EZTravelpad

Free Press is Great Press!! - Appearance on WSBT's Business Break

Scott from EZTravelPad appears on WSBT Business Break

Recently EZTravelPad was invited to a segment called Business Break on South Bend's WSBT TV.

Business Break is a regular segment that features local businesses and community events to help viewers become better informed about what is available in their community.

 

   

Remember- you can go out into the wilderness of the internet on your own to plan your vacation, or you can get help - AT NO ADDITIONAL COST - from an agency like EZTravelPad

The choice is yours

IF you choose to go it alone, here are a few links that can help.

Booking simple flights or flight/hotel combos this link or this link

Booking hotels only at hotels.com

Finding Vegas deals on shows and more at this link

Finding deals in Orlando at this link

Big savings on restaurants all across the US at this link

Beat the fees for checking luggage with a new bag at this link

Find deals on cheap all inclusives and more at this link

Handle your own cruise at this link

Insure your vacation investment with better insurance coverage at this link

Thinnk you're going to save a little money using bookit.com? It's at this link

So these are just some of the best of the multitude of options for handling your own travel planning. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself so feel free to take my suggestions for some of the best places to shop- but there's also nothing wrong with getting a little help from a travel pro.... a travel pro who will no doubt make your life easier, and makes save you a few dollars in the process!

Oh, there is 1 other place you can go to shop without picking up the phone or composing an email to EZTravelpad, and that is www.eztravelpad.com

Save travels!

 

 

 

Disney Park Discount Tickets - BEWARE

Buyer Beware - Always.... and Especially Disney Discounted Tickets

Walt Disney World has long been a favorite destination for families of all shapes and sizes from all over the world. This happens to be my family more than a few years ago....

 

This has to be one of the first years Disney World was open - early 70s - dig my Dad's shoes!

Yes, so many great memories from those vacations to Florida over Christmas break when it was COLD in Indiana. Nearly every year included a stop at Disney World.

So much opportunity for fun, so much opportunity for disruption....don't let it happen to you

Discounted tickets available on internet sites like Craig's List can come with a heavy cost. There are reports that people are getting scammed when they purchase "discounted" tickets for Walt Disney World theme parks, and perhaps other theme parks as well?

You can purchase a multi-park multi-day pass to Disney. The Park Hopper pass. Say for example you want to go to Disney for 5 nights, it only costs a few dollars more to add a couple more days on to the ticket which can then be used another time - you can even add an option allowing for the tickets to NEVER expire so use them for the grandkids (if you can remember where you put them 25 years from now).

Some people have apparently been reselling these types of tickets, but the thing is they are non-transferable so that when the buyer goes to use the tickets (did you know they are fingerprinting for entry these days?) they are denied entry.

Costly + Embarrassing!

Do the right thing - purchase your tickets from a reputable source (Disney or your travel agent) - EZTravelpad can help. Then, go have the time of your lives and make memories to last a lifetime!

 

 

A Closer Look at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort- Like Being in The Big Easy

Walking into Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort takes you right to New Orleans in feel and vibe. Ok, maybe not Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras- but definitely Jackson Square in the French Quarter!

It almost looks like you are entering New Orleans via a train station as you approach-

 

The courtyards have the look and feel of walking around Jackson Square, or maybe some other park like setting in the Big Easy

 

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory allows you to feel like you are taking a break for a snack during Mardi Gras (more kids - less drunks) with the festive decor...this is strictly quick service dining, but there is an option for full service dining on property.

 

The pool area shown here- Doubloon Lagoon features Scales the Sea Serpent water slide- another more relaxing option is the Ol' Man Island pool complex

 

The rooms appeared to be comfortable enough - certainly not luxury - yet affordable for Disney standards with options for 2 Doubles, King, or the ability to accommodate 5 at the Alligator Bayou rooms (1 child would be in a trundle bed) at Port orleans Riverside. I am not a big fan of the quality of bedding, but I am a big fan of clean- and well maintained, and any Disney property is going to rank high on that scale!

 

Pleasant baths with double pedastal sinks make up for the marginal bedding, but who's got time to sleep when you are at Disney- right?

