Mousejunkies!: Tips, Tales, and Tricks for a Disney World Fix: All You Need to Know for a Perfect Vacation (Kindle Edition)

Far more than one obsessed travel writer-s take on Walt Disney World, Mousejunkies! is a collection of amusing travelogues and savvy insider-s tips gleaned from a group of seemingly rational adults who find themselves inexplicably drawn to the Magic Kingdom. It covers all the essential topics – when to go, where to say, what to do, and where to eat – as well as experiences not found in other guides. Readers learn how to indulge in an all-day beer and football orgy at the r (more…)

Mousejunkies!: Tips, Tales, and Tricks for a Disney World Fix: All You Need to Know for a Perfect Vacation (Travelers’ Tales) (Paperback)

Far more than one obsessed travel writer’s take on Walt Disney World, Mousejunkies! is a collection of amusing travelogues and savvy insider’s tips gleaned from a group of seemingly rational adults who find themselves inexplicably drawn to the Magic Kingdom. It covers all the essential topics — when to go, where to say, what to do, and where to eat — as well as experiences not found in other guides. Readers learn how to indulge in an all-day beer and football orgy at the (more…)

Popular Ski Resorts in Usa

For winter sports enthusiasts, there is nothing better than rushing down a mountain on freshly snow-covered slopes. To help you find the right ski holiday that will fulfill your craving for an outdoor adventure, here is a list of popular ski slopes in the United States:Breckinridge, Colorado

One of the better known Ski resorts in Colorado, Breckinridge totals 2,358 acres and has 155 trails. Its longest trail, Four O’clock, reaches a length of 3.5 miles and the resort spans over more than 10 peaks. Of the 155 trails this resort hosts, 36-percent are expert slopes, the largest percentage of slope difficulty, and 13-percent of the slopes have the easiest designation.Aspen, Colorado

Located in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen, Colorado, is the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort. Sitting on 673 acres, Aspen Mountain is one of the smallest ski resorts around. It utilizes Aspen Mountain and Bell Mountain which has an elevation of 11,212 feet.Killington, Vermont

This ski resort is the largest resort in the eastern part of the United States. Utilizing Vermont’s second highest mountain, Killington Peak, this resort sports 200 trails and 33 ski lifts spanned over seven mountains. It is estimated that nearly 17,000 people will visit Killington Ski Resort on a good day.Park City, Utah

This tourist destination is home to three different ski resorts, Park City Mountain Resort, the Canyons Resort and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain Resort covers 3,300 acres and has 104 trails. Canyon Resort, the bigger of the three, runs on nine mountains, totaling 3,700 acres and 155 trails. Deer Valley Resort recently underwent a nine million dollars renovation to add 200 acres and nine new slopes Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

Lake Tahoe, located on the Nevada-California boarder is home to Heavenly Mountain Resort. It features 95 slopes over 4,800 acres. At an elevation of 10,067, this resort is host to Lake Tahoe’s highest peak. It is the largest ski resort in California, with a total of 33-percent of its land developed.Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains is home to more than ten different ski resorts. The largest one, Camelback Ski Area, has 33 slopes and covers 139 acres. At an elevation of 2,133 feet, its steepest slope is 800 feet. Located in close proximity to Camelback Ski Area is Jack Frost Big Boulder Resort. This ski area is two resorts combined into one with nearly 30 different ski slopes.

Ski Resorts for the Rich & Famous

Photographers follow celebrities every where they go, from the grocery store and the nail salon to a night club and even the doctor’s office. But where do celebrities go when they are looking to hit the slopes? With hundreds of ski resorts located all across the world, the rich and famous look to go to the most elite and fabulous resorts they can find. Here is a list of ski resorts that celebrities have either been spotted or call their home. Aspen, Colorado

If you’re looking to share the slopes with a wide variety of celebrities, than look no further than a ski holiday in Aspen, Colorado. Located in the Rocky Mountains region, this ski resort town is the home to many celebrities. Because of its quaint atmosphere, celebrities levitate here to get away from the hustle and bustle associated with New York City and Los Angeles. John Denver once had a house in Starwood, which is within close proximity to Aspen. Singer Mariah Carey has also visited Aspen, spending the last few Christmas holidays there. Other actors and actresses that call Aspen their home are Kevin Costner, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jack Nicholson, Felicity Huffman and Michael Douglas.Sun Valley, Idaho

