When it’s time to eat, you can be sure that whichever country choose to eat in, you will be pleased.  So it’s best to pick your favorite type of food and go directly to that country.  One of Epcot’s most famous “snacks” is the deep fried turkey leg.  It is huge and you feel like an animal when you are eating it, but it’s something you must get.  Unless you are a vegetarian, you cannot go to Epcot without getting a turkey leg!

Epcot has a few rides too, although the other theme parks have many more.  The most popular and noteworthy rides are Test Track, Soarin’, and Mission Space.  Test Track lets you drive cars on a racetrack, Soarin’ makes you feel like you are flying, and Mission Space make you feel like you are in a space shuttle.  Epcot also has some great attractions like Honey I Shrunk the Audience (a 3D movie) and Journey Into Imagination.  Probably the most popular ride and attraction of all time is Spaceship Earth, which is a definite must do!

Epcot takes an entire day to visit, so make sure you take your time and enjoy everything Epcot has to offer.  When you are finished your long day you can come back to The Happy Place Luxury Retreat Rental Homes and get well rested for whatever your next day has to offer!

So now what?  Well, everyone’s first question is going to be, “What’s the date?”  You have probably been thinking about this for a while so you are a little ahead of the game.  On the other hand, you also probably didn’t want to jinx anything, so you didn’t do anything more than just think about it.  The next thing to do is figure out where you want to get married.  There are few things in life more important than your wedding day and few places more special than Disney World.  Disney Weddings are not only completely customizable, down to every last detail, but their wedding planners take all the stress away from you so that you can completely enjoy and cherish every second of your special day.

It’s not going to be a problem getting your guests to come to Disney World for a wedding.  They have first class service, food, and entertainment.  However, after the cost of flying to Florida and giving you and nice wedding gift, perhaps staying at a Disney Resort isn’t in their plans.  The Happy Place in Orlando, FL can offer your guests a beautiful and comfortable home away from home.  Their luxury rental homes are very convenient for families large and small, couples, or individuals.  Many of your wedding guests will probably make a vacation out of this trip to Orlando, and they will have everything they need in their beautiful luxury rental home from The Happy Place.

 Disney World is now planning another major project and they are calling it “Disney Springs”. The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2016. Disney Springs will double the size of Downtown Disney. Plans include a number of retail shopping facilities along with dining venues on the waterfront. The unique aspect of the plans for Disney Springs is that it won’t be centered entirely on the theme parks and Disney brands. In fact, the goal of Disney Springs is to offer a retail experience to visitors much like that of a shopping promenade that could be found outside of the resort.

 Initial plans for Disney Spring also incorporate a theme of rest and relaxation. Designs will be influenced by the Spanish revival architectural style and a landing over the water will offer visitors a magnificent view of the entire area. The new attraction will offer visitors a chance to escape the ever present feeling of being in an amusement park, without actually leaving the resort.

 Construction on the newly planned Disney Springs will begin sometime in April 2013. TheHappyPlace.com knows that Walt Disney World is one of the many reasons tourists come to Orlando each year. Disney Springs will be a welcomed attraction in several years. However, there are plenty of reasons to get down to Orlando right now. TheHappyPlace.com is excited about the upcoming spring season and is more than ready to accommodate all of their customers vacationing needs.

So don’t sit at home this year and mope around the house with nothing to do with your kids during their spring break. It’s a perfect time to vacation and relax in a luxury retreat rental home. If you have a large sized family, hotels might not be able to accommodate the arrangements, however if you were to have your own property, yard and other simple amenities the experience can be a lot more relaxing.

There is no better spot to escape from the real world then Orlando, Florida especially during the spring season. The weather is not quite too hot yet, making it perfect for any outdoor activities with the family. The spring is ideal during the off-season, because the crowds are smaller and prices tend to be a little bit cheaper.

Whether it is your first trip or second, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country for a reason, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So enjoy your spring break with the family and have enough space, bedrooms and bathrooms for every member. Start the season off right with a family vacation during one of the prime times of the year just miles Walt Disney. There will always be something for the family to do at the luxury retreat or at one of the theme parks. More and more families are considering rental home properties when it comes to vacationing so why shouldn’t you?

