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Orlando’s Top Relaxing Experiences this Holiday Season

Need an escape from the holiday hustle and bustle? Although most widely known for its world-renowned theme parks, Orlando also offers opportunities to rejuvenate body, mind and soul as you escape into a world of peace and relaxation. Whether you are traveling with family or just seeking some "me time," Orlando has relaxing options for everyone.

The Wine Room on Park Avenue is the perfect place for a low-key evening with your special loved one. Whether you are a novice or a wine connoisseur, this fantastic location gives visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of wines by the glass. For those looking to master the art of wine, sign up for a series of wine classes or advanced seminars. Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Consider purchasing their "Wine Room Gift Card," for a new and relaxing experience for all pallets. Indulge your taste buds with an array of world-class wines as you top your evening with a selection of fine cheeses.

Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain provides several new and complimentary experiences in December. Join the team Monday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 30 for Essential Skin Care. This program invites guests to learn how to properly treat their skin through exfoliating and masking techniques. On Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Wednesday, Dec. 28, Spa by Guerlain is offering the Couples Instructional Massage Techniques program. Solo, or with a partner, learn some excellent massage tips to share with someone special this holiday season. Working on starting the New Year looking glamorous? Visit the spa Thursday, Dec. 29 for The Smoky Eye workshop on getting that perfect look for the big festivities. Advance registration is required.

The Nutcracker is a classic ballet piece that cannot be missed during the holiday season. Each year, The Orlando Ballet performs their interpretation of this two-act dance from Russia at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. The story takes place on Christmas Eve and includes special interactions between nutcrackers, children and mice. The performances will take place Dec. 15-18. The Russian Ballet of Orlando will also be presenting their interpretation of the Nutcracker at venues around Orlando including a complimentary performance at Lake Eola.

The Mall at Millenia offers specialties to take your shopping experience to a whole new level of ultimate relaxation.  Upon arrival, shoppers are automatically greeted as they would be at a 5-star hotel with the option of valet parking. Once inside the mall, multilingual concierges are on-site to assist with directions, dining reservations and even with securing Personal Shopper services. These Personal Shoppers use their time wisely to gather the list of items you are in need and are responsible in delivering them your way. With all that extra time available, holiday shoppers are then encouraged to indulge in other mall services such as the Salon Cielo day spa or image and make-up consulting offered by Neiman Marcus. Personal Shoppers are a great way to get pampered and have your holiday shopping taken care of all at the same time.

The Barefoot Spa is the first spa in Orlando to make the "guest of honor" your feet. This unique spa is located in Ivanhoe Village, in downtown Orlando, and focuses all their treatments on spoiling your feet. This holiday season, guests are encouraged to bring in their own wine and snacks at no additional charge. All foot treatments begin with Foot Tea, a piping hot mix of organic dried herbs like chamomile, peppermint and lavender. Visitors can then choose to add a sprinkle of fun to their massage such as the Happily Dying of Chocolate, a treatment featuring a shea butter blended with cocoa. 
              

Only in Orlando – 10 Unique Gift Options this Holiday Season

Orlando is the perfect place to find that "wow" factor gift this holiday season. From once-in-a-lifetime special experiences to unforgettable gifts you can't find anywhere else, Orlando has a wide array of unique ideas to make this holiday season truly unforgettable.

1. The Walt Disney World Resort fan will love the new Disney Parks Memory Challenge (retail $24.95). The game incorporates a new twist on the world's most popular matching game and features images of classic and favorite Disney attractions. Plus, you can add your own Disney vacation photos using exclusive cards. For Disney pin collectors, special holiday versions are available, including the Disney Express - Boxed Set (released Dec. 16).

2. For the little wizard in your family, an authentic wand from Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the way to go. If you won't be visiting Orlando during the holidays, you can still order a wand online (retail $29.99), as well as other specialty items such as a four-pack of Chocolate Frogs (retail $49.95) or a Gyrffindor Robe (retail $99.95). The wands are packaged with an authentic Ollivanders Wand Shop box, which isn't available in regular retail stores.  

