Orlando Vacations: Gaylord Palms at Christmas!

The Most Miserly Mom sees everything in Orlando! We have everything from talking mice to talking trees to snowing Mount Everest to Mission Space to Dr. Seuss to performing killer Whales - I mean really - We have Everything!!!!!!!!!

And even though we are in Central Florida, and we have awesome Sunshine, which is one of the many reasons I love living here, one of our major Resort Hotels The Gaylord Palms brings us an incredibly awesome event - "ICE." And yes, I mean real ice. TWO MILLION POUNDS OF Cold ice. Freezing ice. The kind that makes your fingers hurt. The kind that makes you feel numb. The kind that made you leave where you came from and come to Florida in the first place. Just kidding. But it is truly a spectacular event. It is an ice carving expedition of sorts that you can walk through. It is kept at 9 degrees! I am going to attach a picture on my blog so you can see it. This year's theme is "A Season of Wishes." And there are ice slides and trains and it truly brings the season in full throttle. This ice show runs from November 18th - January 2nd. For more information you can check out the Gaylord Palms web site http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms/things_to_do/IcePalms.cfm.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney Souvenirs?

What does the Most Miserly Mom have to say about souvenir shopping at the Disney Theme Parks? Well, for the most part I say Don't! If you want to save money that is.

This mom doesn't anyway, because although I absolutely love browsing in the shops at the theme parks, I cannot stomach the thought of paying the prices - I just can't. I can't pay $20 for a Donald Duck t-shirt or $40 for a Mickey stroller or $59 for a Sweat shirt. It isn't in my Miserly blood. The Most Miserly Mom buys souvenirs at the shops that have things for $10 and under! Those are my kinds of shops! Most of the parks have one of those shops these days.

You need to check my blogs and my book at http://www.cheaporlando.net/ for where to find them. I also shop on International Drive for bargains. There are many super cheap stores on this strip that have great deals. It's definitely worth it. Take it from The Most Miserly Mom.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney World at Christmas

The Most Miserly Mom knows how special Christmas time can be - especially at Disney World! If you & your family enjoy looking at lights, Christmas decorations, and the festive feeling of the season - the visit Walt Disney World during the Christmas season.

The Most Miserly Mom will tell you, however, that you can save money by visitng Disney before December 18th or so - Visit during the beginning of December and you can not only enjoy the magic of Disney at Christmas time, but you will be able to save money as well. Early December is still a less expensive time to visit Orlando & Disney World. You can get discounts at hotels in Orlando and at Disney if you visit in early December, and you will still be able to enjoy the magic of Christmas at Disney.

In fact, at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is offered on the following dates:
November 13, 17, 27, 28, and 30, and December 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 22.

If you steer clear of Thanksgiving weekend and visit during the beginning of December you can enjoy Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and get discounted hotel costs.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is in the Magic Kingdom. This party includes a parade, holiday entertainment, special fireworks show, family photos, treats, snow on Main Street U.S.A., and popular Magic Kingdom® Park attractions. Advance-purchase prices start at $39.95 for adults, $31.95 for kids 3-9.

Happy Holidays in advance from The Most Miserly Mom!

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Universal Studios Vacation: Free Car Rental?

The Most Miserly Mom found a deal at Universal Studios!

Universal Orlando Resort is offering a special that provides free car rentals to visitors who buy Universal ticket packages on their Web site. The packages start at $139 per person and include unlimited access to both Universal Orlando theme parks for up to five consecutive days and a three-day car rental. Children ages 9 and under are free.
For more information call 407-363-8000, or check out their web site:

http://www.universalorlando.com/vp_index.html

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Orlando & Disney Vacations with Science?

The Most Miserly Mom is pleased to tell you that if you are in Orlando visiting Disney and the theme parks this weekend, you can combine some learning with fun (and do it cheaply)!

