[Nieuws] Artikel AAA over Orlando

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Not Just For Laughs
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Sure, there are thrills, fun and lots of laughs at the Yaarab Shrine Circus and Carnival, but behind the annual event that takes place at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, GA, is the Shrine charitable efforts to help kids. At the circus, see an exciting high-wire act, watch graceful Arabian horses perform, laugh it up with circus clowns and more. At the carnival midway there are over 40 rides the whole family can enjoy.

The carnival gates open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday. Circus shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the park is free; circus tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children. Parking is $2. A gigantic flea market filled with furniture, toys, household items, clothes and more is also part of the festivities. The event this year is scheduled for April 21-30. For more information, visit www.yaarabshrine.org or call (770) 425-2331.

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Eat Your Heart Out, Michelangelo
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Sarasota, FL’s bayfront will be a feast for art lovers’ eyes when more than 22 enormous sculptures commissioned from artists around the world will be on display through May 31. The exhibit will be open round the clock, seven days a week at Island Park along the edge of Sarasota Bay on Tamiami Trail (US 41), extending south from the Ringling Causeway approximately 3⁄4 mile to Selby Gardens at Palm Avenue.

This is the third year in a row an Exhibition of Monumental Sculptures has been staged by the Sarasota Season of Sculpture, one of the nation’s newest and most vital art organizations. The objectives of the outdoor art show are to make large-scale public works of art accessible to all, to help build public support for art in public places, and to celebrate cultural diversity by including regional, national and international sculptures.

Artists from Mexico, Italy, Germany, Columbia, Scotland, Uruguay, Canada, England, Switzerland, Cuba, Greece and the U.S. have sculptures in this show. The sculptures range from 12 to 26 feet in height. For more information, call (941) 953-4515 or visit www.seasonofsculpture.com.

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The Wheel Thing
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More than 250 wild and wacky “art” cars from all over the U.S. will motor through downtown Houston on May 13 in the 19th annual “World’s Oldest and Largest Art Car Parade.” Last year, more than 200,000 people lined the streets watching cars from 15 states take part in the event sponsored by The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art in partnership with the Houston Chronicle and local KPRC-TV.

Visitors can expect to see everything from the Spoonazoid dinosaur car (made of airline spoons confiscated to prevent terrorism), to motorized furniture, insects, ladders, exquisite lowriders and other mind-blowing works of mobile art. Many cars are built as school projects to expand students’ art education opportunities while building fantastic auction items to benefit their school.
The art car parade is so famous that it made it into the traditional MLB World Series bet between the National League Champion Houston Astros and the American League Champion and eventual World Series winner Chicago White Sox. For more information on the parade, visit www.orangeshow.org or call (713) 926-6368.

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What’s So Funny?
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For starters, it’s the comedians that appear at the annual Sarasota, FL, Comedy Festival. This year, the festival, scheduled for two days, March 20 and 26, features two up-and-coming stars in John Heffron and Tammy Pescatelli, both of whom made their national stage debut in TV’s The Last Comic Standing. Heffron won the competition and judge Phyllis Diller referred to him as “the cute one.” Heffron won a contract with NBC because of the event and has a promising career. Pescatelli was one of the top finalists on the show, beating out thousands for the spot. She recently appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

There will be cartoonists at the event to round out the activities and a comedy workshop for budding comedians. A Funnybones Luncheon will take place on March 20 featuring Tammy, and Heffron will be at the Cartoon Classic Gala on March 25. Events will be held at Michael’s on East ballroom. The comedy festival benefits the Sarasota Child Protection Center. Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling (941) 365-1277, ext. 118. For more information, visit www.comedy.org.

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Once Upon a Slime
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It’s yucky, it’s icky, it may even be downright disgusting, but your kids will probably love it. The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa (MOSI) is playing host to an interactive exhibit called “Animal Grossology,” based upon the popular Grossology book series written by Sylvia Branzel. Animal Grossology is science disguised in an imaginative, interactive way that makes kids giggle.

The youngsters will be introduced to some of the slimiest, stinkiest and yuckiest creatures on earth that will also include challenges like “The Slime Game,” where visitors can learn how certain animals use slime to facilitate motion and defense. Other challenges include “Vomit Slurpers,” “Party Pooper,” “Belch-a-Baby” and many more. The exhibit brings to life all the gritty and gross facts about some of nature’s most intriguing critters. Animal Grossology will run through April 1. For more information, call (813) 987-6080 or purchase MOSI tickets online.

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By Melissa Johnson

With AAA, your next getaway to Orlando can be the experience of a lifetime! Exclusive AAA member pricing on stays at these hotels, plus savings on Orlando attractions, shopping, dining and so much more will make this a vacation to remember. Thrill to the excitement of theme parks, delight in the mystery and romance of dinner theaters, and take advantage of super savings at area retailers. The value of your membership is only a call, click or visit away.

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Homewood Suites International Drive
Homewood Suites International Drive offers comfortable lodging for extended stay vacationers and is just minutes from all major Orlando attractions, restaurants and shopping.

AAA Best Bet: $98-$109 for King Suite. Guest-pampering amenities include a complimentary social reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and beverages weekday evenings, breakfast buffet, USA Today, exercise room, pool, Jacuzzi and transportation to major theme parks.

The Florida Mall Hotel
Located adjacent to the Florida Mall, The Florida Mall Hotel blends comfort, value and convenience under one roof.

AAA Best Bet: $95-$125 for 2. Guest rooms feature custom furniture; refrigerator; 32-inch flat panel, LCD, wall-mounted TV; granite bathroom surfaces and more. Le Jardin restaurant serves contemporary continental cuisine and wine. AAA members receive two-for-one breakfast and complimentary transportation to theme parks.

Clarion Hotel Universal
The Clarion Hotel Universal offers “Universal appeal” with affordable comfort. Perfectly located just off International Drive, but away from the traffic, the hotel is ideal for relaxation, yet still close to the action.

AAA Best Bet: $59.95-$89.95. Guests can enjoy the relaxed, laid-back Caribbean atmosphere of Sharkey & Jacks Bar & Grill, or for a meal on the go, Shades Deli serves sandwiches, drinks and snacks. The hotel also features lighted basketball and tennis courts, heated pool and two whirlpools, breakfast for two, and complimentary transportation to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld Orlando.

Hilton Garden Inn Orlando SeaWorld
Deluxe accommodations, Florida hospitality and friendly service await guests at the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld.

AAA Best Bet: $89-$104 for 2. Special amenities include swimming pool, fitness center and complimentary USA Today. The Great American Grill restaurant serves freshly prepared breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner. Guests will receive Hilton Garden Inn SeaWorld souvenir upon check-in. The hotel is located right next door to SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, and offers complimentary transportation to all theme parks.

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Radisson Resort WorldGate
This family friendly resort is located minutes from Walt Disney World Theme Parks.

AAA Best Bet: $99. Features two palm-draped pools with ample sundecks, whirlpool, fitness center, and tennis and basketball courts. Oversized tubs, refrigerators and in-room movies are in every deluxe guestroom and suite, and a free standard-room upgrade to a Sleep Number® bed is optional (if available at check-in). Courtesy transportation to Disney Theme Parks, SeaWorld and Universal Studios is included in your stay.

Best Western Lakeside
The Mediterranean-style Best Western Lakeside, located just outside the Walt Disney World Complex, offers all the amenities of a true full-service resort.

AAA Best Bet: $43-$69. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated, with most offering pool, lake or garden views. There are three outdoor heated pools, two children’s pools and playgrounds, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. Complimentary scheduled transportation to all Disney Theme Parks, SeaWorld and Universal Studios is included in your stay.

Best Western Maingate East Hotel & Suites
You will find the Best Western Maingate East is less than 10 minutes from most attractions and convenient to premier golf courses, shopping and dining.

AAA Best Bet: $59-$89 for standard room. The hotel features a pool, spa, fitness center, dining and lounge. As a guest, you will receive one complimentary breakfast coupon per room per night and shuttle service to Disney Theme Parks.

Seralago Hotel & Suites Maingate
The family friendly Seralago Hotel & Suites is located near the center of all Orlando has to offer.

AAA Best Bet: $45-$75 for standard room. The hotel features free nightly family movies on site, a full-service family restaurant, two pools and whirlpools, fitness center, volleyball, basketball, tennis, children’s pool, game room and two children’s playgrounds. Transportation to Disney Theme Parks is complimentary, and children under 12 eat breakfast and dinner for free. Your stay also includes a 10 percent discount on food and beverages at Vineyard Cafe & Court Street Lounge.

