Decline may sting Orlando

Travelling to Orlando has become less attractive with the reduced flights, weak dollar, and slumpoing economy. Some analysts have predicted a 1.9% decline in international tourism for the first quarter of 2009 said the National Tourism Trade Group.

Some believe that the last pillar left standing may be starting to crumble. Typically overseas travelers spend more and stay longer in Orlando making the crunch so devastating. International declines represent about 3% said Washington Travel Industry Associates.

But there is some good news though, gasoline prices are heading down to $2 per gallon of unregular gasoline which is somewhat encouraging for local Floridians.

With all the reports about an ongoing recession, analysts believe that Orlando will finish the year up 9.1% over 2007. Otherwise, domestic travel is expected to finish 2008 with a 1% decline.

Blue Man Group Performance

Blue man Group Event Hours

January

Monday 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26 8:00pm

Tuesday 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27 8:00pm

Wednesday 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28 8:00pm

Thursday 1/1 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm
1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm

Friday 1/2 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm
1/9 8:00pm
1/16 6:00pm, 9:00pm
1/23 8:00pm
1/25, 1/30 8:00pm

Saturday 1/3 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm
1/10 6:00pm, 9:00pm
1/17, 1/24, 1/31 6:00pm, 9:00pm

Sunday 1/4, 1/11 7:00pm
1/18 6:00pm, 9:00pm
1/25 7:00pm

Southwest to ease off the throttle

After record-breaking double digit growth in one of Orlando's #1 airlines, Southwest has announced it will be reducing it's flights in the first quarter of 2009. Dozens of fligts to Orlando International will be slashed by the Dallas based airlines said Bill Owen.

Out of 115 flights from Orlando last year, this represents a reduction of 11% for the first quarter. These adjustments in scheduling based on demand in Orlando that are coming on the heals of a resession are historic to say the least.

Being able to increase capacity in the summer and reduce the number of flights in the winter gives the airlines some flexibility. During times of volatile fuel prices and slumping economy, this is called optimization. Could there be some layoffs and how do they manage the workforce?

The philosophy of dropping markets, reducing flights, adding flights, is typical for all the airlines that operate between hubs. For Southwest, its a bigger challenge because their volume of flights is typically between cities.

Some of the deepest cuts in aviation history due to fuel prices and volatile markets are being made not just by Southwest, but by all the major airlines. Orlando will especially feel the squeeze to to its seasonal leisure travelers and because Southwest has major oportunities between Orlando OIA & Los Angeles International Airport.

Where the legacy airlines Southwest has cut back on what it calls unprofitable markets, other airlines such as Jet Blue Airways Corp., AirTran Holdings Inc., and Brazilian TMA, believe that these markets will be profitable for them.

Is there any hope for the timeshare industry?

With 125 resort and over 28,000 units, Orlando is considered the unoffical timeshare capital of the world. Many suggest using old practices of reviving the use of insurance to guarantee morgages to thaw out a part of the market that is frozen right now.

With the current economic slowdow, sales of time-share units in Florida have been dropping.

The American Resort Development agency is asking the government to guarantee time-share in exchange of insurance fees. Time-share is literally selling itself out of business.

Changing investment-grade paper into cash is not easy task during the current economic crisis in America. Funding development of time-share requires selling morgage notes in the securities market or borrowing against them.

Due to the credit market being stymied, business is at a all time low. Likewise a letter was written to the White House Counsel of Economic advisors indicating that time-share is facing a liquidity catastrophe. Investors can no longer afford to buy insurance to guarantee a customers mortgage.

Cool down in Dubai

Under development is the Dubailand theme park in the United Emirates which will features a first ever temperature-controlled theme park.

At least 90% of the theme park will be climate-controlled for guests who want to avoid outside temperatures reaching as high as 110 degrees.

The first opening will be in 2010 where temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees all year long in the UAE boomtown of Dubai according to the executive office of Orlando-based Universal Parks & Resorts.

Will Obama or McCain impact tourism today

Some tourism industry leaders are questioning why each administration has not mentioned anything about Orlanhdo Florida's tourism in their rhetoric each time they come to town.

Bill Clinton stated on talk radio that he loves Florida. Could it be just the typical political hype for votes for the democratic party? Gatorland's president Mark McHugh thinks its real frustrating regarding the politicians lack of interest in the industry.

The economy continues to show signs of slowdown even during the candidates appearence in Orlando today at 11:00pm tonight. Most likely, businesses like Billy Boy's Tickets will not be on the radar screens tonight.

In this article, we are going to display some top differences between substantial tourist issues. No question, many sectors will be affected from them-park executives to bus drivers. What's in the national tourism campaign funded by the federal government?

Currently before the Congress is the "Travel Promotion Act" which would charge an increase of $10.00 to foreign travelers from Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.

