Hurricane & Typhoon Season 2011

Be Prepared

U.S. citizens considering travel to storm-prone regions during hurricane and typhoon season should carefully consider the potential dangers and inconveniences associated with their travel before finalizing plans. Those who choose to travel should devise an emergency plan in advance of their departure. Even inland areas far from the coastline can experience destructive winds, tornadoes, and floods from tropical storms, hurricanes and typhoons.

In the event of a tropical storm, hurricane or typhoon, the Embassy will send out a warden message and will monitor the storm's track, issuing updated messages as information becomes available. The Department of State may also issue Travel Alerts or Travel Warnings to apprise the traveling public of the situation. Please take this time to check your travel documents and those of your family members to assure that all U.S. passports are still valid and that any non-U.S. citizen family members have valid U.S. visas. You may need to travel to the United States on short notice and would not want to be stuck without valid travel documents.

Contact the OCS Call Center

For situations involving an injury to, or the death of, an American citizen, contact the OCS Call Center at 1-800-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444) 

Traveler's Checklist

• Prior to leaving the United States, enroll your trip on the State Department’s travel enrollment website or at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Check with your tour operator, airline, or charter flight company (as appropriate) regarding travel services back to the United States in the event of a hurricane, and the possibility of early return if a storm is forecasted for your region.
• Obtain a cell phone that works internationally to stay in regular contact with family and friends in the United States and advise them of your whereabouts.
• Research the region you are visiting and familiarize yourself with local procedures
• Pack an Emergency Supply Kit.
• Keep extra bottled water and non-perishable food items on hand.
• Keep an up-to-date list of local emergency phone numbers, as well as contact numbers for the nearest U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or Consular Agency.
• Protect your vital travel documents from potential water damage by placing them in a waterproof container.
• Obtain travel insurance prior to your trip to cover unexpected expenses in the event of an emergency.
• Leave a detailed itinerary and your local contact information with a friend or family member in the United States.
• Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home and pack the other copies separately from the originals.  Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers’ checks with a friend or relative at home.

Hotel Points!

When people think about travel points, the first programs that come to mind are usually airline mile accounts. However, the number, variety and value of great hotel points programs have grown exponentially over the past few years, and consumers are starting to take notice. Thanks to their versatility, flexibility and elite perks, hotel points are some of the hottest commodities in travel points.

The bottom line is: Hotel points matter--even if it's free airline tickets you're after. Here are a few of the reasons why, and what you should be thinking about as you get started with them.

Higher Value: Unlike airline miles, which usually amount to a value of about 1-2 cents each, hotel loyalty points' value can be worth much, much more. The combination of rising airfares, reduced flight capacities and scarcer award seat availability can make finding ideal award tickets challenging. On the other hand, although hotel rates have also risen dramatically over the past decade, capacity keeps on growing as well (or at least remains fixed since you can't switch buildings if you don't sell out your hotel, whereas you can switch out aircraft) as hotel chains expand and keep on adding brands. That means that more rooms--and more expensive rooms--are up for grabs to loyalty point program members. Enough stays at an Embassy Suites can translate to overnights at a Waldorf Astoria. The 20,000 Starwood points you earn staying at a Sheraton can get you a night at the St. Regis Rome.

Exchange Rates: Airfares were high this summer thanks to a number of factors including the skyrocketing cost of gas, but Americans have been feeling even more of a pinch thanks to the weak US dollar. That holds true for hotel rates as well, especially in Europe, where the Euro is pummeling the greenback. A hotel room that would cost $200 in Los Angeles could go for the equivalent of $600 in Paris. That makes using your hotel points wisely more important than ever. Plus, the Starwood Preferred Guest program has a "Cash & Points" option that gets you hotel rooms for both fewer points and less money than using one method of payment or the other. For example, a Category 4 (out of 7) Starwood property like the Westin Grand Berlin, would cost you 4,000 Starpoints and $60 USD using the "Cash & Points" option versus paying over 250 euros (around $360 at the moment).

More Options: Though hotel points are generally only redeemable within a single hotel group (like Marriott or Hilton), most of these chains have created, incorporated or bought other brands to put under their umbrella and usually you can both earn points on stays at any of the brands within the chain, as well as using points earned at any of the brands within the chain for stays at any of the other brands. Just to give you a quick rundown of some of the biggest:

-IHG Priority Club: This is the biggest group, with over 4,000 properties worldwide, and brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn.
-Hilton HHonors: Another huge hotel group of over 3,600 hotels worldwide with familiar names like Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn.
-Marriott Rewards: The next largest chain, with over 3,400 properties in the Marriott, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Edition and Residence Inn brands.
-Starwood Preferred Guest: This group has over 1,000 properties across several great brands including Westin, St. Regis, W Hotels, Sheraton, Element and Aloft.
-Hyatt Gold Passport: One of the best hotel programs out there (which I'll talk about in a future post) even though they only have just over 400 properties across brands like Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz and Hyatt Place.