3. Gatorland features a large gift shop with items appealing to the gator-lover on your gift list. Pair a bottle of ‘Swamp Juice' from Aspirations winery with a quirky gator wine glass for a memorable holiday gift (retail $15.99 Swamp Juice; $28.99 wine glass).

4. Florida is synonymous with fresh citrus and in particular, for its oranges. Showcase of Citrus lets you hand-pick oranges and other fresh citrus right from the grove, which makes the perfect gift for health-conscious loved ones on your gift list ($10 for quarter bushel; $20 for half bushel).

5. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features exclusive merchandise derived from the works of master designer Louis Comfort Tiffany-including jewelry, stained-glass panels, glass bowls, and vases-and a wide range of items inspired by other artists represented in the Museum's collection. Popular gift items include Lundberg Studios glass perfume bottles and vases (retail $195-$310).

6. The Orange County Regional History Center specializes in unique and nostalgic gifts reflecting the cultural history of Central Florida. The store offers rare vintage photographs, quirky Florida souvenirs, delicious Florida treats and classic toys, books, and other great gift items, such as Florida-made wine from local Lakeridge Winery (retail $19.99) and local honey (retail $4.99).

7. The Kessler Collection Signature Grand Bohemian Gallery, located at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando, showcases rare works of art by local, regional and internationally recognized artists designed to inspire the collector in every visitor. From contemporary paintings and glass art to intricate jewelry and ceramics, the Grand Bohemian Gallery represents a wide array of talent, often hosting exhibitions and exclusive artist receptions. For the jewelry lover, consider the Emin Taos full moon series (retail $275).

Special Experiences

8. Ideal for the animal lover, Discovery Cove's Trainer for a Day Program (price ranges from $398-518), takes lucky gift recipients on an up-close journey alongside animal experts to interact with bottlenose dolphins, rays and other magical sea creatures. Also includes a 14-day unlimited pass to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark.

9. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a gift that's out of this world with the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) Half-Day Program (retail $145). Adventurers prepare for the rigors of space by participating in a range of interactive, anti-gravity activities and even meet a NASA astronaut.

10. For the adrenaline junkie, consider purchasing a gift card for the Orlando Adventure Collection. With the card, they will be able to create a customized adventure package, choosing from activities such as skydiving, hot air balloon riding, ziplining, airboat riding, helicopter riding and ATVs, just to name a few. Better yet, 30% of the proceeds will benefit the company's conservation effort.

Top 5 “Must Know” Holiday Shopping Tips in Orlando

There's no other place like Orlando for making lasting memories or finding memorable gifts!  Make the best out of your shopping experience with these insider tips for shopping in Orlando this holiday season.

1. Parking Made Easy - The major shopping centers in Orlando make it easy to park, if you know where to go. Free covered parking garage is available at the Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave.  At the Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive, find plenty of spaces by Oakridge Road heading toward the Guest Services Center, Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet and Neiman Marcus Last Call.  The Mall at Millenia also has plenty of parking spaces by the Food Court entrance. Or, consider valet parking to remove any stress of finding the perfect spot.

2. Plan Your Attack - Map out your shopping spree before you go by downloading it first from the desired shopping location's official website.  Paper maps are also available at Guest Services Centers.

3. Find the Discounts - Many area shopping centers allow guests to register online for a printable VIP coupon book or pick them up at the Guest Services Center. At the Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave, for example, coupons are also available at the Food Court information desk. Visit Orlando's Official Visitors Center offers a free Orlando Magicard that features some shopping discounts among many other options.

4. At the Theme Parks - While happy families enjoy the theme park action, happy shoppers can do their own thing. The best time to shop inside the theme park gates is from opening hours until mid-afternoon in order to avoid crowds buying souvenirs as they head out for the day. Theme park merchandise is also available outside of the gates. For example, the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney Marketplace is the largest Disney character store on Earth!

5. Get online - Be sure to check out the website of the shopping center before you go as many list special deals at individual stores. If you're savvy with social media, don't miss the wide array of check-in specials that venues offer on Foursquare.

