Fantasy of Flight Museum Soars to New Heights

The Fantasy of Flight Museum Orlando is a unique and interesting attraction Orlando vacationers should not miss. It’s any aviators dream museum, but even if you don’t fly, there is plenty to keep you amazed, including a fleet of over 40 rare and vintage aircraft, as well as daily activities like restoration area tours and aerial demonstrations. My tour of the Fantasy of Flight museum began with an amazing flight in one of their vintage Barnstorming biplanes, courtesy of their on-site “Waldo Wright’s Flying Service.” The flight included about 20 minutes of Florida scenery, and being in an open air cockpit, you had a beautiful bird’s eye view of your surroundings. This activity does cost $69.95 per person, but trust me, it is worth every penny!

The museum portion of my visit was also awe-inspiring, simply due to the history and detail I found. The Realistic Immersion Environments were a real treat and they allowed me and my companion to experience the earliest attempts at flight, the WWI trenches on the Western front and we were even able to climb aboard an authentic B-17 Flying Fortress. There are also historical areas dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP flyers. A Fun with Flight Center is also available for kids as well as Hot Air Ballon & Hang Glide Simulators, for the kid in all of us. I would definitely make time for the Tram Tour too, as the wood shop restoration center, restoration shop, runway visit and maintenance hangar provide an up close look at aviation.

The Compass Rose Diner is located near the lobby of the Fantasy of Flight Museum and serves authentic diner food, a delicious treat for museum guests.

Make your way to the Orlando Fantasy of Flight Museum and you’ll see why men dare to soar!

Tuscana Resort Orlando Offers Guests Elegance & Seclusion

The Tuscana Resort Orlando is a Mediterranean inspired condominium resort offering elegant accommodations and a secluded environment. Located two exits south of Disney World, the Tuscana Property provides guest with convenient access to Orlando activities while also making one feel comfortably removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The amenities at the Orlando Tuscana Resort include a magnificent clubhouse featuring an oversized swimming pool with cabanas, plentiful patio seating and a Tiki Bar with snacks and drinks. A large fitness center and 35-seat theater is also available to guests. I found the theater to be a nice respite after a long, and enjoyful, day at the parks. The Tuscana Tavern is also open to guests and serves drinks, breakfast and dinner daily.

The accommodations at the Tuscana Resort come in two or three bedroom varieties. The units are spacious and provide plenty of privacy for guests. I found the two bedroom unit to be a perfect fit while I visited. The fully equipped kitchen, with granite countertops, made my food budget a little less tight and the large living/dining area was very inviting. The Master bedroom was very cozy and the accompanying Master bath was large and included a walk-in shower. The second bath features a bathtub for those who prefer a bubble bath over a hot shower. The patios/balconies were large as well, and came with screens and tables for guest enjoyment.

The Orlando Tuscana Resort is a nice choice for any Orlando visitor including couples, families and seniors.

Blue Heron Beach Resort Orlando a Scenic yet Convenient Choice for Visitors

The Orlando Blue Heron Beach Resort offers a scenic ambiance coupled with a location only one mile from Disney World Theme Parks. A view of Lake Bryan can be enjoyed in every room from a private balcony, which I found appealing. The 21 floor structures provide a magnificent view of the city as well, including the nightly Disney fireworks. The amenities at the property included an extra large sized pool with plenty of space for guests. The pool area included a lap pool, hot tub, zero-depth pool and a pool bar that should be open in two months. And for those who like to exercise while on vacation, there is a fitness center in both towers of the resort.

The two bedroom condo I visited featured enough sleeping space for eight, including a master bedroom with king bed, a second bedroom with two twins, as well as a set of bunk beds and queen size sofa sleeper. The layout of the rooms allowed for privacy for all, except for the bunk beds, which were located in an alcove off the main space. The full kitchen was quite convenient and allowed for some extra savings, and a flat screen television in the living room were a nice upgrade. Both bathrooms were large, and the master bath featured a jetted tub. The family suite offered is essentially the same as the two bedroom condo, except it has only one bedroom.

The Blue Heron Beach Resort Orlando is a convenient and cost-effective choice for any Orlando traveler.

Stay in a Home for the Price of a Hotel at Magical Memories Orlando

The Magical Memories Villas & Vacation Homes in Orlando Florida are an excellent choice for visitors looking for a little extra from their stay in the sunny state. The luxury-sized homes they offer provide all the necessary amenities and comforts one would expect while on vacation and all for a reasonable price. When I visited, I found the four bedroom home to be exactly what I was expecting and then some. Located in the Terra Verde section of homes, it was close to all of the Orlando activities I visited for but also gave me a peaceful and secluded way to spend my extra time. The pool at the house was a nice respite, and at 5 feet deep it provided enough space to really swim. Plus, there is a safety fence to ensure everyone has fun safely.

