Vacationers to Orlando have a new animal show to enjoy at SeaWorld. “One Ocean” provides a way to connect with the sea through the energy, excitement and education of this new killer whale show. “One Ocean” debuted on Earth Day, April 22, at SeaWorld Orlando and will open at SeaWorld San Diego on Memorial Day weekend and SeaWorld San Antonio opens June 10. The show replaces the popular killer whale show, “Believe,” which ran for five years in all three SeaWorld parks.

“This aquatic show brings to life SeaWorld’s mission in the most powerful way yet,” said Jim Atchison, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “This show is what guests love about our parks: thrilling entertainment that educates and inspires you to celebrate, connect and care for the world we share.”

“One Ocean” features SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world.  At the core of the show is the inspiring and educational message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect.

Shamu Stadium hosts “One Ocean” with its 3-story set, panoramic LED screens and hundreds of surround-sound speakers, now features special effects that envelop guests in the show experience, including soaring fountains, stunning underwater imagery, and an original musical score with three original songs intended to evoke a global stewardship message:  “One Song,” “Side by Side” and “We’re One.”

“One Ocean” features the whales in high-energy leaps and multiple whales performing simultaneously. The whales interact in new ways with trainers, the audience, one another, and even the set. A show highlight includes a segment where whales play amid the giant fountains.

When planning an Orlando vacation, learn more about SeaWorld’s “One Ocean” show on the website www.SeaWorld.com/OneOcean and let us guide you to a place to stay in Orlando.

Image Source: SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT/Jason Collier

Those living in the Midwest and Northern United States experienced a pretty harsh winter this year. To remind those hit with snow storm after snow storm, Florida Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, hit the road earlier this month to invite potential travelers in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Chicago to vacation in Florida.

March 1 and 2, the governor and tourism ambassadors kicked off the mission with a rally in Florida’s tourism capital, Orlando. Gov. Scott and his entourage then traveled north on a whirlwind trip spreading sunshine in the form of personal invitations to vacation in Florida, tchotchkes and Florida vacation giveaways.

Those in Chicago were the biggest winners. While the Florida vacations given away throughout the journey were valid for a year, up to 120 Windy City winners boarded a Southwest Airlines charted jet bound for Orlando for a four-day vacation. Almost sounds like an Oprah move, doesn’t it?

If you’re tired of the cold Mother Nature bestowed on you this year, an affordable Florida vacation is in reach and the Sunshine State offers many vacation options. Escape the cold by visiting the Southern Most Point during a Key West vacation or play on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean during a Daytona Beach trip. Get your thrill on during an Orlando family vacation or chill out and enjoy Florida’s Gulf coast during a getaway to Naples.

Remember, Florida’s called the Sunshine State for good reason so head south and defrost.

Image Source: VISIT FLORIDA

Punxsutawney Phil, probably the second most famous rodent next to Mickey, did not see his shadow this Groundhog Day meaning winter is ending and spring is on its way. But after all the snow this winter, can you wait until spring to defrost?

We have some ideas to escape the winter cold and soak up the sunshine and heat in the near-future. Here are our top warm-weather picks in the United States for this winter:

Las Vegas, Nev. – Seriously, you don’t need an excuse for a Las Vegas vacation but if you need one, four or five wallops of winter snow is good reason. Las Vegas is always evolving with grand resorts, superb entertainment and non-stop action. We can’t guarantee you’ll win big in the casinos but are pretty sure you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories.

New Orleans, La. - Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll during a New Orleans vacation.  Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cajun cuisine, get spooked during an evening city ghost tour, and let loose (but in control) on Bourbon Street when the music is pulsing. It’s not too early to find your New Orleans accommodations for Mardi Gras, which is Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Palm Springs, Calif. – If winter has given you the blahs, travel to Palm Springs where average high temperatures range between the upper-70s to low-90s. Just reading that fills me with warm fuzzies. Explore canyons, tee it up on a golf course and soak up the snazzy sophistication while soaking up the sun.

Florida – There were reported sightings of Groundhog Phil basking in the Sunshine State’s warm rays the end of January. Apparently, the groundhog had enough of snow and boogied on down south for an early spring. Make like Phil and travel to Florida to enjoy eclectic Key West, flare of Naples, vroom of Daytona Beach and thrill of Orlando. Whether seeking beaches, nature, or exhilarating theme park rides, Florida offers something for everyone.

There’s only so much a cozy fireplace and grandma’s quilt can do to keep you warm. Escape on a warm-weather vacation to warm the spirit and soul.

Image Source: Naples, Marco Island & Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau