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Kissimmee quick – Florida bounces back

11th October 202411th October 2024 funtime65

Kissimmee quick – Florida bounces back and we’re happy to put ours into the heavy lifting.

The Central Floridian town bills itself as the Vacation Home Capital of the World.

Because of its proximity to Orlando’s Disney World and Universal Orlando.

And so, of course, for the world’s thrill-seekers and funsters, know this, that Kissimmee’s houses are all in good order.

Milton did, of course, pay a visit through Osceola County.

But as we reminded everyone, and we know you were paying attention, the theme parks were built in mid-Florida to resist hurricanes.

Vacation Home for the Holidays

Experience Kissimmee tells us damage to tourism infrastructure was minimal.

And tourism activities were gradually reopening yesterday.

Local authorities and emergency teams worked quickly to assess and secure the affected areas, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.

Thanks to these efforts, the impact on tourist attractions and services has been limited.

Allowing for the early recovery of local businesses and entertainment activities.

Major tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and stores in Kissimmee will begin operating following all safety recommendations.

Celebrities’ showcase

Gateway to another world: Jen and Ashley

For a window into the Vacation Home Capital of the World Experience Kissimmee dipped into its contacts book to invite along celebrities to showcase its far

The Kissimmee Experience is live to view at experiencekissimmee.com/tke and on YouTube .

And later this year, the series will also be available on Amazon Prime.

The new series features six episodes.

With each 15-minute episode hosted by film and theatre star Jen Bonner.

Jen is joined by an influential guest whose personal expertise will inform an exciting itinerary of attractions and activities around the destination.

Together viewers will see, learn, taste, sweat, laugh, and marvel at the diverse meaning of the Kissimmee experience.

Walking in Kissimmee wonderland

Swordsman: Chandler Riggs from Walking Dead

Those joining Jen in the series include actor Chandler Riggs from The Walking Dead, acclaimed interior designer Tay BeeBop and singer-songwriter Samia.

Ashley Eckstein, known not only as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

But also for her fashion label Her Universe, is also on the cast.

As are Floridian lifestyle blogger and content creator Keiko Lynn and former baseball player-turned President of the Fast-Food Secrets Club, Jordan Howlett.

Now, of course Experience Kissimmee will treat everyone as a VIP.As we know too from their hosted lunches at American Travel Fairs.

And front-seat tickets to see the likes of Jason Derulo… yes, they’re always Glad U Came.

Kissimmee quick – Florida bounces back and we’re always there for the heavy lifting.

America, Countries

Riding the hurricane rollercoaster at Disney

10th October 202410th October 2024 funtime65

Our thoughts are obviously with relatives and friends in Florida, and travel buddies and how they’re riding the hurricane rollercoaster at Disney.

Floridians are battening down the hatches, or the American equivalent, as Hurricane Milton batters its south-eastern peninsula.

For the safest sanctuary in the storms then Orlando is built to last, and always has been.

Walt Disney we know thought of everything when creating the Happiest Place in the World.

Right down to the choice of an inland locale for Disney World.

Safe as houses

All four of Disney World’s theme parks and Disney Springs have closed down temporarily — only be its 12th in its 53-year history.

But don’t just take our word for it.

Well do, but Orlando Weekly has done the heavy lifting to show us that Disney World is built to resist even a Category 3 hurricane.

With its showpiece the Cinderella Castle its most durable… and that’s no fairytale.

The official Disney Parks Blog details the material it’s made of… concrete, steel, cement, plaster, and fibreglass.

Disney Castle fortress

The Three Caballeros: Staff will clean up

And to show how seriously Disney takes the destructive force of Mother Nature they used the occasion of its 50th anniversary to double down.

With Disney’s Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur focusing in on the new pieces adorning the castle, including 10 fibreglass ribbons.

All of which were designed to “handle any hurricane.”

And for those of you always thought that Disney was powered by magic here’s some disclosure.

The power of magic

Acting Goofy: And a big dog in Disney World In Orlando

Power lines are buried underground so they’re not susceptible to being taken out by fallen trees during wind storms.

And the Disney family weigh in too to protect their Magic Kingdom before and after the storms.

All of which the prescient Walt took on board when locating his idyll.

Walt had started out considering Miami but opted instead for an inland setting to avoid the worst of the region’s hurricanes.

Controlling the scary things

More than most they know about riding the hurricane rollercoaster at Disney.

And that we all want to control the scary things in our lives and few do it better than Disney.

