There is a Storm coming..... why are you standing there!

One thing I try to cover with all my Clients before they arrive in Central Florida is the weather they may encounter. July 3rd and 4th brought some typical weather situations for the Wet Summer Season  in Central Florida... Daily Severe Thunderstorms.  The skies darkened and was filled with lightning. Tourist and Locals stood in front of Cinderella's Castle Hub and snapped photos of the castle being struck by lightning.  While it may have gained some their 15 minutes of fame on the internet, it sure wasn't the brightest move. That picture or even staying in that spot to get the "best" view for fireworks sure isn't worth your life.
 
Florida is the Lightning Strike Capitol of the United States. While the number fluctuate every year, the numbers are the usually the highest in Florida for people struck by lighting. On our 2011 trip in August, we were across the street at SeaWorld when 8 people were injured at Discovery Cove by a Lightning strike. These people were "lucky" they weren't killed, but less than a month later at Adventure Island in Tampa, an employee evacuating a slide was killed by a lightning strike. Lightning is not something to mess with, so take cover when lightning is in the area.

Here are some really good tips about what to do during the storms that hit the parks and this applies to all parks.
1) Don't stand out in the open! Get indoors!!!!
2) Don't Rush for the exit.
3) Head into a shop and let the storm pass
4) Go to an indoor ride that has an indoor queue
5)Check out an indoor show
6) Don't wait at an entrance to be first in line for a ride to reopen.
7) Don't get on a boat
8) Don't take shelter under a tree
9) Get out of and away from pools
10) Don't hang out on your balcony

You are not Doc Brown trying to send Marty McFly Back to the Future. You aren't going to save the day with that awesome picture. When you get hit by lighting, your vacations is over, you won't get to see that amazing fireworks display or selfie with Mickey.  Be Smart and stay alive!

Top 11 Reasons to use my Services and Some Frequently Asked Questions.

Top 11 Reasons You should use my Services

11)   I do not add cost to your vacations. My planning services are FREE! That's right FREE!

Firehousefamilyvacations.com

10)    I make it easy to get a hold of me! You can always reach me via Email, phone, text message, or Facebook message. Sometimes I even Skype or Google Hang out with people.  I try my hardest to get back with people within 24 hours! My promise to you is, if I say that I will get you something by a certain time, I will get it to you on time, or sooner!

9)   I’m constantly monitoring for discounts that would apply to your Vacation. I put in a great deal of time researching promotions to see if you are really getting a discount or if it is just some marketing ploy to try to get you to book. That's right sometimes that big flashy promo is really no deal or savings. If you already have booked with me and a promotion with savings comes out that you qualify for, I will apply it to your Vacation. Once I get it applied to your Vacation, I will send you an email telling you how much money you’ve saved.(Please remember sometimes if you book a vacation, there can be restrictions that make changes unavailable or the new promotions may have restrictions you may not qualify for the promotion or discount. I will do my best to let you know if that would be the case when you book your vacation.)

8)   I’ll provide you with detailed assistance that you deserve and again that assistance is FREE! That includes everything from booking, monitoring for discounts, determining the best time year for you to travel, parks hours and refurbishments, to helping you determine which theme parks to visit on which days. I can also provide touring plans to maximize your time enjoying attractions, rides and shows, helping minimize your time standing in line.

7)  I have experience traveling with kids, large groups, adults only trips, and alone at various different times of the year. I also have been to theme parks with peak crowd levels that cause closures due to capacity and in the "off season" lighter crowds. Let me put that experience to work for you!


6)    Advanced Dining Reservations(ADRs) at Disney can be confusing and time consuming. We can discuss what you are looking for in meals and make a plan. Then you can sleep in and I will get up early when you hit your 180 day mark and Advanced Dining Reservations become available to make those reservations for you. Once they are complete, I will send you an email with the list of dining experiences that have been booked for you. If at any time you wish to make changes up, until your arrival, I can assist in making any changes that you  prefer along the way based on availability.

5)    If you are considering a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens vacation; there’s so much to do between the resort hotels and the theme parks than anyone could possibly experience all in one vacation. I have a vast first hand experience with all the theme parks in Central Florida and other theme parks across the country and will help you weigh your options and prioritize your choices so that your vacation fits your needs and wants.

