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Vacation Home Rentals Reviewed by FlipKey

May 2nd, 2008 by susan j

Palm Beach
Palm Beach photo uploaded by jrubinic

This summer, why not rent a vacation home instead of paying for a hotel? FlipKey helps you browse vacation rental listing and verifies the information for you so that you can travel with confidence. This free website works with renters and rental managers to find the best fit for everyone. Popular FlipKey destinations include Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida; North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Barnstable, Mass.

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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Orlando Tourism Goes Green

April 14th, 2008 by susan j

Colorful bird at Silver Springs Nature Park, Orlando, Florida
Silver Springs Nature Park photo uploaded by hellis813

Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and these days it seems like everyone in the travel industry is buzzing about ways to make vacations more eco-friendly. The City of Orlando is also concerned about environmental conservation, so late last year they launched an initiative called Green Works Orlando. The plan calls for increasing the number of trees and green spaces in Orlando, investing in green buildings, and conserving natural resources.

This Earth Day, why not visit some of the Orlando attractions that let you experience nature first-hand. From animal petting zoos to rides along the Florida everglades, here are some of our picks.

  1. Silver Springs Nature Park features glass bottom boats, giving passengers unrivaled views of marine life in the Silver River. Other highlights include the Big Gator Lagoon, Panther Prowl, and other animal exhibits.
  2. Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. The park opened in 1949 and continues to provide inexpensive family fun with educational wildlife programs, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, and more.
  3. Green Meadows Petting Farm offers a two-hour guided farm tour aimed at teaching children and adults about farm life. Kids have the chance to milk a cow and touch pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and more.
  4. Boggy Creak Airport Rides takes visitors deep into the Everglades to discover parts of Florida that remain untouched by man. The half hour airport ride is led by a certified U.S. Coast Guard captain and features views of turtles, bird, and other animals in their natural environment.
  5. Florida Eco-Safaris at Forever Florida covers 3,200 acres of pristine Floridian wildernes, along with the 1,500-acres Crescent J Ranch. Visitors experience life as a Florida pioneer with horseback safaris, nature trails, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more.

Anything we’ve missed? Leave a comment and let us know!

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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Fly through Airport Security with Clear

April 1st, 2008 by keith f

Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Aiport photo uploaded by hyku

I live and work in Orlando and fly 5-6 times per year for both business and pleasure. The airport does a commendable job at herding all those theme park families through on a daily basis but it seems to never be a consistent wait time for the same time of day. One morning for a 7:30 flight to Boston I got from the curb to my gate in 14 minutes. Last week, for the same flight it took me almost 45.

As the number of passengers continues to increase at the Orlando International Airport there is help-a service called Clear which is like a fast pass for airport security. Clear members are prescreened and provided a high tech card which allows them “fast lane” (essentially you skip the line) access at designated airports nationwide. This allows you to pass through security with a much more predictable wait time and takes much of the stress away as well. Clear’s year 1 price is $128.

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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Free Maps for Orlando

March 19th, 2008 by jamie a

Sunny Day in OrlandoSunny Day in Orlando Photo uploaded by GISuser

Maps can cost a lot of money, but are beyond useful when trying to navigate a new city. After you’ve picked up your Go Orlando Card, check out these great maps for bargain travelers!

Budget Travel just alerted us to the concept of Schmaps, which are free travel guides to places all over the world with local, zoom-able maps, and marked attractions.These guides are great for planning out itineraries based on your personal interests as well, providing all sorts of suggestions based on your preferences.

We’d love to hear what you think should be included for those traveling to Orlando! What are your favorite attractions? Let us know in a comment!

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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208 Things to Do in Orlando

March 6th, 2008 by jamie a

King LouieMeeting King Louie Photo uploaded by Paul Mannix

In addition to your Go Orlando Card that’s packed with fun attractions for the whole family, you may want some more fun ideas for your vacation to Orlando.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Orlando has put together a list of 208 Things To Do in 2008 for everyone that visits the city! Even if you’ve been to Orlando several times or even live there, there’s plenty on the list that even locals wouldn’t think of.

You can meet King Louie, sample over 150 wines, test new toys, learn about the art of glassblowing, and even touch a stingray. The list has something for everyone, no matter what your interests are.

If you’ve got a favorite activity in Orlando, let us know in a comment. We’d love to hear your suggestions!

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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Stay Connected on Your Trip to Orlando

March 4th, 2008 by susan j

Orlando skylineOrlando skyline Photo uploaded by hyku

To those who can’t bear to travel without constant access to their laptop and BlackBerry, Orlando may be the perfect place to visit. Forbes’ list of America’s Most Wired Cities lists Orlando as #2 (after Atlanta, Georgia). The city ranked high for the number of companies providing high-speed internet access and its high rate of broadband adoption. If that doesn’t give you enough reason to visit Orlando, then maybe the warm weather and fun activities will do the trick.

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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50 Reasons to Say Yes to Orlando

February 25th, 2008 by jamie a

Universal StudiosUniversal Studios Rollercoaster Photo uploaded by quemas

As if the warm weather and amazing theme parks weren’t enticing enough, The Orlando Visitors Bureau put together a list of 50 Reasons to ‘Say Yes’ to Orlando.

Included on the list are thrills such as rollercoaster rides, swimming with Beluga whales, fireworks every night, and rooting for the Orlando Magic NBA team.

If you’ve got reasons to add to the list, let us know in a comment!

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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Aquatica Theme Park

February 19th, 2008 by jamie a

Lounging in the PoolLounging in the Pool Photo uploaded by Tom@HK

The first full-sized theme park to open in Orlando since 2000 is coming this March!

Aquatica, by Sea World, is a 59-acre “South Pacific” themed park with pools, animal shows, slides, and an 80,000 square foot beach. In addition, it will also boast of many new restaurants and shopping destinations.

The grand opening is scheduled in early April, but the month of March is full of special pre-opening events to entice visitors to check out the new park.

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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United Airlines Adds Fees for 2nd Bag

February 6th, 2008 by susan j

Suitcases in the airport
Airport photo uploaded by sun_dazed

The big news in travel this week is that United Airlines announced its new policies on checked luggage, which impact economy passengers who book domestic flights after February 4, 2008 for travel after May 5, 2008. You’ll still get to check one bag (up to 50 pounds) for free, but they’ll charge $25 each way for a second bag and $100 for overweight suitcases.

Bloggers at the Washington Post, The Airline Blog, and Less than a Shoestring have already weighed in with their opinions. What do you think about United’s new luggage policy?

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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Transportation from Orlando Int’l Airport

January 21st, 2008 by keith f

Orlando International AirportOrlando International Airport Photo uploaded by Viewoftheworld

For those needing transportation from OIA to your final destination, here’s a chart of approximate rates (at the bottom of the page.)

A word of advice: There are multiple brands of hotels with multiple locations, so be sure to have the exact address of your hotel so you don’t get taken for a “ride.”

Here are some handy and reputable taxi cab numbers:
Ace Metro/Luxury Cab: 407-855-1111
Diamond Cab Company: 407-523-3333
Star Taxi: 407-857-9999
Town and Country Transport: 407-828-3035
Yellow/City Cab: 407-422-2222

Taxis may carry up to 9 passengers, and charge the same rate regardless of the number of passengers.

Buses are located on the A-side of the Main Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1), at Commercial Lane spaces A38-A41.

Travel time to downtown is approximately 40 minutes, and to International Drive approximately 60 minutes, at a cost of $1.75 for either destination. Additional connecting service to shopping and residential areas also available.

Planning a trip to Orlando? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Orlando Card.

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