Destination Ski Resorts: 5 Ways to Save

Whether you’re spending your timeshare ski resort vacation in Colorado, New England, or Canada-or anywhere in between-there are ways to make your winter trip a little bit more bearable on the pocketbook. Here are some cost-cutting tips for saving money on your ski vacation:

1. Buy your lift tickets in advance. At most ski resorts, if you buy multiple-day lift tickets, the price to ski per day will decrease. Yes, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to make a commitment early on, so wait until the last minute to purchase them, check cancellation policies, and buy conservatively so you don’t end up with unused tickets. Purchase tickets online in advance directly from the ski resort.

2. Consider all-encompassing packages. If you’re not bringing your own gear, and you’re planning on taking some ski or snowboard lessons, you might save money purchasing a package of services than buying them a la carte. Again, scour the ski resort’s Web site, or call to speak to reservation staff. Spell out exactly what you’re looking to buy and ask how you can get the best deals.

3. Stop at the local visitors’ center or Chamber of Commerce. Pick up the coupon books or local magazines that give great discounts on non-skiing activities or restaurants. Some chambers may be offering fuel rebates to entice visitors - don’t hesitate to ask!

4. Eat like the locals do. Since you’re staying in a timeshare condominium, you’ll have a full kitchen for preparing breakfast and storing snacks. Hit the market on your first day in town to stock up on groceries. If you’re feeling especially ambitious (read: cheap), make sandwiches and pack granola bars to bring to the ski lodge with you; some resorts don’t like it when you don’t buy and eat their expensive lunch foods, but if you’re discreet - or eat on the chairlifts - no one will be the wiser.

5. Sit at the bar for restaurant savings. Many upscale ski-town eateries have bar menus offering entrees, salads, and appetizers for a fraction of the price of the sit-down restaurant menu. Plus, you’ll likely make friends with local residents who could turn you on to other cheap places to eat.

Destination Puerto Vallarta: 3 Awesome Excursions

On your timeshare resort vacation in Puerto Vallarta, there’s loads more to do than loll around at the beach, sip drinks poolside, or watch the pretty sunsets over Banderas Bay. In fact, there are so many different day tours and excursions, it would be easy to fill each day with some sort of adventure: snorkeling trips, ATV tours, horseback rides, bar crawls, deep-sea fishing and much more.

Here are three of the most popular excursions that visitors enjoy in Puerto Vallarta:

1. Los Veranos Canopy Tour
While there are a handful of different zipline adventures in the area, this one through an ecological preserve is by far the most popular. You’ll fly across 14 different ziplines through the jungle - the total distance covered is 2 miles. Reach speeds of up to 30 miles an hour, and criss-cross up to 500 feet above the Orquidias River.

Safety precautions are numerous, with an extra caribiner attached to your harness for each run. All you have to do is let the experienced staff click you into the cable, sit back and hold on. Photographers and videographers are on hand to capture all the action. End the tour with a refreshing soft drink or beer from the bar. Check out the resident snakes, monkeys and tarantulas, too.

2. Snorkeling & Yelapa Tour by Sailboat
Again, many different outfitters offer day trips to Yelapa, a remote beach community on the Bay of Banderas that is only accessible by boat. You can snorkel from a big catamaran on your way to Yelapa, or simply take a water taxi directly to the rustic town.

But one ultra-fun way to enjoy a day trip to Yelapa is by sailboat. Pegaso Chartering offers trips on an intimate boat, with a wonderfully friendly crew that knows so much about the area. When you stop to snorkel, your guide will help you spot everything from puffer fish to lobster to eels.

At Yelapa, you’ll take a guided walk to a waterfall, enjoy a casual lunch on the beach (don’t miss an incredibly decadent piece of pie from the roving “pie lady”), and some time to play in the waves.

3. Swim with the Dolphins
At the Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery in Nuevo Vallarta (a 30-minute taxi ride from P.V.), you get free entrance to the water park with any purchase of a “dolphin encounter.” These range from simply getting in the water with the gentle creatures for some photo opportunities to getting a ride from two dolphins by hanging on to their fins. Then there’s the “foot push” where you sail like Superman through the water while standing on a dolphin’s snout. You can also interact with sea lions.

The water park features a toboggan-style ride, curving water slides, a lazy river and children’s area.

Indeed, these tours are pricey. But here’s the deal: if you’re staying at a timeshare resort, you can stock up on groceries at the local supermarket and save money by eating breakfast and lunch in your condominium’s kitchen. Take those dollars that you’re not spending on restaurant meals and put them toward some incredible, memory-making experiences!

Destination Theme Parks: Halloween Fun

On your autumn timeshare resort vacation consider one within driving distance of a theme park that pulls out all the stops for Halloween, with ghoulish parades, trick-or-treating for the kids and attractions that just might scare your socks off!

Here’s a peek at some celebrations at amusement parks across the country:

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio:
This theme park on Lake Erie has the biggest concentration of roller coasters anywhere in the world, plus tamer rides for young children, loads of carnival-style games and live shows. Kids’ events during Halloweekends include a non-frightening “magical house,” with surprises around every corner. Sweet treats are offered at the end of a walk through the “Magical House on Boo Hill.” A costume contest, magic shows and afternoon family-friendly “Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade” entertain children, as well.

For older kids and adults, it’s all about the spooky, outdoor walk-through attractions called Fright Zone, CarnEvil, Fear Faire, Terror Island and Corn Stalkers. At night, fog machines and eerie lighting help create a frightening atmosphere for “Screamsters” who sneak up on visitors. Indoor haunted houses like Club Blood and Undertaker U, also scare the pants off anyone who is brave enough to venture inside.

Halloweekends at Cedar Point take place September 12 to November 2, Friday nights from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Halloweekends events are included in the cost of daily admission.

Legoland, Carlsbad, California:
Designed for children toddler to tween age, this manageable theme park presents the “Brick or Treat” trail every Saturday and Sunday in October, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Here, kids 12 an under stop by different stations on the trail for candy and other surprises. Walking the Brick or Treat Trail is included in the admission cost.

Saturday evenings at Legoland, it’s time for Brick or Treat Party Nights, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a costume contest for the kids and entertainment from the “Boo Crew.” Some rides and theme park attractions are open late for Party Night guests. Evening festivities are included with the cost of daily admission, or pay $35 for entrance after 5 p.m.

Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California:
At Disneyland from September 26 to November 2, kids can listen to spooky tales, enjoy Halloween arts and crafts, and decorate cookies at Woody’s Halloween Round-up. Meanwhile, the theme park’s Tower of Terror and Haunted Mansion are especially decked out for the Halloween holiday.

Halloween decor throughout the park includes cleverly sculpted pumpkins, including a 16-foot-tall Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern. Life-size Disney characters make their rounds decked out in Halloween costumes. And festive treats like pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pie will be available for purchase.

Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party takes place at California Adventure, and is a ticketed event that includes live music, trick-or-treating, arts activities and more. Tickets are $29, and event takes place several weeknights in October, including Halloween night (when the price increases to $37).

Disney World, Orlando, Florida:
At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that happens select evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight, September 5 through October 31, little guests enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the park, a parade, a fireworks extravaganza and more. Some of the park’s most popular attractions are open late, as well. This is a ticketed event that costs between $43 and $56, depending on age, and whether you purchase tickets in advance.

Destination New Hampshire: Family Fun in the Lakes Region

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is a glorious spot for a summer or fall vacation. Visitors flock to towns like Weirs Beach, Laconia and Wolfeboro to swim, boat and fish on Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake.

Naturally the giant body of water and acres of sandy shoreline provide plenty of entertainment for the kids. But there is a whole host of man-made attractions to keep kids occupied, too:

Weirs Beach Boardwalk
Lots of old-fashioned fun at this historic resort area on the lake, such as bumper cars, skee-ball, mini-golf and arcade games. Kids love the four twisting and turning rides at Weirs Beach Water Slide - each is rated beginner to expert, so you can choose how thrilling you’d like your ride to be. Don’t miss the local favorite food: fried dough is a huge disc of doughy goodness topped off with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or butter - or all three!

M/S Mount Washington Cruises
Take a scenic tour around Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the majestic, historic, 230-foot M/S Mount Washington. The M/S Mount Washington picks up and drops off passengers for two- and three-hour cruises at five different ports of call around the lake: Weirs Beach (the Mount’s home port), Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, Center Harbor, and Meredith. Evening cruises include Tuesday “Family Night,” where each child under 13 cruises for free with a paying adult.

Funspot Arcade
This giant arcade in Meredith claims to be the largest arcade in the world. With hundreds of classic pinball and video games, a bowling alley, mini golf and much more all under one roof, it just could indeed be the world’s biggest. On a rainy day in summer, the arcade is absolutely packed, but if you don’t mind crowds, children love spending your money here.

Winnipesauke Scenic Railroad
Little train lovers will appreciate this scenic excursion along the rails that skirts Lake Winnipesauke. Sit back and enjoy the scenery out the large picture windows in your car. Or pay a bit extra to perch in the cupola of the caboose. In September and October, the railroad runs fall foliage trips through the White Mountains, so participants can relax (instead of navigating the wheels of their own cards) and enjoy the stunning colors of the changing  leaves.

Imperial Fiesta Club at Casa Maya in Cancun Mexico

By David Hong, Holiday Group Web Developer

This quiet resort is near the end of the Hotel Zone, but close to downtown Cancun. If you are looking for a place to get away from your busy life and want some peace and quiet, this is the place. Casa Maya is one of the older resorts in Cancun at the Hotel Zone but it still offers a lot. It has two restaurants, one located at the lobby of the resort, which opens only for breakfast only. The other restaurant is located near the beach and offers a beautiful view of the lagoon. The resort also has two bars, one in the lobby and another one on the beach.

If you have children or just want to relax in the pool, you are in luck. The resort offers three pools, with one dedicated to children. Other facilities include a small children’s play area, with swings, a very small exercise room, convenient store in the lobby of the resort, free wireless Internet, but you’ll have to bring your own laptop. Also for a fee, they have a room with computers to access the Internet and check your email. There’s also a tennis court but you’ll have to pay a fee to use it.

The beach is very beautiful with lawn chairs and many huts to help block the sun. But, you’ll have to arrive early to get a spot in one of the huts. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen/sun block, hat and sunglasses, as the beach’s sand is so white, it reflects the sunlight directly into your eyes.

If you don’t want to stay within the resort area for your whole stay in Cancun, you can join tours which you can book at the lobby of the resort. If you only have time for 2 tours in Cancun, the Isla Mujeres and Chichen Itza tours are your best bet.

The Isla Mujeres tour came in two varieties, one with a lunch buffet and open bar on the ferry ride to and from the island (all-inclusive), and one without. Both include a lunch buffet and the breakfast buffet had a lot  of fruits. The tour included snorkeling (all equipment included), zip line, kayaking, 2 hours at Isla Mujeres’ downtown, and boat ride to and from mainland Cancun to the island. Tip: spend a few more dollars and go for the all-inclusive tour.

The Chichen Itza tour consists of viewing Mayan buildings, a “sink hole” to a underground river which you can swim in and buffet lunch. The “sink hole” was the first stop after a 3 hours bus ride from the Hotel Zone. The hole was as big as a small house and as deep as a 6 story building. The underground river was about 100ft deep, according to the tour guide. The second stop on the tour was the buffet lunch which consists of many fruits. And the final stop was Chichen Itza itself.

These were amazing buildings with an incredible purpose. By placing buildings in a certain location, the Maya were able to amplify the voice of the speaker standing on top of the center building. They also achieved what the Egyptian achieved, but on a smaller scale: pyramid shape buildings and other large structures.

Exchange Rate

The exchange rate at the airport is worse than the one in the city or even at the resort itself. You really don’t need to exchange a lot of money because many places accept US currency or major credit cards.

Food and Drinks

Water and soda cost more in Cancun. A small bottle of water, about 300ml, a little bit smaller than a can of soda, costs $3US at a restaurant and a can of soda is about the same price. Most restaurants, within resorts, near and around the resorts and within tourist area, are quite pricey. Prices per dish start from $15US and there aren’t many choices for under $20US.

If you like to buy your own groceries and cook, don’t buy it at convenient store within the resort. Their prices are 2 to 4 times higher than Wal-Mart’s. Yes, there are American retail stores within Cancun. Just take the bus to downtown Cancun for $0.75US one-way and you have Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Office Depot and Home Depot, just to name a few. At Wal-Mart, you can get fresh fruits, fresh meat and other Wal-Mart stuff. The prices are either cheaper or the same as the Wal-Mart in the States. Also, you can pickup your souvenirs for your family or friends at Wal-Mart and save a bundle.

