Tips For A Visit To ICE! At The Gaylord Palms

Tips for making the most of

Ice! Featuring Frosty the Snowman

at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord Palms Ice!

During the holiday season, the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland filled with perfect poinsettias, more than 2 million twinkling lights, lavish and gorgeous holiday displays, a breathtaking 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree, DreamWorks Animation characters Meet & Greet opportunities, spectacular live entertainment, and most of all ICE!

 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaeJ_49DD40&feature=share&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA

ICE! featuresmore than 2 million pounds of hand-carved, vibrant ice sculptures bringing to life several scenes from Frosty the Snowman in a 9-degree retelling of this Christmas classic!You’ll want to make sure that you bundle up (you will also be provided with oversize parkas) to keep warm enough to take a few trips on the two-story ice slides!

Gaylord Palms Ice!

Preparing for a visit to Ice! at the Gaylord Palms Resort takes a lot of planning, and here are some of my favorite tips and tricks we have learned over the years!

  • Dress in Layers: I can’t stress this one enough! Make sure that you are prepared for the 9 degrees you will find inside of Ice! by protecting your fingers, nose, and toes! You will be given a nice a long parka to wear inside, make sure that you get one that is extra roomy I will explain in a moment, but it is definitely not sufficient to keep you warm for long periods of time. I over-do my layering, and I have never regretted it!
  • No Pockets: The parkas that you will be wearing do not have pockets, so I usually carry a small cross-body purse that is loose to wear under my parka to allow for easy access to my phone, Chapstick, and other things that I might need while I am inside.

Gaylord Palms Ice!

  • Phones: Your phones and cameras will get super cold, and even shutdown if you take them out a lot to take pictures. I like to stash my phone on the inside of my gloves to keep it warm and easily accessible. Also, if you are planning to wear gloves make sure that they are gloves that let you work your phone’s touch screen without taking them off. Gloves like this are a lifesaver!!!
  • Cameras: Going from regular room temperature to cold so quickly can make camera lenses fog up quickly. There is a short movie that you watch before entering Ice! that is a colder temperature than the room before, so use this as an opportunity to get your camera used to the cold. Like my phone, I try to have a warmer spot for my camera when it’s not in use.
  • Look around: Looking around may seem like a silly tip, but if you take an extra moment to take in the details you will find extra design features and maybe even a slightly hidden ice tunnel! Don’t rush! Take as long as you need in each room!

Gaylord Palms Ice!

  • Slides: If you are 2 or 62, take a moment to slide on the ice slides at least once! The slides are a ton of fun, and you are missing out if you don’t take a turn! Your roomy coat comes in handy here, because to ensure the best slide possible make sure that your jacket is completely underneath you and then lean back as you slide. One of the lovely slide monitors told me about leaning back this year, and it makes for a fast run down the slide!
  • Little Ones: You will quickly notice that all of the parkas provided by the Gaylord Palms are blue and it can be hard to distinguish since everyone has their hood up. One way that I make sure that I can quickly spot my daughter is by wrapping her in a brightly colored scarf and hat. Also, make sure that you are wearing something that they can easily recognize in the crowds that can form around the slides!

Gaylord Palms Ice!

  • Taking Pictures: You may notice when you first start taking photos that they seem dark. Don’t be tempted to use your flash, because it creates bright spots in pictures and can make the colors all wonky. My best advice, as I am not a master photographer, is to get close to what you are taking a picture of and to use a photo editing app or program afterwards.
  • HAVE FUN! Ice! is a lot of fun, so make sure that you enjoy it for as long as you can stand the 9 degrees!

Gaylord Palms Ice!

Make sure that you check out the 2013 bonus area, the Frostbite Factory featuring Artisans in Action. This live ice-carving zone allows you to get up close to watch a masterful ice carver from Harbin, China, home of the International Ice and Snow Festival, as he creates amazing sculptures before your eyes! He is part of a team of 40 talented artisans who travel from Harbin to work meticulously for more than a month to slice and shave 6,000 blocks of colored and clear ice, each weighing approximately 400 pounds, to carve this incredible experience. This area features great information about how the sculptures are created, too!

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ICE! is open daily from Nov. 23, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014, including holidays. Ticket prices start at $16.99. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.

