6 TIPS FOR A FABULOUS FLORIDA BEACH DAY

6 TIPS FOR A FABULOUS FLORIDA BEACH DAY 

ROVH experts offer 6 TIPS FOR A FABULOUS FLORIDA BEACH DAY. 

Planning ahead will insure a cheerful and relaxing day at the beach!   

Beach–goers are so excited to get to the beach, it is easy to overlook the prolonged effects of the strong Florida Sun.  Some simple tips to save you time and hassle while at the beach. 

1.    SUNSCREEN is something you can’t live without at any of the Florida Beach Near Orlando.  Did you know that you receive UV Rays on overcast days in Florida?  So lather up no matter the weather.    Florida is not called the “Sunshine State” for any other reason!  Save yourself the discomfort of painful sunburn later.  Use a minimum of sunscreen 30 for the sun. As a matter of fact, re-apply at least every two hours.

2     PEAK HOURS -Avoid the Florida Sun’s Peak Burn Hours. From 11a.m. to 2p.m. you’ll find the sun’s heat almost unbearable which is a good indication that you should be in a swimming pool/ocean and enjoying a cool drink and then finding some shade.

3.     

      WATER is necessary for hydration during the day and evening…you will need more than usual as the sun in Florida is extremely strong!  Do not depend on carbonated drinks for your hydration and it has a way of attracting bees as well!  Nothing is worse than sticky dried soda with sand attached! Without the correct fluids, you will experience cramping and headaches…so stay ahead and keep drinking your water bottle. Pack a few in a cooler from your vacation home to have on hand.

4.     

      RIP CURRENTS- There is an underwater stream that flows extremely quickly they change rapidly with sandbar and tides.  The rip currents are detected by air and posted, but not all of them can be detected so take care to swim near designated areas.  You cannot swim against the riptides and will need to know that they exist and require attention at all times when swimming... Never swim alone- always make sure you have a friend with you in the water in the case of an emergency. Tell your family about the dangers of the rip currents. It is best to swim near a lifeguard stand if your unsure of the ocean currents and shifting sands which cause rip-currents.

5.    RAIN PONCHO - One definite about the weather in Florida…it changes like the clock...morning sun afternoon rain and back to sun for a beautiful sunset... So pack a Poncho and extra water...do yourself a favor and check the weather before leaving your ROVH vacation home. Have your car nearby if you decide to leave.

6.    

            PLANNING- Plan ahead to avoid last minute crisis with sunburn, dehydration, rain, hunger and crowded beaches.  Planning takes only a few minutes from your vacation home.  Orlando vacation homes offer a convenient location to the supermarkets and superstores to stock up on all your necessary beach supplies.  Your vacation home may offer complimentary beach supplies, if not, you can rent umbrellas and chairs right at the beach entrance.   

 

     ROVH offers vacation planning tips for the Orlando attractions, beaches, dining and day trips off the beaten path.  Book your vacation home for the best location and luxury with ROVH, all within driving distance to the beaches, and minutes to the parks.

Have a wonderful and relaxing day at the beach!

Caroline 

 ROVH

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How to Go Green on Vacation

Even on vacation? Yup!

Happy Earth Day!

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to "Go Green" on vacation?

It's easier than you may think!

We'll show you some simple steps to make your next vacation more sustainable and environmentally-responsible.

The Environment's Nightmare Vacation

But first - here's what NOT to do on vacation...

You're in a rush to get your family to the airport and you accidentally leave your entire home office - and all your other home electronics - plugged in. Whoops!

But good news! You've made it to the airport and have everyone's tickets, maps, and itineraries printed out - in triplicate. So you know you'll have everything ready to get through the lines.

Now to check the luggage and get through security. You've packed more than you wanted, but you'll definitely need everything you packed right?

Once you've made it through security, it's off to the vendors for food and water. Good thing they have so many water bottles for sale - you're thirsty after lugging around all that luggage.

Ahhh - a short 3 hour plane ride later and your family's arrived. It's vacation time!

That is, after you've picked up the rental car. You have a few options, but forget it! You've earned this vacation and now it's time to ride in roomy, eight-seat SUV style with your family of four.

Woo-hoo, another fabulous family vacation! And an extremely costly trip for the environment.

And now the more responsible way...

5 Ways to Go Green on Vacation

1. Unplug. If you're not at home, there's no need to cool your house. Set the thermostat higher so the air conditioning doesn't kick on throughout the day.

Turn off and unplug any electronics including printers, computers, alarm clocks, coffee makers, lamps, and TVs. Not only will you prevent unnecessary electricity usage, you can save up to 10% on your bills by doing this regularly.

