Save Money on Your Vacation

As I was sitting at my computer, I was reminiscing on our recent trip to London, England and Paris, France.  It was our first trip to Europe and we wanted to experience it all, but stay within our budget.  I would like to share with you a few tricks that I used to experience a lot and save some money.  First, If you haven't already subscribed to our newsletter, then you didn't receive you free copy of 40 Ways to See, Shop and Save in Orlando.  I highly recommend you take a look at it.  There are over 40 ways to save money on your upcoming vacation.  Here are a few more:  

1.  Instead of a taxi try Uber - we used Urber in London and it is also in Orlando.  Some say that Urber undercuts the taxi, but the bottom line is that it is an easy service and it is cheaper (the basic service) than taking a taxi.  Check out our blog post about the service.

2.  Look for deals on Groupon or Living Social.  Groupon has a local website for many different locations.  I looked at Groupons in Paris (I also needed google translate because my French is a little rusty).  On the United Kingdom Groupon site, there were great tours at a discounted rate.  This was also very useful to see if a tour or attraction was popular (you can see how many tickets have been sold).  My only word of advice is if you want to do it, buy it, but Groupons usually have a limit.

3.  Book online and in advance.  Perhaps you are an avid planner, like myself, so you have everything planned for your vacation.  If so, go ahead and book an excursion in advance.  Often you will get a great rate when you book it online and in advance.  In London, I decided to go to the Warwick Castle.  I booked online the night before and saved money and time instead of purchasing tickets when I arrived.  In Orlando, when you schedule your Disney vacation in advance, they will send you your personalized MagicBand before you arrive.  How cool!

4.  Talk with the locals.  One of the reasons that I love Orlando is because almost everyone is from someplace else.  Before I left for London and Paris, I met a Realtor that was from the UK and he told me all about the area, things to do and how to save money and time on attractions.

And that is exactly why we started this blog.  To help you have the ultimate Orlando vacation.  What are you waiting for?  Your Orlando vacation awaits you.

Hang Out with The Walking Dead for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

If you like to be frightened, there are a few options to get your blood pressure going in Orlando.  One option is attending Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, open on select nights September 19 - November 1st.  This year,  Halloween Horror Nights takes after the famous AMC TV show, The Walking Dead.  Universal does an outstanding job making the zombies come back to life. While in the theme park, you will be frightened by zombies and other creatures.  Come prepared to scream. Here are a few tips to help you get the most of your Halloween Horror Night Experience:

1.  If you like haunted houses, and plan to go back more than once, it is to your advantage to purchase a pass.  Your options are:  Rush of Fear pass (10 nights), Frequent Fear (16 nights)

2.  Upgrade your ticket.  There are two options for upgrades:  Express Pass (which allows you to get through the line faster) or  the more expensive RIP Tour (this upgrade option allows you to bypass all the lines and receive a lights-on tour of the park.

3.  When you enter the park, go to the haunted houses to the right (near the terminator ride).  Most people go towards the left and the lines are long for the haunted houses.  Go in reverse order and save time, not scares.  There are eight different haunted houses, including Halloween, Alien vs. Predator and The Walking Dead.

4.  Enjoy some Universal Rides.  The following rides are open during Halloween Horror Nights:

• TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE-3D
• HOLLYWOOD RIP RIDE ROCKIT®
• REVENGE OF THE MUMMY®
• MEN IN BLACK™ ALIEN ATTACK™
• DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM
• THE SIMPSONS RIDE™

5. Go back often.  I have friends that attend Halloween Horror Nights annually.  They say that it gets better (or more scary) the closer you get to Halloween.

6.  Universal Orlando's Annual Pass holders get perks.  Premium Annual Pass holders receive a FREE  extra ticket to be used on the first three weekends.  Annual Pass holders also receive early access to three houses from 5:15-6:30pm on select nights.  RSVP is required.

7.  Book your tickets early.  Halloween Horror Nights anticipates hundreds of thousands of guests and tickets do sell out.