 

no flat screen TVs here yet,  but considering the cost- and convenience of being on property at the Disney World, it's a great value for a Moderate Disney resort

 

 

So when it's time to plan your Disney vacation you have choices- you can go direct to Disney, you can take your chances on the internet, or you can have a professional travel consultant help you with the decisions and make sure you get the best value for YOU - no upsells, no Mickey Mouse games- just great advice from "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelpad

Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Options

Specializing in Honeymoons and Destination Wedding Travel Arrangements

Just because I am a travel agent (or a travel adviser/consultant as I see it) does not mean that I know everything there is to know about every destination that people consider for their Honeymoon. The world is just too big - there are too many options and possibilities. That's why it is so important to choose a travel consultant who has a vast network of contacts that can help.

At EZTravelpad we network widely with the vast community of travel agents worldwide. One way is by constantly reading other agents' blogs - below you will see some ideas of Honeymoon options, and a link to a blog by another agent that specializes in that field - or niche. Obviously this is only a few of the most popular -

Making Memories to Last a Lifetime

When thinking about your Honeymoon, you may be thinking that you want to go somewhere to celebrate, yet save some money for new things to start your marriage. Sometimes it's not about what you have, but about the memories that you make, and a Honeymoon is all about creating memories that will last a lifetime- so don't cut yourself short. Do something fantastic with the budget you have available.

There are so many options-

Carolina Beaches

Perhaps you would prefer somewhere in the continental U.S. - like maybe Myrtle Beach for your Honeymoon might be a good choice. The Grand Strand is affordable, offers great beaches, plenty of entertainment options, shows, so much to enjoy. If you want to be in the heart of the action - or away from it all, there are choices accommodating everyone.

Disney

More people than you might think choose Disney for their Honeymoon. It really surprises me, yet at the same time it doesn't. A Honeymoon is all about selecting a quality product in a destination that is comfortable and interesting - plus entertaining, and these days a Disney vacation doesn't have to mean going to Florida or California, there are parks across the globe and also Disney Adventures can literally take you to Grand Canyon, Alaska, Egypt, Europe, Africa - it's amazing!

Mexico

Some people think that Mexico is unsafe, but so often the news reports we see and read more here are describing violence between rival gangs - violence that is occurring in ganglands and near the U.S. border - far away from the pristine beaches of the tourist areas of Riviera Maya or Los Cabos. For the couple that wants to Honeymoon in a tropical destination that offers affordable luxury Mexico may very well be the answer!

St Lucia

St Lucia offers perhaps the best and most romantic view in the world according to Oprah Winfrey. Now I may not be the world's biggest Oprah fan, but I know enough to know that if she says that something is the best, there's a pretty good chance that it is. For many couples a St Lucia Honeymoon or Destination wedding is the ultimate - and with good reason!

Adventure

Maybe you are thinking about a true adventure to somewhere that most people only ever dream about - say maybe an adventure like an African Safari? There once was a time when this type of adventure was ONLY for the wealthy, but not anymore. African travel is going mainstream and there are more options that are more affordable than ever. Your biggest investment will be the time, but isn't that what a Honeymoon is all about - spending quality TIME together sharing an experience that neither of you will ever forget?

The Final Frontier

We are probably still several years away from the average couple being able to Honeymoon by traveling to a space station but there are still many adventures that await here on this planet and EZTravelpad is here to help you discover the best Honeymoon for you and your fiance - a Honeymoon that will include memories to last a lifetime!

Adventures by Disney- Outside the Theme Parks and into National Parks & More

Adventures by Disney Offers Highest Quality Tours

• Not interested in a "tour", but want to take the kids to see the Western US?
• Thought of taking the family on a European vacation but afraid the kids would be bored?
• Interested in the highest quality family trip available right now?

Think Adventures by Disney - here, take a peek...

 

 

 

Adventures by Disney marries the Disney level of exceptional quality with destination tours across the globe - a great Marriage!

Adventures await from close to home-

• Washington, DC
• Grand Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Alaska

to far, far away places such as-

• Italy
• Ireland
• China
• Costa Rica
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Galapagos Islands

A sample itinerary to the Western US looks like this (just the highlights- the whole itinerary looks really amazing!)

Trip Highlights

• Monument Valley Off-Road Excursion

  Climb aboard a 4x4 jeep for your very own Navajo-guided, off-road excursion to the beautiful buttes and magical mesas of Monument Valley. See the secret corners of the Valley and marvel at the geological wonders!