You can do the same things at your hotel or vacation home. Turn off lights and other electronics while out touring and participate in the laundry and recycling programs.

2. Go paperless. Most travel companies offer e-tickets and correspond via email. Use to your smartphone to check-in and store itinerary information. Going paperless may even save you time, since you can go straight to the security checkpoint.

3. Pack lightly. Every extra 10 pounds/traveler requires 350 million additional gallons of jet fuel/year, according to author Thomas Kostigen. Most hotels and vacation homes have washer/dyers so you can pack fewer clothes, wash, and reuse them.

And unless you're vacationing in the jungle, you'll probably have access to a major convenience store or retail center for any essentials you forgot to pack. No need to pack your entire house for the "just in case" instances that probably won't happen.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle. Bottled water bottles add 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. And the water is no healthier than tap water. Purchase a BPA-free water bottle with a filter and never overpay for tap water again.

5. Rent a smart car. If possible, take the train and public transportation. But if you need to rent a car, opt for a "smarter" car. Start by choosing a car for the number of people in your party - family of four? A four-seater is the best option!

If you have the option to rent a fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric car, do so! Not only will you be saving yourself gas money, but you'll be reducing your carbon footprint.

What Next?

If you're interested in other simple ways to live a Go Green life, check out The Green Book.

Curious about the dwindling resource, clean water? Watch Thirst from PBS.

We want to know - how do you vacation while still being environmentally responsible? Leave a comment or Tweet to @ROV_Homes.


Are you or a friend about to take a trip? Share these tips to Go Green on vacation!

 

Make Your Mark in Disney History!

Vote by January 31!

Do you want the chance to make a lasting impression at Walt Disney World?

Now's your chance to be part of Disney history, by casting your vote in Disney's latest Limited Time Magic.

Vote for you favorite art design, which will be featured on limited-edition Disney Merchandise available in 2014. 

The winning design will be announced at the end of 2013, but hurry because voting ends January 31, 2013!

Vote in ROVH's (unofficial) poll below & cast your vote online!

Your Art Choices:

Choice 1

Choice 2

Choice 3

Here's How to Officially Vote:

Vote on Disney World's Facebook page by "Liking" the photo of your favorite art or complete the poll on the Disney Parks Blog.

We're Curious...

Which Disney Art is Your Favorite?
	Choice 1
	Choice 2
	Choice 3
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(Our poll is not an official vote. To officially vote, please go to Disney's Facebook page or the Disney Parks Blog.)

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Shh! 10 Disney World Secrets...

One of the few pictures of the Utilidors 

Have you ever wondered if Disney World has any secrets?

Oh yes, it does!

Behind the magical world of characters, rides, shows, and food, there's a secret world that Disney keeps hidden.

What if we revealed 10 of Disney's biggest secrets to you today?

Keep reading.

Learn About Disney's Underground City

1. Disney World is built on top of an underground city. When you walk through Magic Kingdom's gates you might notice a slight incline. That's because Walt Disney built a series of underground tunnels and utility corridors called "Utilidors" so cast members and deliveries can be transported without disrupting the park's guests. By the time you reach Cinderella's Castle, you're technically on the third-story of Disney World.

2. You can tour the underground kingdom. If you're at least 16 years old and willing to pay $229 for a ticket, Disney will take you on a 7 hour "Backstage Magic" tour. Besides exploring the utilidors, you'll get the chance to check out behind the scenes action at every park. Don't bring your camera though - photos are forbidden backstage.

3. Disney World actually is its own city! You read that right. In 1967, the Florida State legislature created the Reedy Creek Improvement District for Disney World and received a number of economic benefits in return. Disney's district has the same authority as any city's government, including the power to open a school or create a criminal justice system. Disney's board of supervisors hasn't done anything like that yet, but if it did, they would probably have full support from the district residents - all Disney Cast Members!

"Disney World's Magic Kingdom sits 16 feet above an underground kingdom of tunnels, corridors, and warehouses that spans 9 acres."
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Look for these Above Ground Secrets

4. Smells like...Have you noticed that delicious, sweet, cooking food smell on Main Street? What about the burning smells at EPCOT Center and Future World? The water and leather smell in Pirates of the Caribbean?  What you're smelling are really patented scents created by Disney's Air Smellitizer. Located in the underground kingdom, the Smellitizer wafts its scents above ground to help create the perfect experience - and keep Florida's swamp smell at bay.

