island which is still a part of France with some of the most stunning white sand beaches.

# El Nido Beach – El Nido is a province of Palawan in the Philippines with some of the most pristine beaches in the world. There is also an excellent secret beach which can be reached by snorkeling through a short underground cave. Go for island hopping in El Nido and witness some of the most mesmerizing beaches in the world.

# South Pole – Go for cross-country skis and trekking on the all white Antarctic Desert, South Pole. The Ceremonial South Place is a must visit for all the tourists. It is an area set aside for photo opportunities at the South Pole Station.