Disney an unexpected food Mecca....

  Say Disney World to the average person and visions of thousands of 5-8 year olds dressed in their princess or pirate costumes running down Main St. spring to mind. The last thing you think of is 4 star restaurants, romantic dinners, or great ethnic cuisine, but those and more can be found within the confines of the Mouse's house! At the Grand Floridian you have Victoria and Albert's. At the Waly Disney World Dolphin you have the renown Shula's Steak house, and Todd English Blue Zoo, plus many many more....

In EPCOT, the World Showcase offers a variety of choices from Moroccan to Mexican cuisine. There are buffets, sit down choices, and sometimes fast food at every country. One of my favorites is in the Mexican Pavilion, located deep inside the giant pyramid of the pavilion. You must walk through the Mexican village market to arrive at this wonderful restaurant. Modeled after a 17th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins, the San Angel Inn serves an array of zesty specialties.

From your table you have a magnificent view, as the restaurant is set right above the Gran Fiesta Tour, which is a calm, relaxing boat ride featuring the Three Caballeros - Panchito, Jose, and Donald Duck.  Don't let Donald fool you - the San Angel Inn Restaurante has outstanding, authentic Mexican cuisine in a magnificent, romantic atmosphere under a star lit sky.


The staff is fast serving, friendly, and very accommodating. The food is cooked to perfection. Highly recommended is the tortillas with sliced beef or chicken, which are delicious and very filling. Wash them down with a Mexican beer or glass of red wine. Save room for dessert, because a piece of flan is the perfect ending to every Mexican meal. Prices at the San Angel Inn Restaurante are very reasonable, considering the quality of food and setting. If you love authentic Mexican food, and I do not mean Taco Bell here, and want a beautiful place to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal, then San Angel is the place for you. Meals here range from $15 - $40.


Both the dinner and lunch menu are listed below for your convenience.
San Angel Inn dinner menu
San Angel Inn Lunch Menu

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Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas...Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship Review

Not long ago, this beautiful ship was the largest cruise ship on the high seas. Now she is somewhat dwarfed by the Oasis and Allure of the Seas. With the new ships drawing a huge segment of cruisers. Those wanting an awesome vacation with all the bells and whistles, can find a bargain on this and its sister ships. The ship is the namesake of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships, can accommodate 3,634 passengers and 1,300 crew on fifteen passenger decks. The ship has an interior promenade, with shops on either side. The ship has three swimming areas: an interactive water park, a dedicated adult pool and the main pool. There are two adults-only whirlpools cantilevered out from the ship's sides, the Royal Promenade sports, a coffee shop, Sorrento's Pizzeria, a Ben and Jerry's ice-cream shop, Vintage's winery, the Bull and Bear Irish pub, and many Duty-free shops. The 13th deck has a sports area with a rock climbing wall, the FlowRider (an onboard wave generator for surfing), a miniature golf course and a full size basketball court. Other items include an ice skating rink, a casino, a Johnny Rockets restaurant, Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the ship, flat panel televisions in all staterooms, and cell phone connectivity. It began operations out of Miami with its first cruise and maiden voyage on June 4, sailing to western Caribbean locations in Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica as well as Labadee, in Haiti, one of Royal Caribbean's private resorts.

This ship is a great fit for families. There is something for everyone to do. Whether you are grandma, who loves the shows and afternoon trivia, to Dad and his golf addiction, teen brother loves the teen club and the sports deck, while mom is in the spa with sister, and everyone is happy. The rooms are roomy, and on this ship if you can manage it, snag an aft corner room for a suite size room at a regular balcony size! There are plenty of dinning options to make everyone happy. This is the perfect cruise for the active family that wants to keep going to the beach bums who lounge by the pool (that's my family).

A family of four in a D1 balcony room April 10, 2011 is

• Guests 1-2: $1,219

• Guests 3-4: $799  

• Total- $4,036  USD

                           Call us now!

