Rates through spring at this 5 diamond resort start at just $139.99 per night .  The resort which is located within the World Golf  Village and within walking distance of the World Golf Hall of Fame, offers play on two championship golf courses and an 18 hole putting course.  The resort also offers guests a complimentary shuttle to the Serenata Beach Club at Ponte Verda Beach where guests can enjoy it’s magnificent coastal setting.  For a bit of shopping there is also a complimentary guest shuttle to downtown St. Augustine.

Sounds like a great chance to get it all on your next Florida vacation!

• The Disney Traveler (DT): Sole purpose is to enjoy Disney or Universal theme parks
• The Exhaustive Traveler (ET): Wants a little bit of everything
• The Florida Resident (FR): Lives in Florida and makes multiple trips to Orlando each year

There are 5 primary areas of expenditure for a typical Orlando tourist: Accommodation, Shopping, Transportation, Food and Entertainment. We will explore each category in detail from the point of view of a family or group of 4 or more individuals:

That Roof Over Your Head

Irrespective of the category that you fall under, the best choice is to go for a condo in a resort on International Drive. This location is important as you will be close to all major theme parks and well connected to all other areas in and out of Orlando. This option is better than a Disney property as you will have more space, amenities and convenience at half the price. You can even look at timeshares in Orlando to get a good deal. If you really want to save money then opt for resorts in nearby Kissimmee where prices go down considerably. I recommend Disney Properties only if you are a hardcore DT who will spend all your time at the Disney World Resort. In that case it would be wise to buy the annual pass which will help you save up to 40% on selected Disney properties.

Whatever you do, don’t even think about going for a hotel as you will need to rent more than one room for the entire family and you will not be able to save money on food, more on this in the next section.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Eating and accommodation are two areas where you can stretch the buck to the max. If you take my advice and go for a condo then you will already be on the path to save money on food because a full kitchen will give you the option to eat-in. Upon arrival, visit Wal-Mart or a Publix to stock up on groceries. Every time you eat-in you will save anything between $50 and $70. The coffeemaker alone will help you save significant sums. This may sound silly and trivial but you won’t think so when you realize how little you have spent on eating because of all these amenities.

But wait a minute! You are in Orlando and you want to enjoy some of the great restaurants that the city has to offer. You can save your dollars here as well. Sign up for sites such as Groupon.com and Restaurant.com before you leave home and once you are in Orlando pick up free publications such as “I Love Orlando” that contain discount coupons to a number of restaurants, shops and attractions.

Now, comes the hard part. How to save money at the parks? Sharing and prior-preparation is the name of the game here. Disney knows that once you are inside the park you will stay inside and therefore, eat inside. This logic leads them to set menu prices that are at least 25% more than average prices outside the parks. In essence, every time you eat at Disney you are letting go of an opportunity to save money. Therefore, the only way to keep those dollars from bleeding out is to take food with you. Here are some options that you may want to consider:

• Pack some granola bars and other snacks that do not require heating or cooling
• Freeze some water bottles and put them in a soft cooler along with juice boxes and sandwiches to keep them cool and fresh
• If you don’t mind tap water then use the fountains at the parks to fill your bottles
• Carry Gatorade snatches or something similar to make your own drinks

However, there will be times when you just want to have a meal at the park especially if you are an DT or FR.  Worry not, there is a solution to that problem as well. The meals are overpriced but they are also huge in size. This is especially true for Non-Americans as American portions are big to begin with. How is this relevant? Huge meals give you the option of sharing. Instead of ordering a 3 course meal order just the main course and the desert or order three courses but split them. I am not trying to imply that you should starve yourself. Even after splitting you will have satisfying meals that won’t make you feel groggy and bloated.

Over-the-counter meals are cheaper than sit-down restaurant meals but the problem is limited options and unhealthy food. Again, the portions are huge and you can easily share a single meal between two people. In fact you can order add-ons such as buns and extra cheese to make additional burgers and cheese rolls.