Airline Transfers: Just because you pick a hotel loyalty program and start accruing points in it doesn't mean you can't still use them for airfare. In fact, most hotel programs allow you to transfer points to several different airline mileage accounts. For instance, right now, Starwood Preferred Guest members can transfer their points to 31 different mileage programs including those of American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Air France, United, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic (see the list here), and SPG will give you a bonus of 5,000 points for every 20,000 that you transfer. (What does that tell you about the value of hotel points versus airline miles?). Hilton HHonors members can already transfer points to 40 airline partners (see the list here). In general, however, hotel points are more valuable when used on hotel stays rather than on flights.

Constant Promotions: Whereas airlines are much more targeted and seemingly random with promotions, hotels are known for offering constant promotions and deals to earn and use points, so staying on top of the news can be extremely beneficial. Right now, for example, Hyatt just announced a promotion where Gold Passport members earn 5,000 bonus points for every three nights they stay in a Hyatt property, up to a limit of 30,000 points. While this is a lower bonus level than some of Hyatt's previous promotions, it's still a good deal. Starwood has also recently announced that Starwood Preferred Guest members will earn triple points on every stay between September 6-December 18, 2011, on stays that include either a Thursday or a Sunday night. This is clearly aimed at non-business travelers, but could still be quite lucrative for members with flexible schedules, and SPG members will at least earn double points on all other stays for the same period. You just need to register here.

Elite Status: Like airlines, many hotel brands offer their most loyal customers elite status upon completion of a certain number of stays or amount of money earned within a set time period (usually a calendar year). Once earned, elite status confers upon members a host of great value-added perks like early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades which can be worth hundreds of dollars, and more. For example, higher-level Starwood elites get free internet access that routinely saves me somewhere around $15 a day when I stay in one of their properties, while one of my favorite perks as an InterContinental Priority Club Royal Ambassador lets me take anything I want from my minibar for free.
M&M's anyone? 

J.D. Powers names Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo No. 1 in Hotel Guest Satisfaction

Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo have just been named best in customer satisfaction, by consumer experts J.D. Power and Associates. Their 2011 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study ranked Hotel Indigo No. 1 among upscale brands, beating out Hyatt Place and Aloft Hotels, while Holiday Inn took top honors for the mid-scale, full-service category, beating out competitors such as Best Western and Ramada.

Winning these awards is something we can all take pride in. Rankings like this demonstrate we’re making our brands stand out in the marketplace and driving consumer preference – all part of our plan to become one of the world’s great companies by creating Great Hotels Guests Love. They’re also a way to recognize the outstanding work being done each and every day by our owners, our colleagues in our corporate offices and on the front lines at our hotels. They’re all doing a fantastic job creating a unique guest experience that will keep our guests coming back and telling their friends and families about us. What’s J.D. Power?You hear companies touting J.D. Power’s rankings in all sorts of advertisements, but what does it mean? J.D. Power and Associates is a highly respected independent market research firm that measures customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behaviors across a wide range of industries. The results from their surveys reveal what matters most to consumers.

According to the 61,000 plus survey respondents, IHG is “hitting the right notes with customers.” Hotel Indigo is a favorite with boutique hotel lovers for its newer rooms, while all the elements of the Holiday Inn Relaunch have come together to make the brand stand out again with guests.

The Holiday Inn brand’s rise from sixth place to first in customer satisfaction was quite a hot topic in the media. USA Today called it “the most-improved chain" adding that the brand’s rating underscores the success of the massive transformation Holiday Inn hotels have completed over the last few years. And, in an interview with FoxBusiness News, Stuart Greif, VP, J.D. Power and Associates, spoke on Holiday Inn’s great success story. Check out some of his complimentary remarks from the news segment by clicking the links below.
http://www.hospitality-industry.com/index.php/news/comments/j.d._power_and_associates_reports_hotel_guest_satisfaction_with/

http://www.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011106

Facebook Our Entertainment Packed City!

Sometimes it's hard to get out and physically see it all.  But with the help technology and the sites of our virtual 'neighbors' have we can get a great look at all the excitement we have going nonstop in the entertainment juggernaut that is Orlando!!  Fortunately for you OUR HOTEL is nestled right in the middle of all this:

Walt Disney World

You’ve got a whole fantastic world to celebrate in! With four spectacular Theme Parks and two Water Parks plus the most amazing shopping, dining and recreation magic imaginable, it’s no wonder all of life’s special moments are made even more enjoyable when you celebrate at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot

Epcot theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks at Walt Disney World Resort, sprawls across 300 acres—twice the size of Magic Kingdom theme park—and is divided into Future World and World Showcase.

