SeaWorld Orlando is Perfect Combination of Aquatic Thrills & Animal Encounters

SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida allows visitors to go “under the sea” and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters and aquatic thrills. There are over 200 acres to explore, creating an immerive envirnment for park-goers to explore. From adventurous rides to unique exhibits to outstanding live shows, SeaWorld is unlike any other theme park in Orlando.

When I visited Sea World, my fellow companions and I made a beeline for Manta, the park’s newest roller coaster. Manta is a unique coaster, and it sets itself apart from other rides right away. After we were securely fastened in our seats, in a horizontal position, the manta ray shaped apparatus inverted so we were positioned vertically, to simulate the flying-like capabilities of manta rays. From there, we were treated to 3,359 feet of track that did not disappoint. At first the ride felt like we were gliding, but it quickly got faster, and once the pretzel loop was reached, we dipped 98 feet down the track into a 360-degree in-line twist. A wing dip maneuver splashed the manta-shaped riding apparatus into a lagoon surrounding the coaster, lightly splashing us with water. The experience was so incredible the ReserveDirect team rode Manta three consecutive times.

We had to ride the Kraken too. Named after a mythological water monster, the Kraken is Orlando’s tallest, fastest and only floorless coaster. The Kraken coaster features a 149-foot lift hill, a 119-foot tall vertical loop, a 101-foot diving loop, a zero-gravity roll, a two-inversion cobra roll and a flat spin. Needless to say it had us all screaming and coming back for more, as we rode it twice!

Once we had our fill of thrills, we headed to check out a SeaWorld show. We were able to catch Blue Horizons, a show featuring acrobatic dolphins, amazing stunt actors, trained birds and the imagination of a young girl. We also got to watch Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island, a hilarious show featuring the talents of the park’s sea lions, otters and walruses. Both of these shows were amazing to see and really highlighted not only the talents of the animals, but of their trainers as well.
We had to experience some of the spectacular park exhibits while we were there too. Spending time at the Manta Aquarium, Dolphin Cove, Penguin Encounter, Stingray Lagoon and Turtle Point were all highlights of our visit.

At the end of the day, we caught the nighttime extravaganza Shamu Rocks. This rock ‘n roll concert style show featured killer whales, energetic performers, amazing trainers and dazzling theatrical effects. It was a great way to end the day at SeaWorld Orlando. This aquatic park is highly recommended and is a great addition to any Orlando vacation.

Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour is a Thrilling Ozarks Adventure

I recently went on an adventure at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve with my fellow co-workers of ReserveDirect. Newly opened, this new Branson attraction added something new to the Branson scene – eco-adventures. We were all eager to see what the buzz was all about, and after a quick but informative introduction and gear-up of our zipline equipment, we were transported from Wolfe Creek Station to the top of Wolfe Mountain to begin our adventure.

There are four eco-adventures available and we choose to go on the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, which lasts 2.5 hours and includes all 6 of the ziplines, excluding the Blue Streak Zipline. From the very first zip, we were all hooked. Our guides, Kyle and Tim, were very informative and put safety first at all times. They put us all at ease and added to the all-around experience.

The first half of the tour consisted of a variety of ziplines, including ones that went fast and others that were a bit slower but allowed you to see the beauty that surrounded you. One of the goals of the Branson Zipline is to teach visitors about the ecology of the Ozarks, and you certainly get to see a large amount of the natural outdoors of the area on the tours offered. After a complimentary snack of water and granola bars, the second half of our adventure began with as we trekked across extended swinging suspension bridges. From there, we complete three more ziplines, all of which provided a different perspective and different thrill.

The Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours is a highly recommended Branson attraction and is an experience you won’t soon forget!

Explore the Ozarks at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours

I recently went on an adventure at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve with my fellow co-workers of ReserveDirect. This attraction brought something new to the Branson scene - eco-adventure - and was the first zipline tour to open in the Ozarks.  We were all eager to see what the buzz was all about, and after a quick but informative introduction and gear-up of our zipline equipment, we were transported from Wolfe Creek Station to the top of Wolfe Mountain to begin our adventure.

There are four eco-adventures available and we choose to go on the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, which lasts 2.5 hours and includes all seven of the ziplines, excluding the Blue Streak Zipline. From the very first zip, we were all hooked. Our guides, Kyle and Tim, were very informative and put safety first at all times. They put us all at ease and added to the all-around experience.