Gloria Caruso
Second Star Travel
1-(508)808-5995
www.secondstartravel.net

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

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The Walt DIsney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels.....Orlando Hotel Reveiws

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is your gateway to Central Florida's greatest theme parks and attractions. In fact, you'll be so close to Disney World that you can see the nightly fireworks over Epcot and Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Even the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Theme Parks are only a short ride away by complimentary shuttle. Beautiful surroundings, superior service, luxurious facilities and redesigned guest rooms featuring the Heavenly Bed, are among many of the amenities that attract so many people to these hotels.  The rooms are bright, airy and very comfortable, with many amenities. Once you sleep in a Heavenly  Bed you are spoiled for life. You can enjoy exotic treatments at Mandara Spa, 17 spectacular restaurants and lounges, five pools, a white sand beach, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf and many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Attractions and Extra Magic Hours benefit, exclusively for resort guests.

As a guest of our resort, you'll enjoy these special Disney benefits...

		Character Dining - Dine with the lovable Disney characters at Garden Grove. Appearances nightly for dinner and at breakfast on the weekends. Advance Tee Times - Available on four nearby championship Walt Disney World® golf courses. Priority Seating - At selected Disney restaurants throughout the Vacation Kingdom. Disney Tickets - purchase park tickets even before leaving the hotel (ticket desk located in lobby of each hotel). Free Disney Transportation - Enjoy complimentary scheduled transportation throughout Walt Disney World® Resort via shuttle buses and water taxis. Extra Magic Hours Benefit - Each day one of the four Disney Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to an extra three hours after regular closing so that resort guests can enjoy select attractions. Note: Valid Theme Park ticket and Resort ID required for each adult.

As a guest of the Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts you get Deluxe accommodations for the price of a Disney moderate resort. Since both hotels are actually Starwood properties, they can offer specials that Disney does not offer. At these beautiful resorts you can often get an Entertainment rate discount, AAA discount, Florida resident, military discount, as well as a teacher and nurse's discount. They also run sales and discounts through the year. There customer service is tops, as I can attest when my luggage got lost and they pulled strings and found it in Lima, Peru (thanks for nothing Spirit Air).

There are some Special Offers currently available-

AAA Members get 3 Ways to Save!
AAA members can choose from 3 extraordinary ways to save when staying at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Just show your card upon check-in and save!

Enjoy up to 15% off our best available rates.

Overnight accommodations + breakfast for two.

Overnight accommodations + $50 stay credit*

OUR BEST OFFER IS BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Bring the whole family to Orlando and enjoy 50% off our Executive one bedroom suites January 10 - April 30, 2011. Each suite features one king or two double beds and includes a separate living area with plenty of room to spread out!

Rates start from only $339 per night (reg.$600)! Hurry, this offer won't last and must be booked by February 28, 2011.

 Delight in Sun and Savings with this exclusive package. Book now for stays by December 23, 2011, and enjoy the following:

• 6th Night Free (applied at check out)
• $100 Food and Beverage Credit for every 6 nights reserved
• Complimentary upgrade based upon availability at check-in

Call us or email us for these bargains and more.

Gloria Caruso
Second Star Travel
1(508)808-5995
 gloria@secondstartravel.net

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

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Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique....a little bit of heaven for girls of all age

Occasionally I will have guest writers so my readers can have a different perspective on  different aspects of travel. Today's guest writer is 14 year old Angela Caruso.  She is reviewing Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a great experience.The staff (fairy godmothers in training) here turn everyone into a princess. There are three hairstyles from princess to pop-star, and the hairstyles can be done with hair any length. After getting your hair done, you can get pink or blue nail polish, and a light brushing of eye shadow, lip-gloss, and blush. To finish you can pick from a variety of dresses, shoes, crowns and accessories. You can even have a photo shoot! When you finish your "fairy godmother in training" takes you to the front of the boutique where you receive a pink sash and a bag of goodies.When you are leaving and exit through the center of the castle, you will truly feel like one of the princess'.

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Family Travel Predictions for 2011

As a travel agent who specializes in family travel, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely. I see family travel increasing as the economy and job growth goes up. Families are working harder to make ends meet, and need that time together to re-connect and join together. The family vacation is a must for busy families to spend time together away from life's everyday problems. Many vacations destinations have responded by either having sales, or by giving added amenities and family friendly incentives.

Cruise lines for instances have many family oriented features on their cruise ships. There are kids clubs on many ships that start as early as toddlers to 17. There are many activities that a family can do together like min-golf, bowling, games, sports, movies, pool time etc. Some ships even have characters from popular movies and television shows to entertain cruisers. So much to do in many cases, that you can't do it all on one cruise. Family suites for families to be able to stretch out in have also been added to many ships, so a family of 5 or six can now stay in one room together, often giving them a saving over getting multiple staterooms.

