Celebrating Central Florida's Performing Arts

Rosen Shingle Creek's Third Annual Holiday Showcase Celebrating Central Florida's Performing Arts

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights: Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11,12, 17, 18, 19
6:00 PM
9:00 PM

9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
Complimentary, open to the general public and guests. Food and beverage will be available for an additional fee, as well as discounts available at the hotel's dining outlets.

Join Rosen Shingle Creek at their grand lobby fireplace for their Third Annual Holiday Showcase Celebrating Central Florida's Performing Arts. The free showcase is open to the general public and includes:

Thursdays -- Local school and church choirs performing holiday favorites;

Fridays - Holiday songs and carols performed by Mike Merideth and Valerie Pernice Strings, excerpts from the Nutcracker by the Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance, Windermere Ballet and Community Dance Theatre with narration by the Drosselmeyer.

Saturdays – Contemporary Dance Holiday Classics performed by Valerie and Miriam's Dance Arts, Soda Pops and the Ballet Guild.

For more information please call 407-996-9939

Starwood Hotels offering reduced rates for Orlando

The longer you stay—the less you pay. Starwood Hotels is offering reduced rates at select Orlando hotels. Choose between Starwood’s best rate for a one night stay, save 50% on your second night, and receive your third night free.

The hotels include the Sheraton Vistana Villages, International Drive; Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites Lake Buena Vista; Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City; Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport, The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North; Sheraton Vistana Resort, Lake Buena Vista; Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel; and the Westin Imagine Orlando.

From downtown Orlando and the tourist district of International Drive to the Walt Disney World resort area in Lake Buena Vista, there are plenty of reasons to extend your vacation in the Orlando area. For more information, visit the Starwood Hotels and Resorts .

Easy to hire a car when in France

Whenever we travel to a new place it becomes difficult to arrange the transports and communication to the destinations. However if we are well planned we can easily manage to make our journey smooth and comfortable. A holiday is a great opportunity to cherish all the desires of one’s life. A family holiday is something you should arrange almost twice a year to rejoice your life, giving pleasure to your dear ones. Talking about holidays, France is the most beautiful place with all sorts of amusements and entertainments. Planning a tour to France requires transport starting from the arrival at the airport, roaming through the city landmarks and finally traveling back to airport for departure.

With the modern car hire services in France you need not to worry about your journey. There are many car hire organizations which offer services throughout the French cities. However, the most important service is offered by the airport car hires as they are most useful whenever you enter France at any time of the day. You can be free enough to depend on the car hire agencies regarding the costs and fares as they maintain an affordable range. Even for the businessmen who require traveling to France for a single day, managing their work or meeting and traveling to far destinations before coming back to the airport for a return flight, the airport car services are every precious.

The roadways through the France cities are well connected and especially linked with the airport roadways to provide easy communication throughout the cities. With the online websites of the car hire companies it has become even easier for the amateur people to travel to France. Feel free to use the car hire services in France to make your journey safe and reliable at the best prices.

Make your tour comfortable with airport car hire

Travelling has entered the routine of people. Be it a business tour, educational expeditions or vacations, people have started exploring new places. But the situation becomes much stressful when it comes to exploring a city which is totally unfamiliar. The situation is really tough when a person comes out of the airport with baggage but has no idea about the transportation of the place. In such cases an airport car hire is a perfect solution.
An airport car hire has many advantages. First of all, it saves you from the harassment of standing in a queue and waiting for the bus. Especially, if your luggage is heavy, it becomes quite cumbersome to carry it and go to the bus stop. Secondly, travelling in a new place on a hired car is quite safer as you don’t need to keep an eye on the luggage. On the other hand, if you are in a public transport, you will not be able to enjoy the outside view completely as the safety of luggage is the prior aim then.
Thus an airport car hire gives the pleasure of enjoying the pleasant outside scenes. You can easily navigate the roads, buildings and beauty of the new place. Thirdly, you can enjoy the place in your desired speed. You can explore the beauty by slowing down the car. However, you cannot do this in the public transports where you will not be able to observe anything well due to the rushing speed and random drive.
Moreover, you can travel according to your own schedule. You need not depend on the time of public buses and trains. These services are not pricey even. The fares are often negotiable. So you can enjoy a pleasant travel at prices that are less than the taxi fares. Thus, selecting an airport car hire makes the trip comfortable from the beginning only.

Hire a car and explore Alicante at ease!

Alicante is a lovely place for a vacation. With boulevards lined with palm trees, miles and miles of sandy beaches, shopping malls and plenty of beautiful cathedrals and churches, Alicante is a feast for the eye and mind as well. If you have planned a trip to this exotic place, make sure you have made the right preparations. With a car hired to take you around the place, the experience will be even more memorable and smooth.

In Alicante, getting a car to travel is the best option, as it can be hassle-free and cheap as well. The trick lies in finding the companies offering cheap car rentals. A research about the various service providers and the rates offered, the discounts and facilities provided can be made using the Internet or you can even contact them personally. Usually the rates depend on the time of the year and the type of car you hire. During the busy seasons, the rates go up. Make sure the rates include insurance charges. For getting discounts and offers on them, contact the local companies.

Just ensure that you book the car in advance as this will enable the companies to find the cars that you require rather than scramble for them at the last moment. During the summers, traveling around in a car can be more comfortable if the car is air-conditioned. So make sure that you get yourself an air-conditioned car to make the trips easy. As there are plenty of options to choose from, right from car providers inside the airports to those outside it, the researches that you carry out will surely help you in getting a reasonable deal. So get ready to explore the palm-lined streets of Alicante.

Hotels near Orlando Airport

> orlando airport hotels <
Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport - All Suites Hotel. View our Special Offers.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport - Luxury four diamond airport hotel!
Wingate by Wyndham Orlando Airport - FREE breakfast, airport shuttle & more

Villa Ponti

In this aerial view you can see the proximity of Villa Ponti to both the lake and the statue 'Carlone'.

Villa Ponti is a splendid 18th century villa of historical importance, located in the center of Arona, near to the shore of Lago Maggiore and just a few steps from the large statue of San Carlo Borromeo. For the past 10 years it has also been a world-class art museum, hosting exhibitions displaying masterpieces by many of the greatest painters in the world. To date over 300,000 have already had the pleasure of visiting. But before its second life as a museum, Villa Ponti already had an impressive story to tell. This fine villa was built in 1760 on the ramparts of the fortress La Rocca by Bartolomeo Pertossi, a rich Flemish merchant and a supporter of Napoleon I, who was guest there after the Egyptian campaign. Years later, the villa was renamed after the engineer Gian Giacomo Ponti, who was an assistant to Thomas Edison, and who was born in this house on December 28th, 1878.