This amount will accumulate to $100 million which will be used to market international business. Most industry leaders seem to think that this program will help restore America's reputation abroad as the greatest nation in the world, thereby increasing overseas travelers.

Regarding labour, Obama voted for the Employee free choice Act which allows employees to begin to form their own unions, this in short might change the landscape of Orlando tourism forever. Get ready for some landscape changes.

Unite Here Local 362 with it's president Eric Clinton represents employees from Disney World's and Orlando International Airport. Union efforts will probably be spawned from the new adminstrations socialist programs.

Note from the editor:

I believe that around December 25, 2008, we will see some substantial blessings from on high, including changes in banking ard the market for those of the faith. When the market hits the bottom, buy, merge, consolidate. March of 2009, seems to be the time where business will become productive again banking credit will allow people that are less fortunate to buy new houses. -- Michael

Cypress Gardens Schedule November

Operating Hours:

Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: closed
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm


Special Events:

11-16-08
10:00am - 5:00pm Drifters & Coasters

Stop in at Pixie Hollow for a magical moment

Magic Kingdom is opening up the world of an old fairy-tale character that dates back to the debut of Peter Pan in 1953. With advanced visual affects, guests will be transported to the mystical unseen forest setting of Tinker Bell.

With the new release of the Tinker Bell movie DVD, Disney is attempting to put Tinker Bell on the same pedastal as it's powerful portfolio of Princesses. Disney will transport you to the fairy's house so that you can mingle with her and your favorite friends.

Many bloggers don't realize that Tinker Bell was mute until now. When you enter Tink's domain, visitors will talk with her face to face in her life-size forest hang-out. Miss Bell has a variety of fairy friends including a nature lover, tomboy, perfectionist and so on.

Tinker Bells' presence goes back to the heyday of Disneyland during the Worldful World of Disney episodes seen by millions of viewers.

Some Highlights:

You can probably expect these new images to by published on different paraphernalia said Dara Trujillo of Disney franchise and Synergy. Items would be all of those worn by princesses except for their crowns.

The new film will predate Peter Pan going back to the beginning mythology of Tinker Bells life story. This will be an extension of the myth already established around Tink.

Business Excec's at Disney creative development think this could imerge to be a very important investment for in the future.

McDonald's french fry outlets are out

Better get read to smuggle your french fries into Disney World because the Kingdom is going to be offering their own signature magical fries at specialty outlets in the days to come.

These outlets will offer a larger variety of items including the afore mentioned french fries. Full service McDonald restaurants will continue to operate in the future downtown Disney park.

Jeb Blue to seize upon opportunities in tourism

One of Jet Blue's top execs Chief Officer Dave Burger reveals plans to seize upon opportunities for flights between the Caribbean, Latin America and Orlando in the coming months. Jet Blue told analysts recently that they plan to continue to expand in the area very soon.

Due to the downsizing of rival airlines in the Orlando area, Jet Blue sees a real opportunity to capitalize on the moment. Jet Blue has announced in the last 12 months new flights from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Cancun, Mexico, Bogota, Columbia and Nassau Bahamas into Orlando International airport.

Tampa Bay Rays World Series

Tampa Bay Rays beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2, Thursday night and World Series is tied at one win each on the second night.

Fans screemed as two runs came across the plate in the first inning.

But this time it was scored by the Tampa Bay Ray and not Philadelphia. Fighting hard, the Rays got their runs on a walk, a hit, an error and 2 outs.

Tampa then added a run in the second inning on 3 singles to score up 3-0. On the fourth inning, they had a final run come in on a bunt and 2 singles hits.

Philadelphia finally got 1 run in on the 8th inning on a home run into the left field. Stand by pinch hitter Eric Bruntlett hit a power ball. Other run came in on the 9th inning on a double including a Tampa Bay fault.

Although the Phillies outhit Tampa Bay in game 2, (9 to 7), they continued to fight to get their hits with their runners in scoring position.

Philadelphia manager Charlie Manual said it was a problem to leave 11 runners on base to only 4 for the Rays. He was concerned then hitting with men on the base. "We got behind early and we had a hard time catching up and we didn't execute" said Chalie Manual.


The crowd was absolutely electric on Thursday night, it's what they dreamed of doing as kids. It was extremely exciting," he said. "It's an exciting time in our lives and we're trying to enjoy the moment."

The Tampa Bay Rays have some extra time to enjoy the victory, as the series does not resume until Saturday night in Philadelphia, where games three, four and five will be played.

Occupency rate falling at Orlando Hotels

September was a difficult month for Orlando based hotels
falling about 10% from one year ago. Last year at this time occupancy was about 51.1% in 2007 according to Smith Travel Research.

The combination of high gas prices, weak dollar, slumping economy and hurricanes exacerbated the role in poor tourism in the 3rd quarter.

