Sports activities are widely available on a carnival cruise. Volleyball, basketball, table tennis and even golf can be played on board the cruise ship. You will always have access to a well-equipped gymnasium too, along with personal trainers to help maximize your fitness routine while on the cruise ship. Additionally, there is a plethora of watersports on offer, including jet-skiing and opportunities to learn how to scuba dive.

Carnival cruise cuisine is delightful. All cruise ships pride themselves on offering a dining experience that is second to none. There is often a huge variety of restaurants, bistros, cafes and bars on board, providing everything from burger and fries meals to cordon bleu cooking. Meals are generally available 24/7, although some restaurants cater only for meals at set times.

The nightlife on a carnival cruise is all about having fun. Casinos, discos, bars and theaters can all be found on a carnival cruise ship, as well as specialist entertainment acts including the likes of comedians, dancers, magicians and theatrical stage performers. You can even learn how to dance ballroom if you want to!

Naturally, there are many opportunities to sign up for day/night excursions at the various ports of call on a carnival cruise. On a Mediterranean carnival cruise for instance, you could take in an Italian soccer game or visit the opera. On a Caribbean carnival cruise you could spend some time island-hopping or discovering underwater shipwrecks.

Whatever you decide to do on your carnival cruise, you’re sure guaranteed to have the time of your life - and with so much fun on offer don’t be surprised if you become addicted to carnival cruising!

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Carnival Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/carnivalcruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe - http://www.azcruises.com

There are four basic Caribbean cruise routes used by cruise operators:

Western Caribbean Cruise Route - Departing from seaports in Texas, Louisiana and Florida, the Western Route takes in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the island of Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and any number of islands off the coasts of Honduras and Belize.

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Route - One of the most popular Caribbean cruise routes, the Eastern Route typically departs from Florida and other seaports along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The route calls on destinations such as Key West, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands the Virgin Islands (including St. Thomas and St. Croix), and Puerto Rico.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Route - This route normally commences at San Juan in Puerto Rico, and takes in many possible destinations along the Lesser Antilles and the Netherlands Antilles as far west as Aruba.

Exotic/Long-duration Caribbean Cruise Route - This route takes in any/all of the above destinations, and can sometimes end in a different place to where the cruise started.

Given this broad assortment of destinations available in the Caribbean, it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to make that crucial decision on which islands to fit into your itinerary. After all, you don’t want to miss out on some true Caribbean gems, do you? So, whether you’re planning a short vacation or a longer cruise break away from home, here is a selection of ‘must-sees’ & ‘must-dos’ on your Caribbean adventure.

St Croix (Virgin Islands) - Take a night kayak trip in Salt River National Park and visit the first landing site of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World.

Grenada - Although ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Grenada is still well worth a visit for its scuba diving. You can explore the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean here and see an underwater volcano.

St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) - The Cinnamon Bay National Park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can see a wealth of underwater life in the shallow waters around St. Thomas.

Jamaica - Why not try your hand at bamboo rafting in Montego Bay?

Puerto Rico - No Caribbean cruise would be complete without a visit to the world famous Condado Beach on the island of Puerto Rico.

Aruba - Want to find Caribbean paradise? How about relaxing on one of the 365 beaches that surround the Dutch island of Aruba.

St Kitts - Swim with the turtles in the waters around St Kitts and then relax on the pink sand beaches on this beautiful island.

Good luck with planning your trip and happy cruising.

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Caribbean Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/caribbeancruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe - http://www.azcruises.com

All inclusive resorts are the best getaways for people who want to relax and enjoy the serene nature. The destinations are spread out all over the world. A lot of those depend on the qualities, price and ultimate extravagant fun. Sandals resort which includes Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas or Antigua that has been voted world s Leading Honeymoon resort for six years in a row. Here you can engage in every land and water sport such as water skiing, scuba diving and an impressive fitness center. When comes to dining, there are extraordinary restaurants to choose from.

All inclusive resorts have a grand entrance; none can compare to the winding, palm-lined road that leads you to the beginning of your dream vacation. The playful dolphin fountain provides a dramatic sense of arrival to this gated Disney Area Resort. It is located just minutes from Walt Disney World in Kissimmee and can be perfect resort for a total vacation experience.