• Grand Canyon Hike

  Discover one of the seven wonders of the natural world as a naturalist guide takes you off the beaten path for a stunning Grand Canyon hike and drive along the South Rim.

• Colorado River Rafting

  Soak up the sights of the spectacular landscape on an exciting yet leisurely Colorado River rafting (Class I-II) adventure for the whole family.

• Cowboy Cookout and Entertainment

  Kick up your heels at a fun-filled cookout on the banks of the Colorado River! Meet a real cowboy and chow down on some down-home cookin'!

• Arches National Park

  Step into a surreal landscape dotted with sky-scraping sandstone land arches and hike to its crown jewel, the Delicate Arch. Learn the living geological history of a million years and marvel at mother nature's wild side.

 

Interested in what you can do? Where you can go? How many memories you can make?

EZTravelpad is a great place to start- you are guaranteed the best pricing and help all along the way! After all, you can trust "Your friends....in the travel business"

A Closer Look at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort - Best for the Convention Crowd

If convenience and proximity to the lobby, restaurants, lounges and pool are something that you require in your resort choice, the Coronado Springs resort at Walt Disney World might not be your best choice. Oh, don't get me wrong- it's nice, and might be my pick for a moderate Disney resort, but for many people a resort that is this spread out is not at the top of the list because- there may be walking involved...

Entrance to Coronado Springs Resort - Festive!

 

Lobby at Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando

 

Pepper Market Restaurant just off the lobby and across from the lounge at Coronado Springs Resort

Festive is the feel, and comfortable is the pace all around this resort which is spread out around a 22 acre lake (Lago Dorado).

Accommodations include brightly colored Spanish-style Guest rooms which are separated into 3 distinctly themed areas. The Casitas offer an urban terra-cotta paradise. The rustic Ranchos resemble charming Southwestern pueblos. Cabanas provide a quaint beachfront retreat complete with cozy hammocks. Request your favorite

 

Relax by the lake, or stroll around it after dinner - it can't help but be relaxing...

 

Several pool choices can offer a relaxation or fun....it's good to have a choice

Convention Wing

If you are coming to Orlando for a convention there is a fair chance that you will be staying at Coronado Springs. Convention facilities offering 220,000 sq ft of space are availabloe on site.

** my guide while touring the property mentioned that since this is more of a convention friendly property it can tend to get a bit raucous in the lounge as the evening unflods...

If you are on-site with a convention, rest assured that there is a little something to keep the kids occupied- A Mayan pyramid-themed Dig Site which features a sprawling pool with a jaguar-inspired 123-foot long water slide. Kids can have fun looking for hidden treasure at the Explorer's Playground or testing their skill at the game-laden Iguana Arcade.

 Guest rooms feature bedding that is a noticeable upgrade from other more modestly priced Disney resorts

With bold Spanish influenced decor, and quality fixtures to compliment the Disney quality that we have all come to expect, this is a comfortable choice in Disney resorts - just remember that you may need to walk at least 5 minutes to get to where you need to go...

 

Room Amenities include

• Pizza Delivery
• Cable TV with Disney Programming
• Pack 'n Play playard Available
• Rooms and Facilities for Guests with Disabilities
• Self-parking
• Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet Access (for an additional fee)
• High-speed Internet access (complimentary for select Suite accommodations; for all other accommodations, additional fee applies)
• Hairdryer
• Safe
• Iron and Iron Board
• Coffee Maker
• Refrigerator

On a personal note, if I were choosing between this resort and a different Disney moderate resort (room rates at this property start at a little over $150 per might) Coronado Springs would probably be the top choice for my wife and I - we don't mind walking, and would trade a spread out property that is more quiet for a more convenient property that is a bit more "densely populated" - in other words, during our visit it certainly seemd more laid back and peacful than some of the other Disney Resort offerings.

No matter what your style, EZTravelpad "You friends....in the travel business" is here to help you sort out all of your choices - after all, do you REALLY have time to do all of the research yourself?