I small town with only approximately 1,400 residents, many celebrities flock to Sun Valley to get away from their hectic lives. Sun Valley utilizes Bald Mountain which has a 9150 feet incline and a 3400 feet vertical drop. Ernest Hemingway has been said to have stayed in suite 206 of the Lodge during the fall of 1939. During his stay, Hemingway finished one of his most famous novels, For Whom the Bell Tolls. He became a part-time resident of Sun Valley for approximately 20 years and in 1966 a Hemingway Memorial was constructed about a mile from the lodge. Other celebrities known to make their way to Sun Valley include Teresa Heinz Kerry, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Across the Atlantic Ocean and nestled in the Alps is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. The Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France is home of the world’s longest ski run, the Vallée Blanche, which is 13.7 miles in length. This resort features the highest peak in the Alps, as well as the second highest peak in Europe. Situated at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the resort became famous in 1924 when it hosted in the Winter Olympic games. Since then, the rich and famous have not been able to stay away.

A Guide to the Aspen Recreation Center

While the Aspen Recreation Center closes just before 9pm, there is quite a bit of enjoyment to be had here after a day on the slopes. If you get there right after leaving the slopes, and eat a late dinner – after the center closes – you will have plenty of time to enjoy what the ARC has to offer. The climbing walls at the center are the biggest attraction. The ARC features approximately 3100 feet of climbing walls for your enjoyment. There is also a 3-D climbing tower with more than 25 routes and four auto belays. Another nice feature at the Aspen Recreation Center is the pool area. The James E. Moore Pool area features two pools. One pool is 25 yards in length and features six lanes, while the other pool is for recreation and has a two story slide, a lazy river, and spray features. You will also find a dry sauna, a steam room, and hot tubs in the pool area. The Lewis Ice Arena is also located at the Aspen Recreation Center. Completed in the Spring of 2003, the arena features an NHL regulation size skating surface, grandstand seating for 450, a skate shop, locker rooms, and shower rooms. Public skating, skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult hockey, and skating shows are available. You can also host private parties at the arena. High altitude training is also offered here. You will also find cardio and weight rooms at the center, and many fitness classes are also offered. The Aspen Recreation Center hosts many off-site activities in the Aspen area as well, such as golf, tennis, climbing, aquatics, sailing, skateboarding, ceramics classes, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, and various camps. Babysitting services are available at the center as well. This place is a great way to wrap up a day of activity and wind down before your evening meal. Again, the Aspen Recreation Center closes just before 9pm, so make sure you head there right after leaving the slopes for the day. Admission for guests is $13 for youths and $15 for adults. Admission includes access to the climbing towers, swimming pool area, ice skating rink, weight room, cardio room, adult fitness classes, water aerobics, climbing wall and playhouse, and tennis courts. The Aspen Recreation Center is a great place for every member of the family. Call ahead to find out about any planned events that are going on for even more entertainment options.

The Future of Sin City – See Whats Coming to New Las Vegas

2007

The Palazzo Las Vegas — The Palazzo hotel will be a 50-floor luxury tower with approximately 3,025 luxury suites. The hotel lobby will feature a 60-foot glass dome, multiple two story fountains, imported marble, bronze case columns and special custom wall finishes. Guests arriving from the street will enter the domed entry lobby while those approaching from the Venetian Casino Resort will make the transition through a towering octagonal structure, itself topped by a glass and decorative iron dome. The floors throughout will complement the spaces with numerous interlocking patterns of polished veined marbles and colorful inlay strips. The landscape will be made up of palm trees, tailored paintings and exotically shaped topiaries.

2008

Trump International Hotel and Tower — Trump International Hotel & Tower has raised the standard of luxury to an unprecedented level. When you enter your suite, you’ll be taken aback by stunning views of the New York skyline and Central Park. In fact, you may forget you’re also just steps from Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue and the most spectacular restaurants, shops and entertainment in the world.

