Can’t get enough of the great outdoors…. Hiking, biking and exploring till your heart’s content while getting fit as a fiddle with the health and wellness benefits of vacationing? If you’re an ambitious biker, hiker or just intrigued walker ready to explore many different destinations, typography and geographical regions with numerous activities and attraction, we’ve got the top list of destinations for you. The list to follow will get your feet dancing for a Best Vacation Ever (BVE) low-cost, custom vacation provided by 30-plus year travel leader Preferred Guest Resorts (PGR) that can take you to some of the most spectacular hikeable and bikable places in the world.
Epcot is just one of the most dazzling attractions around the holidays on your Best Vacations Ever trip to Orlando, Florida.
Planning for your family’s Best Vacations Ever trip to Orlando, Florida, during a peak holiday travel period? First of all, zap those holiday pre-travel fears because research shows that planning your trip can boost happiness, releasing endorphins. Plus, Best Vacations Ever helps unburden the stress some travelers feel when packing and planning, and not knowing what to expect during such festive times of the year. With its subtropical climate, it doesn’t take magic to know that booking well advance during the peak season is most important, especially during the holidays and most fickle weather season. Best Vacations Ever travel provider Preferred Guest Resorts is here to release you from many stresses and help you prepare, plan and pack for amazing holiday adventures in Florida. If you haven’t already booked yourBest Vacations Ever family holiday vacation, call one of our travel representatives now at 800-656-2780 and save hundreds of dollars of your family vacation at the most-need time of the year.
Orlando has even more exciting adventures up its sleeve to go along with Walt Disney World Resort and all its big-name theme parks. You can experience them all traveling at a fraction of the cost with Best Vacations Ever.
Preferred Guest Resorts (PGR) knows that vacationing is more than just time off work—it’s a state of mind! It’s a chance to get away from the daily grind, recharge your batteries, improve your health and wellness with exciting activities, do exciting things you have never done before, and enjoy tremendous, irreplaceable bonding time with family. Orlando is one of the top family-fun destinations in the world, andPGR’s Best Vacations Ever helps bring that magical vacation to life, traveling tens of thousands of families per year with its promotional packages that save a family hundreds of dollars with free accommodations and other possible incentives to enhance the family travel and bonding experience. So pack your bags, because there couldn’t be a better time to visit Orlando. Here are a few of the exciting new adventures that have just opened up in Orlando that you don’t want to miss:
There are many east and west coast beaches near Orlando that are perfect for families and couples to visit while on a Best Vacations Ever promotional vacation to Central Florida.
Imagine a frosty beverage and a cushy lounge chair on a pristine beach as your toes dig in the warm sand….Yeah, that’s the ticket! A nearby Orlando beach trip is the perfect day trip or extended-stay to high-energy, on-the-run days spent trolling Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios Orlando® and SeaWorld Orlando® and numerous attractions. The Florida peninsula’s east and west coast beaches are as diverse as the variety of Orlando attractions. Your Preferred Guest Resorts’ travel agent can advise you of Orlando’s nearby beaches and the beach-vacation options of a Best Vacations Ever promotional package, all with free accommodations at every stop. Combo packages include 4 days in Orlando
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and every traveler wants to takebeautiful photographswhile on vacation so they document and share their visual story. The biggest mistake vacationers (and people) make is thinking a fancy new camera is the answer, when actually technique is more important than equipment. If you learn its capabilities, practice and learn how to avoid a few pitfalls, you can take beautiful photographs with almost any camera. Preferred Guest Resortshas culminated a top 10 list of tips and techniques from several of the world’s best travel photographers so you can take better photographs while on your Best Vacations Ever journey to picturesque family destinations:
Read the camera’s manual, and learn all its controls and features so you’re prepared. TIP: More advanced information in expanded versions is often downloadable on retailer websites.
Learn what “resolution” is and set your camera for the highest resolution possible. It makes digital altering/editing later much easier, especially if you want to make a vacation storybook. Get multiple large-file holding memory cards because high-rez photos create larger files and take up more room. TIP: Travelers take many more photographs than they expect, so you could be in a destination where it is too hard to buy one or have to pay higher tourist costs.
