Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World this fall. This annual event runs from August 31, 2017 though November 13, 2017 in the Epcot World Showcase at the Walt Disney World, Epcot Theme Park in Orlando, FL. Besides featuring food and wine from around the world, as well as a showcase of different beers, there’s also nightly entertainment from a variety of musical groups.

Meet you favorite Chefs

Celebrity Chef Cooking Demo

Calling all foodies and mealtime connoisseurs, this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival culinary lineup is one for the books. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival seminars and cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chefs from television, entertainment and restaurants around the world are scheduled daily during this annual event. Returning to the Epcot International Food and Wine festival this year at the Festival Center is the Chef’s Showcase. This special event includes a Celebrity Chef cooking demo, question-and-answer session and sparkling toast with some of your favorites personalities. This special event is $129 per Guest—plus tax, gratuity included and seating for the event must be reserved in advance.

Dates and Chefs in 2017

  • September 3 – Shaun O’Neale
  • September 10 – Alex Guarnaschelli
  • September 15 – Stuart O’Keeffe
  • September 17 – Jet Tila
  • September 24 – Art Smith
  • September 29 – Graham Elliot
  • October 6 – Jamie Deen
  • October 8 – Geoffrey Zakarian
  • October 15 – Bryan Voltaggio
  • October 20 – Robert Irvine
  • October 22 – Robert Irvine
  • October 27 – Cat Cora
  • October 29 – Cat Cora
  • November 3 – Carla Hall
  • November 10 – Sarah Fioroni
  • November 12 – Buddy Valastro

Please note: each event has one seating option. Epcot admission is not included with the event ticket. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 years of age and older. All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Take a Culinary Adventure around the World

Epcot Food and Wine 2017

Stop by the Festival Information Center for a park map, a Times Guide and, of course, your Festival Passport! The Festival Passport is your guide to over 35 Global Marketplaces—located throughout Epcot’s World Showcase during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This food lover’s paradise is packed with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits and other beverages from 35 different countries around the world. Each marketplace offers unique cuisine and a variety of divine options. And at every marketplace, you can receive a marketplace sticker in your Festival Passport. Let the adventures begin!

Eat to the Beat

Eat to the Beat 2017

Returning during the Epcot Internal Food & Wine Festival this year is the hugely popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series in the American Gardens Theater near the rear of the park. While it’s a bit of a walk to get to the theater, the performances are top notch and well worth the trip, and you can eat your fill along the way. Disney has kicked this concert series up a notch this year by introducing great new artists to the series lineup and inviting back fan favorites from previous years. Even though the shows are included in admission to the park, seating is limited and first come. We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the show’s start time so you can grab a great seat. Don’t sweat it if you don’t get a seat to the first show, The Eat to the Beat Concert series features three performances each night at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m.

Don’t want to stand in line for the show? Dining packages are available and will guarantee you reserved seating for the concerts. Choose from lunch or dinner at one of 13 different Epcot restaurants. Lunch reservations will have reserved seating at the 5:30 p.m. show and dinner reservations will have reserved seating for the 6:45 or 8:00 p.m. show.

Here’s a look at this year’s full concert lineup:

  • Aug. 31- Sept. 1 – Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
  • Sept. 2 – 3 – The Hooters NEW! “And We Danced”
  • Sept. 4 – 5 – Baha Men NEW! “Who Let the Dogs Out”
  • Sept. 6 – 7 – Fuel “Shimmer”
  • Sept. 8 – 10 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • Sept. 11 – 12 – Lauren Alaina NEW! “Road Less Traveled”
  • Sept. 13 – 15 – Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
  • Sept. 16 – 17 – Sister Hazel “All for You”
  • Sept. 18 – 20 – Air Supply “All Out of Love”
  • Sept. 21 – 22 – David Cook “Light On”
  • Sept. 23 – 24 – Everclear “Santa Monica”
  • Sept. 25 – 27 – Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
  • Sept. 28 – 29 – 38 Special “Hold on Loosely”
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 – Mark Wills NEW! “19 Somethin’”
  • Oct. 2 – 3 – American Authors NEW! “Best Day of My Life”
  • Oct. 4 – 5 – Christopher Cross “Sailing”
  • Oct. 6 – 8 – The Devon Allman Band NEW! “Ragged & Dirty”
  • Oct. 9 – 11 – Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
  • Oct. 12 – 13 – Taylor Dayne – “Tell It to My Heart”
  • Oct. 14 – 15 – Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
  • Oct. 16 – 17 – Postmodern Jukebox NEW!
  • Oct. 18 – 20 – 10,000 Maniacs NEW! “Because the Night”
  • Oct. 21 – 22 – Toad the Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
  • Oct. 23 – 24 – Kenny G NEW! “Songbird”
  • Oct. 25 – 26 – Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
  • Oct. 27 – 29 – Tiffany “I Think We’re Along Now”
  • Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 – Hanson “MMMBop”
  • Nov. 2 – 3 – Blue October NEW! “Into the Ocean”
  • Nov. 4 – 5 – Living Color “Cult of Personality”
  • Nov. 6 – 8 – Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
  • Nov. 9 – 11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
  • Nov. 12 – 13 – Squeeze NEW! “Black Coffee in Bed”

Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.

Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay is the newest theme park to open in Orlando and it’s sure to be a hit with the locals, as well as the tourists! Here a few tips to help guide you through a day at adventurous water park.

Tip #1: Buy your admission tickets and set-up your Universal account (with your credit card) if you are going to use the tap-to-pay functionality of the TapuTapu bracelet – BEFORE you get to the park!

Tapu Tapu

Tip #2: Arrive before the parks open! Parking will eat into your time at the park, so its best to get to the gates as early as possible. Guests not staying on-sire must pay to use the regular Universal Orlando Resort parking garage. From here guests will take free shuttles to Volcano Bay. On-site hotel guests can use their room key to take free buses and use a dedicated entrance.

Tip #3: All on-site hotel guests can enter Volcano Bay on hour before it is open to the general public.

Tip #4: Purchase a multi-day Universal park-to-park ticket that includes Volcano Bay. It’s best to spread your time at the parks over a couple of days, if possible.

Tip #5: From now until late fall, you can expect large crowds at this new water park. Hit the thrill rides first, starting with Krakatau Aqua Coaster, then head to Ko’kiri Body Plunge and Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. Note: Due to the large crowds, do not be surprised if you can’t ride everything in one day.

WaturiBeach

Tip #6: Another reason to arrive early is so you can pick your ideal spot to set-up camp. Families with younger children should consider calling the Puka Uli area home base, while families with older children may want to consider Waturi Beach.

Tip #7: Be prepared to climb some steps. Three of the most popular rides are at the top of the 200-foor Krakatau Volcano. Also, if you have a fear of heights or claustrophobia, you may want to skip these adventure rides.

Tip #8: Know what you are getting into before you wait in line. Some rides, like the Phno and Ohyah drop slides are better suited for strong swimmers and other rides or areas have height or weight restrictions, or life vest requirements (for children).

Tip #9: There are two different lazy river attractions to enjoy, but their entrances can be difficult to find, so use the directional signs/maps. Kopiko Wai Winding River is the calmer of the two rivers and it is located at the base of the volcano. The TeAwa the Fearless River requires a tube and is much faster, choppier and deeper.

TaniwhaTubes

Tip #10: Use the free, interactive and waterproof bracelet, TapuTapu, they hand out when you enter the park to reserve your place in line for the rides. The bracelet also unlocks interactive features throughout the park, like water canons, and can be connected to credit card to pay for things like lockers, food and drinks.

Like us on Facebook and stay up to date with all the latest and greatest happenings at Best Vacations Ever including special events, announcements, offers, photos, and more.

Maybe you have had enough of the 100-degree heat or the 2-hour lines.  Maybe your trying to avoid the rain.  Orlando has more than theme parks to offer.  There’s so much to do that won’t break your bank and provide you with a full day of excitement.

World Class Shopping

OrlandoOutletMall

Orlando has some of the best shopping anywhere.  You don’t have to break the bank.  Orlando boasts 2 main factory outlet malls.  Everything from Polo, Coach, Michael Kors and Nike.  The malls are huge and can take an entire day to walk.  Great deals can be found at all stores.  An insider’s tip is stop by the guest services desk, they usually have some great discount books.  Sometimes there’s a small fee and sometimes free.  You can walk and shop all day.  When you get hungry there are food courts and restaurants nearby.  Conveniently there is one outlet mall on each end (north and south) of International drive.

The Orlando Eye

OrlandoEye

Relatively new to the International Drive Area is I-Drive 360.  Take a moment to escape and see the magic and wonder Orlando offers. The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye offers a new and unique way to experience the beauty of Orlando, also known as the ‘City Beautiful’, and see it in a way you’ve never seen it before. Be effortlessly lifted to 400 feet and experience breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding Central Florida.

Located at I-Drive 360, the heart of International Drive, the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is the tallest observation wheel on the east coast of the USA. The gradual rotation in one of the 30 high-tech capsules gives you an ever-changing perspective. Each capsule contains Apple iPad Air tablets which allow you to explore and learn more about the landmarks and surroundings in several languages and effectively see beyond what the eye can see.

A flight on the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye will lift you high enough to see the sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, nearby theme parks, beautiful lakes and lush landscapes, with views all the way to Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast.

In addition to the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, guests can also experience the Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous celebrity wax attraction, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, the immersive underwater experience, rounding out three of the top global brands in Merlin Entertainments’ portfolio of exciting attractions.

I-Drive 360 also boast many restaurants and night clubs.  They also offer free covered parking and is very close to all I-drive Trolley stops.

Wonder Works

WonderWorks

An indoor amusement park for the mind combining education and entertainment with more than 100 hands – on exhibits for all ages.

Wonder Works began as a Top-Secret research laboratory, led by Professor Wonder, on a remote island in the Bermuda Triangle. During an experiment gone awry, a manmade tornado unleashed through the laboratory and created a swirling vortex that carried the building thousands of miles away, landing it upside-down on top of a brick warehouse on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Remarkably, all the experiments remained intact and functional.