Mark Mchugh president of Gatorland & chairman of the Orlando County Convention & Visitors Bureau indicated that September may less favourable compared to the recession after 9/11/2001.

The visitors Bureau predicted at least 6 more months of unfavourable declines in hotel occupency and tax collection right into 2009. Although October was out of t trend, they are cautiously optomistic about November.

Among the 25 markets including Nashville Tennesee, Virginia Beach, Tampa Florida all had low occupency markers along with Orlando, but the lowest was Tamp Bay, Florida said Smith Travel Research.

From 44.5 to 30.9%, west Kissimmees hotel market was hit the hardest being slashed to almost 1/3 compared with occupency in 2007. Overall, occupency was just down 3% in Orlando compared with the same time last year.

Go wild at Jungala

Busch gardens has teamed up with Kraft® Marcaroni to create the cheesiest experience of a lifetime.

Now you can find the Go Wild with the Cheesiest instant Win Game on over 45 millions boxes of Kraft® Marcaroni and Easy Mac offering prizes including tiger plush, jungala notepad set, co-branded sling pack or T-shirt.

But that's not all, Busch Gardens is offering grand prizes including Jungala, all the wild rides, and friendly encounters with wild animals. You get all this plus more: hotel room, admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, meal vouchers, VIP Party Jungala, airfare and much more.

And to help you remember all those amazing moments at Jungala, Busch Gardens is throwing in a jungala gift pack with photos completely free.

So hurry to local grocery store now and stock up on the Kraft® Marcaroni & Easy Mac to win your Cheesiest Instant Win Game.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Now through Nov 1, 2008, experience 17 of the most frightening nights at Busch Gardens.

Meet the terrifying twins in their all-new haunted house with twice the terror and delights.

Whether you scream on their high-speed coasters or get spooked with the twon evil twins, Busch will keep you screaming all night.

T-Rex family dining

Hungry for a T-Rex dinosaur burger?

Just weeks after Disney closed it's adult entertainment icon Pleasure Island, some new attractions will be redefining the skyline.

Developed by the Schussler Creative Inc., Disney is featuring a brand new restaurant that will transport you back to the days of Jurrasic park.

Immerse yourself in a prehistoric adventure-land with cascading waterfalls, hot bubbling gysers, babbling brooks, and a full-scale dinosaur dig. Dino dig will feature bones dating back 100 million years accompanied by a meteor from Argentina.

Satiate your appetite with some dino-delicacies including ribs, steaks, sandwiches, hamburgers and salads.

Be careful, the dinosaurs may be hungry!

Will downturn affect Orlando?

As minutes tick by, old investors are watching their retirement plans shrink. Small business that rely on short-term credit could find their product inventory diminished and reduce labor fources. Most Central Floridians will find their investments most impacted.

Businesses both small and big will need to expand, merge, consolidate and regroup to survive into 2009. Other businesses will be completely obsorbed by larger companies with capital. Money that you put into the market should not be tapped for years to come, and money should be distributed among various investments. Although your IRA account may suffer a lost, you still man have others stocks that are more resilient so that you don't loose everything.

Baby-boomers that are close to retirement are in a difficult position being tempted to draw out their money which has suffered losses. Experts recommend boomer-investors to be patient for a couple years until the market recovers. The worst case scenario is selling or withdrawing money from an account while market is down dramatically.

Currently the housing sector is a buyers market while at the same time investors may suffer some losses. Housing may be showing some signs of bottoming out by the first quarter of 2009. Bad loans including Adjustable rate morgages are virtually responsible for many foreclosures in 2008. Potential new buyers have been locked out as well because banks have been optimistically cautious about lending.

Even if the $700 billion bailout is made law, unless consumers are ready to apply for credit, the economy will not improve for years to come.

As international stock markets are affected, foreign travelers become more apprehensive to travel to Orando even though the dollar is weaker. Some vacationers may be reluctant to cancel vacations slowing the diminished attendants at theme parks by the end of 2008. However, the real park attendance changes will occur in the first quarter of 2009. Larger companies that are more diversified will be more resilient into 2009.

As the holiday season approaches, retailers may find it difficult to re-stock their shelves with tightened credit loans at the bank. More store closures are certainly on the way in 2008 from the lack of short term loans.

Some local shopping centers in Orlando will most likely approach 10% vacancy in the last quarter of 2008, it's not an exciting picture unless one has faith in a more heavenly investment.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights®

Beginning this Friday 10/10/08, access to frequent fear is now available.

Come face Bloody Mary and history’s most terrifying urban legends

Select Nights • Sep. 26 – Nov. 1

Disney Magic to take long trips at sea

From Russia to Northern Africa, Disney intends on sending its cruise ships out to sea for 6 months at a time in 2010. The period between April - September represents the longest time Disney's ships will be away from port at Cape Canaveral.

