Mark Your Calendar for 2009 Epcot Food & Wine Fest

During six entertainment-packed weeks September 25 through November 8, 2009, Epcot guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from the top “foodie” cities in the world at the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Care for a taste of Camaroes com Palmito (shrimp with palms) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Or how about a sip of the trendiest wine from Buenos Aires, Argentina? They are examples of the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces from six continents that dot the World Showcase promenade during the festival.

Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $2 to $7 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. Live regional entertainment is scheduled throughout each day along the promenade. Daily wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series fo special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Live music kicks the festival up several notches each evening during Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring acts from many musical genres, including classic rock, jazz, R&B, funk and soul. Scheduled to appear to the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are Richard Marx, Better Than Ezra, Vanessa Carlton, John Waite and Billy Ocean. Returning acts are Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Starship, En Vogue, Sister Hazel, Kool & The Gang, Spyro Gyra, Jon Secada, Sister Sledge, Taylor Dayne, Boyz II Men, Night Ranger and Los Lobos.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Orlando to attend the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Orlando’s Disney World theme parks and area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

How to Enjoy Disney World to the Fullest this Summer

A summer vacation at Walt Disney World Resort brings to mind massive crowds and waiting in long lines in the sweltering heat, right? Fortunately, by making preparations, creating a plan of attack and following the Disney World time-saving tips below, you and your family can enjoy the ultimate Disney World vacation getaway.

• Arrive at Disney World early – at least a half hour before it officially opens – so you can get a jump on the crowds.
• Use Disney World theme park maps and tip boards to develop a plan in order to visit as many attractions as possible.
• Don’t follow the crowd – Many people will go to the right and move clockwise throughout Disney World’s theme park, so try going left and moving counterclockwise.
• At Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park , beat the crowds by hopping aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad, which has train stations in Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair.
• If you want to experience such immensely popular rides as Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Soarin’ at Epcot, make them your first stop since they tend to draw some of the longest lines at Disney World.
• If you love a parade, stake out your spot early since they usually draw crowds. Also, by picking a spot toward the beginning of the parade, you will get a jump on everyone else. You will have finished the parade and made it to the most popular rides while most of the crowd is still watching the parade.
• Take advantage of Disney’s FASTPASS, a free reservation system that helps you to avoid crowds at the most popular rides and attractions.
• Avoid driving to or from Disney World on Interstate 4 during rush hour, which usually runs from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM.
• Eat a good breakfast before you get to Disney World. Once there, try to eat lunch a little earlier or later than usual to avoid crowds (before 12 PM or after 2 PM). Eat while the restaurants are empty and everyone else is on the rides or watching a parade.
• If you are planning to dine at one of Disney World’s themed restaurants, make reservations well in advance if possible. Just call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).
• If you think you’ve had enough and it’s time to leave, get your hand stamped. After a little rest and a shower, you might feel like returning, especially since it cools off a little after sunset and the crowds thin out. Most of the Disney theme parks have a grand finale show such as a big parade, light show or fireworks.

Incredible deals are available through Westgate Resorts, which boasts spacious suites, first-class amenities and convenient access to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. For information on the latest specials at Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Orlando – The New Wedding Hotspot

Planning a wedding can be a logistics nightmare, and worst of all, often takes the focus away from the real reason behind the ceremony. Getting everything just right can be nerve wracking, and though family members and friends will undoubtedly appreciate all the hard work, it’s easy to forget that they are there to celebrate the union of two people and not to pass judgment on the facilities, decorating and catering.

Many couples are now choosing an alternative to the traditional wedding, one that is every bit as exciting and enjoyable for them as it is for the guests they include. Orlando, Florida, is known for many things, especially fun-filled vacations and great weather year ‘round. However, Orlando is also becoming the new wedding hotspot, and for good reason. So why wed in Orlando instead of in the city or town you live? Basically, an Orlando wedding is all about enjoying your wedding experience and leaving the legwork to the professionals.