America, Countries, Sport

Top billing with the Anaheim Ducks

22nd June 202322nd June 2023 funtime65

This’ll quack you up, drakes and mallards love me and I’m even getting top billing with the Anaheim Ducks.

Donald Duck, no less, famously took time out from his busy schedule waddling around Disney World and Epcot Park in Florida to thank me personally.

After I had made him the cover of one unforgettable trip out to Orlando which corresponded with Donald Trump’s election as President.

And we have been firm friends since, shaking the tail feather out in Disneyland too in Anaheim.

Whisper it around Donald though because there is another Disney duck vying for top billing (there will be a lot of this) in Anaheim.

And I had an ice old time with the Anaheim Ducks’ mascot Wild Wing at the Honda Center.

With Double Dubya as his friends (well, me anyway) call him gave me a miniature of himself.

And it now takes pride of place on my desk.

On the wing

Wild Wing got back in touch this week to ask where I’d been these past few years.

And remind me that it is the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Mighty Ducks joining the National Hockey League.

Wild Wing reached out, saying: “Our records indicate that you have been absent virtually and at Honda Center for some time now.

“We want to make sure that you receive all the pertinent information coming up for our 30th anniversary season.”

Now, I’m maybe not surprised that I got the call.

A former ice hockey writer in my days down in Reading in the south of England I showed that I’d picked up a thing or two from watching the Bracknell Bees.

When I swiped, swung and scored in the net.

When the floor was opened up for us on our visit to the Honda.

My LA story

As a day out from the American Travel Fair, IPW, which was held in Anaheim.

And they opened up Disneyland especially for us to see the new Star Wars land.

Now, each to their own, but I haven’t got an Obi-Wan Kinobi about the land far, far, away but twas a good oul’ time none the less.

And I hope to get back out there next year, flying with Aer Lingus of course.

For the latest renewal of the American Travel Fair in Los Angeles.

When hopefully they’ll be celebrating a Stanley Cup at the Honda Center to go with their 2007 triumph.

And I’ll be able to join Wild Wing for top billing with the Anaheim Ducks.

Central America, Countries, Deals

Mexico for swinging

9th May 20239th May 2023 funtime65

It’s an oft-asked question… where’s good for a sunny couple’s holiday and there were no sunnier couple than the all-American pair inviting me down to Mexico for a swinging couple’s holiday?

Innocent abroad as I was I took the polo-shirted middle-aged man and his librarian-type wife at their word.

As we sipped cocktails at the Harrah’s Hotel off the Strip in Las Vegas.

While all the time my pal Martin from the north of Ireland was shooting me looks.

Before he just about rescued me when we were ready to exchange details and they were about to tell me about their ‘special’ getaway with their club down in Cancun.

Beach Cassidy and the Sundance kids

No such confusions with our old friends from Ireland Cassidy Travel.

They have just the thing for my itchy-footed companion in life who never tires of telling me that she never gewts away.

And that’s a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the 3* Rui Lupita in Playa del Carmen for travel on June 12 for €1099pps.

Marriachi midfielder: A bit of Mexican fun

We’re told the stunning Caribbean eachside resort is surrounded by tropical gardens and offers

And has a choice of four pools, four restaurants and live shows and entertainment.

Mex my day

Now, I’ve flirted with Mayheecho over the years.

From packing bowls with tortilla chips and guacemole during my post-University stint as a busboy in Boston, Massachussets as well as many other jobs.

To dancing along to the Marriachi bands in Orlando and hanging with the Three Caballeros at Epcot and in Annaheim.

While later this month by the grace of Deo I’ll be channeling my best Tex Mex in San Antonio as part of the American Travel Fair.

So Ole, it has to be Mexico for a swinging couple’s holiday.

Countries, Sport, UK

Tee up for Trump it’s grand

1st May 20231st May 2023 funtime65

You’re a hardy soul to play golf in Aberdeenshire where the wind will blow your drive right back to your feet.. believe me. And rich too to tee up for Trump it’s grand.

The Donald is back. Of course, he has never been away, but back in his mother’s homeland of Scotland and he is loving the attention.

It’s not just the Scottishness and a love for Aberdeen that I share with Donald Trump.

I’d like to say that I was there at the start of his journey back in 2016 when he was elected.

I was travelling through the night to get to Disney World in Orlando.

And naturally when I arrived it was Donald I most wanted to meet… and eventually did.

I’ve already discussed the similarities between The Donald Trump and The Donald Duck here.