The Gaylord Palms Resort is located five minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

Disclaimer: Through a partnership with the Gaylord Palms, I received admission to Ice! and accommodations at the Resort. All opinions are my own.

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Food & Wine Weekends

Running in concurrence with the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located within the gates of the Walt Disney World Resort, is offering Food & Wine Weekends, now through November 9.

Food & Wine Weekends

This special event takes place Fridays through Sundays and offers a taste of the fabulous restaurants and bars inside the Hilton and Waldorf Astoria. Highlights include samplings and exclusive pairing menus from Bull & Bear, La Luce, Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge and Peacock Alley. I recently had the opportunity to experience the event first hand and found it to be a great way to dine at some of the restaurants that I had not tried before.

Food & Wine Weekends

I began with visiting the lobby kiosk for a Taste of Japan. I sampled three variations of sake, Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling Sake, Takara Plum Wine and Momokawa Silver. They were all unique in taste and all very good. Paired with the sake was a sampling of a California roll from Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge. It was fresh, tasty, and perfectly chilled. I’m very particular about the temperature of my sushi and this was perfect.

Food & Wine Weekends

Next, I headed into La Luce by Donna Scala to try out the special chef created menu specifically for that night. The menu changes each Friday and Saturday so there’s always something new to try. I started with the Butternut Squash soup which was garnished with a seared Basil leaf. Next up was bruschetta with mozzarella, roasted tomato, and arugula. It was delicious and filling. I still had a little room left so I chose the risotto made with speck, a meat similar to prosciutto, wrapped scallops with wild mushrooms and reggiano. The final course was a divine cannoli made with ricotta and mascarpone cheese, filled with chunks of chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Each course had a recommended wine paired with it, though I chose to slowly sip a glass of Robert Oatley Shiraz throughout my dining experience.

Food & Wine Weekends

I would definitely return to Food & Wine Weekends at the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The accommodations are beautiful and very comfortable and the staff is definitely top notch. Visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com/Food-Wine and www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com/Food-Wine for more information

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What Is That Disney Vacation Club Kiosk About?

Stopping at the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) kiosk, what happens next:

Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club Kiosk at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Disney Vacation Club

Most guests just walk by the kiosks, you’ve decided to stop and see so what is this all about. Disney’s Vacation Club program is a timeshare but not your typical timeshare.

Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club Kiosk in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is themed to match its surroundings.

Disney Vacation Club

Disney Vacation Club

The sales person at the kiosk will have photos of the current models.. They can answer some questions you may have. Next, you can decide to take a tour or walk away. If you decide to take a tour, the sales person will escort you to the front of the park and a van will be ready to take you to the preview center.

Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club Preview Center Desk.

At the preview center, there will be snacks and drinks. There is also a kids club available so your kids don’t need to take the tour with you. You’ll be introduced to another sales person. You’ll get name tags and a tour of the models of the current hotels they are selling.

After your tour, you will get a sales talk.

This includes pricing, along with the features of buying directly from Disney. Yes, there are other ways of buying DVC called resales, we plan to discuss this in a future blog post.

What else can you get by taking a tour?
Offers vary, in the past they have offered gift cards, fast passes or limited pins.
There also will likely be a buying incentive offered.

What is the price of DVC?
As an example 160 Vacation Points Per Year Costs are based on a cash purchase of a real estate interest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas:
One-Time Purchase Price: $24,000
Closing Costs: Approximately $424.50 2013
Annual Dues: (Dues for future years will vary.) $907.20 or $75.60 per month
Transaction Fee: (For vacations to destinations other than our Disney Vacation Club Resorts) $95 per transaction
You receive 160 Vacation Points each year of Membership. Disney Vacation Points are very flexible, you decide when you want to go , how long you want to stay and what type of room you want. Your vacation points will end in 2042 or 2057 depending on what location you buy.

Here is an easier way of explaining this:
When you buy you will need a downpayment.
After your down payment you will have 2 future payments.
Your first payment is your loan payment which will typically last 10 years.
Your next payment is your dues payment, you can pay this annually or monthly.

Do you have to have a loan?
No, if you’ve got the money you can pay it all upfront.

Do you have to pay dues?
Yes, dues are needed for upkeep, transportation and other needs.