You can customize your wedding to any theme, have an almost unlimited number of choices for the venue and probably spend less than you would at home. Before and after the wedding, a couple can enjoy all that the city has to offer, which takes them out of their element and away from the pressures of the upcoming nuptials. While a wedding should be centered on the future bride and groom, there’s no escaping the fact that weddings are best when friends and family are near.

The best part of an Orlando wedding is that guests will also have access to all that Orlando has to offer. They can enjoy not only the wedding, but themselves as well. Whether they come for a day, a weekend or a week, guests will be able to celebrate with the happy couple and still enjoy activities that are geared toward their individual tastes. Indeed, Orlando is a city like no other, and what better place for an event like no other? The sheer number of things to do, the great weather and the affordability of Orlando are all part of the reasons why it’s become so popular for weddings. After all, weddings were meant to be celebrated and enjoyed, and there are few places better suited for celebration and enjoyment than Orlando.

With romantic wedding sites, affordable wedding packages, facilities to suit any need and comfortable accommodations, Westgate Resorts provides the perfect locale for your wedding ceremony and reception. For more information, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Upcoming Busch Gardens Europe Events for 2009

Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia, boasts a great lineup of special events scheduled for this summer and beyond. Mark your calendar for the following Busch Gardens Europe festivities:

Glory at the Gardens – June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2009
Thirteen popular contemporary Christian bands – including Third Day, TobyMac and MercyMe – will perform over four Sundays in June.

Summer Nights Concert Series – July 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 & August 1-2, 8-9, 2009
Busch Gardens Europe’s popular summer concert series is back and better than ever in 2009 with an amazing lineup of entertainers, including performances by Little River Band, Foreigner and Loverboy.

Wild Days with Julie Scardina and Virginia Busch – September 12-13, 2009
Wild Days, which features celebrity animal ambassadors Julie Scardina and Ginny Busch, allows yout to interact with animals from Busch Gardens and SeaWorld theme parks and meet popular animal experts. Learn simple, but important techniques to protect wild animals and their habitats.

Howl-O-Scream – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 25-November 1, 2009
In 2009, Busch Gardens Europe unveils its 11th season of Howl-O-Scream, the theme park’s Halloween-themed “festival of fright.” 2009 Howl-O-Scream promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration – Beginning November 27, 2009
New for 2009, Christmas Town will transform Busch Gardens Europe into a “winter wonderland filled with holiday traditions, new surprises and park favorites. Don’t miss it!

Westgate Historic Williamsburg provides easy access to Busch Gardens Europe and other Williamsburg attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg. For more information about Westgate Historic Williamsburg and other premier travel destinations of Westgate Resorts, visit www.wgwilliamsburg.com.

Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains!

Relax in spacious and comfortable accommodations at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and enjoy spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers convenient access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. In addition to breathtaking scenery, don’t miss a chance to visit the Smokies’ numerous attractions such as Dollywood and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, as well as world-class dining, live entertainment and superb outlet shopping.

Onsite amenities at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort include Wild Bear Falls indoor water park, Serenity Spa, Smokehouse Grill, Mason Jar Lounge, two heated outdoor pools, two hot tubs, playground, DVD rentals, trolley services to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, mini market and deli, and 24-hour security. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

The Visual Wonders of the Smoky Mountains

Light breaks over the peaks surrounding Newfound Gap and another day begins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The forests are teeming with the sounds of nature and the diverse flora and fauna are waking to the morning splendor. From the ridges and peaks that endlessly dot the landscape to the fertile valleys that mark the end of one mountain and the beginning of the next, the scenery is beyond breathtaking. Perhaps that’s why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the globe. No matter what your interests entail, you’re bound to find yourself in awe of the natural beauty inherent in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the picturesque views are only eclipsed by the number of ways to see them.

Hiking and horseback riding trails are the method of choice for those who want to explore the cavernous lowlands while a helicopter ride is more suitable for getting a bird’s-eye view. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the wild, there are multiple campsites available, from the tame to the extreme. Another widely used method of exploring the region is by river raft, which offers some of the most unique perspectives as well as the excitement of the occasional whitewater. Though peaceful and serene at most points along the waterways in the Great Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of places that require deft maneuvering. If you want to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the assistance of a guide, you can sign up for one of the many guided tours offered daily, which will provide a visual feast as well as interesting tales of occurrences that took place within the mountains so many years ago.

For those who would rather go it alone, Great Smoky Mountain National Park can also be toured by car, allowing you to cover a great deal of ground and experience panoramic views of the topography, wildlife and surrounding settlements with their historic architecture. The next time you decide to get away from it all and get back to nature, there is simply no better place than Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Best of all, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains escape. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the new Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Traveling to Orlando? Enjoy BIG Savings!

Incredible deals are available through Westgate Resorts, which boasts spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to the Orange County Convention Center and downtown Orlando, as well as world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. For information on the latest specials at Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Central Florida Abounds with Christian Music Festivals

Four major Christian Music Festivals have been scheduled at Central Florida theme parks for 2009: Glory at the Gardens, May 16, 2009, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; Waves of Glory, May 30, 2009, at Wet ‘n’ Wild Orlando water park; Night of Joy, September 11-12, 2009, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and Rock the Universe, September 11-12, 2009, at Universal Studios Florida.

2009 Glory at the Gardens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – May 16, 2009
The first-annual Glory at the Gardens will take place May 16, 2009, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and feature some of the hottest names in contemporary Christian and Christian rock. On May 9, 2009, Reliant K, Needtobreathe, This Beautiful Republic, Worth Dying For and Sanctus Real took the stage for 2009 Glory at the Gardens. Scheduled performers for May 16, 2009, include Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Sara Groves and Joel Auge. Concerts are included with park admission and start at 1 PM (featured artists start at 4 PM). Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located at 10001 North McKinley Drive in Tampa, Florida.

2009 Waves of Glory at Wet ‘n’ Wild Orlando – May 30, 2009
The first-annual Waves of Glory contemporary Christian music festival at Wet ‘n’ Wild will feature a Battle of Christian rock bands for cash and prizes, as well as praise bands and choirs. Wet ‘n’ Wild is located at 6200 International Drive in Orlando, Florida.

2009 Night of Joy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – September 11-12, 2009
The 27th-annual Night of Joy, an immensely popular contemporary Christian music festival, will take place September 11-12, 2009, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The musically diverse event will feature P.O.D., MercyMe, NewsBoys, Skillet, Flyleaf, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Jars of Clay, GRITS, Leeland, Needtobreathe, Superchick, Mandisa and Family Force 5. Seven acts will perform each night between 7 PM and 12:30 AM at stages throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios. One night tickets for Night of Joy 2009 are $49.95 in advance or $54.95 on event day (if available). Two-night tickets are $84.95 plus tax. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is located just off I-4, south of Orlando.

2009 Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Florida – September 11-12, 2009
Billed as “A Weekend of Music and Thrills That’ll Rock Your Soul,” the 10th-annual Rock the Universe will take place September 11-12, 2009, at Universal Studios Florida. 2009 Rock the Universe will feature some of the hottest names in the Christian music scene for an unforgettable weekend of fun at fellowship at Universal Studios Florida. Scheduled performers include Switchfoot, David Crowder Band, Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Pillar, Fireflight, Remedy Drive, Seven Stories Up, Hawk Nelson, The Afters, Group 1 Crew and New Method. Tickets for 2009 Rock the Universe are $49.99 plus tax for one night and $75.99 plus tax for two nights. Universal Studios Florida is located off I-4, Exit 75.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Orlando to attend one of Central Florida’s premier Christian music festivalsl? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Orlando’s Disney World theme parks and area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Treat Your Family to Fourth of July in Orlando for 2009!

Spectacular fireworks displays, colorful parades, patriotic music, lively festivities and nonstop fun for the entire family make Orlando the place to be during the 2009 Fourth of July weekend. So gather the family together and celebrate America’s independence at the “Theme Park Capital of the World!”

