Not all visitors flocking down on Orlando, the city beautiful, are here to see Mickey and friends. In fact, Discount Vacation Rentals Online receives quite a few questions on what ‘other’ options there are besides Disney World. Usually we refer these guests then to our things to do in Orlando section, but why not visit one of the many conventions in the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) here in Orlando?

Some are open to the public, others are not and only accessible for professionals or on invitation. For example the March convention Celebrate Orlando is one where anyone can attend but you need to register in advance. The schedule of events for March 2010 below will show whether or not the event is open to the public yes or no.

Some of these conventions in Orlando will have more specifics and detailed information laid out in separate blogs that are dedicated to that conference or event on our site. A great example is the ISA 2010 convention in Orlando, not open to the public but a milestone for an organization, International Sign Association, that holds the largest sign conference here in Orlando on April 7-10. Read the rest of this entry »

Orlando, February 24, 2010. A trainer with 15 years of experience training and handling the Orca Killer Whales at the SeaWorld Orlando attraction was grabbed by Tilikum, Shamu. Dawn Brancheau, a 40 year old senior trainer, was seen petting and rubbing the animal just after an afternoon show when the whale came out of the tank and grabbed Brancheau, pulling her in and under water.

According to visitors who watched the show previously, it was clearly noticed the animal was behaving nervously during the performance and had rejected all commands from the trainers. Read the rest of this entry »

On January 28 – 29 and 30, 2010 Orlando is proud to host the 57th PGA Merchandise Show at the Orlando Convention Center on International Drive. With more than 40,000 PGA professionals and attendees expected, this grand golf event will have 10 miles of exhibition aisles and a total of 1 million square feet of interactive exhibit, product demonstration and industry presentation space. For the insiders the PGA Merchandise Show actually kicks off on January 27th already with the outdoor Demo Day and the product preview and buyers’ reception. More than a 1000 manufacturers will be presenting their innovations and products to the market. The 2010 PGA Merchandise Show has grown into the biggest platform for manufacturers, industry leaders and professionals to expand and contribute golf business growth opportunities and to seek the opportunity to increase participation and interest in the sport of golf in general.

What To Expect At The 2010 PGA Merchandise Show

If you missed last years show or would like to relive this golf event again for a moment, below you will find a video of last years PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando for you to enjoy. In brief you can expect:

• Golf Product Presentations from more than 1000 manufacturers
• PGA Equipment Forum with presentations on golfs’ most interesting issues
• Fashion Gallery where the golfer gets dressed to the top
• Indoor Demo Day where 47 bays are at your disposal in a massive indoor driving range
• Education Conferences and PGA Best Practices sessions

Honestly, if you are in the business of golf, you simply cannot miss this event and show up at the 2010 Merchandise Show. Please register for attendance or even if you would like to exhibit here at the PGAshow.com. This is a trade-only conference, not open to the public.

PGA Merchandise Show Lodging

For single travelers to the Merchandise Show, one of the suggested hotels will surely you best option on staying fairly close to the convention center and shuttle back and forth. For colleagues traveling together there are cheaper though more luxurious ways of spending your exhibition days here in Orlando. And how about staying ON a golf course in the neighborhood?

Vacation Rentals in Orlando are all a-round available and start from $69 per night for a 2 bedroom condo with 2 bathrooms over an approx. 1200 sq.ft. of air-conditioned living space. You can rent a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom private pool home from $84 per night. These prices are normally Discount Vacation Rentals Online “Fall Specials” and we happily extend these terms for participants of the PGA Merchandise Show 2010 in January here in Orlando. Call DVRO and tell us what you are looking for. We will search from over 1000 rental properties and match your requirements on lodging accommodations and only then you get to decide whether you like to rent or not. It is a free service. Discount Vacation Rentals Online: (407) 492-0094

PGA Merchandise Show Video

Beginning  Tuesday, September 1, 2009 tickets go on sale for the Southern Womens Show presented in Orlando Florida. Discounted tickets can be purchased at any of the 18 Centra Care locations (majority are open 7 days a week) or at the Florida Hospital Digital Mammography locations in Orlando. The Southern Womens Show Orlando will feature endless exhibitors to suit every woman’s individual personality and taste, while providing beneficial information for their unique lifestyles. From food, fashion, shopping, health, beauty, and more–the show offers fun and unique experiences for women of all ages planning to attend this event.