As you enter the upside-down attraction, the ceiling will be under your feet and the ground will be above your head, making it impossible to explore what’s inside. To begin your adventure, pass through the inversion tunnel and defy gravity as you are properly aligned!

Once inside, you will be able to explore six Wonder Zones: Natural Disasters, Physical Challenges, Light and Sound, Imagination Lab, Space Discovery and the Far-Out Art Gallery.

Journey through each zone, testing your knowledge, physical capacities and creativity! Become a human lightning rod by touching 10,000 volts of electricity or experience hurricane force winds! Gather up your strength to lift your weight using a pulley system or build up courage to lie down on a bed of 3,500 rising nails. Navigate through space on a mission to Mars and design and ride your own roller coaster!

Make your way up to the basement where you’ll find more thrilling adventures, including an XD Theater 4D motion simulated thrill ride, 3-story indoor ropes challenge course and laser tag.

While visiting, upgrade to a combo package and stay for the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Expect to be impressed with the combination of magic, impersonations and high-energy, improvisational comedy. Unlimited pizza, salad, popcorn, beer, wine, soda and dessert will be served.

Main Event Orlando

MainEventOrlando

Main Event Entertainment, the fastest growing entertainment destination is an ideal place for groups to get together and let their fun out.  Main Event combines dining, virtual and interactive game play, high ropes adventure courses, billiards, 61 big screen TVs and state-of-the-art bowling in nearly 50,000 square feet.

Their Eat.Bowl.Play experience features a chef-inspired menu featuring innovative American fare and handcrafted cocktails in a high-energy bar and grill atmosphere and signature-style artisan pizza at LaBella’s, the center’s fast casual café.  Main Event also offers full-service catering with private rooms, free Wi-Fi and the latest audiovisual technology for private events such as holiday parties, company meetings, birthday parties, and social gatherings.

In addition to its unique Eat.Bowl.Play experience, Main Event offers full-service catering with private rooms, free Wi-Fi and the latest audiovisual technology for company meetings, team-building exercises, holiday parties, social gatherings and large group events.  Additionally, Main Event consistently is ranked the “best place for parties,” offering a variety of party packages to entertain guests of all ages.
Main Event centers serve more than 500,000 guests annually and bring nearly 150 full- and part-time positions to their local communities.

Americas Escape Game

AmericasEscapeGame

America’s Escape Game offers a new and exciting amusement! Real-life room escape games are a type of physical adventure game in which people are locked in a room with other participants and must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit.
At America’s Escape Game people are teamed up in groups of 2-10 and locked in a room. They have 60 minutes to work together, solve the riddles, solve the puzzles and escape. We currently have 4 experiences to choose from, each with their very different challenges.

This is great fun for a date, a family night or a team building experience as working together is required to succeed!

They currently have the five (5) rooms below to choose from.
“Pandemic: Project Hephaestus” Your Team needs to find the cure before the Red Death takes its toll!
“Lost Tomb of Monthu” Find the mysterious red ruby and escape while there is still time!
“Crisis at 1600” Secure the White House and stop a missile attack while you still can!
“The Caretaker” Save the hermit caretaker from the wolves while there is still time!
“Face Off” Face Off is a high energy race against time AND your opponents!

This is an experience like no other. Be warned, only 10% of their guests escape! You and your friends will work together, cheer each other on and compete to escape the rooms fastest.

IFly Orlando

iFlyOrlando

Discover the dream of flight at iFly Oralndo. Experience the true free fall conditions of skydiving without jumping from an airplane. iFly’s vertical wind tunnel technology creates a wall-to-wall cushion of air on which you can safely float. There’s no parachute, no jumping and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It’s just you and the air. Super fun, super safe, and super cool!

Children as young as three, to adults as old (or young at heart) as 103 can fly. It’s safe for kids, challenging for adults and realistic for skydivers. They provide all the gear and a personal instructor will guide you through your flight

 

From mild to wild there’s so much to see and do in Orlando.  We’ve named just a few things here and there is so much more coming to the International Drive Area and the theme parks.

 

Like us on Facebook and stay up to date with all the latest and greatest happenings at Best Vacations Ever including special events, announcements, offers, photos, and more.

Disney Springs, previously known as Downtown Disney, is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. It was recently expanded to include many new stores, such as Pandora, Anthropologie, and the Coca-Cola Store. It also has a wide variety of delicious dining experiences. Walt Disney Imagineering took inspiration for the look and feel of Disney Springs from real coastal towns found throughout the state of Florida, such as St. Augustine and Coral Gables.

See La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs before it’s gone!

Earlier this year Cirque du Soleil announced that La Nouba will be ending it’s 19-year run in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida on December 31st, 2017. La Nouba’s classic performance transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and stimulates the imagination from beginning to end with amazing acrobatics and whimsical characters. Disney Springs is the only location where you will be able to see this unbelievably amazing show, and not for much longer. Tickets to the show are still available, and seeing the show before it’s gone is worth the trip.

