Hard Rock Hotel Tampa Pinktober

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halloween Favorites at Fantasy of Flight

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

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

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

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

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

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

SeaWorld Orlando released Caleb the manatee

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

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

Swim With The Dolphins 2 Day Getaway

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

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

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

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

Days Inn Universal North Hotel Reviews

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

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

A summary of 195 guest reviews from verified websites only

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

Based on reviews from the following websites

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Waldorf Astoria Orlando Food and Wine Weekends

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

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

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

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

Event highlights include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A companion Orlando Food & Wine Weekends package includes:

• Deluxe guest room

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

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

• 2pm late check-out on Sunday afternoon

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

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

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

LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fantasy of Flight American Heritage Camporee

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

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

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

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

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

Celebration Oktoberfest

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

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

• Holiday Inn MainGate East
  
• Gaylord Palms Orlando
  
• Celebration Suites
  
• Seralago Hotel
  
• Knights Inn
• Barefoot’n Resort
  
• Quality Suites Royale Parc Suites
  
• Radisson Orlando Celebration
  
• Ramada Maingate West
  

Looking for Vacation homes here are two great choices to choose from:

• ALL STAR Vacation Homes
• Homes 4uu
  

Have a fun time at Celebration Oktoberfest and leave us a quick review upon your return.

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall - Top All Inclusive in Jamaica!

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica is one of the best rated 5 star luxury all inclusive resorts in floridas in all of Jamaica. The Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is one of 3 Grand resorts in the Caribbean operated by Iberostar. The Grand Rose Hall has made it on the list of the top 10 all inclusive Caribbean resorts and the top 10 all inclusive resorts in floridas in Jamaica.

Iberostar is the world leader in luxury all inclusive resorts in floridas with over 100 resorts around the world in the best vacation destinations. The Grand Rose Hall is one of their elite hotels in their "Grand" collection of resorts. There are only 3 Grands, the other two being the Grand Paraiso in Cancun and the Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana.



The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall is conveniently located just 14 miles(22Km) from Montego Bay. Unlike some resorts that may be a little too remote, the Grand Rose Hall is near to plenty of shopping and tourist attractions.



Iberostar went all out when creating these Grand resorts as they are about as luxurious as you can possibly get. Personal butler service is standard with each suite, you will truly get the royal treatment here. The hotel boasts 295 luxury suites all with ocean views and modern elegantly furnishings. King size beds, flat screen TV and jetted tubs are just a few of the amenities afforded by each room.



As with the other Grand hotels there is a nice variety of restaurants to choose from with Japanese and Italian cuisines. There is also an abundance of entertainment options such as live shows and disco. Of course every kind of water sport is available as well including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, para sailing, catamarans not to mention tennis and golf.

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination these days due to their 5 star luxury.


(Check out the Iberostar video)

Many travel websites don't show all of the Iberostar resorts but I have a banner link on the right hand side of the screen to their home page where you can check out their rates and availability, be sure to bookmark it for your vacation planning. You can also get to their home page here Iberostar.

I hope this overview of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica helps you to plan your best Caribbean vacation ever!

Cuban Restaurants in Orlando

There are 3 Popular Cuban restaurants in Orlando namely:

• Colombia which is located on front Street in Celebration the Columbia restaurant is an upscale Cuban restaurant. Tel # 407 – 566 – 1505
  

• Cuba Libre which is located in Pointe Orlando on International Drive . Tel # 407 – 226 – 1600
  
• Padrino's Cuban Bistro located in Village park , Orlando Tel # 407 – 251 – 5107.
  

Looking for other recommended eating check out this list Top 20 Orlando Restaurants

More Orlando Travel News and Hotel Deals

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

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

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

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

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

SeaWorld Special Kids Ticket Deal

Kids Tickets Now Half-Price at SeaWorld.SeaWorld Orlando has a great offer this fall, just in time for its Halloween Spooktacular. With each full-paid adult ticket, kids ages 3 through 9 are half-price through Oct. 31, 2011.