Come and see all that the city of Orlando has to offer! With celebrity food chefs, local personalities, cookbook authors, you can sample delicious gourmet ingredients, splendid appetizers, healthy snacks, award winning recipes and you can take note on the secrets of incredible meals made in just minutes. Saturday, October 10th will be the not-to-miss fashion show sponsored by the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and you’ll need to arrive early to get a front row seat at the hottest event: The Firefighter Fashion Show.  Come watch Orlando’s bravest strut their stuff down the runway. The Orange County Fire and Rescue Department will melt the catwalk while they raise funds to benefit the Children’s Burn Foundation. Other exhibitors will bring you information on items of interest including tourism bureaus with travel ideas for every budget, local news and radio stations promoting fun contests to participate in and even pit stops for you to pamper yourself with tips on this season’s hottest makeup trends, skin care products, hair treatment lines and the newest skin treatments. FREE prizes will be awarded daily to attendees, while discount exhibitor coupons for the show can be printed prior to your arrival to help you save on your shopping spree.

The Southern Womens Show will be held October 8-11, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center, located off of International Drive South, Orlando, Florida. The show will run from:

• Thursday from 10am-6pm,
• Friday & Saturday from 10am-7pm and
• Sunday from 10am-5pm.

Southern Womens Show Lodging

Pricing Availability

Discounts are offered for 2 or 3 day attendance to the show. For exhibitors and visitors coming to Orlando, the options on renting hotels are endless but not cheap. Not only the hotel room but the shuttle service to the Convention Center cuts in the budget. An alternative is offered through Discount Vacation Rentals Online, where renting a vacation home near the OCCC and the attraction parks starts at $69 per night for a 2 bedroom. A 2 bedroom private pool home starts at $84 per night in our Fall Special.

Use the Info-button for prices and availability or call DVRO for more information on what options are perfect for your lodging and stay in the Orlando area: (407) 492-0094.

Orange County Convention Center OCCC

Parking will be accessible to attendees in the NORTH parking lot at the convention center. Admission is only $10.00 if you decide to purchase your tickets at the door upon arrival. You may always pick up discounted tickets at the many Centra Care Florida Hospital Urgent Care location closest to you. Tickets are provided at all centers for $7.50.  Plan on coming for a anther round of fabulousness the following day? Your second ticket is only $5 (with proof of your first paid ticket stub. Second day admission must be paid during your initial visit). The Orange Country Convention Center charges a parking fee of $8 per car, so plan ahead and car pool with the ladies on down to the Southern Women’s Show of Orlando this October. Let’s just call it a short retreat, where the girls can get together for a great weekend and celebrate being a woman of today!

Time to beef up the workplace? Here is where you need to be from October 2-4, 2009 in the Orlando Convention Center on International Drive. The World Workplace Conference 2009 is huge event organized by the IFMA and highlights the latest and most innovative trends in the industry and workplace environment. The IFMA stands for International Facility Management Association and is proud to present their showcase in Orlando. Some of the city beautiful own architecture and high end facilities will be on display. When you say Orlando Florida, you think Walt Disney World and one of the key elements of this conference will be a Disney Tour behind the scenes discovering the state of the art animatronics and other innovations Disney is know for.

Other tours will explore Orlando based companies such as Lockheed Martin, a campus for simulators and logistics systems and the ’spine’ that connects all the facilities major buildings, a stunning 1 million square feet complex. The Darden Group is a Fortune 500 company that will give attendees to the World Workplace Conference a tour in their newest state of the art facilities. This move to a one headquarter center with test kitchens, wellness centers and more, are reducing the Darden carbon footprint by 23,000 sq.ft. Other tours include the Lincoln Plaza and the Jet-blue University, home to Jet-blue Airlines.

Orange County Convention Center Solar Project

The tours would not be complete without including the host themselves: the Orange County Convention Center. The OCCC just received a Florida Grant to expand and finalize their rooftop photovoltaic solar system and attendees to this conference will get a look at the ins and outs of the largest solar system in the South-Eastern US.

The World Workplace Expo 2009

Apart from the off-site tours, the World Workplace Expo 2009 at the OCCC halls itself will ignite the green movement focusing on energy efficiency and green building to emergency preparedness, high-tech security systems, furniture, flooring and software developments. One third of the Expo floor is dedicated to this Go Green inspiration and fully supported by the IFMA. You can find more information about the Expo here.