Practice good focus methods—it’s the number one thing to ruin a photo. Learn how to use your automatic focus, which usually requires a half shutter press. Use the “macro” mode for very close-up shots. Auto focus often works better than manual. Pros often ignore auto focus and use metering to take better photos. TIP: If your auto photos turn out of focus, definitely try manual. You can capture some great close-up on manual at the theme parks and beaches.
Learn how your camera works in varying light; Inside, outside and different times of the day when you get to your Preferred Guest Resorts’ vacation destination. Photos turn out very different in the varying forms of light. Also learn when to use your flash. TIP: Use your flash carefully; don’t use it when you don’t have to.
Avoid red-eye by having people avoid looking directly into the camera or using a “bounce light.” Aiming your flash above the subjects’ heads, especially with surrounding light walls, will help avoid red-eye, too. TIP: Look around for color; red will draw into a person’s eye. There is a lot of color at theme parks for great images.
Avoiding directly looking into the camera helps prevent red-eye and also creates more dramatic candid photos.
Learn how to set your white balance—the most underused feature—that compensates for different kinds of lighting and how to set it for conditions like cloudy days, shade or bright sun in your vacation destination.
Learn what ISO speed is, and set it to the lowest setting for posed or slow-moving photographs. TIP: This setting is perfect for group or tripod shots while on vacation.
Before shooting, stand very still, frame and focus the photo creatively in your mind; then in your viewfinder. TIP: Avoid distractions and cluttered backgrounds in the photo when needed, although clutter can add texture and detailing to a photo, especially if you’re at a colorful attraction, theme park or exotic beaches while traveling on your Preferred Guest Resorts’ Best Vacation Ever.
Try interesting angles that show minimum shadow and maximum color. Take a risk, and use the Photographers Rule of Thirds, where primary points sit along third lines. Horizon or other lines should not cut the picture in half. TIP: Divide your frame into thirds, and don’t put your subject in the middle of the frame, a helpful tip for any travel photo you take.
Use lines, shapes, color and light to give depth and interest to an image, and add a dramatic, artistic effectto photographs, especially while in picturesquePreferred Guest Resorts’ vacation destinations.
If a picture tells a thousand words, fill your memory cards and share your expansive journey with more beautiful travel photographs than ever before. Remember, the more practice and the more images you take, the greater your eye becomes behind the lens. Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation packages can send you to amazingly affordable destinations and your Best Vacations Ever, so call 800-656-2780 today to book a vacation you’ll never forget, especially with brilliant photographs.
What are some of your tips and tricks for taking better photographs while traveling?
While on your BVE promotional vacation, there are plenty of healthy and affordable dining options at the big-name theme parks in Orlando to please everyone, and every taste bud, in the family. Health-conscious visitors will be surprised by all the healthy choices available!
A vacation used to be a license to splurge—to eat and drink whatever you wanted—but travelers today are much more conscious about healthier eating options and spreading out their family vacation splurging a little bit. A nice dinner out with all the trimmings is always great fun, especially if you’re on vacation in Orlando. But for many parents, healthy eating options are a big concern, especially on the wallets when out enjoying all the city’s theme parks and attractions during their affordable vacation in Orlando, Florida.
You can always bring your own healthy snacks and sippie cups to refill juice or water in your backpack (check park websites for policies on bringing in food and water ahead of time.). Butthere are more healthy eating options today, especially when health and fitness options are top of mind at all kinds of eating establishments—theme parks included! Just ask your vacationrepresentative at 800-656-2780 who can also help with advance ticket purchases while booking your promotional vacation package.
More and more theme-park travelers started expressing strong interests in having healthy eating options, especially after seeing the quick in-and-out joints with burgers, hotdogs, fries, and chicken nuggets,vendor stands with popcorn, decorative ice-cream treats and candy shops, and kids hyped up on too much sugar.