Future World

Future World is full of sensational attractions—including one of the fastest attractions in all Disney Parks—as well as inspiring entertainment and shows, all of which focus on technological advancements, innovation and wonder. In Future World, ideas become reality.

The Epcot theme park icon, Spaceship Earth, looking like a giant golf ball rising high above the horizon, welcomes you as you walk through the Park's main entrance.

World Showcase

Beyond Future World, if entering from the main gate at Epcot theme park, is the World Showcase area. World Showcase is a collective of Pavilions that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon. Inside the Pavilions, find shops, attractions and restaurants that represent the culture and cuisine of these 11 countries:

• Mexico
• Norway
• China
• Germany
• Italy
• United States
• Japan
• Morocco
• France
• United Kingdom
• Canada

Sea World

If you love animals…
 Make time for feeding times: Meal time is the best time to meet some playful Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and sting rays, who you can even feed by hand—but only at designated times throughout the day. Stop by in the morning to check the day’s schedule, then give yourself some extra time to get a great spot right at the water’s edge.

See what goes on behind the scenes: SeaWorld Orlando's Behind-the-Scenes tour times aren’t listed on the park map, so they’re easy to miss out on once you’re here. An insider’s tip? Book online ahead of time, or stop by the tour desk just inside the front gate.

If you’re bringing young kids… 

Bring a disposable waterproof camera: There’s wet, and there’s Shamu wet. If you’re in the Soak Zone at Shamu stadium, you’ll have a lot more fun watching kids’ reactions if you don’t have to watch out for an expensive camera. A little tip for parents? Pack a poncho—or pick one up at the gift shop. It’s a great way to keep yourself and a towel or two dry, and still get in on the fun.
Feed their imagination: Look for interactive work stations and computers located throughout the park that give kids a fun way to learn about the animals they meet. Kids can test their lung power against a walrus in Wild Arctic® or see how a manatee grinds its food at Manatee Rescue®.
Head to Shamu’s Happy Harbor: A great place for kids to burn off a little energy, plus plenty of shady spots for parents.  Ride the family-friendly Shamu Express—a great first coaster—and imaginative rides like Jazzie Jellies and Swishy Fishies that bring out the kid in everyone.
Make an autograph book: Put together an autograph book with kids ahead of time, then catch the Shamu & Crew characters from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate.
Catch the show before the show: Take your seat for the Clyde and Seamore show at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Late-comers miss out on their zany pre-show antics

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando® Resort is more than a theme park. It's an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida® and Universal's Islands of Adventure®, the home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, THREE award-winning On Site Hotels, and the non-stop nightlife of the Universal CityWalk® dining and entertainment complex.
It's an experience unlike anything else in Orlando!

Orlando, BD (Before Disney)

Orlando’s history dates back to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando City limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians.  Prior to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1837, the area that is now Orlando was occupied by the Seminole tribe of Native Americans. Historians believe that the Seminoles, whose named is said to mean "wild and separate," inhabited the Central Florida region for 6,000 to 12,000 years.

By 1840, a small community had grown up around the Fort. It was known as Jernigan, named after Aaron Jernigan, a settler from Georgia, who had established the first permanent settlement in the area. Jernigan had a post office, established May 30th, 1850.  Until 1845 Orange County, of which the city of Orlando is the county seat, was known as Mosquito County.

Six years later with the settlement expanding northward, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. In 1857, the U.S. Post Office adopted the name change. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters.

History is not as clear on where the name Orlando originated. There are four stories that are told. One involves Judge James Speer, who worked hard in getting Orlando as the county seat, naming Orlando after a man who once worked for him. Another is that Speer named it after a character from Shakespeare’s, "As You Like It".

A third version has Mr. Orlando on his way to Tampa with a caravan of ox. It is said that he got ill, died and was buried, and that folks would come by and say, "There lies Orlando"

The most common story is about a company of soldiers on duty during the height of the Seminole Wars. After battling Indians back into the swamps on the east side of Lake Minnie (now Cherokee), the military troop settled there for the night. Sentinel Orlando Reeves was guarding the camp when he spotted a log floating toward him. Recognizing the Indian disguise and wanting to warn his fellow soldiers, he fired his gun, woke the other soldiers, and saved them from peril. Arrows felled the poor fellow as the Indians came out to ambush the camp. The Indians were chased back again, and the south side of Lake Eola was chosen to bury Orlando Reeves.

Citrus Industry Spurs Development

Prior to the 1880s, the two biggest industries in central Florida were cattle breeding and cotton growing. During the 1880s some of the pioneers started growing citrus trees. The growth of Orlando in size and prosperity was associated with the need for better transportation to citrus markets on the part of citrus growers. The city had its first rail lines by 1881, and during the 1880s and 1890s there was an influx of new fruit growers. In 1885 Rollins College was founded in Winter Park. By 1886 the city's streets were lined with office buildings, churches, hotels, and schools, and tourists from the north began to spend summers in the area.

