Sunday, April 21, 2013

7-Day South Island Coastal Splendor Tour from Christchurch


Visit the scenic South Island of New Zealand on this seven day independent coach tour. Travel by coach and train from Christchurch to the city of Dunedin, then head to Queenstown and up the rugged West Coast before returning to Christchurch.

Highlights
Instant Confirmation
Multi-Day Trip
All entrance fees included
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences
Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Informative, friendly and professional guide
The highlights of this tour include a scenic cruise on majestic Milford Sound, a tour of the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin, viewing the mighty Franz Josef Glacier and enjoying scenic train journeys.

Special Offer! - Save 5% on the recommended retail price. Special offer valid for travel April 1 to September 30, 2013 - Book Now!

Orlando Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Make your childhood fantasies come true and take a sunrise flight over Orlando in a hot-air balloon! You'll fly over beautiful forests and lakes on this ultimate Orlando experience.

Highlights
Scenic air tour
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Enjoy fantastic aerial views
Champagne breakfast included
Meeting one hour prior to sunrise, you'll travel to your launch site for take-off. Once you are airborne, your pilot will point out the spectacular sights of the Orlando area, from the theme parks to the orange groves, forests and swamps. Your hot-air balloon flight lasts approximately one hour.

After your exhilarating flight you'll drink a traditional champagne toast to your memorable experience (non-alcoholic beverages are also available) before heading to the Best Western Lakeside for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. You'll then be presented with a Flight of Ascension certificate by your pilot.

Please note: Ballooning is dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Therefore, if conditions are not favorable for a safe flight, the pilot may reschedule or cancel the flight. Please remember to wear closed toed shoes.

Schedule details

Orlando Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Departure Dates:
Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.
1. Where do the flights take place?

Our flights are in the Disney area. They can take place anywhere from Disney to Highway 192 and Highway 27 depending on wind direction.

2. Where and when do we meet?

We meet approximately one hour before sunrise. This can be anywhere from 5:30am to 6:30am depending on the time of year.  We meet at the Convention Center at the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration, located on Highway 192; exactly ONE traffic light east of Interstate 4 -- Exit 64 (Parkway Boulevard). Turn north at this traffic light and make another immediate left into the Radisson. It is next to Kobe Steakhouse

The address is: 2900 Parkway Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747.
Phone Number: 1.800.634.4774.

Click here for a map of the location.

3. How long is the flight?

Most flights are about an hour. However they can be as short as 45 minutes or as long as 1 hour and 45 minutes. It just depends on weather conditions and landing sites.

4. What should I wear?

Dress like you were going on a hike in the woods. NO OPENED TOED SHOES. It is not any cooler in the balloon than it is on the ground so we suggest dressing for that particular day's weather.

5. What can I bring along?

Feel free to bring along a camera or camcorder to record this once in a lifetime experience.

6. How high do we go?

We can go anywhere from treetops to several thousand feet. It depends on wind speed and direction.

7. Will I be affected if I suffer from motion sickness?

No. As the balloon moves with the wind, there is none of this sensation. A balloon flight is so calm, it is possible to set a glass of water on a table in a balloon and not spill a drop.

9. What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or postpone your flight you must give us 48 Hours notice. Once your booking is complete you will be able to contact us via phone to cancel your flight. If you do not give us sufficient notice or do not show for Flight Check-In, you will be charged for the flight.

If we need to postpone a flight it will only be for your safety. We have a 100% safety record and if, in the opinion of our pilots, weather conditions are not suitable for safe flight operations, we will postpone your flight.

We will reschedule you at your earliest convenience. We suggest that you pick a day near the beginning of your stay so that you have back up days available.

By booking this flight I agree to the terms of the Orlando Balloon Rides Cancellation Policy.

SeaWorld® Orlando Ticket

SeaWorld Orlando, the world's premier marine adventure theme park with over 200 acres of undersea themes is filled with shows, rides and animal encounters. There are 3 daring marine-themed roller coasters. Unlike other parks, SeaWorld offers a mixture of education and entertainment for the whole family. While enjoying thrilling showmanship, you will also learn about underwater marine life. SeaWorld also has a program that informs the public about endangered species and also helps rescue hundreds of animals them here in Florida. Dolphins, manatees, sea lions, otters, killer whales, penguins, stingrays, and sharks are the real stars at SeaWorld. Some of the other notable features and experiences at SeaWorld are, Waterfront, Dine with Shamu, and Sharks Underwater Grill. In addition, SeaWorld Orlando's popular whale and dolphin show takes on a funky beach theme featuring tropical island music, playful interactions and spectacular new animal behaviors in the Key West Dolphin Fest.

We offer Discount SeaWorld Tickets to save our customers money... don't pay gate price. If you are planning on visiting Shamu and his dolphin friends in Orlando, your search for SeaWorld Orlando Tickets end here. Our ticket prices for this theme park are the lowest available online. Whether you are searching for single day SeaWorld passes or multi-day SeaWorld Combo Tickets, you have found the right place to pre-purchase your tickets. All of our agents work on a non-commission basis. We are here to help you build a custom package that will suit your needs, NOT to up-sell you any items. Call us now, we'd love to offer any advice or address any questions you may have.Now you can swim with Beluga whales at SeaWorld. This special experience ticket is available through us also. The majesty and glory of these beautiful animals cannot be explained in words. Swim with the WhalesTurtleTrek The 360 degree, 3D sensory overload experience that is Turtle Trek, is an attraction like no other at SeaWorld Orlando!

See and experience the journey of life through the eyes of a sea turtle, from birth to death with many perils in between, in a dome theater that allows you to watch hyper-realistic 3D movie. MANTA: Ride the Flying Ray Roller Coaster Manta is SeaWorld's latest and greatest roller coaster. The total height of this ride is 140 feet off of the ground, the first loop which occurs seconds after takeoff peaks at 113 feet and then you soar off and begin to twist, turn, and become tossed around on the 3,359 foot track, but those numbers won't mean anything when you're soaring at 56 miles-per-hour. Kraken Roller Coaster Kraken, a terrifying monster of the deep has been let loose on Central Florida.

Kraken will take you to the heights of a 15-story building and turn you upside down seven times, all at speeds reaching 65 mph, breaking all records as the newest, highest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster in Orlando it even plunges underwater!"... SeaWorld's Journey to Atlantis Get ready for the ultimate adventure ride Journey to Atlantis! You'll never know what's around the next corner or the next drop. Even when it's 60 feet, nearly straight down. Journey to Atlantis is the future of theme park thrill rides. Combining the best parts of water rides and roller coasters, and adding out-of-this-world special effects have created the most unbelievable ride imaginable...
Spend a day at SeaWorld® Orlando and come face-to-face with the ocean's most fascinating marine animals. With more than 30 family-friendly attractions, shows and rides, this admission ticket has something for everyone!

Highlights
All entrance fees included, All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included, Family friendly, Instant Confirmation, Venture into the amazing world of the ocean and its inhabitants as SeaWorld Orlando takes you on an unforgettable journey into the deep blue sea. With several up-close encounters with killer whales, sharks, polar bears and turtles, you'll feel the enthusiasm, energy and excitement of all kinds of marine life.For additional fun, choose from combo ticket options with Busch Gardens and Aquatica.Busch Gardens
One of the top zoos in North America, Busch Gardens brings you face-to-face with more exotic and endangered animals than any destination outside of Africa, with live shows that take you to the heart of the jungle through music and dance.Discover a colorful village nestled among towering trees, explore a 3-story playland of climbing nets and tunnels, soar above the treetops on a zipline adventure or launch into the sky from inside a 35-foot (10-meter) waterfall. Then, come face-to-face with orangutans and test your strength in a tug-of-war with a Bengal tiger!

Aquatica
Son't miss this whimsical, one-of-a-kind waterpark. Float on a river through a world of colorful fish and then race into rolling rapids. Hop on two awesome tube slides and speed through a lively lagoon filled with friendly dolphins. Catch waves in the huge wave pool and soak up some sun or relax in the shade on the sandy beach.See the Itinerary below for a full list of exhibits, rides and attractions.

Universal Orlando 2-Park Bonus Ticket

At Universal Orlando® Resort you’ll find two amazing theme parks, non-stop nightlife and more, all in one convenient location. Experience the pulse-pounding thrills of Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™; The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, now in high-def 3-D; and the Jurassic Park River Adventure®. Take a starring role in some of the biggest movies and TV shows ever created at Universal Studios®, home of the 3-D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy®, Universal’s Superstar Parade, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular nighttime show, and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® coaster. And enjoy the best in restaurants, nightclubs, shopping and movies at Universal CityWalk®. It’s all at Universal Orlando Resort, where vacation becomes adventure.

This product is available for non-USA / non-Canada residents only

Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Take an unforgettable journey through remarkable islands where all your favorite myths, legends, comic books, cartoons and children’s stories come to life. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure you’ll experience innovative rides and attractions that challenge all your senses, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™; The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, now in high-def 3-D; The Incredible Hulk Coaster®; the Jurassic Park River Adventure; and The Cat in the Hat™.

Universal Studios Florida
Go beyond the screen and jump into the action of your favorite films at Universal Studios Florida®. At the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park, you’ll find an amazing array of rides, shows, movie sets and attractions including the 3-D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit multi-sensory coaster, Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride™, MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™, Universal’s Superstar Parade, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular–100 Years of Movie Memories nighttime show, and more.

Universal CityWalk
Dance, drink, shop, and see it all in one place-Universal CityWalk. Only here can you walk from some of Orlando's most popular restaurants into some of its hottest clubs, trendiest shops and state-of-the-art theatres. It's anything and everything you want to make your night come alive-Universal CityWalk, the Entertainment Capital of Orlando℠ .

2-Day Miami South Beach Adventure from Orlando with Optional Dolphin Swim

On this 2-day Miami South Beach adventure, take a thrilling airboat tour through the Florida Everglades, enjoy free time to shop at Bayside Marketplace, and stay overnight in the heart of the Art Deco District, featuring a slew of restaurants, shops, museums, nightclubs and beaches at your fingertips. Upgrade to enjoy a dolphin swim with marine experts in Key Largo!

