June 19, 2008

Make Summer Last Longer With a Fall Getaway to Orlando

August 15 Kicks Off Orlando’s Endless Summer Featuring ‘Get One Free!’

ORLANDO, Fla. – Visitors can squeeze in one more “summer” getaway without breaking the bank through Orlando’s second annual Endless Summer™ promotion. Running from August 15 through November 15, travelers can keep summer alive with “Get One Free” accommodation and attraction offers throughout the destination. 

The program, created by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) for the long-weekend getaway traveler, provides such deals as “Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3^rd Night Free,” “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4^th Night Free,” “Buy 1 Ticket, Get the 2^nd Free” and “Purchase 1 Round of Golf, Get the 2^nd Round Free,” with more offers available as the kick-off date approaches. The availability is during a time when Orlando enjoys 70-degree temperatures, lighter crowds, and a variety of outdoor activities and special events.

“Get One Free” offers are available at a wide range of accommodations from value to luxury including: Orlando World Center Marriott; The Point Orlando Resort; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort; Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal; Quality Inn Plaza and Radisson World Gate, to name a few.

“Free Ticket” offers include popular local attractions such as Gatorland, home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles; Fun Spot Action Park and Magical Midway, offering multi-level go-kart tracks, rides and arcade games; SkyVenture Orlando, an indoor skydiving experience; and Dinosaur World, featuring more than 150 life-size dinosaurs. A “Purchase 1 Round of Golf, Get the 2^nd Round Free” offer is available at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club.

 “No matter your age, summer evokes feelings of fun, whimsy and a carefree attitude. And while the calendar may say that it’s fall, we can still embrace the opportunity to hold on to those summer feelings a little longer through a quick-break getaway.” said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando CVB.  “Whether you want to take the grandkids to world-class attractions, hit the road with the guys for a golf-filled weekend, take that long overdue romantic getaway or relax in a spa with your best friends, Endless Summer in Orlando appeals to all and puts a little money back in your wallet in the process.”

In addition, visitors can peg their travel dates to a blockbuster Endless Summer special events calendar filled with more than 15 culinary, cultural and sporting events, as well as one of the world’s largest destination-wide Halloween celebrations.  In September, the Orlando CVB launches its 3^rd Annual "Orlando Magical Dining Month" to showcase Central Florida's ever-expanding dining universe. From Sept. 1 – 30, 2008, participating restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe dinners for $19 or $29 (excluding beverage, tax and gratuity) allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy exceptional values at some of Orlando's most popular restaurants including; Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Bice Ristorante, Graze Orlando and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Additional events include: the 13^th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival featuring hundreds of wine, beer and culinary seminars and tastings; the Children’s Miracle Network Golf Classic, bringing together nearly 150 top PGA Tour players in early November; the 35^th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, a juried art show featuring Florida artists and live entertainment; and a wide-variety of haunted happenings from Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando to SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular. 

Orlando’s thriving arts community also rolls out a new season of cultural entertainment with Broadway-series shows at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center; professional-ensemble plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre; family audience plays at the Orlando Repertory Theatre; and performances by the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Opera and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.    

More information on all Endless Summer “Get One Free” offers, participating establishments and special events is available at orlandoinfo.com/endlesssummer or by calling 1-888-ORL4-FUN (888-675-4386).  While in Orlando, visitors can stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row. The Visitors Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec. 25).