Walt Disney World is known as the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” so it’s not surprising that they are so much more than just an amusement park.

Even if you’ve been to other theme parks, you’ll find details on rides and innovation at Disney like you’d never expect.

Here are some of the most exciting, unique rides that you can experience at Disney World:

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1. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Located in the Animal Kingdom, this ride gives you the chance to experience an African safari without actually being in Africa.

You’ll travel through various terrains and areas on board a tram driven by a Disney employee and see a wide variety of animals.

Your guide will point out interesting things to you and teach you about the animals as you go past elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, warthogs, and many more!

2. Mission: Space

Ever wanted to know what it would feel like to get in a rocket ship and blast off into outer space?

Mission: Space is a ride that comes close to capturing what that experience is really like. In fact, the ride is so intense that they’ve now created a less intense side.

Everyone on the ride has a “job,” such as navigator, and you travel together to Mars.

3. Tower of Terror

Perhaps you’ve been on a free fall drop before, but you’ve never done it like this.

One of the great things the Tower of Terror has going for it is the theme – you’re in a creepy old hotel elevator that has come right out of the Twilight Zone.

When you get to the top, right before the fall, the doors open up briefly and you can look out at the park and whatever else is 13 stories below you. Then be prepared for a wild ride.

You’ll be dropped more than once and how often and how far changes every time you ride, so you always get a different experience.

4. Rockin’ Roller Coaster

Disney doesn’t have many intense roller coasters, but if you’re a fan of coasters then this is the one that you don’t want to miss.

The ride power launches you onto an indoor track, where you’ll do loops and twists all while Aerosmith music is blasting in your ears. The ride is in darkness with the exception of some neon signs and lights.

5. Splash Mountain

This log flume ride is a classic located at the Magic Kingdom.

It’s based on a little known Disney movie called Song of the South. You travel through the story of Brer Rabbit and his friends for the first five minutes of the ride before finally coming to be the big plunge at the end.

If it’s a hot day try to snag a seat in the front row so you can cool down from the splash!

 

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About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

When you think of Nevada, you typically think of going to play casino games in Las Vegas or Reno.  Of course, there is much more to the state than just gambling.  Here are a few must see attractions in Nevada.

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Virginia City

Just 30 minutes outside of Reno, NV is Virginia City.  This historic town was prominently featured on the classic TV western Bonanza.  The former mining town is an official national monument and is rich in history.  Here you can take a ride on the Silver Line Express, visit area museums, take a walking tour of the town, check out some of the old silver mines, or take a stage coach ride like in the old west.  There is a lot of history in this town that attracts over 2 Million tourists a year.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a 22 mile long lake that is shared by both Nevada and California.  It is the 2^nd deepest lake in the United States and the largest Alpine lake in the United States.    Depending on your preference and time of year, there are numerous activities available at Lake Tahoe.  Everything from swimming, sailing, water sports, skiing, and more is available here.

Hoover Dam

Constructed during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam is right on the border of Arizona and Nevada and attracts over 1 Million tourists a year to visit the site.  The dam is a testament of American hard work, ingenuity, and sacrifice.  The purpose of the dam was three-fold.  It was built to control floods, provide irrigation water, and serve as a power plant.  The latter is the main use today for the dam as it provides power to parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Fremont Street Experience

Of course, no visit to Nevada should skip fabulous Las Vegas.  However, many people that visit Vegas concentrate primarily on the strip.  Casinotop10.net rated the Fremont Street Experience as a must see attraction when visiting Vegas.  Every evening starting at dusk, the canopy over Fremont Street is host to an amazing light and music show that kicks offer every half hour until midnight.  In addition, there are numerous street vendors, live bands, and other specialty acts that perform on Fremont Street, especially on the weekends.  In addition, you can check out many of the downtown casinos and establishments downtown.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Heading to Vegas for the Super Bowl?

Then you’re in luck!

In honor of this year’s Super Bowl between the Patriots and Giants, the Blue Man Group at the Venetian is running a special ticket discount.

Certain performances are being discounted down to only $46 per ticket!

But there’s a catch…

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You have to wear an article of clothing with a logo from one of the teams. You also have to mention code “Game46″ to the box office at the Venetian or Palazzo. And you can only buy the tickets for same-day sale.