Let us know how you enjoyed your experience at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights.  Use the hashtags #theorlandotravelguide and #HHN24

Zombie

Things To Do at Orlando International Airport

Recently we had some relatives arrive early at the Orlando International Airport when returning from a cruise. If only we had know, we could have shared some cool things to do while at the Airport. There are a lot of interesting things to do while your waiting. Here are a few that you can try out next time your at Orlando International Airport (MCO):

1. Spa- Located at each terminal is a Spa area where individuals can receive massages and nail service. Nothing like a relaxing massage before or after a long day of travelling!
2. Art Tour- The Airport has a collection of 22 art works on display throughout Terminal B. If you pull up the art program for the Airport on the Orlando International Airport website it will show a diagram of all the art locations in the terminal and help you take a self guided tour.
3. Shopping- Of course the airport has shopping! The airport has everything from Brookstone to Johnston and Murphy, from Mango to Swarovski. There are a number of stores selling many different types of items, so be sure to check some of them out the next time you are in the airport.
4. Sky Club Lounge- If you are a Delta frequent flyer or American Express Platinum member then you may already have a Sky Club membership, if not you can purchase a day pass to the Sky Club when booking a flight with Delta at Delta.com or through the FlyDelta app. If you like you can walk in and purchase a pass on site. The Sky lounge is a nice place to spend time because of the amenities such as, snacks and drinks served all day, satellite television, personalized flight assistance, available magazines and newspapers, productivity tools like printers, data ports and fax machine access along with free Wi-Fi and most importantly spacious and comfortable seating areas nicer than the seats in the terminals.

Have you tried any of these? Let us know what your favorites are!

Make Your Meals Magical

Annually in September, Visit Orlando begins Magical Dining Month.  This year the preview week begins August 24th and delectable dining spans through September 30th.  During Magical Dining Month great chefs develop a prefix three course menu at a very low price for people to experience, see and give back to a local charity ( This year ELEVATE Orlando is the beneficiary.).

Bill and I always go out for a dinner date at least once during the month of September.  My girlfriends and I use Magical Dining Month as a time to enjoy a good meal and catch up.  Because you get a really good meal at a great price (only $33 for a complete three course meal, not including tax and gratuity) it is fun to try a new upscale restaurant or even an old favorite.  Some of our must dine restaurants are: Ravello, Seasons 52 (if you go to the one on Restaurant Row ask for the server Niki Wilson - She's fantastic!), Deep Blu Seafood Grille- Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bistro Cloclo, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Ruth's Chris Steak House...and so many others!

Upon arrival at a Magical Dining location, make sure when you arrive that you ask for the Magical Dining Menu.  Don't forget to tell them that you are there upon recommendation from The Orlando Travel Guide.  Reservations are recommended, but not required.

Let us know about your Magical Dining experiences.  Bon Appetit!

2015 Magical Dining Month Restaurants & Cuisine

CONVENTION AREA

• A Land Remembered - Rosen Shingle Creek, Steak & Seafood
• Cala Bella - Rosen Shingle Creek, Italian Cuisine
• Copper Canyon Grill, American Cuisine
• Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar Latin, S. American & Caribbean Cuisine
• Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, Steak & Seafood
• Everglades Restaurant - Rosen Centre Hotel, Steak & Seafood
• Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse- Hyatt Regency Orlando, Italian Cuisine
• Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, Steak & Seafood
• Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar, Continental Cuisine
• Jack's Place- Rosen Plaza Hotel, Steak & Seafood
• Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Japanese & Sushi Ming Court, Asian & Pacific Rim Cuisine
• Spencer's for Steaks and Chops - Hilton Orlando, Steak & Seafood
• The Capital Grille, Steak & Seafood
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Seafood
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Steak & Seafood
• Urban Tide - Hyatt Regency Orlando, Seafood
• Vincenzo Cucina Italiana, Italian Cuisine

DISNEY/LAKE BUENA VISTA

• American Q - B Resort & Spa, Barbecue
• Black Fire Brazilian Steakhouse, Steak & Seafood
• Caprino's Italian, Italian Cuisine
• Deep Blu Seafood Grille- Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Seafood
• Hemingway's- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Steak & Seafood
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria- Walt Disney World Swan, Italian Cuisine
• NINE18 - Villas of Grand Cypress, Steak & Seafood
• Ravello - Four Seasons Resort, Italian Cuisine
• Todd English's bluezoo - Walt Disney World Dolphin, Seafood

DOWNTOWN

• Artisan's Table American Cuisine Citrus Restaurant, American Cuisine
• Kasa Restaurant & Bar, Continental Cuisine
• Maxine's on Shine, American Cuisine
• Rusty Spoon, American Cuisine
• Smiling Bison Restaurant & Bar, American Cuisine
• Soco, Southern Cuisine
• The Boheme - Grand Bohemian Hotel, American Cuisine