All New Dining Options

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is host to 52 unique and different dining options to choose from. Whether you want exotic food or something a little more domestic, Disney Springs has got it all. The new Town Center district of Disney Springs has recently opened with a plethora of dining options that are sure to delight. Grab a burger at D-Luxe Burger or a barbeque sandwich at The Polite Pig and try one of the delicious cupcake options at Sprinkles for dessert. The Marketplace district of Disney Springs includes the Rainforest Café and its sister restaurant T-Rex, which are a delight to families visiting Disney Springs with animatronic animals and dinosaurs that move and speak during your meal. T-Rex also features Build-a-Dino, a franchise of Build-a-Bear where kids can build and dress their very own dinosaurs. The West Side District includes Crossroads at House of Blues, where there’s always good music to go with good food, Splitsville Luxury lanes, where you can bowl and eat in luxury, Bongos Cuban Café and the newly redesigned Planet Hollywood location. The Landing District, previously known as Pleasure Island, has opened several new, unique locations. It boasts nautical-themed restaurants and shops, including Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and the Boathouse, which also serves as the port for amphibious, vintage automobiles that offer cruises of lake Buena Vista. Even if you don’t take a cruise you can still watch these amazing cars take a swim while you eat.

Family-friendly Nightly Entertainment

Free Nighty Music

Not ready to head back to your room after a day in the parks? Take a stroll around Disney Springs. Free and family-friendly entertainment is available nightly throughout the Springs until 11pm. Check out the Waterside Stage located in the Marketplace district of Disney Spring most nights of the year— the Waterside Stage is host to all-types of performers from full band concerts to a nightly DJ Kids Dance Party. Pop-up live music is also available throughout the Landing, Westside and Town Center Districts – just take a stroll around and listen to the sweet sounds of fun.

Like us on Facebook and stay up to date with all the latest and greatest happenings at Best Vacations Ever including special events, announcements, offers, photos, and more.

Daytona Beach is known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach”, making it undoubtedly a must-visit destination for your Best Vacation Ever. There’s a lot more than the beach, however, that makes this city so popular for spring breakers, couples and families alike. Best Vacations Ever has compiled a list of our 10 favorite things to do in Daytona Beach, and we think you’ll enjoy them as well!

  • Go for a spin on the sand– One thing about Daytona Beach that makes it so famous is that you can take a cruise down the coast in your vehicle on the beach. For $10 per day, Best Vacations Ever seekers can get driving access to almost 16 miles of the beach. There are 16 access points to get onto and off the beach by vehicle, and a one day pass allows you one exit and reentry for the day.

 

  • Fuel your inner speed-demon – If driving a NASCAR around a world-famous racetrack sounds like one of your Best Vacations Ever, you’ll want to take part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona International Speedway. There are three different driving packages to choose from, ranging in price from $549 for the Rookie Experience of eight laps around the 2.5-mile track, all the way up to $2199 for the Experience of a Lifetime for 24 laps. A more budget-friendly option is the Ride Along for $135 which will get you three laps around the track as a passenger.

 

 

  • Head to the park – Not just any park, but Daytona Lagoon – a fun park and water park combined! If you want to enjoy a bit of nostalgia on your Best Vacation Ever, hit up the 70+ game arcade. Those seeking some action can play a round of laser tag, take a few laps in a go kart, or try your skill at the rock climbing wall. After the indoor fun head to the water park where you can zip down 12 water slides or cool off in one of the pools. Admission is $29.99, or you can save 50% by going after 4pm (except Wednesday).

 

  • Go treasure hunting – Daytona Flea & Farmers Market is the mecca of awesome finds, and you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without buying something that you never knew you needed after spending any amount of time here. From rummaging through diamond-in-the-rough antiques, to visiting endless booths with brand new items and fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at what you will find. Best of all, it’s free – you’ll pay nothing for parking nor admission.

 

 

  • Catch a concert – The Daytona Bandshell hosts a ton of free concerts all year long. What could be better than taking in one of the popular cover bands while the Atlantic crashes against the shore behind you? Some of the acts heading to the Bandshell this summer are bands covering Kid Rock, U2, Garth Brooks, The Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett to name a few.

 

  • Splish splash in the sun – Free activities always make for one of your Best Vacations Ever, and another great free Daytona Beach attraction is Sun Splash Park. Sun Splash Park is a four-acre area with an interactive water fountain, ornate walkways, and a playground shaded from the sun. The park has picnic areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, and designated parking areas for the convenience of its visitors. When you’ve had your fill of the park, walk a few yards and relax on the beach or take a dip in the Atlantic.

 

  • Place some wagers – The Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club is the area’s premier facility to watch both live and televised Greyhound races, as well as to try your hand at various poker games. Whether you are a poker pro or a first-timer, the facilities 55-table poker room is not to be missed – it has been featured in countless nationally broadcast celebrity and professional poker games. After you’ve played a few hands, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Clubhouse where you’ll have a front row seat to the greyhound races.

 

  • Walk the planks – A Best Vacations Ever in Daytona Beach wouldn’t be complete without a walk onto the famous Daytona Beach Pier. The pier is a Daytona Beach landmark that protrudes from Main Street 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The best part about the pier – free fishing and no license is required! After you put your fresh catches on ice, head over to Joe’s Crab Shack (right on the pier!) to cool off with a cocktail and grub out on some food.