Disaster struck in 1894 when a three-day freeze destroyed nearly all the citrus trees in Orange County. The freeze had a devastating effect on the community, which suffered losses of an estimated $100 million. Packing plants closed, banks closed, people lost their jobs, and it was 15 years before Orlando fully recovered.

City Attains Major Status

Between 1910 and 1920 the population of Orlando doubled, and the city was transformed from a rural citrus growing area to a major city. During the 1920s a great building boom aided in Orlando's continuing prosperity, evidenced by the opening of the Orlando Public Library in 1923 and the Municipal Auditorium (now Bob Carr Auditorium) in 1926. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the federal government's Works Progress Administration programs aided in the upgrading of the Municipal Airport, the building of a new football stadium at Tinker Field, and park development, and by 1944 many new jobs had been created.

Another building boom followed World War II, and new suburbs, new roadways, and new shopping centers were built. In 1956 the forerunner of the Lockheed Marietta company began operations, becoming the largest employer in Central Florida. Gradually many more companies and workers followed.

In 1968 Florida Technological University (now called the University of Central Florida) opened its doors. That same year marked the beginning of the Orlando Naval Training Center.

City Becomes World-Class Tourist Site

The development of Walt Disney World in 1971 spurred a construction boom that included apartment buildings, hotels and motels, banks, commercial shopping areas, and tourist-related businesses. The city's Municipal Justice Building was erected in 1972 and Sea World of Florida followed in 1973. Tourism increased, thanks to tourist sites such as Epcot Center built in 1982, and the Disney-MGM Studios theme park, which opened in 1989. To the dismay of many local people, what had once been a sleepy backwater town was rapidly becoming a world class tourist mecca. The town of Orlando was recognized as one of the world's most popular vacation sites.

The economic climate during the 1990s and 2000s was marked by diversification. The tools and technologies that were once geared toward military services were applied to the business sector, and the region developed into a high technology corridor. Industries like software, simulation, digital media, and biotechnology began to boom, fueling further growth and development. Tourism is still the city's primary industry, but Orlando has also developed a reputation for high tech businesses and industries both related and unrelated to the entertainment industry.

Disneyland is in the midst of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, which will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. And we’re thrilled about the expansion because it’ll allows our neighbor to tell their treasured stories in new ways and give you the opportunity to interact with some of their beloved characters like never before. Today, we’d like to give you a first glimpse of the progress they're making in bringing these stories to life and a look at some of the art they will be sharing.

First, work is already well underway on many of the experiences we’ve already told you about, so let’s start with Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid. In this attraction, Ariel and all her friends will entertain you in a ride-through adventure featuring favorite songs from the popular animated feature.

Not too far from Ariel’s new home, construction is underway on Beast’s castle which will stand majestically upon a hill. You will cross over a stone bridge as you arrive at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Set in the halls of the Beast’s Castle, this location will seat up to 550 guests and offer “great food fast” service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Just outside the restaurant, you will also be able to explore Belle’s Village, which includes Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Nearby at Belle’s cottage, a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of experience, where Belle, Lumiere and guests participate in a lively re-telling of the “tale as old as time.” In Enchanted Tales with Belle, the adventure begins at Maurice’s cottage, where you’ll step through an enchanted mirror that magically transports you to Beast’s library for an interactive storytelling session with Belle.

Just across the way is the brand new Storybook Circus, where we’re doubling the fun by adding another carousel to Dumbo the Flying Elephant. While you wait to board this Fantasyland favorite, you’ll have a chance to join the circus and step inside the Big Top for fun-filled interactive experiences for kids of all ages. Alongside Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the existing Barnstormer is getting a new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. This exciting attraction will take you on a twisting, turning, daredevil, roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take you on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth as they whisk along the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.
Our other Disney princesses will also be getting a new home (actually, they prefer to call it a castle) in the all new Princess Fairytale Hall. Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet you in an elegant royal court at the location where Snow White’s Scary Adventures is today. This new experience will be in place of some of the earlier plans we shared regarding opportunities to interact with your favorite princesses.

And Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will be joining the cast at Epcot where they will have special roles bringing the flora and fauna to life during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
The New Fantasyland will be constructed in phases with most new experiences open by 2013. We look forward to sharing more with you as our work progresses.

Orlando Architecture

As you travel through our city, whether on business or pleasure, keep in mind there are some great works of architecture in our great city. We have some smaller artistic buildings as well as some monstrous designs that add to our skyline!


Check out some of these buildings as you peruse our city and don’t forget your camera so you can capture their brilliance!!

Hogwarts

Magical and current withthe release of the final instalment of Harry Potter!  Great stuff!!

Classic Cinderalla!

Need I say more??  Every little girls' dream!

Only in Orlando... See you HERE!!!