BATTLE OF THE THEME PARKS

Battle of the Theme Parks

2017 is proving to be quite a boon for the Theme Parks in Central Florida.  You know which ones I am talking about, and maybe a few parks you may not be aware of what they are up to.

We can start with the Volcano that is towering over the I-4.  Of course, I am speaking about Universal Studios latest attraction, Volcano Bay.  It is going to be a water park full of water rides and according to reports no waiting in long lines or carrying your inner tube around with you.  This is just the icing on the cake.  Race Through New York...Starring Jimmy Fallon...you can zoom around New York City Landmarks and more.   Not to be outdone...Christmastime is right around the corner and Universal will not fail you.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Muggles and students will be able to experience Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley with its Festive Holiday decorations on the buildings and within the shops of the Wizarding World.  Don't miss out on the mapped-projection technology that will "cast a spell" onto the castle and feature iconic moments from the films.

As you know we have our very own resident Disney expert.  Jerry Nordun,..He wants us to know that Pandora-The World of Avatar is opening soon.  You will be transported to the world of Pandora home of the Na'vi, full of bioluminescent plants and floating mountains.   You can travel down the Na'vi River or fly on a Banshee.....I would say...do both...

But of course, there are 3 other theme parks with Disney...Hollywood Studios is getting ready to blast off on a seven hour VIP guided tour of everything Star Wars.  The Magic Kingdom is launching a new Night time spectacular high above Cinderella's Castle with the most character appearances projected on the castle.  This is a must see.  There is so much to do and see at Walt Disney World...I can't even talk about it all in one blog...You just have to go...You won't be disappointed...but you better pace yourself.

I know Sea World has been making some changes and they have all been for the better.  They had the Seven Seas Food Festival...The Dolphin Nursery...nothing says cute like baby dolphins...They now even have an end of the day spectacular.   Don't think its only marine life...now you can ride on Mako...its supposed to be the highest, steepest coaster in the area.  If you never rode on Kraken you can now enhance your ride with Virtual Reality headsets....WOW!  And Sesame Street comes to Sea World,,,,

LegoLand  some of you have heard about whether you used Legos as a child or not.  They now have a Legoland Beach Retreat...and don't count out the Lego Ninjago The Ride....but you have to bring the kids...that's the only way you can get in.

Well that's about it right now for the Battle of the Theme Parks.  Now as you know my concierge of Podcast Travel has been on the road.  In the the beautiful state of Montana.  Montana has been one of those state that I still have yet to see and can't wait to visit.  However Jay has supplied us with some great pics and we had interviewed the Mayor of Virginia City and there is a wonderful camping program for the kids...MOSS you can hear more on my podcast

Next time I will have to join my team...Oh yeah did it tell you these picture were taken in May...so it is a bit chilly there.

If you have gone somewhere great and have some fun pictures you would like to share just send them to  me...So have fun traveling and if you want to get more information feel free to check out my website.   www.zeemichaelsontravel.com

NOT SO CROWDED NATIONAL PARKS

NATIONAL PARKS...YOU MAY NOT OF THOUGHT ABOUT...

With summer just about here and the urge to travel reaching its peak.  You may want to go visit some of our National Parks.  Now during the summer most of the National Parks are a little crowded but there are a few that are absolutely gorgeous and may not be as crowded. Now that being said...some of these parks may not be for the faint of heart.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park...It's our countries biggest national park.  Yes I said biggest....It is actually about twice the size of Massachusetts...Getting there is a bit much.  You need to drive five hours from Anchorage to the town of Chitina, then hop on a plane for a half hour flight...then you can hike across Root Glacier to the mile high Stairway Icefall.  Of course you can take the easy way and just to a "flightseeing" 

trip on a Wrangell bush plane.

Lake Clark National Park...Think 4 million acres of hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.....just one thing....No Road Access....you must fly in.  but once there stay at the rustic Farm Lodge....and enjoy puddle jumping....

Katmai Nation Park....Like bears....well this is the place to see them.  It is famous for its brown bears.  It is desolate, with a volcanic landscape similar to Iceland.  

Gates of the Arctic National Park...This is raw wilderness and the name gives away the location...it is entirely above the Arctic Circle.  Cold you betcha...You would fly from Fairbanks to Anaktuvuk Pass.  Its a village of about 400 people....but if you are into fishing there is some great fishing...you can cast for pike, salmon, and sheefish....

Now if you are looking for a getaway that may be a little more luxurious and a bit of an adventure, hop aboard Japanese newest train.  "Train Suite Shiki-shima"  it is a 10 car train and a four day trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido.  It features traditional tatami rice straw mats and bathtubs made from hiroki cypress wood in its executive suite.  It has two observatories with glass walls and ceilings to soak in the views.  Now if you are looking for this type of adventure...the top suites sell for $10,000 per person and right now the train is booked till March of 2018.  

So start putting together your wish list.  Check out all the World has to offer and if you need some help.  Check out my web site.  www.zeemichaelsontravel.com you may get some ideas