 

 

  • Hang Ten – Continuing education is always important, so why not continue it by learning something fun?! Vast Ocean’s Surf & SUP School is the leading surf and stand-up paddle boarding school in Daytona. Each lesson is 1.5 hours in length, with an additional hour after the lesson for free practice. Board, leash and wetsuit are all included in the lesson price of $65-$90. Surf’s up!

 

  • Retail Therapy – After a long, relaxing Best Vacation Ever in Daytona Beach, unwind a bit more by checking out the brand new Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, where there’s always a sale and everything’s in style. Featuring stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Coach and Harley-Davidson, you’ll find something to take home for everyone on your shopping list.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Get to planning one of your Best Vacations Ever in Daytona Beach, where there’s always something for everyone to do. Start by checking out Daytona Beach lodging accommodations at BestVacationsEver.com. We’ll see you at the beach!

On May 25th, 2017 history was made at Universal Orlando Resort with the opening of Volcano Bay – a 50+ acre water park centered around a massive volcano, the Krakatau. The opening ceremony was a sight to behold in person, or while watching the live broadcast on NBC’S TODAY show and Universal’s Facebook livestream. The ceremony was performed by the park’s fictional Waturi Tribe, played by members ofPounamu Performing Arts of Auckland, New Zealand, and consisted of drumming, singing, tribal dancing, and the passing of the Lotus Stone. At the completion of the ceremony, it was officially time for the water rides to open and one of the Best Vacations Ever to begin for attendees!

In addition to the 18 attractions within Universal’s Volcano Bay, there are several seating and line upgrades available to ensure that this will be one of your Best Vacations Ever. Best Vacations Ever guests looking to get in a little relaxation and get out of the sun while the family enjoys the water rides may want to consider Universal’s Volcano Bay Premium Seating. The Premium Seating includes a pair of cushioned beach loungers, a canopy and a lock box for safekeeping of your valuable items. All Premium Seating includes attendant service to see to guest’s food and drink needs.

The ultimate upgrade to your Best Vacations Ever Universal’s Volcano Bayvacation is the rental of one of the 51 cabanas. Cabanas are one or two-stories and feature cushioned lounge chairs, towels, a snack and fruit basket, a mini fridge stocked full of bottled water, concierge service with an exclusive menu, and a Guest Experience Transformation (GET) tablet. The GET tablet allows Universal’s Volcano Bay guests to book their place in line without ever leaving the cabana, as well as order food from any of the dining options within the park. Cabana rental for up to six guests starts at $159.99 per day and goes up to $549.99. Family cabanas (accommodates up to 16 guests) go for $299.99-$599.99 per day. Of the 51 cabanas, only two are family cabanas – so guests will need to reserve them well in advance.

No one wants to visit a theme park and wait hours in line for a turn at the rides, and Universal’s Volcano Bay is no exception. With the Universal’s Volcano Bay Universal Express Unlimited Pass, Best Vacations Ever adventurers can pay $39.99 and skip past the virtual line without checking in an unlimited amount of times. Another option is the Volcano Bay Universal Express Pass – use it the same way as the Unlimited pass, but only one time at each participating attraction for $19.99.

If you aren’t yet familiar with what Volcano Bay has to offer, check out this Best Vacations Ever blog that includes details about the water park! For those of you who already know what Volcano Bay is about, what are you waiting for? Did we mention that currently admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay is only $67? Book your Orlando vacation today with Best Vacations Ever, and get to making a SPLASH at Universal’s Volcano Bay!

Craft beer has seen an insane spike in popularity over the past decade, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Over 150 breweries are proud to call Florida home, and Orlando has no shortage of delicious craft beers and quirky breweries to take in. If you want to turn your upcoming Orlando vacation into one of your Best Vacations Ever, consider making it a beer-cation and sample some delicious brews at the following Orlando craft breweries.

Cask & Larder Brewery –One of your Best Vacations Ever can kick off the moment you step off the plane at Cash & Larder Brewery at the Orlando International Airport. Named one of The Best New Restaurants of 2014 by Esquire Magazine, here you can enjoy fresh shucked oysters and southern-inspired dishes that change seasonally. Make sure to try the 5 Points IPA, the breweries most popular concoction.

Orlando Brewing Company – This highly renowned brewery celebrated its 11th year of certified organic beer brewing this Spring. At Orlando Brewing Company, they take brewing seriously and strictly follow the German Purity Law of 1516, or, the Reinheitsgebot. In a nutshell, this means their beer is brewed with just four ingredients – water, hops, yeast, malted barley – except for four recipes that are seasonally produced each year. Free tours are offered at 6pm, Monday-Saturday, except beer:30 (30th of each month) and beer holidays like Oktoberfest. If trying new things is a priority when you are on one of your Best Vacations Ever, you won’t want to miss out on the Graeme Cracker S’more, an Oatmeal Stout that has 6.8% ABV.