The tower at Villa Ponti.

Although there were many renovations and alterations during the 19th century, the villa still retains a good part of its original core. Today, visitors enter through the baroque front, which is characterized by a monumental entrance flanked by small wrought iron balconies and windows embellished by metal gratings. The lookout tower, which was really built to hold the water tanks, is prominently visible. Inside the villa one is first greeted by a coffee bar, created out of a former arcade. The various halls now used for the exhibitions and concerts branch off from this main entrance. Some recent shows have featured the works of Raphael and Rembrandt, Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Renoir.

A Villa Ponti ad from last year's Picasso exhibit.

Outside, the building is surrounded by a large park with ancient beeches, silver cedars, magnolias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. The gardens date back as far as the villa itself, and last underwent a major redesign at the beginning of the 1900s.

Phone for further information and reservations for exhibits and concerts:
Via San Carlo, 63 - 28041 Arona (No)
Tel. +39.0322.44629

Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 12 noon, and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Entrance fee: 6 euro

With the weather starting to turn colder, and the days shorter and darker, it's a good time to discover some of the regions splendid museums. Apart from Villa Ponti here are a few others that have already been mentioned in Stresa Sights:

Museo dell'Ombrello e del Parasole
Museo del Paesaggio - Museum of the Landscape
The Egyptian Museum - Torino

photos courtesy of il lago maggiore.com

18 Year Old Wanting to Rent a Car

I am 18 and I would like to rent a car from San antonio, TX and go to Midland, TX. i would like to rent from Alamo, Enterprise or Avis. But I've heard you have to be 21; is that true? If not, what all do I need to rent?

With Alamo, Enterprise or Avis, you must be 21 or over to rent or be an additional driver on a car and have a credit card in your own name.

The only way to rent at 18 with any of these car rental companies, would be if you are a federal government employee on federal government business.

The only company that I know of that will rent to someone 18 is Rent a Wreck, but unfortuneatly, the closest location they have to San Antonio is in Houston.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East

The only thing better than a day at Walt Disney World is having a conveniently located, affordable hotel to come back “home” to at the end of the night. The Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East in Kissimmee, FL has always been a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, and it even offers a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the Walt Disney World Ticket and Transportation Center.

The amenities at the Seralago Hotel & Suites includes 614 rooms and suites; two heated, Olympic-style swimming pools with a poolside bar, a kiddie pool, a playground, free nightly family movies at the hotel theatre, fitness center, coin laundry facilities, tennis court, sand volleyball court, a video arcade room, plus family style buffet dining and breakfast for children 10 and under.

With large rooms at surprisingly low prices, the Seralago Hotel & Suites offer Deluxe Guest Rooms, Two-Room Suites, and Kid's Suites. All rooms include mini-refrigerators, microwave ovens, iron/ironing boards, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, plus other amenities. There are also a limited number of Standard Deluxe Rooms available for guests with pets under 40 lbs. For extra family fun, each Kid's Suite features a main room for adults and a themed area for kids, and the entire suite sleeps up to 5 people (2 adults and 3 children).

There’s never been a better time to take advantage of great rates for a trip to Orlando. Enjoy the Disney vacation you’ve always dreamed of at the Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East.

The Nutcracker in Orlando

The Nutcracker returns for the holiday season with the Orlando Ballet. Performed by the only professional ballet company in Central Florida, this production shines as brightly as ever with the caliber of performances audiences have come to love and anticipate.

On Christmas Eve, young Clara's family hosts a grand party where she is presented with a Nutcracker by her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. That night, she dreams that her Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince who takes her to his kingdom, the Land of Sweets. There, she is entertained with lively and exotic dances from other lands. Flowers come to life and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform a breathtaking pas de dux in Clara's honor. As the dream and the magical land fade into the night, Clara wakes in her own room again to realize that her treasured Nutcracker was what brought her dream to life.

Orlando Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre December 11-13 and 17-20, 2009. Curtain is at 7:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30pm on Sunday matinees.

Additionally, there will be a Family Series performance of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 11:00am. This hour-long, condensed version features all the highlights and is perfect for young audiences. At 10:00am, there will be a series of pre-show activities in the lobby including face-painting, story telling, coloring, photo opportunities with characters from The Nutcracker and basic ballet demonstrations.

Marron Glace

Should you, somehow, get tired of hot, roasted chestnuts during the autumn season, maybe once in a while try a marron glace instead. These delectable and unbelievably sweet treats, shown above, are being made and sold at Jolly Bar in these days, and they are another example of a primarily Piemontese use of the season's abundance of castagne. Of course, like many things in this northern region of Italy so close to France, the origins of this dessert is disputed between the two countries. Sometimes even the Swiss claim that they invented them. What's undisputed though is the recipe, which has remained unchanged for more than 300 years.

Marron, by the way, are a specific type of chestnut. It's a little larger, and in addition, the membrane surrounding the nut is easier to remove. These factors make the marron more ideally suited for these candies, but certainly normal chestnuts are used as well.

Most marron glace are still produced the old fashioned way, just cooking and drying by hand.

Most marron glace are still made by hand, but even when automated, making the candies is a long process, expensive to do and requiring several days of cooking and drying. While cooking, the chestnuts will absorb their weight in sugar syrup, becoming supersaturated. They are then dried, during which time the chestnuts become crystallized, making them chewy, and incredibly sweet. Italians sometimes then use these candies for other recipes. They can be chopped into tiny bits and used as a topping for cakes or gelato, or folded directly into a pound cake along with chocolate pieces. But first... try the original. It's a way to have your chestnuts, and eat dessert too!

Pasticceria Jolly Bar is on Via P. Tomaso, 17. We've mentioned it here before as a nice spot for a sit-down cappuccino, rather than the hit-and-run variety.

Design your own coaster at Epcot’s Sum of all Thrills

Earlier this month Raytheon Company’s Sum of all Thrills exhibit opened at Epcot’s INNOVENTIONS pavilion. The new exhibit showcases math in action as students design and experience their own ride using math fundamentals. The attraction lets guests design a ride—there is a height requirement of at least 48 inches and riders must be at least 54 inches tall if there is an inversion—and then experience their coaster, jet or bobsled on one of four Kuka robot arms, complete with onboard visuals. The German-designed robot arms are similar to those used on automobile assembly lines.

The attraction begins in the preshow Briefing Room, where riders learn how math, science and engineering are important when designing a ride. There are some similarities to CyberSpace Mountain at Disney Quest, but Raytheon has put an increased emphasis on the importance of using math and science skills, to help ensure that there will be a new generation of talented engineers.