4)    I love Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and all of Central Florida.I will always provide a  honest, and direct opinion of particular resorts, attractions, restaurants, and add on experiences. If I think something is a waste of your money or time, I will let you know.

3)    There are always "urban legends" about what Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or the cruise lines offer. I will give you the facts and research any questions you may have to get you the right answer. Not only do I have an expansive knowledge of the the theme parks and resorts, I also have vast network of resources to assist me that many other agencies don't have!

2)   There are many Vacation options that can be confusing or even missed, with that, I understand that vacation budgets can be tight. I also understand that sometimes you might be in the beginning stages of making a vacation budget.  I can work with you to see what you want out of a vacation so that budget can be established and/or try to stay with in your established budget. If it is a spontaneous trip, large group/family reunion, or a trip that is years in the making, I will work with you to help you find what is right for you!

1)   Unlike many agencies, I don't look at you as a client or commission check. I view you and treat you as a friend or family. I enjoy hearing about your vacation, experiences, and want you to enjoy your vacation!

The Current Hogwarts Express...Stay tuned something wickedly new is coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I see many other agencies posting or bragging about the number of Clients they are booking and when they are going on Facebook or their personal websites, Why don't you?
A: I respect the privacy of the people I book vacations for. I believe it is up to the person traveling to post if they are going on vacation and whom they have booked through. I also do this for the safety of those that are on Vacations. Unfortunately there are opportunists out there that do scour Facebook to find vacant homes to break into and posting that someone is on vacation could give them that information. I will only post what my clients give me permission to post and then I will not identify them by full name.



Q: Other agencies have a testimonial page, why don't you.
A: I am in the process of constructing a testimonial page to add to my website and will not post fake testimonials to try to entice people to book with me or use my services. Until I do get this page added to my website, I would be more than willing to contact my previous clients to see if they would give me a recommendation to you.

Q: Other agencies post deals and promotions before you do, why is that?
A: Posting a promotion before it is officially announced can is just asking for trouble. The people that are posting may not have the information correct and/or be completely wrong about the promotion that is coming out. Many Agencies lose their partnerships for jumping the gun on posting before an official announcement.


Q: Why did you get into the business and why do you specialize in what you do?
A: A couple of years back, I booked through a large national company that will stay unnamed  and was given extremely poor service. I walked in and told them what I wanted. They gladly took my money and gave me wrong information. They had no experience with the dining plan and the agent was confused when I asked if they could help with dining reservations. They got on the phone to see if they could do that and their answer was that they think they could, but it would cost extra. The agent was also telling my girls about attractions they could experience at Disney that were actually part of Universal. This left a bad taste in my mouth. So after several discussions with my wife, we  decided it was time to open up shop and to give it some personal character based on my profession of being a firefighter. I specialize in Central Florida and the Theme Parks because they have something for everyone. I love traveling there and some day hope to live there. I knew I could help people plan their vacations and have been successful at doing so.


Q: Why don't you post more cruise deals on your Facebook page or web page?
A: There are so many promotions that run with cruise lines and many times the promotions have very small windows for booking or a lot of restrictions to them.

Q: I emailed you but never heard back from you?
A: Sometimes my Emails end up in spam folders based on your email providers settings. Please make sure you add Matt@Firehousefamilyvacations.com to your safe list so it doesn't end up there. Make sure you check your spam folder at least 24 hours after you contact me to make sure the email has not end up there. If you prefer to be contacted by means other than email, please let me know.

Matt's Firehouse Family Vacations  Epcot 2013

Which Central Florida Attractions are best for you? Part 1

Most people know that Disney World is the big cheese in Orlando and Central Florida. Without a doubt since 1971 they have dominated the area. Since Disney rooted themselves on their 43 square mile goldmine, Central Florida has evolved around them and changed into what most dub the "Theme Park Capitol of the world"! There are more than 100 attractions in the area  that are competing for your vacation dollars and offer unique experiences for visitors, but which one is right for you? Here is quick and dirty breakdown of the some of the  player that make up the "Theme Park Capitol of the World".