Local Tours

Take the local bus for $0.75 per person, per ride and do some exploring yourself. This is the easiest way to explore other part of Cancun as driving in Cancun isn’t safe. Get out there and move away from the tourist area to explore another side of Cancun. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find: fresh coconut juice, directly from a fresh coconut for $1.50US and real Mexican food starting at $1.00US. Also, take a walk through a Mexican street market and you’ll see how spoiled we are with our air conditioned and nicely stocked supermarkets. Also, this is where your Mexican Peso will come in handy.

Airport to/from Resort

Book your ride to and from the airport and resort ahead of time. I was able to find rides, ahead of time for $7US per person, one-way. If not, you’ll be paying about $21US per person, one-way at the airport. Plus, the closest resort within the Hotel Zone is about a 20 minutes ride from the airport, at 45mph.

Other Tips

-Bring a waterproof camera; you’ll be around plenty of water.
-Bring plenty of sun block/sun screen.
-Bring plenty of US cash if you don’t want to pay for the exchange rate twice.
-North American electronic devices works fine in Cancun without any adapters, but beware, as some places do not have the third grounding prong.

Link: Imperial Fiesta Club at Hotel Casa Maya Resale Timeshares

Interview: Timeshare Wedding In Cabo San Lucas

An interview with Holiday Vacationeer, Kayla Mahaffey

1. Tell us about where you went and how you liked it.

I went to Cabo for my friend’s wedding and it was the most amazing “destination wedding” I could have imagined! Half the wedding party stayed at the Hacienda del Mar resort, in an area of Cabo they call the “Corridor,” on the Sea of Cortez. A bit farther away from town, but worth the drive, this amazing 5-star Sheraton-owned resort has a lush golf course, an array of remarkable pools, and plenty of activities that will have you feeling like royalty. The other half of the wedding party stayed at the Villa Del Palmar, also a 5-star resort. My favorite part of that resort was everything you need is on-site, and at the same time we were within walking distance of downtown. All the rooms have an ocean view of some sort, most with a full ocean view. Don’t forget to try the huge Whale Slide–yes, it’s fun even for adults!

2. Where did you hear about the Hacienda Del Mar, and how did you make the exchange?

I found out about the Hacienda del Mar from a now-retired manager I know. He owns several weeks there, which is a good sign that the resort is a winner. When I heard the wedding was going to be in Cabo, that was the first resort I thought of to book a stay. I had already traded my own timeshare week at the Buganvilias in Puerto Vallarta for an exchange in February to St. Maarten, so I had to call RCI to get a “Getaway/Bonus” week. You can get up to 12 of these a year very inexpensively through either RCI or Interval International. I called RCI and they took care of the booking for me–very easy. I did plan about 6 months in advance, though. It’s always best to plan as far in advance as possible.

3. Tell us about some of the fun things to do while in Cabo that might appeal to timeshare owners who have never been there.

Fishing in Cabo is some of the best in the world. You can find fishing tours of all different types that are fun for all ages! While you’re there, don’t forget to take a glass-bottomed boat tour to Cabo’s famous Arch–they’re the gateway between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Situated between them are “Lovers” and “Divorce” beaches. Lovers Beach is on the Sea of Cortez side, and Divorce Beach is on the Pacific side. Their names refer to the fact that the water is much calmer on one beach than on the other–I’ll let you guess which is which. On the glass boat tour you’ll also see a huge assortment of undersea life, everything from seals to barracuda.

4. Any tips that might make the trip more enjoyable for visitors?

Travel light if you can. If you can get by with just a carry-on, all the better. This helps to speed things through customs and get you caught up on “margarita time.” You’ll also you have a better chance of making any connecting flights by traveling light. All you really need are your passport, sandals, a swim suit, a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, and some spending cash. You can get sun block and other things like that once you get there.

5. Anything else you want to mention?

Check with your RCI agent for details on how to exchange your Timeshare or get the Bonus, Last Call, or Getaways weeks so you can spend some time in this charming part of Mexico. If you don’t have a timeshare or need more info, give me a call. I’ll be happy to share my knowledge as a Holiday Vacationeer. I hope this helps. Happy vacationing!