What does DVC get me?
Basically I think of DVC as a forced savings plan. It gets you enough points to stay at Disney on property once a year or once every other year. You stay on site and get amenities better than most hotel rooms. (unless you are in a studio)

Can I use DVC in other states where there is no Disney?
Yes Disney has a partnership with RCI Timeshare system. Do your math, since your 160 points are basically worth $12 per point.

Can I rent out my points?
Yes, we plan on discussing this in a future article.

What is a home resort and why is it important?
Your home resort (in My case Boardwalk villas) gets you 11 month access to book before other resorts (example Aulani)

Lets use my upcoming trip to California as an example: I wasn’t able to get in for some of the days I needed because I had to wait until 7 months before. I am offsite for some of my trip because the Grand Californian was unavailable.
In some cases this may cause you to transfer resorts or choose another resort.

Wait: You live 15 minutes from Disney and still own DVC. Why??
I bought DVC back when I lived in Massachusetts in 1999. My first loan for 170 points is paid off. I pay my dues monthly and I feel its affordable. I enjoy not having to save up. In my case I save up to visit family and friends.

How do you use your DVC?
My husband has the running bug so we use it for races:
I am using 124 points to stay from Sept 2 – 6 in a 1 bedroom at Disney’s Grand Californian.
I am using 22 points from Sept 6 -7 in a studio at Disney’s Grand Californian.

What if I don’t use my points or need more points?
You can bank and borrow points.

How does banking work?
You must banks your point by a certain time. If you miss your banking deadline. You must use them (yes this includes renting them) or lose them.

How does borrowing work?
If you are short points you can borrow from the next year.
Borrowing is a final transaction and borrowed points can’t be banked if you cancel.
If you cancel using borrowed points the points must be used or they get lost.

What if I cancel?
I don’t suggest canceling but If you cancel before 30 days your points go back to their current use year. Depending on your use year you can bank your points and/or book another vacation.

If you cancel between 30 -1 days your points go into holding. I don’t recommend this.
Holding points have very restrictive rules.
Get travel insurance. DVC offers this, as do other services.

Use year? What is a use year?
When you buy, you can be assigned a certain month or request a certain month.
Your points will be deposited into your account each year on that month.
My use year is March: On March 1st 2013 I got 170 points to use and I must use them by Feb 28 2014.

Does DVC ever make exceptions to the rules?
I have heard of where DVC has extended things in special cases, I do not recommend relying on these stories.

Make sure you have your plans set and get travel insurance if you want to totally be covered.

I have more questions, who do I contact?
You can ask me and I will try to answer the best I can.

You can get the DVC dvd from DVC or stop at a kiosk and ask.
DVC has a website at http://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com

What do you get if I buy?
Readers can use my name as a referral.
I will get a benefit from Disney if you buy.
You can also choose not to use me. The choice is there.

Disney Vacation Club
A sign from the Disney Vacation Club Kiosk in Frontierland sums it all up!

 

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Biking Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Over the past month we’ve taken many laps biking around Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort.

WildernessMap Biking

If you’re staying at or visiting either Wilderness Lodge or Ft. Wilderness, you are able to rent bikes on property ($18/day). Since we live so close and now have our own bikes (yay!), we load them up on the car and go explore for a hour or so.

IMG_5930 Biking

We’ve started each ride from the Wilderness Lodge parking lot (but you can start from either) and we take one of two trails that connect between the lodge and the campground.

IMG_0801 Biking IMG_0999 Biking

If you leave the parking lot and go toward the right (near the bus loop), you can take the paved trail all the way to the campground.

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But, if you’re up for even more adventure, head toward the left of the parking lot (by the lake) and you will find the bike rental area and an unpaved trail.

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This unpaved trail leads to one of my favorite spots on Disney property.

Contemp_sunset Biking

What a view!

The unpaved trail comes to a fork. Head towards the right where you will meet up with the paved trail.

IMG_1105 Biking

If you see this sign…you’re going the wrong way…

IMG_0930 Biking

Both of these paths are great and I forget I’m even on Disney property.

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Well, that is until I see the Contemporary or Disney busses passing us 🙂

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You enter the campground area going by Tri-Circle-D Farm and you can visit with the ponies, head towards the hall where Hoop Dee Doo Review is held, grab lunch at a quick service restaurant, view the lake or not stop at all and make a couple of laps around the campground.