Hotels near Bonnet Creek

> Bonnet Creek Lake Buena Vista <

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek - New Orlando hotel. FREE shuttle to attractions!
Waldorf Astoria Orlando - Luxury destination in Orlando. Impeccable Service!

Disney's Keys to the Kingdom

Keys to the Kingdom at Magic Kingdom® Park(8:30 am, 9:00 am & 9:30am - Everyday - 4.5 to 5 hours)Cost: $60 USD per person with lunch included (Theme park admission is required)

The "Keys to the Kingdom" tour takes Guests in a full circle across the Magic Kingdom® Park with stops for "backstage" experiences and attraction visits. This 4½ - 5-hour walking tour is a fascinating journey, allowing Guests to "unlock" the door to the Magic Kingdom® Park’s history, trivia, and backstage secrets. Discover our Company’s heritage and the history of the Magic Kingdom® Park. Guests hear intriguing stories of Walt Disney, his visions, his philosophies, and his accomplishments.

Guests must be at least 16 years old to attend this program. Guests are required to have a photo ID in their possession during the program. Large bags and cameras are not permitted. This is an outdoor walking program. For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR, (407) 939-8687.

Orlando weather in October

Up North, you won’t find a single outdoor water park open during the month of October, but in Orlando the summerlike weather and lighter crowds make October the ideal month to visit any one of Orlando’s four water parks—Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, Wet ‘n Wild, and Aquatica. With high temperatures in the 80s and lows in the 60s, summer tends to linger a little longer in the Sunshine State.

This year’s mid-October heat wave proved that sunscreen and plenty of bottled water are still par for the course for any trip to the theme parks or even one of the nearest beaches. October is actually considered the “low season” in Orlando, but between Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween at Magic Kingdom, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, there are plenty of events to enjoy, and with much shorter lines.

Just keep in mind that if the little ones are dressed in their costumes at any of these Halloween-themed theme park events, they might be a little on the warm side.

What's new at the Gaylord Palms Resort

1. Great Rates!
For the next three months, they are offering guest rates that are low, lower and lowest...

Low: October rates from $139 (October 16-17; 23-24; 29)
Lower: November rates from $129 (November 22-31 and December 1)
Lowest: December rates from $119 (December 11-25)


2. Warning: Dates On Calendar Are Closer Than They Seem!Yes, that's right... the holiday season is just around the corner! In fact, at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, the team of 40 artisans have already arrived and have been busy carving two million pounds of ice into an amazing walk-through attraction. Opening day? November 14! Here are details for our special holiday events:

* Best of Florida Christmas - November 14, 2009 - January 3, 2010

As the Orlando host to the Christmas holiday season, Gaylord Palms Resort offers a slate of activities sure to make you "merry and bright" as part of the Best of Florida Christmas celebration! The 4.5-acre Gaylord Palms atrium is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland, filled with special shows and entertainment, a majestic Christmas tree, and a variety of fun-filled activities for the family. This year's program features an entire slate of holiday revelry, including: our frozen family attraction, ICE!; Christmas in Florida - The County Wreath Collection; hidden holiday gnome hunt; visits with Santa, brunch with Mrs. Claus; holiday dining and more. More info is available here.

* ICE! at Gaylord Palms - November 14, 2009 - January 3, 2010

This frozen family attraction is Orlando's most unique holiday experience, hand-carved from nearly TWO MILLION pounds of ICE! This award-winning spectacle gives guests an opportunity to visit a frosty winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional holiday scenes and sculptures, all hand-carved by a team of renowned artisans from Harbin, China. Now in its seventh season, ICE! will take you on a "Trip to the North Pole," featuring a dramatic journey through the land of Christmas. Sponsored by Coca-Cola. Tickets can be purchased online or at (407) 586-4423. More info is available here.

3. Special Events During ICE!

* Orlando Polar Bear Club Plunge - December 5, 2009 at 8:30 amThrow on your swimsuit and "take the plunge" down the ice slides inside the 9-degree ICE! attraction, created from 2 million pounds of ice. Why? Why not! It will be an experience to remember as you are officially inducted into the Orlando Polar Bear Club! This wacky event, sponsored by Coca-Cola and modeled after Polar Bear Club events held in colder climates, includes an "after-glow" warm-up reception and a commemorative certificate, plus a chance to go through ICE! again later that morning. Tickets are $21.99 plus tax, and $7 for every full-price ticket sold will go to Special Olympics Florida. More info is available here.

* Snuggie Day at ICE! - November 22, 2009Wear your Snuggie or Slanket into ICE! and purchase one ticket at a great price. More info is available at GaylordPalms.com/ICE.

* Noche Latina en ICE! - December 4, 2009ICE! is open late for a special celebration of Latino holiday traditions. Special parrandas music is played inside ICE!, preceded by a "parrandas storyteller" presentation. Afterward, enjoy a cup of café con leche. $5 of full ticket price is donated to the scholarship fund for the Osceola Hispanic Business Council. More info is available at GaylordPalms.com/ICE.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets!!!

Tuesday, November 10th
Thursday, November 12th
Friday, November 13th
Sunday, November 15th
Tuesday, November 17th
Thursday, November 19th

Tickets are Priced:Adult: Gate = $62.84, Our Price = $51 + tax = $54.32Child: Gate = $56.45, Our Price = $45 + tax = $47.93This is a separate ticket. Ticket is for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ONLY. Event goes from 7 pm to Midnight!

Click on this link to purchase tickets

Festival For Il Vino Novello

Stresa seems to be recognizing more and more the appeal that the foods of the area have, to both tourists and residents, and is, as a consequence, planning a greater number of events centered around the regional and seasonal Piemontese specialities. The next upcoming rassegna enogastronomica, that is, a food and wine festival, will be on Sunday, November 10, and it will celebrate the release of this year's new wines, which are first allowed to be sold on this Sunday. Last year was the first time Stresa organized a festival for the vino novello, the new wines, and having been a great success, the festival will be expanded upon this year.

Centered in Piazza Cadorna, beginning at 10 am, a menu will be served of polpette di pesce gardon, patate fritte and riso Orto Mari e Monti. Polpette di pesce are like meatballs, but made with fish. They are served with patate fritte, french fries. Riso Orto Mari e Monti is a casserole-type of rice dish in which rice is cooked in the oven with other foods, foods from the sea and the mountains, mari e monti. Here, they will cook the rice with fish and local vegetables. In another area of the piazza there will be a castagnata, chestnuts roasting. And at the same time, restaurants and bars all around town will prepare menus around the same theme, and make the new wines available for the first time. Not wanting to be left out, shops all around Stresa will move wares outside into the streets for a sidewalk sale, and Via Garibaldi will be transformed for the day into the "Via Garibaldi Street Festival."

festival hours: 10 am to 6 pm.