Disney is planning four trips from Dover England to St. Peters Russia lasting for 12 nights. The Disney Magic has also toured the Mediterranean as well as Nothern Europe, but this time for extended seasons.

The Disney Wonder is scheduled to increase the length of it's trip to five night voyages that will make stops in Key West, and several stops in Castaway Cay in the bahamas. Disney claims that many families are clamoring for longer cruises in the Caribbean.

In the mean time, Disney is building two new 4000 passenger vessels that will be stationed at Cape Canaveral.

Some speculate that new trips to previous destinations like California, and to Europe will be in the future for these new ships.

Discovery Cove Orlando

Satiate your taste buds all-inclusive ticket benefit food & drinks with any admission to Discovery Cove.

Renew your energy with a light continental breakfast morning including muffins, fruit and coffee. Wade over to the Laguna Grill for lunch betwen the hours of 11:00am-3:00pm. Enjoy daily chef specials including sandwichs, salads, and full entrees of fresh seafood and pasta.

Your kids will lick their chops at the all-you-can-eat menu including maccaroni & cheese, hotdogs, burgers and chicken tenders and much more.

Snacks are also available around the park. Snacks include cookies, pretzels, chips, fruit, ice cream and much more! You’ll never go hungry at Discovery Cove.

Howl-O-Scream

Howl-O-Scream doubles the horror at Busch Gardens
Immerse yourself for 17 select nights of horror at Bush Gardens Tampa. Howl-O-Scream 2008 features doubles the horror with two female twins you’ll die to meet. New devious creatures will be lurking in haunted houses including scare zones and thrilling live shows.

Jump aboard pulse-pounding; bone-chilling roller coaster ride that will stress your sense to the max all night long.

Event runs October 2-November 1
Thursdays 7:30pm-1:00am
Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm-2:00am

Busch Gardens Operating Hours
October 1, 6-8, 13-15, 19-20, 22, 27-29 10am-6pm
October 2-3, 9-10, 16, 23-24, 30-31 10am-5pm
October 4, 11, 17-18, 25 9am-5pm
October 5, 12, 21, 26 9:30am-6pm

Holloweeen Spooktacular at SeaWorld

Bring your costum and be-dazzled as an underwater “fantasea” comes alive among friendly sea witches, dolpins, manatee, mermaids, and pumpkin fish.

Come and celebrating Sesame Street at SeaWorld, featuring your favorite characters including the The Count, also gets into the Halloween spirit with his very own character breakfast.

Spooktacular begins at 11:00am on scheduled days and is included in park admission.



SeaWorld Operating Hours
October 1-3, 6-10, 27-30 9am-6pm
October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-26, 31 9am-8pm
October 13-17, 20-23 9am-7pm

Second Anual Roar 'n Soar Event

Gentlemen start your engines .. these famous words will kick-off the event that begin on land, sea and air at Fantasy Flight in Polk County located between Tampa and Orlando. Fantasy is hosting its second anual event which features the celebration of the finest classic land, sea, and air crafts.

This anual extravaganza combines a boating exhibition, air show, and land event for thrill seekers of all ages. Enjoy a taste of Polk county as local restuarants participate in this celebration with the finest cuisine in the county.

Jump aboard for a murder mystery

Operating every Friday except the first Friday of the month is the RailStar Corp. Murder Mystery Express dinner. The show "Fat Louie's Pizza to Die For" is completely sold out.

The murder myster was launched fro mthe Inland Lakes Railway in Eustis and tickets are sellling for $59 + tax. During the show you can help solve a premeditated "murder" like Sherlock Holmes which includes dinner and a train ride.

Simply elementary my dear Watson.

Polynesian Spirit of Aloha show

Immerse yourself in the whimsical atmosphere
of a South Seas Paradise at the Polynesian Resort Disney World. Frolic among the exotic plants & green folliage with sights and sounds of the South Pacific Islands. Babbling brooks, exotic birds, colorful picturesque themes, rustic huts and beautiful waterfalls.

The Polynesian South Seas Resorts offers an array of amenities including dining, recreation and guest rooms. One of the most delightful features of the Polynesian is the dining experience for their guests.

Of the many resturants including Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast, Kona Care sail away, quick service Captain Cook's, and American cuisine, is the famous Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

At the Spirit of Aloha show, celebrate an all-you-can-eat rich tradition Polynesian banquet with the whole family. Listen to the sounds of the South Pacific while endulging in heaping plates of pork chick, vegetables and rice.

Savor the taste and congeniality of the pacific islands with your friends Lilo and Stitch. Jump into the script as they make you a part of their intergalactic family).

Start your morning with a delicious American breakfast influenced by the exotic tastes of Polynesia.