Ocean Sun Brewing – This brewery is still young, having celebrated its first anniversary this past March. Don’t let its age fool you – Ocean Sun holds the top spot for Orlando breweries on Yelp.com. Order food from any of the close by restaurants or bring your own! You can also plan to bring your pooch as dogs are allowed INSIDE at your table! Take a free tour of the brewery and then head over to the 12 taps for a fresh pint to indulge in while you enjoy a game of Cornhole with your crew. Ocean Sun’s Bumby Blonde Ale is the breweries most popular beverage, and AKA Blue Bags IPA is a close second.

Sea Dog Brewery – Sea Dog’s flagship brewery is in Bangor,Maine; however, they operate several satellite breweries throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida. Unfortunately, Sea Dog’s Orlando location doesn’t provide any tours, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming and tasting their award-winning ales. The most popular choice at Sea Dog is the Blueberry Wheat Ale – made with fresh Maine blueberries – that took first place at the 2007 California Brewer’s Festival. Stay and enjoy dinner as the brewery has a full menu offering appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, and a raw bar. If anyone in your group would prefer a glass of wine, Sea Dog offers a decent variety of both reds and whites.

Duff’s Brewery – If experiencing what it’s like to drink like Homer Simpson sounds like one of your Best Vacation’s Ever, then head to Universal Studios to experience the Simpson patriarch’s favorite elixir. Duff’s Brewery is located within Springfield: Home of the Simpsons in Universal Studios, and it’s a must visit for any Simpsons fan. Duff’s offers three choices for you: Duff Beer (lager), Duff Lite (pilsner), and Duff Dry (stout). You won’t find Duff’s anywhere other than Universal, as it’s exclusively brewed by the Florida Brewing Company for this location only.

Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour and Brewery – For over 12 years Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour has been a world-renowned tap house for patrons to enjoy great craft beers from all over. In 2014, they decided to try their hand at brewing their own sour and wild beers, and “Brewery” was added to their name. Step inside and enjoy almost 25 fresh craft beers on tap, craft sodas, and hundreds of bottled beers. Try their Black Morning, a Belgian Sour Stout – it took home Bronze at the Best Florida Beer Competition!

Big River Grille & Brewing Works – If you’re planning on hitting up Disney for one of your Best Vacations Ever, you will want to stop at Big River Grille & Brewing Works. Located on the Disney BoardWalk within the Walt Disney World Resort, this is a place where the whole family can enjoy themselves. The extensive menu has something for children and adults alike, and for those 21 and older there is a full bar. The real centerpiece, however, is the award-winning craft brews at the only working brewpub within the resort. Big River was started in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where its flagship is still in operation. Be sure to try the Iron Horse Stout – a three-time World Beer Cup winner.

Crooked Can Brewing Company – Right outside of Orlando in Winter Park is Crooked Can Brewing Company. This self-proclaimed free-spirited, laid-back brewery has been craft brewing for two years and has had quite a positive impact on the local craft brew movement. The brewmaster at Crooked Can was formerly the head brewer at Big River Grilled & Brewing Works, where he won the awards mentioned above. Be sure to take the brewery tour where you’ll learn about the history, their brewing process, and sample each of their beers, including their most popular American IPA, High Stepper.

Sanford Brewing Company –This is the newest microbrewery on our list, having just opened in October of 2016. Sanford Brewing Company brews eight of its own beers, but it also serves up other brewery’s beer and cider, and its in-house produced craft soda. This is another brewery where you can enjoy a bite to eat with your dog, as pups are welcome in the beer garden. If sipping on a cold American IPA in a stylishly wood-paneled brewery would make your trip to Orlando one of your Best Vacations Ever, get to Sanford Brewing Company and enjoy a pour of their popular Flipa IPA, made with local honey.

Hourglass Brewing – Hourglass Brewing started as a 12-seat capacity brewery five years ago, and today you can enjoy their libations in their taproom that can host up to 240 people. The taproom has a plethora of board games as well as video games available for patrons to entertain themselves while they refuel with one of Hourglass’s popular brews. If you can’t make it to Longwood, later this year at the Orlando Crossings Mall a post-apocalyptic-themed bar is opening that will exclusively serve Hourglass Brewery beers.

These 10 breweries are just a handful of the Central Florida craft brewery scene. Best Vacations Ever seekers could easily make a week-long vacation of traveling from brewery to brewery in Orlando, and if you love craft brew, it’s a great idea, if you have a sober driver to get you around on your beer-hopping adventures. No matter what time of year you visit Orlando, it’s always the perfect time for a great Central Florida craft beer – cheers!

It may come as a surprise, but Orlando is a major hotspot for professional soccer. In fact, it was named the Best City for Soccer in 2016 by a study conducted by WalletHub. If soccer is your sport of choice, do yourself a favor and book one of your Best Vacations Ever in Orlando this year for the Major-League Soccer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season!

So, what is it about Orlando that makes it the crème de la crème of soccer?Forstarters, the WalletHub study found that Orlando has the highest stadium capacity for MLS and NWLS. Top that with the lowest minimally priced season tickets and you’ve got yourself a great sport to watch in the best stadium. One more number one for Orlando –the city has the most captivated fans. This trio of ace’s makes Orlando the Best Vacation Ever destination for soccer fans!