There is of course the option of eating at places outside the borders of Disney and Universal. In fact all-you-can-eat buffets are a great option for lunch where you can stuff yourself and then eat a light dinner. If you do step out of the gate then make sure that you get your hand stamped and if you leave the parking area then carry your ticket.

Many tourists buy into the cards and dining programs.  An option is the Disney Annual Pass which is a viable option for DTs and FRs who will spend most of their time inside Disney. With this pass you will be able to save  between 10%-20% on each meal at selected restaurants.

Death By Parking Fees

What would be your biggest car related expense in Orlando? Parking fees! The going rate is $14/day at Disney. The only way you can escape this expense is by purchasing the annual pass. If you are an FR or DT then I suggest you take that option. However, if you are an ET then just pay the parking fees for a couple of days. I could advise you to NOT rent a car but the following points don’t allow me to do so:

• You can use the buses, in fact you can buy an unlimited one week use pass for $14 but you will be tied to the bus schedules and routes
• Grocery shopping is easier when you have a car
• It’s easier to travel with young kids if you have a car

If you are not an American citizen then you would need to buy insurance when you go for a car rental. To avoid this use your rental company’s local site where you reside. For instance, if you are from the UK and want to use Priceline then use priceline.co.uk to get special rates that include insurance.

I Want Mickey in My Room

Families with young kids often rent a stroller for $30/day as soon as they arrive in Orlando. Don’t do so! I am not saying that you should not use a stroller, just don’t RENT, BUY one.  A cheap umbrella stroller will cost $15 at Wal-Mart.

How can you save money on souvenirs? If you are an FR or DT with an annual pass then you will get discounts of up to 15% on souvenirs. If you don’t have the pass then there are other ways to save:

• Orlando Premium Outlets sell Disney merchandise at prices that are significantly lower than what you will find at Disney. These malls are also a good place to buy discounted non-Disney merchandise
• Decide on a budget before you leave and tell your children about it. Then buy souvenirs at the end of your trip when your kids have made up their minds and know what they can purchase within that budget

Roller Coasting Your Way to Savings?

Saving money on entertainment is the hardest part. For an FR or DT the best course of action is the annual pass. Also, don’t try to do both Disney and Universal in one trip. There is enough to do at just one major park. On days when you are not at a theme park you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities.

Winter isn’t always a wonderland. For some, the turn from the crisp air of autumn to the sometimes arctic breezes of winter can send chills up their spine for months on end. Gone are the days of just throwing on a sweater and a light jacket and heading out the door. The coming season requires heavy duty gear including a parka paired with a hat, scarf and gloves. It’s enough to make you want to pack up your shorts, sandals and bathing suit and head down south!

If you do decide a warm weather escape is in order, you may want to think about staying at a historical inn. You’ll not only get a chance to bask in the soothing rays of  sunshine but also under the shadow of stunning Victorian, Georgian and Greek Revival architecture. It’s postcard perfect.  Consider these charming options:

Fort Conde Inn, Mobile, AL
Mobile’s second oldest house is situated on the outer grounds of Fort Conde, a French fort built to protect the city from attacks by the British and Spanish. It was built by Edward Hall of Philadelphia, PA, who came to Mobile to make his fortune in the cotton trade. He bought the land for $800 and completed the house in 1836. The Fort Conde Inn became part of a restoration project in 1998 and many of Hall’s original specifications have been brought back. Features original heart pine flooring and custom-milled stairways, moldings and window and door trim to marble fireplace mantles, plaster walls, 12-foot ceilings and crystal chandeliers.

http://www.bnbfinder.com/Alabama/Mobile/Bed-and-Breakfast/Listing/22798/Fort_Conde_Inn