It’s a great opportunity to take in SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, Central Florida’s ultimate, family-friendly event, weekends in October. This offer also includes a second visit free for both the full-paid adult and the half-price child tickets.

Guests can enjoy an “ocean of Halloween” fun featuring trick-or-treating, dancing with whimsical sea creatures, catching silly and spooky shows and creating sea-themed arts and crafts. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place from 12-8 p.m. Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 28-30.

This limited-time offer is available for advance and online purchase only, and is not available at the front gate.

Half-price kids’ admission is only available with the purchase of a full-paid adult ticket. Additional children receive $10 off their admission. Adult admission is $81.99 plus tax, and children’s half-off admission is $36.99 plus tax with each paid-adult ticket.

This offer is on sale now and is valid for visits through Oct. 31, 2011.

Hotel Close To Orlando Convention Center

Choose the Ramada Convention Center I-Drive Orlando and you'll stay close to all major central Florida attractions while enjoying popular amenities such as free high-speed Internet access and more. Whether you are visiting us as a planner, an exhibitor, an attendee or a member of the community, the Ramada Convention Center I-Drive Orlando is committed to making your stay experience with them a success. Come and find out for yourself why they are khttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnown as to be one of the top hotels near the Orlando convention center. This hotel puts right in the center of all the action on international drive.

Orlando International Airport now offers Air Jamaica

Air Jamaica Returns to Orlando International twice weekly flights the only direct service from Jamaica.Air Jamaica reinstated flights to Orlando with the 12:15 p.m. departure of Flight BW474. With this service, Air Jamaica will be the only carrier operating non-stop flights between Kingston and Orlando with connections available throughout the Caribbean.

In celebration of the new service, introductory fares start at US$89, plus taxes, one way. Additionally, from September 15 to November 15, passengers traveling on return trips between Kingston and Orlando will be allowed three checked bags at 50lbs each.

Want to stay close to Orlando international airport here are top rated hotels to choose from:

The Ramada Suites located by Orlando International airport offers 20% off. Only here can you can save up to 20% of regular published rates. If value for your money is what you are looking for, the Ramada Suites Orlando Airport offers an array of features in our Suites. All the accommodations include separate living and sleeping area. You will enjoy of a kitchenette area with microwave and refrigerator.

Wingate by Wyndham Orlando International Airport located one mile north from the Orlando International Airport & conveniently accessed by their complimentary shuttle. They offer nationally renowned service and amenities. Whether you are a frequent business traveler or looking to re-discover the magic Orlando has to offer, they will make your experience both memorable and productive

Shingle Creek Golf Course

The 18-hole, par 72 David Harman designed Shingle Creek Golf Club features undulating fairways and interconnecting waterways bordered by the natural backdrop of dense oaks and pines along historic Shingle Creek, headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The award-winning course received four stars from the Golf Digest guide as one of the best places to play and has received the prestigious "Greens of Distinction" by Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine. Shingle Creek Golf Club is also home to the Brad Brewer Golf Academy.

Sanfords Alive After Five Oktoberfest

It’s that time of year again… street party on October 13th is right around the corner! Get ready to polka around downtown Sanford while you enjoy authentic German food and explore the various wares of local vendors and artists! This month's music is brought to you by our one and only Hollerbach's Willow Tree Restaurant! Mark your calendars, cus this month is gonna be HUGE! Free parking, and tickets available upon arrival, only $7 per person! Every 2nd Thursday of the month!
For further questions contact The Historic Sanford Welcome Center at 407.302.2586, or visit us at 230 E. 1st Street in Downtown Sanford.

Fall Golf Deals

Perfect Drive Golf Villas at PGA Village - Save 25 Percent on Fall Golf Packages

Book a golf package of 4 nights or more by September 30, 2011 and save 25% off the accommodation portion of your package. Travel must be completed between 10/11/11 and 2/16/12 (this offer is not available November 8-20, 2011).

