Emerald Island Resort – A beautiful resort, right next to Disney World

Take a look at this sneak peek of the new Freshwater Cove at Discovery Cove.

It looks really cool. Who else wants to go?

Holiday Shamu

Whilst at The Manor on the Emerald Island Resort, you can head to Seaworld and experience the holidays like nowhere else, with special evening shows including O Wondrous Night, Shamu Christmas – Miracles, Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, and more.

Families can share a delicious meal with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Fireside Feast - a charming, warm-hearted holiday experience. You and your family will create Christmas memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy this sumptuous seasonal dinner and show.

Now you can enjoy one FREE Kids ticket with the purchase of a full-price Adult ticket valid for visits through Dec. 25th. Click here for tickets

Orlando, Fla. (Nov. 2010) – Light up this year’s holiday season at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. It’s where guests can experience the joys of Christmas with all-new festivities sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place Friday through Sunday nights, Nov. 26-Dec. 12, 2010 and nightly Dec. 17, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011.

All-New Holiday Festivities

New to this year’s Christmas Celebration is the Sea of Trees. Guests will discover 74 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes, making a dramatic display around SeaWorld’s center lake.

Also new this year is The Christmas Market, located on the park’s Bayside Pathway. Here guests can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and dine on scrumptious holiday delights.

“Our guests will be immersed in the wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of a joyous holiday experience,” said Michael Fletcher, vice president of Entertainment for SeaWorld Orlando. “The Sea of Trees is going to transform our holiday nights with a stunning symphony of lights and music on the water. Guests can even do their Christmas shopping in the Christmas Market while they feast on delicious holiday favorites. We want SeaWorld to become a joyous holiday tradition for our guests, so this year we’re truly bringing the sea to the season!”

Returning Holiday Favorites

Returning to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration are family favorites. At the park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guests can jump aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience and take an unforgettable train ride to the North Pole. Classic scenes from THE POLAR EXPRESS movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience that immerses passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. When they arrive at the North Pole, guests discover a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer and amazing animal encounters.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Families and friends can once again enjoy the spirit of Christmas during four of SeaWorld’s holiday-themed shows:

· Winter Wonderland on Ice, is a spectacular show where Christmas comes to life with towering water fountains, magnificent fireworks and some of the most talented ice skaters in the world.

· Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, is a Christmas comedy with everyone’s favorite sea lions Clyde and Seamore and a few mischievous otters and a jolly walrus or two, just for good measure.

· A Sesame Street Christmas is a festive and fun musical celebration where guests can celebrate the holidays with friends from Sesame Street. The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about … she’s never heard of Christmas! Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street friends gather to share the true spirit of the holiday with her.

· Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmas carols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season. It’s the magnificent holiday show, Shamu Christmas … Miracles.
For those looking for unique holiday cuisine with SeaWorld’s special touch, the Makahiki Christmas Luau is a South Seas-style festive celebration of the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. Joyful songs of the season are reinterpreted with Polynesian rhythms, music and dance. For more details on holiday dining options, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

’Tis the season of giving and what better way to do so than to give back to wildlife, something SeaWorld has been doing for more than 50 years. With each adult admission purchased online through Dec. 31, 2010, a child ages 3-12 receive admission to SeaWorld for only $5, all of which is donated to non-profit organizations supporting wildlife conservation projects. It’s the perfect place to give back and connect with wildlife but also to share in the holiday spirit together with family and friends at SeaWorld.

For more information about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. To purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldCares.com.

Discovery Cove Orlando Florida (Photo: Discovery Cove)

Its not been officially announced by Seaworld but the Orlando Business Journal reports SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove park is building a new 875,000 gallon salt water reef for 2011.

This attraction will give guests the opportunity to swim amongst sea life including sharks, tropical fish, rays and eels.  Plans also include a new nature trail so that guests can enjoy the reef from above water too.

As soon as we have more information, we will share it with you.

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

One of the best strategies for visiting the theme parks is to work in some lighter days. Running around theme parks all day for several days in a row gets very tiring. Now you have another lighter day option.

You can get Twilight ticket for Seaworld. This reduced price ticket allows admission after 3pm until park closing. Price is $39.95 for both adults and children and you can order and print e-tickets online at the Seaworld Website.

This special offer is valid until September 6th, 2010

You could spend the morning sleeping in, relaxing at your vacation rental or in the private pool at The Manor on the Emerald Island Resort or enjoying the Emerald Island Resort pool and clubhouse. Then after lunch head over to Seaworld for an evening of fun. Added benefit, the weather should be cooler in the evening!

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Seaworld Conservation

100% of the proceeds of that $5 ticket will be donated by Seaworld to a wildlife conservation project. You can even select which project you would like to benefit.

More information can be found at http://www.seaworldcares.com/

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

A shuttle is available from Emerald Island Resort to take you to the main theme parks and shopping. It is run by Maingate Transportation of Kissimmee and it can cater for all your taxi or shuttle needs.

Where do they go to?

Currently, Maingate Transportation operates the following shuttle stops:

• Universal Studios
• Islands of Adventure
• Wet n’ Wild
• Sea World
• Orlando Premium Outlets
• Disney’s Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s EPCOT
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When do they operate?

