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Universal Studios Announces New Holiday Hours!

For the first time in its history, Universal Studios Hollywood will remain open on both Thanksgiving and Christmas day to offer families a chance to celebrate two of the year’s most traditional holidays at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.   Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. on Thanksgiving and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Christmas. 

“Universal Studios Hollywood has always been a favorite destination for families to celebrate special occasions and also an ideal place to visit with out-of-town friends and family,” said Larry Kurzweil, President and C.O.O., Universal Studios Hollywood. “We’re excited that our theme park will now be open every day of the year for our guests’ enjoyment.”

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex; the Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue.  The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as the all new  "The Simpsons Ride,"  “Revenge of the Mummy™ – The Ride,” “Shrek 4-D™,” “Jurassic Park® – The Ride,” and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds.”

If your holiday plans take you to Southern California, make sure you visit Universal Studios Hollywood!  Get Away Today is the only place you can receive Adults at Kids Prices and 2nd Day Free tickets!  These tickets give you great savings over the gate price, plus allow you admission within seven days of your first visit...even over the holidays!  Book your Southern California vacation today! 

Destination Wedding Highlight

Whether it be on a secluded beach, a chapel overlooking Cinderella’s castle or a high-end hotel in Las Vegas, destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with brides and grooms nationwide.  One of the benefits of having a destination wedding is getting everyone together in a unique place. Not only is the environment picturesque, but it can also cost less than a conventional wedding if planned properly.  Here are some of our most popular wedding destinations:

A Mexican Fiesta
Weddings in Mexico have become increasingly popular. Not only is the scenery perfect for a dream beach wedding, but it’s also an economical option. Competitive airfare options, all-inclusive packages and great hotel rates will make your dream wedding stress free.  Many resorts offer onsite wedding coordinators as well to help you with all of your planning and necessary paperwork. Riviera Maya and Cancun are popular for wedding parties with guests of all ages, while Los Cabos and Cozumel are more appropriate for a quiet, romantic escape. Puerto Vallarta is ideal for sophisticated couples who delight in beautiful architecture and a thriving art scene.

Weddings “Caribbean Style”
With its turquoise waters, constant warm weather and idyllic settings, there’s no wonder why the Caribbean is the most popular wedding locale outside the U.S. The local governments are much more accommodating to non-residents looking to get married than some other destinations. Couples who fill out their paperwork in advance can get married as soon as the next day on some islands.  Jamaica, St.Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas are the top islands couples visit to tie the knot. The Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer ultimate luxury-included packages, which in most cases can include your wedding. They also have exclusive Preston Bailey wedding packages available at an upgrade that will make your wedding everything you imagined and more.

Say “I Do” in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the top places for a destination wedding because it combines the convenience of being in the states with the exotic beauty of the South Pacific. There are no waiting periods or tests required to get married here. Since it is such a popular destination for weddings, most hotels have onsite wedding coordinators to make sure your special day goes smoothly. The endless beaches and lush landscape are also top reasons to make Hawaii your destination choice. You can get married next to a magnificent waterfall, botanical garden, quaint chapel, secluded beach or even a seaside cliff. Classic Hawaiian touches such as flower leis, tiki torches and hula dancers will add a unique touch to your wedding.

Closer to Home
A desitnation wedding  doesn’t have to involve a long flight across the ocean. Las Vegas, America’s wedding capital, hosts hundreds of weddings a day. Here you can keep it as simple as an intimate gathering in one of the many chapels or host an all-out bash in one of the city’s prestigious hotels. Almost anything is possible here. For a more “fairytale” setting, exchange vows in a chapel overlooking  Cinderella’s castle at Orlando’s Walt Disney World® Resort or walk down the aisle at any of the three Disneyland® Resort Hotels in Southern California followed by a reception at Disney’s California Adventure® Park.

Though a destination wedding can be a great way to start your lives together, be prepared to have all the necessary documents ready in advance. Each destination will have different requirements and paperwork that will need to be completed before you can be eligible for marriage. Check ahead to see what you will need to provide to the local government.

Get Away Today will make your destination wedding a reality. Book online or call (866)FUN-TRIP (386-8747) to start planning the wedding of your dreams.

Another Happy Guest!

'Ear is what one of our happy families had to say about the time they spent with Mickey!

We just got back from Disneyland 2 days ago and we had such a great time!  Our kids haven't stopped talking about it.  Our favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean.  We had never been to California Adventure before and really enjoyed that park as well.  While we were there we had no worries and were able to just have fun as a family.  We definitely will go again in the future.

Thanks for all of your help!

The Van Houtens

We love hearing stories like this from our guests who enjoyed magical vacations and we'd love to hear yours!  Simply email getaway@getawaytoday.com and the next time you visit our blog, you could be reading your story!