The Orlando Science Center is an amazing place for fun, learning, and entertainment. And this weekend, on October 28th, they are putting on a Spooktacular Science Extravaganza. The Most Miserly Mom has taken her children to the Orlando Science Center numerous times - and I can tell you that it really does rival a theme park for fun! Now I know how much fun you will be having at Universal Studios & Disney World & Sea World, but you can take a day off from the theme parks and give your wallet a break and give your kids an all around spectacular spooky day at the Orlando Science Center.

Take a look at the events:



And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney World & Orlando Vacations: Cheap Airfare

The Most Miserly Mom knows that one of the biggest costs in your vacation is the money you will spend on airfare traveling to Orlando & Disney World.

How should you save the most money on airfare when planning your vacation?

• Plan ahead! Airfares are often less expensive if you plan in advance.
• Be flexible! Be prepared to change the days of the week you originally planned, knowing that if you switch your days there may be lower prices.
• Check on-line airfares. Always check on line prices to compare them with what you find out directly with the airline. And check many online travel sites like expedia, orbitz, cheaptickets, as well as the airline sites to compare prices.
• Use discounts! Don't be afraid to pull out those coupons from your entertainment book. Don't be afraid to ask AAA for discounts or to ask for Senior Citizen discounts.
• Plan to travel in value season if possible. Steer clear of Christmas break and Spring Break.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney World Vacations: Should You Rent a Car?

The Most Miserly Mom likes to help people save money on their Disney World Vacations, and one of the most frequent questions asked of me is "Should we rent a car in Orlando?"

When you take your vacation to Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World & Orlando, and you want to save money, then most likely you WILL rent a car. Yes, it is an added expense, but what you will save in the long run will be worth it!

Here are the reasons why:

• If you have a car you can easily stay at an economical hotel minutes from Disney and the other theme parks as opposed to staying on site at Disney and paying more money.
• If you have a car you can easily drive to economical restaurants to feed your family instead of paying the astronomical prices at restaurants inside Disney, Universal or Sea World.
• If you have a car you can easily head to International Drive to purchase discounted souvenirs as opposed to paying exhorbitant prices within Disney, Universal or Sea World.

The Most Miserly Mom wants to remind you of a few important points when renting a car in Orlando to save money:

Always ask for discounts! AAA, Motor Club discounts, coupons & anything you get your hands on will help with your car rental costs.

• Steer away from purchasing any insurance with the car rental companies - Check with your own insurance company or credit card service to see if you are already covered.
• Do not take an "upgrade" from the car rental company unless they are giving it to you for free.
• Rent an economy car - Keep this expense as low as possible. You won't need anything more for zipping around Orlando to Disney, Universal, or Sea World.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Orlando & Disney World Hotels: Fall Discounts!

The Most Miserly Mom maintains that October & November are awesome times both economically and enjoyably for visiting Orlando and Disney World, Universal Studios, & Sea World.

Not only are there numerous fall activities, like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios & Mickey's Not-so-Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom, but there are great deals at the local hotels.

For instance, Marriott Vacation Club International is offering this deal:

"Beat the crowds and discover Florida with fall's ideal weather andshorter lines at the theme parks with participating MVCI resorts. Guestswho stay three nights in a two-bedroom villa receive two adult passes toone Walt Disney World Theme Park, SeaWorld Adventure Park, or UniversalOrlando -- all starting at $667* and valid through December 18, 2006."

The Most Miserly Mom love deals!

For more information on that particular deal either call Marriott reservations: 1-800-VILLAS-9 (1-800-846-5279) or visit
http://www.marriott.com.

And for more hotel deals and Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney World Cutting the Fat??

The Most Miserly Mom has been reading many articles about Walt Disney World cutting the fat out of their food, and I must say that I find it interesting.

Disney plans to "eliminate trans fat altogether from food served at their theme parks by the end of 2007." http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/16/news/companies/disney_fat.reut/index.htm?cnn=yes

The Most Miserly Mom has always been surprised at the amount of McDonald's french fry stands their are around Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and even Epcot.

