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Florida Specialist Newsletter                    Third Quarter 2008
 
Attraction Action

2-Park Fun, Food & Drink Combo - Universal Orlando® Resort is excited to announce the new 2-Park Fun, Food & Drink Combo. This new product includes one (1) 2-Park Unlimited Admission Ticket*, two (2) 1-Day/2-Park Meal Deal and two (2) Meal Deal Souvenir Cups. Guests will experience the world’s two most amazing theme parks and be able to eat and drink at participating Meal Deal restaurants, which include a wide selection of food to enjoy all day long*. *Restrictions apply. Visit www.UniversalTravelAgents.com to view full details and purchase using One Click Booking.

Daytona Beach Aqua Safari - Climb aboard Aqua Safari’s red double decker bus and head south to Ponce Inlet, where you will board the Cnidoblast for an eco-tour of the area’s scenic inlet waterway. Led by a licensed captain and marine biologist, the four-hour eco-tour will provide an up-close, hands-on overview of the region’s ecosystem. Admission to the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and the Marine Science Center are also included. Refreshments provided. All-inclusive admission: $50 (Adults) and $30 (Children 12 and younger). For more information call 386-405-3445 or visit www.daytonabeachaquasafari.com

Florida Surf Lessons are offered 7 days per week throughout the East coast of South and Central Florida. Our lesson costs vary based on the number of people and the length of the lesson and include surf boards, wet suits and all other required equipment. We also have Saturday Surf Clinics every other weekend in South and Central Florida. Summer camps will be held in Cocoa Beach May into August, 2008. If multiple lessons are booked a day or two apart we will offer free surf board rentals between lessons. All of our instructors are CPR, First Aide and Surf Instructor Certified. Come on and do some surfing today! For more information contact John Briches at (888) 672-4887 or john@floridassurflessons.com.

Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo is a genuine one-of-a-kind Florida roadside attraction and is real Florida...as real as it gets. Visitors discover natural Florida flora and fauna in a beautiful setting that offers fantastic photo opportunities. Travel agents are welcome free of charge year round to familiarize themselves with this unique park. Visit www.jungleadventures.com to learn more.

Orange County Regional History Center would like to invite you to explore Central Florida’s past in the 1927 Orange County courthouse. Only at the History Center can you travel back 12,000 years in time and fast forward to today, exploring the people, places, and events that shaped Central Florida! Voted best museum by local residents! Your company is invited to receive a complimentary tour. Call Diane Masciale at 407-836-8376 or visit our website at http://www.thehistorycenter.org/.

Richard Petty Driving Experience! Looking for a truly unique adventure for your clients in the Florida? Then think “fast’ – think Richard Petty Driving Experience which operates at 3 different Florida destinations; the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach and at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead. Offering 16 different ride and drive programs, this heart-pounding experience has something for everyone and for every budget. Speeds vary from track to track but guests routinely scream down the backstretch of Daytona at 170mph…it truly is the thrill of a lifetime!” For more information, visit www.1800bepetty.com.

Sawgrass Recreation Park - Come enjoy "Gator Nights" offering a thrilling nighttime airboat ride deep into the Everglades. With your flashlights, search for alligator, amphibians, and other wildlife. Your experienced airboat captain will take you down the trails and over the grass. The cost is only $40.00 for adults (13+), $20.00 for children (4-12), and under 4 is free and includes the one-hour nighttime airboat ride, ear protection, eye protection, as well as all taxes and gratuities. Be sure to sign up in advance, reservations are required and seating is limited, your boat leaves the dock at 8:30. For reservations call Christina Schwartzman at 954-389-0202 or visit www.evergladestours.com.

The Simpsons Ride™ at Universal Orlando® Resort & Dr. Seuss Themed Kid’s Suites . Woo-Hoo!” Careen and crash your way through Krustyland in the wild and hilarious The Simpsons Ride™, now open at Universal Orlando® Resort and Universal Studios HollywoodSM. Join Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie as you pay a visit to Krustyland, the low-budget theme park created by famed TV personality and shameless product huckster Krusty the Clown. You’ll swoop and soar through all of Krusty’s crazy attractions and see many of your favorite characters from the TV series in this all-new animated adventure. Visit www.UniversalTravelAgents.com to learn more and purchase tickets using One Click Booking

What A Deal!