5. Why is the park so clean? You won't walk more than 30 feet without finding a garbage can at Disney World. That's because Walt Disney did extensive research to create a safe and clean environment for his parks. During his research, he discovered that theme park guests would drop their trash on the ground if they couldn't find a garbage can within 40 feet. And your garbage doesn't last long in the park. It's suctioned at 65mph through underground vacuum pipes to a landfill.

Do you see the Hidden Mickey?

6. Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys. Throughout the park, "Hidden Mickeys" abound. Created by the Imagineers, they are hidden in plain sight and come in many forms, including the tri-circle Mickey head symbol and full figure silhouettes. Mickey isn't the only hidden character, though. Try to spot Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and other characters, too.

7. Camouflage. Disney paints its administrative buildings, fences, and garbage bins in two shades known as "Go Away Green" and "Blend in Brown" . It's meant to blend all the non-magical parts of the park into the background so you focus on just the park fantasies.

What about Cinderella's Castle?

8. You can (theoretically) stay in Cinderella's suite. The 650 sq ft apartment was originally created for Walt Disney and his family, but he died before they could occupy the suite. Now Disney's board grants overnight access to some guests, who access the 4th floor suite via a hidden elevator. In case you were considering making reservations, some of the most recent overnight guests were Tom and Suri Cruise.

9. The castle is smaller than it looks. Thanks to the Imagineers' trick called "forced perspective", each story of the 189 foot castle is smaller than the story below. The bricks and castle windows are also smaller and spaced closer together as you look up. On Main Street, the buildings are angled to make the castle seem further away.

And One More Secret...

10. Celebrate your child's birthday at Disney World! Go to City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom entrance and ask for birthday button. Your child will receive special attention all day from Cast Members and characters! If you're a resort guest, don't forget to the tell the resort front desk a day in advance. You can expect a few birthday surprises to show up in your room!

Do you have a friend vacationing at Disney World soon? Share these secrets with them to make their vacation even more exciting!
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Experience Extra Magic at Disney World with Limited Time Magic

Limited Time Magic at Disney World

What if there was a way for your family to celebrate surprise events and collect special souvenirs at Disney World?

Well get ready for your dreams to come true, because every Friday through 2013, Disney World Resorts announces a new Limited Time Magic.

These "extra sprinkles of Pixie Dust" are the perfect way for your family to enjoy a little more magic at Disney.

Expect Surprise Entertainment & Souvenirs with Limited Time Magic

A new Limited Time Magic celebration or souvenir will be featured every week, so make sure you take advantage of them while they last.

If you love a theme, event, or souvenir, tell a park employee because there's a chance your favorite could show up again later in the year!

Characters at the Winter Wonderland

Last week Disney hosted a Winter Wonderland at Epcot's Canada Pavilion. Some of Disney's favorite characters were there for pictures and families enjoyed playing in the "snow".

Tell us: Did your family see last week's Limited Time Magic? Which characters were your favorites?
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Show us: Do you have some great pics from the Winter Wonderland? Email your pics to ROVH and they could be featured on our Facebook & Twitter pages!

Upcoming Disney World Limited Time Magic Events

This week, January 21-27, Disney is hosting the Long Lost Friends Week. 

Keep your camera ready for old favorites like The Three Little Pigs, Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar!

Disney World Limited Time Magic Souvenirs

Couture Ear Hat from Disney World

It's Year of the Ear at Disney World. Every month, Disney will release a new set of ear hats and head wear.

January is Disney Couture Ear Hats. Pick up all 5 fashionable hats for your Ears collection at the parks.  

Tell us: What do you think February's ear theme will be?
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Show us: Do you have a fantastic Ear collection? We'd love to see pics! Email your pics to ROVH and they could be featured on our Facebook & Twitter pages!

Subscribe to ROVH for Limited Time Magic Updates

With free updates from ROVH, we'll make sure you family knows the latest Limited Time Magic news. We'll keep you posted on what events are happening this week, where to find them, and what souvenirs are available this month. 

There's 3 Easy Ways to Subscribe to ROVH:

1. Sign up to receive free email newsletter updates from ROVH on Limited Time Magic and Disney news.

2. Like ROVH on Facebook to read our posts on Limited Time Magic and Disney news.

3. Follow ROVH on Twitter to get our Limited Time Magic and Disney news tweets. 

OR...

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It's Raining, It's Pouring! 5 Fun Things to Do in Orlando When It's Raining.

Titanic: The Experience

Have you ever wondered how your family can have fun in Orlando when it's rainy?

With over 236 days of sunshine, your family should have plenty of time to visit the theme parks' attractions and rides.