Although as I write in my book, "A Mom's Miserly Guide: Universal, Orlando, & Disney on $25 a Day," I usually bring my own healthy snacks and sandwiches with me to the parks - not only to save on trans fat and calories - but to save money!

That is just one tip in my guide to Disney.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Walt Disney World Souvenirs: Disney Store Florida Mall

The Most Miserly Mom went searching for bargains again on Disney World souvenirs. I found some great deals for Disney Fans at the Disney Store inside the Florida Mall.

I found Disney hats: 2 for $15!
I found Disney dolls like Belle, Cinderella, Snow White: 2 for $20!
I found all kinds of Disney plush toys - Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Pooh, Tigger, and many more: 2 for $20!

There were bargains galore in this Disney Store - The Most Miserly Mom definitely recommends shopping for Disney souvenirs here!

The Florida Mall is located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail. The phone number is 407.851.6255. For more information check out http://floridamall.orlandofanatic.com/index.php?shoppingId=44&groupId=2.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Epcot Food & Wine Festival - A Blast With the Disney Gift Card!

The Most Miserly Mom visited the Epcot Food & Wine Festival again yesterday and I was very, very pleased! Although the crowds were bigger than usual for October (because of this special event) I enjoyed all kinds of scrumptious delicacies in Epcot's World Showcase.

Let's see: A Kiwi- custard torte in New Zealand, chocolate creme brule in France, chicken bastilla in Morocco, perogie & kielbasa in Poland, corn bread in America, and the list goes on and on!

I think what The Most Miserly Mom likes the most this year is the ease in purchasing food, gifts, and any items at all with the Disney Gift Card. What you do is use cash or credit card to purchase your gift card, and then you can use this card anywhere in Disney! The Disney Gift Card can be used at any food venue, any gift store, The Disney Cruise Line, shopping at Disney web sites, and it is so simple. Disney employees simply swipe your card quickly and that's that! It made moving through the lines at EPcot's Food & Wine Festival much easier for this Miserly Mom. Plus I was able to keep to a specific budget, which is always important to my Miserly sense. If you put a certain amount to spend for the day on the Disney Gift Card, you can limit the funds you spend for the day. It works perfectly!

The Most Miserly Mom is sorry to see the Epcot Food & Wine Festival end, but the holidays are coming, and I am ready for those festivities!

I have attached additional photos from the Epcot Food & Wine Festival as well. Enjoy!

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney's Year of a Million Dreams!

The Most Miserly Mom knows how much families dream of coming to visit Disney World, Mickey Mouse, and all of their favorite characters.

Disney's newest promotion takes visitors beyond their Disney Dream Vacation - It's called "Disney's Year of a Million Dreams."

Can you imagine sleeping in Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom? How about leading a parade through Disney? How about riding on Mickey's float in the "Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade?" Or how about actually winning another Disney Vacation?

These are the types of things that Disney is giving out and doing to make the trip to Disney World even that more exciting. Disney guests are actually selected randomly to receive these gifts.

Could you be one of those selected? Maybe so! I hope to see you at Disney World soon!

For more information on "Disney's Year of a Million Dreams" go to:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/index?name=YOMDLowBandPage

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Epcot Food & Wine Festival!

The Miserly Mom is heading to EPCOT this morning to enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather and enjoy EPCOT's "Food & Wine Festival."

It is 78 degrees here in Orlando today - perfect weather for Epcot! And this is the perfect time for you to visit Orlando, Disney, Universal, or Sea World. Now is the time for discount pricing - The hotels offer great deals right now and will continue to do so until about the 2nd week in December. This is our Value season in Florida! The crowds are low, the prices are low, and the temperature is perfect!

I have attached pictures from my last visit to EPCOT. Come down and join The Most Miserly Mom at the theme parks!

I am off to find money saving tips now.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Sea World & Universal Studios Tickets

The Most Miserly Mom loves Sea World and Universal Studios. These theme parks have so much to offer the entire family. Did you know that you can actually buy tickets that include both theme parks as well as Bush Gardens and Wet 'n Wild too?

