Archive for December, 2009
December 30th, 2009 | 
Author: Costly accommodations, exorbitant theme park ticket prices, overpriced meals and loads of unnecessary souvenirs have the potential to turn a dream family vacation at Disney World into a true nightmare for your wallet! Fortunately, by following the tried-and-true tips below, you can save up to $1,000 on your next Disney World getaway:
Plan Ahead
Don’t just wing it! Research the destination thoroughly before you arrive and sketch out your Disney World itinerary. Don’t make it too rigid (you’ll want to leave some room for spontaneity). Check out comprehensive online vacation guides to Orlando and Disney World such as Orlando-Florida.net, which provides detailed information on Walt Disney World Resort such as theme park attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, resorts and specialty shops, as well as great deals on discount theme park tickets, hotels and vacation packages.
Travel During the Off-Season
Avoid the crowds! Walt Disney World theme parks are most crowded during Spring Break, from mid-June to mid-August, Easter weekend, Thanksgiving week, the week before Christmas through New Year’s Day and on three-day holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Value season typically runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of September, the week after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and after New Year’s Day until just before Presidents’ week in February. For an added bonus, schedule your vacation around one of Disney’s immensely popular annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Holidays Around the World, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Star Wars Weekends.
Seek Out Budget Accommodations
Believe it or not, you can still stay on Disney property without spending a fortune by booking a reservation at one of Disney’s budget all-star resorts – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – all of which provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney World theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney. However, you will enjoy even more savings if you opt to stay off Disney property at one of the numerous budget motels and hotels that lie near the main entrance to Disney World along Highway 192 in Kissimmee or along world-famous International Drive. Before you book your reservation, check to see if the motel or hotel offers a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning for guests. If you have a large family or are planning a family reunion, look into renting a vacation home – many of which offer private backyard pools, enclosed garages and washer/dryers.
Take Advantage of Complimentary Transportation
All Disney World resorts provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney theme parks and many area hotels, motels and resorts also offer free scheduled shutttle service to Disney World, as well as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney resort, enjoy free shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport aboard Disney’s Magical Express (reservations are required).
Purchase Multi-Day Tickets
Believe it or not, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World is currently $71 plus tax! Fortunately, there are more Disney World multi-day ticket options than ever before. Look into Disney “Park Hopper” tickets, which allow you to come and go as you please throughout any of the four Disney World theme parks: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Choose the appropriate Disney ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo it – you should definitely schedule time for rest and relaxation during your Disney vacation. Most importantly, do not purchase your Disney World tickets at the gate – seek out the best online deals before you arrive to the theme park.
Eat Out Wisely
If you plan to eat at one of the Disney World theme parks, make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are significantly lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase). Also, don’t forget to bring along some water bottles and small snacks for the kids. In addition, you don’t have to spend a fortune at one of the Disney Character Breakfasts for autographs and photo opportunities – just take your kids to one of the free character meet and greet areas throughout all of the Disney World theme parks such as Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have a large family, check out one of the many budget, all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney property on Highway 192 and along International Drive. Also, pick up a copy of free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain discount coupons for Orlando restaurants. Finally, many motels and hotels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats per paying adult).
Set a Budget for Souvenirs
Establish a budget for Disney souvenirs and, most importantly, stick to your budget! Check out some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets for Disney merchandise at substantially lower prices. In addition, purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at the theme parks, since prices at Disney are more expensive for those items.
Take a Break from the Theme Parks
Plan some time to take occasional breaks from the Disney theme parks and you can unwind and save money in the process. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, both of which offer theme restaurants and specialty shops. If you really want to get away far from the madding crowd, consider a hike through the scenic, 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is just $3 for adults and $2 for ages 6-17.
Enjoy Membership Discounts
If you are an AAA or AARP member, make sure to take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation at hotels, restaurants and Orlando area attractions. Also, if you are a Florida resident, check with Disney World about any available discounts.
Book Your Disney Vacation Online
The best way to enjoy significant savings on your next Disney World vacation is to seek out the best online deals for discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations on or off Disney property and individually tailored Disney vacation packages. Several leading online vacation providers such as HotelsCorp.com serve as comprehensive “one-stop” resources for incredible deals on Disney tickets, hotels and vacation packages.
“A variety of online vacation providers are available but HotelsCorp.com prides itself on offering the best online prices for Disney World vacations,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com.
Orlando, Florida Guide, the most comprehensive online guide to Orlando and Disney World, also features discount Disney World tickets, incredible deals on Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.