All inclusive resorts in Hawaii give you a great time to experience the scenic beauty and enjoy the great deal package indeed. The atmosphere at these resorts is laid-back, and the service is awesome. White beaches and sapphire lagoons at the Kauai are breathtaking. A line of chairs stretched across on grassy lawn. You can feel the crashing waves all day long. In all vacation resorts, guests can swim and snorkel and can be easily swept into the spirit of paradise.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-vacations-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

All inclusive resorts have a grand entrance; none can compare to the winding, palm-lined road that leads you to the beginning of your dream vacation. The playful dolphin fountain provides a dramatic sense of arrival to this gated Disney Area Resort. It is located just minutes from Walt Disney World in Kissimmee and can be perfect resort for a total vacation experience.

All inclusive resorts in Hawaii give you a great time to experience the scenic beauty and enjoy the great deal package indeed. The atmosphere at these resorts is laid-back, and the service is awesome. White beaches and sapphire lagoons at the Kauai are breathtaking. A line of chairs stretched across on grassy lawn. You can feel the crashing waves all day long. In all vacation resorts, guests can swim and snorkel and can be easily swept into the spirit of paradise.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-vacations-4u.com/

For the beginners

The obsession for the sport of scuba diving has encouraged almost all the tourist destinations to play, practice and teach it. However, those who are na ve to scuba diving should make a judicious start by trying it in resorts. These scuba diving resorts have special instructors that guide you to develop the some basic skills of the sport. It is the best way to learn without casting your life to danger. Many good resorts offer a certification program on completion of which you are awarded by the certificate. This certificate is deemed to be legal in some countries before making your first dive. So it is better to get certified rather than feeding others with opportunity to impede your most cherished dream.

Scuba diving camps too are good training spots. The coaching is available there for all those who want it. They not only gat the newcomers acquainted with the game but also the learned divers can go there to enhance their diving skills.

For the skilled and professionals For those who are perfect at the sport, the journey is never ending. It is because there is no scarcity of the scuba diving destinations.

The foremost in this regard are the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Both the places have a volley of beaches that keep the divers busy throughout the year.

Not to be overlooked are the crystal blue beaches of Florida and Hawaii that are vibrant especially during the winters.

Besides these, the American area from Latin to South America is a perfect host for scuba diving. For the most part of the year the water is warm that makes the experience all the more majestic.

Amongst the coveted destinations to dive are also ‘The Great Barrier Reef’ and ‘The Coral Sea’. The threat of damage of the all-embracing coral here makes it most often mandatory to be assisted by a guide.

The islands of the Mediterranean Sea namely Manijin Island at Cyprus, Maze and the Greek island Crete are excellent scuba diving spots.

The mesmerizing dives in the midst of staggering wreck of colossal vessels can be experienced in the islands of United Kingdom and Ireland. The islands like Oban on the west coast of Scotland, the Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands, Scotland are prominent wreckage diving sites of United Kingdom. Ireland too has illustrious places like Fastnet Rock, Stag Rocks etc. in this regard. The wreck sites also include premier places like Yongola of the Southern Queensland.

When it comes to Australia, the country is brimming up with the divers almost the entire year. The Austalia’s Great Barrier Reef and the islands off the Queensland coast the paradigms.

The wonders of bionetwork beneath water can be explored and cherished at the famous sites like Tasmania, the Heron Island Bommie, The Castle of Southern Queensland; Lomaivitis, Fiji, Suzie Bommie and Papua New Guinea of Pacific Islands; The Tubbataha Reefs (Sulu Sea, Philippines), The Shark Point (Thailand) in Asia. Remember, like flowers have a blooming season, trees have time when they shed their leaves; similarly all these sites have their favorable and adverse timings during the year. It is better to collect complete information about your destination before heading there. The task can be accomplished online as well as through agents, guides etc.

The Diving and Safety 1.Scuba diving is not a kid’s play. You require requisite skills and knowledge about the sport. It is better to make your first dive with someone not just familiar but is perfect at the sport for safety is better than cure. Make sure that you move into water with the adequate gear.

2.Check the equipment before diving for once you dive, you will not get a chance to do that and it’s malfunctioning in the water can be hazardous.

3.But before the tools, get your health check up done by a doctor. If you have any ailment for instance cardiac problem, diving without medical done might call upon serious difficulties.

4.Make dives in the daytime initially till you become perfectly qualified for a night dive.