Destinations like the Disney or Universal Studios theme Parks have offered things like free dining, passes to skip long lines, and resorts with family suites or rooms that can hold 5 people. In 2012 Disney World will open a animation themed all family suites resort, Universal has the Nickelodeon Suites Hotel in Central Florida. Both having activities geared to families, from food courts to games. Disney offers Grand Gathering for families of 8 or more, with activities not offered to individuals. Both these parks gear almost everything to the average families liking.

Sandals a very popular family all inclusive resort has 65% off specials and 4th night free. They have also thought about the single parent and waived the 2 adults charge or single supplement fee for one parent traveling with their children. Their rooms can accommodate different size families and some rooms even come with your own butler!There are also kids clubs for the children to attend as well as family themed activities.

My prediction for 2011is that as the economy and families feel better about money and their future, and travel destinations accommodate families better, family travel is going to boom!

Gloria Caruso
Second Star Travel
www.secondstartravel.net
1-508-808-5995

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

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It's Jamaica Mon...no worries

My family and I were very leery when our first family cruise went to Jamaica. We had heard stories o people trying to sell you drugs, and of peddlers following you around. Do not get me wrong we had people following us around, and we weren't offered drugs but my husband was offered services!!!! We stayed clear and kept walking and are we glad we did. We have done two family cruise excursions. We loved climbing Dunns River Falls, and walking around there. The area is beautiful and people are very very friendly. What I recommend to everyone is Mystic Mountain Jamaica! You take a ski lift to the top of the mountain, as you go up you are looking down into a rain forest. You get to the top, and there is a beautiful park, a restaurant , a little shop and straw type market, a pool and the BOB SLEDS. There is a fee for the Bobsleds and it iis a great ride. You go as slow or as fast as you like, but let it rip and you won't be disappointed. The ride brings you back to the top, where you can go swimming in their pool, overlooking the cruise ships, do some shopping have lunch then ride the ski lift back. The entire thing is a hidden jewel for families. You can spend the day up there, and not worry about the peddlers and crowds. It s very pleasant. I recommend it as a must do to families with kids over 4 to kid 87. Go in the morning and stay all day until you ave to return to the ship if you want.

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

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Ten Reasons to take a cruise.

Top 10 Reasons to take a Cruise

1)Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.

2)Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3)Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4)Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you.

5)Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6)Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid...talk about hassle-free.

7)Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!

8)Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9)Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.

10)Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

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Should Airlines Compensate Stranded Fliers?

I read a timely news item today in the USA Today Travel section on hundreds and thousands of U.S. passengers stranded at airports and hotels unable to get home. Many of these people having to pay for extra days in hotels and food while just waiting to to book and get another flight to their original destination. Some airlines have waived their fees for re-booking flights, but they do not compensate passengers for the extra meals or hotel night they must pay for while they wait for their new flight. The article quotes passengers who waited 8 days just to get through to re-book a flight. Three hour waits on the phone and crashed websites only to find out when you got through, you could not be booked for days and were stranded. Customer satisfaction with the airlines seems to only be getting worse.


For families in this situation this can be a nightmare. Hotel, food and added car rental costs can skyrocket the budget. It you can't find a hotel then keeping the kids occupied, napped, exercised, fed, hydrated, and tantrum-free in the airport, while you wait can expensive and stressful. Not to mention work and school times that can really affect families.
As I sit here in Massachusetts while Logan airport is closed and the television is showing people sleeping at the airport due to the mayor storm outside my window, I wonder how it is that airlines can question people's reaction to them. My family decided long ago that if we can drive somewhere in under 8 hours we drive instead of fly. Between cost of flights, cost of luggage, cost of drinks and food previously free, time in flight, time at airport before flight and after, it is not worth flying for us anymore. As an agent so many of my customers feel flying for travel is a necessary evil, that can not be avoided.


How do you feel about airline customer service, especially when there are delays and cancellations? Do you think airlines should be doing more for their passengers?

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

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How the Disney magic did this to me.........