Orlando’s MLS team is the Orlando City Soccer Club, better known as The Lions, who are fairly new to the league having played their first game in 2015. Orlando City Stadium is the brand-new home of The Lions as of February of 2017. This grass-field stadium has a capacity of 25,500 and cost $155 million privately funded dollars to construct. The Orlando City Stadium also houses 31 executive suites for premium game views.

Season tickets to see The Lions sell out fast – there is already a waiting list for season tickets for the 2018 season. To get your name on this waiting list you’ll need to become an annual member of LionNation, Orlando City Soccer Club’s member program. Expect to shell out roughly $370-$1720 for season tickets, if you can get your hands on them. If you’re a real die-hard soccer fan and have an expendable income, season tickets can still be purchased for the Audi Sport Club for $5440. This gets fans premium seating, dining and drinks.

If you aren’t one of the lucky ones who snatched up season tickets last year for the 2017 season, you can still buy single game tickets here. Single game tickets are going for $32-$203 directly from the stadium, and even higher from verified resellers. Seats in the Audi Sport Club can also be purchased for single games for $320. Single game tickets are perfect for Best Vacations Ever seekers who are in Orlando for a limited time.

Ladies, Best Vacations Ever hasn’t forgotten about you – The Orlando Pride is Orlando’s NWSL team. The Pride share the Orlando City Stadium with The Lions – where they are record holders for NWSL’s largest attendance held. Tying in with the team’s name, Orlando City Stadium has 49 rainbow-colored seats in the stadium dedicated to the victims of the tragic 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting. Season tickets for The Pride are available for their 12 home games and range in price from $160-$795. Single game tickets can also be purchased between $16-$79.50 here.

It’s obvious that Orlando is the place to be for MLS and NWSL fans. No matter when you choose to come take in a Lions or Pride game, Best Vacations Ever has several lodging options to choose from. Check out all our Orlando hotel and resort accommodations at BestVacationsEver.com, and get started planning your Best Vacation Ever to Orlando for the 2017 MLS and NWSL season!

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, but what is a Florida vacationer to do when standing in long lines and paying big theme park prices does not sound like what would make their trip to Orlando their Best Vacation Ever? Orlando has a lot of options for the whole family to enjoy that won’t break your budget. Check out Best Vacations Ever’s top 10 picks for the best things to do while vacationing in Orlando other than theme parks below!

 

  • Madame Tussauds Orlando – Madame Tussauds is known around the world as the premier wax museum, and Orlando is home to the quirky tourist attraction’s 22nd location. Be sure to bring your selfie stick and snap shots of yourself with wax replicas of Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Gosling, Oprah, Jimmy Fallon and even E.T. Tickets are discounted online and will run you $20 for the wax museum, and $34 if you combine your visit with atrip around the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.

 

  • Wonderworks – If you’re looking to get out of the heat and in on some indoor fun, Wonderworks has something for everyone. For those in your group wanting some adventure, go for the glow in the dark ropes course. Your group will harness up and climb on obstacles at heights of up to 36 feet. If keeping your feet on the ground is more your style, upgrade your ticket and play a round of laser tag. Wonderworks has over 100 interactive exhibits for all ages, and features their nightly “Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show” that encourages crowd participation. Tickets range from $29.99-$52.99 depending on which attractions you decide to try.

 

  • La Nouba Cirque Du Soliel – Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort – Disney Springs has an awesome array of street performers, dining, shopping and nightlife options, but the highlight of this bustling area is taking in a performance of La Nouba. The white tent-like building that houses this fascinating show was constructed specifically for this presentation that has been going strong for nearly 20 years. There isn’t a bad seat in the house to take in the various cyclists, break-dancers, trapeze artists, gymnasts, live vocalists and orchestra. Tickets start at $59 and the show will be the topic of your conversation as you stroll through Disney Springs afterwards.

 

  • Kennedy Space Center – Port Canaveral – Plan on reserving a full day to experience Kennedy Space Center, located just 45 minutes outside of Orlando. You will love seeing Space Shuttle Atlantis where you can participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience – an incredibly realistic simulation of launching into space! If you are flexible with your visitation date, plan your visit during a scheduled rocket launch and prepare to be awed! Adult admission starts at $50 for a single day.

 

  • Titanic: The Experience – Step back in time when you enter this museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the tragic ship that was thought to be unsinkable. Titanic: The Experience is home to over 400 artifacts, including a three-ton portion of the doomed freightliner – the second largest portion of the boat to ever be recovered. Regular admission is $21.95 and includes a period-character leading you throughout the museum. A highlight of the tour is an exact replication of the grand staircase of the ship. For $69 you’ll get the guided tour and the Gala Dinner & Cocktail Party (cash bar is additional).

 

  • Coca-Cola Orlando Eye – If you want to get a 360-degree view of Orlando, grab your friends and hop aboard one of the air-conditioned capsules of the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, the largest observation wheel on the east coast. At a cost of over $250 million and a height of 400 feet (that’s taller than some skyscrapers), this is Orlando’s newest pride and joy. A 20-minute single rotation starts at $20 per person, or you can get fancy and add a glass of champagne and priority boarding for $34 per person. High rollers can rent a private capsule for one rotation starting at $275.