You can. These theme parks have banded together to attract Orlando visitors and keep them coming back. The tickets are called 4 Park Orlando Flex tickets.

Here's the information:

4 Park Orlando Flex Ticket - 14 days
Unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Wet'n Wild water park. For up to 14 consecutive days. Tickets are Non-Transferable.
Adult Price: $189.95
Children (3-9) $155.95

These tickets can be purchased on line:
http://commerce.4adventure.com/store/dept_tickets.asp?ShopperID=240BC80A276AE439FB953881261BE84B&Token=KGIFDEJEGEDFDDJ&dept_id=203

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney World: Bring your pets?

The Most Miserly Mom knows that sometimes it's hard to go on vacation to Disney World because of our "furry children"! It's true, I know. Many people don't visit Orlando or Sea World or Disney World because they don't want to leave their pets at home or they can't afford the added expense of boarding their pets.

Good news for you! If you are driving to Orlando to visit Disney or Universal STudios - you may be able to bring your pet along. There are actually over 57 AAA rated hotels in the Orlando area that welcome pets. So you don't have to board your pet to bring the family to Disney!

The theme parks have kennels for your pet for the day as well, so if you need to bring the family pet to Disney, The Most Miserly Mom says do it!

For more information on kennels at Walt Disney World go to: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/guestServicesDetail?id=GuestServicesKennelsDetailPage

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Universal Studios Lowers Prices

The Most Miserly Mom likes it when this happens: Universal Studios lowered their prices. I have always enjoyed Universal STudios and Islands of Adventure. Even though Universal has a completely different flavor of atmosphere than Disney and Epcot and MGM Studios I would not pass up going there if I was visiting the Orlando area. And now Universal has made it even easier with their discounted prices.

Universal's discounted tickets do have to be purchased in advance on the internet - so you do have to make your plans in advance to visit the theme park. But if you do this, the tickets cost $85 for two days and both parks. That also includes entrance to all of the clubs at Universal's City Walk as well. That's two days unlimited admission to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and City Walk for any age.

The Most Miserly Mom is pleased with this price break!

For more information about Universal Studios and their ticket prices go to:
http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets.html

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Downtown Disney - Lots of Free Fun!

• 
  The Most Miserly Mom always like free fun - And you can have lots of free fun at Downtown Disney with your family. I always enjoy strolling around Downtown Disney - the foliage, the waterfront, the flowers, the Disney memorabilia, and the smells of chocolate all make the atmosphere festive & fun.
  
  Downtown Disney is where Cirque du Soleil, Disney Quest, and The House of Blues are located. there are also numerous restaurants like Bongos, Wolfgang Puck's and Planet Hollywood. Of course all of these restaurants are quite expensive - even though I'm Miserly I want you to know about them.
  
  There is also an AMC theatre with 24 movies, candy stores, a Virgin Music Megastore (great for browsing), and many more shops. The Most Miserly Mom even found one shop here where everything is $10 or less for souvenirs - make sure you use that one to keep your visit economical.
  
  Here are some other free things to do at Downtown Disney:
  
  
• Check out the wonderful interactive fountains where children (and adults who have the guts) may enjoy playing and getting wet.
• 
  The Lego Imaagination center has a FREE 3,000 square foot outdoor play area filled with Lego blocks, plus some absolutely amazing and huge Lego sculptures for you to admire! (They even have a giant Lego dragon!)
• 
  Check out the Free magic demonstrations at the Magic Masters shop--learn a card trick.
  
  For more information on Downtown Disney go to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/moreMagicLanding?id=DTDLandingPage
  
  And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
  Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney's CirqueDu Soleil - Amazing!

The Most Miserly Mom has visited & been entranced by La Nouba Cirque Du Soleil at Downtown Disney, and although this particular event is not economical I do have to rave about the experience.

I guess I wasn't sure what to expect when I first saw this display of acrobatics, gymnastics, intriguing circus-style performances, and incredible choreography. I was simply entranced, dazzled, and amazed the entire time. My eyes didn't know where to look next, from a contortionist to a high-wire act, to a flying trapeze artist. The colors, the music, the costumes, the dancing, all absolutely embrace and infuse your senses.