2009

Las Palmas Hotel and Residence — Set to become the city’s largest non-gaming luxury hotel, the Las Palmas Hotel & Residences will be erected across the street from the Wynn Golf Course, just south of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

CityCenter — Las Vegas is a true 21st-century city, and by 2010, the Las Vegas Strip will have a futuristic new look, typified by the new Project CityCenter. The 66-acre development is being created by MGM Mirage as a mixed-use urban center that appeals to local residents as well as tourists. Project CityCenter, which will be located on the site of the Boardwalk Hotel-Casino, is still in the developmental process. The initial design phase is scheduled to take about 18 months. The first phase of the project will include 1,650 luxury condominium-hotel units along with a 4,000-room hotel-casino; three 400-room boutique hotels; and 550,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space. Construction of the first phase will take approximately 42 months, with an opening anticipated in 2010. Project CityCenter will be located on Las Vegas Boulevard, between Bellagio and the Monte Carlo. U.S. Highway 95 and Interstate 15 provide access to other locations in the Las Vegas valley.

Encore – the tower will be a $2.1 billion, 2,034 room hotel project adjacent to the existing resort and on the remaining frontage of Las Vegas Blvd. Originally envisioned as an expansion of Wynn Las Vegas, Encore will be a full-scale resort and is set to open in the first quarter of 2009. The hotel will feature a 74,000 sq.ft. casino, several restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. As of March of 2007, construction was on the 18th floor, and will be about 60 floors when complete, making it approximately the same height as the Wynn.

2010

Echelon Place — Echelon Place is Boyd Gaming Corporation’s replacement for the Stardust Resort & Casino. Echelon Place has an estimated cost of $4 billion with construction beginning in 2007 and the opening in 2010. The $4 billion price tag would make Echelon Place the second-most expensive hospitality industry development ever.

Nighttime Entertainment in Aspen

No matter what time of year it is when you visit Aspen, there is always something going on – even in the off season. The town is small, but there are usually several types of entertainment offered each evening in different parts of the small town. Generally, you won’t have to search too hard to find some entertainment – but it is better to know exactly what is going on all over town, so you can choose the Aspen nightlife that best suits your interests. First, call the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen a few months before your trip if possible. Ask them what events are planned for the time period that you will be there. Events are usually scheduled well in advance, and finding out about these events well in advance will not only help you to better make your plans, but it will also allow you to purchase needed tickets in advance. Nothing will be more disappointing than arriving in Aspen and finding out that your favorite band is in town for a sold out show! Events can come up at the last minute as well. Upon your arrival to your lodge or hotel, ask the concierge about events that will be taking place during your stay. If you have already contacted the Chamber of Commerce, you will know most of what is going on around town – but there may be a few surprises in store for you. Don’t forget to check with the Chamber of Commerce offices in nearby towns and villages! Snowmass is a village that almost seems to be a part of Aspen – but it isn’t. Contact the Snowmass town hall to find out what events are scheduled in the village during your visit. Have a plan before you arrive in Aspen. Use Internet resources, as well as the information that you learn from the various Chambers of Commerce and your lodge to plan your daytime and night time activities while you will be in Aspen. Again, there is always something to do in Aspen, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will waste a lot of time trying to decide what you want to do. While you want to go in with a plan, leave a day or two open – with no plans. Use these days for shopping expeditions or simply take a quiet walk through the quiet Victorian neighborhoods. Go to a restaurant that isn’t in your plans, or spend some time in the Great Room at your lodge. There is always something to do…but sometimes, it is nice to have nothing to do as well!

Your Introduction to Aspen’s Sneaker Ball

You may have been to many balls in your lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls, and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado, you are missing out on all the fun! Known as ‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East Dean Street every March. Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a celebration of Reebok shares trading on the stock market for the very first time. This black tie event was much like other balls – but everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first Sneaker Ball was born. The following year, Al Gross decided that this was the kind of party that people really liked – but instead of being limited to white Reeboks, the idea would be for the guests to wear formal gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where people know how to party – and thousands of people from all over the world fly into Aspen to attend. One of the nicest things guests like about the Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a program designed to help inner-city kids. These kids are brought to Aspen to experience what life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t even realize that places like Aspen really exist. Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too bad considering that the money is for a good cause. People from diverse backgrounds attend the Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are there, infamous people, and people who are neither famous nor infamous attend – and every one has a fantastic time. The party gets started at about 9:30pm and ends around 1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in various locations throughout Aspen. If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your chance! You will rub elbows with the famous, show off your custom designed sneakers along with your formal wear, and dance the night away – and all for a very good cause.  This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and purchase your tickets right away. Also check with the various hotels and lodges to inquire about package deals and get your reservations set before everything is sold out!