Check Out Our New Website

If you thought www.getawaytoday.com was cool before... wait until you see it now!  We've updated our site with a completely new look, new features, and more information than ever before!  We hope you'll enjoy exploring our site with a fun feel, more information about our company, and, of course, new travel information on all of our hot destinations like the Disneyland® Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, Hawaii, and more.  Take a few minutes and play around.  You may just end up booking your next Get Away Today vacation!

Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Anaheim

This was a busy week at Get Away Today with lots of visitors.  Our final visitor of the week was Donna Coins, who represents the Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort.  She dropped by yesterday to update our staff on all that's new at what we at Get Away Today affectionately call, "the Crowne".

The Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort is located about one mile down the road from the Disneyland® Resort.  It hosts its own in-house restaurant, the California Grill and Cantina, which serves continental cuisine, and is also nearby many popular family restaurants like Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse, Joe's Crab Shack, and Oggi's Pizza.  It is also across the street from a Target, making it convenient for those families who forgot to pack a toothbrush, swimsuit, or any other vacation necessities.

The hotel just underwent a $4.5 million renovation of their guest rooms.  In addition to new carpet, drapes, headboards, and lamps, they also added 32" plasma screen TVs, upgraded their double beds to queens, and added sofa beds to many of their king bed rooms. One of many luxuries that sets the Crowne apart is their "Sleep Advantage" rooms.  Each exquisitely appointed room includes pillow top mattresses, down comforters, lavender scented spray, a clip to close the drapes, an eye mask, and a sleep CD to help you catch those much needed zzzz's after a day of fun at the Disneyland® Resort.

The Crowne Plaza Resort in Anaheim/Garden Grove offers families many amenities such as a great fitness area, a fabulous pool and spa area, a business center, and so much more.  They are also one of a handful of properties to offer a free shuttle to the Disneyland® Resort, as most hotels in the area use the Anaheim Resort Transit system for a nominal daily fee.

Because the Crowne Plaza offers so many luxuries, you may expect to pay top dollar to stay at this hotel.  Not so!  At Get Away Today we offer contracted discounted rates with the Crowne and even have a 4th night free offer good now through December 20, 2008 and January 6 - March 31, 2009.  Also, while many hotels in the area raise their rates during peak season (normally summer, holidays, and other high travel time periods), the Crowne Plaza offers the same low rates throughout the year.  With no peak season charges and free night offers, you get big time bang for your buck at the Crowne Plaza Resort. 

The Latest News From the Disneyland® Resort!

Brett from the Disneyland® Resort visited our office yesterday to fill us in on all the newest happenings at Disneyland® throughout this year and into 2009, and there is a LOT!

Halloween Time is in full swing at both theme parks, but that is just the beginning of the excitement this month! Disney enthusiasts will be eager to visit the new “Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar”, slated to open October 20 in Disney’s California Adventure® Park. This new addition offers you an in-depth sneak peak at the major transformations that will be taking place at the park over the next few years. These exhibits will feature models, video, and interactive displays to keep you up-to-date on all the changes. Plus, the displays will be continually updated as construction continues and will always highlight current projects!

“Pixie Hollow” will open October 27, 2008 in Disneyland® Park to the delight of Tinker Bell fans everywhere. Guests will be able to meet and greet Tink and her pixie pals for the first time ever as they are “shrunken” down to the size of their favorite fairies. Learn the little known secrets about the Disney Fairies’ magical world as you interact with the stars of the highly anticipated “Tinker Bell” movie!

Just in time for the holiday season, for the first time since 2001 Sleeping Beauty’s Castle will once again open its doors and allow visitors to wander its corridors in an all-new walk-through experience! Plus, more lights than ever will be placed on the castle and, this year, will wind their way up Main Street for a breathtakingly beautiful holiday display!

Looking forward to 2009, Disney is pulling out all the stops and celebrating like they never have before! Everyone is invited to come to the Disneyland® Resort to celebrate all the moments in life that matter most. Birthdays, anniversaries of all kinds, reunions, personal triumphs, and exciting new beginnings are all reason to celebrate—in classic AMPLIFIED Disney style! City Hall on Main Street has special free buttons for celebrants of all types to share with all the world their special reasons for visiting the park. Be sure to make reservations for the Celebration Round-Up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch where you can enjoy finger-licking barbecue and a unique celebratory dessert! From enhanced parades to electrifying street parties, next year is all about the joy of celebration—and carrying that magic home with you!

The biggest deal of all is you can celebrate you birthday at the Disneyland® Resort for FREE in 2009! Register your birthday on www.getawaytoday.com to receive your special birthday treat! Get Away Today offers exclusive savings on admission to the Disneyland® Resort including Adults at Kids Prices January 6 through April 30, 2009, plus additional savings of up to $40 per person! We also give you the inside scoop and expert knowledge so your “celebration vacation” will be unforgettable and give you cause to celebrate everyday!

Disneyland Resort: 3 Reasons To Go This Fall!

There are many reasons to get away this fall, but there's one place that's just a little more magical than the rest... the Disneyland ® Resort!  Here are Get Away Today's top three reasons you should visit the Disneyland® Resort this fall.

