Destinations

Going on vacation to Disney World does not have to be terribly expensive if the proper research and planning is done. Considered among one of the finest theme parks in the world, Universal Studios Florida has plenty to offer everyone. There is a whole new world of things to do at Disney that are totally free. So before you make a reservation or commit to a resort or hotel, spend some time comparing vacation packages and weigh the pros and cons. After all, you want to make the most out of your vacation in the least expensive way.

The average vacation to Disney World is five to seven days. This is actually as much time it takes to see everything. Whether you are on your honeymoon or taking the kids to a whole new world, make the most out of Disney World and make it a trip to remember. But you don’t have to go broke while creating these memories. Take for instance all the free things you can do in and around Disney World that won’t even require park admission.

Downtown Disney has wonderful interactive exhibits such as the Lego Imagination Center, laden with some eye-catching Lego sculptures and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area filled with thousands of Lego blocks to play with. You don’t have to be a child to have fun with Lego’s, be creative and splurge.

Pleasure Island is totally free during the evening hours. You can roam and revel in the shops and restaurants while you enjoy the entertainment and fireworks display. Admission is only required if you choose to go into one of the many night clubs on Pleasure Island, that is unless you have a pass, then entrance is free.

The Disney Boardwalk offers a nice variety of freebies as well. If you are lodging in a Disney resort or hotel, you can use Disney’s transportation to get to the boardwalk. If you choose to drive to the Boardwalk, you can get a free 3-hour parking permit from the lot attendant.

The Interactive Fountains are amazing and fun and will make a great back ground for your vacation pictures. Jump in, splash around and make it a Kodak moment for your keepsakes. Check out the free magic shows at the Magic Masters. You can learn a few magic tricks to take home with you.

Have fun strolling down the Boardwalk and enjoy the street performers. From jugglers to jazz musicians, take in the atmosphere and enjoy. For dancing and live bands with no cover charge, stop by the Atlantic Dance Hall.

Just being a Guest at a Disney resort offers an array of free activities. You can choose from multiple children’s activities to swimming to free Disney transportation. Stop by the resort shops to see what clearance items are available as souvenirs.

Resort Guests or multi-pass holders are eligible to ride the Monorail free of charge. The Monorail is a favorite of Disney Guests, offering a spectacular tour of many of the parks inside Disney. Also as a resort Guest you can take advantage of the nature trails and walkways.

Enjoy cruises from Port Orleans along the Sassagoula River to Downtown Disney and back. While you’re in Port Orleans be sure to visit the Butterfly Garden located behind Acadian House.

You can enjoy a romantic cruise of Crescent Lake and visit Epcot, the Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, and MGM along the way. While you’re enjoying the open water you can take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness, the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. At night you can watch for the magnificent Electric Water Pageant as it floats around the lake stopping at each of the resorts.

While Ft. Wilderness is open to all Walt Disney World resort guests, it would be a nice way to end a night by stopping in for roasting marshmallows on a campfire and a movie shown on a large outdoor screen. This is held every evening, near the Meadow Trading Post. The evening starts with a sing-a-long song and marshmallow roast. You can purchase food there or bring your own. Disney characters will be there to meet the guests, to sign autographs, and pose for pictures. There is seating available or you can bring along a blanket to lay on and relax while enjoying the entertainment under the stars.

Take advantage of everything Disney World has to offer and enjoy!

Researched, Supplied and Written by Lee Asher of the CyberTechSoftShop.com Unique Software of Distinction for Business, Website or Family.

The New Year’s celebration is Hong Kong’s biggest event of the year. The three-day extravaganza includes a colorful parade on the first day, a brilliant display of fireworks over Victoria Harbour on the second day and horse races on the third. To best take advantage of all Hong Kong has to offer during this celebration, travelers should stay near the action. Fortunately, Hong Kong has long been a popular destination for both business and pleasure travelers and fantastic hotels are abundant in the area.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is a five star hotel located close to the New Year’s parade route. Rooms feature spectacular views of Victoria Peak, the city or, for a higher price, the harbor. The décor is elegant and traditional. However, the Ritz-Carlton’s greatest strength is its amazing level of service. The numerous helpful staff members work hard to make guests feel pampered and appreciated. Tasty complimentary cookies are always available in the reception area, a favorite perk for guests.

Another five star hotel situated near the parade route is the Island Shangri-La Hotel, located at the Pacific Place development in the Central District of Hong Kong. The location is one of the best in Hong Kong with plenty to see and do nearby. Shoppers will appreciate the large shopping mall also housed in Pacific Place. The hotel boasts many leisure facilities, including a health club and swimming pool, and there are a variety of bars and restaurants featuring different types of cuisine. The rooms are lavishly appointed and command views of the peak or the harbor, perfect for watching the fireworks display.

Also located at Pacific Place is the classy Conrad Hong Kong, another five star hotel. Rooms are decorated with an elegant, modern flair, but touches like the teddy bear by the bed and rubber duckie in the bath are fun and homey. Each year the Conrad’s distinctive lobby is beautifully decorated for the New Year’s celebration. The hotel also boasts several excellent eateries as well leisure facilities. The Conrad Hong Kong is conveniently located near the subway system, which provides easy access to all of Hong Kong.

While the luxury hotels in Hong Kong are extraordinary, there are also many wonderful, less expensive hotels in the area. Across the harbor in Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui area are many hotels, several with beautiful views of Hong Kong Island as well as the harbor. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and nightlife in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Island can be easily accessed by subway or by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the harbor.

Two moderately priced hotels to try in this area are the Hyatt Regency and the Holiday Inn. The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong is in a great location in Tsim Sha Tsui, close to shopping and a subway station. Many travelers find good sale prices for the Hyatt’s rooms. The Holiday Inn Golden Mile is a typical Holiday Inn, with a fitness center and a nice pool. This hotel is also near the subway and it’s an easy walk to the ferry.

Planning a trip to Hong Kong can feel a bit overwhelming — there is so much to see and do, and it’s virtually impossible to include every activity. From the worlds largest night parade and top Hong Kong attractions to great dining and exciting nightlife, you’re sure to enjoy the Pearl of the Orient! Choosing the right Hong Kong hotel will make your journey more enjoyable for all the must-see and must-do experiences, during Hong Kong’s biggest event of the year.

About the Author: John Riggin is Executive Editor for http://www.SeeYouInAsia.com, the largest and most comprehensive US to Asia travel website. Where you’ll discover the best deals on flights, tours, hotels, cruises and more to welcome in the Chinese New Year.