5.At the outset, assist yourself with a guide. Guides will nourish your abilities and educate you more about the sport. Guides are also necessary at places with extensive coral reef system for they (the corals) are too vulnerable.

6.Don’t mess with any animal inside especially fish like shark. It might invite grave jeopardy.

7.There should always be someone who is outside water who knows your whereabouts and is monitoring the weather and water activities.
About the Author

Mansi gupta writes about scuba diving topics.

A Short March in the Past Hawaii Islands were born thousands of years ago from the underwater volcanic action. The oceanic water nurtured the islands, which developed huge ecosystems. The islands are whispered to be older than America and first colonized by Polynesian migrants who had rolled up from Marquesas Islands and were a bunch of superstitious and God fearing people. However, Hawaii was christened as the 50th state of USA on 21st August 1959. An Expedition to Hawaii

A glance at the mesmerizing red-hot lava making its passage to the oceans lays bare the fact that the Hawaiian Islands are still intensifying. There is a concealed volcano beneath the Hawaii Island in the offing to be a part of the Hawaiian family. However, at present the Hawaii Islands are network of world’s six great and exotic islands namely-

1.Hawaii Island or the Big Island that is the largest amongst the constituent islands. 2.Maui Island or Valley Isle that was baptized after a legendary demigod Maui. The area of the island is next to the Hawaii Island. 3.Lanai or the Pineapple Island known for its delectable pineapples, is the smallest of all islands. 4.Molokai or the Friendly Isle that cocoons some of the breath taking and marvelous beaches of the world. 5.Oahu or the Gathering Place that grounds the capital city of Honolulu is a thickly populated island. 6.Kaui or the Garden Isle has out of the ordinary flora and the bewitching Waimea Canyon.

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect destination for both the nature lovers as well the beach aficionados. The former can take delight in hiking, sightseeing, horse riding etc. in the enigmatic evergreen forests at Hawaii, while there are inexhaustible and exclusive beach activities like underwater tours, submarine drives and scuba diving and so forth for the beach enthusiasts to have a ball. The wonderful Garden Island of Kauai crams you with the feel that nature has preeminently unveiled itself in the form of these gardens. The Molokai Island magnetizes with its fishing and underwater activities and a feather is added to the enticement of this place by the incredible golf proceedings and events all round the year. Hawaii has nestled some of the glorious golf courses like Mauna Kea Golf Course, Challenge at Manele, Ko Olina and the like. On the whole there are more than 80 golf clubs to bathe in the splendor of golf. Not to overlook are some of the eminent museums, the nerve wrecking night life and matchless cultural events like Hula dance, Hawaiian chants etc. on the land of Islands. You also have the opportunity to gain knowledge of some of these activities by participating in the respective events.

What the Weather Conspires Hawaii is a place of all seasons. The weather is stable all round the year with temperature fluctuating from 80 to 60 Fahrenheit. The months of June to November are a host to the hurricanes and the ones from November to March are cherished and acknowledged for the gigantic waves that whack the north shores of the all the islands. During winters the breakers can be surfed at the Oahu’s north shore as well as the Hoopika beach at the Maui’s north shore. The north shore is hushed during the summers or the months of June to October when the south shores particularly the Waikki and Poipu beach are enlivened and perked up by the waves that are tossed from the tropical storms in South Pacific.

Since the place is teeming with tourists all the year round, its better to get your reservations done. Hawaii has legroom for the luxury as well as the budget travelers. The complete information can be accumulated either from your travel agency or the Internet that has a catalog of all the hotels along with their rents and amenities.

So hanging on for what gear up to bask in the grandeur of Hawaii!
About the Author

Mansi gupta writes about hawaii islands topics.

Visitors encounter seas, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Twelve major life zones provide habitat for over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 species of mammals. Volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, lowland jungles, the Pacific coastline, and tranquil Caribbean beaches stretch across seven provinces. Thirty percent of the land is protected by national and private reserves, which harbor more than five percent of the world’s plant and animal species.

Costa Rica is Central America’s jewel. It’s an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact.

Costa Rica boasts 20 national parks, 8 biological reserves, and a wealth of other protected areas to enchant those who marvel at the wonders of nature. It draws ecotourists from around the globe. Activities include horse-back riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, guided bird-watching tours, volcanoes, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, canopy tours, golf and much more.