The most exquisite sight was the "flying man!" The Most Miserly Mom could not believe her eyes at this Not-so-Disney like performance - A muscle-bound man flying through by a rope, with trails of red silk behine him! I thought he would whisk me away to another land as in a Harlequin Romance! He was unbelievable.

La Nouba is definitely not economical, the tickets start at @$54 for children 3-9 and $68 for anyone 10+, but if you decide to budget this show into your trip to Walt Disney World, it is well worth the money. You can always try to get a AAA discount, or if you are a Florida Resident and a passholder you can sometimes get discounts depending on the month (they vary). Personally, the Most Miserly Mom would not spend this for her children if they were under 7 years of age because of the cost and the ability to sit still and really enjoy the spectacle that La Nouba is.

For more information about La Nouba call 407.939.1298 or go to:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/moreMagicLanding?id=DTDCirqueDuSoleiLandingPage

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Disney's Animal Kingdom - My pictures

The Most Miserly Mom wanted to share her Disney Animal Kingdom pictures.

I like to share my pictures as well as my Miserly Travel Tips for traveling to the Theme Parks.

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Orlando Vacations: Swim with the Manatees!

Although The Most Miserly Mom loves Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and all of the fun to be had at Florida's Theme Parks, I also love visiting the "Natural Side" of Florida. The natural springs that we have here are pristine and offer unadorned beauty found nowhere else in the world.

At Florida's Natural Springs you can swim with the manatees, go camping, hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, canoeing, kayaking, and enjoy a day of fun with nature and with your family.
Not only does this Miserly Mom enjoy the Springs for the wildlife, I enjoy them because they offer an economical day of fun for my family.

So the next time you visit Florida, plan to take a day or two to visit the natural springs that we offer here at one of our State Parks. Blue Springs, Wekiwa Springs & Juniper Springs are just three of the many parks around.

For more information on these springs go to: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
and then go to the drop down menue and search for the different "Springs."

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Epcot Food & Wine Festival! Pictures!

The Most Miserly Mom loves The Epcot Food & Wine Festival! I always visit this event at least 3 times when it is here. I love the music, concerts, food & wine tasting, and visiting all of the countries.

The Most Miserly Mom always makes friends with the hosts of different countries at Epcot. I find that I learn so much about the people, the culture, and Epcot Center when I make friends!

Here I am in Norway. Norway has my favorite ride - an inside water ride - I highly recommend it!

The Next picture is in Italy - The hosts are so friendly there - and the wine is tasty too!

When you visit Epcot, make sure you chat with the hosts. Not only will you make new friends, but your children can learn even more about culture, tradition, and other countries!

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Snow at Sea World?

The Most Miserly Mom knows that everyone wants snow at Christmas time, right? Well, even here in Florida at Sea World we have snow. And during the holidays Sea World creates what they call, "Festivities on the Waterfront."

The Most Miserly Mom has always found Sea World to be a delight for the family - just walking the grounds is pleasing and peaceful. My husband & I never tire of the dolphins. How could we? The seals always make my boys laugh, and the penguins amuse us to no end. Christmas at Sea World is even better! The Christmas lights and decorations combined with waterfront atmoshpere offer a Yuletide extravaganza.

Santa & Shamu come together so to speak, snow flurries cover the waterfront, music fills the air, and Sea World's "Christmastide" Holiday Fountain Show positively delights children and adults of all ages. It's water and music and lights - Christmas lit up at Sea World's waterfront. I can't say enough about it.

Oh - and let's not forget the rides at Sea World! Journey to Atlantis and Kraken are two of the best rides ever! The Most Miserly Mom can take on "Journey to Atlantis," but I have to live through my children's adventure when it comes to Kraken. My boys always call this roller coaster the best they have ever ridden on.