The house was spacious and beautifully decorated in a tropical theme befitting the area. The case goods were all relatively new and there was a television in every bedroom. My master suite was large and the master bath had dual sinks, whirlpool tub and walk-in shower, while the other three bedrooms had easy access to an additional bathroom with plenty of space. The full kitchen was especially large as well and made family meals at our home away home very convenient. There was also a washer/dryer and garage for guest use.

The Orlando Magical Memories Villas also have additional services available, including in-home medical services, personal chefs, spa treatments and Kids Nite Out Daycare services. Magical Memories Orlando is a top choice for any Orlando visitor, especially those who have a large family or travelers who prefer to have a home away from home while on vacation.

Point Orlando Resort Outshines Competitors with Luxury Accommodations

The Point Orlando Resort is located right off of International Drive, just minutes away from Universal Resort. I found my stay here to be quite relaxing and convenient, as they were just minutes away from all of the Orlando activities I came for, including Disney. The complex is new, having just opened in 2008, and the boutique design of the property lavishes guests in a luxurious atmosphere. The hotel also provided free Wi-Fi, which I find extremely important, as well as a nice-sized fitness center. The heated pool at the Point Orlando Resort, along with hot tub, allowed me to swim and soak away my worries at the end of a long day which was nice as well. For business travelers, this is a nice choice due to their business & technology center featuring computers, printers, fax/copy machines, work stations and wireless high-speed internet.

There are three room types at the resort: junior suites, one bedroom executive suites and two bedroom family suites. I stayed in a one bedroom suite and found it to be immensely impressive. Situated on the very top floor (the 12th), I had great views of Orlando and found the balcony a nice addition. The room was everything I needed while away, including a full kitchen with granite counters, washer/dryer, nice living area with queen leather sofa sleeper and flat screen television, as well as an extra large bathroom that included a whirlpool tub and tiled walk-in shower. The best part of the Point Orlando Resort rooms was their beds which are one of the nicest, most comfortable beds I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping in while on vacation. The linens were superb, the king bed was an excellent size and the amount of pillows was heavenly.

I would recommend the Orlando Point Resort to any Orlando visitor who desires the "little extras" that really make a stay turn into a vacay.

Royal Plaza Hotel Orlando Does Disney Proud

The Royal Plaza Hotel Orlando is a Downtown Disney Preferred Area Hotel. Their partnership with Disney allows them to provide guests extra services, such as a Disney Gift Shop, complimentary transportation(a full sized motor coach) to all Disney parks that runs continuously, priority seating for Disney Shows & restaurants, as well as preferred tee times at Disney golf courses. The other amenities at the Orlando Royal Plaza Hotel include four lighted tennis courts, a heated pool (that goes to 9 feet) and Jacuzzi with plenty of patio seating, business center and game room with pool table. As an extra and convenient bonus, there is also The Giraffe Café which serves breakfast and dinner and a Grab-n-Go Deli that lets guests grab delicious food on the run. A pool bar, Sips, also services those at the pool. Valet parking is also available.

The rooms at the Royal Plaza Hotel are divided into three sections: the Lanai section (traditional rooms,) the Deluxe Tower section (upgraded traditional rooms) and the Premier Tower (premier executive rooms.) The traditional rooms are a nice choice and provide two double beds with pillow top mattresses and deluxe linens, a pullout sofa sleeper bed, ’27 televisions and a tropical décor that sets a relaxing mood. One of the best features was the patio/balconies the rooms have. I thoroughly enjoyed my extra large patio and it made going to the pool completely hassle free. The bathrooms were also nice. Granite countertops, new tile and curved shower rods really opened up the relatively small rooms.

The Royal Plaza Orlando Hotel is an excellent choice for Disney visitors.

The Orlando Sun Resort Gives Guests Plenty to Celebrate

The Orlando Sun Resort is a sprawling property located just minutes from Orlando’s fabulous theme parks. Upon arriving I was thoroughly impressed with their expansive lobby, which was home to their Breeze’s Bar & Lounge, Bonkerz Comedy Club, Paradise Café and Sunset Grill, as well as a Market place for everyday needs. There is a continental breakfast available for $4.95 per person or you can opt for the full breakfast, which is $9.95 per person.

A complimentary shuttle to Disney is also available, as is a business center, guest laundry and lighted tennis courts.