2009 Walt Disney World Fourth of July Celebrations
A variety of special Fourth of July events have been scheduled for all four of Disney’s world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – such as patriotic parades, live music and spectacular fireworks displays. At Disney’s Magic KIngdom Park, “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” show will begin promptly at 9 PM. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a 9 PM performance of “Fantasmic!” And Epcot will feature a holiday-inspired “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” at 10 PM. All of the Fourth of July celebrations at Disney World are included in the regular admission price.

2009 Fourth of July at Universal Orlando
Spend the Fourth of July weekend enjoying the thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Orlando’s two extraordinary theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Then check out an amazing Fourth of July extravaganza that involves live music, games and the simultaneous launch of a glorious display of fireworks. Universal Studios park hours will be extended to 10 PM on the Fourth of July.

2009 SeaWorld Orlando Fourth of July
Events In addition to it exhilarating live animal shows such as “Blue Horizons” and “Believe,” SeaWorld Orlando will feature patriotic daytime shows, special performances of Mistify and an impressive fireworks display. SeaWorld Orlando park hours will be extended to 11 PM on Fourth of July.

2009 Downtown Orlando Fourth of July
Festivities Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon around beautiful Lake Eola in downtown Orlando at Fireworks at the Fountain, which features games, activities, live entertainment and delicious food, followed by a fabulous 30-minute fireworks display at night. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Fireworks at the Fountain and admission is free. If you’re seeking some serious Fourth of July partying, head to downtown Orlando’s Wall Street Plaza for the Fourth of July Block Party, which includes an outdoor stage for quality live entertainment. It’s a great place to go before and after viewing area fireworks displays. Admission to the Fourth of July Block Party is free.

Looking for great deals on spacious villa rentals during your Fourth of July vacation getaway? Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. Note: Event schedules are subject to change without notice.

Disney World Not Just for Kids Anymore

Once upon a time, Disney World was synonymous with family vacations centered on the entertainment needs of the very young. Today, however, it’s commonly known that not only the young but also the young at heart can find the vacation they are searching for in the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Resort has truly become an all ages destination, with many activities available that cater to adults.

Of course, spending quality time with the family is still the most popular option, but for singles, couples without children or those who wish to keep the kids entertained while they get some much needed rest and relaxation, all the amenities of an adult getaway are available and ready to be enjoyed. From golfing and spa treatments to nightlife and shopping, few travel destinations offer the sheer number of activities that Disney World can. Additionally, there are many activities available for those who want to explore their inner child, at least for an afternoon.

Within reach of the Magic Kingdom, there are no less than five championship caliber golf courses, each of which can be enjoyed while staying close to Disney World. From the challenging play at Eagle Pines to the natural beauty of Osprey Ridge, golf lovers can get their fix of 18 holes in a morning or afternoon with easy booking and without extensive travel. Disney offers several world-class spas to choose from, some of which are located near the Magic Kingdom. From massage therapy to customized workouts, facials to aromatherapies and everything in between, you can be looking and feeling your best without having to go to an exclusive spa resort.

For those who love to shop, Disney offers an incredible array of well known chain stores as well as specialty shops loaded with unique and exciting merchandise. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, beauty products, sports equipment, jewelry or anything else under the sun you seek, you can find it within the Magic Kingdom.

For food lovers (and let’s face it, that includes all of us), Disney has every dining possibility covered. From mouth-watering steak and seafood to regional cuisine from around the globe, you can enjoy five-star dining or a quick meal on the go while tantalizing your taste buds. Disney also offers several fun-filled exploration activities for couples and singles, including a wildlife safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and the France Pavilion at Epcot, to name a few.

Of course, you can also take advantage of the many nightlife experiences to get your pulse pounding on the dance floor. No matter what you enjoy, you can experience a vacation you’ll never forget at Disney World.

Believe it or not, you can stay near Disney World without spending a fortune. For instance, Westgate Resorts offers great deals on spacious villa rentals that provide easy access to the four world-class theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. For more information about villa rentals at Westgate Resorts, call (800) 864-1645 or visit www.westgatedestinations.com.