Congratulations to Nick from Lancashire, England, our third winner of Trip of the Week and recipient of a Frommer’s day by day guide to Italy.

Nick built this family-friendly trip to Orlando, Fla., on TravelMuse to enjoy with his spouse and two sons. It definitely looks like fun!

Why are you taking this trip?
We have two sons, ages 15 and 10, who are pretty active and aren’t the types to laze by the pool for two weeks baking under the sun. After doing the Disney bit back in 2007, we realized that this style of holiday provided just the right mix of relaxation and excitement that would give the whole family the kind of break that we all needed, so we returned in 2009, this time focusing more on the non-Disney side of Orlando.

When considering the cost to take our family of four from England to the usual hotspots of Europe, a trip to Orlando, when planned right, can be more cost effective and we get to stay in a top class accommodation too. It was pretty much a no-brainer where we would end up in 2010. Add to the mix the new Harry Potter attraction and we’re sure to have a great time

What are you most excited about seeing/doing on your trip?
I’ve always loved Sea World and the great conservation work that they do there, plus the kids are quite looking forward to the new Harry Potter attraction at Universal. We have some friends staying a short drive away when we are there and we intend on taking a drive down to their villa to spend some time with them before they set off home.

Some new slides in Aquatica should help keep us entertained, and we can’t wait to get back on the Rip Ride Rocket at Universal, as it had only just opened last time we were there and we only got one ride.

Any other interesting facts you care to share?
Plan, plan, plan.

I’ve learned through plenty of research that you can have a great holiday at the Orlando theme parks without a great deal of waiting in line. The secret is to go on the right days because some parks are busier on certain days than others. The time of day is also important, so plan carefully.

Though it may sound ridiculous, many of the top restaurants like the fabulous California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Mama Melrose at Disney’s Hollywood Studios book up well in advance, so we phone ahead months before traveling to reserve our place.

Have fun in Orlando with your family, Nick! Sounds like you are quite the Orlando expert. Great tips!

*****

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I’ve always been a daddy’s little girl. In fact, I credit him with instilling in me my love for travel and adventure. At as young as four, I would accompany my dad on day hikes in Point Lobos, located three miles south of Carmel, Calif. At the age of 12, he had put me through scuba diving certification classes and was taking me wreck diving in the Cayman Islands. Father’s Day is the perfect day to thank him for all he’s done for me.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Photo: mikebaird

With the date fast approaching (mark your calendars: June 20), the pressure is certainly on to start planning your Father’s Day agenda. Here are four great Father’s Day ideas that can be shaped to fit your budget and needs. So whether you’re planning a fanciful foreign affair or keeping it low key and local, your dad is sure to recognize how much you appreciate him.

Wine Tasting
Sometimes, there is no better way to bond than over a glass (or a bottle) of exquisite wine.

• Extravagant: Take your father to Napa County for the ultimate wine-lover’s getaway. With an ample amount of first-rate hotels, spas, restaurants and, of course, wineries, your father will enjoy the good life this Father’s Day.
• Budget: Napa may be one of the premier destinations for wine lovers, but there are incredible wineries across the world. Check out the local wineries in your area or in a near-by town. Some offer free wine samples, while others charge-but even if you shell out some cash, at an average price of $30 per tasting, you’ll still be giving your father an affordable and enjoyable experience. Be sure to search for wineries that offer wine tasting dinners for a special treat.

Plan your wine tasting vacation on TravelMuse.

Camping
Taking your dad camping will not only make for a great Father’s Day gift, but it will enable you to bond and rehash all of those camping trips he dragged you on as a youngster.

• Extravagant: Enjoy the great outdoors at Yellowstone National Park. Reserve a campground, dust off your camping gear and be ready to hike and explore with your father. Don’t miss Old Faithful! For some bonus points, surprise him with a cool camping gadget or a day of fly-fishing.
• Budget: Wherever you are, a great state park or a near-by campground is never more than a drive away. Pack up the car, pick up some BBQ essentials and fill the cooler with some ice-cold brews for a relaxing and memorable Father’s Day.