Ticos, as the people of Costa Rica are known, are famous for being hospitable, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They seem to be well aware that their country is a special place, and they go out of their way to accommodate their visitors, explaining things that might seem foreign to a foreigner, and helping make their stay as enjoyable as possible.

Northwest Costa Rica, the Guanacaste province is for the active soul, drawing visitors with its beaches, rivers, waterfalls and natural attractions. Forming the eastern border is a group of volcanoes that form the Cordillera de Guanacaste and Cordillera de Tilar n.

From the mountains flow various rivers that roll down and form an alluvial plain drained by the Rio Tempisque, which empties into the Gulf de Nicoya. The name Guanacaste is derived from quahnacaztlan, a native word for the guanacaste tree, which is Costa Rica s national tree.

With a new airport at Liberia, tourism to Guanacaste has boomed.

Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons dry and wet. The Guanacaste Province is the driest region of the country with less than 55 inches of rain in the coastal areas.

Costa Rica occupies a territory of around 20,000 square miles in the southern part of Central America, and includes several small islands mostly on the Pacific side. It is much like the state of Florida with two long coastlines. The country is only about 200 miles long and 70 miles wide at the narrowest part.

Costa Rica is often compared to Switzerland and Hawaii because of its mountains and forests. Unlike many areas of Mexico, Central and South America, Costa Rica remains beautiful year-round. This is partly because it borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and has a string of towering volcanoes on the Central Plateau. Combine all this and you have a unique tropical paradise with 11 climatic zones.

The high season in Costa Rica, December through April, is the dry season. The green season, which lasts from May to November, usually sees sunny mornings, with rain showers in late afternoon and evening. Overall, the climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 72 F (22 C). It can be much hotter along the coastal areas of the country, and much cooler in the mountains.

In the past, agricultural exports, like bananas and coffee, have been the staple of the Costa Rican economy. However, tourism has always played an ever-increasing role, and now it has become the dominant economic force. Ecotourism travel is the most preferred for expansion because it will provide a sustainable resource for tourism for generations of Costa Ricans to come. Costa Ricans love to show off their country, and sincerely welcome all travelers and vacationers.

San Jose, population over one million, is the capital and cultural heart of Costa Rica. Other major cities (by population) are: Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Liberia, Lim n and Puntarenas.
To enter the country you now must have a valid passport. Some countries now require your passport to be valid for at least 6 more months in order to leave your country to come here. Check with you embassy or airline. Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time, six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and one hour behind EST in the States. It does not currently use daylight saving time.
No shots are required. The water in the major cities of Costa Rica is safe and most hotels and restaurants offer purified tap water. You might prefer to drink bottled water or seltzer to be sure. Costa Rica has excellent, low-cost medical care and well-qualified practitioners. Many North Americans come to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery or dental work.

Costa Rica is a safe destination for 99% of its tourists, but it s always a good idea to exercise caution whenever one travels. In general, the country has a low crime rate. In most cases, crimes are simple thievery - non-violent crimes of opportunity, so just exercise caution, as anywhere in the world.

Costa Rica has a reputation as one of the most stable and prosperous Latin American countries.

Costa Rica has something for everybody! Whatever your interests; eco-tourism trips bird watching, adventure tours, fishing, diving, rafting, canopy tours, golf, all inclusive hotels, vacation homes or just relaxing on an unspoiled tropical beach, you will find all of that and more in this tropical and secure paradise.
We traveled to Costa Rica on vacation in 2001. Fell in love with the people and their country. Purchased property on the last day of our vacation and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa’s available, all of which are surrounded by Costa Rica s biodiversity and over looking the Pacific Ocean. Find more useful information about Costa Rica by visiting our web site. www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com

If you are willing to go for camping then don t think twice. For the fares to camp on grounds are as low as around ten to twenty five dollar per night. All you have to do is select the place or ground you want to camp. This information can be collected through the internet. The best and most popular site is www.nps.gov . The nps stands for the National Park Service. Most of the camping grounds are under it. The site will inform you fully about the fees, the locations, the rules and regulations, which slightly vary from ground to ground. There can be several parameters to decide which camping ground you want to go for. These can be the activities involved like some might prefer fishing grounds to rafting, horse riding, boating, hiking or even a serene and romantic ground. Others may give preference to the amenities. For instance the ground that provides the best facilities in terms of water, toilets, parking etc. might be their top priority. A class of people might also just look at the costs involved. So at the end of the day it is entirely at you and your family s discretion where to pitch the tent.