But when the weather conditions aren't ideal, check out these 5 fun, indoor activities.

Don't get stuck indoors - Orlando has a wealth of exciting indoor activities for rainy days! 
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Take a Break from the Heat & Sun with These Activities 

1. Titanic: The Experience. Located on International Drive near Universal Studios, this blockbuster attraction has storytellers in period costumes that bring your family back 100 years to the Titanic. Explore real artifacts, memorabilia, and re-created rooms in the 17 gallery exhibit. Recommended for adults, teens, and older kids. More details...

2. Orlando Science Center. An Orlando landmark, the OSC boasts a Star Wars exhibit, a digital adventure theater, and many interactive science exhibits. Visit during Saturday evenings in February for a special look at the night sky. Great fun for adults, teens, and kids. More details ...

3. WonderWorks. With over 100 interactive exhibits, this is one of Orlando's most popular upside-down indoor attractions. Walk through the inversion tunnel, climb the ropes course, play Lazer-Tag, or take a ride in the 4D theater. Fun for kids, teens, and adults. More details...

4. DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. Located in Downtown Disney, this interactive theme park includes 5 floors of fun. Kids and teens can enjoy classic video games like Pac-Man and Frogger, or take a high tech adventure like creating your own roller coaster and testing it (virtually)! More details...

5. Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Filled with unusual art and collections from around the world, Ripley's Odditorium is a favorite among kids, teens, and adults alike! More details...

ROVH's Recommended Activities

1. Receive an In-Home Massage. Indulge yourself in a professional in-home massage to alleviate stress, muscle soreness, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

2. Enjoy a Professionally Cooked Meal. Treat your family or spouse to a catered meal, by ROVH's personal chef. Menus are customized to specific preferences, diets, and allergies. 

3. Check Groupon. The coupon app has daily deals running for events and activities in the Orlando area. Purchase and download on your smartphone and use the same day!

Vote on the Best Rainy Day Activity!

Whats' Your Family's Favorite Rainy Day Activity?
	Titanic: The Experience
	Orlando Science Center
	WonderWorks
	DisneyQuest
	Ripley's Believe It Or Not
	We Go to the Parks Anyway!
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Get Ready for MyMagic+! Disney World's Smartphone Solution to a Better Vacation.

Are you ready to plan your best Disney World vacation ever, with just the internet and your smartphone?

Starting this spring, Disney World is unveiling its MyMagic+ program.

Disney's newest technology creation combines the power of the internet, smartphone apps, and wristbands to allow your family to plan the perfect Disney World experience.

MyMagic+ Means No More Waiting in Lines

The idea behind MyMagic+ is simple.

• Reserve times for park attractions that your family actually wants to experience. 
• Show up at your reserved time. 
• Avoid waiting in line for rides or splitting up to collect FastPasses.

The best part is that you don't have to stick to your itinerary. 

Update your MyMagic+ plan with your smartphone, while at the parks - anywhere - anytime. 

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Here's How MyMagic+ Works 

1. Decide which group you fall into. 

• Group 1: If you're staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you're an Annual Pass holder, or you've purchased a photography package, MyMagic+ is available to you. 

• Group 2: For now, all other guests will receive a ticket with touch features that allow them to enter parks, redeem FastPasses+, and pay for items. These guests can also use the My Disney Experience website and purchase MagicBands. Don't worry - Disney World plans to make the entire MyMagic+ available to all guests by the end of 2013. 

2. Research with My Disney Experience. Look up park information online or on the app (available for iOS and Android).

3. Reserve with FastPass+. Reserve times for rides, attractions, and dining using the enhanced FastPass system.

4. Breeze Past Lines with Your MagicBand. Show up to your reserved park attractions, swipe your MagicBand wristband and you're on your way to a full day of family fun at Disney World. Don't forget that your MagicBands serves as a room key, theme park ticket, and PhotoPass card. You also have access to your FastPass+ selections and can use it to make purchases.

5. Revise Your Itinerary on the Go. Use your smartphone to update your itinerary anywhere, even at the parks!

So What's Next?

We're thrilled about the MyMagic+ system because we think it will help families create the best Disney World experience. But there are a lot of questions still unanswered. 

• Do young children have to wear the MagicBands?
• How does MyMagic+ work for families with handicapped members?
• Will all smartphones support the new technology?
• When do we get full access to the technology?

What questions do you have about MyMagic+? Do you love the idea or have concerns about it? Share your thoughts below or sign up to receive ROVH's updates on MyMagic+ breaking news.

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