Bocage Plantation, Darrow, LA
Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, this 110 acre plantation was a wedding gift from Marius Pons Bringier to his eldest daughter, Francoise “Franny” Bringier, who married Christophe Colomb in 1801. Upon their deaths the plantation was inherited by their son Luis Arthur and his wife, Mathilde. It’s believed the original 1801 structure burnt down (charred remains were found on the property) and the current house was built to replace it. After decades of being vacant, the plantation was purchased by Dr. Anita Crozat Kohlsdorf, who saw a massive renovation of what became a weekend home. In 2008, it was sold to the present owner, Dr. Marion M. Rundell. The glorious Greek Revival is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features four rooms: Ashland Gold, Bringier Red, Colomb Blue and The Venetian.

http://www.bnbfinder.com/Louisiana/Darrow/Bed-and-Breakfast/Listing/22848/Bocage_Plantation

The Governor’s House, Charleston, SC
This house was built by James Laurens in 1769 and was designed as a traditional Georgian double house with a center stairway and two large rooms on either side. Edward Rutledge, who at 27 was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, occupied the home beginning in 1776. He was elected governor of South Carolina in 1798 and lived in the house until his death. Located in historic downtown Charleston, The Governor’s House features 11 boudoir staterooms, large southern front porches and gourmet breakfasts.

http://www.bnbfinder.com/South-Carolina/Charleston/Bed-and-Breakfast/Listing/16153/The_Governors_House_Inn

Island City House Hotel, Key West, FL
Three historic buildings – Arch House, Island City House, Cigar House – comprise this Old Town Key West getaway. The Arch House was built as a carriage house in 1880 and features 6 suites. The 3-story Island City House, which offers 12 parlor suites, was built as a private home for a wealthy Charleston merchant family in 1880 and then converted into the Island City House Hotel in anticipation of the arrival of the railroad in 1912. The Cigar House was built to replicate the Alfonso Cigar Factory that once stood in the same location 100 years ago and offers 6 spacious parlor suite furnished in tropical plantation style.

http://www.bnbfinder.com/Florida/Key-West/Bed-and-Breakfast/Listing/18258/Island_City_House_Hotel

Winter is fun but it also can bring the blues. Either way, an escape to a warm weather destination would be a welcome relief. Combine it with a stay at a historical inn and you can enjoy some much-needed sunshine while taking in its rich legacy and admiring the architectural splendor.

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About The Author:  Rich Rodriguez is the PR & Marketing Coordinator for BnBFinder.com, one of the world’s most comprehensive B&B directories. You can read more about B&Bs and travel at the BnBFinder blog. Follow along on Twitter at @BnBFinder and Facebook.
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This year we found a real gem, Sophia’s Restaurante Italiano… but it appears that Dice K (Daisuke Matsuzaka of Red Sox fame) found it first and celebrated his 31^st birthday there with the whole family.  Upon arrival in Naples we noticed the new sign, which jumped out at us from the road.  From the minute the reservation was made, we knew this place was special. We were warmly greeted and introduced to our server Georgiana, who welcomed us to Soiphia’s with a smile.

To say the dinner was amazing would be an understatement. In fact, there are no words to describe the food.  It is all homemade right on premises; pasta, sauces, bread and pastries.  Now, we have had homemade pasta before, but nothing like this. The pasta was so thin and light it literally melted in your mouth. Georgina told us she actually ate at the restaurant first and the food brought her back for the job.  It had been a long time since we experienced a warm and inviting décor coupled with such a friendly staff.

Sophia’s has a vast wine selection and offers a unique specialty – a “featured wine” and desert combination. The wine specialty is carefully selected and Georgiana was very knowledgeable about the wine selections.  Due to the vintage of the wine, it was carefully filtered into a carafe by Georgiana ‘s skillful hands, a very nice touch.

We had the opportunity to meet with the owner and he shared some of the history of Sophia’s with us. The restaurant is named for his 2-year-old daughter Sophia, and opened last year. The response has been unbelievable since they opened, and they are responding by preparing to offer pasta, sauces, salad dressing and deserts as part of a retail operation. So if you don’t feel like cooking – have a little Italy at home. This entrepreneur also plans to offer a Limousine service for evenings about town. If you are looking for the best Italian restaurant in Naples, Sophia’s it is. Do not just take our word for it—ask Dice K! Tip: call ahead for reservations – you will need them – and tell them Wicked sent you.