The moment you decide the grounds, make a list of the things that you need to pack. This should be cross checked with the services that will be provided to you at the camp site. For instance, if the camp site facilitates you with hygienic drinking water all round the clock then you need not carry too many water bottles with you. However, there are certain things that are too important to be ignored by you. Some of which are sleeping bag for every member of your family, toiletries, cookware, plates, silverware, towels, trash bags to keep yourself clean, pair of sneakers and last but not the least a warm pullover or gown for it is often chilly at night.

Though the packing is a little cumbersome but it cannot undermine the benefits. You get to save ample of many that you can invest in many ways like either in eating at a five star or shopping for yourself and the like. Moreover camping teaches you and makes you self-dependent. Even those men who do not do any household work at all are seen cleaning plates while camping. Is that great for their wives!

Some of the well known camping grounds in America are-Yellowstone National Park,
Isle Royal National Park (known for its aura of tranquility), Great Basin National Park
(Beautiful caves and fishing), Dry Tortugas National Park (snorkeling, scuba diving,
Tropical fish and wildlife), Point Reyes National Park (horse riding, kayaking, biking),
Greta Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park (mystifying mountain ranges), Denali National Park (skiing and snow shoeing) and so forth.

So Is Not Camping Feeling and Exploring the Nature in its True Form Think About It !

About the Author

Mansi gupta writes about camping vacations topics.

Besides the islands there are horde of soft and sandy beaches with turquoise blue water that make you experience paradise on earth. The most vibrant, active and lively beach is the Cable beach Nassau where you and your kids can take up any activity from snorkeling, scuba diving to bouncing banana boats. The Guana Beach at the Abaco islands has eye catching corals in waters while the Pink Sands beach of Harbour islands are endowed with mystifying pink sand. Along with these there are fine Beach at the Cat Islands, Taino Beach with outstanding oceans, water slides, restaurants at the Freeport. The Stocking Island Beach facilitates you with a rented scooter or bike to explore the beach differently.

Apart from the scenic splendor, Bahamas is also admired for its ecstatic nightlife. The casinos, discos, bars, restaurants all are meant to keep up your spirits even at night. The casinos on the islands of Nassau and Freeport like Atlantis Resort, Marriott Crystal Palace Resort or the Bahamas Princess casino offer you all types of gambling games. Be it slots, Caribbean stud poker, slot machines, roulette etc. the casinos have them all. There are games for kids too at the Atlantis casino situated at the Paradise Island.
The means to Reach Bahamas, the people, the culture and some do s and don s-
There are two ways to reach this land of water. You can take either take a plane or the sea route. You can choose amongst a private jet or a relaxing Mailboat, which takes just $35 a trip. Cruise liners are also a pleasant idea to reach Bahamas.

Once you reach the place you might not have problems in interacting for the language spoken there is English. You will start having the wonderful fragrance of the place the moment you step there for Bahamians are too keen to warmly and whole heartedly welcome their guests. The perfect time to go to Bahamas is between September and May when the temperature of the place is around 70 to 75 degrees. Bahamas has something different to offer like its dress codes which is a little strict in the capital but benign at the Out Islands. Most of the Bahamians are West Africans. They are amiable, gentle and generous people who are too social and fun loving.

While heading for this ravishing place, do not forget to bring a photo identification proof besides your passport. It can be your license, Identity card or any such proof. There is an immigration form to be filled before stepping in Bahamas. Your luggage will be carefully checked before you move out of the island. There are several taxes like $15 departure tax, 10% tax for commodities over $600 (the duty free granted merchandise). The currency that runs is Bahamian dollars but US dollars are readily accepted.

So pack your bags and explore the allure of the land of islands and crystal blue beaches—Bahamas.

About the Author

Mansi gupta writes about bahamas vacations topics.

Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney’s Water Parks

For a blast of a time, head to one of Disney s two water parks. Blizzard Beach has a melting alpine resort theme where chairlifts carry swimmers instead of skiers. It s a place for daredevils to challenge wild, rushing water and death-defying slides including the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot slide reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Those a bit less adventuresome will love Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical fantasyland offering a wave pool with the tallest simulated waves in the world as well as a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, leopard and nurse sharks, and picturesque coral at Shark Reef.

