Archive for September 2nd, 2010

Latest Disney World Auctions

Hey, check out these auctions:

Grolier Disney World Reading - Lion King 1994 First Edition #1111

US $1.95 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:59:25 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Grolier Disney World Reading - Mickey and the Beanstalk 1999 First Edition #11

US $1.95 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:59:28 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Grolier Disney World Reading - Mulan 1998 First Edition #1111

US $1.95 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:59:31 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Grolier Disney World Reading - Pocahontas 1995 First Edition #1111

US $1.95 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:59:34 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Grolier Disney World Reading - Tarzan 1999 First Edition #1111

US $1.95 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:59:37 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

5 Vintage 1982 Postcards Walt Disney World & Epcot Center Orlando, Florida

US $10.00 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 7:04:09 PST Buy It Now for only: US $10.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

NWT Boy's Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse T-Shirt - Size 5/6

US $15.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 7:05:24 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse Castle Collect Plate

US $36.00 End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 7:06:25 PST Buy It Now for only: US $36.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

NEW DISNEY WORLD PARKS STORE RAPUNZEL TANGLED COSTUME WIG BRAID HAIR PIECE

US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 7:10:18 PST Buy It Now for only: US $44.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Schmid Disney Character Music Box Mickey NIB H.Painted It A Small World VINTAGE

US $34.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 7:10:24 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Garden Aquatica

Image taken on 2010-07-02 13:00:46 by kenny_lex.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom 003

Image taken on 2007-12-20 15:51:59 by matt44053.

The Convenience of Orlando Vacation Rentals

Many people choose Orlando vacation rentals over hotels for their vacation in Orlando due to their convenience, particularly where children or larger groups of people are involved. Children in particular can get easily bored in the confines of a hotel room, and you don’t always feel relaxed when you allow them to roam the hotel or even use its pool without you being around.

Another problem regarding hotels and children is that of refreshments and food. Room service can be expensive, and kids like to eat and drink a lot at times not convenient for adults – like after midnight or early in the morning, before breakfast can be smelled cooking let alone eaten. Then you have the problem of the rooms themselves. Are you happy with your children on their own in a hotel room? You sure wouldn’t be happy if they were sharing your room, but what are your alternatives?

Not many if you insist on hotel accommodation for your vacation in Orlando, but a luxury vacation villa answers all of these problems, plus a few more. Take entertainment alone. You can’t always be out visiting the attractions in Orlando, and with children especially you will have to spend time in your accommodation in the evenings. Imaging if that was a hotel room!

Luxury vacation rentals in Orlando offer TVs in each room, most with video or DVD players, or even Blueray, plus at least one games console such as a Playstation or similar. With good sound systems and a main wide-screen TV with surround stereo sound, that should be enough to keep them occupied. If not, then there is always the games room with its pool table and table hockey, or even your own private swimming pool.

You have the privacy you need, and also a luxury kitchen with fridge and freezer, that you can use to rustle up a snack when needed or even a full family meal. You can’t do that in a hotel. You have to use room service when the kitchen is closed, and drink in the hotel bar paying the extortionate prices most charge. With an Orlando vacation rental you can buy your drinks at a supermarket and drink them by your own poolside.

That’s what a vacation should be about, not crammed into one hotel room – you don’t live in one room at home, so why do it on vacation? That should be a time for relaxing and pampering yourself, not a trial that frays your nerves when the kids get under your feet.

As for the Orlando attractions: many villas are within a few minutes of Disney and Waterworld, and there is a lot more to do than just that. Sure, much of Orlando entertainment is centered round Disney World, but there is also the Universal Studios to visit, and the golf courses are fabulous.

If you need to brush up on your game, there are a load of golf schools and academies in the area, including the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy at the Bay Hill club, and the Brad Brewer Golf School at Shingle Creek. Get some instruction on your swing while your partner takes the kids to Waterworld, then back to the villa for a great pasta or a few burgers. Maybe even a barbecue by the pool with a few beers. That’s what I call being on vacation! Golf, burgers and beer by the pool. Fabulous – just the thing to get your batteries recharged for another year at the office.