This is perfect for this year's golf trip. PGA Village offers 54 holes of championship golf, the 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance featuring PGA of America Golf Schools and the PGA Museum of Golf. The well-equipped, fully-furnished Perfect Drive Golf Villas are an ideal home away from home for a day, a week or even a month. The three golf courses located on the grounds of PGA Village at The PGA Golf Club (four if you count the six-hole short course) are some of the best kept secrets in the golf-rich state of Florida.

The Dye Course is a links-style layout that doesn't stray from Dyes distinctive design approach while the Wanamaker Course is a classic Florida layout set against a backdrop of wetlands, palm trees and palmettos and the Ryder Course is filled with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards, elements that give the layout a distinctive Carolina feel.

At the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance golf practice and instruction park you can discover a better game through top PGA Professionals at a one-of-a-kind facility that enables you to focus on each aspect of your game.

Perfect Drive Golf Villas offer accommodations ranging from hotel-style guestrooms to one and two-bedroom golf villas and three-bedroom townhomes. Amenities include all of the comforts of home including washer, dryer, whirlpool tub, fully-equipped kitchens, internet access, and other luxury amenities. Compared to other luxury resorts throughout the state of Florida, Perfect Drive Golf Villas at PGA Village is a great value and delivers a secluded, relaxed feel.

PGA Village is located in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and offers easy access to a wide variety of local attractions including shopping, dining and nightlife. Port St. Lucie is 45 minutes from West Palm Beach and is also home to 21 miles of stunning white sand beaches.

Alive After Five Seafood Harvest

Come and enjoy the bountiful supply of food from the sea, at the Alive After Five Seafood Harvest on November 10th! From 5-8pm, explore the various wares of local vendors and artists, enjoy all the different tastes of Sanford, and enjoy the wonderful live entertainment. Free parking, and tickets available upon arrival, only $7 per person! Every 2nd Thursday of the month!

For further questions contact The Historic Sanford Welcome Center at 407.302.2586, or visit them at 230 E. 1st Street in Downtown Sanford.

Orlando Home Show

Orlando’s original home show features local, regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping, instructional how-to seminars, cooking demonstrations, giveaways, and hundreds of exhibits with the industry’s hottest products and services for the home -- inside and out.

Orlando Home Show Highlights:

• Exclusive to the Orlando Home Show: watch the creation of a one-of-a-kind sand sculpture. Anyone who has built a sand castle knows how challenging it can be to keep it from toppling! Guests will be in awe when they watch an artisan from The Sand Sculpture Company -- a 7-time Guinness World Record holder -- create a one-of-a-kind of art on the show floor. They will be constructing through the weekend, so guests should get there early for the best view!

• Yigit Pura, season one winner of BRAVO's Top Chef Just Desserts, will share his culinary secrets during Saturday and Sunday appearances on the edible Orlando cooking stage. Charles Mattocks, known as “The Poor Chef” and author of Eat Cheap but Eat Well, appears on stage throughout the weekend with a focus on healthy eating and recipes for diabetics.

• Also on the cooking stage: the area’s top chefs and culinary experts will serve up seasonal tips and delicious samples throughout the weekend.

• Dr. Fix-it, a guest columnist appearing every Sunday in the Orlando Sentinel, will present at the show on Saturday and Sunday with tips on how to do your most important home improvement projects and save a bundle while doing them.

• Consumer savings expert Josh Elledge of SavingsAngel.com® will offer couponing advice. From energy savings tips to fall entertaining ideas, guests can pick up helpful advice from a variety of experts presenting throughout the weekend.

• Hundreds of exhibits showcasing the latest products and services, plus giveaways, contests and much more.

