Florida Family Vacations is my blog about travel in and around Orlando Florida. It's about the theme parks - Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and all the smaller places of interest too. It's about traveling with families and saving money! These are the notes I use to put in my travel book "The Mom's Miserly Guide:Disney, Universal, Sea World on $25 a Day!"

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Disney World on July 4th


The Most Miserly Mom wants everyone who plans on visiting Disney World for the July 4th Holiday to be aware of a special event that is taking place at the Magic Kingdom.



More than 1,000 immigrants will swear allegiance to the United States as new citizens during a special Fourth of July naturalization ceremony at Disney World in Orlando.


It'll be the theme park's first mass naturalization ceremony, to be held on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle.

Not only will Gloria Estefan sing the national anthem and country western singer Lee Greenwood will sing God Bless the U.S.A., A squadron of U.S. Air Force F15s flying overhead will close the event.


The Most Miserly Mom thinks this will be awesome!


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!


Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!

Monday, June 25, 2007

July 4th at Disney World, Orlando & Universal Studios


The Most Miserly Mom knows that many of you will be traveling to Disney World, Universal Studios and Orlando for the week of 4th of July. I must give you a little advice.


The parks will be very crowded at this time -- It is the highest season to travel. So, either start out early in the morning, take a break in the middle of the day and then head back to the parks in the evening, or enjoy your pool in the morning, eat lunch and then head to the parks later in the day and stay until closing time.


It's hot! But everything is air condtioned. And remember the wonderful water parks here - Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Wet 'n' Wild. These parks will keep you and the kids cool and having fun. Please wear your sunscreen!


Fourth of July will have tons of fireworks that are incredibly awesome. The Magic Kingdom has fireworks every night anyway and it is a wonderful event.


Universal Studios will have a special July 4th event with fireworks, a picnic, music, and of course all of the attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - That should be a great time if you have teenagers.


Whatever you decide to do for your Independence Day, be safe and have fun! (cheaply)


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!


Buy anthing online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!



Thursday, June 21, 2007

Universal Studios Travel Tips


The Most Miserly Mom wants to report that Universal has tons of news right now - awesome Florida Resident savings on ticket prices for one day or for an annual pass.


Back to the Future is Gone and "The Simpsons Ride" will soon be there to replace it.


Also - did you know that it's best to try not to bring any backpack or purse when you visit Universal Studios? Most of the rides require that you put those items in a locker - which takes time out of line and time out of your enjoyment of the day - so just put the essentials in your pockets!


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!


Buy anything on line at http://www.9thx.com/ today!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Universal & Disney Ticket Savings!


The Most Miserly Mom wants you all to know that there is always a way to save money on your theme park tickets to Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, or anywhere else you might like to visit.


In fact, most of the theme parks offer incentives if you purchase your theme park tickets on line - This is one way you can always save money on tickets.


Here is an example on Universal Studios' web site:

Limited Time Offer - 1-Day/1-Park Ticket - Save Over 25%†
All Ages
Online Only
$49.95
Florida Residents can purchase a 1-Day/1-Park ticket online and save over $17 from the gate price. For one day, you can enjoy either Universal Studios Florida OR Islands of Adventure. This special offer is only available online and not at the front gate of either theme park. Add a 2nd park for only $10 more!


Now isn't that a miserly deal?


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!
Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Disney, Orlando, & Family Summer Vacations


The Most Miserly Mom was recently featured in a press release. I thought I would share the release with my readers, so here you go:


Despite Record Gas Prices, Americans Should Not Abandon the 'Old Summer Vacation'.
As schools let out across the Nation, families prepare for their traditional "summer vacations."

In this day and age, most families have a specific travel budget they must adhere to.
/24-7PressRelease/ - ORLANDO, FL, June 13, 2007 - However, according to the Lundberg Survey, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline has once again reached a new record of $3.18 and there is no relief in sight. And with the summer driving season right around the corner, will the continuous rising gas prices keep people close to home?

Not if Kelly Goode, otherwise known as "The Most Miserly Mom" has anything to do with it. She knows Orlando, Florida is a major destination for families and also realizes that some people may pass on that location because of the rising gas prices. In a sign that energy costs will affect behavior, AAA said travelers are planning to stay closer to home and take shorter trips. Travel-related expenses for U.S. households are expected average nearly $600."High gas prices and increased vacation costs didn't deter Americans from traveling this Summer," Sandra Hughes, vice president of travel for AAA, said in a statement. "This summer families will travel closer to home, they will travel for fewer days and will save money by staying in less expensive hotels and eating in cheaper restaurants, but they will continue to take vacations and plan getaways."Goode, the author of the Orlando Vacation Guide, is mostly known for saving families money on vacations to Orlando - like advice on how to do the Theme Parks on $25 a day. She has recently updated her book to include current information on discounted hotels and rental cars."I understand the dilemma that families face when it comes to vacations - it's all about saving money," says Goode. "And with the recent rise in gas prices, it makes it even more difficult. That is why I created the Orlando Vacation Guide. As a mother myself, I wanted to make sure that even with the additional expense of fuel, families can still afford a great vacation in Orlando.
"Gas prices have risen over $1.00 per gallon since the start of 2007 and consumers are showing signs of weariness.Tom Coggins from Ankeny, IA, a suburb of Des Moines agrees. "We started planning our Orlando trip last December. However, with the current gas prices, my family will have to shell out an additional $150 just to cover the recent spike. Frustrated, I searched the web and found The Orlando Vacation Guide and 'The Most Miserly Mom' has already saved me more than the additional cost in gas."