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Lake Buena Vista Caribe Royale Orlando
The Caribe Royale Orlando features 1,218 spacious one-bedroom suites with living rooms and private bedrooms, 120 luxury lakefront two-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens and master bedrooms with Jacuzzi tubs.

AAA Best Bet: $97-$137 for 4 adults/2 children in 1-bedroom suite. Amenities include 75-foot waterslide, free-form swimming pool, and brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness center. While Orlando restaurants are plentiful, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing the resort’s AAA Four-Diamond rated Venetian Room. The resort also offers a 10 percent discount on food and beverages at food outlets, and scheduled transportation to Disney Theme Parks.

Buena Vista Suites
A crystal-blue free-form splash pool set among towering palm trees creates a tropical feel at this all-suite hotel.

AAA Best Bet: $92-$129 4 adults/2 children. The hotel features an array of complimentary services, including a free full-American breakfast and free parking, swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise room and tennis courts. The hotel is central to area attractions and offers complimentary transportation to Disney Theme Parks.

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We also offer exclusive AAA member benefits at the Walt Disney World® Resorts and Universal Resort. Ask your AAA Counselor for details. For more information on planning your Orlando getaway of a lifetime, visit or call your local AAA office, or visit us online at aaa.com/fun.

*Unless otherwise noted, rates are for 1-4 persons, per room, per night, plus tax and gratuity. Rates may vary by date, day of week and room type. Minimum stays may be required. Some restrictions/blackouts and hotel resort charges may apply. Exclusive programs must be booked through any Auto Club South office. All rates are subject to change. Most rates valid thru 12/31/06. Check with your local AAA Club Counselor for complete details and pricing.

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By David Monforton

Insurance Needs for Storm Season
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No one knows for sure what Mother Nature has in store for 2006, but the National Weather Service predicts that it will be yet another active storm season. As we have seen, these storms bring drenching rains, storm surges and flash flooding. Every community is at some risk for flooding, so it is never too soon to evaluate your risk and take appropriate precautions to ensure you will be able to rebuild after the storms pass.

Start with understanding the difference between homeowners and flood insurance. Generally, damage from water falling from the sky is covered by your home-owners policy. This would include wind-driven rain or rain entering through wind-damaged windows, doors or a hole in a wall or roof. Damage from rising ground waters, such as overflowing rivers, streams or sewer water, is covered by flood insurance. This risk is real: 20-25 percent of all flood claims occur in low- to moderate-risk areas.

It only takes an inch of water in your home to cost you thousands, and flood insurance is more affordable than you think. Don’t wait until the first named storm appears—there is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance to take effect. To determine what level of flood coverage is appropriate for your home and belongings, visit your local AAA branch and speak with an experienced AAA Insurance Agent.

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Disney Introduces Expedition Everest
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Opening this spring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain will be Disney’s newest, tallest and fastest attraction. Located in the park’s Asia section, the new high-speed train adventure will explore the legend of the yeti (known to some as the abominable snowman).

The adventure begins when guests board an old mountain railway destined for the foot of the towering Mount Everest. The train rolls through thick bamboo forests, along a shimmering glacier field, and climbs higher and higher through the snow-capped peaks.

Suddenly, the track ends in a gnarled mass of twisted metal. The thrills intensify as the train races both forward and backward through mountain caverns and icy canyons, careening down the mountain slopes as guests head for an inevitable face-to-face showdown with the giant yeti.

AAA members who purchase a multi-day discount ticket at their local AAA branch office can experience this great new ride at Animal Kingdom and still have days left to visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios or Epcot.

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Need Towing Service at Sea?

AAA has you covered when you’re on land but what about when you’re at sea? One of AAA’s newest savings partners, Sea Tow, provides 24-hour on-water assistance to boaters in need. Their inclusion in AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program gets you the comfort of a Sea Tow membership at a 15 percent savings.
Services include unlimited free towing, multiple area towing, jump-starts, covered ungroundings, fuel drops and more. And now, AAA members can show their card and save 15 percent on Sea Tow Gold Card Memberships (new Sea Tow members only). For more information or to join, call Sea Tow at (800) 4-SEATOW, and refer to promotional code AAA.

