Pilot dies, passenger affects Hollywood ending

by Tom Johansmeyer on

They say that the vast majority of problems you’ll encounter while flying are during takeoff. That’s what happened to Doug White and his family. Pilot Joe Cabuk’s head fell back, and he died.

In a display worthy of a Hollywood script, White got on the radio and was walked through the landing of the King Air in which he was promoted from passenger to captain. It did help that White had a pilot’s license, though he had never flown this particular type of plane.

And, he got his license in 1990 … and hadn’t been in the cockpit in 18 years.

Thirty minutes after leaving the ground, White returned “Niner Delta Whisky” – the craft’s name in airplane parlance – back to Earth. Though all were stressed, none was injured.

For his success, the once again pilot credits “focused fear.”

Orlando offers “Deal of the Week”

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Orland’s “Bundles of Free Smiles” campaign just got a little more interesting. Now through the end of June, you can take care of the “Deal of the Week” to squeeze a bit more value out of your trip – up to $100 worth. For the first two weeks of this program, it could be three times that!

First, go to VisitOrlando.com/smile by April 17, 2009. Book four nights at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The fourth will be free, and you’ll get a room upgrade (pool view) and a hot buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids under 12.

More deals are sure to follow, and the catch is that your trip has to take place this year. Keep an eye on these Orlando deals as they change: once a new one’s up, the old one expires. You can pick up the latest updates on Twitter.

Photo of the day (4/2/09)

by Kent Wien on

On this day in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon arrived in Florida. Nearly 500 years later, the view has certainly changed. This long exposure shot by ohad* is a good example of the transformation. The reflections on the water and the illuminated sky make for a nice effect. I’m sure this shot was taken from a solid platform to get the long exposure. A dock perhaps?

It’s been a while since we’ve featured a shot by ohad*, a prolific contributor to Gadling’s Flickr photo pool. Here’s hoping we see some more.

Are you a Flickr user who’d like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling’s Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!

Mascots needed for Miami Seaquarium Easter celebration

by Tom Johansmeyer on

If your parents told you your career at Chuck E. Cheese was a dead end, you can finally flaunt your possibilities. The Miami Seaquarium is ready to make your dreams come true. Its annual Easter Egg Hunt Celebration starts Friday, April 10, 2009 and runs through Sunday, April 12. To make the event come to life, the Seaquarium needs mascots, and that’s where you get involved.

You can bring your own costume! The celebration is open to mascots of all kinds. Throw your funny animal into the mix, and you’ll get to ride in a truck every day at 11 AM for a special ceremony – along with famous Miami Seaquarium personalities such as Flipper the dolphin, Lolita the killer whale, Roc the crocodile and Maime the manatee. You won’t be the guest of honor though. Come on, how could you upstage the Easter Bunny?! To assume your spot, you’ll have to get to the park a half hour before the festivities begin.

For those not dressed for the affair, the Easter Egg Hunt activities start at 10 AM and run until 4 PM.

New B&B deals offer savings around the world

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The bed and breakfast community will probably put a hit out on me soon, if the comments from my last article are any indication. But, I’ll take my life into my hands and cover the latest news from BedandBreakfast.com anyway.

Under the new “Tanks for Traveling” program, BedandBreakfast.com members will be able to save some cash on their travels this year. I’m not crazy about the name of the program, but it probably resonates with the cutesy B&Bers.

B&Bs in around 40 states – not to mention the Caribbean, Canada, Italy, France and (wow!) Croatia – have found north of 150 ways to help their guests save on travel this year. The Vine Street Inn (California), for example, is kicking in a $100 gift certificate to any guest who arrives by train or bus … and they’ll pick you up at the station! Tudor Rose, in Colorado, is only asking for $1 for the third night when you pay for two, and Sabal Palm House in Lake Worth, FL is willing to give you the third night free – as long as you bring a bag of non-perishable food items for personal care products for the local pantry.

So, there are plenty of ways to save some money in these shitty challenging economic times.

Please, B&B people, have I repaid my debt?!