Short Motion Studios

Long Beach is a relatively large city located in Southern California, on the Pacific Coast of the US. It is positioned just 20 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles, giving it a close proximity to attractions such as Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and Catalina Island.

The city is also home to the Port of Long Beach, which is one of the world’s largest shipping ports. Extremely popular with tourists from across the globe, it is where action begins and the fun never stops. Its spectacular seaside locale and dynamic culture ultimately make it Southern California’s waterfront Playground. With so much to see and do it will be tough deciding where to start, so here are a few hints:

1. Aquarium of the Pacific

Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean when you visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. Easily Long Beach’s most valuable attraction, this aquarium is home to more than 12,500 animals that come from many of the world’s oceans. Embark on an underwater adventure of the predators of the ocean as you marvel at the amazing sharks that dominate the aquarium. If this seems a little too scary for you, why not take a voyage on the wildlife and whale cruise, which will take you to the other monsters of the deep.

While at the aquarium you should also pay a visit to the Animal Vision 3-D spectacular extravaganza that will have you and the kids exclaiming in amazement. Your entire experience at the aquarium will be one that you can treasure and take with you on the rest of your exploration of Long Beach.

2. Museum of Latin American Art

If you have a passion for Latin American Art, or you simply wish to browse some of the country’s finest masterpieces, drop in at the Museum of Latin American Art for a cultural experience to die for. This museum is the only museum in the western US to exclusively feature art of this kind, and its location in the East Village Arts District makes it even more special. The museum is home to significant permanent collections, dynamic exhibitions and related cultural and educational programs. Popular exhibits include A Bridge to the Americas, Sculpture Garden, Spotlight and Of Rage and Redemption: Art of Oswaldo Guayasamin. This is unique cultural experience that will delight you and open your mind and heart to the wonder of Latin American art.

3. Shoreline Village

All those shopaholics out there are going to fall in love with Shoreline Village, as it is home to a massive collection of quirky shops, souvenir stores and restaurants. This boardwalk will take you right along the water’s edge, providing a constant reminder of the seaside atmosphere here. While strolling along you will come across a carousel and fun zone for the kids, live entertainment, beautiful views of the city and dynamic sunsets. Although it will be tempting, be sure not to spend all your money because you are going to need them for all the other adventures you will have here.

4. Rancho Los Alamitos

This historic site was part of a massive Spanish land grant in 1784 and today serves as a living history museum. The structure itself is comprised of 6 agricultural buildings, a working blacksmith shop, magnificent gardens and a rambling abode ranch that was built in 1800. This is lovely place to spend a relaxing afternoon, as the atmosphere here is laid back and pleasant. It is also a great place to learn about some of the rich local history, giving you an interesting insight into Long Beach’s past.

5. American Museum of Straw Art

The mission of the American Museum of Straw Art is to foster an understanding of the straw arts in all of its complexities, through various exhibitions of cultural significance, folklore, history and technique. The museum is most popular for its showcasing of straw hats and bonnets, Swiss Straw Lace, woven straw elements, straw applique and the coiled straw technique. The gift shop is also popular because it sells some rare merchandise that can be found nowhere else.

As you can see, Long Beach offers more than just a beach lifestyle. Although this is a pleasant element of the city, it is nice to experience a cultural diversity that is surprising and delightful at the same time. This is definitely the place for your next Californian holiday.

What to do in Orlando…What to do in the Orlando Disney area.

Orlando is one of the top tourism destinations in the world. the Orlando Disney area is home to some of the worlds best theme parks. There are dozens of wonderful attractions in and around the orlando disney area. It features Walt Disney World with Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios and Sea World. Not to mention all the water parks that are in the area. People come from every continent to take in these famous theme parks, and especially to go to disney World..

But do you know there there is another side to the Orlando disney area? You see, the Orlando Disney area is a city full of unexpected smaller attractions, that you might want to take in when you want something a little different or just a break from the crowds at the Disney World parks and Universal Studios.

How about a romantic boat cruise? The River Boat cruise along the St. John’s River. This is not the jungle cruise of Disney, but a cruise worth taking never the less. We also know it is not the Mississippi River, but the “Rivership Romance” cruises along the St. Johns River, providing a first-hand connection with Florida’s rich, natural heritage. Great food, a little dancing some romance and a lovely sunset await you on the St. John’s River.