 

Up Close Look at Disney's Dolphin and Swan Resorts

Disney's Dolphin and Swan Resorts Class and Choice

Ever Since Bob and Tom took the 1st Listener Trip to Disney's Dolphin and Swan I have wanted to go. It seemd then that these must be a couple of great resorts, and after having visited, it seems my suspicions were correct-

Dolphin Resort Hotel at Disney

The Dolphin and Swan are 2 distinctly different hotels - sister properties if you will... equally nice - one part Disney and 1 part luxury. While technically not Disney properties, you can still enjoy many of the benefits of staying on property  such as complimentary scheduled transportation to the Disney theme parks and attractions, on-site Disney ticket and information desks, the Extra Magic Hours benefit in the theme parks, on-site character dining, and advance tee times on championship Disney golf courses.

 

Photo of the gorgeous lobby in The Dolphin

 

Kimonos Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar in The Swan

The Kimono's restaurant (and sushi bar) is but one of 12 Signature, Casual or Quick service dining choices on property making it easy to spend a week and experience something new each time - Signature restaurants also include- Todd English's Blue Zoo, Il Mulino, Don Shula's Steakhouse. But it's not all about restaurants- you can also enjoy Mandara Spa, five pools, a white sand beach, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf - oh, and don't forget about the 5 lounges...

 

Typical interior of a room at The Dolphin

The rooms feature The Westin Heavenly Bed® - featuring a pillow-top mattress, a white goose-down comforter, and four overstuffed pillows

 

Other guest room features include:

• King or queen/queen-bedded rooms (Swan wing)
• King or double/double-bedded rooms (Dolphin wing)
• Fresh, contemporary decor
• High-speed Internet access
• Refreshment center (Dolphin wing)
• “A La Carte”, a personalized in-room mini refrigerator service (Swan wing)
• In-room safe, which accommodates most lap top computers.
• 32” Widescreen flat-panel LCD TV
• Resort Information System – Interactive system on TV provides up-to-the-minute details on resort services, amenities, events and more
• In-house movies (charges apply)
• Full bath (additional private vanity in some rooms)
• Two dual-line telephones (1 cordless) with voice mail messaging and data port
• Individual climate control
• Hair dryers
• Make-up mirror
• Iron/ironing board
• Complimentary daily weekday newspaper
• All rooms are non-smoking
• Disability accessible rooms available

There is just something about staying in a clean, well apointed room that cries out... I don't WANNA go home!

 

Well appointed and stylish fixtures complete the package...

So if staying in luxury on Disney property is in the cards fo you in the future, the Swan and Dolphin make an excellent choice

Sure, you can make your own reservations, or you can enlist the help of "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad You may even get a discount to one of the restaurants if you play your cards right - but you won't know unless you call or email...

Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park

Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando-Experience being on the Studio Lot

At Disn'ey's Hollywood Studios Theme Park on the Walt Disney World property in Orlando you walk from Central Folrida serenity right onto the backlot of a Hollywood Studio when you walk through the main gate.

And who would you more want to greet you that a certain "Very Popular Rodent" atop the world....

Yes, Mickey Mouse greets each guest from the "Crossroads of the World" tower as you enter Disney's Hollywood Studio Theme Park. From there it's on to many different adventures, many of which put you right in the middle of the action!

 

The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will put you right into the middle (literally if you are one of the audience members chosen) of filming Raiders of the Lost Ark -

 

Witness a mock filming not only of the desert scene above, but also the "run from huge boulder" scene plus the "showdown with HUGE Arab" scene in the bazaar....

Unfortunately for EZTravelpad we had very limited time at Dusney Studios - too many places to be in one short day -we actually took in parts of 3 parks (plus were out front of Magic Kingdom briefly) PLUS 5 different resorts - we were moving fast that day!

It would have been nice to spend some time at-

• Honey I Shrunk the Kids
• The American Idol Experience
• Studio Backlot Tour
• Lights Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show
• Muppet Vision 3-D
• Toy Story Mania
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - and especially the Rock n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith

But there just wasn't enough time....

We did waste a few minutes in The Great Movie Ride (I guess it's ok if you want to get out of the heat and into the air conditioning for about 30 minutes) - I would see something else first, then if there's time left over....

Time better spent was spending a few minutes watching Darth Vader menace Luke Skywalker-

Spend some time becoming a Jedi Knight at "Star Wars Jedi Training Academy"

 

Another thing that's tough to miss is the always popular Disney Pararde, and this incarnation is the Block Party Bash

 

So this is definitely a park with the Disney feel- clean, fun, and great for the whole family - and yes, there are some thrills... it doesn't seem as sprawling as others, but that's good- spend the whole day and you probably won't feel like you missed much!