Their luxuriant heads, big mouths and Scottish heritage… remember the clan McDuck.

Quackers golf

But I’ve yet to explore their shared love of golf which we all know hails from Scotland.

Duck fans will know of The Flippered One’s exertions on the course from Donald’s Golf Game in 1938.

When his nephews Hughie, Dewey and Louie play tricks on him.

Not dissimilar from The Donald’s game.

Or your favourite blogger who in trying to channel his inner Tiger Woods in Aberdeen only succeeded deep in the woods.

And also one gusty New Year’s Day invented his own shot when he boomeranged his drive back at his own feet.

While attempts at the Old Course in Cannes on the French Riviera only resulted in a broadside from members of the club.

Because I didn’t shout Fore… and here was me trying to go native by exclaiming Quatre!

Scotland, of course

Back to the Donald’s daily and you’ll be wanting to know how much it costs to get around his Scottish courses.

Well, the country membership for a new member for Trump International joining fee is £1,000 including VAT*

And an annual country membership fee is £1,995/£176 per month including VAT*.

And for Open golf rota course Turnberry where it will cost your £2,500 a season.

In addition to premier amenities, membership at Trump Turnberry includes exclusive member access to our 19 Trump Golf properties, both domestic and international.

Now in addition to premier amenities, membership at Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire includes exclusive member access to our 19 Trump Golf properties, both domestic and international.

And that includes courses in his own state of New York, his adopted state of Florida, Doonbeg in Ireland and all around America and the world.

So tee up for Trump it’s grand.

And easy to get to with all major airlines flying into Aberdeen and Glasgow Prestwick.

America, Countries

Seven Dwarfs go Florida

7th June 20226th June 2022 funtime65

And as we look forward to next year’s remake of the Disney classic Snow White, what about Seven Dwarfs go Florida?

Suppose it makes sense with the Sunshine State being home to Mickey, The Donald and all our Disney faves.

Of course, hi-ho, hi-hard-working miners need a break too.

And where do they go?

Well, Gamble Place, Port Orange, an hour north of New Smyrna Beach and Orlando.

And which is as you all know is where I should be now.

Worth a Gamble

House about that: The Seven Dwarfs Cottage

Gamble is, of course, that Gamble, of Gamble & Procter fame.

Included in the National Register of Historic Places, Gamble Place was once a rural retreat owned by James N. Gamble.

Guests can step back in time to experience the same pristine environment he found so inviting during the late 1800s.

The 175-acre nature reserve features a “Florida cracker-style” house named “Egwanulti” (a Native American word meaning “by the water”).

And the Citrus Packing House, the only one currently in existence in its original location in Florida.

A mine of information

But I digress, you want to know about the replica of the Seven Dwarfs Cottage.

And a Witch’s Hut and Dwarfs’ Mine Shaft too.

Now the Snow White remake has illicited a bit of a Woke reaction, fronted by one of the world’s most vertically-challenged actors.

Peter Dinklage (Elf, Game of Thrones, Cyrano) called the producers ‘f****** backwards’ for including dwarfs in the remake.

I guess he would object too at them being forced too work well into their Nineties.

Not to mention the damage mining does to the climate.

And this from someone who built his career on his dwarf character in GoT.

Warwick’s world

I take my lead more from the likes of Warwick Davies who as a dwarf sent up the challenges of dwarfism in Ricky Gervais’s Life’s Too Short.

And who is a fixture around Universal Orlando.

And who the Orlandans remember fondly from when he and the supersized Robbie Coltrane visited at the construction of Harry Potter World.

Now that brings us all full circle back to Orlando and the American Travel Fair, IPW.

We’ll gloss over the fact that they went ahead with it at all when they knew I couldn’t make it.

Our American friends

Still, we’ll all be together again next year, God willing, in San Antonio, Texas.

And some of us before then at the US Soiree in Dublin next month.

For now though, hi-ho, it’s off to work we all go, me at my desk, while The Seven Dwarfs go Florida.

Countries

A No1 Finnday Funday

19th March 2022 funtime65

And for the fourth year running it’s the happiest place in the world, it’s a No1 Finnday Funday.

So what do we put Finland’s joy down to… all those icy dips and saunas?

Well, yes, according to the Finns themselves who credit their love of nature.

He’s started so he’ll Finnish

Heli Jimenez, of Business Finland, explained: ‘We appreciate the small things in our daily lives.

‘Such as sitting quietly on a bench and staring at the empty lake after a relaxing sauna session or taking a morning dip in the sea before starting the working day.’

