Website Offers Highway Based Hotel Critiques
There are literally thousands of hotel review websites on the Internet today but one website offers a twist. SleepCritique.com, let’s you search for a great room by choosing the highway you’ll be traveling on. Hotels can be sorted by Interstate so, for example travelers using I-95 can immediately check out reviews along that route.
The website also includes individual hotel ratings based on value, location, amenities, rooms and service. Google maps and color photos are also shown. It’s a great resource and worth a look if you’ve got an upcoming trip this summer. Visit SleepCritique.com
Valentine’s Day Family Getaways
Of Mice and Moments
Sure, Valentine’s Day is more about romance of the couples variety — and it’s on a Tuesday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the excuse of a candy-filled holiday to take a mini-vacation. Am I right?
Personally, I’m a fan of the family theme park outing. Disneyland and Walt Disney World (dinner at Victoria and Albert’s, anyone?) always have something up their, um, glove(?) for Valentine’s Day, which means fun for the whole family. What? Disney is totally romantic.
If theme parks aren’t your thing how about a cabin stay in one of our many state and national parks? It may be brisk out, but a few hours of hiking or mountain biking will warm up the family in no time.
Of course, there is always the option of getting a babysitter and, hopefully, a reservation at some restaurant with a special holiday menu (see, pricy) and being one more sucker in a suit — don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but why wait until Valentine’s Day to do it? Go out on any Tuesday, it will be less crowded and a lot more meaningful. Spend Valentine’s Day with the entire family, that’s the love, people.
Photo by W. Honea
Universal Studios To Add Parade And Night Shows
Universal Orlando will unveil a number of new attractions in the next few months including “Universal’s Superstar Parade” a parade that will run through the streets of Universal Studios daily.
In addition “Universal Cinematic Spectacular” will be a new after-dark salute to the movies, featuring waterfalls, fountains, pyrotechnics, lasers and narration by actor Morgan Freeman. It will be presented on the park’s lagoon. A new Blue Man Group show and upgrades to it’s Spider-Man attraction are also planned.
Tourists Stuff Suitcases at Orlando Outlet Malls
Carting a suitcase behind her, Camilla Nunes looked like a typical tourist — except she was strolling down the walkway of an Orlando outlet mall instead of a hotel lobby.
“I bought the suitcase here and a whole bunch of stuff that is inside,” said Nunes, 25, from Recife, Brazil.
By early afternoon, Nunes had filled the Calvin Klein bag with clothes for herself and her boyfriend at Orlando Premium Outlets — Vineland Ave.
ICE in Orlando at Gaylord Palms
When thinking of Orlando the last thing to come to mind is probably ice. But each year at this time the Gaylord Palms brings in two million pounds of ice and world renowned ice carvers from China to create a winter wonderland in the tourism center of the Sunshine State. Their ICE festivities have become a winter tradition for many families.
Shrek on Ice
Shrek the Halls
A few months ago I wrote that the Gaylord Hotels and DreamWorks® had formed an alliance, which would bring popular DreamWorks® characters into the resorts. The “kick off” event of the alliance is the spectacular ICE, held at each hotel. At the fabulous Gaylord Palms the theme this year is Shrek the Halls, a magical story told in 4 ½ acres of spectacular ice sculptures.
Walking through ICE is breathtaking- and not just because the area is kept at 9ºF. Sculptures of all sizes draw you close to marvel at the detail; signs and narrative tell the story you are seeing.
ICE slide
About half way through ICE are the ice slides. Five slides, created from ice, beckon young and old to take a quick slip.
The most magnificent carvings, however, aren’t of Shrek and the crew, but appear at the end. Carved of crystal clear ice a full Nativity scene is nothing short of awesome.
ICE nativity
Tips for ICE:
- Wear jeans, warm socks, close toed shoes and a sweatshirt.
- Bring gloves or mittens.
- A coat is not required as the resort provides heavy parkas- which you must wear if you want to use the slides.
- Photos are allowed in ICE, though your camera may take a while to thaw out afterward.
- A souvenir photo is taken as you enter ICE; option to purchase.
Kung Fu Panda’s Awesome Snow
Kung Fu Panda Snow
If snow isn’t a natural occurrence where you live your kids will love this! 130 tons of freshly made snow, playground equipment and a carnival slide will keep the kids entertained for the full hour. Po, the Kung Fu Panda, leads you into snow and after it’s over you’ll have your chance to get your picture taken with him (option to purchase).
Tips for Snow:
- This event is best done after ICE as the room is kept at a “crisp” 55ºF.