Amelia Island Plantation - Fourth Night FREE, plus recreation, at Amelia Island Plantation, May 9 to December 31, 2008. When you stay three nights in a resort-view guest room or suite, the 4th night is on us. Receive 25% off on golf, tennis, nature tours, bicycle rentals and youth programs. Resort view guest room is $229/night; resort-view suite is $259/night. Call 888.261.6164 for reservations or book online at www.aipfl.com, use promo code FREENT. Rates are based on 2 adults in a guest room or suite for 4 consecutive nights, subject to availability, not for conference groups.

AmericInn Hotel and Suites is offering one and two room suites, through September for travel agents to stay at half price. Contact Jennifer Burke at jburke@aisarasota.com or 941-342-8778 or visit www.americinn.com. Suite special starting at $115 gives you half off your second night when you book two consecutive nights in a suite.

Best Western Midtown - A ShiningPearl Located in Midtown Sarasota. Reserve with one of our packages; Shop till You Drop for $85 giving you a $10 Gas card, a coupon book with discounts at over 50 stores at Ellenton Prime Outlets; or enjoy our sizzling Summer Beach Getaway for $79 which gives you two complimentary waters, a bottle of sunscreen, and a poolside room. Valid from July 1st – September 30th, based on availability, call 24 hours in advance to enjoy these package deals. For more information call 941-955-9841.

Bok Tower Gardens - Florida Resident Special $2 off general admission. Valid on adult admission thru 9/30/08 with current Florida ID. Limit 4. Offer cannot be combined or applied to group rates. Bok Tower Gardens open 8am - 6pm daily. For more information, call (863) 676-1408 or visit, www.boktowergardens.org, National Historic Landmark.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is offering Florida residents deluxe accommodations starting at just $239 per night midweek through September 30, 2008. And, we’ve added two extra incentives: complimentary breakfast for two each morning, and your resort fee will be reduced to just $29 per day! Based on availability and offered midweek only, Sunday-Thursday. Holidays excluded. Guests must present a valid Florida ID upon check-in. Call 800-327-2888 or 305-664-4651 or visit www.cheeca.com.

Dinosaur World - Any travel agent with credentials may receive complimentary admission to Dinosaur World. Advance reservations are preferred. For more information contact Marlene Svensson at 813-717-9865 or dinosaurworld@netscape.com. Dinosaur World has group rates of $6 per person for groups of 12 or more with advance reservations. Over 150 life size dinosaurs in an outdoor museum setting is a perfect student group or grandparents group trip.

Doubletree Grand Key Resort is offering guests a $25 gas credit toward their hotel bill when they stay a minimum of three nights through December 19, 2008. Present a receipt for at least $25 from purchasing fuel that corresponds to their dates of stay and guests will be issued a $25 credit which can be used towards room charges, tax, food and beverages at the hotel or any activities booked through the hotel. The offer is not valid during some weekends and special events such as Oct. 22-26 and Nov. 1-8, 2008. For more information or to make reservations, call 1-888-728-5625 or visit www.doubletreekeywest.com).

Hampton Inn & Suites - A Classic Mediterranean Gem in Downtown St. Petersburg.

Travel Agent Special $79.00 (Valid July 1, 2008- September 30, 2008, based on availability) for more information visit our website at www.stpetehamptonsuites.com or contact Karl Johansson 727-892-9900 x-101 or via e-mail at karl.johansson@hilton.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Venice Bayside offers a special travel agent rate of $79 for a deluxe accommodations 6/23 – 9/30/08, based on availability. We are located only 1 mile from historic downtown Venice and only 2 miles from Venice Beach, the “sharks tooth capital.” For more information, contact Patricia Cain at 941-488-5900.