For even more information on this, or other great family vacation options, you know where to turn - "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelpad

Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Outshines Most Others

Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Hotel Offers a Room With an Incomparable View

Staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge must be similar to staying at a resort lodge near a game preserve in Africa- perhaps somewhere in Tanzania, where African wildlife is free to roam and you can observe from the comfort of you patio....

 

but getting to this African wildlife preserve is much easier and far less expensive than a multi-hour flight half-way around thw world. Additionally, you don't need any vaccinations to go to Disney World.

 

At this very comfortable property you will find very nice common areas and authentic decor throughout - amazing really, but the highlight must be the views- from rooms, restaurants, common areas and bars you can view wildlife such as zebras, gazelles and giraffes (over 30 species) freely grazing in the 4 African savannahs that has been constructed by the Disney visionaries

A view of the lobby and guest services area.....

 

In contrast to some of the moderate and more value oriented Disney properties the Animal Kingdom Lodge (a deluxe resort by Disney standards) offers superior bedding, space, and quality fixtures - plus a variety of configurations that can accommodate couples, small families, and larger families as well- with rooms ranging from standard configs - to standard room with bunk beds, to suite with 1 or 2 bedrooms that can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests - so if a couple of families would like to share an amazing experience together this might just be the best option around!

 

partial view of kitchenette in a standard room configuration-

 

King Size bed in a nice suite arrangement

 

Awesome bathroom features...

 

Suite can share 2 bedrooms (King and 2 Queens plus pull-outs make this such a comfortable place for a family to lounge, learn and remember for many, many years!

 

From nearly the moment I walked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge I fell in love with the place, and you will too- how could you not?

The only disavantage in comparison to other deluxe Disney properties is that this one is not as convenient to Magic Kingdom, Studios and Epcot- but as you might imagine- it is the closest to Disney's Animal Kingdom- as is a short (complimentary) bus ride away from any of the other Disney parks in the area.

It is not recommended for a family on a tight budget, but it you have the means, and you like comfort, and you want to give the kids a memory they will never forget, this is the place!

Let EZTravelpad help guide you to the Disney destination that best fits your family's needs- we are a click away, and as always, EZTravelpad is "Your friends....in the travel business"

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom Amusement Park - A Quick Overview

Disney's Animal Kingdom- What Happens When a Zoo Meets the Magic of Disney

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park is part zoo, part wildlife adventure, part amusement park, and part learning expeience. 

 

Anchored by the huge Tree of Life at the center of the park - and home to the 3D animated "It's Tough to be a Bug" experience (a personal favorite), the Tree of Life is 14 stories tall and is an homage to the living world that surrounds us all- no matter what part of this rock we live on...

 

The Wildlife Safari takes you on a first hand journey into the savannahs of Africa and brings you within yards of animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and much more - all in their native habitat!

 

Venture to Expedition Everest for a wild roller coaster ride through the heart of Yeti country!

*** here's a little piece of advice... when you meet a couple of twelve year olds on the bus who say, oh that roller coaster isn't bad at all - DO NOT BELIEVE THEM - THEY LIE - or maybe just have a different perspective on things. So, eventhough my wife was ill for a few hours afterwards (we're not big on rollercoasters) it was fun, and was still worth it (for me that is)

 

As I'm sure you are aware, or might imagine, this is just the tip of the iceberg - there are many attractions and adventures that you can get into at Diney's Animal Kingdom Park - others include...

• Wildlife Express Train
• Tricera Top Spin
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• Primeval Whirl
• Maharaja Jungle Trek
• Kali River Rapids
• Kid's Discovery Clubs
• Fossil Fun Games
• Finding Nemo - The Musical
• Dinosaur
• The Boneyard
• and many more still.....

So can you make a day of Disney's Animal Kingdom? You bet! But maybe it's better to take 2 mornings to see the animals & use your Park Hopper to hit another park each afternoon- it's all part of the flexibility offered!

So do you feel confused or apprehensive about the idea of doing all the planning yourself? Why not ask for some free advise from "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad