Safe Travel Ideas

• Make sure your car is good working condition: Your tires need to be properly inflated and you’ll definitely need to make sure you have Freon for your air conditioning–you won’t be able to drive comfortably in Florida without it.

•Avoid eye fatigue by taking short breaks before you feel overtired. Make sure you have snacks and drinks on hand to keep yourself alert (just in case your traveling companions aren’t in the talking mood).

• Don’t push yourself to drive too many hours until your intended destination. Spending one night in a small roadside hotel might add some expense to your overall travel budget, but it is much less costly than the consequences of falling asleep behind the wheel.

• Don’t let your gas tank get too empty: Even though Florida is the fourth most populated state in the nation, there are some long stretches of highway where you won’t be able to find a gas station right away, such as sections of the Florida Turnpike that connects Miami to Ocala (especially the stretch between Broward County and the Orlando area) and “Alligator Alley” that traverses the northern end of the Everglades between Miami and Naples.

• Be prepared: Pack a first aid kit for your passengers, plus jumper cables and flares in case your car breaks down. Also pack a flashlight with fresh batteries; it can come in handy even if there isn’t an emergency.

• Having a AAA membership really comes in handy if your car breaks down or you are looking for hotel discounts in Orlando or elsewhere. AAA can also help you save money on theme park tickets.

Traveling through the Sunshine State can take a while–the driving distance between Pensacola on the far western edge of the Florida Panhandle and Key West at the tail end of the Florida Keys is more than 830 miles (nearly 14 hours of travel without any pit stops) but fortunately there are plenty of places to go and things to do even if you choose to take the path less traveled in the state of Florida. And fortunately, Orlando is centrally located in the Sunshine State, with plenty of possible side trips to choose from if you have your own transportation. Check out your driving skills with AAA self rating tool.

Watch this video to learn the best way to handle the steering wheel as we drive.

Hidden Fifties

Winners will be selected randomly from each month’s entries and the PayPal payments will be made within the first half of the following month. Contestants must include the three URLs of the pages where the Hidden Fifties can be found in addition to their name, e-mail address and headshot photo so the winner’s picture can be posted on Orlandoescape.com each month. Contestants must be 18 years of age or older to enter this contest and can only receive one $50 prize from Orlandoescape.com within a one year period.

“The Hidden Fifties contest is our way of thanking our loyal visitors for making Orlandoescape.com their go-to guide for everything related to Orlando travel,” said Sunil Govind, president of Orlandoescape.com. “With so many great vacation package deals to choose from, you never know exactly where you might find one of the Hidden Fifties.”

To begin searching for Hidden Fifties and a chance to win $50 in cash, visit www.orlandoescape.com and learn about Orlando’s most up-to-date vacation package deals, travel tips, and much more.

About Orlandoescape.com: Launched in 2001, Orlandoescape.com is the #1 Internet site for Orlando, Florida, featuring the top Orlando vacation package deals, travel articles, and links to related sites.

One hundred years later, Titanic continues to fascinate people from all over the world.

As the world remembers the centennial of Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage in April 1912, interest in the sunken ship has been on the rise. Titanic: The Experience has been an International Drive attraction for more than a decade, and the permanent exhibit has been at its current location at 7324 International Drive in Orlando for the past three years.

Earlier this year, the 20,000 square ft. building underwent a renovation to include even more artifacts in addition to the full-scale recreations that make Titanic: The Experience more than just a trip to a local museum. One of the ways that this I-Drive attraction differs from other traveling exhibitions that have toured museums across the world is that actors in period costume serve as guides through the various exhibit areas. They provide a historical perspective on what life was like for the passengers who boarded the R.M.S.—from the wealthy first class passengers staying in meticulously furnished state rooms to the immigrant families crossing the Atlantic in cramped third class cabins.

Based upon their age and gender, visitors are given a ticket bearing the name of a real Titanic passenger, which also indicates if the passenger traveled in first, second or third class. As anyone who has seen the 1997 film, “Titanic” will recall, after the “women and children first” protocol was followed, it was an individual’s social standing that usually made the difference between life and death as the ship began to sink with only a limited amount of lifeboats available.

The guided tour does allow for some time to browse the authentic Titanic artifacts and the various displays, such as a recreation of a first class state room and blueprints of the ship which demonstrate why Titanic was considered such a feat of engineering in 1912—the ship was designed to stay afloat if up to four of the watertight compartments in the hull were flooded, but the iceberg that Titanic struck on that cold April evening in 1912 sliced through six compartments like a metal can opener, sinking the ship in less than three hours. It is right about this time—halfway through the tour—that one tends to look at his or her ticket and wonder if their “adopted” passenger was able to make it out alive.

As visitors make their way through the attraction, one of the most memorable displays is the life-size recreation of the ship’s grand staircase. (Don’t expect to be able to climb the stairs, however). This display is followed the most impactful part of the tour—the view from the captain’s bridge. The nighttime sky is filled with brilliant stars and the cold night air reminds visitors of the brutal elements Titanic’s passengers had to face as they abandoned ship.

After the captain’s bridge guests can look up their designated passenger and learn about their fate—did they live? Did they die? Out of the 2,224 passengers on board, only 710 survived. The public’s continued fascination with Titanic is evident in the books, movies, and other related pop culture items (all readily available in the attraction’s gift shop). For anyone who can’t get enough of Titanic lore, this unique I-Drive attraction will be mesmerizing visitors for years to come.

Titanic: The Experience

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Legoland in Winter Haven, FL continues to attract visitors from Orlando.

Spring break in Orlando is one of the region’s peak travel seasons–with warm, summerlike temperatures, springtime festivals featuring live music, and plenty more reasons to enjoy everything that Orlando has to offer.

With that in mind, here are the top 10 spring break ideas for visitors in and around Orlando:

1. Legoland: While Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are obvious draws to Orlando, Legoland in Winter Haven is Florida’s newest theme park, and it is less than an hour away from Orlando’s most famous attractions. Families with kids 12 and under will appreciate the interctive fun and amazing Lego models.

2. Epcot’s Flower & Garden Show: Amazing topiary displays, gardening tips, a butterfly garden, and free performances from some of the most beloved pop acts from the past four decades are among the highlights of this annual event at Walt Disney World.

3. Universal’s Mardi Gras: Lasting a few weeks longer than the real celebration in New Orleans, Universal Studio Florida’s annual spring fling includes concerts from newer pop acts as compared to Epcot (although you have to pay for these tickets) plus plenty of Bourbon Street style celebrations.

4. Orlando water parks: Enjoy summer temperatures without summertime crowds at any one of Orlando’s massive outdoor water parks: Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, Wet ‘n Wild, or Aquatica. This summer Legoland will be opening their own water park.

5. Amway Center: Watch the Orlando Magic play in one of the most high-tech stadiums in the country. In addition to NBA games, the Amway Center is where the biggest names in pop music come to perform concerts.

6. Church Street: The bars and restaurants of Church Street are just a few steps outside of the Amway Center. The nightlife really picks up for NBA games and concerts, but on any given night you’ll find a relatively tourist-free, youthful crowd enjoying a night on the town.

7. International Drive: Of course, if you prefer to stay in the main tourism corridor, I-Drive will serve up plenty of thrills and unique attractions, including Wonderworks, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and even Titanic: The Experience, which is preparing for the centennial of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage.

8. Outlet Shopping: Get your designer swimwear and other accessories at affordable prices at one of two Premium Outlet malls in Orlando. Avoid the packed parking lots by taking  the I-Drive trolley to these locations on north International Drive or Vineland Road.

9. MLB spring training: Play ball! ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Disney World hosts Atlanta Braves’ spring training while Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee is home to the Houston Astros. Local residents and visitors alike enjoy watching their favorite teams play in a more intimate setting than the average MLB ballpark.

10. Orlando dinner theaters: Orlando offers several venues that combine live performances–from equestrian pageantry to swashbuckling fun–with a full meal, such as Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, and Pirates Dinner Theatre. Special packages are available for birthdays and holidays.

While some local attractions host annual events, the Orlando theme parks are constantly rolling out new attractions so that the experience is slightly different every year. “Soft openings” refer to new rides, exhibits and performances that become open to the public during limited hours until the grand opening occurs a few weeks later. You never know when you could get a sneak peek at one of Orlando’s newest attractions during your spring break.

Luxury Suites in Orlando

These luxury  accommodations can usually be found near Disney or Universal property, or even the tourist-saturated International Drive, but many more are located just far enough away from the attractions to offer guests a secluded getaway from their vacation. With that in mind, here are the most luxurious hotel suites in Orlando:

Disney property:

The Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Hotel: The three-bedroom presidential suite is a two-story 1,085 square foot area that offers a view of all four Walt Disney World theme parks, complete with a grand piano, full kitchen, and entertainment centers.

Universal Property:

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando: This Italian-themed resort hosts a $2535 Presidential Suite that includes club level access, dining and conference area, an outdoor terrace, a view of te Harbor Piazza and 2,715 square feet of space.

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando: Live like a rock star in the aptly named Graceland suite at the Hard Rock hotel. This 2,000 square foot suite includes a baby grand piano, a double sided fireplace, whirlpool tub and much more for the cost of $2,275 per night.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando: Get a taste of the islands—for $2,010 per night—at the Captain’s Presidential Suite. The 1,340 square foot suite with club level access also has the option of connecting to a second or third club level room.

International Drive:

Rosen Centre: The Presidential Suite at the Rosen Centre hotel is $2,500 per night and offers a Bose home theater, luxury décor and is ideally located close to the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.

Peabody Orlando: One of the most famous hotels on I-Drive, the Peabody’s most upscale guest offering is the Peabody Penthouse with a spa-like bathroom, a large parlor and master bedroom with a rate of $2,200 per night.

Orlando:

Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes: The name says it all. The Ritz-Carlton offers the most top-of-line hotel experience in Orlando. For a mere $10,000 per night, you can stay in a 4,293 square foot Royal Suite with direct views of the lakes and golf course.

JW Marriott Grande Lakes: Come for the multiple swimming pools and lazy river, stay for the $6,000 per night Presidential Suite with 2,100 square feet of space, complete with a master suite, full dining room, living parlor and separate office on a property that is adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton.

Hilton Bonnet Creek: Located on the Bonnet Creek property that is shared with the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the $7,500 per night Presidential Suite is 2,870 square feet of upscale luxury, featuring a king size Hilton Signature Serenity Bed, sitting area and full bath.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando: The Waldorf’s Presidential Suite is the same price and size as the Hilton Bonnet Creek suite, and features dining for eight, a kitchen, a 42-inch hi-definition flat screen TV and much more.

For those who want their next vacation to Orlando to be a true experience, these luxury suites will ensure that guests will feel pampered, well-rested and far removed from the tourist crowds, especially after a long day at any one of the local theme parks.

A princess parade at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot.

Cinderella’s Royal Table–located in the iconic Cinderella castle–serves up a breakfast, buffet, lunch and a prix fixe priced dinner and is a very popular restaurant for birthday parties and other special events. You can make reservations as much as 180 days in advance through 407-WDW-DINE, and for this particular restaurant, the sooner the better. Package deals are available to ensure that your little princess gets the royal treatment with a special Cinderella greeting and photo packages.

Like Cinderella’s Royal Table, the Akershus restaurant in the Norway pavilion at Epcot also offers each child an opportunity to be photographed with one of the Disney princesses upon entry, and once guests are seated, they will also be visited by each of the Disney princesses, which usually include Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel (Little Mermaid) and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty).

The prix fixe meal at Akershus includes an appetizer buffet with plenty of smoked salmon, cheeses, and even some caviar–for children who are bold enough to try it out. Other entrees include traditional Norwegian style meatballs and ravioli pasta shaped like Mickey Mouse ears. Be sure to bring a camera and an autograph book to document all of the fun.

And as with many character dining experience, your daughter can be a part of a princess parade as part of the meal’s festivities. Disney World sells a wide variety of princess dresses at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and World of Disney at Downtown Disney–home of the Bibiddy Bobiddy Boutique, where girls can get a princess makeover–but purchasing a princess dress at a local Walmart or Target will not only save you money, but it will give you more peace of mind about stuffing the dress in a small bag should your little princess decide to romp around one of the theme parks’ play areas.

While the Magic Kingdom parades and other character greeting areas offer opportunities to see the Disney princess–even Tiana and Pocahontas have made appearances at the Disney parks–having a chance to photograph your little girl with one of the Disney princesses at a special meal is one experience that your family will remember for years to come.

Mama Della's at the Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando.

For Orlando area residents, one of the benefits of living in close proximity to so many first rate Orlando hotels is the ability to enjoy fine dining without having to pay for a hotel room. There are many hotels in and around Orlando that are dining destinations in and of themselves.

By calling 407-WDW-DINE, anyone can make a reservation at a Walt Disney World restaurant. While access to the restaurants at the theme parks requires theme park admission or an annual pass, visitors can also dine at any of the Disney World hotel restaurants as long as they make a reservation ahead of time (there are no walk-in reservations at the restaurants for non-guests). The most famous restaurant in town is on Disney property–Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian resort. This elegant Prix Fixe meal is for a grown-up crowd (children under 12 are not allowed) and is the ideal location for special occasions and the finest gourmet dining that Orlando has to offer.

If your dining party includes kids who want to be entertained, check out O’Hana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The live performances, opportunities for young children to hula dance around the restaurant, and the hearty skewers of meat for this family style meal make for a memorable dining experience. As with all Disney dining experiences, you can make a reservation up to 180 days in advance.