Moderation, obviously, is the key, but you and everyone in your family can eat healthy and still enjoy your promotional vacation in the theme-park capital of the world, so you don’t go back home 5 pounds heavier, with kids that are completely thrown off their healthy eating routines.
Healthy entrees are easier to find at the bigger restaurants at the theme parks, but the smaller, quick-serve joints do serve healthy options, too. If you take time to read the menu you’ll find plenty of alternatives to fries like Jello, applesauce, fruits slices or carrot sticks. Having two members share a meal also is a great way to monitor portion control and save money while on vacation.
Your promotional vacation package to Orlando can be as fun, healthy and affordable as you want it to be.Remember that your Preferred Guest Resorts representative can help you with any advance ticket purchases and reservations too, if you call 800-656-2780. There are plenty more options available if you just look around while you’re at the parks or if you check out the dining options at each website ahead of time. But, to give you a head start, here are a few suggestions for healthy eating options at some of Orlando’s big-name theme parks.
SeaWorld®Orlando
SeaWorld has one of the best healthy dining programs out of all the Orlando attractions, making it easy to stick to healthy eating habits. Don’t worry, there’s something to please everyone and every taste bud in the family. Along with a mesmerizing tableside view of sharks, you can get freshly prepared, upscale entrees of all varieties, from assorted salads to freshly grilled seafood and chicken at Sharks Underwater Grill. It’s may be a bit more expensive, but it’s truly memorable experience. One the kids will totally enjoy, no matter what they are eating. Makahiki Luau serves up incredible Pacific Isle cuisine that’s full of fresh fruits, salads, prime entrees, along with plenty of traditional luau entertainment. (Call your vacation representative ahead of time at 800-656-2780 too see if they can assist with the required advanced registrations.) SeaWorld also caters to vegetarians with a delicious super- low-calorie vegetable plate or a yummy garden burger at the Spice Mill. There’s also the cold veggie wrap in the Antarctic Market that’s a nice, refreshing bit to nosh on during a hot summer’s day. The delicious smells and succulent flavors from the Voyagers Smokehouse might tempt your taste buds to go off the wagon, but its just-as-flavorful yet healthy turkey sandwich is an equally delicious alternative that’s flattering on your figure, too.
Universal Orlando® Resort
Universal Orlando Resort combines adventure and healthy meals. No matter where you stop almost all of Universal’s dining options offer healthy alternatives to French fries or other high-calorie sides. Choose from veggies, side salads or fruit to help balance any meal. The Beverly Hills Boulangerie, Louie’s Italian Restaurant and Richter’s Burger Co. all offer a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches that won’t leave you feeling guilty or wondering if you’ll fit in that new swimsuit you bought for the hotel pool. When you’re in Islands of Adventure, try the Garden Burgerat Burger Digsor the ChickenCaesar Saladat Pizza Predittoria for a quick, wholesome meal that won’t leave you too full for the rides. For an award-winning meal, look for the towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls and ancient figures carved into the side of Mythos Restaurant® and get ready for a top-rated meal with a scenic view and plenty of healthy options, such as the succulent Cedar Plank Salmon. Passing in between the two parks, the healthy options abound at Universal CityWalk®, which has a host of renowned restaurants you can sit a spell for a great wholesome meal for the whole family. Head to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville® for the Caribbean Chicken Salad, or a plethora of options at restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe®, Emerils® Restaurant Orlando, NBA City, Bubba Gump Shrimp™ and many more.