The first half of the tour consisted of a variety of ziplines, including ones that went fast and others that were a bit slower but allowed you to see the beauty that surrounded you. One of the goals of the Branson Zipline is to teach visitors about the ecology of the Ozarks, and you certainly get to see a large amount of the natural outdoors of the area on the tours offered. After a complimentary snack of water and granola bars, the second half of our adventure began as we trekked across extended swinging suspension bridges. From there, we completed three more ziplines, all of which provided a different perspective and different thrill.

The Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours is a highly recommended Branson attraction and is an experience you won’t soon forget!

Hampton Inn Williamsburg a Comfortable Choice for Visitors

The Hampton Inn Williamsburg is a clean, comfortable property with a great location and featured amenities to make visitors feel right at home. Located on Richmond Road, I found this hotel to be in the midst of Williamsburg attractions like Colonial Williamsburg but with modern services like restaurants and shopping just steps away. With 76 standard rooms and 24 suites, the Hampton Inn welcomes every visitor on a Williamsburg vacation with a great place to stay.

The Double Queen rooms at this hotel were very clean and featured new flat panel TVs, as well as a mini-fridge and microwave and all of the case goods were in immaculate condition. The beds were extremely comfortable and were furnished with the Hampton Home Collection linens, which makes for a restful stay. Updates to the room include new carpet, plus wood floors in the bathroom and foyer. The bathrooms were recently updated as well, with a new wood and granite vanity located in the spacious bathroom, as well as a curved shower rod. The One Bedroom Suites available have a separate living area with flat screen TV and pull out sofa sleeper as well as a full kitchen with dual burners, dishwasher and fridge. The bedroom was equipped with two double beds with comfortable bedding and flat screen TV, plus a master bath that was extremely spacious and equipped with a WaterPik showerhead, curved shower rod and an extended vanity outside of the bath area.

The amenities at the Hampton Inn include a large indoor pool area, small business center with two computers with fax/copy/printing services, a convenient sundry store with beverages and snacks, a guest laundry facility, and a modest fitness center with three cardio machines, free weights and a TV. Plus, there is a large breakfast area in the lobby which serves a hot breakfast daily.

Howard Johnson Williamsburg Specializes in Affordable Comfort

The Howard Johnson in historic Williamsburg Virginia boasts a great location and reasonable rates. Colonial Williamsburg its located just ½ mile away and Williamsburg attractions like Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are only 3 miles from this property. Specializing in affordable comfort, this hotel is an easy choice for travelers on a budget.

The Double Queen room I stayed in during my visit was furnished with a microwave, mini-fridge, small pub table and chairs, “27 TV and had a floral décor. The case goods were in average but efficient condition and the bathroom, though small, had a curved shower rod to create additional space. Plus, a new vanity was located outside of the bath, making it easy to get ready in the morning. All rooms at this property are interior corridor rooms.

The amenities at the Howard Johnson Williamsburg included a computer for guest use located in the lobby, a nice large sized indoor pool area in an atrium style enclosure with hot tub and plenty of lounge space, plus a medium sized breakfast room with flat screen TV, which is home to their hot breakfast with waffles, served each morning from 6:30am-9:30am. Free high speed internet is also available. In addition, the Howard Johnson is located on the Williamsburg Area Transport Bus Line so getting to attractions is very convenient.

Sleep Inn Williamsburg is Affordable, Comfortable & Convenient

The Sleep Inn is conveniently located for Williamsburg vacationers, with Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA just a few miles away. The hotel also had several restaurants, including Cracker Barrel, located within walking distance. Plus, the Sleep Inn Historic had a very modern design with several additional amenities to make guests feel at home.

The double queen rooms available at this property were very clean and had a modern décor featuring greens, blacks, browns and whites. A 27 inch television with remote, desk and chair, fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, alarm clock and iron/ironing board also furnished the room. The bathroom area was divided, so the vanity was located outside of the bathing area. The bathroom featured a walk-in shower (no tub) and an upgraded shower head. All of the rooms also had new carpet as did the hallways.

The Sleep Inn Williamsburg had a large indoor pool in an atrium-style enclosure. A small but efficient fitness room with cardio machines and TV were also on-site, as was a computer with printing/fax capabilities. Free Wi-Fi service was available to guests throughout the hotel. A large breakfast area, with flat screen TV, was home to their free deluxe continental breakfast, which included waffles.

A stay at the Sleep Inn is affordable, comfortable and convenient.

Williamsburg Hospitality House offers Distinguished Charm, Great Location

The Williamsburg Hospitality House is a charming, historic Inn featuring colonial style in the heart of Williamsburg. Their fantastic location – only two blocks from Colonial Williamsburg – puts visitors in the midst of Williamsburg’s rich history. This property, however, excels at combining the quaint appeal of the past with modern amenities guest relish in while on vacation.