Let's Wrestle!

Tourist Traps- There are tourist traps scattered through out the middle section of Florida. Central Florida is a mini golf mecca with many choices. Universal's Hollywood Drive-In Golf is one the newest and best themed in the all of Central Florida. Then there are the typical roadside tourist traps;each having their own gimmicks ranging from feeding the alligators to seeing authentic relics from the Titanic. Most of the tourist traps are a complete waste of money but their are some gems out there like GatorLand.
Audience-  All of these attractions are geared toward the entire family to try and separate you from your money. Proceed with caution with any of these attractions.

Dinner Shows- There are many dinner shows in the Orlando area. Some have been there for years, other open then quickly go out of business. Food is generally mediocre at these attractions and in essence you are paying for the entertainment. Some of the mainstays in the area are Medieval times, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Arabian Nights, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Each have their pluses and minuses.  All the shows menus vary, so checking their website would be advisable before choosing one. They all of course strive to be as popular as Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Hoop-Dee-Doo is so popular, it is best to book it 180 days in advance!

Audience- The entire Family. These can be a nice filler on arrival days, days in between theme parks, or when there is really bad weather. Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a great show for the entire family and has had unprecedented run! Teens to adults would more then likely enjoy Medieval times,  Arabian Nights, and Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. Families of all ages would more than likely enjoy Pirates Dinner Adventure and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.

Fun Spot. OK... Fun Spot can easily confuse people because there are 2 Fun Spots in the Orlando area. What started out as a go-kart paradises has grown and is posed to be even more popular in the near future. First there Fun Spot Action Park near Universal Orlando. Something that will cause even more confusion in the near future, Fun Spot Action Park is expanding majorly in 2013 and will be re-named Fun Spot America. They are adding 2 roller coasters, one wood and one steel along with a 250 ft SkyCoaster ride and a few other things. This will complement a large arcade, go-kart tracks, and some carnival rides.

She Lights up the Orlando Skyline!

Fun Spot USA which is near DisneyWorld has the he world’s tallest SkyCoaster standing over 300 feet tall. This bad boy is very impressive at night with it's LED Lightshow! This place has some nifty go-kart tracks, a  wild mouse coaster, and carnival rides. 

Audience-This is your above average tourist trap that is geared more towards teens to young adults.

LegoLand Florida- This is the new/old kid in the area. It once was Cypress Gardens, flourished for a while, died, got new owners who brought in rides, died; now has been revived and made into a decent player in the area and rebranded LegoLand Florida. This park is more of visual feast than a thrill ride park. While there are some rides, couple of Coasters, and a WaterPark; the prize of this park continues to be the old Cypress Gardens section and all of the Lego sculptures and Lego Branding that has arrived. This park can easily be done in one day and is located about an hour west of Orlando.

Audience- This park is branded towards and most enjoyed by families with children 10 and under. The park even encourages this to be a family park by suggestion that Teens should be accompanied by adults (BRAVO LegoLand!) Teens will probably get bored here.

Animals and Coasters how could you go wrong?

Busch Gardens- This park is by far the Thrill Ride park of  the "Theme Park Capitol of the World". Busch Gardens has an amazing collection of  Roller Coasters, other thrill type rides, and some children attractions mixed in. Throw in the Animals and lush themeing, this park is a true hidden gem worth the hour drive to get to! Here you can see Big Bird, play tug of war with a tiger, and challenge one of  the two Floorless Dive Coasters in North America. This park can be done in a day and might require an up-charge Quick Queue pass on busier days so you can spend less time in line and more time enjoying the park.

Audience- Teens to Adults that are thrill seekers will get the most bang for their bucks here. The zoo aspect and Sesames Street area of the park will appeal to children. The Sesames Street  area is small and usually pretty crowed for the youngsters. With a slightly larger children's area this place can be a well rounded family park. Even in it's current form, bringing the whole family is well worth it. 

Peaceful fun!