RESTAURANT ROW

• Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, Seafood
• Bistro CloClo, French Cuisine
• Christini's Ristorante Italiano, Italian Cuisine
• Dragonfly - Robata Grill & Sushi, Japanese & Sushi
• Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Steak & Seafood
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Steak & Seafood
• Morton's The Steakhouse, Steak & Seafood
• Ocean Prime, Steak & Seafood
• Roy's Restaurant, Steak & Seafood
• Ruth's Chris Steak House – Orlando, Steak & Seafood
• Seasons 52 – Orlando, American Cuisine
• Seito Sushi, Japanese & Sushi
• Stefano's Grill, Steak & Seafood
• The Melting Pot, Fondue

UNIVERSAL/CITYWALK

• Bice Ristorante - Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Italian Cuisine
• Emeril's Orlando Cajun, Creole & Louisiana Cuisine
• Emeril's Tchoup Chop - Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Asian & Pacific Rim Cuisine
• Islands Dining Room - Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Asian & Pacific Rim Cuisine
• Mama Della's Ristorante - Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Italian Cuisine
• The Kitchen - Hard Rock Hotel, American Cuisine

WINTER PARK AND NORTH

• Chez Vincent, French Cuisine
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Steak & Seafood
• Hamilton's Kitchen- The Alfond Inn, American Cuisine
• Luigino's Restaurant, Italian Cuisine
• Luma on Park, American Cuisine
• Mitchell's Fish Market, Seafood
• Rangetsu, Asian & Pacific Rim Cuisine
• Ruth's Chris Steak House - Winter Park, Steak & Seafood
• Ruth's Chris Steak House- Lake Mary, Steak & Seafood
• Seasons 52 - Altamonte Springs, American Cuisine
• The Melting Pot- Longwood, Fondue

SURROUNDING AREAS

• Crimson Tavern - Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside, American Cuisine
• Eleven- Reunion Resort, Steak & Seafood
• Forte at Reunion Resort, Italian Cuisine
• Hemisphere Steak & Seafood, Steak & Seafood
• K Restaurant, American Cuisine
• Lakeside Bar + Grill - Bohemian Hotel Celebration, American Cuisine
• Le Coq Au Vin, French Cuisine
• Texas de Brazil Latin, S. American & Caribbean Cuisine
• The Capital Grille- Mall at Millenia, Steak & Seafood
• Txokos Basque Kitchen, Spanish Cuisine
• Yuki Hana Japanese Fusion, Japanese & Sushi

Toasted: A Great New Take on Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Toasted is a great place to have a sandwich! They specialize in using various types of cheeses on their sandwiches. They have a large selection of cheeses to choose from on various sandwiches like Muenster, Havarti, Gruyere, Jarlsberg, Smoked Gouda and Fontina. They also use great gourmet ingredients like Truffle Oil, Vietnamese Pickled Daikon and Mission Figs. Toasted also has some pretty appetizing specials, so if you visit always check the specials! If you are looking for an interesting meal with great tastes visit Toasted!

Take Full Advantage of the Upcoming Tax free-holiday!

If you are in Central Florida this weekend then don't forget that the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday starts Friday August 1st and runs through Sunday August 3. This is a great time to shop even if you don't have children that are going back to school! The Sales Tax exemption applies to most clothes and school supplies. The tax exemption applies to clothes, shoes, notebooks and other school related supplies. The key thing to remember is that even if the item is included as part of  tax exemption it must be under $100 in value. There are some other things to remember also such as any clothing items you purchase at theme parks or entertainment complexes do not qualify for the tax exemption. If you want more information or need clarification check with the Florida Department of Revenue at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/

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Uber is coming to Orlando!

This cool ride sharing system is coming to Orlando! Uber is already in 50 cities in 25 countries across the world. Using the service is simple. All you have to do is download the Uber app, link your credit card of PayPal account and verify your phone number. When you need a ride, simply use the app to say where you are and where you want to go and a ride will come shortly. Because Uber service is considered a ride sharing and not a taxi service they are regulated as such. This means savings for you! Uber says they are 20% cheaper than a taxi.

Urber Orlando begins service Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Try Uber on your next Orlando vacation.