The eligible shows are January 30 – February 6th (except February 5th), at all 10:00pm performances.

It also could be one of the last shows for the Blue Man Group at the Venetian. Supposedly they’re moving to the Monte Carlo in the fall.

So don’t delay!

Other Vegas Shows Worth Checking Out

If you’re in the mood for live musical entertainment, then look no further than Garth Brooks at the Wynn. It’s rated as one of the must see shows in Las Vegas.

Expensive? Yes.

Worth it? Every penny from what I’ve heard.

It’s just Garth on stage with his acoustic guitar, sharing stories and singing the favorites. Even if you’re not a country fan, you’ll still be amazed by his talent.

How about stage acts and performances?

You have to buy a ticket to see Absinthe. It might very well be the best show in Las Vegas.

It’s full of death defying tricks, hilarious characters and unbelievable musical performances.

As a warning, it’s very vulgar. So if you’re offended by crude humor, than you should probably take a pass. Needless to say, it’s not kid-friendly.

Otherwise, there are always a ton of free shows in Las Vegas that you can check out and enjoy.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

With scenic splendours ranging from rugged mountain ranges to sandy coves as well as a huge variety of wineries battling to tempt your taste buds, California is a paradise for wine lovers.

Image courtesy of jimg944When planning a wine holiday in California, there are a number of different factors to consider, from the region you plan to explore, to the time of year you’d like to travel and the mode of transport you prefer.

Getting There

The nearest airports to Napa Valley are Sacramento International Airport, roughly 60 miles east of the valley and San Francisco Airport, roughly 55 miles south of the valley. Of course there are plenty of airports further afield as well. If it’s your first visit to California you may want to visit a few of the nearby cities and regions and for this region many people do a road trip starting as far out as Vegas. Flights to Vegas are quite frequent and given a few days the journey can provide a great road trip past Mojave National Reserve and via Los Angeles. Regardless of where you fly into, there should always be plenty of flights to the major airports surrounding Napa Valley.

Where to go

Home to a massive selection of excellent wine regions, choosing which part of California to tour can be tricky. Join aficionados and celebrity wine fans with a trip to Sonoma and Napa, where you’ll be spoilt for choice. Sonoma alone boasts more than 250 wineries.

In Napa, you’ll also find COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, an excellent cultural museums and education centre ideal for anyone who’d like to discover a little about the history of the wine industry, as well as its present.

The Russian River area is considered to be the region north and west of Healdsburg and you’ll find many wineries taking advantage of the fertile riverside soil. These, combined with the lovely view of the water, make it a popular area for visitors. The border of Mendocino County also offers dramatic coastlines and the chance to discover the sights of the wonderful state park in Alexander Valley, as well as a selection of intimate and enjoyable wine tours.

When to go

Plan your visit to Wine Country to coincide with September, California Wine Month, to help celebrate harvest time and the area’s fertile grounds and fine crops. Coordinated by the Wine Institute and more than 1,000 local wineries and businesses, the annual festivities are great for wine fans travelling to the region.

However, if you’re planning a more relaxing tour, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of other opportune times to enjoy California’s wineries. Visit Napa Valley during August and enjoy the serene sounds of the concerts that take place as part of Music in the Vineyards. April is also a great time to visit the Russian River area, where you can take part in the celebrations of the Apple Blossom Festival in the town of Sebastopol.

There’s plenty worth seeing during the winter month’s too, including the Festival of Lights which runs from November to New Year in Southern Napa Valley and a wonderful New Year celebration in Northern Sonoma County.

James writes for Skyscanner.net a flight comparison company based in Scotland. For more information about Skyscanner check out the Skyscanner Wikipedia page, or for Window Phone users, take a look at the new Skyscanner app.

 

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

San Diego Restaurant Week is in full effect now until Friday the 20th.

You can score amazing deals on some of the best restaurants in the city, with lunch prices ranging from $10 – $20 and three-course dinner menus ranging from $20 – $40 per person.

Whether you’re going on a romantic date, or just taking the family out to dinner, there’s something for everyone this year with over 150 participating restaurants.