This Week in Orlando: Black Friday, Rocket Launch and Bill Nye the Science Guy

In addition to a variety of dining spots for a memorable Thanksgiving meal, Orlando during Thanksgiving week offers an endless array of activities including these special events happening Nov. 21 - 27:

Black Friday, Nov. 25
It's the biggest shopping day of the year and Orlando stores are ready! With "Midnight Madness" events and astounding deals, Orlando's malls and outlets centers have raised the bar to make Black Friday 2011 a must-do. Specific malls and outlets with events include Mall at Millenia, Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive, Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave. and The Florida Mall.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center Special Launch Events, Nov. 22-26

Ready for liftoff? Special reserved spots for the Nov. 25, 10:25 a.m. launch of an Atlas V541 rocket heading to Mars, are available to guests for $20 in addition to regular admission prices of $43 for adults and $33 for children ages 3-11.  The launch is part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission where Bill Nye the Science Guy will be on hand to speak about the Mars mission and Curiosity rover at the IMAX Theatre at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Get an up-close look at these special space vehicles with the new Mars Rover Exhibit, featuring three- full size rover models from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory:  Soujourner, Mars Exploration Rover and the car-sized Curiosity. After exploring, get inventive and create the future at the Lego Build the Future play area, on display until Nov. 26.

2012-Model Central Florida International Auto Show, Nov. 24-27
Vroom! Vroom! Hundreds of the newest trucks, electric cars and exotic automobiles cruise into the Orange County Convention Center on Thanksgiving for the Central Florida International Auto Show. Presented in a non-selling format, attendees can test-drive, inspect the engines and sit behind the wheel of all the hottest new vehicles. Admission is $9 for adults, $3 for children ages 7-12 and free for children under 6.

Festival of the Seasons, Until Jan, 8
It's the most wonderful time of year in the Downtown Disney area at Walt Disney World Resort with Festival of the Seasons. With live entertainment, festive décor and yuletide touches at every turn guests can experience the joy of the season while also visiting with Santa. Find the perfect gift for that special someone at many specialty shops- including Disney's Days of Christmas and Once Upon a Toy. For even more festive holiday events check out The Top 10 Things To Do in Orlando For the Holidays.

Top 10 Things to Do This Fall in Orlando

Enjoy Orlando's warm and sunny weather into the fall season with these top 10 activities:

1. Enrich your artistic side with dance, theatre or orchestra performances during the start of the 2011-2012 arts season in Central Florida. For a sample of Orlando's cultural offerings, attend the special evening event Red Chair Affair Aug. 27 or take advantage of free admission to select Orlando museums on Museum Day Sept. 24.

2. Savor and save during Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month, a culinary celebration Sept. 1-30 with more than 65 Orlando-area restaurants offering three-course prix fixe dinners for just $30.

3. Take a leisurely stroll at some of Orlando's scenic outdoor attractions like Harry P. Leu Gardens (pictured), Bok Tower Gardens or Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. Or, relax on a Scenic Boat Tour of the beautiful lakes and estates of Winter Park.

4. Rock out alongside fellow Christian music fans during Orlando's Faith and Fun Weekend Sept. 9-10. The weekend features contemporary Christian music festivals at two major theme parks - Night of Joy at Disney's Magic Kingdom and Rock the Universe at Universal Studios.

5. Entertain your inner fashionista with designer runway and trunk shows during Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia (Sept. 8-14) or Harriett's Park Avenue Fashion Week (Oct. 9-15).  

6. Sip and sample international cuisines and wines at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 or the tastings from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels during their Food & Wine Classic Oct. 7-8.

7. Explore a world of epic proportions at the newest theme park to the Orlando area, LEGOLAND Florida, opening Oct. 15. As the world's largest LEGOLAND, the 150-acre family theme park will offer more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

8. Trick-or-treat at some of the biggest Halloween bashes in Orlando. Little ones will enjoy hauntingly happy fun during select dates at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (pictured) at Magic Kingdom (September-November), SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular (October) and Zoo Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo (October). For those looking for the ultimate Halloween scare, confront your fears at terrifying magnitudes at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights (September-October).