World Workplace Conference 2009 Lodging

For some single travelers the various hotel rooms are definitely where you want to stay. You may need shuttles to get to the Conference or Expo normally within a 20 minute time span. If you are traveling in group or the family or colleagues are joining you, there are other options available. Renting a vacation home will provide more flexibility and will be a friendly companion for your wallet. A 2 bedroom condo is for rent from $69 per night for this convention and comes fully furnished and equipped on an approx. 1200 sq.ft. air-conditioned living space (compared to 300 sq.ft. average for a hotel room). A step higher would be a vacation home in Orlando with private pool. A 2 bedroom private pool home is a +1500 sq.ft. villa and starts at $84 per night. Larger groups can find lodging accommodations in one of the 2 to 8 bedroom rentals or grab a few homes in close proximity to each other and the convention center.

For more information on lodging options, please contact:

Discount Vacation Rentals Online

7862 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy Ste 127

Kissimmee Florida 34747

(407) 492-0094

If you are not hungry yet, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show in Orlando will tease your taste buts. Everyone knows the economy needs a boost these days and hey, we still have to eat! No matter the budget you and your family may be up against, you still find the time for that relaxing dinner out each week. Many small businesses, including those in the food industry are coming with great ways to save their customers money while offering our favorite dishes, alongside specials to help us save that extra dollar. After a long week earning that paycheck, who doesn’t like to sit down with friends or family for a great meal–and what’s better than when Mom gets the night off from cooking too, right? Everyone enjoys the perk of eating out as well as supporting local diners and restaurants. And to all you restaurant and food service professionals, it may be time for you to get a fresh perspective on the what it takes to succeed in this uncertain market.

Coming September 11-13, 2009, the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando will present the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show where you and your staff can receive the most up-to-date insight from industry supporters and consultants. Informative food presentations, will present industry tools and must-have  strategies on how to build your brand, track trends, react to the change in consumer dining, develop not only customer service concepts but also build customer satisfaction techniques. There will be workshops on inexpensive tactics to use when decorating your restaurant,creative visuals used by top brands in the country, ideas on how to create the business buzz in your local neighborhood, and solid techniques to drive your business and handle tough marketing issues.  Every business wants to learn the key to surviving in a down economy and this is where the open discussion begins. Joining the show will not only allow you access to the advice of industry consultants but you’ll also have the opportunity to sit and speak with local restaurateurs who are experiencing the same difficulties on a daily basis and how they have overcome these barriers.

This is just the beginning of what the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show has to offer. With 550+ exhibitors in the West Building, Hall WB of the OCCC, you will have plenty to keep you satisfied during the coarse of the show while you view all that industry suppliers have to offer (150 new suppliers new to the show this year!), and special events such as the Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum, PMQ’s Orlando Pizza Show and the Innovative New Product Gallery just to name a few . The event begins Friday, September 11th at with registration at 9am. The exhibit hall opens at 11am and all events run through 5pm. Saturday, September 12th events will run again from 10am-5pm while on Sunday the exhibit hall is open from 11am-4pm.

Accommodations For The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show

For this event that is taking place in the Orlando Convention Center, Discount Vacation Rentals Online is offering special accommodations pricing for anyone attending this event. Please call Discount Vacation Rentals Online at (407) 492-0094 for more information on vacation rentals (homes, condos or town homes) close to the OCCC. Condos and town homes for rent from $69 per night (2 to 4 bedroom properties available) and our private pool home rentals are starting at $89 per night for a 2 bedroom house with pool. DVRO offers Orlando vacation rental homes up to 8 bedrooms large. We look forward to have you over in Orlando in September for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show.

Discount Vacation Rentals Online

7862 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy Ste 127

Kissimmee Florida 34747

(407) 492-0094

For a preview on what The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show is all about, you can review the video below with some insights on products and tricks of the trade in order to improve your business. Have fun viewing the video of the show and we look forward to having you here in Orlando soon!

Are you searching for a great vacation rental in Orlando for your traveling party this year but you feel bombarded with the hundreds of thousands of sites, searches, and endless listings? Are you looking for a comfortable condo or town house near the Disney area, or even a private pool home near Orlando but tired of searching through hundreds of homes that don’t offer the amenities you were hoping for? It is a long road traveled, believe us we know what you’re encountering when you’re searching for a vacation rental in Orlando and yes, there are countless options but you do have a simple option that can take all the work out of this vacation planning…who said planning a vacation was suppose to be work? You should be daydreaming of lying in the warm sunshine next to your sparkling pool with friends & family, or thinking about that crazy shopping spree at the local outlet malls in Orlando. I’m sure the ladies of your party are smiling no doubt!