The Green Meadows Petting Farm, an animal adventure located in Kissimmee. Lots of different animals your children can pet and enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Every child loves to pet animals. No, this will not replace Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World, but it might make a nice little break in the middle of the Disney excitement, and it is just a short distance south of the Disney park.

The Sleuth Mystery Dinner Thearter. Its no wonder why this place packs a full house. Participate in a great murder mystery and be delighted with the food and the show.

The Blue Spring State Park, home to over 100 manatees. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. Join the fun, its summer at Blue Spring State Park, hot days, cool refreshing spring water, and a great opportunity for kids and parents to cool off in the spring.

Last but not least we have Al Capone’s Dinner show, A Taste Of Chicago. The old time gangsters return to give a fun evening of excitement, Chicago Style. You could wind up eating with a gangster or two, be forced to give up your wallet (in fun of course) or have your seat taken away…but don’t worry they are relatively harmless. Just be prepared for when the police burst in on your dinner to make a bust on perhaps one of the gangsters that was at your table. This is a truly a living tribute to the legendary Gangland Chicago, and you are invited to participate in the action.

These are terrific places to go in tthe where everybody can have loads of fun. It is a shame that these gems live in the shadows of Disney World and Universal Studios because they are attractions worth visiting any time of the year. But now that you have read this, they are no longer a secret to you and yur family. Be sure to pay these a visit when going to the Orlando Disney area. You can visit us at http://www.officialtraveldisney.com to find some great deals to the orland Disney area.

 

Everyone has heard of spring breaks for college students in Florida, but now spring break is becoming an event for the whole family. The Orlando Family Spring Break ? offers families the perfect atmosphere to take a break from busy work and school schedules and features major new attractions, special events, and family-friendly cultural activities. The family spring break for 2008 is the sixth one in this series and several new theme park attractions will be open when visitors come to Orlando.

Seaworld is opening “Aquatica” and the park also offers close animal experiences with thrilling rides and whimsical underwater adventures, and journeys from serene to extreme.

Universal Studios has a new ride which promises a uniquely hilarious journey through Springfield with the Simpson family and Simpson family fans are sure to be delighted by it.

“Block Party Bash,” an interactive parade featuring over 20 Disney?Pixar characters and the latest “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage” show, featuring characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) Jungala at Busch Gardens Africa is a new 4-acre attraction set in a lush landscape, featuring exciting signature rides, a family climbing area and exotic animal interactions.

In addition to the attractions at the theme parks Orlando has a number of spring festivals and special events that are ideal for families. Your can enjoy the Annual Central Florida Fair at the Central Florida Fairground, April 17-27, where the carnival like midway is packed with games and rides for the whole family.

Do you like pies? Then go and devour endless samples of pies April 19-20 at the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration. Festivities include cooking demonstrations, children’s pie making, pie-eating contests and the Never-Ending Pie Buffet.

Spring is strawberry season and the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, February 28 – March 9, celebrates the fabric of American life through ethnic traditions, contests, and top-name entertainment, together with an abundance of juicy strawberries.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens presents “Hippity Hop Adventure” March 22-23, when kids receive a free bunny tail, win prizes, enjoy face painting and more as they discover clues along an adventure trail leading them to the Easter Bunny.

Orlando’s cultural scene has plenty of offerings to enlighten and entertain the whole family. A classic children’s book comes to life when the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre presents “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” February 23 – March 16. Or, you can embark in an interactive song and dance extravaganza by connecting the clues with Steve, Blue, Goldilocks and many other favorite storybook characters in “Blue’s Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place” presented by the Orlando Repertory Theater March 7-30.

Engage young travelers in the enchanted land of make believe and happily ever after when the Orlando Ballet presents “Fairy Tale Princes and Princesses” March 15. The event, part of the Family Series, provides the ballet experience in less than an hour and offers behind-the-scenes interactions including learning how a tutu is made and a ballerina meet-and-greet.

The Orlando Spring break is the perfect way for families to spend quality time together and enjoy themselves in sunny Florida. For helpful hints to plan an Orlando vacation, along with attraction information, visit orlandoinfo.com/springbreak While in Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row. The Official Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.