- Wear water resistant or water proof shoes.
- You will be wet when you leave.
Gingerbread Decorating with Gingy
Gingerbread decorating with Gingy
Step inside Gingy’s house and decorate some gingerbread! You can choose from a small gingerbread house ornament, a big gingerbread house, or a 6 piece gingerbread family. Each kit comes with everything you need to create a tasty treat or keepsake. And Gingy will come in to check your artistic abilities and pose for photos (option to purchase + use your own camera).
Puss in Boots 3D
Inside Holiday Hall is a 3D theater, featuring DreamWorks® newest movie, Puss in Boots. You’ll walk the red carpet, have your photo taken with Puss himself (photo included in movie fee) and be treated to you choice of snacks at the incredible snack bar.
Movie Snacks (choice of 2 + a drink)
After the movie go on the “Quest for the Magic Bean” throughout the Gaylord Palms (pick up your quest form from the DreamWorks® concierge by the lobby). When you complete your quest a prize awaits!
Tip:
The snack bar is fabulous! Don’t eat before coming to the movie.
ShrekFeast
Fiona and Shrek
Join Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots for breakfast. Meet the Town Crier to become an honorary ogre and earn your ogre ears. Taste swamp juice and enjoy ogre waffles. You’ll also get one-on-one time with the characters to pose for pictures.
Tip:
Don’t forget your camera!
More Fun Activities
Do you see the polar bear?
Character Meet & Greet The merry friends from Madagascar are here too! Check your Character Passport for meet & greet times.
Polar Bear Pursuit There are 20 Coca-Cola Polar Bears hidden throughout the Gaylord Palms. Find 10 to enter a sweepstakes to win a Gaylord Palms VIP getaway.
Luminescence and Family Traditions Musical Revues Take a seat at the stage under the giant Christmas tree and enjoy live music, dancing and even some breathtaking stunts!
Meet Santa Have you been naughty or nice? Santa knows. And he’ll let you whisper your wish list in his ear.
Pampering at the Gaylord Palms
While you don’t have to stay at the Gaylord Palms to experience ICE, the Christmassy DreamWorks Packages are a great deal and include many of the events for a single price. Staying at the Gaylord Palms is a treat in itself, with spacious rooms, large bathrooms, comfy robes for mom & dad and fun DreamWorks® amenity packs for the kids.
Each of the four Gaylord Resort is hosting it’s own ICE celebration. The other Gaylord resorts are the Opryland in Nashville, the Texan near Dallas and the National in Washington DC. Have you been to ICE at any of the Gaylord properties? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Jody Halsted shares her
family’s travel adventures
at Family Rambling.
All images by Jody Halsted. Family Rambling would like to thank Gaylord Palms for hosting us at ICE.
Orlando Seaworld To Announce Big Expansion
SeaWorld Orlando is expected to announce today what park officials call the biggest expansion in the resort’s history, with three new attractions to be built over the next two years.
The plans include two additions scheduled to debut next spring: TurtleTrek, a manatee and sea-turtle habitat that will include a first-of-its-kind, three-dimensional and 360-degree movie experience; and Freshwater Oasis, a new area in SeaWorld’s limited-admission park Discovery Cove. Oasis guests will be able to swim, wade and hike through a rainforest-themed environment that will include encounters with Asian otters and small monkeys known as marmosets.
11 Things at Legoland Florida
These were my 11 favorite things at Legoland Florida:
- The historic carousel. I love carousels and have been on many, but never a double-decker one before.
- The Dragon roller coaster. Even for coaster wimps like me, it’s a fun ride, and the relaxing indoor ride through Lego creations is equal to the thrill portion when the dragon escapes outside.
- Technicycle. The interactivity in this ride is terrific–if you want your cycle to soar, you must pedal it throughout the ride. Stop pedaling, and it sinks close to the ground.
- Lost Kingdom Adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re an adult or a kid, shooting the lit targets will make you want to challenge your friends over and over again.
- Granny’s Apple Fries. Like apple pie in a french fry container. Yum!
- Southern Belles. A nod to Cypress Gardens’ old days, these lovely Lego ladies greet visitors to the park and botanical gardens.
- The Banyan Tree. It’s a huge tree and the focal point of the historic Cypress Gardens botanical gardens. Walk through the gardens and teach your kids about the Banyan tree and cypress knees and you can claim an educational element to your trip.
- Driving School. I was disappointed that adults couldn’t drive the little Lego cars one the miniature streets complete with roundabouts and stop lights.
- Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty Waterski Show. Seeing a foam Lego character on waterskis is remarkable; kids will love the story and alerting the princess to PIRATES!
- Miniland. Thirty million bricks formed into familiar sights make this the core of Legoland Florida. Can you find all of the minilanders (tiny Lego people)?
- Legos. They’re everywhere–in miniland, hanging around the park, and as the perfect souvenirs for your little Lego builder.
Legoland Florida, central Florida‘s newest theme park, is designed for families with children ages 2-12, and is located less than an hour from Orlando and Tampa, Florida.
Photo credits: the author.
Linda (minnemom) writes about family travel at Travels with Children, where her popular 11 Things series includes locations big and small, such as Walt Disney World; Decorah, Iowa; and Golden, Colorado. Her expenses to visit Legoland Florida were paid by the park.
LEGOLAND Florida Opens in Winter Haven
Entrance to the Legoland Florida Theme Park
This weekend, I was privileged to be among the first to visit the new LEGOLAND Florida theme park in Winter Haven, Florida, about an hour’s drive from Orlando and equally close to Tampa. This new theme park sits on familiar territory to those who visited Cypress Gardens in the past, and the botanical gardens, including the famed banyan tree, have been preserved.
The Legoland botanical gardens include a Lego-themed nod to the Southern Belles who roamed Cypress Gardens.
While many will enjoy the historical aspect of the park, including the double-decker carousel, the real audience for Legoland California is the two- to twelve-year-old set. For these younger children, Legoland Florida offers more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions that will keep them busy for a full day or more.
The four roller coasters in the park are described as “pink-knuckle” attractions, and this scaredy-cat of a mom managed to ride all four of them, even going back for a second ride on The Dragon. Kids will love the Ford Driving School, where they can drive Lego-themed cars on miniature streets that include stop signs, traffic lights, and roundabouts. (Sorry, adults, as much fun as it looked, they wouldn’t let me try driving there.)
Ford Driving School at Legoland Florida
The park attempts to include interactive aspects to their attractions as well, such as the Technicycle ride that makes you pedal to keep your car up in the air instead of merely pushing a button as on similar rides in other places. The pirate-themed waterski show allows kids to get in on the action and help water-blast the pirates who attempt to overtake the ship.
Two live shows and three 4-D shows allow visitors to take a break from the rides for a while, and a stroll through the botanical gardens offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the other park attractions.
The real star of Legoland, however, is Miniland, where 30 million Lego bricks have been used to recreate scaled versions of famed American landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol and nearby memorials, the New York City Skyline, Las Vegas hotels and attractions, and the beauty of San Francisco. Florida history has been included as well, from the Daytona raceway to the Kennedy Space Center. Kids and adults alike wandered through Miniland, trying to spot all of the 5258 “minilanders” who are a part of the scenes.
US Capitol with New York City in background at Legoland Florida’s Miniland
LEGOLAND Florida adds another element to the theme park destination of central Florida, and it does well in providing family fun for its young audience.
Related: Bed & Brick Preferred Partner Hotels for Legoland Florida
Photo credits: the author
Linda (minnemom) writes about family travel at Travels with Children.
Her trip to Legoland Florida was sponsored by the park, but all opinions are her own.
New Destination Guide Website With a Twist
“Travel guides for major tourist destinations are a dime a dozen on the Internet. We focus on the not-so-major destinations… the true undiscovered gems!” says the new website, 511Destinations.com.
511destinations.com is a different kind of travel guide. While most vacation guides on the Internet concentrate on the major tourist destinations, this new website presents smaller market and off the beaten path destinations… with a twist.
Rather than being bombarded with local information to sift thru, each 511destination is a snapshot. Where to stay, eat, go and how to get around are the basics, presented in a clean, well designed layout with eye-catching graphics and great functionality.
What’s more, users are encouraged to build their own destination guide simply by submitting a brief overview. Right now, there are no limits. You can be a proud resident that wants to tell the world about your town, a traveler that’s itching to share a destination they’ve discovered, or a business looking to promote themselves via a little local information.
It’s a great little website loaded with information that you often just can’t find anywhere else. 511destinations.com is also built to accommodate viewing on smartphones and mobile devices!
Destination Guide – Celebration, Florida
Celebration has the flavor of a southern American village from the 1930s. Residential neighborhoods are clustered around a small, pedestrian-friendly downtown area. Market Street has a storybook atmosphere with a Caribbean flavor. Sided in brightly-colored stucco, the downtown buildings have wide overhangs, shutters, verandas, and arcades.