Holiday Inn Main Gate East

When you hear the words “Main Gate,” you know that you are as close as you can get to the Walt Disney World resort without dealing with all of the crowds and expense of staying on Disney property. The Holiday Inn Main Gate East combines great value with an ideal location, at prices that make it possible for families to finally schedule that vacation of a lifetime.

Located in Kissimmee, FL on West US Highway 192, the Holiday Inn Main Gate East offers free scheduled transportation to the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Outlet Stores. Hotel guest parking and high speed Internet access are free, and there is an outdoor heated pool, hot tub and kids pool to enjoy during those times when the family needs a little break from the theme parks. Other onsite features and amenities include a poolside lounge, the Trattoria Café, food court, game room, a kid’s theater and playground.

Power Shift

Guest post by Krista

In February, Power Shift 09 brought 12,000 young people to Washington to hold our elected officials accountable for rebuilding our economy and reclaiming our future through bold climate and clean energy policy.

As an attendee, I can say it was an amazing experience to see so many young people come together for climate change. This week, Power Shift '09 is coming to Florida and 5 other regions across the country. Hundreds of activists from all backgrounds working to bring about a better future will come together to discuss the global environmental challenges we face and the actions we can take to solve these issues.

The conference will engage attendees in two days of workshops, panel discussions, trainings and lobbying activities. The Energy Action Coalition includes 50 leading climate, energy and social justice organizations.The cost is only 20 bucks.Here are the details for Florida Power Shift:Power Shift FloridaFriday October 23 - Sunday October 25UCF ArenaUniversity of Central Florida50 North Gemini BlvdOrlando, FL 32816 Click here to sign up for Power Shift Florida.

UFL Football Ticket Offer! Tuskers VS. Redwoods This Thursday

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Catch your home team and save $5! To purchase individual tickets to games at the Citrus Bowl, Click Here. Enter the code VENUES in the promotions and special offers box .

GROUP TICKETS If you're interested in organizing a group outing and you don't know where to begin, our Group Sales Representatives will help walk you through the process. Group Ordering is quick and easy. Either call your Group Representative at 877-UFL-2009 or email us them tickets@ufl-football.com !

HOME SCHEDULE California Redwoods vs. Florida TuskersOctober 22, 2009 7 PM @ Citrus Bowl - Orlando, FL Las Vegas Locomotives vs. Florida TuskersOctober 30, 2009 7 PM @ Tropicana Field - St Petersburg,FL

BUY TICKETS!

Forever Tango

November 18 • 8 pm at the Bob Carr Performing art studios-The heart-pounding excitement of Luis Bravo's dance extravaganza is back on tour. Live on stage, featuring dancers and musicians direct from Argentina! BUY TICKETS!

Can I Rent a Car Without Having personal Automobile Insurance?

I do not own a car currently, so I have no personal automobile insurance. I am planning to rent a car next weekend. Am I allowed to rent a car and will I have to buy the liability insurance?

When you search throught different car rental company rental requirements, age, credit ID and drivers license are the basic requirements. As long as you have a valid drivers license and meet the age and credit card requirements, you can rent a car.


Car rental companies are required to provide basic public liability and property damage coverage, in their rates, up to the minimum limits required by law for that particular state.

When you see optional coverages listed, like ALI or SLI (Additional or Supplemental Liability Insurance), keep in mind that those only INCREASE liability coverage beyond state minimums... they are not mandatory!

Keep in mind that the liability does not cover the rental car itself, that would be a seperate optional waiver that you would be offered by the car rental company. If you do not take it, that's fine, but know that you would be fully financially responsible for any loss (theft) or damage to the rental car.

Hope this helps!

Top 7 Celebration Suites Reviews

Why do savvy travelers choose the Celebration Suites for their Orlando vacation? The reviews are in…and it’s all good. Ideal for family vacations, the Celebration Suites in Kissimmee, FL have the area’s largest suites starting with more than 650 sq. feet of living space in units that can comfortably sleep six to eight people. The Celebration Suites are just 1.5 miles from the Walt Disney World resort and right next door to Old Town entertainment center, so there is always something to do and somewhere to go.

These one or two bedroom suites include a private bedroom, living room with Murphy bed, large eat-in kitchen with full-sized Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Microwave, 2-Burner Stovetop, 2 TV's with free HBO, Patio or Balcony and available WiFi. The real proof of top quality and great value, however, are the reviews from people who have made Celebration Suites their home base for their most recent Orlando vacation:

• I would highly recommend this hotel to any family looking for a great hotel at a fantastic price. The location was perfect for a great experience at Disney and able to walk to neighboring attractions was so nice.


• Celebrations Suites was a great choice that I will never regret. I loved the friendly staff, service, and the people seemed liked they really cared.... I love all the things to do that are in so close proximity of the suites. There are 18 restaurants in walking distance.....the Suites were huge and are by far the best value for the price....The location is perfect and is only 1.5 miles from the Disney parks.


• This (hotel) impressed me with its fair rate, excellent location, nice facilities, and its homey feeling given by the customer service. I love it, would recommend it to anyone I know who will take a trip there, especially for families!


• Very clean hotel...it has undergone a complete facelift of the property. The rooms cater to large families like mine....all of the suites sleep up to six people; have 3 beds, and full kitchens... You can’t get this kind of value anywhere else in the Orlando area. The front desk was extremely professional, and they have a Dip N Dots machine in the lobby which my kids loved. They have 3 pools, a gym so I can stay in shape while my wife was at the pool with the kids, and they also have barbecue areas by the pool so we could grill and have nice family dinners together. Celebration Suites are only 1.5 miles to Disney, and right next to the famous Old Town. There's plenty of stuff to do for the whole family. I recommend this hotel to everyone staying in the Disney area. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!


• This is hotel is one of a kind! The rooms are HUGE! They have full kitchens as well as 2 double beds, and a pull down Murphy bed in the living room. The Suites are in a great location and perfect for the whole family. Whether you want to lounge at the pool all day, or take the kids to Old Town that is adjacent from the hotel, there is always something to do. Celebration Suites are only 1.5 miles to Disney parks. This hotel offers great VALUE and is in the perfect location. The staff is very friendly and will do anything to accommodate your needs. I will be coming back to the Suites again, and recommend this hotel to everyone who is staying in the Kissimmee/ Orlando area.


• I have stayed there 3 times now, and I couldn't choose a better place to stay for the value. The hotel staff is very friendly, and the hotel is very clean. The hotel is in a great location next to OLD TOWN, and only a few minutes from DISNEY. I just booked my fourth stay there!! Wouldn't stay anywhere else!!