Discovery Cove-  This is an intimate park experience like no other. One of a kinda animal interactions with a controlled snorkeling environment that has the feel and amenities of an all inclusive resort. The number of guest are limited each day so the park doesn't get or feel crowded. You are in a "controlled" tropical paradise where you can interact with aquatic life, small mammals, and birds. Don't forget the Dolphins!(Dolphin interaction and SeaVenture scuba helmet adventure are additional charges) This park is a great day park and you will need to be pried away from it once closing time arrives. There are a some drawbacks to this park.The biggest being the price. It really is expensive but worth every penny! This park is also very weather dependent. If there a storms your not going to be in the water or with the animals. The water is chilly year round so be prepared for some shivers.

Audience- The entire family can have a blast here, but remember this is a very water based attraction.While there are places for landlubbers and non-swimmers to experience Discovery Cove, the intent was for you to be in the water. Teens to Adults will cherish this experience for a lifetime. The chilly waters and animal interactions maybe huge turn off for children. Dolphins can be scary duh!

Stay tuned to Part 2 and find out even more of what Central Florida has to offer.

Have you been to these places? What do you think of them? Want to know more, just ask!

Your Local SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Specialist!

You asked and I listened!

Many people have inquired about going to SeaWorld, Aquatica,  Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens and how to add it on to their vacation. I am pleased to announce that I am now a SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Specialist!

I can now book your SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Adventure Island Tampa, SeaWorld San Antonio,Aquatica San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Williamsburg,  Water Country USA Williamsburg, and Sesame Place Pennsylvania vacation!  

SeaWorld Parks are visual stunning parks that provide inspiring experiences with up-close exotic animal encounters. There also opportunities to  learn about endangered animals, marvel at innovative shows, challenge amazing rides, and to support wildlife habitat conservation, research, and education!

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment  have something for the entire family and sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Contact me today to see how I can help you plan the Perfect vacation any of these parks or to add them on to a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Vacation!

The Weather and your Central Florida Vacation

Disclaimer: The suggestions in this blog posting are just that suggestions.You should always follow the Directions and Warnings given by Weather Professionals and Medical Professionals . 


Like it or not, weather can have profound impacts on your vacation. It can leave you with a blistering sunburn, soaking wet, cold, injured, or even killed. Knowing this, it is always important to watch the weather when you are on vacation. In just about every state there is the cliche saying, "If you don't like the weather in(insert location name here), wait 15 minutes and it will change." Knowing the location you are traveling to can give you a good idea on what to expect, but  Mother Nature loves to throw you a curve ball and it always seems to happen when you are on vacation.

The weather even has effects on Pooh's friends.

 
Here are some things to take into consideration when traveling to the theme parks in Central Florida.

Obey the signs, they are there for a reason.

• Florida is the Lightning Strike Capitol of the United States. While the number fluctuate every year, the numbers are the usually the highest in Florida for people struck by lighting. On our 2011 trip in August, we were across the street at SeaWorld when 8 people were injured at Discovery Cove by a Lightning strike. These people were "lucky" they weren't killed, but less than a month later at Adventure Island in Tampa, an employee evacuating a slide was killed by a lightning strike. Lightning is not something to mess with, so take cover when lightning is in the area.

• Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and ends November 30th. While these dates are significant, hurricanes can strike Florida before and after these dates, but if you are planning to travel to Central Florida during these times, make sure you check your Trip Insurance policy and your destination’s policy about their procedures dealing with Hurricanes. Here is Disney's Policy. If you happen to be in the area when a Hurricane strikes, don't be that guy thinking they can get the vacation videos or photos of a lifetime, leave that to the weather professionals and news stations. Follow instructions given to you by officials and most importantly stay safe.

Even though it's pouring, not the best time to hop in the pool.

• Tropical Storms and Tropical Depressions can be just as bad as a Hurricane. Tropical Storms are well-organized storms with tight rotation and low centralized pressure with measured wind speeds of at least 39 mph. Once it has reached this point, it is assigned a name. They can dump a lot of rain in a short span of time, trigger tornadoes and fierce lighting.

 
 

Storm Heading in over Contemporary from Poly's Dock.

