Starting this month, Disney will have reusable “green bags” available on select shops for guest to help the environment. Regardless of individual purchases of the “Every Tree Has Character” bags, Disney has made a contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund – DWCF*.

Florida Spirit has started its own green initiative in 2007. For over a year now, we offset all our office’s electrical energy consumption with renewable wind power. We also communicate constantly with our homeowners and guests about simple steps that we can all take to help our environment, from better ways to use appliances at the homes while on vacation to landscaping ideas.

To learn more about Florida Spirit Green initiatives visit us at www.floridaspiritvacationhome.com/florida-spirit-goes-green.

*The DWCF is a Disney initiative to support conservation and animal welfare and is not a US 501(C)(3) public charity. To learn more please visit www.disneyconservation.com

The 13th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is presented by Vanity Fair Premium Napkins and showcases the flavors of the world. The event begins September 26, 2008 and ends November 9, 2008, explore marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines and beers. There will be special programs and demonstrations from world renowned chefs and winemakers and you participants will have the chance to sample the finest cuisine from around the world. Also enjoy the sounds of the Eat to the Beat concert series, presenting a line-up of popular musical acts.

This event is great for families; kids of all ages can enjoy the interactive experience with over 14 locations with special activities just for children. And adults can visit the festival welcome center, where you’ll find the festival wine shop, the wonders bar for champagne and wine, and the official book-signing location for celebrity chefs and authors. Included with park admission on September 26 and 27 guest can watch the live Bocuse d’Or USA Culinary competition where four top chefs will compete each day for the chance to win the opportunity to travel to France and compete as the US team in the famous Bocuse d’Or Competition. There are plenty of other events going on throughout the park click here for more information.

Provided by Florida Spirit Vacation Homes

If you are visiting Orlando in November a great family activity or an outing for anyone would be the annual Festival of the Masters. The Festival of the Masters is held at Downtown Disney and is celebrating 33 years in 2008. Festival of the Masters is a nationally recognized art show and artists who qualify for the Festival must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years.

You can meet over 150 award-winning national and local fine artists and see a display of their various creations on Downtown Disney West Side. The festival is for all ages, there will be live music entertainment, chalk art sidewalk displays located at Downtown Disney Marketplace, there will also be a children’s activity area where kids can create their own masterpieces. Other festival highlights include “Pin Trading,” where you can view pins or bring your own to trade, there will be lots of shopping and you can also Meet the performers from Cirque du Soleil La Nouba as well as face painting and balloons outside of Cirque Du Soleil. The event will be held on November 7 to November 9, 2008, hours for Festival of the Masters are 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and admission and parking is complimentary.

Provided by Florida Spirit Vacation Homes

Halloween is still over a month away but beginning this weekend is Disney World’s Magic Kingdom annual event. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party promises no tricks and lots of real treats. The event begins September 5th and runs for 26 nights, promising Halloween fun for the entire family. The excitement starts at 7p.m. after regular park hours and continues to midnight. All guests are welcome to wear their Halloween costume for lots of trick-or-treating and goodies with your favorite Disney characters who will also be wearing their finest Halloween outfits. Event highlights include “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween parade!”, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular and trick-or-treating throughout numerous locations and. This is a popular event and separate ticket is needed to attend, but you can take advantage of the advance purchase price which is available at for all dates. Regular admission tickets are $55.95 plus tax (ages 10-up) and $49.95 plus tax (ages 3-9) but if you purchase your tickets in advance you can save $7 on each ticket you purchase. You can purchase tickets online or call (407) W-DISNEY.

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil “transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, engaging the imagination from beginning to end with opulent sets, brilliant choreography, theatrical lighting and provocative music. Featuring mesmerizing high wire and flying trapezes, stunning acro-gymnastic performances and other dynamic displays of coordination and strength, La Nouba promises to surprise, excite and mystify.

With all the great reviews about this show I am pretty excited about the new offer to Florida Residents. Available August 12th through September 20, 2008 Florida Residents can see the extraordinary performance of La Nouba for 20% off the regular price of a Category 2 ticket. Most that have seen the show before recommend getting a high seat, because most of the high flying acrobatic performances are done in the air and you will have much better view. The discount is good on any show Tuesday through Saturdays, advance reservations are required and tickets can be purchased by calling 407-WDW-SEAT. Florida Residents are also allowed to purchase up to 3 additional tickets at the discount rate, take the entire family to see a performance they will never forget. Restrictions apply and availability is limited so get your tickets early, Click here to learn more about La Nouba and to read comments from fans all over the world.

Provided by Florida Spirit Vacation Homes