• Very clean; the staff was incredibly friendly. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. It was great to have a kitchen and dishes. The location was extremely convenient. I went with friends so having a room where we could spread out was GREAT. Did I mention the rooms are HUGE! The new mattress was an added bonus! Great for the traveler who has a family and wants to save some cash. Also great for extended stay business or leisure travelers. Two thumbs up!

Stresa Sights One Year Anniversary!!

A little more than a year ago, while visiting in Stresa, this American girl had the idea to start a blog about the city. I wasn't sure what I intended for it to be, but I gave it its first breath, posting the first post one year ago today. Then I let it grow, I let it evolve, and slowly, over the months it began to take on a life of its own. People stopped by to read it. Some left me comments and others wrote e-mails. Their thoughts let me know what was needed to add to the blog. More people came, and they began asking questions and advice about Stresa. I discovered I knew the answers. I discovered they had no other reliable place to go to ask an English-speaking person about the city. Some people wrote several times, also after their trips, to let me know how everything worked out. A few I've even gotten to meet in Stresa. Eventually even some Stresiani became curious about Stresa Sights. Who was this crazy Americana, and why was she doing this? Some got to know me, and others asked me to help promote events. One year later, Stresa Sights has become, I feel safe in saying, a resource, a guide, and a friendly English corner in this wonderful little Italian town. Basically, consider us your friend in Stresa before you even arrive here.

One year, almost 200 posts, dozens of comments, questions, and mails. We're going to keep doing what we're doing. After all, I promised that there are at least 1000 things to appreciate about Stresa, so we still have so much to talk about. I'd like to thank everyone who has stopped by, those of you who have become regular followers, those who have written for advice, and most of all, those of you who have actually visited Stresa and gotten to know it. After all, that's what I'm here for, sono qui per questo...

Grazie, grazie, grazie, to everyone for a wonderful year! I'm having so much fun doing this!

Disney's Behind the Magic of Our Steam Trains

The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains at Magic Kingdom® Park(7:30 am - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays - 3 Hours)Cost: $40 USD per person (Theme park admission is required)

Disney’s "The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains" tour gives Guests an inside look at the Walt Disney World® Railroad. This is approximately a two-hour experience which explores Walt Disney’s passion for steam trains, while giving Guests the opportunity to join the opening crew as they prepare for the daily railroad operation at the Magic Kingdom® Park. This tour also offers the rare opportunity to visit our backstage "roundhouse".

Guests must be at least 10 years old to attend this program. For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR, (407) 939-8687.

Disney's Family Magic Tour

Disney's Family Magic Tour at Magic Kingdom® Park(10:00 am - Everyday - 2.5 Hours)Cost: $27 USD per person (Theme park admission is required)

Guests can take the whole family on an exciting 2-hour journey through the Magic Kingdom® Park. Young and young-at-heart alike can revisit their childhood on this fanciful tour of the most magical place on earth. This one-of-a-kind interactive tour takes them through the park’s themed lands in search of clues. Guests will find themselves immersed in a Disney story adventure that could only happen in the Magic Kingdom® Park.

Guests must be at least 3 years old to attend this program. For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR, (407) 939-8687.

Everest Challenge 5K trip report

It was a wet race!
http://bit.ly/31aU5d

Gratitude Friday -- Perspective

For Gratitude Friday, thanks to my friend Joel who sends out daily emails with jokes, links, and cartoons. He recently sent this parable on perspective:

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah, " said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered. "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all were grateful for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Joel has been sending out his collections for many years without ever missing a day, even when he's taking 10,000 mile cross-country motorcycle trips or working as a photographer. There are hundreds of people on his mailing list; if you'd like to sign up and see if you like what he sends just drop him a note asking to be added to the list at: joelperlish@aol.com.

To read other bloggers Gratitude Friday posts link to them from Diana at Creative Structures. Be sure to read also Diana's beautiful and wise guest post on Middle-Aged Diva, Part 1 and Part 2. And have a great (and grateful) weekend...

Romantic things to do in Orlando

Orlando is best known for being the epicenter of all things that are kid-friendly, but there are romantic things to do in Orlando for couples who are looking for a little quiet time.

The crème de la crème of romantic dining in Orlando is Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Walt Disney World. The prix fixe (fixed price) meals have been featured in Orlando Magazine and The Food Network. A dinner jacket is required for gentlemen (tie optional) and a dress or pants ensemble for ladies, and there are no chicken fingers or grilled cheese sandwiches in sight. In fact, children under the age of 10 will not be served at Victoria and Albert’s.

The Grand Floridian is also home to a wedding pavilion, where the ceremony and reception include romantic flourishes with a touch of Disney magic. The full-spa service is located adjacent to Franck's Studio at Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion and includes couples packages.

One of the most extensive spas in town is the Relache spa at the Gaylord Palms Resort, which is just a few minutes away from Walt Disney World. Guests of the Relache Spa must be age 18 or older, and there is Harmonic Couples Massage available that a Swedish, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy.

Like the Grand Floridian and Gaylord Palms, Orlando’s newly opened Waldorf Astoria has an on-site full-service spa and also promises a romantic dining experience. On-site dining includes Waldorf Astoria New York favorites such as the Bull & Bear Steakhouse, Oscar’s, Peacock Alley, and Sir Harry’s Lounge, plus the poolside grill Aquamarine.

And finally, for couples who are looking for a “date night” that is far removed from the tourist crowds or noisy children, the Enzian Theater in Maitland, FL (just north of Orlando off of I-4) serves up dinner and a movie—and not just the regular multiplex fare. Oftentimes the Enzian is only place in the Orlando area where film lovers can see the latest “art films” or screenings of film classics. In addition to wine, beer and other beverages, the Enzian’s menu includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, special platters and desserts.

My House -- Update

A peek over the fence at my future pool.

Colleague has gone and triangulated my house.

Remember my dream house? The one on the shore of Lago Maggiore that I discovered in a photo but didn't know the whereabouts of? Or whether or not it was for sale? Well, my colleague has found it. He triangulated it, he told me, by looking at the landmarks in the view across the lake and focusing them back on the point of the lake on this shore to where the house would most likely be. No one has ever triangulated anything for me before, so this is quite special. There's more... he's gone to see it, and even taken a photo of my pool by peeking over the fence. And even bigger news, the house is for sale.

Of course, having seen the house in reality we now know there may be a fault or two. Not enough yet to deter me from my dream however, of sitting on that terrace, drinking my prosecco, watching the sun set over the lake. Stay tuned...

Rosen Shingle Creek

Rosen Shingle Creek 2 night / 4 round from $174.JUST REDUCED WITH UNLIMITED GOLF ON-SITE. Play unlimited rounds and stay on-site at Rosen Shingle Creek in a deluxe room with two beds. Rate is per person, based on double occupancy and includes green fees, cart fees and all taxes.