If you now live in the frozen north of Britain, or Scotland as it’s sometimes called, then it’s a victory for chilly places.

Cry freedom

Happiest place on earth: Paula in Orlando

The UN World Happiness Report looks at perceived freedom, honesty, welfare, good health and generosity.

And a trust in their leaders which has been reciprocated over Covid with that ‘helping to protect lives and livelihoods during the pandemic.’

Now we’re all of us ambassadors for our countries when we live abroad.

And among my most treasured possessions is the Pleasure To Work With Award that hangs proudly on my wall.

From the Travel trade from my 13 years in Ireland.

And indulge me here but I’d lavish my own praises on unofficial Finnish ambassador to Scotland, and part-time Disney character Paula Murray here.

Among the friends from around the world who I got to meet through Ireland were those who also scored highly for happiness.

Happy talking

Ireland themselves obvs and it will come as no surprise to our Paddy Party People that they come four places higher than the UK.

The Nordic and Scandi countries and be sure to know the diff.

Denmark, Sweden and Norway are in both alongside Finland, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The Danes and the Icelanders occupy second and third spots and Sweden and Norway seventh and eighth.

And what they lack in low drink prices which sees cruisers stay dry on on-shore excursions, they make up for in spirit.

And a smile on their faces

Can I be trusted on a bike? In Amsterdam

Making up the rest of the top ten are the swish Swiss (4th) and the liberal Dutch (5th),

Tiny Luxembourg (6th) you can get around in a day while Israel (9th) isn’t called the Land of Milk and Honey for nothing.

While the New Zealanders (10th) will be doing the Haka in celebration at being two places above Australia.

It is though refreshing, much like the Nordic air, to see that it’s still a No1 Funday Finnday

America, Countries, Europe, Food

One’s a pancake and the other’s crepe

1st March 20221st March 2022 funtime65

So for the day that’s in it a deep dive into why one’s a pancake and the other’s crepe.

The infantile smirking of English-speaking schoolboys at the similarities between human refuse and the continental delicacy aside it’s worth restating.

That pancakes are made with a leavening/raising agent such as baking powder while crepes do not.

Crepes are traditionally made with buckwheat flour.

All of which is just a roundabout way of flagging up this old dosser’s favourite pancake places and the crepe de la crepe of their near cousins.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

My, oh my, what a beautiful day that was, and is, in the Disney Four Seasons Resort Hotel in Orlando.

When Mickey, Minnie and Goofy bounce into breakfast.

And greet you over the top of the mountain of pancakes you are scaling.

And for snow effects you can go for icing sugar.

I prefer an avalanche of golden lava syrup.

Pancakes on the sea

You’re twisting my melons, man: Get me some pancakes

Flippin ‘eck, those cruise holiday buffets with Celebrity Cruises off Florida.

And the racks of pancakes you just can’t pass over.

Even if you have just hoovered up every cut of meat brought onto the ark.

And don’t be fooled by the fruit in the picture… that’s just for show.

A Dutch too much

Now the Amsterdammers often have a special ingredient which lifts their crepes, and you, to a higher plane.

I don’t know what they had on theirs that freezing November day when the-then Miss F took me on a magical mystery tour.

After we found ourselves at a fork in the road and took the long way to Edam only to find it was their half day.

I reckon though I had cheese though maybe it was the sprinkles that made it a high old time in Old Amsterdam.

Nutty about Nutella

And for many the go-to spread for a crepe is Nutella but did you know that it is from Alba in Piedmont in the north of Italy.

It is, of course, a hazelnut spread but it also has 20 per cent palm oil.

You’re never far from either in Italy particularly when you’re hiking through the Lazio region on your way to Rome.

On your Via Francigena pilgrimage and you get stuck in an olive grove looking for small sticker signposts to La Citta Eterna.

Pancakes and crepes

So today being Shrove Tuesday, it is of course about pancakes.

Because that was the day back when we were all holier that you used up your eggs, milk, and sugar before your Lenten fast.

And around the world people will be munching, flipping, racing, getting dressed up and dancing (Mardi Gras in New Orleans).

I can’t vouch how good crepes are for flipping or racing but they are celebrated too on February.

La Chandeleur

By the French (you didn’t think we’d get through this without them).

National Crepe Day, or La Chandeleur, is a celebration that originated in the Land of the Gauls.

And it also originated in the Catholic church, landing exactly 40 days after the celebration of Christmas.