With great luxury rental homes that can suit the needs of just about anyone through thehappyplace.com this golf haven is a must for those who need to swing the clubs in a pair of shorts and a golf shirt and not cold weather gear. A golf get away is a great way for a couple or even a group of friends to get some sun in their life. I know that January can be a long month and being able to break up the end of winter with a trip in February or March can really help make for a great and vibrant start to spring.

A number of great golf courses are in the Orlando area such as ChampionsGate, Grand Cypress, Orange County National, Walt Disney World, and Bay Hill Club & Lodge just to name a few. Along with a great night life and all the attractions that Florida can bring whether you want to go out for a night while enjoying some drinks or want to keep it low key with homemade meals and days on the beach, a winter get away to Orlando is never a bad idea.

So for those golf nuts out there who need to get in the sun with a club in their hand, hit up Orlando Florida. Hopefully the only sand you get to enjoy is on the beach as well as the golf course.

Magic Kingdom has some incredible events planned as well:

*Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 nights from Nov. 9-Dec. 21. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday offerings including stage shows, fireworks, a unique holiday parade and holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. This is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Dates for 2012: Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21.

*Entertainment, Fireworks and More: The Magic Kingdom is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees. The fun includes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.

*Castle Dream Lights: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays, thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the castle celebration and stage show.

This year at Epcot Guest can plan on seeing:

*Candlelight Processional is a timeless holiday offering at Epcot that combines seasonal music with the poignant reading of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a mass choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra. Actress/Singer Olivia Newton John makes her debut as one of a dozen narrators to take to the stage at this year’s event, performed nightly at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 23 – Dec. 30. Crowd favorites Neil Patrick Harris, Isabella Rosellini and Gary Sinise all return to America Gardens Theater stage on select nights.

*Holidays Around The World: Storytellers from around the world share traditions and lore from their homeland throughout World Showcase. The joy continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” laser, light, fireworks display with an added seasonal finale.

Disney World is a wonderful place to spend the holidays. The Happy Place would be more then welcomed to have you spend your time this holiday season while at Disney with them. For more information visit www.thehappyplace.com and see how they can accommodate you and your family during the holidays with a home rental in Disney.

-Leu Gardens – At the Leu Gardens you learn about the lovely city you are visiting while also offering the largest outdoor rose garden in Florida.

-Farris and Foster Fine Chocolates – This is a must visit site even if you are not a chocolate lover. You get to sample gourmet chocolate and also make a pound of your own chocolate creations to take home with you.

Universal City Walk – If you want nightclubs, relax over cocktails, see a movie, shop, enjoy fine dining, and themed restaurants than Universal City walk is just for you with over 30 acres of hot spots.

Downtown Disney World – Downtown Disney is part of Disney world with no cost of admission to get in. The area is filled with shops and restaurants for you to explore.

Pirates Dinner Adventure – Is the only interactive dining experience in Orlando.

PR Gourmet Internet Café – PR Gourmet Internet Café provides computers and the internet while also offering delicious bakery goods.

Race Rock Super Charged Restaurant – Is owned by 13 race car celebrities like Richard Petty and Mario Andretti. This is a must see restaurant even if you are not a race car fan due to its diversity and abundance of food. There is even a race car simulator inside.

Mall at Millennia – Mall at Millennia is a place to check out even if you do not buy anything you can see all the high end stores such as Tiffany and Co, Christian Dior. They also have high end restaurants like Brio Tuscan Grill.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Ripley’s Believe It or Not is located in Orlando, and is a great place to take the family if you have done all the theme parks or the lines are too long.

1. Start Your Search Early

By thinking, researching and planning at least six months to a year in advance you can avoid the stress and excessive costs that can go with trying to secure a vacation home, during peak season and on short notice.

Once you know the date of your trip contact a real estate agent who specializes in your destination. You can also search online local newspapers for some vacation rentals. For example, VacationRentals.com provides details on rentals in all 50 states and numerous countries throughout the world.

