I am following my client's Disney review, and laughing hysterically!!
Check it out:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2766084
Thanks Tracy!!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Amusement Parks!!
Experts declare the world's best amusement parks in 2011 competition...
CLICK HERE for the full article
Have you been to any of these?
Tell me about it...
Best Amusement Park – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Best Waterpark – Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Best Children's Park – Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier, Pa.
Best Marine Life Park – SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Seaside Park – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Best Wooden Coaster – The Voyage at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Steel Coaster – Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Best Kids' Area – Kings Island, Kings Mills, Ohio
Best Halloween Event – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Christmas Event – Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best Outdoor Night Show Production – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Walt Disney World's Epcot, Orlando, Fla.
Best Water Ride – Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best Waterpark Ride – Wildebeest at Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Dark Ride – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best New Ride of 2011: Amusement Park – New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas
Best New Ride of 2011: Waterpark – The Falls at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Best Indoor Waterpark – Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Galveston, Texas
Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction – Noah's Ark at Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa.
CLICK HERE for the full article
Have you been to any of these?
Tell me about it...
Best Amusement Park – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Best Waterpark – Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Best Children's Park – Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier, Pa.
Best Marine Life Park – SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Seaside Park – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Best Wooden Coaster – The Voyage at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Steel Coaster – Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Best Kids' Area – Kings Island, Kings Mills, Ohio
Best Halloween Event – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Christmas Event – Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best Outdoor Night Show Production – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Walt Disney World's Epcot, Orlando, Fla.
Best Water Ride – Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best Waterpark Ride – Wildebeest at Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Dark Ride – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best New Ride of 2011: Amusement Park – New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas
Best New Ride of 2011: Waterpark – The Falls at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Best Indoor Waterpark – Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Galveston, Texas
Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction – Noah's Ark at Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Cruising.....with fees...
The days of all-inclusive cruises including the cost of all of your meals seems to be vanishing.
For a few years now, cruise ships have been offering "premium" dining at a higher price. ("Want a steak dinner? Splash out for a night at a higher price.") But in 2011, a mania for up-charging for meals may be kicking into gear.
Case in point: Royal Caribbean International has bumped up its fees for a couple of its so-called "premium" restaurants: Rita's Cantina and the Seafood Shack on Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.
Passengers used to pay $8 for meals at Rita's Cantina, for instance. They'll now pay a fee of $3 to dine at the restaurant and then pay a price for each item ordered a la carte, too. The 15 percent gratuity isn't included either. (A tip of the hat to Cruise Critic for breaking this story.)
The first absurdity here, I think, is that cruise company RCI considers Rita's Cantina and Seafood Shack to be "premium restaurants."
Rita's Cantina and Seafood Shack serve the type of food that ought to be included in the "all-inclusive" price in the first place. The menu at Rita's Cantina includes such glamorous items as chicken tacos ($2) and taco salad ($3), while Seafood Shack goes all fancy with a basket of grilled jumbo shrimp ($7). Cruise Critic says that these changes amount to a price hike, noting that a meal with guacamole, a quesadilla and grilled chicken that cost $8 in the winter now costs $11.25.
But, of course, that's because there's now ultra-premium restaurants, like Chops Grille. I'll agree that Chops Grille, with its selection of prime rib and lobster dishes, counts as a premium restaurant. I also agree that it's nice to have the option of splashing out on a fancy meal during a cruise. I'm willing to pay an extra cost for the meal, which is now $30 per person (a fee hiked by $5 this year).
Yet the danger here is that all cruise lines will begin to serve sub-standard food in their main dining rooms. After all, by making the dining hall experience less attractive, a company can make more money by upselling customers on fee-based meals elsewhere on-board.
I don't mean to pick on RCL, which offers an outstanding cruise experience overall. That corporation just happens to have been the latest one to do this.
Another example from this summer:
Norwegian Cruise Lines has put into place a $4 fee for late night room service. Room service used to be free. Royal Caribbean instituted this fee about two years ago.
In another twist, if you order a pizza to your room on Norwegian, you'll pay $5 at any time of day.
Thank you to MSNBC for this article. Click here for full article.
For a few years now, cruise ships have been offering "premium" dining at a higher price. ("Want a steak dinner? Splash out for a night at a higher price.") But in 2011, a mania for up-charging for meals may be kicking into gear.