Walt Disney World® Resort
Healthy snacking is the key to keeping both parents and kids happy while visiting the most magical place on earth.A colorful assortment of fresh fruit, veggies and juice can be found cold-packed with vendors at any of the parks, like in Animal Kingdom’s decorative Harambe Fruit Market, which entices children with its cold-packed variety of colorful fruits, water and juices. You can also find delicious, low-fat smoothiesat Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom that are great for beating the heat while being healthy. For lunch? Head into Tomorrowland where you’ll find tofu and noodle bowls at the Terrance Noodle StationandTurkey Bacon Wrapsat Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. Hollywood Studios also offers veggie sandwiches and a Southwest Salad with chicken at Starring Rolls or Backlot Express. There’s no skimping on flavor to eat healthy at Animal Kingdom’s Yak & Yeti, with its Mandarin Chicken Salad, or the hibachi-style grilling Teppan Edo or the many eateries in the countries atEpcot®. There are also a bounty of options for healthy eating at the many eateries withinthe countries of the World Showcase. French fries are popular and pretty much a staple item, so you’ll always find those on menus. But at least there are alternatives, like salads or fruits, that are offered at most establishments and at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée are now offered at all table-service restaurants.You can even satisfy your sweet tooth with a Dole Whip or a naturally super sweet mango smoothie that fills you up, too, instead of those hard-to-resist fudge bar or Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar. A couple during the vacation week is almost a tradition, but keep it a minimum… a special treat!
It’s much easier to eat healthy at the parks than people think, especially with so many options and a shared consciousness to serve and keep park visitors happy and healthy. Sometimes, it’s having the will power to follow through that’s the hard part. Remember, you can always stash away a few healthy treats and some water bottles in your backpack to help save money, time and stave off the kids’ boredom standing in long lines, depending on park policies you should check ahead of time online. Whatever you decide, know that there are plenty of options to suit all your needs as you and your family enjoy your promotional vacation in Orlando. Be sure to call your vacationrepresentative at 800-656-2780 for any information or assistance in booking your vacation, getting theme-park tickets or hard-to-get dinner reservations in advance, as well as notice of any dietary restrictions the hotel can be advised of. Then go ahead and have your Best Vacation Ever!
Preferred Guest Resorts is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST37842.
This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting the sale of a vacation ownership plan.
complete details of participation in offering provided by the sponsor.
Tip for Visiting SeaWorld Orlando while on your promotional vacation with Preferred Guest Resorts.
No one knows water or marine life better than SeaWorld®, and it’s one of the best ways for hydrophiles and Florida vacationers to get their thrills and chills when visiting Orlando. When planning your Orlando family-vacation itinerary with Preferred Guest Resorts, be sure to add in a day or two for some of the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime type of adventures at SeaWorld® Orlando, which also includes the main SeaWorld theme park; the Aquatica water park; and the interactive, all-inclusive dolphin swim experience at the Discovery Cove resort oasis. SeaWorld’s sister theme park, Busch Gardens, is also about an hour and a half west of Orlando in Tampa and worth the day trip.
SeaWorld is a huge hit with kids and adult animal lovers and jam packed with coasters, rides, attractions, spectacular shows, animal and conservation exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive and educational experiences, and much more. Many Orlando travelers have praised its entertainment value and gentler impact on budget-minded wallets. You’ll also be close to all the action. Rest assured when you book your trip to Orlando with Preferred Guest Resorts, your hotel, resort or timeshare vacation rental will be in close range to the park and numerous Orlando attractions. Also ask about booking accommodations that offer free breakfast, so you can quickly eat and get to the park early. Getting into the park shouldn’t be a hassle, so check online and ask your Preferred Guest Resorts representative about your most efficient, time and money-saving options through the front gates.Here are a few more insider traveler tips to help enhance your exciting family vacation day at SeaWorld Orlando.
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE: If traving on a promotional vacation package with Preferred Guest Resorts, you may be eligible to receive two free admission tickts. (Ask any PGR represnetative for more details. ) If you are reciving different theme park tickets, a rental car, or other promotional perks, a great way to avoid long lines at the SeaWorld entry gate is to buy your tickets in advance. Check online for special rates, discounts and park packages available for Orlando family vacationers during your travel time. When you book your travel, be sure to ask your Preferred Guest Resorts representative about purchasing advance tickets, and check to see if your Preferred Guest Resorts hotel, resort or vacation timeshare rental has advance purchase ticket options available. Combination packages that include all SeaWorld Orlando parks and Bush Gardens in Tampa as well as unlimited return visits or “no expiration” options plus parking added to at least one pass could save you money during your trip and especially during future visits. An annual pass includes discounts on food, merchandise and parking and some can pay for themselves in as little as two visits. If you are a Florida resident, look for “Buy a Day, Come All Year for Free” type special that offers exponential savings. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: If you plan on visiting Discovery Cove, purchase your Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package first because it typically includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation –a super money saver for budget travelers as it makes the heftier Discovery Cove price a lot easier to digest. You can even add unlimited Busch Gardens admission for a few extra bucks.Ask your Preferred Guest Resort representative for details when booking your Orlando trip and itinerary.