2. Consult Multiple Sources

By shopping around you will not only learn more about the area you are visiting, you may also find yourself a better deal. If you don’t live too far from your vacation destination, you might consider driving around the neighborhoods where you are looking to rent to see if there are any homes advertising for the season.

3. Read Through The Whole Contract

Many people are often so happy that they found the vacation home they wanted that they overlook the importance of the contract. Remember that this document should not be ignored, as it outlines your payment schedule, and who is liable in case of damages. In addition, as you read through the contract make sure you understand who pays for utility bills, internet, phone service, cable, cleaning/housekeeping, and propane/gas if outdoor grilling is available.

4. You Can Always Negotiate

Almost every cost of a vacation home rental is negotiable, from the amount of the deposit to the weekly or monthly rent. If the person renting the home out is unwilling to budge on either of these items, see if they’ll throw in an extra day’s or week’s rental at a slightly lower price.

5. The Deposit

Don’t forget to factor the deposit into your budget. Also, be aware of the process by which your deposit will be returned. For example, the home must be clean and all rental payments made in order for you to get your deposit back. This will help prevent arguments at the end of the rental agreement period.

6. Ask About Housekeeping

Some rental properties have a cleaning service that come in on the last day and the cost is billed to the person renting the home. Others may have cleaners that come by periodically. Find out what the housekeeping schedule is and who is responsible for the bill.

7. Take a Picture On The Day You Arrive

To ensure that any existing damage is documented and that you aren’t blamed for something you did not do, photograph or video tape the property on the day you arrive. Make sure you record any problem areas, and do the same on your last day.

8. Obtain a Contact Number

Make sure to get the owner or landlord’s phone number just in case there is a problem like a burst pipe or loss of electricity. You’ll be glad you did!

By adhering to some of the tips on this “checklist,” you can give yourself a lot less of a headache when it comes to packing, and also when it comes to traveling abroad!

1. Always make sure to have your essential travel documents ready. If you are traveling out of the country, you will need a passport and possibly a visa in order to enter into the country you are visiting.
2. Always try to plan things to do ahead of time before you leave.  Most of the time it is very difficult to get reservations (especially at the last moment) in a foreign country.
3. Put yourself on a budget. Try to formulate how much money you will be spending on a daily basis for food, accommodations, and/or any excursions that you take.  Also, remember to factor in travel insurance and shopping expenses!
4. Leave your jewelry in your hotel room or safe (or better yet, at home!)  Sometimes having all of that jewelry makes you a target for thieves!  Also, make sure to have your valuables concealed at all times if you find it necessary to carry any!
5. Write your name, address, and telephone number on the inside and outside of every piece of luggage you have.  This will lessen the chance of you completely losing your luggage.
6. Record the credit limit of each and every one of your credit cards.  In some countries, you can get arrested for exceeding your credit cards’ limits.

An abundance of special events for July 4th are planned at all four of the major theme parks in Walt Disney World this year.  There will be patriotic parades, live music, and of course many extravagant fireworks!  All of the July 4th celebrations are included in the regular admission price, and that alone makes Walt Disney World the best spot for any July 4th vacation this year!

Seeking travel tips for Orlando in order to stay safe as you venture out and experience the July 4th festivities this year? Consider some of these below!

1.  Nearly all hotels, resorts, banks, and also many other area attractions, offer you the option to exchange any foreign money you may have. To exchange money at one of the theme parks you can visit a guest services window (that should be located right where you enter the park.)  To exchange money at a resort or hotel, you can try the front desk or visit guest services.

2.  Planning to drive your own car to the Disney theme parks?  In Florida (like all other states in the U.S.A.) you should always obey traffic signs and drive carefully.  Children that are five and under must be seated in an approved restraint device, and children that are three and under must also be seated in a child-safety seat.  Also, according to Florida law, your headlights must be on while it is raining, and if you need information in regards to any Florida traffic in a certain area you can dial 511.

3.  Make sure to try and plan what you want to do and see ahead of time, but don’t clutter up your itinerary, you never know when a new event may pop up, or one may be cancelled!  Also, while visiting the theme parks you should keep an eye out for coupon books and any discounts offered.  You can even purchase discounted theme park tickets online before going to Orlando for your vacation!