Hampton Inn Rocky Point & Holiday Inn Express & Suites & Holiday Inn Express- We are offering specials for the summer months (July- September) which include a Ship & Shore Package, which will take two people per room to the Port of Tampa additional person will be $10 more Kids & Seniors free. We are also offering an $89.00 Florida resident rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday ($30 more Monday - Thursday nights) All offers valid until 9/31/08. Check our websites at www.hamptoninnrockypoint.com or call us at (813) 289-6262 or www.hiextampa.com, or call us at (813)287-8585.

Holiday Inn Express – Within walking distance of Cracker Barrel restaurant and located off I-75 exit 220 B from the south and exit 220 from the Tampa area and nine miles from Speedway we are offering a special summer rate of $79.00 (Valid July 1, 2008 to September 1, 2008), based on availability. For more information contact Susan Caron at 941-757-5556.

Homes4uu - Disney area vacation homes is offering all qualified travel agents a special "Fam" rate of $50 OFF our normal nightly rates - valid July-Sep, 2008. 3BR '"PRIVATE POOL" HOMES start at $119 per night - Sleeps 8 -- Contact Tracy @ Homes4uu to receive this special offer of simply e-mail homes4uu@aol.com -- www.disneyareahomes.com or call TOLL FREE at 888 746 5446.

Latigo Yacht Charters offers private cruises for 2 to 4 guests aboard a 60 foot motor yacht in Palm Coast / St. Augustine. Specialty cruises include Romantic Getaways for 2 nights, Custom Vacations for up to 7 nights and Wedding and Honeymoon Packages. All inclusive cruises provide meals, drinks, hors d' oeuvres, accommodations and water sports activities. $150 per night discount for 2 night cruises or longer. Contact Valerie Waine, Latigo Yacht Charters, www.latigo.net or cruise@latigo.net or call 386-445-4000.

Naples, Marco Island Everglades is offering the Paradise Coast VIP card promotion, http://www.paradisecoast.com/vip/, running through October 15 and offers visitors more than $3,000 dollars in savings at 77 participating hotels, restaurants, attractions, and activities. The VIP card is free to all visitors, can be used immediately, and is easily found at four convenient visitor center locations: the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Naples Association Visitors Center, Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce. http://www.paradisecoast.com/vip/, 239-225-1013.

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort is offering Marriott Hotel Excellence graduates, a discounted rate, breakfast for two, a room upgrade and special welcome amenity during the summer and fall. For reservations call 800-621-0638 and ask for rate code HSSA or contact Cheryl Shih by email at cheryl.shih@marriott.com

Regal Sun Resort - The newly renovated resort in the Walt Disney World Resort located directly across the street from Downtown Disney offers FREE Shuttle Service to ALL Disney Theme Parks, is offering Travel Agents 15% commission on all bookings made via the GDS. As well as the Special Travel Agent incentive, the Regal Sun Resort is offering a 20% discount to consumers/members of AAA & AARP or a 25% Florida Resident discount. For additional information visit www.regalsunresort.com or call 407-828-4444.

Sunstream Hotels & Resorts - From now through September 30, 2008, enjoy a special 15% commission on bookings to any of their six distinctive condominium resorts in Southwest Florida. Call 800-752-4544 and mention rate code SS1508. This offer may also be booked through the GDS or online at www.SunStream.com. If your clients are Florida residents, they can also enjoy in-state discounts of up to 40% off rack rates, with summer stays starting at just $99 per night. (Subject to availability; weekend rates may be slightly higher; restrictions may apply.)

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort - Take a short trip with our 4-Day/3-Night Staycation package...and we'll even include the gas! Discover the beauty in your own backyard with all-suite accommodations, daily breakfast, a $100 resort credit, a Beach Party in a Box and a $50 gas card...rates from $80 per person, per day. Call reservations at 941-383-6464 ext. 2187 or visit our website at www.colonybeachresort.com. Special travel professional rates from $139 for a one-bedroom suite. Call Shauna Ruby at 941-383-6464 ext. 2753 or email sruby@colonyfl.com for details and reservations.

The Island Inn - Enjoy miles of world famous shelling beach on Sanibel Island. Guest rooms and beach cottages include complimentary continental breakfast. Rates start at $142 per night single or double occupancy PLUS we pay the toll and clients staying 7 nights also receive $30.00 gas rebate. Over 100 years of Island hospitality is yours. For more information call 800-851-5088 or 239- 472-1561 or visit www.islandinnsanibel.com or e-mail at info@islandinnsanibel.com.