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Don’t Be Fuelish
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Save time and gas money by renewing your drivers license, vehicle registration, disabled parking placard and more online! GoRenew.com is offered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles.

Skip that trip to get your Florida driver’s license. Visit GoRenew.com for a variety of online services including:

Change of address on your Florida driver’s license or identification card.
Renew your Florida license or identification card. No need to wait until you receive a renewal notice—renew up to 18 months early.
Get a duplicate/replacement license or ID card.
Get your original ID card (only if you already have a Florida driver’s license).
Check to see if your license is valid.
Renew vehicle, vessel or mobile home registration.
Make an appointment online for a personal visit to an office.
Save time, and save money. Visit GoRenew.com today!

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Member Discount at Dixie Stampede

For a foot-stompin’ good time, AAA members can visit Dixie Stampede in Orlando for the special price of $30.99, a savings of $18 off the regular retail price. Enjoy a fabulous four-course meal while watching the buffalos stampede into the arena along with horses and trick riders. Be sure to get there early to stroll by the outdoor stable for an up-close view of the magnificent horses, and then catch the pre-show for more fun and entertainment the whole family will enjoy.

Members can take advantage of this special offer through March 31 by purchasing their tickets at AAA branch offices throughout Florida.

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By Chelle Koster Walton

As the sky began to sprinkle with rain, the part-time Disney employee surprised her out-of-town guests. “Time to hit the parks!” she announced. Her insider tip to head to the theme parks just as the skies opened up proved visionary. As our group headed in, throngs headed out, and the light rain didn’t deter rides—or last long.

Any holiday has the potential to be one of the busiest times for visiting Central Florida’s theme parks. In fact, anytime kids are typically on vacation will prove busy. So, if you have no kids, or young kids who don’t need to follow a school schedule, try to plan your trip in off-times (mid-week; non-summer months; avoiding holidays). Below are some more insider strategies for the theme parks. With a little planning, theme parks can be that great family vacation you want them to be.

It’s All About Timing
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Besides seasonal considerations, certain days of the week are slower at the theme parks, usually Tuesday through Thursday. Arrive early to avoid crowds—timing your arrival can set the mood for the whole day.

Strategy-planning begins before you enter the gate. Plot your priorities and visit your local AAA office for maps, hotel reservations and attraction tickets before your trip. Keep in mind that weather, crowds, ride availability and other factors can affect your plan, so be flexible. Do the most popular rides early in the morning, moving to the back of the park first. Use peak times in the early afternoon for eating, shopping and shows. Recharged, you’ll step out into the park ready for more thrilling fun. Ride lines often slack off toward late afternoon, so save the big attractions you missed in the morning for later.

Disney parks issue a FASTPASS outside some of the best rides (available to all guests at no extra charge). FASTPASS tickets set an appointed time for you to return to an attraction via special, shorter lines. Universal’s similar program is Universal Express (available at an additional charge; or free to guests at Universal Resort properties). Universal Express allows you to take the “express” line to some of the most popular rides, and does not require that you come at an appointed time.

Comfort & Safety
Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and quick-drying clothes. Consider dressing small kids in swimsuits underneath their clothes so they can enjoy the wet play areas. Rather than a purse, a small backpack is a good easy-carry option. If you love the “soak” attractions, bring towels and extra clothes, and rent a locker. Ask store clerks about the convenience of free package pickup or delivery at some theme parks. You’ll want to be unfettered as you enjoy the parks’ attractions.

The Family Way
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Before entering the park, prepare your little ones. Explain that, just like in cartoons, most of what the theme parks have in store is not real. If you have children who tend to race ahead or wander off, pin information about the parents/guardians (and a cell phone number) to their clothing. As you enter the park, decide upon an easily identifiable landmark where you can meet should anyone in your family get separated or lost. If you do decide to split up, set up a meeting point that is easy to get to and has comfortable seating in the shade. Walkie-talkies seem to be a popular accessory for groups in the park (Space Mountain? Roger that. 10-4.).

Don’t try to do it all with young kids, or everyone ends up cranky. If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, take a mid-afternoon break from the park for a meal or swimming and return later. Don’t forget to get a hand stamp for free re-admission. A relaxed pace makes for a relaxed day.

Don’t push your kids when they’re reluctant. At any age, most children can sense what experiences they will be comfortable with. Let them explore at their own pace. If this is their first time, everything is wonderfully new.