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Don’t worry about getting lost. It’s quite a big area, but we’ve always found our way back to Tri-Circle-D Farm area. While the campground can be kind of busy depending what time of year you visit, there is always plenty of room to bike.

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If you have kids with you, there are a couple of playgrounds along the route that they can play on while you catch your breath!

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Once you feel like you’ve had enough, you can take one of the two trails back to the lodge.

Oh and you never know what you’re gonna see! We’ve seen so many bunnies along the path and even a deer once!

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Please be sure to stay hydrated when you’re biking around the resort. I’ve seen a water fountain at the trading post, but I’d almost bet that there would be some around the comfort stations as well.

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The last souvenirs you’re going to want to take away from Disney World are bug bites, take some big spray with you!

So, go explore!

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New Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants Experiences This Summer

Celebrate Brand New Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants Entertainment Experiences Only At The Nick Hotel in Orlando

Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants

New Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants Breakfast Buffet and  4-D Adventure Movie

 

Nickelodeon Suites Resort is unveiling some fun new Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants entertainment experiences to make this summer even better at the Resort!

We had the opportunity to have breakfast with some of our favorite characters who live under the sea!

At the SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom Breakfast, at the Nicktoon Café, you’ll be treated to a character breakfast buffet with options for the pickiest of eaters! You can see a full menu here.

Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants

When high tide rolls in, so do some of your favorite characters! Every 30 minutes SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Crabs, Squidward, Patrick, and (my favorite) Sandy Cheeks come out to perform a few dances with the patrons of the Café.

Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants

In between the performances, the characters are available for photos and fun. All of the kids…and adults…really had a great time interacting with the characters.

Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants

The breakfast is super cute and fun and I really enjoyed the made-to-order omelets and SpongeBob Waffles!

The Character Breakfast is available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m in the Nicktoon Café, which is really convenient to get to from most of the Nickelodeon Suites Resort.

Prices for SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom Breakfast are Adults (13 and up) $24.00 plus tax, Children (4-12) $14.00 plus tax, Children under 3 eat free, and it’s important to know that parties of 6 or more will have 18% gratuity automatically added.

Reservations are required if you would like to hula your way in!

After Breakfast it was time for the premiere of SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D Movie: The Great Jelly Rescue!

Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants

The 4-D Attraction joins SpongeBob with his friends in tow on a rollicking adventure when the villainous Plankton abducts all the Jellyfish with his pollution-belching contraption. It is up to SpongeBob SquarePants to save the day, free the Jellyfish and destroy Plankton’s terrible machine. See how SpongeBob’s big heart puts him oceans above the rest!

I have to say that my favorite part of SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D Movie: The Great Jelly Rescue is that there are several possible endings and you never know which one you’ll get to see!

It’s all in digital 3-D with awesome 4-D effects like bubbly bubbles, windy wind, and more sensory surprises.

Again, this is a super cute 4-D movie that is sure to make everyone in your family smile!

If you are staying at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort and would like to experience SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D Movie: The Great Jelly Rescue, you need to buy a wristband for $13.95 per person that is good for the length of your stay.

These Nick Hotel SpongeBob Squarepants entertainment options,SpongeBob Bikini Bottom Breakfast and SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D Movie: The Great Jelly Rescue, are two great ways to make your stay at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort even better this summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Celebrate Mother’s Day At The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel

Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Swan and Dolphin Hotels

 

The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel will offer free mimosas for moms at a special Mother’s Day brunch at the

character-dining restaurant Garden Grove

 

To help guests celebrate their moms, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will be offering a special brunch at the character-dining restaurant – Garden Grove – this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All mothers will receive a mimosa, compliments of the Epcot Resort Area hotel, to enjoy with their meal, while the entire family can enjoy interacting with some of their favorite Disney characters as they dine in the restaurant’s park-like ambiance. The specialty menu will feature items including a create-your-own eggs benedict station, salads, soups, and a buffet featuring seared branzino (fish), wild mushroom ravioli, honey-baked petite chicken and much more.

In addition to the Mother’s Day brunch, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers numerous amenities to make moms feel special on their day.  Amenities include the luxurious, Balinese-themed Mandara Spa, five pools, a beach, Westin Heavenly Beds and much more.  To check availability, make reservations and find out more information, including the latest special rates and offers, please visit www.swandolphin.com.

