Disney has not unveiled  a lot about what they plan to do with the space that the closed Pleasure Island occupies in Downtown Disney, but whatever they do come up with is set to open in 2012. Pleasure Island was the home to 6 alcohol serving nightclubs that did not cater to the [...]]]>

Downtown Disney

Disney has not unveiled  a lot about what they plan to do with the space that the closed Pleasure Island occupies in Downtown Disney, but whatever they do come up with is set to open in 2012. Pleasure Island was the home to 6 alcohol serving nightclubs that did not cater to the whole family and it closed on Sept. 27, 2008. It’s can of odd thinking that Disney World would try to go after this kind of audience when they are so family centered. I am not quite sure what Disney’s marketing team was thinking, and I think that this is something that was doomed from the beginning. That really is more of Universal’s market and not Disney World’s market. Now, the space will be used to appeal to families rather than clubbers with dining and shopping for the whole family.

Since Pleasure Island closed, only one restaurant, Paradiso 37, has opened there in the last two years. They serve South American and Mexican dishes, and they are quite good too. Disney has opened one other attraction in Downtown Disney and that was there Characters in Flight attraction which allows guests to get a birds eye view of the Disney Resort for a small fee.

Time to plan for your Orlando vacation? How exciting! Before you go spend crazy because you want to make this a fantastic vacation, take a little time to plan ahead and you are guaranteed to spend  less on your vacation.

The key is to plan ahead. It’s understandable that people are really excited when [...]]]>

Orlando Vacation

Time to plan for your Orlando vacation? How exciting! Before you go spend crazy because you want to make this a fantastic vacation, take a little time to plan ahead and you are guaranteed to spend  less on your vacation.

The key is to plan ahead. It’s understandable that people are really excited when it comes to taking a vacation. That’s why they often book their vacation on a whim and usually end up spending more than is necessary. To be ahead of the game, start with a budget. Yes, you need one. Decide on how much you plan to spend all together. Then break it down into an itemized list- airfare, lodging, dining, souvenirs/shopping, and all other activities you plan to enjoy while on your vacation.

Once you have set your budget, start checking into airfare and hotel or vacation home rates. The longer in advance you book your flight and lodging, the more money you can save. When choosing dates to travel, try to book your vacation during the off-season. If you have children in school, you probably think that you have to travel when they are out for Summer Vacation or Spring Break. That’s understandable, but realize that 90% of families with school aged children will be thinking the same way. Because of this, during these times are when hotels hike their rates. Maybe it’s okay every few years for Johnny to miss a few days of school so the family can enjoy a better family vacation because they will be able to travel when fewer families can.

Just these simple steps of planning ahead can reduce your vacation cost by 10% to 50%! It really is worth the effort.