The Orlando home show will take place at the Orange County Convention Center - Hall South B in the Center’s North/South Concourse facing Universal Boulevard on the following dates:

Friday, October 7 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 8 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Sunday, October 9 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Convenient on-site parking is available adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center’s North/South Concourse, and is $8 per car. To buy advance tickets online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 adult admission, visit www.OrlandoHomeShow.com.
Tickets available at the door at $10 adults Seniors $5 (60+; this discount is ONLY valid at the door; no other discounts apply).Children ages 12 years and younger are admitted free and students 13-18 will be $5

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando

Halloween meets the sea during SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular, the ultimate family-friendly event featuring an ocean of Halloween fun where children can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place every weekend in October: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 28-30. This daytime event runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., leaving the littlest of trick-or-treaters wide-eyed for the fun-filled activities.

Spooktacular Highlights Include:

New! Penelope’s Party Zone
New this year, a lively underwater environment immerses children in the wonders of the sea through kid-friendly music, games, and colorful characters. Located at SeaWorld’s Bayside area, this zone comes to life when guests dance and play along to the spooky sound waves broadcast by a live DJ. With countless bubbles floating overhead and colorful pumpkin fish gliding beside you, this Halloween party is sure to provide non-stop fun for all ages.

New! Apple Decorating Post
Kids and parents alike can have a “splash” creating their own sweet treats at this new decorating station. Tasty apples can be dipped – for a nominal fee – with the decadently-flavored sauce of choice: white chocolate, fudge, or caramel, and then topped with sprinkles to finish them off.

Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween Show
Don’t miss Count Van Count on a quest to find his friends, Elmo, Zoe and Telly in this live musical stage show. Along the way, The Count meets dancing skeletons who will have everyone in SeaPort Theatre shaking, rattling and rolling.

Trick-or-Treating Under the Sea
Offering more than 1 million pieces of trick-or-treat goodies, costumed youngsters can search for hidden “sea” treasures using their Spooktacular maps at more than a dozen different locations. Each station features an assortment of sweet treats, including a variety of candies and healthy-choice options.

Spooky Sand Art Station
Another new element this year, children (and adults too) can make a multi-colored sand souvenir at this interactive arts and craft area where sea-themed glass bottles -- in the shape of dolphins, turtles, starfish and more -- are filled with an array of vibrantly-colored sands.
Strolling Entertainment
Penelope Pumpkin fish, Shamu, Dolly Dolphin, Shivers the Polar Bear, Pete and Penny Penguin, a mermaid, and a walking-talking spider-crab are among the many fanciful sea creatures that will join the colorful, playful schools of pumpkin fish welcoming trick-or-treaters as they stroll through the park. Photo opportunities with these “spook-tastic” characters create lasting memories!

Pilot Whale From Florida Keys Stranding Now Being Cared For at SeaWorld Orlando

In early May, a pod of 23 pilot whales stranded near Cudjoe Key in the lower Florida Keys. Unfortunately, most died at the scene, but two male whales were released after being deemed healthy enough to survive in the wild. Two female pilot whales, Fredi and “300,” are the only other survivors and both were being cared for in Key Largo, Fla., by SeaWorld staff and other volunteers at the Marine Mammal Conservancy. Fredi, the youngest, cannot be returned to the wild because she is too young to have learned survival skills. “300,” the sub-adult female moved to SeaWorld today, suffers from a curvature of the spine and although shows signs of improvement, animal experts with the National Marine Fisheries Service have determined the whale is unlikely to completely recover and require intensive physical therapy. The Fisheries Service chose SeaWorld as the whale’s permanent home because of the park’s expertise with pilot whales and other stranded animals. It is not known what caused the stranding.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Concert Series

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns Sept. 30 not only with plenty to tempt the palate but also with a heaping side order of music for the ears. Pop songstress Taylor Dayne opens 2011′s 18-act Eat to the Beat concert series with performances on the first three evenings of the 45-day festival.

The musical menu that follows Dayne in October and November has about as much variety as the festival marketplaces, including classic rock, prog rock, soul, R&B, jazz and funk hit-makers. The lineup includes three Eat to the Beat newcomers: Gin Blossoms, The Pointer Sisters and The Orchestra starring former members of ELO.

Here’s the lineup (entertainment is subject to change without written notice):

Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Taylor Dayne
Oct. 3-5: .38 Special
Oct. 6-7: Jon Secada
Oct. 8-9: Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp)
Oct. 10-12: Billy Ocean
Oct. 13-16: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 17-19: Sugar Ray
Oct. 20-21: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
Oct. 22-23: Howard Jones
Oct. 24-26: Boyz II Men
Oct. 27-28: Gin Blossoms
Oct. 29-30: Sister Hazel
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Hanson
Nov. 2-3: The Pointer Sisters
Nov. 4-6: Night Ranger
Nov. 7-8: Air Supply
Nov. 9-10: Richard Marx
Nov. 11-13: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Performances are at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre and are included with Epcot admission.

Gaylord Palms Fantastic Fall Getaway

Rates from $149* including $50 Resort Credit
Customize your fall escape with a variety of options for rest, relaxation and fun! For a limited time, we'll give you $50 in resort credits to put toward your enjoyment at our unique resort destination. Choose from the following amenities:

• Dining at our award-winning restaurants
• Unique shopping experiences
• Indulge at Relâche — our European-style spa

Plus, kids eat FREE* with our exclusive Kids Kard. Children 12 and under can enjoy complimentary breakfast and dinner throughout their stay with the purchase of an adult meal. Learn more...

International Food & Wine Festival Party at Epcot

Disney and celebrity chefs will team with winemakers and brew masters from around the world to get the party started Sept. 30. During the six-week festival, guests will discover:

Three new tasting marketplaces — Hawaii, Caribbean Islands and Portugal — plus new menu offerings at popular returning marketplaces
Celebrity chef appearances starring top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Warren Brown, Art Smith, Keegan Gerhard and more.
First-ever HGTV home entertaining seminars each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Cranberry Bog display by Craisins telling the story behind the venerable cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
Daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations at the Festival Welcome Center.
Eat to the Beat! concerts three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre.

Exotic cocktails will pair like a tropical daydream with fresh new tastes from more than one island paradise at the 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011, at Walt Disney World Resort. The one-of-a-kind 45-day festival serves up international cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents, with more than 25 international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions paired with beer, wine and inventive new cocktails.

Clearwater Beach with Lunch Package

The powdery white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make Clearwater Beach a popular destination any time of the year. If you are vacationing in Orlando and have always wanted to check out the Gulf Coast, the Clearwater Beach with Lunch Tour will take you to some of the best beachfront property that the Sunshine State has to offer.

Your Clearwater Beach with Lunch package includes roundtrip transportation from your Orlando area hotel and a packed picnic lunch box. There will be plenty of free time on the beach to relax and enjoy Clearwater Beach.

Stroll along Gulf View Blvd., pick up some beach gear at a local gift shop, and definitely take advantage of the Florida sunshine, this town holds the record for the most days with sunshine per year (361).

Clearwater Beach is a bustling beach town with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sand, sun and water sports that the Gulf Coast is famous for. Locals and visitors alike enjoy Pier 60, one of the most popular fishing piers in the Sunshine State. Pier 60 has an attractive boardwalk, a large playground and a concession area.

The Clearwater Beach with Lunch package enables you to take a break from the theme park crowds and experience a beach getaway as part of your Orlando vacation.

Orlando Attractions Magazine

Orlando Attractions Magazine's weekly video show, appropriately called "The Show," has been bringing Central Florida's theme park and attraction news to viewers on YouTube and iTunes for nearly a year.