Live it Up at Downtown Disney

After the parks close hop a bus from your Disney resort for a night on the town at Downtown Disney. Highlights include Disney Quest with five floors of interactive games, a 24-screen AMC Theater, a Cirque du Soleil show, and over 60 shops and restaurants. Favorite dining choices for the younger crowd are Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Caf . And definitely consider House of Blues where teens are allowed to attend some of the almost daily concerts in their live music venue next-door.

Cool Off at One of Disney s Resort Pools

When your parents are wondering which resort to book for your Disney vacation, be sure and put your two cents in and steer them toward one with a great pool. Disney s very best uniquely themed pools include the Yacht and Beach Club s Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini-water park, the Swan and Dolphin s lush, grotto-style lagoon pool, the boulder-strewn wonderland at the Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser, and the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect views of Cinderella s Castle.

Plan Some Watersport Fun

Disney s Contemporary Resort is the place for water-ski, parasail, wakeboard, kneeboard, and jet-ski action under the guidance of a professional instructor. There s nothing better than a bird s-eye-view of the Magic Kingdom as you parasail high above the Seven Seas Lagoon. And the action down below on Bay Lake is a blast! For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 90 days in advance, and be sure to bring a parent along to sign a waiver to participate if you re under age 18.

Pilot Your Own Boat

What could be more fun than renting a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater mini-power boat perfect for zipping around Disney s waterways and lakes. It s a great pastime for teens with a valid driver’s license (those under 18 must bring along a parent to sign a waiver). You ll get the most bang for your buck at one of the resorts near the Magic Kingdom (the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge) where you ll find miles of recreation on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Scuba and Snorkel at Epcot s Living Seas

Scuba dive or snorkel in The Living Seas 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium amid a variety of sharks, rays, fish, and turtles. Epcot’s DiveQuest Program along with the Seas Aqua Tour using a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit (snorkelers swim on the surface with a built-in flotation device while breathing compressed air from a regulator attached to a small tank) are two of the most exciting behind-the-scenes tours offered in all of Walt Disney World. Dives include all equipment, but be sure to bring a bathing suit. DiveQuest is open to certified divers, but those ages 14 and under need to dive along with a parent or guardian. The Seas Aqua Tour is open to participants under age 18 as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for reservations.

Surf s Up at Typhoon Lagoon

“Hang 10″ before park opening hours in the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool (some waves as high as 6 feet tall!) under the guidance of professional instructors with surfboards provided. Guests must furnish their own transportation to the park since Disney buses are not up and running that early in the morning, and those under age 18 must have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations up to 90 days in advance.

White-Knuckle Riding at Richard Petty Driving Experience

Lying next to the Magic Kingdom is this speedway where white-knuckle rides in a NASCAR Winston Cup style race car are offered. If you are at least 16 you can participate in the Ride-Along Program where you ll ride shotgun at speeds of up to 145 mph for three laps around the track with an experienced instructor (riders 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Even more exciting, those ages 18 and older can drive the car themselves after an introductory class. If you just want to observe you can do so for no charge. Call 800-BE-PETTY for advance reservations.

Head for a Theme Parks

Last but certainly not least are the theme parks. If you re staying on Disney property it s a cinch to board a monorail or a Disney bus and head out to the parks on your own.

At the Magic Kingdom you ll find all the old nostalgic favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. And don t forget to head straight to Splash Mountain, an unforgettable ride that ends in a plunge over a 5-story waterfall! Epcot s main attractions for fun-loving teens are Mission Space, a hair-raising rocket into space, and Test Track where you ll speed through hairpin turns and then barrel outside onto a high-speed banking loop at over 60 mph. At Disney-MGM Studios you ll be floored by Rock N Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both a thrill a minute. Then there s the Animal Kingdom where a trip around the African savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris and back in time 65 million years at Dinosaur are quite the adventure.

Super thrill seekers should plan a day at Universal Orlando s Islands of Adventure where attractions like the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman will leave your heart pounding.

So do you still think Disney is just for kids? I bet you can t wait to pack your bags. And don t forget to thank your parents on your return home for taking you to one of the most exciting places on the planet.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

info@luxurydisney.com