Now that the foliage is fading and the snow will soon follow, think about booking early for that winter getaway. Airline ticket prices are skyrocketing so remember look for your reservations on a Tuesday or Wednesday for best price and the earlier you book the better.

Kid Favorites

Disney World, Orlando, FL
Don’t drag the kiddos through long, grueling lines at Disney World during Spring Break or summer. The rides still a go in December (with temperature highs in the 70s), while the crowds aren’t quite as claustrophobic. Plus, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer, from “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” to the “Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.” Book a fully-loaded pool home in nearby Kissimmee for under $100 a night, and enjoy bonus attractions like the Great Meadows Petting Farm and the Kissimmee Air Museum.

San Diego, California
San Diego is a smart idea this time of year because the typical throng of beachgoers gets replaced by fun Christmas events, like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. To boot, must-sees like the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Pirate Ship Adventures are open year-round.

Branson, Missouri
With loads of loveable, squeaky clean amusements – from the Branson Family Fun Factory to Dolly Parton’s Dixie’s Stampede and Dinner Show – Branson, Missouri is a family magnet. December’s an excellent time for a visit, too, as every inch of town is spruced up for Christmas, and deals on accommodations are easy to find.

Trade Snow for Sun

Drive-to Beach Choices
Skip crowd-packed Florida Keys and Miami for a mellower, cheaper time at beaches like Destin and Madeira Beach. Even better bets are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two Gulf Coast favorites oft forgotten by sun seekers headed to Florida.

Exotic Options
If you really want to get away with the family, choose a Caribbean destination with a quieter reputation than the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands – like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe. Meanwhile, although Hawaii is a big draw this time of year, you can save a bundle basing your stay in Honolulu versus Kauai.

Fresh Air
Ski season really ramps up in December, so slope-side deals are few and far between. There are still budget ski rental options in places like Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, but you don’t have to get sporty to spend quality time with Mother Nature this winter.

Arizona weather is comfy enough for outdoor sightseeing, for one. Consider Tucson, featuring family-friendly attractions (the Mini Time Machine Museum is a favorite), stunning desert scenery (check out the Tohono Chul Park), and to top it all off, affordable family rentals for Christmas.

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About The Author:  Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004, and currently manages content, from vacation ideas to destination guides, for HomeAway Inc. She’s written for USA Today’s travel site, GirlsGetaway.com , Cheaop Air, Travels.com, Trails.com, eFilmCritic.com, The Budget Fashionista, Travellogged.com, and many more sites.
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Here are some specials worth gobbling up:

South Court Inn, Luray, VA:
If you book a 3 to 4 night stay and arrive on Wednesday evening or Thanksgiving day the South Court Inn will treat you to Thanksgiving dinner at Circa ’31, the main dining room at the restored historic Mimslyn Inn. The multi-course menu includes roast turkey with all the trimmings; you also can choose from a special roast beef or seafood menu.

And, at the South Court Inn, more really is merrier: For each room booked, you’ll receive a dinner gift certificate for two, tax and tips included.

The Addison on Amelia Island, Amelia Island, FL:
If your idea of a perfect Thanksgiving Day involves shorts, sandals and a walk on the beach before diving into dinner, you may want to think about visiting The Addison on Amelia Island. The big day begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a 2-hour narrated tour of Cumberland sound where you’ll observe wildlife and learn the history of Amelia and Cumberland Islands. After enjoying lunch, courtesy of the inn, you can grab one of their bikes and tour the Victorian neighborhoods or relax with a good book. Then, without any work on your part, the day ends with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner prepared by your innkeepers.

Gillum House, Shinnston, WV:
Thanksgiving is about remembering a period of history and the Gillum House is adding a historical touch to their Thanksgiving special. The staff will be outfitted in their best 18^th century garb while serving an exquisite dinner including homemade noodles and Gillum house rolls. You’ll even visit a log house built circa 1778 during your stay. Family group rates are available.

