Airline Travel Made Easier

Traveling these days, especially when flying, is a lot different from just a couple of years ago. There is some good news that will help ease the stress that sometimes accompanies airline travel. The Department of Homeland Security unveiled measures aimed at easing the aggravation associated with air travel, including new screening machines, clearer standards for identification, so Grandma is less likely to confused for a terrorist in this year's trip to Orlando.

Michael Chertoff, the Homeland Security secretary, said the measures aim "to take security to a new level, but also to take convenience to a new level, to eliminate some of the persistent irritations that are a constant source of complaint."

Where new "millimeter wave" scanners are part of a system the department calls Checkpoint Evolution.

"Another thing the checkpoint uses is whole-body imaging. ... This technology allows us to detect any item concealed in a person's body," Chertoff said.

The scanners clearly reveal all the contours of a person's body through clothing. This is the most controversial tools of the three because an image of the semi-nude bodies is visible to complete strangers, but the TSA and Department of Homeland security both believe that having the security personnel, faces scrambled, and images in another room circumvents the concern.

The department also announced standard criteria for accepting passenger identification: "Beginning May 26, 2008, federal or state-issued photo ID will be accepted if it contains: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature."

There also new steps in place to solve the problem of someone having the same name as those on the "watchlist"

Now that you've learned that it is even easier to getaway from it all, now is the time to book that flight and come on down to Florida!

Blizzard Beach Summer Fun

Nothing like a bright sunny day with fun filled day planned at the water park. The Orlando area offers three major water parks that are sure to keep everyone wet and wanting more! We've got one for you that you are sure to like!

Blizzard Beach is regarded as one of the best water parks that Orlando has to offer. It is located at the World Famous Disney World Resort and is jammed packed with water fun.

The Summit Plummet is a extreme water ride where you can reach speeds up to 65 miles per hour by dropping straight down 120ft. From the top of the Summit Plummet you can see a view like none other with all 4 Disney Parks, the Sky Coaster in Old Town.

For the less adventurous of us there is the Slush Gusher, which will still take you up to speeds of 35 miles per hour, and will have you catching air on both humps.

Don't feel like climbing the stairs all the way to the top of the mountain? Take the only Chair Lift in Orlando to the top!

When you want to relax and get some sun go round and round on the lazy river.


So when you come to visit this or any other Orlando theme park, make your stay a "USA Stay" with USA Vacation Homes and Spa.

Welcome Convention Guests To Orlando!

Each year the city of Orlando and Central Florida hosts conventions for everything from automotive to zoology. We thought we would help our readers by letting them know what conventions are slated to be in the area and what you can do around town when visiting.


Enjoy the top spots in Orlando to eat up and go out. Don't let the nightlife in Orlando pass you by. Enjoy world class cuisine and metropolitan chic clubs on you next visit to the area for convention.

Try a vacation home on your next visit to the area and experience your own private pool, and comforts of home. You can even bring your pet! Let USA Vacation Homes and Spa make your next convention a relaxing, private and comfortable one.



Conventions for June 2008
NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
BEST BUY HOLIDAY ACHIEVERS 2008
PHOTOSHOP WORLD
IBM TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE
JOHN EDWARD SEMINAR
MARY KAY CAREER CONFERENCE
CAMPUS INSIGHT 2008
INTERNATIONAL CAR WASH ASSOCIATION
HISPANIC BUSINESS EXPO
CELEBRATION 2008
USANA HEALTH SCIENCES
FLORIDA SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSN
CELEBRATE ORLANDO
2008 Premiere Orlando Beauty Show
Orange County Convention Center - June 1-2, 2008 - 43,000 attendees
WORLD OF HURRICANE PROTECTION EXPO

Top Rated Places to Eat in Orlando
The Oceanaire Seafood Room: 9101 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Harp & Celt Restaurant & Irish Pub 25 S Magnolia Ave Orlando, FL 32801

Dan Marino's Tavern on the Lake
6996 Grande Ave, Ste 200, Orlando, FL
Part upscale, part sports bar, Dan Marino’s new location is a welcome addition to MetroWest.

Maggiano's Little Italy
9101 International Dr Ste 2400, Orlando, FL
There's nothing little about Maggiano's Little Italy. In fact, this huge new restaurant in Pointe Orlando does everything big, but diners with more ladylike appetites can order half portions of heaping pasta plates.

Brix
151 E Washington St, Orlando, FL
This trendy hot spot serves bubbling fondue--both chocolate and cheese--to hungry hipsters downtown.


Nightlife:

1. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819


Cover Charge: $$1 - $15
Music: Rock
Top 40
Varies
Dress: CC: Casual
Food Served:

UNIVERSAL. Looking for a colorful, high-spirited spot to kick back? The atmosphere at this bar and restaurant is hard to beat! Each night a live band plays Caribbean-inspired tunes, rock and top 40. Prior to showtime, Buffett's played all day, and he also makes several video "appearances." With the help of a few margaritas, the decor – complete with fishing rods attached to booths – transports you to the carefree tropics. The menu offers a wide range of island-inspired fare such as lobster and shrimp salad, the famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and Cuban meatloaf.

2. Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba

1478 E Buena Vista Dr, Downtown Disney® West Side, Walt Disney World® Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 · 407-939-7600
2008 Editors' Choice - 10Best Bet Award Winner

Cover Charge: $$$$$50+
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN DISNEY ®. Billed as a "theatrical ride for the senses," La Nouba is one of a handful of permanent Cirque du Soleil shows. Consistent, rave reviews make the show, written and directed by Franco Dragone, a must-see for the whole family. The theater is set up so that each spectator has the best possible view, and performances live up to their reputation, featuring unbelievably magical talents. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.


3. Independent Bar

70 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 · 407-839-0457

User Rating: Rating: 4 / 5 (Rate It)

Cover Charge: $$1 - $15
Music: '80s
Alternative Rock
Metal
Rock
Dress: BC, C, TBC: Business Casual
C: Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. This hot nightspot has cashed in on its unique outdoor patio and gorgeous view of downtown Orlando. The rowdy young crowd dances to retro 70s and 80s music, indie rock, or top 40 tunes, depending on the evening. Occasionally, live bands play outside on the patio. Tasty on-site pizza keeps late night snack-attacks at bay.
4. Fantasmic

Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, MGM Studios, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 · 407-939-3463


MGM STUDIOS. Held in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, this short musical drama culminates in a fireworks and laser show. Mickey battles Disney's most infamous monsters to the backdrop of dynamic song and dance numbers derived from the movie "Fantasia." Spectacular waterworks, giant video screens and a large cast enhance the production. Space is tight at this extremely popular event, so come early.



5. House of Blues

1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Downtown Disney West Side, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 · 407-934-2222

User Rating: Rating: 4 / 5 (Rate It)

Music: Varies
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN DISNEY ®. One of Orlando's most popular live music venues, HOB (as it is called by those in the know) offers top-level live entertainment and a brilliant Mississippi Delta-inspired menu that features everything from jambalaya and étouffée to fried catfish and pork chops. HOB has a variety of stages, including an outdoor garden stage, an intimate jazz lounge inside and the grand main stage, where national acts perform. If architecture and interior design are your things, then you'll definitely want to tool around the eclectic bars and dining areas. Sunday's Gospel Brunch is not to be missed! Brunch reservations required.


6. Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom

6000 Universal Blvd, Universal Studios Citywalk, Orlando, FL 32819 · 407-224-2262

User Rating: Rating: 5 / 5 (Rate It)

Cover Charge: $$1 - $15
Music: Reggae
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual
Food Served:

UNIVERSAL. Want to get into that island frame of mind? Then you definitely need to get yourself over to this cool Jamaican-themed nightspot, famous for its great reggae rhythms and terrific food. Grab a seat in the courtyard area, order a rum drink or Red Stripe and let Bob take care of the rest. At some point, you'll want to tour the inside of the club and check out all of the Marley memorabilia hanging on the walls. 21 and up after 9pm.

7. Jax Fifth Ave Deli & Ale

3400 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 · 407-999-8934

User Rating: Rating: 5 / 5 (Rate It)


Dress: CC: Casual
Food Served:

NORTH ORLANDO. Hip and healthy, this sandwich shop doubles as a popular hangout after dark. Well-heeled young professionals and students are lured to Jax to enjoy the exceptional variety of beer—over 200 available-- and chow down on scrumptious wraps and pita sandwiches. Happy hour drink specials fill seats, and six TVs keep everyone occupied, especially at game time.

8. Pat O'Brien's

6000 Universal Studios Plz, Universal Studios Citywalk, Orlando, FL 32819 · 407-224-2100

Music: Piano
Dress: CC: Casual
Food Served:

UNIVERSAL. Walking through O'Brien's front door is like stepping onto Bourbon Street, and the Orlando location of this bar is modeled after the New Orleans original, complete with patio, flaming fountain and dueling piano bar. In fact, O'Brien's claims to have invented the concept of "warring pianos," so be sure to take in the show. While you are enjoying the music, sip on O'Brien's other claim to fame: the Hurricane. Other popular drinks are the Purple People Eater and the Skylab. Be sure to bring a designated driver because these mammoth cocktails pack a punch! Casual dress.

9. Club Firestone

578 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801


Cover Charge: $$1 - $15
Music: Disco
Euro
Hip-Hop
House
Latin
R&B
Reggae
Rock
Techno
Top 40
Dress: TT: Trendy
Food Served:

LOCH HAVEN PARK. Yes, one of the best nightclubs in Orlando is actually located in the same building that once housed a tire distributor – thus the name. Firestone offers an expansive (more than 13,000 square feet) space and some of the best indie, electro, hip hop, house, Latin, rock and reggeton beats you can imagine. The floor is flanked on all sides (and above) by silver railings and scaffolding, creating a post-apocalyptic look. The most exciting nights tend to be Saturdays, when the club features an 18+ event slate that's never the same from week to week but is always as loud as it is fun. The Club also features occasional live acts.

* More Details
* Map It
* What's Nearby?
* User Reviews
*

10. SKY60

64 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 · 407-246-1599

Music: Hip-Hop
Soul
Techno
Dress: BC, TBC: Business Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. Beautiful 20- and 30-somethings strut the floor of this rooftop bar and groove to hip hop, soul and techno. The stylish, cabana-inspired bar offers tantalizing tropical cocktails such as the mojito and pepperita. Guests sit on white beach furniture while they take in the magnificent scenery (views of downtown Orlando aren't bad, either!) and savor the many flavors of the evening. Dress to impress, or you'll likely feel out of place.

courtesy www.10Best.com