Hassle-Free Family Vacations with JetSetBabies

Saturday, June 26th, 2010
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Hassle-Free Family Vacations with JetSetBabies

Family vacations are what memories are made but traveling with little ones can be a hassle especially when packing and traveling with all the essentials. You know. Packing a large suitcase with all the baby or toddler essentials. This is where JetSetBabies comes to the rescue. It’s a a company that has been helping families enjoy hassle-free vacations since Feb. 2003 by doing the shopping for you.

It’s pretty simple how JetSetBabies works. You tell them what baby supplies you need ranging from diapers to food, they do the shopping, then ship it to your hotel or resort. Yes. They ship the baby supplies you need for vacation so it’s waiting for you upon arrival. Can’t get any more convenient than that!

Parents can order items al a carte or order specific packages based on the vacation type. For instance, if heading out for a beach vacation to Myrtle Beach, order the “Weekend at the Beach” package which includes  four days worth of diapers, travel pack of wipe, disposable changing pads, two swim pants singles, and a Baby Blanket sunscreen towelette, disposable diaper sacks, sand pail and shovel, ground cover, spill proof cups, Meal Time Tote and much more!

Packages are available for weekend getaways and week-long vacations appropriate tailored for the beach, woods, pool or ski slopes.

The company shops for name brands as Huggies, Pampers and Gerber and even offers an organic option. Prices are reasonable considering the convenience. Orders are accepted online or if unsure what exactly to pack, give JetSetBabies a call at 866-990-1811 and together you can figure it out.


6 Tips for Tackling The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this Summer

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
Posted in Florida, Orlando, Travel News, Travel Tips | Leave a comment! »

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Downtown Hogsmeade

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure opened to the public on Friday, June 18. It was quite the production as the REAL Harry Potter was in attendance, Daniel Radcliffe, along with a host of other Potter actors and thousands of curious fans. While we didn’t make the journey to The Wizarding World on opening day, we ventured over to Hogsmeade the Sunday after the attraction debuted and learned a few tips to share with readers.

Tip #1: Read and Watch. If you haven’t read the Harry Potter books or seen the movies, get busy! Now’s the time to at least watch the movies for a frame of reference. Many muggles who haven’t read the books or seen the movies had to have several things explained to them. Trust us, watch at least the first movie for a frame of reference.

Tip #2: Purchase Tickets in Advance.
Save a few bucks by purchasing tickets in advance either through the Universal Orlando website (you’ll save $10 off the gate price on a multi-day ticket) or save even more when you’re a AAA member. Florida resident discounts are available, too, but blackout dates apply, including July.

Tip #3: Timing is Everything. If you’re planning to arrive early, get there early, as in, before the gates open (9 a.m.). This blogger learned the hard way and arrived 45 minutes after the park opened and waited in line for about 45 minutes before be admitting into the attraction. A couple of hours later, there were no lines to get in. Conclusion: arrive really early or a couple of hours after the park opens to maximize time. Or, enjoy some of the Islands of Adventure attractions such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Tip #4: Plan. Seriously. We Mean Plan. Anticipate spending at least six hours in The Wizarding World. Yes, there are only three rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge) and half-a-dozen shops but thousands of fans are waiting to get in, too. Forbidden Journey is the most popular ride (albeit scary) but worth the wait. The wait time may be 120 minutes but the line moves quickly and it’s fun people watching, especially when fans wear hand-designed Potter-themed T-shirts with sayings from the books.

Lines for the shops and Three Broomsticks (restaurant) don’t move much as the number of guests allowed in is monitored. Knowing this, the first thing upon entering The Wizarding World is to hit Ollivanders to have a wand choose you. Next, hit Zonko’s Joke Shop, Honeydukes (sweets), Dervish and Banges (Quidditch equipment, Hogwarts uniforms), and Owl Post & Owlery to send a letter from Hogsmeade. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods (more Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing, magical creature toys) can be visited when exiting Forbidden Journey.

Tip #5: Prepare. It’s summer in Florida meaning it’ll be hot early in the morning ’til mid-afternoon, when a brief thunderstorm will probably roll through. Wear sunscreen and reapply and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Keep hydrated and take time to rest.

Tip #6: Enjoy the Magic, Have Fun!
Awe in wonder at the attention to detail Universal created in bringing Harry Potter’s world to life. Look up and around while walking through downtown Hogsmeade, take time to look in the windows, and if possible, slowly walk through Hogwarts (on the way to the Forbidden Journey ride) taking in the detail. Indulge in Butterbeer (it’s as good as everyone says but save money, don’t buy the plastic mug for about $10) and enjoy the Frog Choir (Hogwarts students sing with super-sized frogs) and the Triward Spirit Rally. If really feeling in a magical mood, don your favorite Potter wear, such as glasses, a tie, or even paint a lightning bolt on your forehead.

Yes, The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter is as wonderful as the hype has made it. Potter fans will not be disappointed. Forbidden Journey is incredible and the technology creates the experience of flying with Harry Potter. Be aware the Forbidden Journey and Dragon Challenge rides are for those at least 48″ tall.

When you’re ready to see Harry Potter, let Resort Rentals International find your sleeping quarters for an affordable Orlando vacation.


Fundraiser to Support Fishing Communities Devastated by Gulf Oil Spill, June 30, 2010

Sunday, June 20th, 2010
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 Gulf of Mexico Fishing Boat, Apalachicola, Fla.

The Deepwater Horizon Oil disaster is forever changing the livelihood of Gulf Coast fishermen and WFN: World Fishing Network, North America’s only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network, is doing something about it. The network will dedicate June 30, 2010, to an entire day of programming and commercial airtime to help support recreational anglers impacted by the disaster.

Programming will include in-depth coverage of the spill’s impact on recreational and commercial fishing in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi with the goal to raising awareness of the impact on the fishing industry and raise money. Funds raised will go to organizations providing aid and support to those impacted the greatest.

The WFN Gulf Oil Spill Fisherman’s Fund has been established and during the day of the fundraiser, viewers will be directed to the site (www.wfn.tv/donate). This fund support the FishAmerica Foundation’s Gulf Fund in support of Gulf Coast restoration efforts and the Venice Charter Boat and Guide Association.

In support of WFN’s efforts, DISH Network, Charter Communications and AT&T U-verse have already agreed to make WFN available to subscribers for the one-day fundraiser. Charter Communications will be making WFN available to its digital customers in various Charter services areas. AT&T U-verse will have a WFN free-view available for all U-verse TV HD subscribers June 28 through June 30 to help support affected anglers.

The special is also available to WFN subscribers on Comcast, Verizon, Knology and GVTC. Check www.wfn.tv/demand for specific channel information.

The foundation will work with state and federal natural resource agencies and community conservation groups to identify and prioritize projects such as wetland creation and restoration, aquatic vegetation planting, rebuilding angler access and reestablishing fish passage in the Gulf region.

Tune in, become educated and make a difference.