Day 1: Orlando -- Miami

After pickup from a select meeting point in Orlando, take a 4-hour drive to South Beach in Miami. Your first stop is the Florida Everglades, where you'll enjoy an exhilarating airboat ride through the lush wetlands with your guide. Your airboat ride is followed by a wild snake- and alligator-handling show, during which expert reptile handlers will offer interesting information about these creatures.

Next stop is Bayside Marketplace, a shopping complex where you'll have free time to peruse the numerous specialty and name-brand stores. This complex is also home to a variety of restaurants, live entertainment and sightseeing tour options, and offers breathtaking views of the Miami skyline.

You’ll then be taken to your hotel, located in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District. It’s just seconds away from restaurants, shops, museums, nightclubs and the beach, so you'll always have something to do. The rest of the day and night is yours to spend as you please.

Overnight: Catalina Hotel and Beach Club or similar in South Beach

Day 2: Miami -- Orlando
On your second day, take a tour of the Art Deco District, dine at the Miami Beach Marina, visit the famous Lincoln Road outdoor mall, stroll along Ocean Drive, or take a dip in Nikki Beach (all activities at own expense). Your tour will depart from Miami around 3pm for arrival in Orlando at approximately 7pm.

Dolphin Swim Upgrade: For something new and exciting, upgrade to include a Dolphin Swim! Check out of your hotel early in the morning and head to Key Largo with your guide. You'll receive an informative briefing about dolphins by a marine expert before hopping in the water to rub the dolphins' bellies, do handshakes and other tricks, and even receive a dolphin kiss. After your 1.5-hour dolphin experience, you'll be taken back to South Beach for a few hours of free time before heading back to Orlando.

Universal Orlando 3-Park Unlimited Ticket

With the Universal Orlando 3-Park Unlimited Ticket with Park-to-Park Access, you can come and go as much as you please between two amazing theme parks and one waterpark on all days during at fourteen (14) consecutive calendar day period!

Experience the pulse-pounding thrills of Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man™ and Jurassic Park River Adventure®. Take a starring role in some of the biggest movies and TV shows ever created at Universal Studios®, home of Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy® and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® coaster. At Wet 'n Wild® experience more themed, multi-person thrill rides than any other waterpark around. Enjoy the best in restaurants, nightclubs, shopping and movies at Universal CityWalk®.

Take an unforgettable journey through remarkable islands where all your favorite myths, legends, comic books, cartoons and children’s stories come to life. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure you’ll experience innovative rides and attractions that challenge all your senses, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™; The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, now in high-def 3-D; The Incredible Hulk Coaster®; the Jurassic Park River Adventure®; and The Cat in the Hat™. Universal Studios Florida Go beyond the screen and jump into the action of your favorite films at Universal Studios Florida®.

At the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park, you’ll find an amazing array of rides, shows, movie sets and attractions including the 3-D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit multi-sensory coaster, Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride™, MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™, Universal’s Superstar Parade, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular–100 Years of Movie Memories nighttime show, and more.With the Universal Orlando 3-Park Unlimited Ticket with Park-to-Park Access, you can come and go as much as you please between two amazing theme parks and one water park on all days during at fourteen consecutive calendar day period!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Take an unforgettable journey through remarkable islands where all your favorite myths, legends, comic books, cartoons and children’s stories come to life. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure you’ll experience innovative rides and attractions that challenge all your senses, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™; The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, now in high-def 3-D; The Incredible Hulk Coaster®; the Jurassic Park River Adventure®; and The Cat in the Hat™.

Universal Studios Florida
Go beyond the screen and jump into the action of your favorite films at Universal Studios Florida®. At the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park, you’ll find an amazing array of rides, shows, movie sets and attractions including the 3-D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® multi-sensory coaster, Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy®, The Simpsons Ride™, MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™, Universal’s Superstar Parade, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular–100 Years of Movie Memories nighttime show, and more.

Wet’n Wild Orlando
Experience an explosion of pulsating lights, dynamic effects and cosmic energy on The Black Hole: The Next Generation, as your two-person hydra capsule blasts off to new out-of-this-world thrills! Encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on Brain Wash, or boogie down on the retro raft adventure – Disco H2O. Take a relaxing journey into Florida’s past through breathtaking waterfalls on the Lazy River, or get soaked down a ruptured pipeline on The Blast.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

New York City Culture & Customs

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. So it should come as no surprise that it's also one of the most diverse. The city is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, as well as its status as the country's trendsetter, making it difficult to define one specific "culture" of the Big Apple. As home to the most vibrant theater and fashions scenes in the country and a large contingent of schools and Wall Street on top of that, NYC also shelters a large gay community as well as many students, artists, fashionistas, writers, businessmen and so on. Stereotypically, this melting pot of New Yorkers are portrayed as brash and rude. But as TripAdvisor explains, "New Yorkers are unfailingly proud of their great city, and this pride can, at times, come off as arrogance." Contrary to popular belief, most New Yorkers are happy to help you explore their home.