The layout of The Orlando Sun Resort consists of four courts, three of which are open now. Each court has a pool facility that provides complimentary towels, nice foliage that creates a good atmosphere and the large pools all go to a depth of 8 feet. Plus, every room is conveniently close to the pool because they are situated around it in their own private court. The rooms at The Orlando Sun Resort all have a balcony or patio, new bedding linens, newer case goods and standard size television. The bathrooms feature a shower stall (no bathtub) and an outside vanity. A few rooms due have bathtubs, and that can be arranged by special request. The décor features a brown, gold & maroon color scheme and has a warm ambiance.

The Orlando Sun Resort is an all encompassing resort where guests will feel completely taken care of while on vacation.

Seralago Hotel Orlando is Suite for Kids & Families

The Orlando Seralago Hotel & Suites is a family friendly property located in the Kissimmee area. Considered a value by many visitors, this property was easy on my budget yet provided some extra amenities I found important as well. For starters, the property has a food court on site offering pizza, burgers, sandwiches, drinks and more that makes it convenient to grab food and go. There is also the Vineyard Café, which serves a breakfast buffet and a small lounge for cocktails in the evening. The activities available at the Seralago Orlando Hotel were nice as well, and I found the two heated, large pools and two whirlpool spas to be a nice addition. There were also two tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, kiddie pool, a massive arcade room, a small movie room and pool bar (open seasonally) that made my stay extra fun.

The rooms at the Seralago Hotel are standard but provide the essentials one needs while on vacation. The rooms offer double/double or king accommodations which include a fridge & microwave as well as a café table and chairs and relatively newer case goods. The bathrooms are relatively small, but efficient. A unique feature regarding this hotel are their Kids Suites, which include a theme (think Cowboys or Trains or Princesses) and give kids a slightly separate area from the parents while allowing them to be just a foot or two away. It was a great family-friendly concept and I think many families would enjoy the suites. Another bonus for the property is that most of the rooms are poolside, making fun in the sun extra accessible.

I would recommend the Seralago Hotel Orlando to families and budget minded travelers as it is definitely geared towards making their vacation a success.

Orlando Comfort Inn Maingate Offers Great Rates, Family Fun

The Comfort Inn Maingate is in an exceptional location offering easy access to Disney World Theme Parks, Universal Resort & Sea World. They cater to travelers who are looking to explore Orlando, the Magic of Disney and create everlasting memories while also keeping in mind the budgets many families keep these days. Convenience is also a big factor at the Comfort Inn, apparent by the restaurant on site, Lighthouse Lobster Feast, as well as the business center for those without a laptop.  Wi-Fi is available free to guests.

The Comfort Inn Maingate Kissimmee offers deluxe double or king rooms, as well as standard double/double rooms. The deluxe king rooms are furnished with a sofa sleeper, which is divided from the main bed area, microwave and refrigerator upon request, updated quality linens, safe in-room, newer case goods and standard size televisions. The deluxe double/double room features the same amenities and color scheme, which is yellow & white, but feels more spacious than the king room. The bathrooms are small, but adequate, and the deluxe rooms feature a curved shower rod for extra space.

The amenities at the Comfort Inn Maingate Hotel include a massive game room with air hockey, pin ball and arcade games. The pool area features an all new brick patio, and also has a small kiddie pool, as well as small hot tub. There is also a pool bar which is open Thursday through Sunday. The Comfort Inn Maingate is an excellent choice for families who want comfort, but at a quality price.

Lodges at Timber Ridge Branson a Rustic Treat for Guests

The Lodges at Timber Ridge in Branson Missouri, which are a new addition to the Welk Resort property, are in a secluded yet convenient location and offers the full list of resort amenities guest desire. Upon my arrival at the sprawling property, I noticed the attention to landscaping and design layout of the property, which created an oasis-effect right in the midst of Branson.

The real crown jewel of Branson’s Welk Resort property is their Lodges at Timber Ridge. The lodges have a rustic design, with an exterior cedar siding and interior wood beams. Luxury is present throughout the lodges, and no amenity has been spared. From the cozy rustic décor, to the state-of-the-art appliances, to the leather furniture, flagstone rock fireplace and Jacuzzi, plasma televisions, elaborate walk-in shower and deluxe master bedroom, these lodges transport guests to another world. They are truly the place to stay in Branson, and they are brand new!

There is also a Clubhouse with fitness center & game room. Even more is coming to the Resort, including a recreation center featuring a 10,000 square foot Splashatorium with 100 foot waterslide and interactive splash zone for kids, which should open March 20, 2009. Wi-Fi is also available and is free for guests.

The Branson Lodges at Timber Ridge are a good choice for families, seniors and couples.