Posted in Travel Channel Media | 
Tags: Discount Theme Park Tickets, Easter Weekend, Theme Park Attractions | 
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Warner Springs Ranch had its beginning back when ranch founder John Warner was given 48,000 square acres just for becoming a Mexican citizen.
Of course, Warner had a little pull: he had married Anita Gale, who was raised as a ward of the soon-to-be governor of California. For a 37-year-old Connecticut native, Warner had done well for himself.
Warner’s little piece of Mexico – dubbed Valle de San Jose – was renamed Warner’s Ranch and, by the late 1840’s, this idyllic stretch of property became the only inhabited stopping place for wagon trains and Butterfield stagecoaches between New Mexico and Los Angeles. The ranch was located in eastern San Diego County and was once visited by famous stagecoach travelers including President Teddy Roosevelt. Grant, and many other notables.
One of the main attractions in those days was the hot mineral springs that were included in Warner’s little gift from the Mexican government. One can only imagine how good this early-day hot tub felt for those tired stagecoach travelers after a hard day of fighting Indians or just riding in a rickety wagon on washboard roads. The California Spa experience had been born.
Somewhere along the way, Warner’s oasis became known as Warner Springs Ranch and its proximity to Los Angeles – just a hundred miles or so – made it popular with Hollywood stars such as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Gary Cooper, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, John Wayne and Bing Crosby. Clearly, Warner Springs Ranch had passed the test of time, and that has since led to several generations of California families who have grown up enjoying their vacations in Warner Springs.
Whether coming from San Diego or points north, the drive to Warner Springs Ranch takes you through and around 6000-foot mountain ranges, across high-desert plateaus and along winding rivers and streams – which, thanks to this winter’s rains, actually have water in them. It’s a pleasant drive far away from the bustle of the city and light-years apart from the Southern California beach experience that is, as the crow flies, about 40 miles away.
At the end of your journey is the ranch, nestled in the foothills of Palomar Mountain. For a resort offering 240 cottages, we noticed on a recent visit that it doesn’t seem nearly that expansive from the road. Warner Springs Ranch really is like a small town by the side of the road that doesn’t offer much of a hint about what’s inside this gated community. Once inside, however, we could see that there was much to explore and do without even leaving the ranch.
First stop was our adobe cottage. Obviously built many decades ago, this house included a spacious living room area with cathedral ceilings and a couch that folded out into a double bed. The thick adobe walls – about two feet wide measuring the window insets – keep these units cool year around, but a stone fireplace was at the ready. Adjacent to the living room area was a bedroom and bath area. Nothing in our unit was particularly fancy and many might consider the accommodations and furnishings rather rustic. But that’s part of the charm of visiting a historic ranch.
Right in the center of it all is the hot springs area, which has a kind of historical flavor. The water is piped down to a 100-by-48-foot pool where the temperature is kept at a steady 104 degrees. Within minutes of our arrival we were joining another few dozen guests relaxing and luxuriating in the soothing waters. This pool just seemed more civilized that many of the wilderness hot springs we have come across. Private changing rooms were at pool’s edge and there was none of the nudity you often find in mineral springs that are more remote.
Next to the mineral pool is a standard pool of about the same size, and heated to between 75 and 85 degrees year-round. But there is much more to do at Warner Springs Ranch than soak or swim – for the active vacationer, there are many more attractions including a 6,892-yard, par 72 golf course, several tennis courts – a pro is on duty to give lessons – and another major part of the ranch, horseback riding.
While we didn’t get a chance to saddle up during our brief visit, there are regular rides along an extensive system of trails, each offering different views of the valley and neighboring mountains. One of those trails is the Pacific Crest Trail, where we did set out on foot for an afternoon, envisioning what it must be like to hike this trail from the Canadian border all the way to Mexico. As Arnold would say, our little hike was more the girlie-man version of the PCT, but none the less scenic and seemingly just as remote. The advantage, of course, was we would sleep in our cozy cottage and dine in style at the resort’s Anza Dining Room.
The Anza seems to be the social center of the resort. As mentioned previously, generations of Californians have been coming to Warner Springs Ranch and many of the cottages are privately owned, encouraging frequent trips back to the ranch. Sit down for dinner in the Anza and you get the feeling that most people in the room are friends or vacation acquaintances. On a given Saturday night it’s not a quiet, romantic dinner spot – the room is more like a dining hall – but the food is expertly prepared, and the buffet option loads you up with several gourmet entries for under $18.
Near the Anza is the Cantina, a colorful bar located in the actual adobe where John Warner lived when he took possession of the ranch. The only nightlife in the area, the Cantina comes alive with bands and entertainers on any given Saturday night.