Experience the luxury of Rosen Shingle Creek where you will stay right on-site at Shingle Creek Golf Club, a David Harman design that has been named one of the toughest courses in Orlando. With a variety of amenities that include fine dining, casual poolside dining, Jacuzzi, spa and fitness center, you have everything you need on-site. Playing one of the area's best courses and staying at Rosen Shingle Creek is just the vacation you deserve!

This $174, 2 night / 4 round package special is based on a trip December 14 - December 16, 09. ******************UNLIMITED GOLF SPECIAL************************ The "unlimited golf special" at Shingle Creek is valid from 9/01/09 through 12/31/09. All customers can play a second round at no additional cost. This Tee Times USA special is based on availability. No pre-booked replays under the unlimited play package will be taken until the day of play at the pro-shop. Click here to make reservations Rosen Shingle Creek

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular

October weekends means the return of SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular, a family friendly Halloween celebration that continues each weekend this month until Friday, October 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31. The special events that are part of the SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular start at noon and are included with the price of a SeaWorld park admission ticket.

Many parents like to dress up their little ones for the Halloween Spooktacular (but keep in mind that certain costumes that are suitable for October weather “Up North” might feel sweltering hot in the Florida sunshine. The “Treasure Stations” set up around SeaWorld include Trick-or-Treats, Abby Cadabby’s Halloween Adventure, Sea Snacks, cookie decorating, Countdown to Halloween at Seaport Theater, face painting, caricatures, and a hair wrap station.

News Bites -- Little Bits Of News From Stresa

Just enough news to digest with a cup of cappuccino...

If a recently begun experiment bears fruit then olive oil may soon be produced along the banks of Lago Maggiore. Agricultural experts from Facolta' di Agraria dell'Universita' di Torino, il Consorzio per la Tutela dell'olio extravergine d'oliva Piemonte e Valle d'Aosta e l'associazione Piemontese Olivicoltori (Asspo) are collaborating with local institutions to try to cultivate olive farms around the lake, in an effort to both bring another source of business to the area and also to produce another food from a region already known for its gastronomic excellence.

The tourist season of 2009 officially ends on October 25. On this date many of the touristic destinations will close completely until the new season begins in late March 2010. Other locations will switch to limited hours and days of opening. Therefore, please check the hours and open dates of all places before you make plans for these next months. In Stresa itself, most restaurants will retain their normal hours and days of operation, but again, do check, as some may take an extended holiday during the winter, or switch to shorter hours.

And even though this summer is just over it's certainly not too soon to plan for the next. Stresa is doing that, with the unveiling of designs for a new public swimming pool near the Carciano imbarcadero and the base of the Mottarone Cableway. With computer-generated images it's easy to see that the pool, if completed, is going to be a showpiece. Set back from the Lido beach and raised higher on a plateau of land, the pool will have a view of several of Stresa's attractions such as the Borromeo Islands and the cableway, and undoubtedly it will become an attraction in its own right. Will it happen? Stay tuned...

This computer-generated image shows how the new pool is expected to look.

Grazie, come sempre, a Stresa2.0 per la news.

Paying Cash for Car Rental

I'm looking to rent a car. I don't have a credit card. I was wondering if I can book the car using a family members credit card and then just pay cash when I return it.

Car rental companies require you to have a credit card in your own name with enough available credit on it to hold for deposit. They even require additional drivers to show credit id as well. Many companies will accept Visa Debit or Visa Check cards (in your name) as credit id, that may be a possibility for you. You can check Debit Card Rental Policies for more information on using debit cards with different car rental companies.


You can also check to see if there are any companies that offer a cash rental.

Just check for credit card requirements or cash rental policies on different car rental websites. Keep in mind that with a cash rental, you would be required be pre approved and leave a large deposit when picking up your rental.

Hope this helps!

Fantasy of Flights

Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction, continues its culture-rich 2009 Living History Symposium Series with a tribute to the Boeing B-17 Bomber, aka the Flying Fortress, and the brave men who flew these sturdy, virtually indestructible, long-distance bombers. On Sat., Oct. 17 and Sun., Oct. 18, Fantasy of Flight will welcome five great American war heroes as they share their compelling stories of triumph surrounding the legendary B-17.

The World War II veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions scheduled both days at 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Not only will guests be able to hear firsthand from these daring airmen and patriots, they will be able to walk through an authentic B-17 Flying Fortress and imagine what it was like to participate in a bombing mission over hostile Germany as one of the bomber's ten-member crew. Visitors will also get an up close look at the fierce P-51 Mustang, the fighter escort for the B-17. The "Fearless Men of the B-17 Flying Fortress" include:

Gilbert "Gil" Belair (The Villages, Fla.) an airplane commander (left seat pilot) who flew B-17 bombers with the 305th Bomb Group (H) in the 8th U. S. Army Air Force in England. The 305th was a storied and distinguished unit in WWII and was one of those which flew their aircraft home to the U.S. in late 1945.

Richard "Rick" Morris (The Villages, Fla.) was a pilot with the 92nd Bomb Group (H) 8th U.S. Army Air Force. The 92nd, along with the 306th and the 384th Bomb Groups, were the three oldest units deployed in England during WWII and were accorded the dubious "honor" of remaining in Europe as part of the Occupation Forces of Germany. Morris enjoyed a 35-year career in aerospace sales engineering followed by a 10-year span with the National Air and Space Museum.

Patrick O'Keef (Orlando, Fla.) saw action in 27 heavy bombardment missions over enemy-occupied Europe while flying in B-17s with the 8th Air Force Bombardment Division, 388th Bomb Group (sq. "H"), 562nd Bomb Squadron. During that time he was usually the 11th man in the B-17 as the aerial photographer. As a qualified flight engineer for turret gunner, he often flew relief on any of the B-17's guns. He is currently working on his autobiography, titled Survivor of the 20th Century.

Paul Roberts (The Villages, Fla.) flew the B-17 as an airplane commander with the 457th Bomb Group (H) of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force based near the village of Glatton, England. The 457th was also a distinguished and noteworthy unit of the 8th and was privileged to fly their aircraft back to the U.S. in late 1945. Roberts retired following a career in avionics and computers with Lucent Corporation.

Linwood Smith (The Villages, Fla.) was a member of the 8th Air Force, 339th Fighter Group, 503rd Fighter Squad in Fowlmere, England. He piloted the P-51 (Model D) aircraft also known as the Mustang, escorting B-17 and B-24 bombers to and from Germany which greatly reduced the bomber losses.