To make reservations, guests can call 407-934-1618 or visit www.swandolphin.com. The brunch is $35.99 for adults; $19.99 for children (ages 3 – 9); kids under three eat free.  All pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity; an 18% gratuity will be added to all checks. Discounts, promotions and coupons will not be accepted for this event.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks offers additional time for guests to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

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Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Now Accepting Reservations

Cabana Bay

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Now Accepting Reservations

Universal Announces Room Rates, New Features for New 1,800 Room On-Site Hotel

Guests can now book reservations for Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the new, 1800-room hotel at Universal Orlando Resort that will feature value-priced guest rooms and moderately priced family suites.

The hotel is scheduled to open in early 2014 – with reservations now being accepted for stays beginning on March 31, 2014.

The new hotel is the fourth hotel within Universal Orlando Resort and will evoke the classic, retro-feel of iconic beach resorts from the 1950s and 60’s.  An area located around the North Courtyard will open first, followed later in 2014 by an area located around the South Courtyard.  Each area will have a unique look and feel.

Families will have two options for experiencing the hotel – a value-priced standard guest room or a moderately priced, 430-square-foot family suite that sleeps six.  From the moment they arrive, they will be surrounded by the hotel’s bold design, period colors, neon and retro feel.  When complete, there will be two pool complexes with sand beach and interactive features, a themed lazy river experience and 10-lane bowling alley.  Family suite rates will begin at $174 per-night; standard room rates will begin at $119 per-night.  Package rates are available with savings based on length-of-stay; a family of four can stay for seven nights for $47 per person, per-day – including accommodations and tickets to both Universal Orlando theme parks.

Cabana Bay

“We believe Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer an experience unlike any other in Central Florida,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Universal Orlando Resort.  “And at the same time, it will create an entirely new, value-driven option for families that want to stay within the Universal Orlando Resort.”

As with all Resort hotels, guests at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be just a brief walk from Universal Orlando’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk.  They will enjoy benefits that include Early Theme Park Admission, complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to their hotel and resort-wide charging privileges with their room key.  Guests can upgrade to one of Universal Orlando’s three deluxe hotels for additional benefits – including complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access.  Those hotels are Loews Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Each of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Courtyards will have a unique design and atmosphere.  They will share a highly themed, two-story arrival building that will also be home to a food court serving traditional American classics along with an ever-changing selection of international cuisine, a 10-lane “retro” bowling alley, a game room and a fitness center.

 

FAST FACTS
Book now. 

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is accepting reservations.

Opening Dates: early 2014; reservations being accepted for stays beginning on March 31, 2014.
Style: Inspired by the iconic beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s, when the pool was the place to relax after the day’s road trip.
Rooms: 900 Guest Rooms and 900 Family Suites, each with colorful “retro” décor.
Pricing: Starting at $119 per night for guest rooms and $174 per night for family suites.  Guests who stay longer will save more with discounts up to 25 percent off per night.  Packages are available.
Unique Amenities: Highlights include a 10-lane, “retro” bowling alley; two main pools; and Universal Orlando’s first lazy river.
Dining: Food court serving American classics and international fare. The resort also offers light bites in the bowling alley and in the South Courtyard.
How to Book: Visit universalorlando.com or call             888-273-1311      .

 

North Courtyard (Reservations Being Accepted for Stays Beginning March 31, 2014)

Cabana Bay

First to open, the North Courtyard and its 600 family suites will be inspired by the sweeping motor courts of the 1950s and 60s.  It will feature four-story buildings with open corridors and direct access to guest rooms.  Each of the 600, 430-square-foot suites will sleep up to six and include a fold-out foam bed, kitchenette, a sliding partition for privacy, two flat-screen TVs, and an extra-large bathroom with preparation spaces for three people at once.

The suite buildings will surround a more than 10,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a 100-foot water slide, waterfall features and 4,000-square-foot interactive play area.  Cabanas will be available to guests for rent, and lounge chairs will ring the deck, backed by zones for sunning, game playing, picnicking and relaxing on the grass.

 

South Courtyard (Opening Later in 2014)

Cabana Bay
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Pool

The South Courtyard will also be inspired by the 50s and 60s, but with an entirely different feel.  The South Courtyard will feature a colorful, tropical resort design with serpentine, seven-story towers flowing like waves around a massive pool and lazy-river complex.