Case in point: Royal Caribbean International has bumped up its fees for a couple of its so-called "premium" restaurants: Rita's Cantina and the Seafood Shack on Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.
Passengers used to pay $8 for meals at Rita's Cantina, for instance. They'll now pay a fee of $3 to dine at the restaurant and then pay a price for each item ordered a la carte, too. The 15 percent gratuity isn't included either. (A tip of the hat to Cruise Critic for breaking this story.)
The first absurdity here, I think, is that cruise company RCI considers Rita's Cantina and Seafood Shack to be "premium restaurants."
Rita's Cantina and Seafood Shack serve the type of food that ought to be included in the "all-inclusive" price in the first place. The menu at Rita's Cantina includes such glamorous items as chicken tacos ($2) and taco salad ($3), while Seafood Shack goes all fancy with a basket of grilled jumbo shrimp ($7). Cruise Critic says that these changes amount to a price hike, noting that a meal with guacamole, a quesadilla and grilled chicken that cost $8 in the winter now costs $11.25.
But, of course, that's because there's now ultra-premium restaurants, like Chops Grille. I'll agree that Chops Grille, with its selection of prime rib and lobster dishes, counts as a premium restaurant. I also agree that it's nice to have the option of splashing out on a fancy meal during a cruise. I'm willing to pay an extra cost for the meal, which is now $30 per person (a fee hiked by $5 this year).
Yet the danger here is that all cruise lines will begin to serve sub-standard food in their main dining rooms. After all, by making the dining hall experience less attractive, a company can make more money by upselling customers on fee-based meals elsewhere on-board.
I don't mean to pick on RCL, which offers an outstanding cruise experience overall. That corporation just happens to have been the latest one to do this.
Another example from this summer:
Norwegian Cruise Lines has put into place a $4 fee for late night room service. Room service used to be free. Royal Caribbean instituted this fee about two years ago.
In another twist, if you order a pizza to your room on Norwegian, you'll pay $5 at any time of day.
Thank you to MSNBC for this article. Click here for full article.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Guide to Cruise Tipping
CLICK HERE for the full article
How You Should Tip
It is customary to tip cabin stewards and butlers, dining room waiters, assistant waiters and head waiters on the last night of the cruise. Alas, I have been present when tablemates have not shown up that night to avoid giving tips. I have answered waiters' anxious queries about the whereabouts of shipboard acquaintances and seen their chagrin..... (read full article)
When You Should Tip
The cabin steward and butler, the dining room waiters, and assistant and head waiter are tipped on the last night of the cruise. But there are exceptions to this rule. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining in your cabin, or if there is an infant or someone who is ill in your party, you will require extra service from your cabin steward. It is a good idea to give him/her a portion of his/her tip at the beginning of the cruise. You will be surprised how obliging that will make him/her... (read full article)
Whom to Tip and How Much
For the following guidelines, I am going to assume that there is a service charge added to the daily account, usually between $10 and $12 per person, per day—and that passengers will pay it and not opt out. These, then, are pourboires for exemplary service. Looking at it another way, I always try to tip roughly 10 percent of the cost of my cabin, which includes the service charge—and so I typically budget at least $15 to 20 per person, per day, on top of the service charge... (read full article)
How You Should Tip
It is customary to tip cabin stewards and butlers, dining room waiters, assistant waiters and head waiters on the last night of the cruise. Alas, I have been present when tablemates have not shown up that night to avoid giving tips. I have answered waiters' anxious queries about the whereabouts of shipboard acquaintances and seen their chagrin..... (read full article)
When You Should Tip
The cabin steward and butler, the dining room waiters, and assistant and head waiter are tipped on the last night of the cruise. But there are exceptions to this rule. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining in your cabin, or if there is an infant or someone who is ill in your party, you will require extra service from your cabin steward. It is a good idea to give him/her a portion of his/her tip at the beginning of the cruise. You will be surprised how obliging that will make him/her... (read full article)
Whom to Tip and How Much
For the following guidelines, I am going to assume that there is a service charge added to the daily account, usually between $10 and $12 per person, per day—and that passengers will pay it and not opt out. These, then, are pourboires for exemplary service. Looking at it another way, I always try to tip roughly 10 percent of the cost of my cabin, which includes the service charge—and so I typically budget at least $15 to 20 per person, per day, on top of the service charge... (read full article)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Join us at the Australia Event on Monday!!