 Emerson Inn By The Sea - Rockport, MA
There’s nothing like the fresh sea air in a traditional New England setting to whip up an appetite and bring nostalgic memories of Thankgiving gatherings.  The Emerson Inn with its spectacular view of the Atlantic coastline celebrates the day with a lavish Thanksgiving Buffet that includes Roast Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon, Roast Turkey in their Grand Gafe that has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 5 years running.  Their Thanksgiving Package includes Thanksgiving Dinner for two on Nov. 24th, two night’s accommodation and deluxe continental breakfast each morning.  Packages are priced from $299 for two.  And after your fabulous dinner, there’s nothing better for a full tummy than a stroll beside the sea.

Arnold Black Bear Inn – Arnold, CA
Arnold Black Bear Inn is talking turkey – in a good way. Two nights (including Thanksgiving Thursday) is all it takes, and the inn will provide a traditional feast at no additional cost if you book two nights at the inn.

Thanksgiving tradition calls for much planning and preparation for the big day. It’s enough to make you want to pack up you bags and hit the road. With B&Bs providing fabulous Thanksgiving packages this year, why not grab a getaway? You can have your turkey and eat it, too.

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About Author:  Rich Rodriguez is the PR & Marketing Coordinator for BnBFinder.com, one of the world’s most comprehensive B&B directories. You can read more about B&Bs and travel at the BnBFinder blog. Follow along on Twitter at @BnBFinder and Facebook.
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#1 – Legoland Florida in Winter Haven
Opening this weekend (10/15/11) is the long anticipated Legoland Florida,  the largest Legoland theme park in the world.  The entire 150 acre park is designed to delight children 2 to 12 years of age.  Unlike many Florida attractions where young children are excluded from thrill rides, Legoland’s rides are designed and  sized with young children in mind.

Legoland Florida is located midway between Orlando and Tampa and sports 50 interactive attractions and rides.  This theme park is packed with whimsical adventures and rides including a Lego factory tour, Miniland that has replica buildings built out of Legos that depict Las Vegas, Kennedy Space Center, Washington DC, and New York City.  Duplo Village features Lego construction trucks, farm with friendly Lego animals and a Jr. Fire Academy.  Kingdoms is a medieval village that features dragons, jousting, a forest to hide in and Merlin’s challenge.  Technic is all motion with wave racers and race vehicles.  There’s Prirates Cove, and Land of Adventure that features a Lost Kingdom, Pharaoh’s Revenge and a Safari Trek.  Need more excitement?  Head to Lego City where Ford has a mini-driving school, a Rescue Academy, Boating school and a flying school.  Your kids may never want to leave!

#2 Meet Winter – Star of  Dolphin Tale at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Your kids have probably already been begging you to take them to the movies to see Dolphin Tale, the story of a lovable bottlenose dolphin (Winter)  that has a tragic encounter with a crab trap and must have its tail amputated.  The poignant movie chronicles Winter’s battle to survive with the help of  remarkable trainers, staff and veterinarians at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rehabilitation center.    The invention of a prosthetic tail for Winter along with a protective gel sleeve has had far reaching influences on prosthesis devices designed for human amputees.  Winter has become an inspiration for young and old, healthy and those with medical challenges alike.  Winter has brought fame and much needed funds to the Aquarium which has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation.   You can visit Winter daily and tour the marine rehabilitation facility.  This is definitely a feel good experience.

#3 Experience the speed and power of Cheetahs at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Earlier this year Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened an exciting new Cheetah Encounter.  The center piece of the new park attraction is the Cheetah Hunt a high-tech, high speed coaster that launches riders from 0 to 60 mph in seconds.  Emulating the legendary speed of the Cheetah, the new ride thrills riders at astonishing speeds and up to 10 stories above an African landscape.   Park guests can also interact with cheetahs in their new habitat Cheetah Run, and witness their awesome speed during sprints with trainers.  An elevated glass viewing platform gives park goers a unique view of these gorgeous animals.    After the excitement of speeding like a cheetah, guests can visit The Realm, a plaza that incorporates the cultures of Morocco, Egypt and Edge of Africa.