Take advantage of that “easy button” once in a while and book a Best Value Rental (NO WORK involved!). Discount Vacation Rentals Online offers a Best Value Rental Option which simply means, you tell DVRO what you’re looking for, and they find it for you. Guests are always searching for the best deal but they want a vacation rental home that is affordable AND has the amenities they were seeking for their stay in Orlando. The Best Value Rental Option does just that.

For example,by booking the Best Value Rental Option you have 3 easy steps to finalizing your reservation:

Choose your rental: Condo, Town House or Pool Home

If you’re not sure what you’d prefer, or even what the difference is between the 3 options, just call the reservations department for details (407-492-0094) or here’s a quick tip: a condo is a unit with a single story floor plan, typically within a resort-style atmosphere. Each Condo is within a building that can range from 3-5 stories tall and the condo can be located on the ground floor or a higher level. A majority of these condo resorts have elevator access in all buildings. A town house is a 2 story floor plan, typically within a resort atmosphere (think row house).  A pool home is a stand-alone, private home with your own screened pool and patio area.

Choose your number of bedrooms

You can choose condos with 2 to 4 bedrooms, or town houses with 2 to 4 bedrooms, or a private pool home can be 2 to 8 bedrooms in size. If you’re not sure how many bedrooms you need, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you choose the best option. Each size home will specify the number of guests permitted.

Customize your vacation rental

You can customize your vacation property with booking options–which is just another term for upgrades in the vacation rental market. You may choose upgrades or specific amenities that you want in your property (based on availability). For example, you may choose a town house, with 3 bedrooms, and you can also add a spa on your private patio or a splash pool (based on availability). If you opted for a private pool home, with 3 bedrooms, you can choose amenities to be included in the home such as: a spa, a game room, internet access, pet friendly, a game console (such as a Play Station or XBox), or you may upgrade to a Premier home (simply means you will receive a home that has a number of these amenities included without having to select each amenity separately). All guests, no matter the rental property type they choose can also add:  crib or high chair rental, BBQ rental, or pool/spa heat if applicable.

That is it!

3 Easy Steps:

1. Choose a Condo, Town House or Pool Home

2. Select your Number of Bedrooms

3. Customize your Vacation Rental

All of our vacation rentals are located only 3-15 miles from the Orlando Disney area. Our rentals are located within private residential communities, gated communities or resorts located in Kissimmee and surrounding areas. SeaWorld, Universal, Aquatica and all other local attractions surround the Disney theme parks, which means, no matter where you’re headed with friends, family or even coworkers–you’re just a short drive from the action of the city. The Best Value Rental Option is great for traveling parties who are looking for a rental that is affordable, comfortable and convenient. DVRO provides the quality and service you’ll appreciate while making your reservation with an agent or if you prefer, you can choose to book online 24 hours a day. If you have any questions, please call our office at (407) 492-0094 and we’ll be happy to help you plan your magical Orlando Vacation today!

Gentlemen this is a show you don’t want to miss! In the upcoming week, Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center will host the Orlando Truck & Jeep Fest 2009.  The annual event is included in a run of 8 shows that take place across cities within the U.S. and we say what better place than Orlando! The Orlando Truck Fest will be open to the public August 22-23 from 10am-3pm and located within the West Building, Hall WC of the Orange County Convention Center. Need directions from your starting point or how about a map of the Orange County Convention Center location? It’s an off-roader’s dream with so many parts, accessories and demonstrations to view, so gather up you buddies and head on over to Orlando this weekend.

If you’re wondering what to expect at this year’s Orlando Truck & Jeep Fest 2009? Here’s a quick list for you:

• First and foremost it is FREE admission. Economically Friendly we agree.
• There will be booths with over $100,000 in on-site inventory straight from the manufacturer.
• Product demonstrations will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday, displaying the newest off-road gear.
• Looking for an opportunity to win free prizes? Hourly giveaways will take place over the course of the show.
• Promotional pricing will take place hourly.
• Specials of up to 50% off installations.
• The items you’re looking for will be available at the lowest prices–receive factory direct pricing!