William H. Rich (Orange Park, Fla.) served with 95th Bomb Group as a gunner, and later as a targeter. Rich has been recognized for his gunnery instruction to well-known celebrity students Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart. Rich also published a memoir about his wartime experience entitled "All Out For Freedom."

Rudy Froeschle (Ft. Myers, Fla) joined the 384th Bomber Group, 544th Fighter Squadron in Germany 1943. During a mission over Stuttgart, Germany, his plane was gunned down and he was held prisoner for two years. During his captivity, he taught German grammar and literature to college students. He also obtained a trombone from the YMCA representative, which was "stolen" and became famous for being the top of the still that was portrayed in the movie "The Great Escape."

"We are truly honored to welcome these distinguished pilots and airmen to Fantasy of Flight to share their incredible stories about flying bombing missions in the B-17 'Flying Fortress,'" said Kermit Weeks, founder and creator of Fantasy of Flight. "The opportunity to hear firsthand from our World War II veterans is one that no American should take lightly and we hope that all of Central Florida will come out to support these true war heroes while learning more about their incredible aircraft."In conjunction with this event, Fantasy of Flight will also host a Military Collector's Show at its onsite Orlampa Conference Center, on Sat., Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sun., Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will feature nearly 40 military antiques collectors, showing a wide variety of collectible memorabilia from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. Guests will have the opportunity to see and purchase uniforms, medals, insignia and war relics, among other military-related items. Upon the entry of the U.S. into World War II, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress played a vital role in the bombardment of Germany.

Flying out of American bases in England, as many as 1,000 B-17 aircraft at a time were staged and deployed in daring daylight raids. In the earliest days of the War, the long distance bombers flew steadfast to their targets, even when their fighter defense had to turn back for fuel, which required the bombers to operate in tight formation for protection - and resulted in a loss rate up to 25 percent. Even so, enemy fighters attacked the legendary, durable B-17 knowing that thirteen .50 caliber guns awaited them. Eventually, the development of the long-range P-51 Mustang granted the Flying Fortress a fierce escort at its side, allowing the bombers to deliver their payloads with greater safety to the crews and truly turn the tide of the war in Europe. This marks the fourth event this year in Fantasy of Flight's Living History Symposium Series. This spring, the attraction hosted the barrier-breaking Tuskegee Airmen. Next came the fearless female Women Airforce Service Pilots, followed by the World War II American Fighter Aces.

The Living History Symposium and the Military Collectors Show are included with regular Fantasy of Flight admission. Guests may pay just $6 for entry to the Military Collectors Show only. Admission is $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and an Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting). Recent additions to Fantasy of Flight attractions include The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit and a walking audio tour. 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 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Hot air balloon rides and biplane rides are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com

Orlando Magic Tickets

It is that time of the year again! Orlando Magic Basketball is back in full swing and we are selling tickets! Please see below for pricing:

Silver Game: Upper Bowl N Gate: $30.00
Our Price = $27.00 + tax = $28.76

Silver Game: Lower Bowl J Gate: $60.00
OFT = $52.00 + tax = $55.38

Black Game: Upper Bowl N Gate: $40.00
OFT = $36.00 + tax = $38.34

Black Game: Lower Bowl J Gate: $70.00
OFT = $62.00 + tax = $66.03

Blue Game: Upper Bowl N Gate: $50.00
OFT = $46.50 + tax = $49.52

Blue Game: Lower Bowl J Gate: $80.00
OFT = $73.00 + tax = $77.75

Purchase your Orlando Magic Tickets

Halloween Horror Nights

Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, stars of the hit SyFy Channel series, "Ghost Hunters," will be at Halloween Horror Nights to experience the nation's premier Halloween event and sign autographs for guests at Universal Studios on Thursday, October 8.

Gonsalves and Tango are both members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) and star in the reality show that follows the group of real-life paranormal researchers as they investigate hauntings across the nation. Both will sign autographs for fans at Halloween Horror Nights in Battery Park in the New York area of Universal Studios, as well as experience the event first-hand.

Now in its 19th year, Halloween Horror Nights was recently named the No. 1 Theme Park Halloween Haunted Event by Hauntworld.com. This honor came one week after the event won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for the "Best Halloween Event" in the country.
Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights: 19 Ripped From The Silver Screen runs October 8-11, 15-18, 21-25 and 28-31. For more information, visit Halloween Horror Nights

Favorite Quotations #3

The photo is a Webshot taken from the L'idrovolante Webcam on October 9, 2009

Waldorf Astoria Orlando now open

For the first time since the Waldorf Astoria hotel was opened in the heart of New York City in 1931, there is another luxury hotel bearing the iconic name—and it’s right here in Orlando.

Officially opened on October 1, 2009, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando takes up 482 acres of lush Central Florida property surrounded on three sides by the Walt Disney World® Resort. And even though the hotel is not surrounded by the urban bustle of Manhattan, there is at least one carryover from the Big Apple: a lobby clock handcrafted by master artisans, much like the lobby clock that has adorned the original Waldorf Astoria since 1931.

In addition to the personalized, 24-hour service that the Waldorf Astoria is famous for, guests at the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando can enjoy amenities such as a cabana pool and a zero-entry pool, jogging trails, bicycle rentals, premium retail shopping, fitness center featuring aerobic cardiovascular training equipment, personal fitness trainers and complimentary classes including yoga, aerobics and water aerobics

Other hotel features and amenities include the Championship Rees Jones Golf Course, the 24,000 square foot Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain®, and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando Kids activities fro children over the age of five. On-site dining includes Waldorf Astoria New York favorites such as the Bull & Bear Steakhouse, Oscar’s, Peacock Alley, and Sir Harry’s Lounge, plus the poolside grill Aquamarine.

Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour

Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour(9:00am – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – 2 hours)Cost: $25 USD per person (Theme park admission is required)

Travel throughout the Magic Kingdom® Park as you weave your way through an enchanting timeline that chronicles the fascinating history of the world's most famous cartoon mouse. From a doodle on Walt Disney's notepad to the classic Steamboat Willie cartoon through the magical CGI experience of Mickey's PhilharMagic, this tour traces the creation and career of Mickey Mouse.

This tour is most appreciated by ages 10 and above. Please be advised that this is an outdoor walking program. For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR, (407) 939-8687.

The Problem With Porcini Mushrooms...

The problem with porcini mushrooms is that they can't easily be cultivated. Like truffles, they only grow well in a symbiotic relationship with certain trees and earth around them. In the late summer and early autumn the porcini mature. This means you must eat as many as you can now, because for the rest of the year you will be left only with dried porcini to use.