Here are a few examples of what you can enjoy.

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Great Deals on Lunch

Via Italia Trattoria

You can get a two-course lunch for only $10! Which is great news, because then you can add a paring with two wines for an additional $8.

Trattoria i Trulli

Another North-County favorite, Trattoria i Trulli, has a two-course meal for $15. One of the dishes they’re highlighting is the Pollo Ripieni a Scamorza, which is a “Chicken breast stuffed with sun dried tomato pesto & smoked mozzarella finished in a lemon-thyme white wine sauce served with roasted root vegetables”.

Splurge on Dinner

Some of San Diego’s nicest restaurants are also participating in restaurant week. You can get a great price on three-course meals at some of the top restaurants in the city. Here are some of our favorite.

Nobu

Nobu, located at the Hard Rock Hotel downtown has a three-course meal for $40. You can enjoy fresh seafood like the Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, the steamed Chilean sea bass with black bean sauce, and top it all off with mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches.

Grant Grill

The Grant Grill is located at the Grant Hotel downtown. They satisfy both meat and fish lovers with their Dry Aged Duck, Niman Ranch Striploin, or Grouper.

But the best dish might be the end of the night. Chocolate fans will love their “Cappuccino”, which is “coffee mousse, crispy milk foam, cinnamon chocolate crumble, and amaretto ice cream”.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Palm Springs is a sleepy little desert town about 100 miles outside of Los Angeles.

It’s a weekend escape for Southern Californians, and a lavish retreat for out-of-towners.

Along the main drag of Palm Canyon Drive, you’ll find a vibrant mix of shopping, dining and nightlife. It’s known for it’s world-class golfing and has been home to Hollywood elite since the 1920s.

And one of the major communities that was home to celebrities was the famed Move Colony.

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Exploring the Movie Colony

The movie colony was home to many stars during the 40s and 50s, including Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Jack Benny, and Frank Sinatra.

It’s within walking distance from downtown, where these stars used to gather at The Chi Chi Club. The homes are a mix of classic midcentury modern and Spanish styles

One of the best examples was Frank Sinatra’s old home, Twin Palms.

Twin Palms was home to both Frank and Ava Gardner. It’s a 4,500 square-foot home with a piano-shaped swimming pool. It also still features Frank’s original sound and recording system. You can even rent Twin Palms for vacation rentals, and special or private events.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

One of the most popular New Years Eve destinations is Las Vegas.

And despite cold temperatures, thousands will flock to Sin City this year to celebrate.

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On New Year’s Eve, the Strip is shut down to cars. So people flood the streets and watch the fireworks display from the surrounding hotels.

MGM Grand, Tropicana, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and the Stratosphere will all launch fireworks this year.

One of the most anticipated performances will be Stevie Wonder at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He is headlining the night at The Chelsea venue, and you will also be able to see the show live outside from the hotel’s video marquee on the Strip.

The Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris Hotel and Casino will be hosting two parties this weekend. On Friday, the Jersey Shore’s “The Situation” will be hosting, and on New Years, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick will host.

will.i.am of the Black Eye Peas will be performing in the Surrender Nightclub at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

Kim Kardashian will be hosting a countdown inside the Venetian at Tao. While former Lindsay Lohan fling, Samantha Ronson will be performing in The Palazzo at Lavo.

The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay will be featuring legendary punk band NOFX. Opening for them will be LagWagon.

Last but certainly not least, Guns n Roses are performing at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

San Diego is beautiful year round.

And although we may not have real seasons, we just bring the seasons to us!

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Outdoor Ice Skating in San Diego

There are two different outdoor ice skating rinks available close to Downtown San Diego this year.

You can ice skate Downtown in front of the Horton Plaza mall and NBC building until January 8th. It’s like you’re (almost) at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan!

If you’ve always wanted to ice skate on the beach (and who hasn’t?!), then you can head over to the Hotel Del Coronado until January 2nd.

New Year’s Day Brunch

What a better way to kick off the new year than with a Champagne Brunch Cruise.

You can take in the seafood bar, omelet and carving stations while cruising around the San Diego harbor. Complete with bottomless champagne and live entertainment, it sounds like the perfect start to 2012.