So yes, we are celebrating Pancake Tuesday today, but a word too for the not-so-humble crepe.

Yes, one’s a pancake and the other’s crepe.

America, Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

What happened to the Mini Ms Mouse?

28th January 202228th January 2022 funtime65

Did you see how Stella McCartney togged up Mickey’s lass which makes me wonder… what happened to the Mini, Ms Mouse?

Now nobody’s doubting Sir Paul McCartney’s daughter would have made it in fashion on her own.

Dublin housewife chic

And, of course, nobody would mistake me for a fashionista but this Minnie Mouse does more like a north Dublin housewife or Killing Eve.

In her pyjamas and supermarket shoes.

Rather than in her iconic red and white polka-dot dress.

Minnie’s makeover is all part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for Disneyland Paris.

Whether it will make a blind bit of difference to excited kids (and big kids) when they meet their favourite characters we’ll see.

Because the most important thing is that Disney retains its place as the Happiest Place on Earth.

Twitter trolls

You see it is being excoriated on the Twittersphere as The Wokiest.

Now let’s examine some of these brickbats…

And the Peter Dinklage-led complaint that Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is dwarfist.

Yes, it’s a caricature but they are portrayed as happy, hard-working and fraternal.

A little problem

Maybe Prickly Pete would prefer us to see dwarves portrayed as defensive as I witnessed myself.

When I bumped into them drunk (them, not me) in the pub My Father’s Moustache near His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.

Historical characterisations of Disney films have also been put under the microscope.

And The Aristocrats, Lady And The Tramp and the Jungle Book are all now carrying disclaimers.

Song in our heart

While The Song Of The South has been removed from streaming services.

That movie famously spawned James Baskett’s catchy Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah song.

Which we were treated to on the first morning of our Disney trip in Orlando.

When Minnie arrived with her pals Mickey and Goofy.

And most importantly (and here’s what really matters most) hugged us.

And I defy anyone to gurn when that song is playing.

Your hand Ms Mouse

I don’t know whether I’d ask What Happened to the Mini, Ms Mouse?

But I’d hope she wouldn’t object to me kissing her hand.

We found this deal… four-nights, five-days, two-parks stay at the Hotel at the Hotel Cheyenne for mid-February.

In Woody’s Roundup Standard Room with one double bed and one standard room for under a grand (£977.44).

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Happy Quacksgiving Day

25th November 202125th November 2021 funtime65

And the most famous Donald on Earth is certainly celebrating today because duck isn’t on the menu.. Happy Quacksgiving Day everyone.

We all know about the Other Donald, the one with the tuft and the big mouth who doesn’t make any sense.

I’m more interested in My Donald though – Donald Duck – and of course we go way back to when we had a quacking time out in Disney World in Orlando.

And if my luck holds out then I’ll be dancing with the duck next year at the American Travel Fair, IPW, next year.

But many of us can’t wait until then and have been working with Visit USA to get out there before then.

So, it’s just as well then that our old friends, Ireland’s national airline carrier are there to help us.

Aer we go to Orlando

From this Saturday customers will be able to travel directly to Florida, following the lifting of travel restrictions to the US earlier this month.

From this weekend, Dublin to Orlando will operate three flights per week to connect families, friends, and business in the run up to the holiday period.

This weekly schedule of direct flights to Orlando will fly on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday with fares starting from €169 each way, including taxes and charges.

Those looking to visit the Sunshine State can avail of the great Black Flyday offers on flights to the US with Aer Lingus.

Flyday Friday

You’ll get €100 off return fares to North America and €200 Business Class fares to the US (travel 1st January to 31st May 2022). Book by November 30.

With 13 direct routes between North America and Ireland, including New York, Chicago, Boston, LosAngeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Washington, Seattle, and Philadelphia, offers, which run until November 30.

That includes €100 off return flights to North America and €200 off return business class tickets.

They’ll be valid for travel from 1st January to 31st May 2022. And remember there’s pre-clearance.

Very VerifLY

Now if you want the best advice on how Aer Lingus flies then it helps to have access to the people who fly us.

And fortunately I am and they gave us the rundown on how they, and us, travel these days.

And their super-duper VeriFLY travel pass app.

Most importantly… Aer Lingus customers cannot check-in online ahead of flights to/from the USA unless they use VeriFLY.

The app allows users to upload and ensure that their travel documentation is checked and approved before travelling to the airport.

This will allow customers to get their online boarding pass and go straight to bag drop/boarding gate, and avoid queuing at check-in.