If you are able to stay any length of time, there are many attractions in the area that are either adjacent to the ranch or within easy driving distance. If you always wanted to go up in a glider, the Warner Springs airport is just a couple of miles from the ranch. The thermals over the ranch area provide a significant lift for the gliders operating out of the Warner Springs airport and, on weekends, it’s not uncommon to see flight-after-flight of sailplanes taking tourists up for a quick look at the valley from an engine-less aircraft. The gliders can seat two guests side-by-side.
Julian is a historic gold mining town that is less than an hour’s drive from Warner Springs. A frequent getaway for San Diego area residents, Julian offers an Old West main street with colorful shops, restaurants and old-time bars. In summer, western gunfights are sometimes staged on Main Street.
In fact, Warner Springs and Julian are great bookends for California’s history – a visit to this part of San Diego County will make you wish you’d gotten your own little 48,000-acre piece of this gorgeous California countryside.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Warner Springs is located about a 90-minute drive northeast from San Diego, or about two and a half hours southeast from Los Angeles.
WHAT: Warner Springs Ranch is a historic resort that, over the years, has provided many vacation memories for many Californians. Today it has evolved into a complete resort with lodging, three restaurants, a spa, golf, horseback riding, tennis, and many more activities.
WHEN: Year-round. While the area can get a little warm in summer, the climate is generally temperate because of its 3,000-foot elevation. It gets its share of San Diego County sunshine.
WHY: It’s a family resort – nothing too fancy, although you’re apt to find lots of luxury cars parked by the adobe cottages. Numerous activities on the ranch and nearby will keep you busy for even long vacation periods.
HOW: For more information on Warner Springs Ranch, phone 760-782-4200 or visit www.warnersprings.com. Accommodations start at $160 for a weekend night for two people including breakfast. Sailplane adventures start at $120 for a 20 minute ride for two people.
Of course, Warner had a little pull: he had married Anita Gale, who was raised as a ward of the soon-to-be governor of California. For a 37-year-old Connecticut native, Warner had done well for himself.
Warner’s little piece of Mexico – dubbed Valle de San Jose – was renamed Warner’s Ranch and, by the late 1840’s, this idyllic stretch of property became the only inhabited stopping place for wagon trains and Butterfield stagecoaches between New Mexico and Los Angeles. The ranch was located in eastern San Diego County and was once visited by famous stagecoach travelers including President Teddy Roosevelt. Grant, and many other notables.
One of the main attractions in those days was the hot mineral springs that were included in Warner’s little gift from the Mexican government. One can only imagine how good this early-day hot tub felt for those tired stagecoach travelers after a hard day of fighting Indians or just riding in a rickety wagon on washboard roads. The California Spa experience had been born.
Somewhere along the way, Warner’s oasis became known as Warner Springs Ranch and its proximity to Los Angeles – just a hundred miles or so – made it popular with Hollywood stars such as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Gary Cooper, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, John Wayne and Bing Crosby. Clearly, Warner Springs Ranch had passed the test of time, and that has since led to several generations of California families who have grown up enjoying their vacations in Warner Springs.
Whether coming from San Diego or points north, the drive to Warner Springs Ranch takes you through and around 6000-foot mountain ranges, across high-desert plateaus and along winding rivers and streams – which, thanks to this winter’s rains, actually have water in them. It’s a pleasant drive far away from the bustle of the city and light-years apart from the Southern California beach experience that is, as the crow flies, about 40 miles away.
At the end of your journey is the ranch, nestled in the foothills of Palomar Mountain. For a resort offering 240 cottages, we noticed on a recent visit that it doesn’t seem nearly that expansive from the road. Warner Springs Ranch really is like a small town by the side of the road that doesn’t offer much of a hint about what’s inside this gated community. Once inside, however, we could see that there was much to explore and do without even leaving the ranch.
First stop was our adobe cottage. Obviously built many decades ago, this house included a spacious living room area with cathedral ceilings and a couch that folded out into a double bed. The thick adobe walls – about two feet wide measuring the window insets – keep these units cool year around, but a stone fireplace was at the ready. Adjacent to the living room area was a bedroom and bath area. Nothing in our unit was particularly fancy and many might consider the accommodations and furnishings rather rustic. But that’s part of the charm of visiting a historic ranch.
Right in the center of it all is the hot springs area, which has a kind of historical flavor. The water is piped down to a 100-by-48-foot pool where the temperature is kept at a steady 104 degrees. Within minutes of our arrival we were joining another few dozen guests relaxing and luxuriating in the soothing waters. This pool just seemed more civilized that many of the wilderness hot springs we have come across. Private changing rooms were at pool’s edge and there was none of the nudity you often find in mineral springs that are more remote.