The regular shuttle service runs to a schedule which changes according to the season and anticipated demand for the service. Typically there is one shuttle run in the morning and one in the evening, however during the busy season, they may run additional times. The latest schedule can be obtained from the Emerald Island Clubhouse or from Maingate Transportation directly.

Where is the shuttle stop at Emerald Island?

At Emerald Island, the shuttle stop is at the clubhouse.

How much does it cost?

At time of writing, the shuttle costs from $10 - $14 per person, return, depending on the destination. (The Disney parks are on the lower end of the scale with Universal/Wet N Wild being on the upper end). Obviously these rates can be subject to change anytime by Maingate Transportation and you can contact them directly for the latest rates. The latest rates are also available at the Emerald Island Clubhouse.

How do I book the shuttle?

Good question! If there are no guests booked on the shuttle, it may not turn up to the community so it is always better to book it at least the day before. This can be done at the Emerald Island Resort Clubhouse or by calling Maingate Transportation directly.

Benefits of a resort shuttle service.

Smaller Groups

This is a great option for smaller groups of perhaps up to 4 people. It can work out cheaper on a daily basis than renting a car and paying for parking at the theme parks.

Larger Family Groups

For larger groups with teenagers who want (or demand) more independence from the rest of the group, the teenagers can go to a different park from the rest of the group.

Disadvantages

For larger groups, the cost for everyone to catch a shuttle can be expensive.

The pick up and drop off times work on a schedule and may not suit your plans.

The shuttle pick up point is the Emerald Island Resort Clubhouse and getting everyone ready and up to the clubhouse on time can be a challenge.

If you have younger children, the flexibility to go back to your vacation home when the children could do with a break is not available.

Its not easy to go out for dinner (outside of the theme park that you are visiting) or purchase groceries.

Other options

Maingate Transportation operate a taxi service and can provide a personal shuttle service to you directly. For larger groups, there may be a good cost savings over the regular shuttle option. A private shuttle / taxi can come and go on your times and pick you up from your vacation home directly for more convenience.

Renting a car is my favorite choice when in Kissimmee. It gives maximum flexibility, we can purchase groceries when we need them, we can travel to the parks on our schedule and we can go out for dinner to local restaurants in the evening. We can also visit the other attractions in the Kissimmee / Orlando area that are not on the shuttle route. We have had good service and rates from LM Car Rental (also known as EZ Car Rental) who are located on airport at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Contacting Maingate Transportation

Website:
www.maingatetaxi.com

Office Address:
15 South Hoagland Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
USA

Phone Number:
407.870.5553
Fax:
407.870.1616

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Vacation rental home, The Manor on the Emerald Island Resort is a great base for your visit to Seaworld.

Happy February everyone.

Whether you are on vacation in a vacation rental or local to the area, you may be interested in Seaworld’s Seasonal Bands, Brews and BBQ happening Saturdays at Seaworld.  Every Saturday at 4pm, Seaworld Orlando host concerts by several artists.  Here is the line up for this year;

February 6th  - Leann Rimes
February 13th - Montgomery Gentry
February 20th - John Rich of Big and Rich
February 27th - Yes

Regular admission to Seaworld includes access to the concert, however VIP tickets are available.  This VIP ticket offers reserved seating up close on the floor stage at Bayside Stadium during the (featured artist) concert, All You can eat BBQ Buffet at the Sea Harbor Pavilions and Quick Queue front-of-the-line privileges.  Prices are from $49.95 and tickets can be found here: http://bit.ly/aJ47WW

Full details on Bands, Brews & BBQ can be found at http://bit.ly/SeaworldBandsBrewsBBQ

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Aquatica, Orlando

Experience the “coolest” event of the year at Aquatica on Saturday, January 16 when we host Special Olympics Florida’s first-ever Polar Plunge!

Aquatica is usually warm and tropical, but for one day only we’re icing down our Cutback Cove wave pool so you can experience the “thrill of the chill” while supporting a great cause!

Why Plunge? You’ll be freezin’ for a reason! All proceeds support Special Olympics Florida, which provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem and life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities.

Event date: January 16, 2010.
Registration begins at 9:30AM.
Opening Ceremony and Plunge at 11:00AM.
Those who Plunge will get to stay and play at Aquatica all day!

Who can Plunge? Those who raise or donate a minimum $50 may come to Aquatica and take the Plunge. Plungers receive official commemorative Plunge gear and bragging rights. The incentives and prizes increase based on the amount of money raised. Minimum age to Plunge is 15.

For full details and to register, visit
www.specialolympicsflorida.org/polarplunge

Aquatica is proud to support the athletes of Special Olympics!

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Aquatica, Orlando

2010 sees an expansion for Aquatica with the addition of a new ride; Omaka Rocka.  Originating from the South Seas, Omaka Rocka means rocking river, and it should be welcoming its first riders in March 2010.

Omaka Rocka consists of two slides each with 3 funnels providing half pipe style maneuvers and a feeling of near weightlessness.  Guests will ride in two-seater floats and there will be no height restriction, although you must be able to hold onto the grips and maintain the riding position.

Portions of the tubing will be semi-transparent, allowing more light and allowing waiting riders to see through.

Omaka Rocka will share a platform with Whanau Way on the wave-pool side of the park.  The Whanau Way tower was built with expansion in mind.

Construction is already underway and guests should see the tubing go up during January.

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.