9. Follow golfers from the tee to the green during the Children's Miracle Network Classic (Oct. 20-23) on Disney's Magnolia and Palm courses. The 72-hole tournament brings together nearly 150 top PGA Tour players in a quest for a multi-million dollar purse.

10. Get your jam on during Orlando Calling, the new music festival coming to Orlando Nov. 12-13. The weekend event will host 100 bands on four stages, including headliners The Killers, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band and Kid Rock.

If you have questions about your Orlando vacation, contact one of our Official Travel Counselors by phone, email or live chat.

Guest Blog: A Break for Moms During Orlando Vacations

Enjoy this special post by syndicated travel writer and mom, Eileen Ogintz:

We moms know the dirty little secret of family vacations: They're no vacation for us, especially when young kids are part of the equation.

Here's how to make sure you get a much deserved vacation break:

1. Go off on your own for a few days with friends. Come to Orlando for spa, shopping and good eats. (Pictured below: The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain)

2. Invite grandparents along so you have extra hands-and eyes-on the kids. But if you're planning a trip with the in-laws, discuss beforehand exactly how much they're willing to baby-sit and who is paying for what.

3. Join forces with another family. Not only can you share costs for that vacation condo or cottage and food but you can share child care chores and the kids have built-in friends. This is an especially good bet for single moms.

4. Bring along your favorite sitter. Let her (or him) entertain them while you steal an hour to yourself!

5. Hire a sitter for a few hours or evening. See if the resort or hotel has an employee list of approved babysitters. If you have friends in the area, ask for their recommendations. Sign the kids up for the hotel's kids' program (even several Disney hotels have them). Even if you only go so far as the hotel restaurant or the adult pool, you will still get a break.

6. Negotiate "just me" time with your significant other: you get an hour to sleep in while they get the kids fed; you watch the kids at the pool while he plays golf.

Most important, let go of the guilt! It's your vacation too.

To read more family travel tips from Eileen, visit takingthekids.com.

Fourth of July Deals in Orlando

From patriotic packages to "spa-tacular" specials, Orlando offers dazzling deals for Independence Day celebrations.

Things to do:
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is offering free admission July 4 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
407-645-5311

Orlando Balloon Rides is offering discounted hot air balloon rides at $150 per person for bookings made July 1-8, and with each paying adult, one child (ages 4-10) rides free. The sunrise adventure includes a one-hour flight, champagne toast and buffet breakfast after the flight. 407-894-5040

Orlando Premium Outlets is hosting a "July 4th Summer Sale" June 30-July 4 at both the International Drive and Vineland Avenue locations. Enjoy extra savings on top of already low prices at stores like Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. 407-238-7787 (Vineland Avenue); 407-352-9600 (International Drive)

The Spa at The Peabody is offering a "Spa-tacular" special July 4 that features select 50-minute facial and massage treatments for $99 each. Spa treatments include the Deep Tissue Massage, Gentle Swedish Massage, Hydra Memory Moisture Facial and Anti-Aging Collagen Facial. 407-345-4431

Places to stay:
CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort Orlando is offering a special package for stays July 1-3 that includes a one-night stay, $10 food/beverage credit, free parking and up to four water park passes for $149. 407-351-2626

At Hapimag-Lake Berkley Resort, stay two nights and get the third consecutive night at 50 percent off for stays July 1-8. Mention promo code "4th of July 2011" when booking. 866-694-2746

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is hosting an old-fashioned cookout celebration July 2 from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. featuring an all-you-can eat barbeque, live music and carnival games with prizes. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children ages 3-9. 800-227-1500

For a list of special July Fourth events, including the Independence Day celebration at SeaWorld Orlando (pictured), check out our calendar of events.

Guest Blog: Putting the Vacation Back in an Orlando Vacation

Enjoy this special post by syndicated travel writer and mom, Eileen Ogintz:

Face it. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you spend you can't do it all. Not in Orlando.

There's just too much to see and do. So whether it is your first trip or your 15th or 50th, make it your mantra to relax. You don't want to be that grim-faced parent we all see in the theme parks determined to get their money's worth, no matter if the kids are cranky and everyone is exhausted.     

You don't have to spend every day racing from roller coaster to show to character opportunity. It's about the memories, after all. It's about having fun. Head out early and come back and play in the pool. Skip the parks entirely one day. Go shopping (did you know Orlando is one of the nation's five top shopping destinations?). Let the kids go to an organized hotel camp while you go to the spa, play tennis or golf. It's your vacation too!

Remember you don't have to stay in lockstep either -- especially if you are with a big family group. Give everyone permission to head in different directions and meet for dinner -- or not.

The most important thing is to stop fretting about what you can't do (the lines that were too long, the restaurant you couldn't get a reservation at) and focus on what you can do -- with a minimum of stress.

Don't fret about money either. You are on vacation, after all. You've earned it. And you can stay on budget with a little effort. Families tell me if they are staying at Walt Disney World, the meal plan really helps. Others swear by accommodations with kitchens so they can save on breakfasts and some dinners. 

One parent I know gives the kids gift cards with the amount they can spend on souvenirs. That helps from giving in to impulse buys.

Let each of the kids pick one must-see attraction for each day you are heading to the park. Alternate who gets to hit theirs first. (And yes, parents get a pick too!)

Feel better? See you at the pool.

To read more family travel tips from Eileen, visit takingthekids.com.

Girlfriends Getaway in Orlando

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, but for Iris Renoux and her friends from California, even planning one girls night out was challenging. With city-life schedules and different personalities, these 20-something ladies needed a vacation makeover.

To create the ultimate girlfriends getaway for this Orlando Vacation Makeover winner, the Visit Orlando team and Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom, went all out with the most luxurious, indulgent and exhilarating itinerary yet.

See how we turned these girlfriends' stress into serenity in our final Vacation Makeover video. To see all the Vacation Makeover videos and to learn more about the featured activities, click here. 

Top 10 Things to Do This Summer in Orlando

With the help of our Facebook fans, here's our list of the hottest summer "must-dos" in the Orlando area.

1. Our Facebook fan Tiffany N. suggests Gatorland, and starting this month, experience 1,200 feet of high-flying adventure on the new Screamin' Gator Zip Line.

2. Explore The Grand Reef, opening June 10 at Discovery Cove. For a more exhilarating adventure, try the underwater walking tour, SeaVenture, which offers up-close encounters with schools of fish and rays. Don't forget to swim with the dolphins while you're there (from Facebook fan Allison W.).

3. Cycle through the treetops on the Cypress Canopy Cycle, a new ecotourism experience at Forever Florida that's the first of its kind in the U.S.

4. Spend your summer nights swaying to the tunes of live concerts at the Amway Center, House of Blues, Hard Rock Live Orlando or check out the summer concert series at Universal Studios (Saturday nights June 11-July 16) and Epcot (June 12 - July 30).

5. As our Facebook fan Constanze N. suggests, indulge in some retail therapy in Orlando's ever-growing shopping options, including The Mall at Millenia and Orlando Premium Outlets.

6. The summer must-do from Facebook fan Amanda P.? "EAT!" Well, treat your taste buds at one of Orlando's newest eateries like Pine 22 and Chico's Dirty Tacos and Tequila in downtown Orlando or Cocina 214 in Winter Park.

7. Beat the summer heat at Orlando's coolest water parks, including Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark, Wet ‘n Wild - Orlando (from Facebook fan Justin E.), Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach.

8. If kicking back at cool pool is a must for your resort stay, check out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Nickelodeon Suites Resort, Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa or Orlando World Center Marriott (editor's note: their pool was voted one of the World's Coolest Hotel Pools by Forbes!).

9. Celebrate Independence Day at SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort or Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando for the Fireworks at the Fountain event.

10. Keep the family cool at one of Orlando's indoor museums like the Orlando Science Center, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art or even Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium (from Facebook fans Joe K. and Christi S.).

For more vacation ideas, check out our YouTube channel featuring videos from our Orlando Vacation Makeovers and our Smile Ambassadors Kyle and Stacey, who spent 67 days experiencing all that Orlando has to offer.