Christmas festivities at Sea World are from November 24th through December 30th.
For more information on Sea World events and attractions go to http://4adventure.com/seaworld/fla/default.aspx

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

Orlando Theme Park: Gatorland!

The Most Miserly Mom is always looking for different experiences to share with her readers, and one of the neatest "off the beaten path" Park experiences here in the Orlando area is Gatorland.

Gatorland offers families a unique experience on vacation - an alternative day for your family.
Stomp with the gators! Be one with nature! It is truly a blast for your kids - and it can be educational as well.

Your kids can watch alligator wrestling, go to the aviary, go on a swamp walk or the boardwalk, go to the observation tower, the petting zoo, and see thousands of alligators and crocodiles.

The Most Miserly Mom approves of the price too: $16.95 (but check for coupons and discounts)
My book has links for discounts and coupons at Gatorland!

For more information on Gatorland check out their web site: http://www.gatorland.com/

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: www.cheaporlando.net
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

Macys Parade at Universal Studios!

The Most Miserly Mom rememebers seeing the Macy's Day Parade every Thanksgiving morning. The floats and the freezing people and the music and the excitement of the Parade were an itnegral part of my Thanksgiving mornings growing up. How about yours?

Universal Studios has captured that ambiance and given us a Holiday Macy's Day Parade! The Parade combines balloons and floats and lights and of course Santa Claus and a tree-lighting ceremony. This is truly a holiday event worth visiting!

The parade runs from December 8th through January 1st.
There is no extra cost for the parade, it is included in your general admission.

For more information visit this site: http://www.universalorlando.com

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: www.cheaporlando.net

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

Stay Overnight at Sea World?

The Most Miserly Mom thinks it would be absolutely neat to stay overnight at Sea World, don't you? Well, you can.

On December 8th Sea World has what it calls the Frosty Friends Sleepover. For $75 per person, families get to hang out in the arctic with the penguins at the Penguin Encounter. Pizza, snacks, breakfast, games and activities are also included.

For more information go to www.seaworld.org

And for more Miserly Money Saving Travel Tips go to my web site: www.cheaporlando.net

Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

Disney Theme Park Tips of the Day!

The Most Miserly Mom just wants to give you a couple quick Disney Theme Park tips this morning.

Did you know that if you purchase merchandise at any of the gift shops at any Disney Park and you are staying at a Disney property, your packages can be delivered free of charge to your hotel room? This way you don't have to carry around pesky packages.

Did you know that any Disney employee will actually help you make a lunch/dinner reservation at any time if you ask them to? It's true! Say you are walking down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and you are meandering in and out of the gift shops and all of a sudden you decide you might like to eat dinner at the Contemporary Hotel on the 15th floor restaurant called the California Grill. If you asked any Disney employee at a desk, they would help you out and call for you. Disney customer service can be fabuous!

For more travel tips and Miserly Money Saving Tips check out my web site:
www.cheaporlando.net

And check out my book:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Orlando Theme Parks: Halloween at Cypress Gardens

The Most Miserly Mom wants to let you know everything that is going on around Orlando and the Theme Parks for Halloween - And here is another tidbit of information.

Cypress Gardens, one of Orlando's oldest theme parks, has its own Halloween extravaganza and it is called " Phobia: Halloween Fright Fest."

Guests will face their fears and phobias all night in various vile venues. A haunted train ride, a visit from "Friday the 13th's Jason," escaping scare zones and actual haunted houses and forests, facing sinister clowns, crazed circus animals, and braving the dark gardens are all a part of this manic macabre event.

Children can also enjoy special activities such as a pumpkin carving schools, seasonal arts and crafts and Trick or Treating on Halloween night. The Most Miserly mom likes the fact that Cypress Gardens has events for the big kids and the little ones alike. The littlest tots can enjoy little friendly creatures, the silly excitement of the "Boo House" and the charming chills of the "Boo Train."

The Most Miserly Mom recommends Cypress Gardens fully for this Halloween event!
For more information call (863) 324-2111 or see www.cypressgardens.com.

