Orbitz Blog

Articles for ‘Orlando Vacation’ Category

Disney Insider: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2012

Friday, September 28th, 2012

Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Bog, one of the exhibits at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, educates visitors about cranberry harvesting.

By Deborah Bowen

Walking through Epcot at this time of the year—the lull between Labor Day and the beginning of “Florida Fall”—can cause one of a couple of reactions. “What’s that shuttered kiosk labeled ‘Australia’?” one might ask. “Did it close? Why did it close?”

But the aficionado of this popular event experiences a delightful frisson of anticipation. “It’s not closed,” she might explain. “It hasn’t opened yet. But get ready for when it does!”

With special guests (including celebrity chefs and prominent vintners from around the world), presentations, merchandise, and all kinds of parties planned for this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot’s main attractions are found throughout World Showcase, in permanent pavilions and in the sudden kiosks filling in the spaces.

I’m talking, of course, about the food and the wine. (more…)

Character building: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Friday, July 20th, 2012

Our biggest Crush: The Nemo character is larger-than-life at the Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Credit: Matt Stroshane.

By Jill E. Cooper

As vacation time rolls around and people find out I’ll be going away, the question becomes inevitable.  “Why are you going back to Walt Disney World again?”  It’s obvious: For thousands of us who grew up making our best childhood memories in the land of the mouse, the urge to return tugs on our heart strings. And secondly, Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Resort is always changing. Walt Disney himself insisted that the parks would never be finished; innovation and new attractions were part of his original blueprint. And so it’s a no-brainer that I’d want to check out  Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the newest (and one of the most whimsical) of more than two dozen on-property resorts. (more…)

Plan B: Rainy day distractions at Walt Disney World

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Rainy days and video games: Find refuge from the storms at DisneyQuest, a 5-floor, indoor theme park.

By Deborah Bowen

Floridians toss around a familiar saying during the summer months: “Don’t like the weather? Wait 10 minutes.” And nowhere is that more evident than the daily thunderstorms that strike from June to August. Fortunately, these storms tend to be brief and cooling. But they can certainly impact a fun day at Walt Disney World if there’s not a backup plan ready for action. (more…)

5 ways to beat the heat at Walt Disney World

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

 

Wet in the wild: Nothing says grouping bonding like getting soaked by the Kali River Rapids.

By Jill E. Cooper

As summer heats up and the mercury begins to soar, families around the world find themselves planning and dreaming about fun in the sun at Walt Disney World Resort. With high temperatures in the 90s, Florida weather may present eager guests with formidable touring conditions. Fear not, Florida lovers! Throughout Walt Disney World property you’ll find dozens of ways to deal with blazing temperatures. What’s my best advice for beating the summer heat at Disney World? Seek water anywhere you can, and fast. (more…)

Orlando amazing: New group-friendly attractions

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Disney magic: Downtown Disney is among the group-friendly venues in central Florida.

By Mark Chesnut

Orlando may be known as the capital of Florida vacations, but its many world-famous attractions can also serve as memorable backdrops for business meetings, entertaining and enjoying time off after long days at work. (more…)

Yacht rides & fireworks: A Disney vacation for Valentines

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Skip the chocolates -- sprinkle spontaneity into your Valentine's Day celebration with a Disney vacation.

By Jill E. Cooper

Ah, love.  Some say “it makes the world go round,” while others insist that it is “what makes the ride worthwhile.”  In either case, Valentine’s Day gives us the chance to celebrate those who bring love into our lives.  If you and your loved one are fortunate enough to spend Valentine’s Day this year at Walt Disney World, you’ll find a full range of ways to make your day extra sweet. (more…)

Orlando Magic: See Dwight with the ‘Blue and White’

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Magic fans hope Dwight Howard stays, but the hip downtown scene of this metropolis isn't going anywhere. Credit: Fernando Medina.

By Amy Drew Thompson

With the NBA strike over, a basketball-starved nation is relieved, but fans of the Orlando Magic have a new worry: Superstar center Dwight Howard may be leaving to find fortune elsewhere. Many believe Howard has helped fuel Orlando’s downtown renaissance; devotees have even started a campaign to keep him: StayDwight.com. Will he? The question remains. But for now, guests at Orlando hotels can still catch Howard at the brand-spanking-new Amway Arena while enjoying the sophisticated spoils of that aforementioned revitalization.

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La vida local: Stay and shop in downtown Orlando

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

A gaggle of swan boats await pedalers as Lake Eola's grand fountain gurgles. Credit: Joe Shlabotnik.

By Amy Drew Thompson

In the wake of a successful, post-Thanksgiving Small-Business Saturday, more travelers are keen to shop local. So there’s no better time to mix the majesty of Florida’s theme-park area with a stay in the hip, downtown digs of some fabulous Orlando hotels. The area’s showy centerpiece is lovely Lake Eola Park, the Sunday home of the colorful, musical Orlando Farmer’s Market.

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For business travel, Orlando shines with unique venues

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Horse play: the dinner show at Arabian Nights in Orlando

By Mark Chesnut

The Orlando area may be the capital of Florida vacations, but it’s also a major player for business travel, with countless opportunities to make a lasting impression while entertaining clients and staging private events. The large amusement parks at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld offer lots of possibilities, but here are five noteworthy independent venues that host business groups. (more…)

Disney vacations: Dining with Chef Mickey and friends

Friday, July 8th, 2011

Chef Mickey takes a break from cooking to mingle with guests at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

By Jill E. Cooper

As far as summer vacation destinations go, Walt Disney World defies all the traditional demographics associated with theme parks.  This magical destination is not solely for teens and young families.  No, this world-class resort attracts retirees, newlyweds, professional athletes, multi-generational reunion groups, conference attendees and families of every shape and size.  Despite the stunning diversity in this group, I can almost guarantee that high upon the souvenir list of all of Walt Disney World’s visitors is a picture with “the big cheese” himself, Mickey Mouse.

Coming home from Walt Disney World without a photo with Mickey is like returning from Paris without the requisite shot of you in front of the Eiffel Tower. So, what’s the best way to get that picture with the mouse that started it all? Let Mickey Mouse come to you while you experience a sumptuous meal on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (more…)