Fun Family Travel Vacation

A killer whale savagely shook at trainer at Sea World in Orlando. The trainer was introducing the show when the whale surfaced and locked its jaws around the female trainer’s waist. This horrible event was seen by an audience of children and adults. According to the Associated Press, the park’s guests were evacuated and Sea World was closed for the day. Sadly, emergency officials on the scene were not able to revive the trainer.

Even before the economy became so slow, families have always looked for deals and ways to cave when traveling on their family vacation. For those looking for some travel bargains Orlando has several that may be of interest to you.

Only available through VisitOrlando.com/deals, Southwest Vacations kicks off the Super Deal program with an exclusive Orlando CVB offer starting at $34 a day for a seven-day Orlando vacation. Offer details include:

• From now until March 1, when you purchase a flight + 7-night hotel package at select Orlando hotels, three of those nights are FREE!
  • – Hotel options include locations throughout Orlando including DoubleTree at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and more.
• Travelers who book this exclusive Orlando CVB package on VisitOrlando.com/deals will save an extra $150.
• In addition, a 7-day Disney’s Magic Your Way® Ticket can be added to the package for the price of a 4-day ticket.

The Southwest Vacations Super Deal is only available to book until March 1, but travel can take place anytime during 2010. A new limited-time Super Deal will be unveiled on March 2 and new Super Deals will continue to rotate through 2010. For more details and to book, go to VisitOrlando.com/deals.

In addition to the Super Deal, the Orlando CVB unveiled its 2010 Orlando Magicard which provides year-round savings at more than 75 area establishments including attractions, accommodations, restaurants, dinner theaters, ground transportation, golf courses, and cultural arts. The Orlando Magic Card is free and can be downloaded at VisitOrlando.com/deals, requested for mail delivery by calling 1-800-551-0181, or picked up at The Official Visitors Center in Orlando. The 2010 version of the card provides expanded offers including theme park deals and other significant savings options such as free nights plus additional free amenities at area accommodations; buy one ticket, get one free offers at attractions; or straight discounts up to 50% off. Examples include:

• Orange County Regional History Center: One free admission with each paid admission
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not: $2.00 off admission plus second day free
• Orlando Shakespeare Theatre: Purchase one ticket and receive a free second ticket of equal or lesser value
• Funky Monkey Wine Company, Pointe Orlando: Complimentary sushi roll with entree
• Capone’s Dinner & Show: 50% off all tickets plus free souvenir

Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort: Buy 3 nights, get 2 nights free, plus two adult 3-day tickets to any of the four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

Usually Florida theme parks have special rates for Florida residents only. SeaWorld Orlando is having special rates for residents of both Florida and Georgia. Georgia and Alabama both that border Florida on the north. Although Georgia is included in the resident special, Alabama was not included. I’m not sure why Alabama residents were not included in the SeaWorld Orlando special. Updated prices and more detailed information are available online at seaworld.com

Guests that visit a Disney theme Park on their birthday will receive free admission to the park. This promotion begins in 2009.

To receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on your birthday in 2009, guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests who already hold a valid multi-day ticket they will use on their birthday may choose from other birthday treats instead, however, no cash refunds or credits will be given. To register your birthday and find out more details, visit www.disneyparks.com.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has a lot of flower power for those that love flowers. This festival has been around since 1993 and has had a lot of staying power. In 2007 the show moves to a 60 days and features many different plant, and special events.

In May there are two events running concurrently with the Flower Fest; a Mother’s day celebration along with a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Those who love gardening would delight in attending this festival and seeing all the beautiful plants and flowers. You will not only get to view the beauty, but also learn to grow and care for beautiful plants of your own. Celebrity guest speakers, and gardening experts will be there to give advice and tips. Guests will be able to attend hands-on seminars, and planting demonstrations.

Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden is back with hundreds of butterflies in a walk-through screened enclosure that will include a live exhibit showing how caterpillars form a chrysalis and emerge as butterflies. The family-oriented Growing Future Gardeners area, complete with colorful (and tasty) planting ideas for kids and parents, doubles in size this year following an overwhelming response during its 2006 debut.

This year’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs from April 5-June 3 2007

Disney World Vacation Deals