A more than 8,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a 6,000-square-foot sand beach will offer plenty of entertainment options, including the first lazy river at Universal Orlando Resort, a 700-foot-long feature offering multiple interactive zones.  In addition to 300 suites, the towers will feature 900 guest rooms that are each 300-square-feet and that sleep four and include two queen beds and mini-fridge.

Rates begin at $119 per night for guest rooms and $174 per night for Family Suites (guests who stay longer will save more, with discounts up to 25 percent off per night.  Package rates are available with savings based on length-of-stay; a family of four can stay for seven nights for $47 per person, per-day – including accommodations and tickets to both Universal Orlando theme parks.

To book, visit universalorlando.com or call 1-888-273-1311      .

 

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Weekly Review August 27-31: Our Week On The Go!

Weekly Review: August 27 – August 31, 2012: Our Week on The Go!

Hidden Gems of WDW, Orlando City Soccer, Halloween at LEGOLAND Florida, Magic Kingdom in the Fall, And Solar Bears Hockey

 

Its Weekly Review Time!!!! This past week here at On the Go has been full of great stuff, and its almost my favorite time of year which makes me even more excited about all that is going on around Orlando! Now it’s time to look back, with our Weekly Review, at all that happened her at On the Go in MCO August 27th to August 31st!!!

Let’s Go!

On Monday, Megan started the week off with a look at a really fun Hidden Gem at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!

Grand Floridian Entrance - Weekly Review
Grand Floridian Entrance

Tuesday, Aurora got us pumped up for Orlando City’s upcoming Playoff Game!

Orlando City Soccer  Club - Weekly Review
Cheering for the Orlando City Soccer Club!!!

For this week’s Wordless Wednesday, I looked at the parade that I absolutely adore!

Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom - Weekly Review
Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom

LEGOLAND Florida is adding Brick-Or-Treat, a Halloween Celebration, to its special events this year!

LEGOLAND Florida Halloween Brick or treat House - Weekly Review
LEGOLAND Florida Halloween Brick-Or-Treat House

The fall is our favorite time of year here at On the Go in MCO, and Betsy took us around the Magic Kingdom Fall Decorations that have gone up!

Magic Kingdom Fall Decorations - Train Station Weekly Review
Magic Kingdom Fall Decorations on the Main Street Train Station really set the mood for the Fall!

We love our Orlando City Soccer Club, and we wanted to take a more in-depth look at their Playoff Game!

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review
Orlando City Soccer Club

And we kept on the sports theme, and ended our week with some information about the Orlando Solar Bears Training Camp that is starting soon!

Orlando Solar Bears - Weekly Review
Orlando Solar Bears

Thanks for joining us for the On the Go Weekly Review, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

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And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!

 

 

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Holiday Resort Hopping – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa

This year I thought it would be fun to go Holiday Resort Hopping, since it was something that we had always wanted to do during our holiday visits but could never find the time.

I thought I would start with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, because we ran through it last year and I wanted to take a better look at the decorations throughout the Main Building.

Nothing says Christmas at the Grand Floridian like the smell of gingerbread that hits you as soon as the doors to the lobby open! I found so many little details on the super-sized gingerbread Victorian House that I missed last year!!!

I am in LOVE with the all little period details and opulence of the trees and wreaths spread throughout the hallways and walls of the building.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite pictures of the decorations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wilderness Lodge Jack-O-Lantern Parade

As we were walking through the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge last night, we couldn’t help but notice these great pumpkins created by the amazing Cast Members working there!!!

I especially love the one that is carved to look like the wall sconces!

It really shows how much these Cast Members love where they work and causes they care about!

At last I see the light...of the Jack-O-Lantern...
I thought this one was great!!!

 

AWESOME!!!!

 

These pumpkins are a great reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!!

 

You can't go wrong with the Big Cheese!!!

 

This one is cute!!!

 

MY FAVORITE!!!

 

The Inspiration...So clever!!!
Umm...Did the turtle EAT the pumpkin? That was Zoe's question...LOL!!!

 

This one was absolutely amazing!!!

 

Again, I loved the pumpkins inspired by the resort itself!!!

 

LOVE IT!!!!!

 

Don't mind if I do...

 

I know what we're going to do this Halloween!!!!

 

It's our Monster of Ceremonies!!!

 

This one was really creative!!!

 

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