• Pay close attention when watches and warnings are issued; The National Weather Service issue these watches and warnings when conditions are favorable for the development of storms that can produce Tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning strikes. There are several apps for phones and tablets now available that allow you delayed radar information, this is one of the few reasons I agree with having one of these devices with you on your trip. Also remember just because you are familiar with how storms travel in your neck of the woods doesn't mean you can predict the direction of a storm or how quickly it is moving when you are at a theme park.

•  Just because it's cloudy and cool that doesn't mean you won't get sun-burnt. Always lather up with sun screen. I have been on trips where I have gotten a blistering sun tan, VERY painful. Bring along a hat and sunglasses as well. Hand held fans can be helpful and so can the little mist sprayers, but remember when you add water to your skin; it can magnify the sun rays causing severe burns or even wash away your sun screen, so make sure you continue to lather on the sun screen throughout the day.

 

Afternoon shower building and heading towards EPCOT

Storm about to unleash heavy rain and lightning at Riverside.

• In the spring, summer, and fall months plan for at least a thunderstorm every day. Sometimes they happen in late afternoon and are brief, but they can pack a wallop and bring torrential downpours when they strike. On our last trip, one evening we got 4 inches of rain within a half hour. The paths that formed the lines for the Tower of terror were literally small rivers. The storm formed nearly on top of the Disney property and came with little warning. The line for Tower of Terror was 20 minutes, when we got in line the skies were clear, by the time the doors opened on the drop shaft for our ride, the sky was so thick with rain you could not see more than 5 feet out of the tower. Even though we had planned for rain every day by having all our valuables in zip lock bags in our water proof back pack, I ended up losing my phone to the rain because it was in my pocket.  These storms do wonders for clearing out Theme Parks though. Remember Outdoor attractions will close in certain weather conditions. Some attractions will stay open if there is just light rain with no lightning, but remember riding a roller coaster in light rain may feel like you are getting a chemical peel from those rain drops.

See it does snow at Disney World

• It is going to be Hot and Humid. Plan on the heat because it can be very hot no matter what time of the year you travel. While the late fall and winter months can be very frigid and darn cold (it can snow and freeze iguanas out of the trees), it can be very warm also. With the warm comes high humidity. When these two combine it can aggravate health conditions (asthma, common colds, elderly, infants, and other ailments) so take a break in the heat the day. Make sure you are staying hydrated, find air conditioned retreats, and do more activities when it tends to be cooler like early morning or at night.

After the storms, some nice photo ops can happen

• The weather will cause travel problems. Just because it is sunny in Florida doesn't mean it won't affect your flights. Weather may delay or cancel flights into Central Florida. While a storm in New York, Chicago, Denver, or any major hub will cause hic-ups across the country. Foggy conditions in portions of Florida cause roads to be closed by  brush fires or thick fog.  Torrential downpours from storms can leave I-4 at a standstill. There is even what is called Florida Ice on the road that can happen in long dry periods. Roads can become very slippery as if you were driving on ice.

Remember you are on vacation and weather will be part of your vacation. There is plenty of indoor activities and rides that you can partake in during bad weather. Make sure you make the proper preparations for all types of weather, even for the sunny days.  Have fun, don't become a statistic. 

My Top 10 (um 11) Roller Coasters

I love Roller Coasters and love to ride new and old ones. My top10 list is not static but is dynamic allowing for it to be changed after riding something new, either a new build or from a new park that I visit. The coaster doesn't  have to be a monster in height or bust records to be my favorite, though I love those one trick ponies, it's overall ride experience that places a coaster on my list. Coaster rankings are something that people will argue about and people will go to great lengths to promote their favorite coaster. I like to read other top 10 lists, not only to see what other people think, but to start a bucket list of coasters that I would make a trip to ride.

Here are my current  Top Ten Roller Coasters

Cheetah Hunt just under the Sky Ride hop. Great Family coaster

#10 is a tie between  Wild Cat-Cedar Point  and Cheetah Hunt- Busch Gardens Tampa..... Why the tie? The Wild Cat is a great, small, classic coaster the whole family can ride over and over. It has nice twist and turns, couple of nice airtime dips, there aren't too many out there like this anymore.This is a coaster my daughter and I make sure we ride every trip to Cedar Point.  Cheetah hunt is very scenic with quick changes of directions and bursts of speed. It makes you feel like you are a Cheetah on the hunt. I would consider this a family coaster compared to it's older sibling  that will come up later in the list. My 6 year old niece and 8 year old love this coaster. Look forward to riding this over and over again as a family.