Now more than a million Bright House Networks Digital TV customers in Central Florida can watch The Show on their home televisions.The latest episodes of The Show are available On Demand, which means viewers can watch on their schedule, anytime throughout the week. Bright House Networks customers can view The Show on Central Florida on Demand channel 300 under the Theme Parks category.

Bright House Networks customers in the Tampa Bay area can find it on Tampa Bay on Demand channel 340. Each show features local professional hosts who are also big theme park fans. In addition to reporting the latest travel and tourism news from the Orlando area, the hosts frequently broadcast on location from local resorts, theme parks and other attractions. The Show also mixes in behind-the-scenes theme park videos, humorous location reports, interviews, and travel tips useful to those planning a vacation to the Orlando area.

Nearly one and a half million customers across 16 counties from Tampa to Daytona Beach and in-between have Bright House Networks’ Digital service. Bright House Networks is the exclusive television provider for "Orlando Attractions Magazine -The Show." "We're proud to be associated with Bright House Networks and are excited to bring The Show into local theme park fans' living rooms," said Orlando Attractions Magazine Publisher and Producer Matt Roseboom. "Having The Show on television is a great achievement and we're glad to also keep it online for fans in other parts of the country and overseas."

Iberostar Grand Bavaro - Best All Inclusive in Punta Cana!

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is the highest rated all inclusive resorts in florida in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. According to customer reviews no other all inclusive hotel in Punta Cana is close in terms of quality and customer satisfaction as the Iberostar Grand Bavaro.

The Grand Hotel Bavaro is not only the number one rated all inclusive in Punta Cana, it's also on my rankings of the top 10 best adults only all inclusive resorts in floridas in the Caribbean. The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is truly a world class 5 star luxury resort.

The Grand Bavaro is located on the pristine beach of Playa Bavaro and just a 30 minute drive from the airport. The "Grand" collection is Iberostars newest addition to their chain of over 100 resorts worldwide. They have two other resorts in the top 10 of the Caribbeans best all inclusive resorts in floridas, those being the Grand Hotel Paraiso in Cancun, Mexico and the Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. With over 200 couples only all inclusive resorts in floridas in the Caribbean, to have 3 resorts in the top 10 says a lot for the Iberostar brand. Iberostar is without a doubt the leader in building and operating the very best all inclusive resorts in floridas in the world.



As with the other Grand resorts, the Grand Bavaro has the look and feel of an exotic palace, the architecture is stunning. This hotel has 260 suites, 13 Ocean Front Grand Suites and 1 Presidential Suite. All the suites are luxuriously furnished and you can choose between a pool view room or an ocean view room. The bathrooms are marble and come complete with jetted tubs. Flat screen televisions and fully stocked mini bars are standard.

I am thinking there must be many guests from Japan and Italy staying at these resorts as the restaurants tend to all have Italian and Japanese cuisine choices. The Grand Hotel Bavaro has La Tentazione, Le Tourbillon, Hashira, Bella Vista, El Galeon and La Perla to choose from which gives you a nice variety of cuisines for every night of your stay.



(Check out their video)


The Grand Hotel Bavaro has plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day such as wind surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, tennis, golf and a spa. During the evening there are live shows, disco, bars and a casino to enjoy.

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is growing in popularity as a wedding or honeymoon destination. If you are thinking of having a wedding at the Grand Bavaro, there is a wedding planner who will take care of all the arrangements to pull off the perfect wedding for you.

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is an exceptional resort but there are several other Iberostar properties in Punta Cana that may be more budget friendly and you can see them on my list of the top 10 all inclusive resorts in floridas in Punta Cana or you can check out my ranking of all of the Iberostar resorts in the Caribbean here.

photo by shashchatter	via PhotoRee

Many travel websites don't carry all the Iberostar properties but I have a banner link on the right hand side of the screen to their homepage if you'd like to check rates and availability. Here also is a text link to Iberostar, be sure to bookmark it for future reference in your vacation planning.

I hope this overview of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro helps you to plan your best Caribbean Vacation ever!