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!

Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Free Disney World Travel Planning DVD


The Most Miserly Mom knows that you Disney fanatics want all the information on Disney you can get. Did you know that Disney actually has a free planning DVD that you can order?



Remember, though, that Disney's goal is NOt to save you money like my goal is. The DVD is nice, however because you can get a nice flavor of the parks and it's a nice addition to your planning activiites to get you excited and in the "Disney Mood!"


And for Miserly Money Saving Tips order my book:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

You can find it at my web site http://www.cheaporlando.net



Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!

Friday, June 08, 2007

Epcot Center Summer Music!


The Most Miserly Mom knows how many of you will be bringing your families to Orlando & Disney World this summer, and Epcot has something special that is sure to make you parents smile.


Disney's Epcot Center is hosting a "Sounds Like Summer Concert Series" from June 11 through August 12th. The premise is that Epcot hosts Tribute bands that play the music from some of our favorite performers like Elton John, Aretha Franklin, The Eagles, and so on.


Here is the schedule:


Three shows nightly at 5:45pm, 7:00pm and 8:00pm.

Slippery When Wet June 11-17
The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute


Stayin' Alive June 18-24
A Tribute to the Bee Gees


Kevin White June 25-July 1
A Tribute to Garth Brooks


Respect July 2- 8
A Tribute to the Queen of Soul – Aretha Franklin


Bjorn Again July 9- 17
A Tribute to ABBA


Hotel California July 18- 24
A Salute to the Eagles


52nd Street July 25- 29
A Tribute to Billy Joel


Captain Fantastic July 30-August 5
The Magic of Elton John


Transit Authority August 6-12
The Tribute to Chicago


So come on down to Epcot with the family and enjoy the music!


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!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Disney's Water Parks Discounts!



The Most Miserly Mom has written about Disney's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon many times -- I love these water parks -- for the value, for the fun, and for the fact that a day at one of these water parks is just like a vacation day!





Disney is now offering Florida residents a rate of only $59 for an entire year of water park fun. The only catch is that you must arrive at the parks after 2:00pm. In the summer time they are usually open until 7pm, so there is plenty of time for fun.





And don't forget there is always free parking at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Plus you can bring coolers and food with you into these parks, so it makes for a value packed day!



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!

Buy anything online at www.9thx.com today!

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Universal Studios Summer Shows & Attractions


The Most Miserly Mom cannot wait to see "The Blue Man Group" at Universal Studios Orlando. This summer show should prove to be spectacular!


The Most Miserly Mom happened to catch the Fear Factor Live show last week, and oh boy - was it ever crazy! Contestants dropped from wires, held on hundreds of feet in the air, and some even ate live bugs mashed into a drink. Yuk!


Would you want to participate in Fear Factor Live at Universal Studios? If so, you need to wear sneakers or closed shoes (no flip-flops) and get to the stadium over an hour before show time. Check it out when you head to Universal if you feel like facing your fears!


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!


Buy anything on line at www.9thx.com today!

Monday, June 04, 2007

Disney World in the Summer Time


The Most Miserly Mom knows that school is almost out for most of the Country and you may be planning your summer vacation trip to Disney World!


What you definitely want to do is make reservations now - for airfare, hotels, and car rentals. Although it is hot down here in the summer, it is still one of the highest traveled seasons due to our children being school-free. So plan as far in advance as you can to secure good deals. My book lists specific car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and tickets for saving the most amount of money possible.


And bring your sunscreen!


And for Miserly Money Saving Tips order my book:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day! You can find it on my web site at
www.cheaporlando.net


Order anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!

Friday, June 01, 2007

Universal Studios and Your Birthday!


The Most Miserly Mom took her 13 year old boy to Universal Studios for his birthday this week!


Did you know that if you tell the staff at Universal Studios/Islands of adventure that it is your birthday that they will give you a special sticker to go to the head of the line every time?


How's that for a great birthday tip? He went on The Hulk Coaster at least 8 times! (The Most Miserly Mom rode the Hulk twice - Mom's - you can do it!)


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!
Buy anything on line at www.9thx.com today!

Universal Studios Meal Deal Advisory


The Most Miserly Mom wrote a post the other day about Universal STudios "meal deal." Although I always encourage families to bring their own food and save money, I wrote that I thought the meal deal was a pretty good bargain because you can eat as many times as you like at the restaurants that participate in the "meal deal."


I do want you to know, however, that the restaurants do not open until @11:00am - and your kids might be pretty hungry by then. So eat breakfast before hand if you plan on using the meal deal. And I also think the meal deal is only advised if you stay through the dinner hour - then you can really capitalize on the food/price.


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!