Plan your camping vacation on TravelMuse.

Sailing
There’s nothing that makes a person feel more alive than the open water. This Father’s Day, plan a sailing adventure for your father.

• Extravagant: The capital of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola, is a water lover’s paradise. Its pristine waters are perfect for all sorts of aquatic activities, but Tortola is known for being a sailing haven. Stay at the luxurious Nanny Cay Villa in the marina, the perfect outlet for popular sailing areas that include The Baths, Jost Van Dyke, and The Bight.
• Budget: Plan a day trip to your nearest body of water. Investigate local companies that offer sailing lessons if you and your father aren’t exactly the seafaring types. Learning a new skill with your father will bring you closer together and provide fun memories for years to come.

For more tips on sailing in the British Virgin Islands, read “Learning to Sail in the British Virgin Islands.”
Plan your sailing vacation on TravelMuse.

Golf
Dads and golf go hand in hand, so why not hit the links this Father’s Day for a little friendly competition.

• Extravagant: Orlando has certainly made a name for itself within the golf community. With more than 125 golf courses within 45 minutes of downtown, there will certainly be no shortage of places to impress your father with. Take him to play at some of the best known courses in the Unites States, such as the Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge.
• Budget: Most towns these days seem to have a county club for its residents to enjoy. Take your dad out to hit 18 holes (or even just the driving range) early in the morning and follow the game up with brunch and mimosas at the clubhouse.

Plan your golfing vacation on TravelMuse.

What are you planning on doing for your dad this Father’s Day?

Harry Potter enthusiasts have been waiting (patiently?) for the Orlando-based Islands of Adventure theme park to release the newest batch of details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction—including the anticipated opening day.

Hogwarts_LR Hogwarts Castle. Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando.

The attraction is set to open of June 18, 2010. Fans will be able to tour Hogwarts castle, including Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, the Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom, the Room of Requirement and more.

In addition to the grand opening date, Universal Orlando also released the first-ever details of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Take a look at the exclusive film that was shot specifically for the ride, which condenses the “chaos of Harry’s life” into a ride.

Read our previous Wizarding World of Harry Potter blog post for more details on the attraction.

Plan your trip to Orlando, Fla., on TravelMuse.

For up-to-date information, visit www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

The Harry Potter books and movies transported the imaginations of children and adults alike to an enchanting world of adventure and wizardry. Soon, you’ll be able to physically transport your brood to the magical world of Harry Potter—no broomsticks required.

Yesterday, Universal Orlando Resort, along with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, disclosed the first-ever details on the Harry Potter-inspired attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Set to open in spring 2010 at Islands of Adventure in Orlando, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will bring J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series to life for fans to experience first hand.

Hogwarts Castle. Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando

As you enter through the front archway at Hogsmeade, the characters, locations and magic of Harry Potter will materialize right before your eyes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will include the following attractions:

• Hogsmeade station, where the Hogwarts Express will arrive amidst billowing steam

• Zonko’s joke shop, where you can buy Extendable Ears and Sneakoscopes

• Honeydukes, which sells candy and treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans

• Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head, where you can sample British fare and sip drinks like Butterbeer and pumpkin juice

• The Owl Post, where you can send letters to loved ones with a certified Hogsmeade postmark

• Ollivanders wand shop, an interactive experience where the wand chooses its wizard

• The magical instruments and equipment shop, Dervish and Banges, that sells Quidditch equipment and Triwizard apparel

• Dragon Challenge, a twin high-speed roller coaster featuring many elements of the Triwizard Tournament

• Flight of the Hippogriff, a family ride that simulates a Hippogriff training flight

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a state-of-the-art attraction using brand new technology to bring the stories of Harry Potter to life in a new and innovative way

• Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, which sells Harry Potter-inspired souvenirs

Flight of the Hippogriff. Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando.

For up-to-date information, visit www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

Read more about Orlando theme parks in our “Orlando: Theme Parks and Beyond” article.

Plan a trip to Orlando, Fla., on TravelMuse.