Ever watch the face of a child as they enter the Magic Kingdom for the first time, on a family vacation? Heck, even the second through 20th time? It is full of wonder and awe. It is excitement, happiness and magic all rolled up in one. That look is....what it is all about. There is so much to do....or not do at Disney, that everyone can have exactly the kind of family vacation they want without ever leaving the resort. From upscale resorts and restaurants to family favorite character breakfasts and resorts with three story Disney characters outside your door. My family can be riding Expedition Everest in the morning, para-sailing on the Seven Seas Lagoon in the afternoon and watching incredible fireworks in the evening while having yummy desserts! My children are not toddlers anymore, and teenagers can be hard to please, but they never say "no" to Disney. I knew I wanted to share this with others, and for years was doing it for all my friends and family. Then one day a few years ago a friend said to me that I enjoyed doing this so much I should do it for a living. That day I started looking into it and here I am.

My family loves to travel and though Disney is our first love, cruising the Caribbean and US destinations are our second, and we have gone over 7 cruises and visited many, many States. We share our experiences and our failures with our customers. We try to offer our customers the best family vacation for their money, like what we would do for ourselves. We search for discounts, coupons, and specials that will enhance your family vacation experience.

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

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Cozumel for a family vacation

Twelve miles off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is the small island of Cozumel, and a great playground for Families. From scuba diving, snorkeling, para-sailing, kite-surfing and deep-sea fishing, your family will find it all. If diving and the beach are not your families thing, you can explore the Mayan ruins, trek through the jungle paths and even take a dip in the island’s underground rivers and pools. Surprisingly enough, you can even ride a camel on the beach in Cozumel!

Climbing Adventure Park - If the kids in your family are looking for something new to try in Cozumel, then the Climbing Adventure Park may be for you. The park boasts climbing walls, a zipline, abseiling towers and a great beach club with snorkeling for relaxing afterward.

Punta Sur Park - Has white sand beaches with a reef for drift snorkeling and crystal clear water at Punta Sur Park ecological reserve.

Chankanaab Park - Famous natural park with lagoon, white sand beach, archaeological gardens, bar and restaurant. You can Also do the Dolphin Experience here.

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins - San Gervasio is the most important Mayan archeological site in Cozumel. The religious center was built as sanctuary to the Goddess Ixchel.

El Mirador Lookout - Take in the rugged natural beauty of Cozumel’s east coast at El Mirador lookout. The sea has carved an arch in the rock which you can climb on top of for great views.

Kiteboarding - Cozumel offers endless possibilities for kiteboarding. Olympic windsurfer Raul De Lille introduced kitesurfing to Cozumel and became the island’s first certified instructor.

Tulum - meaning "fence or wall", is one of the most visited Mayan sites in the Yucatan. The impressive ruins with its backdrop of the turquoise waters is just breathtaking and a great photo opportunity.

There is even a camel ride on the beach (offered by Shoretrips) followed by an all inclusive beach excursion one can take!

There is also shopping, free beaches catamaran tours and so much more in Cozumel, that you family will not have a shortage of things to do on their vacation!

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

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1 Night cruise to No where!

This is very cool. You can use it to test the waters if you are afraid of cruising. You can make it an extremely romantic evening out with your honey. Maybe even propose? You can check it out to see if your kids are old enough to cruise. It can be a great bachelorette party or bachelor party. How about a girls or guys weekend? An awesome birthday night or anniversary night. For as low as $79 plus taxes each for one night you can have entertainment, lunch, dinner, breakfast, a night club or show, babysitting, plus your room for the night, the perfect escape. It can be whatever you make of it...all this brought to you by Norwegian Cruise Line out of NYC on either 1/22-23 and 1/23-24 plus the additional dates added.

Each booking gets $50 www.restaurant.com gift certificate to use while in NYC!

Prices below are for the Category listed double occupancy (price is for 2 people, less for 4 in a room), for the date listed, including taxes.

1/22-23
Balcony room - $569.24
oceanview obstructed Guarantee- $509.24
inside - $469.24

2/11-12
Balcony - $459.84
oceanview - $379.84
inside - $359.84

2/12-13
Balcony - $569.24
oceanview - $509.24
inside - $469.24

5/7-8
Oceanview - $752.44
inside - $572.44

*Price subject to change without notice and correct as of 1/5/2011

Call us ASAP as rooms are going very fast.
gloria@secondstartravel.net
1-508-808-5995
www.facebook.com/secondstartravel1

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

Fill out the "contact us" form for your family vacation quote on our website!
Come join us  on Facebook for information on travel, sales, fun games, contests, triva and more...