Luckily, several of the restaurants in the Stresa area have been happy to help with this task. Like this recent dinner at Taverna il Mago, in Verbania. Mago (as he likes to be addressed) waited for all the guests to arrive, and then he prepared and served four porcini dishes, vino Nebbiolo, caffe and dessert, all for 28 euro.

Frittelle ai funghi con crostini con pancetta agliata ed insalatina di funghi crudi e spinaci all’extravergine.

Zuppa d’Orzo con Funghi.

Ravioli al ripieno di Porcini.

Medaglione di Fassona con funghi e zucchine.

Torta di Pane della nonna Afra su crema calda.

Il Mago often prepares themed dinners like this, and always manages to do so for a reasonable cost. I previously wrote about an ostrich dinner I ate there, read it here.

La Taverna del Mago, Viale Azari, 94, Verbania Pallanza. Closed Monday night.

Web site: www.latavernadelmago.it

Women on course

GO PRO FOR A DAY!

WOMEN ON COURSE Golf Experience

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Women on Course and Callaway Golf welcome you to an afternoon of golf instruction, course play, AND networking!

Join us on the golf range to participate in fun contests, meet PGA guest pro Tina Mickelson, and ³try on² Callaway golf clubs! New golfers don¹t need to be shy; representatives will be available to answer equipment questions, and beginner¹s luck might the key to help first timers win a contest. The day¹s events will include a special presentation featuring Tina Mickelson, as well as a number of clinics and ³golf scramble² activities. There will be a wine reception at the 19th hole and gift bags available to participants upon departure.

WHO: Guest PGA pro instructor Tina Mickelson

WHAT: WOMEN ON COURSE Golf Experience
For more information, visit www.womenoncourse.com
WHEN: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
2:00 pm ­ 7:00 pm REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 2:00 PM
WHERE: Champions Gate Golf Course

1410 Masters Boulevard
Champions Gate, FL 33647

COST: $59 for members, $79 for general public

WHAT TO BRING: Playing in the golf scramble? Bring a set of clubs and several golf balls Participating in the beginner clinics? You can bring a full set of clubs, or just a putter, 7 iron and sand/pitching wedge. Don¹t have clubs? Don¹t worry! We will have plenty on hand.

WHAT TO WEAR: Golf chic! Collared sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt with shorts/skorts/capris. Denim will not be allowed. Soft-spike golf shoes or tennis shoes.

Miami and Car Rentals

The Miami International Airport (MIA), is one of the busiest airports in the world and if you ever get held up for any reason at the counters then you will have to wait for a long time. So the last thing that you want is getting held up at the car rental counter waiting for your chance to acquire a vehicle on hire. To get rid of this unwanted hassle its best to book a car in advance. In this way you can just come out of the airport without worrying about anything and drive away in your beautiful hired car.

There are car rental services at every major Florida airports like Miami International airport, Orlando International airport and Fort Lauderdale International airport. All of these services offer a wide variety of cars ranging from luxury and expensive to medium sized and inexpensive cars. There are SUVs, Mini vans and luxury cars for luxury travellers while there are also passenger vans and convertibles. These services offer discounts if you have a long term association with them. To enjoy Miami to the fullest, book a car and travel in to the whole state.

Car Hire
Experts in car hire

Princess Diana exhibit at Downtown Disney

Now through November 30, 2009, Downtown Disney is hosting “Diana - The People's Princess”—a special exhibition of nearly 900 royal artifacts celebrating the life of Diana Princess of Wales. The exhibit is being housed in a massive 17,500-square-foot setting adjacent to the DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park.

By the time of her death at the age of 36 in 1997, Princess Diana had already achieved worldwide fame for her marriage to Prince Charles, as the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry, her fashion sense and dedication to various charitable causes.

According to the Walt Disney World Web site, the following items are part of a collection that is a first for many American audiences:

• A Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress that was crafted in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding. The doll wears an exact replica of Diana's famous wedding dress.


• The black velvet V-neck designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985.


• The wedding breakfast booklet with guest names from the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.


• A three-foot-tall doll of Diana as a young girl released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998.


• Five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.

Tickets are available for “Diana - The People's Princess” at the exhibit for $14.50 for Guests ages 10 and above and $5 for children ages 3 to 9. Hours of operation are every day from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Season Of Chestnuts

Once again, it is chestnut season in Italy.

I have such wonderful memories of autumns in Stresa, and when I think of autumns in Stresa I think also of chestnuts. I first noticed the abundance of chestnuts when hiking on a trail in the hills above the town, aptly named the Sentiero dei Castagni, the Chestnut Trail. I could have filled bushels with them as we walked; instead, I settled for a handful in my pocket, my very first chestnuts picked up from the very ground they fell on; I still have those few as souvenirs. And so, since that time, it's not the fancy restaurant dishes prepared with chestnuts that I recall the most fondly, it's the simple events, the ones that have involved roasted chestnuts.

Of course you'll find chestnuts here on the Sentiero dei Castagni.

Here in Stresa several different groups organize chestnuts roastings in the piazzas and therefore there will be chestnuts to be enjoyed for several successive weekends. The fire department of Stresa organizes the largest roasting, with many pans at the same time set up along the lake near the Stresa imbarcadero. The Gruppo Alpini have arranged for another, in Piazza Marconi...

These firemen in Stresa give me smoky thumbs up for chestnuts.

I was in Mergozzo a different autumn day when they had their event. It was smaller of course, with a couple of large fires roasting near the lake. Above it, as an extra added attraction, a tight cable strung across the corner of the lake offered harness rides from one side to the other. I sat in my favorite spot in the birreria while the people sailed over our heads and the smoke rose from the roasting pans.

Can you imagine how many chestnuts they plan to roast in Mergozzo with that pile of wood?

But my favorite chestnut festival of all was my first, the one in the town of Coimo, in the Valle Vigezzo. This was the largest festival by far that I've been to, as it was more of a regional fair for the string of small villages in the valley. Underneath a large, red tent, rows of picnic tables were arranged. Along the side were the longest grills I've ever seen. On them were cooking the biggest ribs I've ever seen. And there was wine flowing, you could bring your glass or an empty bottle to the counter where it would be filled from nameless vats of red wine. Children from the town, all wearing chestnut festival t-shirts, sold the bags of fresh and very hot chestnuts on another side of the tent. We had a pile of ribs, and a huge bag of castagne which we tore open a bit in the center of the table. These were the first chestnuts I ate, ever, perhaps for this they are my favorite. More likely though it is the memory of the fun of sitting at the long table in the big red tent, filled with the smoky smell of ribs and chestnuts, the sound of people cracking them open all around me and laughter. An overabundance, and not only of chestnuts...

At Coimo, so much food and fun, all for Chestnuts.