Hold on as you drop into the underworld and world's longest tunnel on a roller coaster

#9 Hades- Mt.Olympus......The uniqueness of being submerged underground for long periods of time in the pitch black twisting, turning at 90 degree angles, and the two drops into the underworld, places this on my list. Hades is getting really rough even for a wooden coaster, the Wisconsin winters are not easy on this monster. Hades needs some love, but is worth a ride.

Gone from the Shores of Geauga lake but still thrilling people at Kings Dominion

#8 Batman: Knight Flight- Geauga  Lake/ Six Flags World of Adventure  now know as Dominator- Kings Dominion...... At Geauga Lake/ Six Flags World of Adventure, this had a wonderful location on the shores of Geauga lake. It was a great addition to the park offering a smooth ride, wonderful feet choppers being floorless, and having one MASSIVE loop.  I have not been fortunate enough to ride it in its new location, regardless if its near a lake or land locked, its gonna be a great ride.



#7 Manta_ Seaworld Orlando...... Theming , flying, g forces, and more theming make this the best flyer coaster I have ever been on. The beautiful Que helps to make the wait for this ride go. It is as fun to watch as it is to ride.

Beautifully themed flyer, very photogenic as I prove here with my camera skills

#6 Maverick- Cedar Point This coaster is the older sibling to Cheetah Hunt.  Many coaster enthusiasts jeered this coaster when it was announced. I was skeptical as well, but from my first ride, Maverick will probably always have a place on my top 10 list. This coaster doesn't need heights to give thrills. The airtime hills, quick inversions, beyond 90 degree drop, terrain hugging layout, and tunnel launch make this a must ride coaster.

I am not a professional photographer, but this shot of Maverick's first drop against  the twilight sky is almost as amazing as the ride.

The Top 5

Let's hang for a minute with  Sheikra  before we drop.

#5 Sheikra - Busch Gardens Tampa ......The first and only dive coaster I have been on. Nice concept, great build up. well worth the wait for any coaster fan.

This is only the First 3 hills..........

#4 Shivering Timbers- Michigan Adventure..... It's a rough tough out and back wooden roller coaster that has amazing airtime and doesn't let up until you hit the brake run, a shocking find at such a small park. This coaster dominates the skyline at Michigan Adventure and is very photogenic. Coaster fans would flock to Timberfest to get rare night time rides on this bad boy.... the only lights on the coaster come from the parking lot.....

Montu Can go under Ground, Raptor can only rule the sky

#3 Montu-Busch Gardens Tampa..... While  Raptor rules the sky at Cedar Point, this coaster beats the raptor hands down with landscaping elements, ride experience, and smoothness. By far the best inverted coaster I have been on.

Magnum diving into the sunset

#2 Magnum Xl-200- Cedar Point... Many have been built taller and longer, but the views and airtime on this first coaster to ever top 200 feet still can't be beat in my book.

















#1 The Beast at Kings Island....No matter what time of the day it's going to be hard to top this coaster. With a long ride time out into the woods and in a valley this coaster lives up to its name.  Not much of this coaster is visible from the park, the low lighting conditions, multiple tunnels and lifts make this a very memorable ride. I love night rides as well day rides on this classic. Love the howl through the helix!

The Beast will swallow you whole Day or Night!

I would enjoy hearing your list of top ten coasters leave a comment about them in the comment box below.

My Bucket List of Coasters I want to ride.

The coasters at Dollywood.
The Coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Six Flags Magic Mountains' Coasters
HolidayWorld's Coaster Collection
Indiana Beach's Coaster Collection
Dorney Park's Coaster
Hershey Park's Collection
Kings Dominion's Collection
Carowinds Collection
Knott's Berry Farm Collection
X-Flight at Six Flags Great America
Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags over Georgia.
And the one that will be the hardest to achieve.... Hard Rock Park/Freestyle Music Park if it ever reopens.