GET THERE EARLY T BEAT THE CROWDS: Go early to get a good parking spot. Snap a picture of your car parking spot to remind you where your vehicle is or write it down. You can also get a head start on your desired rides before the park gets too crowded. Check the SeaWorld website the day before your visit for next day’s show times so you can plan your day. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: Be sure to get to Shamu Stadium early, too, as the place and main draw tends to fill up in minutes.
CREATE A FAMILY PLAN: As soon as you arrive, find a public safety spot to go to if anyone gets lost from the group. Have your kids wear bright colors so they’ll stand out if they happen to get lost and you are looking for them. Snap pictures of them on your phone right before you leave so if they do get lost you have a recent picture and in the clothes they are wearing. Advise kids to go only to a security officer or a cast member with a name tag if they get lost. Consider prepaid cell phones for the kids that are set up to call you if they get lost, too. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: If your kids are too young for phones or tend to wander off, use a sharpie to write your name and phone number on the bottom inside of their shirt or on their wrist for a security guard or cast member to call.
MAKE DINING RESERVATIONS EARLY:Make sure to stop and book your dining at reservation-only restaurants you really want to experience. They start taking reservation at 10 am the day off, and some you can schedule prior to your arrival.
Ask your Preferred Guest Resorts representative about reservations for specialty restaurants when booking your itinerary.
GET YOUR RIDES IN FIRST: Locals and prior Orlando travelers recommend working the park backwards to beat out crowds, given a majority of people tend to stop at the first attraction they come upon. They also suggest riding all the rides you want to ride before hitting the shows, or during the last hour that the park is open, especially Kraken and Journey to Atlantis, when lines tend to be much shorter. Lines for those rides also tend to be longest right after the Blue Horizons show ends. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: Use the park’s free package check services to store items you buy in the park and keep your hands free while you ride.
MAKE TIME FOR FEEDING: Animal lovers will enjoy the designated feeding times throughout the day to hand feed and possibly touch Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins , stingrays and sea lions. Get the day’s feeding schedule upon arrival, and make sure to get there early for a good spot up front, especially at the dolphin feeding pool. You’ll be fighting crowds of people just as interested in and excited about the activity, and a little courtesy goes a long way. Have one adult and child designated to go buy the fish, while the others save the space. Since the amount of fish is controlled per feeding time, get in line early to ensure you get some fish before they run out and your whole family gets to experience the thrill of a lifetime. The sheer thrill of quickly touching a dolphin for the first time is an unforgettable experience, so imagine swimming with one. Ask your Preferred Guest Representative about the dolphin swim and trainer-for-a-day programs at its limited-entry, tropical-resort-style oasis , Discovery Cove, where you can also snorkel lagoons teeming with colorful fish, giant stingray and shipwreck to explore.
CHOOSE YOUR SEATS CAREFULLY: There’s wet, and then there’s Shamu wet. Soak Zones are clearly marked at the Shamu One Ocean show and they’re typically favored by the kids who love to get splashed. Consider wearing swim trunks or bathing suits under your clothes and bringing an extra set of clothing. Some of the water rides can cause quite a soaking; you will literally get drenched in the front seat of Journey to Atlantis. Part of the fun at SeaWorld Orlando is getting wet, but buying cheap ponchos at a drugstore can help protect your clothing, electronics and valuables in those wetter than wet circumstances.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES: SeaWorld’s behind-the-scenes experience connects you to the world we share like never before.The tours are not listed on the park map, so they’re easy to miss out on. Ask your Preferred Guest Resorts representative about booking the Behind-the-Scenes experiences before your trip to Orlando. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: You can also book reservations online, or stop by the tour desk just inside the SeaWorld front gate as soon as you arrive to reserve a tour time.