Next to the mineral pool is a standard pool of about the same size, and heated to between 75 and 85 degrees year-round. But there is much more to do at Warner Springs Ranch than soak or swim – for the active vacationer, there are many more attractions including a 6,892-yard, par 72 golf course, several tennis courts – a pro is on duty to give lessons – and another major part of the ranch, horseback riding.
While we didn’t get a chance to saddle up during our brief visit, there are regular rides along an extensive system of trails, each offering different views of the valley and neighboring mountains. One of those trails is the Pacific Crest Trail, where we did set out on foot for an afternoon, envisioning what it must be like to hike this trail from the Canadian border all the way to Mexico. As Arnold would say, our little hike was more the girlie-man version of the PCT, but none the less scenic and seemingly just as remote. The advantage, of course, was we would sleep in our cozy cottage and dine in style at the resort’s Anza Dining Room.
The Anza seems to be the social center of the resort. As mentioned previously, generations of Californians have been coming to Warner Springs Ranch and many of the cottages are privately owned, encouraging frequent trips back to the ranch. Sit down for dinner in the Anza and you get the feeling that most people in the room are friends or vacation acquaintances. On a given Saturday night it’s not a quiet, romantic dinner spot – the room is more like a dining hall – but the food is expertly prepared, and the buffet option loads you up with several gourmet entries for under $18.
Near the Anza is the Cantina, a colorful bar located in the actual adobe where John Warner lived when he took possession of the ranch. The only nightlife in the area, the Cantina comes alive with bands and entertainers on any given Saturday night.
If you are able to stay any length of time, there are many attractions in the area that are either adjacent to the ranch or within easy driving distance. If you always wanted to go up in a glider, the Warner Springs airport is just a couple of miles from the ranch. The thermals over the ranch area provide a significant lift for the gliders operating out of the Warner Springs airport and, on weekends, it’s not uncommon to see flight-after-flight of sailplanes taking tourists up for a quick look at the valley from an engine-less aircraft. The gliders can seat two guests side-by-side.
Julian is a historic gold mining town that is less than an hour’s drive from Warner Springs. A frequent getaway for San Diego area residents, Julian offers an Old West main street with colorful shops, restaurants and old-time bars. In summer, western gunfights are sometimes staged on Main Street.
In fact, Warner Springs and Julian are great bookends for California’s history – a visit to this part of San Diego County will make you wish you’d gotten your own little 48,000-acre piece of this gorgeous California countryside.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Warner Springs is located about a 90-minute drive northeast from San Diego, or about two and a half hours southeast from Los Angeles.
WHAT: Warner Springs Ranch is a historic resort that, over the years, has provided many vacation memories for many Californians. Today it has evolved into a complete resort with lodging, three restaurants, a spa, golf, horseback riding, tennis, and many more activities.
WHEN: Year-round. While the area can get a little warm in summer, the climate is generally temperate because of its 3,000-foot elevation. It gets its share of San Diego County sunshine.
WHY: It’s a family resort – nothing too fancy, although you’re apt to find lots of luxury cars parked by the adobe cottages. Numerous activities on the ranch and nearby will keep you busy for even long vacation periods.
HOW: For more information on Warner Springs Ranch, phone 760-782-4200 or visit www.warnersprings.com. Accommodations start at $160 for a weekend night for two people including breakfast. Sailplane adventures start at $120 for a 20 minute ride for two people.
The increasing popularity of those home improvement reality television shows have inspired more and more people to embark on their own home renovation projects. These shows first made their debut a few years ago and they sure are fun and interesting to watch. They are now among the great resources for us to gather information and ideas from for the changes we would want to do in our homes. What makes us even more inspired is how happy and satisfied the homeowners look after the job is done. Plus, the teams working on the projects make it look so simple, easy and fun!
As we all know, home renovation projects are no simple feat. The task can be really challenging and exhausting, especially if you do not know where to start. The good news is, there is no way you are required to do the project (or projects) on your own. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of making changes in your home, it is best that you get some help from well-experienced and reliable people. There are plenty of companies that offer different kinds of services for home renovation projects. They even help you with the planning, designing and even materials purchasing.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to take your home renovation project one baby step at a time. Start remodeling one room of your house. An investment in a remodeling project in just one room can reap great rewards. First of all, you get to be more comfortable in that room. Second, renovation projects catch the eyes of the real estate community. Statistics show that a single room in your house that had work done can dramatically increase the value of your property should you choose to sell it later on.