Kayla Mahaffey

Destination Pigeon Forge: 5 Ways to Save Money

If you’re vacationing in the area of Great Smoky National Park in Tennessee, chances are you’ll spend some time in Pigeon Forge, just 10 minutes from the park’s gateway town of Gatlinburg. After all, Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park and Tennessee’s most ticketed attraction, is found in Pigeon Forge - so named for the passenger pigeons that once were abundant in the region and an iron forge that was part of the early settlers’ lives.

Pigeon Forge is also known for its live theater productions, from Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and the Black Bear Jamboree and Dinner Show, to mystery dinners, comedy shows and magic extravaganzas. Marketing folks call Pigeon Forge the “entertainment capital of the Southeast.”

Of course, all of these attractions cost money. However, there are plenty of ways to save on your family vacation to Pigeon Forge:

· Pick up your Pigeon Forge Value Card at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center at 1950 Parkway located at traffic light #0. This card entitles you to discounts and special deals at dozens of restaurants, attractions and shops throughout town.

· Enter Dollywood after 3 p.m. and get in FREE to the theme park on the next operating day.

· Present your military personnel I.D. and dependents’ I.D. at the front gate at Dollywood, and enjoy 30 percent off the regular day admission price.

· If you’ve had so much fun at Dollywood and want to come back the following day, upgrade your ticket before you leave, and you can return for just $20 (instead of the standard $50 daily admission fee).

· If you think you might spend more than two days at Dollywood, consider buying a season pass. These sell for just $83 (youth over 12 and adults) and are good for an entire operating season. Plus, you enjoy many other privileges (free parking!) and discounts at affiliated theme parks. Click here for details.

· Active military personnel, as well as firefighters, veterans, law enforcement and EMS personnel, should visit Pigeon Forge in August to enjoy exclusive discounts from participating businesses. This program is called “Celebrate Freedom,” and you simply need to bring your ID to pick up a discount card at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center.

· Park your car and hop aboard the Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley, which runs along the six-lane, five-mile Parkway through town. Fares are just 50 or 75 cents, depending on the distance you travel, and it operates daily in the summer from 8:30 a.m. to midnight.

Destination Playa del Carmen: Two Maya Restaurants

Playa del Carmen, less than an hour south of Cancun, is on the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Mayan people have made their home for centuries. When you visit the Riviera Maya (which stretches from Puerto Morelos to Tulum along the Caribbean coast), you can visit ancient Maya ruins, and also dine at restaurants where Mayan cuisine is featured.

Consider checking these two upbeat eateries while you’re on your Playa del Carmen timeshare resort vacation. Both are located in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s shopping district, just off the famous 5th Avenue pedestrian thoroughfare.

Yaxche Maya Cuisine

Yaxche (pronounced jag-shey) Maya Cuisine Restaurant has a beautiful, open-air garden dining area-perfect for a quiet lunch or a romantic dinner. The fountains, frescos and facade are reminiscent of the ancient Maya ruins at Tulum. If it’s too steamy to eat outdoors, relax in the air-conditioned dining room, or just try a Chaya Maya drink, made of a bright green, leafy Yucatan plant, mixed with vodka and fruit juice and served in a tall glass. It might look funny, but it’s refreshing!

Some of the Maya dishes at Yaxche are cooked in the traditional ways, others are Maya with a twist, like shrimp in relleno negro, a spicy black sauce traditionally served with turkey. Or Yaxche’s version of the chile relleno: a banana pepper stuffed with cochinita pibil, a tangy pork, instead of a poblano pepper filled with cheese. Since the ancient Maya were generally vegetarians (main staples in their diet were maize, squash, beans, and chile pepper), there are dozens of veggie dishes on the menu.

Ajua Maya

It’s all about fabulous food and having fun at Ajua Maya (ah-who-ah ma-ya), dubbed a “tequila bar, grill house and Latin club.” Every night, a live jazz and dance band brings a festive atmosphere to the restaurant, which specializes in fresh wild lobster and seafood, Angus steaks and authentic Maya and Mexican cuisine.

Every Wednesday, at lunchtime, learn about Maya cuisine with a cooking demonstration and plentiful lunch menu with samples of Maya dishes, such as roasted tomatoes with pumpkin seed sauce, chicken and key lime soup, Cornish game hen and Ta’as Flambe (otherwise known as Bananas Foster). Reservations required for the cooking demo and lunch.

