The Super Bowl and Mardi Gras will make New Orleans a major travel hotspot this year. Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc
By Jeanenne Tornatore, Orbitz.com senior editor
What will be trending this year as the hottest destinations and best bets for deals? We’ve just released our 2013 forecast of all things travel and here’s the inside scoop: (more…)
Any guest staying at a Disney resort can hitch a free ride from the airport on Disney’s Magical Express. Photo: Courtesy of Walt Disney World
by Jill Cooper
Even in tough economic times, families still want to enjoy vacations together. In fact, that all-important, unplugged bonding time among parents and their kids is more vital than ever. But it’s even more crucial to stretch those hard-earned vacation dollars. Here are some easy and effective money-saving tips I’ve discovered over 35 years of visiting Walt Disney World Resort. (more…)
Booking a pre-holiday Orlando vacation means smaller crowds and plenty of family fun. Credit: Jim Moore.
By Jennifer Olvera
The holidays: They’ll arrive in the blink of an eye. That means the frenetic pace that goes with will ensue in no time, too. With that in mind, pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds – not to mention Christmas events – are compelling reasons to book Orlando vacations in November. (more…)
By Samantha Chapnick
Whether you’re on a Disney World vacation or staying at other Orlando hotels, there’s no shortage of Halloween fun for all ages in the Orlando area.
Nick Hotel: Every Friday until Halloween, the Nickelodeon Family Suites does a party with a DJ at its outdoor waterpark. We went and were less impressed with the treats than the music and games — which were good. Expect slime and lots of it.
Halloween Horror Nights: Just seeing the billboard "photos" of Bloody Mary, the star of this annual Saw-like terror-fest, is enough to make a queasy person swoon. Would you expect anything less from Universal Orlando, with a full cast of scenic designers, make-up artists, scriptwriters and horror films at its disposal? This is a must-do for teens or anyone else with a strong stomach.
Mount Dora Craft Fair: This nationally ranked, juried event (Oct. 25-26) continues to attract more than 250,000 visitors and more than 350 of the best crafters in the country. Best of all in today’s economy: it’s FREE!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom, through Oct. 31. The flip side of Universal’s Horror NIghts, this is about fun not fear. It’s "boo-free" as they like to say. Guests come in costume and trick-or-treat through the Magic Kingdom after regular park closing. Stay for the parade and fireworks.
Central Florida Zoo Boo Bash: Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo (Oct. 25-26). Another not-too-scary event for the whole family. Wear costumes and stop at trick-or-treat stations. Get your face painted, take a hayride, visit the pumpkin patch and learn about the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. The price is Included in regular park admission.
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular: A "swashbuckling" good time recalls the popular pirate theme. Kids will encounter friendly pirates as they go to trick-or-treat stations and enjoy Halloween activities. Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31.
Orlando Ghost Tours: Investigate the Greenwood Cemetery at night to see some real paranormal activity. And we’re not talking about your fellow tourists.
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Samantha Chapnick is a New York writer who scours international destinations looking for what hasn’t been found.
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