Join Us at this Exclusive Australia Event:
Australia allures with its sophisticated cities, stunning coastal and mountain regions, indigenous culture, and world-class food and wine. This exclusive event will guide you to insight and perspective on the vast country and culture of Australia.
While you are there, get a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Australia*!
WHAT: There's Nothing Like Australia Event
DATE & TIME: January 24, 2011 at 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Sheraton Bloomington, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN
ITINERARY:
6:00 P.M. - 6:15 P.M. REGISTRATION
6:15 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. WELCOME RECEPTION
Enjoy drinks & hors d'oeuvres while mingling with Australian locals, travel experts, and industry executives
7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA
Learn to speak Australian, try Australia's very own Vegemite, learn Aussie
Rules Football, enjoy Australian music and entertainment
7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Roundtrip airfare for two on Qantas Airways to Australia*
Ever wondered what it would be like to sail in Sydney Harbour, experience the vibrant cultural scene in Melbourne or dive the Great Barrier Reef? Join Travel Leaders at this exclusive event to discover your ideal Aussie adventure and register for a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Australia*!
TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT AT THIS EXCLUSIVE EVENT -
RSVP by January 24, 2011
email: travelleaders@suntimetravel.com or contact our office in River Falls, Red Wing, or Rochester. See below for phone numbers and office address.
Australia allures with its sophisticated cities, stunning coastal and mountain regions, indigenous culture, and world-class food and wine. This exclusive event will guide you to insight and perspective on the vast country and culture of Australia.
While you are there, get a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Australia*!
WHAT: There's Nothing Like Australia Event
DATE & TIME: January 24, 2011 at 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Sheraton Bloomington, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN
ITINERARY:
6:00 P.M. - 6:15 P.M. REGISTRATION
6:15 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. WELCOME RECEPTION
Enjoy drinks & hors d'oeuvres while mingling with Australian locals, travel experts, and industry executives
7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA
Learn to speak Australian, try Australia's very own Vegemite, learn Aussie
Rules Football, enjoy Australian music and entertainment
7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Roundtrip airfare for two on Qantas Airways to Australia*
Ever wondered what it would be like to sail in Sydney Harbour, experience the vibrant cultural scene in Melbourne or dive the Great Barrier Reef? Join Travel Leaders at this exclusive event to discover your ideal Aussie adventure and register for a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Australia*!
TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT AT THIS EXCLUSIVE EVENT -
RSVP by January 24, 2011
email: travelleaders@suntimetravel.com or contact our office in River Falls, Red Wing, or Rochester. See below for phone numbers and office address.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Delta 'bidding' and outsmarting the airlines
OK, I've been reading and reading these articles for the last few days about the new airline 'bidding' on taking a bump. It's so frustrating, because does everyone even realize that there are rules in place so that the airlines have to pay up to $800 already? Please don't put a bid in for your flight for anything under $800.......or else you're allowing the airlines to get around their own rules!!!
Here is one article:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/01/17/how.to.outsmart.airlines/index.html
This is a great article.
Here is another:
http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/can-deltas-bidding-for-bumping-become-an-airline-cash-cow/
Coming from a travel agent, and I too have seen a lot of 'greedy' airlines, I agree with parts of this one!!!!
Hope this info is helpful in deciding whether or not to 'bid' on your vacation plans.......
Here is one article:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/01/17/how.to.outsmart.airlines/index.html
This is a great article.
Here is another:
http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/can-deltas-bidding-for-bumping-become-an-airline-cash-cow/
Coming from a travel agent, and I too have seen a lot of 'greedy' airlines, I agree with parts of this one!!!!
Hope this info is helpful in deciding whether or not to 'bid' on your vacation plans.......
Visit Australia
http://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglikeaustralia/us/great-aussie-sale
Contact us for details on your dream trip to Australia!!!!!
Contact us for details on your dream trip to Australia!!!!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Social Networks for Travelers
I was reading this article, and it has a bunch of great links for networks for some great travel advice!! I love it!!!
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2011/01/whats_the_best_social_network.html
IgoUgo is one of my personal fav's...
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2011/01/whats_the_best_social_network.html
IgoUgo is one of my personal fav's...
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