Take the bathroom, for instance. The bathroom is usually a part of the house that is unappreciated and overlooked. For most homeowners, the bathroom is just seen as a utilitarian space. The bathroom, however, should be seen as a space in your house where you can pamper, spoil and even take care of yourself. When it comes to bathroom remodeling projects, there is a world of possibilities to make it as welcoming and comfortable as it should be.
When remodeling a bathroom, you must first come up with a bathroom design that you will fall in love with. The essentials such as the toilet, bathroom sinks and faucets, bath tub and/or shower, medicine cabinets and tiles have not change. However, there are dozens of designs for each of these essentials that are available for you to choose from. You should also know that the possibilities do not end there. There are now plenty of bathroom accessories that you can get to further beautify your bathroom. You can add a soap dispenser, a bidet, a bathroom fan, benches or seats, towel warmers, shower seats. The list is just endless! Picture what you want to do and what you want to have in your bathroom. If that task seems to be too much for you, seek the help of a contractor and designer to help you come up with your bathroom design.
The advantages of hiring a contractor is that they also give you advice on the building regulations in your city. In New York, for instance, there are certain building codes that you must adhere to. In addition, these contractors usually offer the service of acquiring building permits from your municipal office. That alone is a great load off your chest as it saves you the time, money and effort of going there yourself. For a home renovation project to be successful, you must keep an open communication with the people you are working with. Some contractors even offer you the services of a personal project manager to supervise the remodeling process. The project manager also serves as a communications channel between you and everyone involved – the designer, suppliers and the workers. Be sure to be clear and to discuss all your ideas and even concerns to your project manager. From the bathroom design, for instance, to the very minute detail of your demands.
So, go on and take the plunge. Do not be scared to be creative. Think like an artist and let your bathroom be your canvass. Get that bathroom design down and get ready to have the bathroom you have always wanted with this home renovation project.
As we all know, home renovation projects are no simple feat. The task can be really challenging and exhausting, especially if you do not know where to start. The good news is, there is no way you are required to do the project (or projects) on your own. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of making changes in your home, it is best that you get some help from well-experienced and reliable people. There are plenty of companies that offer different kinds of services for home renovation projects. They even help you with the planning, designing and even materials purchasing.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to take your home renovation project one baby step at a time. Start remodeling one room of your house. An investment in a remodeling project in just one room can reap great rewards. First of all, you get to be more comfortable in that room. Second, renovation projects catch the eyes of the real estate community. Statistics show that a single room in your house that had work done can dramatically increase the value of your property should you choose to sell it later on.
Take the bathroom, for instance. The bathroom is usually a part of the house that is unappreciated and overlooked. For most homeowners, the bathroom is just seen as a utilitarian space. The bathroom, however, should be seen as a space in your house where you can pamper, spoil and even take care of yourself. When it comes to bathroom remodeling projects, there is a world of possibilities to make it as welcoming and comfortable as it should be.
When remodeling a bathroom, you must first come up with a bathroom design that you will fall in love with. The essentials such as the toilet, bathroom sinks and faucets, bath tub and/or shower, medicine cabinets and tiles have not change. However, there are dozens of designs for each of these essentials that are available for you to choose from. You should also know that the possibilities do not end there. There are now plenty of bathroom accessories that you can get to further beautify your bathroom. You can add a soap dispenser, a bidet, a bathroom fan, benches or seats, towel warmers, shower seats. The list is just endless! Picture what you want to do and what you want to have in your bathroom. If that task seems to be too much for you, seek the help of a contractor and designer to help you come up with your bathroom design.
The advantages of hiring a contractor is that they also give you advice on the building regulations in your city. In New York, for instance, there are certain building codes that you must adhere to. In addition, these contractors usually offer the service of acquiring building permits from your municipal office. That alone is a great load off your chest as it saves you the time, money and effort of going there yourself. For a home renovation project to be successful, you must keep an open communication with the people you are working with. Some contractors even offer you the services of a personal project manager to supervise the remodeling process. The project manager also serves as a communications channel between you and everyone involved – the designer, suppliers and the workers. Be sure to be clear and to discuss all your ideas and even concerns to your project manager. From the bathroom design, for instance, to the very minute detail of your demands.
So, go on and take the plunge. Do not be scared to be creative. Think like an artist and let your bathroom be your canvass. Get that bathroom design down and get ready to have the bathroom you have always wanted with this home renovation project.
Posted in Travel Channel Media |
Tags: Home Improvement, Home Renovation Project, Real Estate Community |
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