The Palm Bay Club - Travel Agent Special $109.00 per night for 2 Bedroom Bayside Condominium Vacation Rental. Valid from August 17th through September 30th, based upon availability. Directly on Siesta Key Beach, the Palm Bay Club offers a wide array of one, two or three bedroom condominium. For more information contact Carlin Strouse at 1.800.PALMBAY or www.palmbayclub.com.

The Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa

is offering a special travel agent rate of $109 plus tax and resort fee in a Deluxe Gulf Front Studio for the month of September (based on availability). Experience our resort and all its amenities! Call today to reserve a room 1-800-237-5786 and ask for in house reservation or visit our website at www.pinkshell.com.

Floridays Resort Orlando is offering a Visa vacation gift card promotion:
  • 2-bedroom Grand Suite - stay 4 nights get a 5th night free plus a $50 Visa Gift Card or stay 6 nights get a 7thh night free plus a $75 Visa Gift Card.
  • 3-bedroom Grand Suite - stay 4 nights get a 5th night free plus a $75 Visa Gift Card or stay 6 nights get a 7th night free plus a $100 Visa Gift Card. To check availability or to make your reservations call us toll free at 866-797-0022 or visit us on the worldwide web at www.floridaysresortorlando.com .
What's New

Bellasara Hotels- At the Bellasera Hotel in Naples, guests can awaken their connection to nature at the brand new Verde Spa, offering unique organic services with a tropical flair. Treatments and products all emphasize completely natural material (everything from the spa’s robes to cotton balls are made of organic material) in keeping with the Florida “Green Lodging” certification that the Bellasera Hotel attained this past spring. Verde, which means “green” in Italian, contributes a percentage of all services to the Conservancy Center of Southwest Florida. For more information or reservations, call 239-280-3443 or www.bellaseranaples.com

Big Cypress Marketplace The most unique flea market on the Paradise Coast will open in August 2008! Where you can shop and dine from a wide array of cuisine in our 7,500-square-foot food arena with entertainment stage and second-floor mezzanine, pick up a special bottle of wine from our Big Cypress Winery, enjoy a cold drink and a ballgame at Trails End Tiki Bar or The Swamp Sports Den, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the produce market - and just enjoy our beautiful environment featuring historic Florida photos, murals of The Everglades and shady brick patios. www.bigcypressmarketplace.com; 239-262-3210; clare@basikdevelopment.com.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando® is an immersive, larger-than-life experience that integrates the adventures of Seuss Landing™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme park right into the hotel. The two-room suites offer plenty of space for the whole family at 650 sq. ft.: a king bedroom for the adults and two twin-sized beds in the children’s portion of the suite, with access only from the children’s room into the adult’s room, not into the hallway. Special kid’s suites accommodations are also available at the other on-site hotels including new Jurassic Park-themed suites at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and music-inspired kids’ suites at Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando®. Visit www.UniversalTravelAgents.com to book or learn more.

Holiday Inn Express opened June 25th. Located blocks from Jacksonville’s pristine beach, the hotel features 82 luxurious guestrooms with one king or two queen beds and upgrades include KidsSuites and King Whirlpool rooms. For hotel information call 904-435-3000 or visit www.holidayinnjacksonvillebeach.com.

The Palms of Treasure Island is the newest luxury resort on the beach. For a limited time we are offering all travel agents 20% commission on stays occurring between now and October 15th. For additional information contact Travel Resort Services at 800-237-6586 or visit www.thepalmsofti.com.

Port Charlotte Microtel Inn & Suites opened in March 2008. The 86-room hotel is the first “green” Microtel with an ionized pool filtration system, ecosystem friendly laundry chemicals and energy efficient appliances. Guest features include free high-speed wireless internet access, free local and domestic long distance phone calls within the United States and complimentary continental breakfast. Additionally, the hotel features two on-site meeting and conference rooms with a capacity of up to 40 people. For more information call 941-624-6339 or visit http://www.microtelinn.com.





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