Over on the Universal sidebar town, you can enjoy a traditional Italian meal at Mama Della’s Ristorante in the Loew’s Portofino Bay Resort (complete with strolling musicians) or travel around the world to the South Pacific at the Wantilan Luau within Loew’s Royal Pacific Resort. Either way, you’ll enjoy a cultural experience that you can’t find at a chain restaurant—and admittedly, Orlando has plenty of those as well).

Some of the larger resorts in Orlando have several restaurants that are worthy of a night on the town. Many of the restaurants that made the original Waldorf Astoria in New York City a famed landmark are also here in Orlando. The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center has a restaurant to match each of the Florida-themed atrium’s at the hotel, including a nautical Key West themed restaurant for casual dining with tables available on a fishing boat.

No matter which dining experience you choose, the choice is yours to spend the night at any of these upscale resorts, or make it a night on the town before heading home. Orlando’s culinary offers have expanded over the past several years, and the local hotels are some of the best places to find fantastic food in a memorable atmosphere.

LEGOLAND Florida's driving school is a popular attraction--with a version for preschoolers (pictured) as well as older kids.

Built on the grounds of the original Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND is large enough to require more than one trip to explore every aspect of the park. The Duplo Village is geared towards the stroller crowd, so our school-aged children gravitated towards the “big kid” rides like Coastersaurus and Flying School.

One of the attractions we checked out on LEGOLAND’s opening day was Driving School, which promised the kids a driver’s license with their picture on it at the end of their driver’s test. What was not mentioned in the opening video was that the license actually cost $15 per child. For future trips we plan on having the kids bring their “license” with them to avoid incurring any additional expenses.

One of the highlights for our family was the Lego-themed waterski show on the same lake where Cypress Garden presented waterski shows since the 1930s. The high energy show included plenty of characters in full Lego costumes, which must be pretty challenging on a set of water skis.

Another not-to-be-missed area of LEGOLAND is the mini city replicas of Florida landmarks such as Kennedy Space Center, Daytona 500, Key West, South Beach, and other locations such as Las Vegas or Washington DC. (One thing you won’t find is a salute to Orlando and all of its competing theme parks.)

Even though it takes a little extra time to make the trip to LEGOLAND, the journey is well worth it for families with Lego-loving kids and a desire to break out of the mold of Orlando’s more established theme parks. With a location between Orlando and Tampa, Florida’s LEGOLAND has the potential to become one of Central Florida’s premier attractions for years to come.

Whether you take in the Florida Strawberry Festival or another annual event, late winter and early spring are ideal times to come to Central Florida.

While late February and early March might be considered the dead of winter in other parts of the country, springtime is in full bloom in Central Florida—which is why late winter and early spring are ideal times for annual festivals. From theme park extravaganzas to traditional county fair carnivals, there is something for everyone in and around Orlando.

Even though the period of time between the influx of Christmas break and Spring Break crowds is considered the off-peak season, there are plenty of events for local residents and visitors to enjoy. Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida is free with daily admission or an annual pass, and some of the biggest names in pop music come here for concerts between he months of February and April. Add to that the festive bead-dazzling atmosphere of the Mardi Gras parade, French Quarter food and music, and an after party and Universal CityWalk, and you have plenty of reasons to return to Unviersal to enjoy the celebration.

While theme parks rule the roost in and around Orlando, every now and then it is nice to have the opportunity to experience the more traditional carnival atmosphere of a county fair. For the past century, the Central Florida Fair has been a gathering place for agriculture exhibits, home grown entertainment, midway games, carnival rides—and fried food on a stick. The Central Florida Fairgrounds are located in Orlando just west of Interstate 4, and it is popular annual event for local residents who wish to go back in time to the way Central Floridians enjoyed thrill rides and festival food before the arrival of Disney World.

For those who are adventurous enough to venture further out to Plant City, Florida—only a short drive from Tampa off of I-4—the Florida Strawberry Festival is a celebration of all things strawberry—right here in the Citrus State. Like the Central Florida Fair there is live entertainment (with a large number of big name country acts—Taylor Swift made an appearance here when she was a rising star) carnival rides, agriculture exhibits, and all the strawberries you can possibly eat, in the form of strawberry shortcakes, pies, ice creams, and other creations, and visitors can also purchase a few pounds of fresh from the field strawberries right before they leave.

With temperatures gradually warming before the onslaught of large crowds and hotter temperatures, late winter is an ideal time to come to the Orlando area and enjoy some of the region’s unique annual festivals. Whether you are loading up on Mardi Gras beads or a freshly made strawberry shortcake, you might just realize that anytime is the best time to come to Orlando.