1.  Disney's Halloween Time only happens during this enchanting time of year.  Experience true Halloween wonder as it completely transforms Disneyland® and Disney's California Adventure® Parks with goulish delights!

2.  The weather in Southern California is near perfect in October.  By traveling in autumn, you escape the summer heat and avoid winter showers. 

3.  Because fall is normally slower for travel, many hotels offer free night specials, even over school fall breaks!  You can save big by taking advantage of seasonal offers.

If you've been thinking about visiting the Disneyland® Resort this fall, don't delay!  Book your vacation today online or by calling 866-FUN-TRIP(386-8747).

Hotel Spotlight: Best Westerns in Anaheim!

Ann from our Best Western properties in Anaheim visited our office yesterday to update our staff on all of the exciting changes that are taking place at the Best Western hotels in the Disneyland® Resort  area. Here are some highlights of these properties that set them apart and will help you decide where to stay on your next visit to the Disneyland® Resort!

Best Western Anaheim Inn

Conveniently located within walking distance to the Disneyland® Resort, the Best Western Anaheim Inn is the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy your vacation. Each of the 88 spacious guest rooms contain a microwave and refrigerator, coffee maker and free wireless high speed internet access. They recently renovated all of the rooms and added a gorgeous new pool deck!

Best Western Park Place Inn & Mini Suites

Named the closest hotel to the Disneyland® Resort main entrance, The Park Place Inn offers convenience as well as comfort. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and relax at their spacious pool area. The hotel boasts several mini-suites that can accommodate up to six people. All 199 rooms feature in-room microwaves and refrigerators as well as complimentary high speed wireless internet access. If you are looking for all the conveniences of home, this hotel is for you.

Best Western Pavilions

This hotel recently received a complete exterior facelift. Its new tropical look and close proximity to the Disneyland® Resort make this affordable hotel an easy choice for your next California vacation. The hotel recently completed a major renovation to all of their guest rooms, giving each room a clean fresh look. A brand new refinished pool deck and landscaped grounds complete the hotels beautiful renovation. For the best value of all, stay four nights and get your last night FREE through the end of the year!*

Best Western Stovall’s Inn

Located within walking distance to both theme parks and the Anaheim Convention Center, this hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel boasts 2 pools, 2 spas and a children’s wading pool. A major renovation is currently taking place and each guest room will have a completely new and contemporary look by January 2009. All 290 rooms have in-room refrigerators and microwaves as well as complimentary high speed wireless internet access. The Best Western Stovall’s Inn also offers a complimentary continental breakfast that will soon have additional hot items to choose from. Take advantage of our 4th night free special offered until the end of the year!*

If your vacation plans include a visit to the Disneyland® Resort, be sure to check out the amazing deals at these Best Western properties. Book with Get Away Today online or call us at (866)FUN-TRIP (386-8747).

*Free nights are subject to change and are based upon availability.

Hotel Spotlight: Paradise Point Resort & Spa

If you’ve been considering a vacation to San Diego and have been wondering where to stay, we highly recommend Paradise Point Resort and Spa. Kimberly Kemp, one of our employees at Get Away Today Vacations, recently returned from a family vacation to San Diego and loved her stay at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa! She’d heard good things about the resort, but had never been herself. When her daughter got married last year, she decided to trust the good things she’d heard and treat the newlyweds to a few nights there as part of their honeymoon trip.

When her kids got home and actually even while they were traveling, they couldn’t say enough about the beauty of Paradise Point! They loved having a room right by the bay, being down the street from Sea World and having the beach only five minutes away! They said the resort had an almost Hawaiian feel without going to the expense of actually going to Hawaii. They also raved about the service and said they were treated like royalty!

That was a year ago. This summer Kimberly wanted to take all of her kids on a family vacation and chose San Diego so everyone could experience the lush elegance of Paradise Point! Just driving up the entrance path made it obvious to her that the Resort was well-named! It truly is a paradisiacal escape from the world.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is literally an island unto itself. There are five swimming pools, so they never feel over crowded. During the summer months, the resort shows movies at the main pool at dusk. Simply call the front desk to find out what movie and which night it is playing. You can rent tandem bikes or “putter” around on the 18-hole putting golf course. The Kemps also had fun climbing the lookout tower where they could see for miles and enjoyed the view of Mission Bay and the surrounding area.

Another family favorite was sitting around the fire pits on the beach just a few feet from their room to relax after a fun day at Sea World or spending the day at the ocean. They also discovered that it’s the perfect place to watch the Sea World fireworks display if you’re not there in person. They roasted marshmallows, made s’mores and ate them under the fire in the sky.

Paradise Point is the place to stay on your San Diego vacation and Get Away Today will get you there! Whether you are honeymooners, a couple wanting a romantic escape, or a family looking for fun-filled togetherness, you will experience the vacation of a lifetime creating memories that last forever!