TSA claims Disney souvenirs equal weapons – takes toys from an 8 year old

by Scott Carmichael on

OK, this does it – the TSA has finally proven that they are incapable of any rational thought.

When 8 year old Jeremiah Ramirez took a trip to Disney World, he did so in order to take his mind off the loss of his father, who died of cancer.

What was supposed to be a normal flight back home with some of the toys he purchased at the park, turned into a show of power by the security staff at Ft. Lauderdale airport.

Apparently, they are of the opinion that a toy sword and Disney gun, could be used to take down the plane – so they confiscated them. And if that wasn’t enough, the family then saw the TSA agents playing with the toys.

The story does have a happy ending, as Disney was kind enough to replace the toys when they heard about the incident.

I can fully understand that the TSA does not want to take any risks with weapons designed to look like the real thing (that rule is spelled out on their site), but do any of the people hired to protect our nation really think that an 8 year old boy getting over the loss of his father would be able to hijack a plane using a plastic “Pirates of the Caribbean” sword?

Common sense is gone from the checkpoint, and to me, that is score 1 for the terrorists.
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Daily travel deals – 6 nights Disney World, $79 Marriott rooms and $429 Caribbean packages

by Scott Carmichael on

Welcome to our new format for daily travel deals. Starting today, we’ll let you in on the hottest trips from our network.

As with all travel deals, these trips can sell out at any moment, and the price we publish may not always be based off a departure from your home town.

Disney vacation package

Starting at just $1360, a family of 4 can spend 5 nights/6 days in a Disney hotel, receive a 6 day park pass and eat for free (one snack, one quick service meal and one table meal per person, per day). The price is based on accommodations in a Disney Value resort.

Click here to book this deal, or to learn more about the package.

$79 Marriott sale + 20% extra off

On Thursday through Sunday nights, till September 7th, Marriott is offering a variety of their hotels starting at just $79/night, plus an additional 20% off.

Click here to book a room or to learn more about this Marriott hotel deal.

Caribbean package deals 50% off + $50 bonus

With packages starting at just $429 (after $50 bonus discount) for a trip to Jamaica, this is the best time ever to book a Caribbean vacation. That low price includes air, all meals, drinks and entertainment.

Click here for an overview of all the Caribbean destinations included in this sale.

Disney stops looking for breasts after a decade of trying

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Why do I always miss the good stuff?

Disney has announced that it’s no longer going to scan riders on Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and California Screamin … for unfettered chests. Apparently, women are known on these rides from time to time to flash for the camera. Though I’ve looked for it on each ride, I’ve never witnessed these public displays of exuberance.

I’m not sure why this warrants an announcement, as Disney does say that such acts are rare. But, every now and then, a bare pair winds up in a souvenir photo. The parks will no longer be looking for this – which means everyone else will be.

The company began looking 10 years ago, unlike the rest of us, who started when we were around 12.

French Balloon soars 400 feet over Disney World

by Scott Carmichael on

French Balloon maker Aérophile just announced the newest attraction for Disney World. Their 105 foot high “Characters in Flight” balloon will soar 400 feet over Downtown Disney, and can carry up to 30 passengers in its gondola.

When the weather cooperates, passengers will be able to get a 360 degree view for up to 10 miles. The balloon is tethered to a special star shaped landing dock, and a quick mooring system means they can keep things going a decent pace, without having to wait in line too long.

Rides on the balloon are $16 for adults and $10 for children (10 and under).

A similar balloon has been soaring over Paris for a decade, and has proven to be a huge success.

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.