1. Travel

Cool Off at Florida's Water Parks

Wet 'n Wild

It is HOT in Florida during the summer months! If you and your family need to beat the heat, why not cool off at some of Florida's hottest water parks? They're overflowing with some of the wettest, wildest attractions for splish-splashing fun!

Or Visit a Florida Beach
Florida Travel Spotlight10

Gaylord Palms' New Family Water Park

Tuesday May 22, 2012
Cypress Springs Water ParkJust in time for summer, Gaylord Palms Resort has opened its new family fun water park — Cypress Springs. The new zero-entry pool area features a multi-level tree house with four awesome water slides, plenty of gurgling springs, an over-sized water tipping bucket and an outdoor movie theater.

Shrek

Also, this summer enjoy special 1- or 2-night Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends packages that include a bountiful ShrekFeast buffet breakfast, the Madagascar Crack-a-lackin' Pool Party and Splash 'n' Screen Movie (both at the new Cypress Springs Water Park) and DreamWorks surprises for the entire family! Rates start at just $209/night.

More about Gaylord Palms and Orlando:

Photos © Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com

Ron Jon Surf Shop Opening New Store In Clearwater Beach

Monday May 21, 2012

Continuing their expansion in Florida, Ron Jon Surf Shop is opening a new stand-alone store in Clearwater Beach this Thursday, May 24. The all-day grand opening event festivities on Thursday will feature free giveaways. Also, visitors to the store from Thursday, May 24 through Monday, May 28, will be invited to register to win one of 10 $50 Ron Jon gift cards. Winners will be randomly selected on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 and the gift cards will be shipped the same day.

The new store is located just north of Pier 60 and the round-about at 377 Mandalay Avenue on Clearwater Beach.

Car Masters Weekend Rolling Into Downtown Disney for Second Year

Saturday May 19, 2012
Car Masters Weekend Logo

Lots of fun will rev up at Downtown Disney in two weeks — Saturday and Sunday, June 2 & 3, 2012 — as classic cars meet the car stars from Disney-Pixar's animated motion picture "Cars 2." Lightning McQueen, pal Mater and master British spy Finn McMissile are racing into town for meet and greets during the second annual two-day Car Masters Weekend. Car fans are sure to delight in a family-friendly weekend devoted to all things cars, that includes activities from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day at Downtown Disney's West Side:

  • More than 100 classic muscle cars are expected to line the Downtown Disney promenade as the local Muscle Car Network of Cental Florida displays their muscle and exotic cars for families and judges to view. Guest will have the chance to vote on their favorite car to win the "People's Choice" and "Kid's Choice" awards.
  • Automotive designer, Chip Foose, will make special appearances as one of the car show's guest judges. Foose contributed to the design of Ramone in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" film, will also be on-hand for a signing of his Cars-inspired images, including Doc Hudson, Lightning McQueen, Flo, Ramone and Mater. Ridemakerz
  • Put the pedal to the metal with Ridemakerz model cars.
  • Vehicles from the new Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway will be on display.
  • Cars fans can purchase tickets and cool off at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 Theatres for an all-day movie marathon featuring the 2006 Disney-Pixar "Cars" and 2011 release "Cars 2" films.
  • General Motors will display their latest Chevrolet models, including the Corvette Grand Sport, Camaro Convertible and the Volt.
  • Disney face painters and tattoo artists will be on hand with special cars-themed designs. Also, special "Cars" merchandise will be available throughout Downtown Disney.
  • Finally, enjoy the sounds spun by a DJ and the tastes of local food trucks.

Read more:

Make reservations now for Disney's Art of Animation Resort, which will roll out the opening of its Cars-themed wing of family suites on June 18. Staying at this new value resort has its perks.

Photos © The Walt Disney Company

Exclusive Exotic Driving Experience

Friday May 18, 2012
Exotic Driving Experience

Extreme, exhilarating, exciting, extraordinary and extravagant all define the experience of getting behind the wheel or even riding in a FERRARI, LAMBORGHINI, AUDI or PORSCHE during an Exotic Driving Experience. This incredible encounter, developed by the Richard Petty Driving Experience team, is currently only available at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando.

I'll give you a hint, ladies. This thrill-of-a-lifetime experience would make a great Father's Day gift!

Photo © The Walt Disney Company/Matt Stroshane, Photographer

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