See a Show

The How the Grinch Stole Christmas Musical is playing at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park until December 31st. It’s the 14th straight year, and includes the classic songs from the animated version.

Enjoy an Apple Pie

Julian, a small town just about an hour outside of San Diego, is a charming mountain village with snow and delicious homemade apple pies.

You can also stay in a bed & breakfast and enjoy the town’s holiday events.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Jimmy Buffett successfully morphed from a struggling country musician into one of the best-known performers in the world, thanks to his tropical Florida lifestyle. Buffett first began establishing his easygoing “beach bum” persona in the early 1970s, when he moved from Tennessee to Key West. The rest, as they say, is history.

Image courtesy of Frank PetersEscape Reality on Your Trip to Florida

Hands down, Buffett’s most popular hit would have to be 1977’s Margaritaville, which first appeared on the album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. Its lyrics, which describe “wastin’ away again” on the lime green cocktail, define the laid-back, escape-to-the-islands lifestyle that has since become Buffett’s multi-million dollar niche. His concert tours sell out every summer and he typically performs barefoot. His fans, which are known as Parrotheads, tailgate in the parking lot for hours before his shows begin.

You don’t have to be a Parrothead (or a heavy drinker) to appreciate the message that Buffett’s music portrays—just about everyone wants to escape reality every now and then! It’s become incredibly easy to live the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle during your Florida vacation thanks to Buffett himself. He owns a successful chain of Margaritaville restaurants, three of which are in Florida.

Key West

The original Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant and retail store opened in Key West, Florida in 1985. It’s conveniently located on Duvall Street, Key West’s famous road which runs north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. When you’re on Duvall, you can also swing by Sloppy Joe’s, the famous bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented when he lived on the island, and don’t forget to head over to Mallory Square for the Key West sunset celebration. Local artists and musicians are abundant during the sunset festivities, and it’s a safe bet that you’ll have an experience that you remember forever!

Orlando

Like tropical music and theme parks? Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Orlando is conveniently located in Universal CityWalk, the entertainment and retail district that’s adjacent to Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. After you grab a bite to eat and check out all of the Buffett-esque paraphernalia that’s for sale in the gift shop, be sure to stroll around City Walk. It’s also home to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, the Hard Rock Café, Pat O’Brien’s Bar, and more.

Panama City Beach

The most recent Margaritaville in Florida opened at Panama City Beach’s Pier Park in 2008. Pier Park offers over 1 million square feet of shopping and entertainment, a perfect pit stop on your Florida vacation. Want to take the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle to the next level? No problem, the Margaritaville Beach Hotel opened in 2010. The hotel, which occupies 800 feet the Gulf of Mexico, offers a “barefoot elegance” motif with 162 guest rooms. Expansion plans are already in the works!

Melissa Rhone has lived in Florida for over twenty years and is a travel writer for FloridaIsBest.com. Visit their site for everything from Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals to a Key West travel guide.

 

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Most people only see the 4 miles of Sin City.

But there are actually some hidden gems away from the Strip.

For example: the picturesque Lake Las Vegas.

This private, 320-acre lake located in Henderson, Nevada.

And it’s only about 25 minutes from the Strip.

Image courtesy of tpurk

Relax in Style

Loews Lake Las Vegas Hotel is a resort complete with dining, spa, and golf course. Their Moulay Spa has a good selection of services and packages to help you relax. And it’s also pet friendly!

The Aston MonteLago Resort sits next to the MonteLago village. They have suites and condos complete with kitchenettes. These give you all the comforts of home, but on a relaxing, beautiful lake-front!

Enjoy the Outdoors

Hoover Dam is only a 20 minute drive from Lake Las Vegas. This concrete dam was originally constructed between 1931 and 1935 during the Great Depression.

If you’re looking for a romantic, outdoor activity, then take that special someone on a Gondola ride. The Gondolas cruise along the Lake, and may come with a meal, and champagne.

Outdoor lovers can learn how to fly-fish. The three hour course will teach you the basics and let you practice catching carp and bass.

The MonteLago Village is a small community that resembles old European villages. It’s complete with cobblestone streets, restaurants and shops along the water.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.