If You Go:
For any and all of these attractions flights can be booked into either Tampa or Orlando airports.  Many area hotels are offering specials to coincide with the attractions.  Here are a few exceptional ones:

The Trade Winds Island Resort and Sandpiper Suites at St. Peterburg Beach, is every bit as exciting as the attractions you’ll be visiting.  From now until December 24th, they are offering a Dolphin Tale Getaway that includes 3 nights accommodation, 2 tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a plush “Winter” toy, Trade Winds Beach Bag, and it includes the resort fee for complimentary parking, use of a beach cabana and paddle boats – all from $495 per package.  Check out this ultra fun hotel and all the package details at TradeWindsResort.com

The Sandpearl Resort at Clearwater Beach is also offering a “Winter the Dolphin” package.  This AAA 4-diamond resort is located right on powdery white Clearwater Beach.  The package starting from $219 per night includes accommodation for 4, morning breakfast, 2 tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and a copy of the book “Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned To Swim Again“.  This resort has been named to Travel & Leisure’s 50 Best Resorts in the USA list, and is sure to be a favorite beach destination.

Legoland Florida has lots of great promotions with area hotels.  Have a look at their Bed & Brick Preferred Hotels.

For any destination in Florida you can’t go wrong with FloridaVacationAuction.com.  This auction style site lets you bid on deeply discounted hotels and resorts throughout the state, or buy directly if you wish.

Must-See Hotels of South Beach
There are approximately 960 historic buildings in this area, although not all of them are influenced by Art Deco design – that’s a lot of information pamphlets to wade through. I can advise those wishing to tour independently of a tour guide, that the South Beach Hotel should definitely be a top priority. It is deliciously symmetrical with a chevron patterned frontage and an illuminated sign in simple lettering. Built in 1939, over the years it has been carefully restored by hotel managers to retain its original features. At night its frontage is illuminated giving it an added air of 1930s glitz.

Another hotel that is definitely worth a look is The Colony Hotel. Unlike South Beach Hotel, which is designed in whites and creams, The Colony Hotel boasts a colourful pastel-hued frontage with a stand-out aquamarine trim. Built in the same year as South Beach Hotel and located right there on Ocean Drive, its bold Art Deco design has made it one of the most photographed hotels in the world and it has, consequently, captured the heart of many a tourist.

Although South Beach Hotel and The Colony Hotel are respectively classic beauties unto themselves, my favourite hotel of the Miami Beach area is The Leslie Hotel. In terms of Art Deco detailing this hotel really has it all. Firstly the building itself is set in shapely tiers at the top that draws the eye effortlessly into the centre of the design where further raised tiering is used to emphasize the building’s unique colouring. In terms of shade, the building is a fantastic bright yellow that instantly brings cheer to look upon it. The lettering on the front is more blatantly slim line than that of the other buildings giving it a sleeker edge and the canopies above the windows add a further dimension that makes the design feel glamorous and bold. In addition to all this,  The Leslie Hotel is one of the most favourably reviewed hotels in the district in terms of service and surroundings.

Although the hotels mentioned above should certainly be on your hit list for a short visit, if you want a comprehensive tour of “SoBe”, then your best bet is to get in touch with the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) who offer daily walking tours. The advantages of their tours are many. Firstly, they don’t require prior booking.   Any time you have a free morning, you can simply walk down to the Art Deco book shop at the appointed time (10:30am daily except Thursdays when the tour leaves at 6:30pm for a twilight tour) and join the tour. Secondly the tour not only educates about the exteriors of the many Art Deco buildings but also allows you to explore the interiors. Thirdly, at $20 a ticket it’s a very affordable activity. The tour lasts 90 minutes.