During my visit, I enjoyed a stay in their Double/Double unit. Spacious and inviting, the room was decorated in blues, greens and whites. The case goods were all in splendid condition and added to the colonial atmosphere. The beds were comfortable and provided a good night’s rest, while the bathroom, with its dual vanities, made it easy to get ready in the morning. Plus, most of the guest rooms have a great view of historic downtown Williamsburg – a definite bonus.

Perhaps one the best elements of the Williamsburg Hospitality House VA are its added amenities. On the main floor on this Williamsburg hotel, there is a lavish lobby highlighted by the William and Mary Parlor, a great sitting area with fireplace and piano, as well as two restaurants – Papillon and 415 Grill. The Papillon Restaurant is a garden-style bistro open for breakfast seven days a week. The 415 Grill has a warm atmosphere and lounge area with games. They are open for lunch and dinner daily. Both restaurants also offer room service.

A medium sized outdoor pool, which is secluded nicely, offers plenty of lounge space. There is also a fabulous courtyard area with landscaping accented by the brick exterior of the hotel. It is a great spot to eat a meal from one of the restaurants or simply relax. Other amenities at the Hospitality House Williamsburg include a very large fitness center, open from 5am-11pm, equipped with six cardio machines, a universal weight machine and TV. A game room with five arcade games is also located on-site. A business center with two computers and print/fax capabilities is also available to guests. Wi-Fi is available at a charge of $10 a day.

Comfort Suites offers Modern Amenities, Upscale Design in Williamsburg

The Comfort Suites Williamsburg was an excellent place to stay while I visited Williamsburg, VA. Opened just three weeks ago, the newness of the property was apparent from floor to ceiling. The location was also an added benefit, as there were several eateries nearby and attractions like Colonial Williamsburg were just minutes away.

When I arrived at the Comfort Suites, I was impressed by the modern design of the property. Flush with reds, blacks, grays and whites, the décor was vibrant and created an upscale atmosphere. The King Room I stayed in during my Williamsburg vacation was very spacious, with a frosted glass partition dividing the sitting area from the sleeping area. The sitting area was equipped with a pullout sofa sleeper, coffee table, mini-fridge and microwave, as well as a desk with chair. The bed, featuring luxury linens and pillows, was extremely comfortable and left me well rested. A flat screen television rounded out the modern amenities found inside my King Room. The nice-size bathroom had a black granite vanity, tile floors and curved shower rod. Double Queen Rooms at the Comfort Suites have the same design and room amenities.

This Williamsburg hotel also had hotel amenities that catered to guests as well. A well-equipped fitness center with cardio, weights and TV was open from 6am-11pm. A large game room with pool table, air hockey and arcade games was also available, as was a small sundry shop, guest laundry and business center with computers, copy and fax services. Free Wi-Fi is conveniently available throughout the hotel. The indoor pool, open from 6am-11pm, was also exceptionally nice and had a hot tub, water features and light features during the evening/night hours.

The Comfort Suites served a hot breakfast in the mornings, which was an added bonus. Waffles, bagels, eggs and bacon or sausage and hot coffee were served daily and was a delicious start to my day.

Clarion Hotel Williamsburg a Top Choice for Colonial Visitors

The Clarion Hotel Williamsburg is an upscale facility offering a great location, spacious guest rooms and several amenities to make your Williamsburg vacation a great one. Situated within walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg and just a short two miles to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, this property is an easy choice for visitors. Plus, other attractions like Yorktown and Jamestown are nearby as well.

I was impressed with the Clarion Hotel for several reasons, the first being the comfortable room I enjoyed during my visit. The double/double non-smoking unit featured a nice, clean bathroom with a granite vanity, tile floors and curved shower rod for extra space. There was also a separate vanity, outside of the bathroom, which was very convenient. The room was elegantly decorated in beiges, blues and whites and the beds featured pillow top mattresses and fine linens, creating an oasis of comfort. New case goods, including a desk and chair for lounging, rounded out the very inviting guest rooms at the Clarion Hotel Williamsburg. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, so those on business travel will have easy access to the internet. An on-site business center is also available, with copy and fax services.

This Williamsburg, VA hotel also had added amenities that made my vacation even better. The Bourbon Street Grille offers breakfast and dinner to patrons, with lunch available Fri-Sun. It is richly decorated and provides an inviting atmosphere. When Bourbon Street Grille is closed, usually during Jan-Feb, the hotel offers a continental breakfast. I also enjoyed the pool area of this hotel, as it was equipped with an extremely large pool, perfect for swimming laps or simply splashing around. The atrium-style presentation was also inviting, as was the hot tub and lounge chairs.