CHECK FOOD & BEVERAGE POLICIES: There are numerous restaurants and concession stands located conveniently throughout the park. But according to the SeaWorld website, large hard or soft coolers, glass containers, food, drinks and picnic lunches may not be taken into the park. Guests with special diets, baby formula or baby food may bring their items into the park. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: Ask your Preferred Guest Resort’s representative about any updates to policies and possible exceptions for water bottles, which can save you a lot of money if you bring your own and refill them at water fountains. Freeze them the night before, and you’ll have ice-cold water for a while as it melts. Bring individual packets of juice or tea-mixers like Crystal Light that you can mix with a glass of ice water many restaurants will give you free of charge.
RESERVE SPECIAL DINING EXPERIENCES: SeaWorld offers park visitors several dining options from casual and castaway fare to gourmet, upscale dining. When approaching concession-style eateries, review the menu and have your selections in mind before you get to the counter, which helps keep lines moving more quickly and cast members grateful. At Sharks Underwater Grill, you can nosh on world-class cuisine sitting next to a window of mesmerizing sharks. The popular restaurant starts taking reservations at 10:00 am that day. Dining with Shamu is a behind-the-scenes experience available only at SeaWorld Orlando. Sit poolside. Watch majestic whales interact and learn about the little things we can all do to help save valuable ocean resources and habitats, while you all enjoy a scrumptious menu of seasonal and sustainable items. EXTRA INSIDER TIP: Ask your Preferred Guest Resorts representative about required reservations. You can make them after 10 am the day of your visit, but you have a better chance of ensuring the special encounters if you reserve them beforehand. If dining at some of the standard eateries, plan on having lunch during the popular show times, and you’ll beat the heavier crowds.
ESCAPE THE HEAT:Florida is well-known for its year-round sunshine—sunny days that can bring some brutally hot and humid temperatures in the summer. Be sure to lather up with sunscreen so as not to burn, and wear comfortable clothes that dry easily, whether seat or the occasional drenching by Shamu or water rides. You can get an old-fashioned cool-down with a good soaking from a Shamu splash or a H2O-based ride. But SeaWorld also has many “cool places” to simmer down and reduce those increased body temperatures on hot summer days. EXTRA INSDIER TIP: There are many ways and places to escape the summer heat, like visiting the polar bear exhibit and the Wild Arctic simulator ride, checking out the Penguin Encounter®, playing some games in the arcade, enjoying one of many shows in the Nautilus Theater or checking out Turtle Trek, SeaWorld’s newest attraction and a 3-D domed theater experience.
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES WHILE KIDS PLAY: When your body and feet need a break or you just want some down time while the kids still have energy to burn, turn them loose at Shamu’s Happy Harbor, which is full of youthful adventurers and fun, family rides. They can climb a four-story nets link with a series of winding tunnels and slippery slides. Don’t worry; they’re big enough for parents to enjoy, too. Spin away on a teacup-style ride, enjoy the starter thrills of a kiddie coaster, hop up and down on a fiddler crab ride, rock side to side and back and forth on a 19-inch tug boat, and much more.
CHECK PARK SMOKING POLICIES: Check the guide for the park’s smoking policies, then locate and use the smoking sections.
SeaWorld brings out the kid in everyone and is well worth a day or more while you’re in Orlando. You don’t even need to worry about your family pet given SeaWorld offers exceptional kennel services so your dog doesn’t need to stay stashed alone in the room all day. Be sure to mention your desire to bring your pet when booking your travel to Orlando, so your Preferred Guest Resortsrepresentative can advise you of your options and try to get a resort, hotel or vacation timeshare rental that accommodates bringing your best buddy along as well. Having your Preferred Guest Resortsrepresentative book accommodations that are within close proximity to all your options and work your SeaWorld Orlando adventures into your itinerary will help ensure that you and your family have your BEST VACATION EVER!