In addition to the daily tours, every January an annual Art Deco Festival is held. In 2012 it takes place on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th of January and this year is particularly special as it is celebrating its 35^th anniversary as an event. Guests can expect a series of lectures, street entertainment, classic car shows, parades, film screenings and, of course, more walking tours of the district. All this makes this one of the most vibrant districts in Miami certainly worth a look, or even a second look, for any seasoned traveller.
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About The Author: Susan is an amateur interior designer, writer and travel addict, having roamed extensively in Europe and Asia. She currently writes on behalf of Sofas and Sectionals, an online furniture retailer.
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Case in point is a Mushroom Martini at the delightful Mangoes on a prominent corner of the main drag, Duval Street in  Key West FL.   This welcoming patio where outdoor dining is the specialty, begs you to come in from the heat and order a refreshing drink and a snack. That is where the Mushroom Martini comes in.

No, this isn’t some juniper-infused fungus becoming over-familiar with an olive in a puddle of gin, here in the shadow of Hemingway and Buffett.  This is luxurious appetizer served slightly warm in a martini glass that will make you swoon at the flavors and beg for the recipe. Well, beg no more… one of the chefs was kind enough to give me this riff on it.

Mushroom Martini Recipe

o   2 shallots, minced

o   1 garlic clove, minced

o    2 tablespoons olive oil

o    10 ounces assorted mushrooms, thinly sliced

o    1/4 cup soy sauce

o    1/4 cup Rainwater Madeira

o    2 tablespoons white truffle oil

o    small rosemary sprigs for garnish

o    8 ounces soft chevre cheese

Directions

1. Heat olive oil and saute shallots and garlic until soft.

2. Add mushrooms and cook quickly over fairly high heat. Add soy. Toss and simmer a minute. Add wine and cook another minute. Dizzle with white truffle oil, using restraint.

3. Divide among four martini glasses.

4. Top with chevre, then garnish with rosemary. Serve warm with toast points or baguettes.

There’s nothing we like better than roaming the streets of Key West looking for charismatic restaurants and bars.  Don’t miss our recent article Bar Hopping Like A Local in Key West – 7 Hidden Gems

• With Disney now boasting 4 cruise ships, the Mouse is definitely out and about!  Disney Cruise Line is bringing their cruise ships to new home ports all across the United States.  New itineraries are in place for Disney Cruise Line to sail from New York City to Disney World in Florida plus private islands in the Bahamas, as well a coastal New England journeys  to Atlantic Canada.  There will also be weekend getaway cruises from New York for 2 days at sea filled with Disney magic.  Disney Cruises will also depart from Galveston Texas on itineraries through the Western Caribbean.  Los Angeles will see a Disney ship sail away to Hawaii for a four island grand exploration.  And Seattle will host Disney sailings for journeys up to Alaska.  Finally, let’s not forget Europe!  What better way to introduce your kids to Rome, Barcelona and Cannes than with the Disney characters their guides!
• Disney Does Paradise! Hawaii is also welcoming a new Disney Hotel – the  Aulani Disney Resort and Spa is scheduled to open on August 29, 2011, and the reservation desks are open.  The resort will also be a much anticipated addition to the Disney Vacation Club offerings.  The Disney “Imagineers” have created a vacation property that ‘celebrates Hawaiian history, culture and artwork’.  And I’m sure they haven’t forgotten the fun!
• Disney has a pet project! Walt Disney World in Florida opened a new luxury pet care hotel last August where your pet can be pampered just like other guests.  Located by the Port Orleans, the Best Care Pet Care Resort offers your favorite dog or cat a luxurious stay.  Pets can visit for the day or check-in as an overnight guest.  There are water parks for them to play, kitty condos, orthopedic mattresses, cuddle-time and of course playgroups!

Looking for more guidance on planning your Disney visits?  Here are some great online resources:

• World of Walt
• WDW Info
• Mouse Savers
• All Ears
• Theme Park Insider