Ajua is an expansive restaurant, with seating in an indoor cantina setting, lush tropical garden and under open-air palapas. Ajua opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 1 a.m. Free wireless Internet is available.

Destination North Lake Tahoe: New Attractions

Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is divided into the lively north side and the scenic south side. No matter where your Tahoe timeshare resort is located, you might want to check out what’s new in North Lake Tahoe.

On the museum front, the Tahoe Maritime Museum has a brand-new 5,800-square-foot facility with interactive exhibits, children’s visiting area and community gathering area. The museum, reminiscent of an old boathouse, showcases the history of boating in Lake Tahoe.

Summer brings the vibrant farmer’s market on Thursdays through October 16 in Tahoe City and at Kings Beach through August 26, with small farmers offering fresh, high-quality produce to visitors and locals alike. Truckee’s farmer’s market is Tuesdays at the Truckee River Regional Park through September 30.

Located in Tahoe Vista at the North Tahoe Regional Park, the new North Tahoe Disc Golf Course is a fun and challenging 18-hole course that provides a variety of shots that complement nearly every style of play. The last nine holes were finished last fall. Travelers can purchase their own discs at the Sports Exchange in Truckee.

For families looking for fun and learning, the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences offers self-guided and docent-led tours, hands-on activities and a monthly lecture series. Here, visitors can take a 3-D virtual reality flight through Lake Tahoe, peek through a microscope and view tiny aquatic creatures and learn how scientists study water quality.

Off the lake, the Village at Squaw Valley in Olympic Valley recently welcomed two new eco-friendly shops, Maud Olson and Patagonia. Maud Olson Eco-Friendly Clothing features a line of high-end apparel, such as hand-knit baby alpaca sweaters, mittens and gloves, as well as a wide selection high-fashion jeans, hoodies and t-shirts made from organic cotton. Patagonia, who leverages their resources to create a healthier planet, opened a new location at the base of Squaw Valley and offers a great selection of outdoor wear and accessories for women, men and children.

The Village at Northstar in Truckee also has expanded its retail and restaurant offerings. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar is known for its fresh sushi creations. Kids love Ambassador Toys, which strives to promote understanding and respect for cultures around the world through the beauty and creativity of toys, books and music. The Tahoe Creamery’s motto, ‘Keepin’ It Pure,’ might be the mantra for the entire North Lake Tahoe destination. Here, visitors will find natural, premium, gourmet ice cream.

Destination Orlando: Grown-Ups Only

Orlando attracts families annually with its mega theme parks, but there’s lots to do in the area besides hang out with Mickey Mouse and ride roller coasters. Check out Orlando’s sophisticated side if your timeshare vacation takes you to Central Florida without children.

Walt Disney World

Indeed, half the visitors to Disney’s theme parks are less than four feet tall, but the massive resort complex actually offers activities and attractions for adults only. Eat at Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elegant eatery does not allow children under 10, and requires a dinner jacket for men. The menu is pricey, but it makes a great romantic evening for a special occasion. In Downtown Disney, see Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, hit the dance clubs or comedy venues at Pleasure Island, or listen to music at the House of Blues.

Universal Studios
CityWalk is Universal’s 30-acre entertainment complex offering loads of entertainment, including performances by the Blue Man Group, concerts at Hard Rock Live, plus jazz, comedy and dance clubs. Top choices for sophisticated dining here include Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant or Bice Ristorante at the Portofino Bay Club.

Parks, Gardens & Forests
Take a picnic to the pretty 43-acre oasis of green in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park. Stroll along the paved walkways that take you through 50 acres of gardens at Harry P. Leu Gardens, also downtown. In Ocala National Forest you can hike along the Florida National Scenic Trail, or canoe, swim and even snorkel in the streams, lakes and springs.

Art Museums
See the impressive collection of art and antiquities spanning centuries at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College. The Morse Museum of Contemporary Art in nearby Winter Park houses a stunning collection of Tiffany glass, jewelry, pottery and lamps. Permanent exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art include American Art, Art of the Ancient Americas and African Art.

Dance, Opera & Orchestra
The Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only resident ballet company that performs September through May, and also hosts visiting dance troupes. The Orlando Opera Company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra typically appears in more than 115 performances each season.
For more activities, see this blog entry: Destination Orlando: Beyond Disney.

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