And for more travel tips and money saving tips check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net
And my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

WDW Pirates of The Caribbean

The Most Miserly Mom visited The Magic Kingdom yesterday! And I specifically did this so that I could visit the "Pirates" ride since the folks at Disney revamped my favorite ride. I must say that I did like it. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride has always been one of my favorites and it still is. The changes they made increased the interest for our new generation of riders I think - and simply upgraded it a bit to go along with Johnny Depp and Disney's movie.

The Most Miserly Mom always wants to let families know that at the beginning of this ride young children get frightened because it starts of in a dark, misty cave. And while the ride itself is most certainly not a frightening ride - children sometimes get quite spooked at the beginning if they are prone to do so. (I am sure you know your own children - So if they are the types to get scared easily, just warn them that the beginning seems spooky but it isn't a spooky ride at all soon after). I have seen the ride ruined for families if they don't do this because their little ones start crying at the beginning! Take this advise from The Most Miserly Mom.

Anyway, the Captain Jack Sparrow pirate is amazing! His resemblance is incredible! The additions of Captain Jack simply add to the ride for me. The Yo Ho's continue and the smiles continue and the ride continues to be one of my favorites. Miserly Mom says: Go on Pirates!

Cheapest Meals in Orlando!

The Most Miserly Mom likes a cheap meal! She does not like to pay the astronomical fees at the theme parks. In fact she feels a certain glee when seeing a family eating sandwiches and drinks clearly made by mom! What a signifigant savings! I just love it!

I do think that there are places that families can go out to dinner at least a couple of times while on vacation and still maintain a budget however. One of those places is CiCi's Pizza. And the kids just love it.

CiCi's is on International Drive and they have an all you can eat pizza buffet. They also include salad in this buffet so that you and your children can get your added vegetables for the day! (Caesar and traditional Garden) They also have Pasta with red sauce or white. For an added benefit they also include dessert as well - and it's yummy - chocolate - cinnamon - or fruit!

The price is pretty darn good, or so The Miserly Mom thinks so: $4.49 for adults, $3.99 for kids age 4-10 and $1.99 for kids 3 and under.

The Cheapest Souvenirs in Orlando!

The Most Miserly Mom did her research today for you! The truth is I am always researching in one way or another, whether it is reading on line, reading magazines, news sources, press releases, scouring the Theme Parks, restaurants, and more. Today I wanted to travel down Internation Drive in Orlando and search for the latest best prices on Souvenirs. And this is what I found:

The best prices can be found at the "Everything is 1.99 or Less Stores" on International Drive. There two of these stores & they both have the same owners. They truly have everything priced at $1.99 and under, and they truly have every type of discounted souvenir an Orlando tourist could want.

First of all they have Mickey coffee mugs, and pins and stickers and chalk and diaries and napkins and notepads and floaties and alarm clocks and furry pencils and giant pencils and fanny packs and those water mister bottles that we love when it is so hot outside. And plastic plates and t-shirts and caps and socks and bibs and sippy cups and picture frames and kaleidoscopes and lip gloss and key chains and well as The Miserly Mom said every type of discounted souvenir you could want. And it isn't just Mickey merchandise. You can find Tinker Bell and Minney and Pooh and Goofy and Pluto and all of your favorite Disney characters. You can even find Nickelodeon characters too!

This is truly the place to buy your souvenirs for the entire family!

For more travel tips check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net and my book:

A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

Christmas in Orlando News

The Most Miserly Mom found a wonderful site while reading the hundreds of news and posts and web sites trying to be informed for my readers.

It is www.christmasinorlando.com and it is powered by the Gaylord Palms Resort hotel located here in Orlando. This hotel is the one that has that fantastic ice sculpture event (check my blog on 9/29 for more information on that fantastic event). Anyway, this site is an informative site for any type of event you might want to consider during the Holiday Season here in the Orlando area.
It is a great tool for planning your travel !

Another great travel planning tool is my book of course A Moms Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day! at www.cheaporlando.net.