Can’t make it to Orlando this weekend since the  kids’ school starts this Monday, which means Mom & daughter will be out stimulating the economy? Here’s the website where you can find the Truck & Jeep Fest nearest you, along with great deals on all gear, parts and accessories.

Truck Fest Lodging

Discount Vacation Rentals Online has special deal for this event this weekend. Contact DVRO for more information (ask for Heather) or you can take a look at our Orlando Specials and even book online. Condos and town homes start at $69 per night this week and $84 for a private pool home for rent. DVRO will work together with visitors to the Convention Center to provide lodging accommodations as close as possible to the OCCC.

This is a news update: the Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster just opened today, August 19 after a mystery awaiting period with no comments and no projection dates set by Universal Studios in Orlando. Discount Vacation Rentals Online had numerous inquiries on this ride from people all over the country trying to find out something about this ride. Well, with no pre-announcement or any visible signs the Studios cut the ribbon and off it went. For a few months now locals saw bill boards alongside the roads advertising the ride Rip Ride Rockit Opening soon. August 19, a Wednesday in 2009 was apparently the date! Tickets available here on our web site through our certified vendor The Official Ticket Center.

What is The Rip Ride Rockit Attraction?

The Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster is the world’s largest non-inverted loop and a negative-gravity move that makes riders feel like they’ll be thrown from the car. A very complicated attraction indeed but well worth while the wait the first dare devils acknowledged. The cars fly just a mere 30 feet above the awaiting line of crowd, making the line an attraction in itself.

Other than the hoops and the loops (no ooops please), one can choose from 5 different styles of music to play one of the 30 programmed songs to play for each riders’ personal preference and pleasure. It is likely the Rock-n-Roller Coaster in Disney Hollywood Studios gave the people from Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure an idea for this newest ride. Even the name is not the greatest in originality compared to the Disney ride, the attraction on itself though appears to be a few notches higher as it is newer and more innovative.

Discount Vacation Rentals Online looks forward to receive comments, pictures and personal experiences of this and other of the newest attractions in Orlando soon and we will post them here on our blog. Have fun and scream your heart out!

Looking for a crib rental in Orlando or a BBQ or any special needs for your party? We understand, some of the homes will have a freebie in the home but not all come that equipped. No problem, for only a few bucks you rent a crib or a BBQ or a high chair here in Orlando. A simple phone call and your rental will be waiting for your arrival in your vacation home that day.

More information on different types of toddler bedding and high chairs for children simply scroll down to learn what to expect upon your arrival. Discount Vacation Rentals Online can opt to rent from the management company who oversees the property or use an independent rental service if a full size crib is needed, depending on the guest request.

Crib Rental In Orlando

A lot of families obviously travel to the Orlando Disney area and not just a few have the biggest Mickey Mouse fans amongst the kids traveling with them. Some kids don’t even know exactly how big of a fan they are on the whole Disney World theme! They may be a little young, like 4 months old or so? No worries, there is an ‘app’ for that too. You can rent a crib or high chair (or both) with Discount Vacation Rentals Online. As of writing, the price of a rental would be around $30 for a week.
Crib rentals are cleaned and sanitized when they arrive. The cleaning issue of cribs is in particular for the new parents of utmost importance. What we have found that although cleaners in general do a great job in our vacation rentals, the cribs provided by the owner of the property are first of all pack ‘n play type of deals (see below) and when nicely folded back and tucked away not all cleaners will be as meticulous to go search and find it under the stair case and open it up to check whether it has been used or not. If the crib provided in the vacation home would not be up to the guest satisfaction it will suffice a single phone call to the management company to have that taken care of.

Free Owner Cribs Vs Rental Cribs

First of all there is the language differences in definition of the infant bedding. Here locally in Orlando we call a crib anything that will sleep an infant or toddler. Depending on where you are from you may call that also a “cot”. The vast majority of the cribs you will find in the owner homes or those that are provided by the management companies will be “travel cots” or “Pack-’n-Play” types. Easy to set up, easy to stow away, easy to deliver.
The true rental companies however will deliver a sturdy type of full size crib with mattress normally. In most cases the linens are not provided and if need be the guest can use the back up linens in the vacation home for that purpose. Or if you prefer to bring your own linens for the baby, fine for everyone too!

Give us a call if you need more information on Orlando crib rental and see our other pages in regards to BBQ and other rental options. Or use the home button or this link to go back to review vacation homes in Orlando.