An Orlando vacation rental offers a convenience and luxury that you will find hand to beat with any other form of holiday accommodation. Quite frankly I find it hard to figure how some people could prefer a hotel room to a five or six bedroom villa with a luxury kitchen, dishwasher, freezer, TVs all over the place, pool table and everything else you could want.

If you have a bunch of people, like twelve or more, a vacation villa in Orlando is far better than any hotel room: you can all get together at night by the pool or in the lounge, talking, drinking and not having to worry about upsetting other hotel guests. Supermarket prices for your food and drink, although you can still eat out if you wish – there’s nothing stopping, and nothing to say you have to use your villa for more than sleeping in. A darn sight cheaper too – twelve of you could share a 6 bedroom luxury vacation rental in Orlando for only $210 a night – $17.50 each. Point made

Louisiana Crab Cake Sandwich

Image taken on 2010-01-16 12:19:12 by CWMc.

Lazy River (Blizzard Beach)

Image taken on 2005-02-22 16:21:50 by gnislew.

The Wood, The Legend: A Brief History of Cypress Tables

Cypress tables, though beautiful, rarely get a second thought. That is because few people are familiar with the diverse and interesting history of the wood that stems from ancient times. Also, because the tree is not indigenous to the United States, a lot less is known about how it stacks up to popular American species, like teak, cedar and oak. The following fact versus fiction set-up will help the potential buyer to make an informed decision before settling on anything else at the expense of cypress furniture.

Myth: Cypress trees are only found on Cyprus

Truth: Yes and no. The species is indeed native to the island of Cyprus, but it is also common to other regions in the Near East and Mediterranean. As a matter of fact, the cypress, Latin name Cupressus Sempervirens, was the tree of choice for Persian royal gardens thousands of years ago. Since then, the popularity of the wood has spanned the globe because of its attractive grain and durable nature. In the colonial era, cypress was often used to build homes, and today it is often seen in furniture, bridges, porches and more.

Myth: The oldest tree in the world is a Cypress planted in the year of Christ’s birth

Truth: This one is also a half-truth. The cypress species, a conifer in the family Cupresseaceae, is credited with having the oldest specimen in existence. It can be found in Soma, Lombardy, a region of Italy. However, researchers have found that the tree is in fact older than first believed, having been around for about 40 years before the birth of Christ. At an impressive 120 feet high, it is also the tallest known cypress tree. Another famous cypress, this one in Monza, Italy, measures 90 feet and is said to be 150 years old. Most trees, though, rarely grow above 50 to 60 feet tall, unlike some other towering hardwoods. A cone-shaped branch structure and short stem give the tree its unique and unmistakable shape.

Myth: Cypress is a softwood, and therefore no good for building

Truth: The truth is, cypress actually is a softwood, but because of its properties, is often grouped with and grown alongside hardwoods. The wood of the cypress tree is hard and durable, owing to its evolution in a variant climate. The straight, close grain of the wood makes it strong, while being naturally resistant to fungus, insects and weather damage. In addition, cypress tables are coated with cypressine, a naturally produced oil which preserves the wood and helps against cracking, warping and splitting. For building, the wood is ideal because it is lightweight and with few knots.

Myth: Cypress wood is not as good-looking as cedar or other richly colored woods

Truth: Completely untrue! Cypress tables can take on a lighter color, but the most common shade is a gorgeous reddish-brown hue. Over time, this color, like any other wood left untreated, will fade to an elegant grayish silver as a result of exposure to the sun. Besides, not many other woods can claim the lush, spicy aroma of cypress resin.

Myth: Cypress brings bad luck

Truth: This is also untrue. Cypress has gotten a bad rap because of its involvement in mythology. In Greek legend, it was associated with the underworld, grief and mourning. It also played a predominant role in ancient Roman funerary rites. In modern times, cypress trees can still be found in many Western and Muslim cemeteries. However, these negative connotations should not deter the buyer. Take chrysanthemums as an example. Considered by Americans to be a beautiful blossom which makes a great gift in bouquets, in Japan the chrysanthemum is given solely at funerals and is called the flower of death. Rest assured, cypress tables can do wonders livening up a dull room or patio setting. Though not as well known as American woods, cypress furniture is some of the most unique and worthwhile available on the market.