 

  • Orlando Kart Center – Fulfill your need for speed speed at Orlando’s most popular go-kart racing track. Participation is open to any age, as long as the minimum height requirement of five-feet is met. Races are an average of 10 minutes in length and speeds of up to 45 miles per hour can be reached! One race will run you $26 per person, and Greater Orlando residents can compete in a best out of three competition for only $44 Monday through Thursday with identification.

 

  • Gatorland – At this self-proclaimed “Alligator Capital of the World and Orlando’s Best Half-Day Attraction”, visitors can participate in Rookie Wrestling, fly through the air above the prehistoric reptiles on a zip line, and even become a “Trainer For a Day”. Stroll through the 110-acre privately-owned park and observe thousands of alligators in their natural habitat, including rare white alligators, and take in one of the various live shows. Bonus: Plan ahead and reserve your spot for the Gator Night Shine – where you will be armed with hot dogs for feeding the beasts and a flash light to take in the spectacle of hundreds of glowing red hungry gator eyes in the dark! Adult tickets are $26.99, and add-on experiences range from $10-$125 each.

 

  • Airboat & Gator Charters – Deland – Just a 45 minute drive from Orlando is where you will find the best airboat tour in the Orlando area. Captain Josh will welcome you and up to five friends aboard his airboat and off you will go! Highlights of the airboat ride include encounters with baby and adult alligators, various species of birds, manatees and other wildlife. Captain Josh will provide his knowledge of the area and the wildlife throughout the entire ride, and you will leave with awesome stories to tell your friends and family. A 60-minute ride for up to six people is $225 total, and the 2-hour option is $375.

 

  • iFly Orlando – Always had the itch to skydive but never had the guts to throw yourself from a plane? Soar on over to iFly Orlando, an indoor skydiving experience for experienced skydivers and first-timers alike. For $59.95 newbies will receive a lesson and then hop into the indoor wind tunnel with an instructor for two 60-second turns at simulated freefalling. Experienced wind tunnel surfers can take four 60-second flights for $99.95.

 

The number of theme parks in Orlando alone makes it an impressive city, and now you know about a handful of the other attractions that add to the wonder of Orlando. Whether you make your Orlando vacation educational via Kennedy Space Center, or action-packed at iFly, vacationing in Orlando is a fun experience for all, and will definitely be one of your Best Vacations Ever!

Winter semester just started a few weeks ago, and all across the country thousands of college students are gearing up for one of the most important events of the semester – Spring Break! If you and your crew are undecided on where to live it up during this most important getaway, check out some of the most popular destinations below. Wherever you choose, you can be sure that Spring Break 2017 will go down in history as one of you Best Vacations Ever!

  • Las Vegas, Nevada – What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, which is what makes Sin City one of the top choices for Spring Break. Bare it all at the clothing optional Bare Pool at the Mirage, or enjoy a more tame getaway and relax at the Rumour Las Vegas Boutique Resort and receive exclusive discounts by booking your resort rental through Best Vacations Ever.
  • Freeport, Bahamas – The Island Seas Resort in Freeport was voted one of the top 10 Bahamas Spring Break resort rentals by TripAdvisor reviewers. Booking this resort rental with Best Vacations Ever assures that you will get the best discounts and accommodations. Explore Lucayan National Park’s endless underwater cave system by day, and get down on the town at night in Lucaya Beach, which offers extensive nightlife options.
  • Daytona Beach, Florida – Best Vacations Ever has two great options for oceanfront resort rentals. Load up your friends for a cruise up the Atlantic Coast on The World’s Most Famous Beach. Bring your A-Game toRazzle’s in the evening, where every night is a party.
  • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – If you are looking for some adventure this Spring Break, look no further than a resort rental in Puerto Vallarta. Zip line head-first through a tropical forest on Mexico’s longest and fastest zip line. What’s a trip to Mexico without indulging in a (few) margaritas? The Margarita Grill has got you covered with their “Vacation-Sized” version of the country’s classic.
  • South Padre Island, Texas – While it’s not a state you would expect to see on a top Spring Break 2017 destination list, Texas’s South Padre Island is host to a quarter of a million Spring Breakers! This year the Island hosts the 7th Annual Ultimate Music Experience, a three-day music festival featuring Zedd and Tiesto at Clayton’s Outdoors, which boasts itself as the largest Spring Break venue in the USA.
  • Cancun, Mexico – For more than 20 years college students have eagerly closed their textbooks and jetted to Cancun to get their Spring Break fix. Best Vacations Ever will hook you up with the best Cancun resort rental packages for your trip to this Spring Break mecca. Save your pesos for admission to Coco Bongo, the most famous night club in the city, where cover charges can be pretty steep, but the fun and memories you’ll bring back to campus are well worth it!

Whichever destination you choose to soak in the sun for Spring Break 2017, be sure to check out Best Vacations Ever for the best travel deals. Our experiences customer service professionals are looking forward to helping you plan your Best Spring Break 2017 Vacation Ever!