The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is extremely popular at Universal Orlando

Saving money and enjoying Orlando in the springtime

Orlando is the most popular destination for families during spring break, according to Ian Ford, founder of Undercover Tourist. “College students take over many of Florida’s beaches, but the theme parks remain the domain of families,” says Ford. Here are a couple of his money-saving tips:

* If you can avoid traveling in late March and early April over Easter weekend, there are deals on park properties. Disney cuts room prices by 25% to 40% through March 27, and then starting up again April 11, theme park visitors will pay as little as $79 for a standard room. Round-trip flights from New York start at $175.

* Some free events come with regular admission, but many parkgoers don’t take advantage of them. At Disney World, there is the annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, with many amusing topiary figures of Disney characters, programs for grown-up and kid gardeners, and free outdoor Flower Power concerts. The festival runs mid-March through May. Meanwhile,  the Universal Studios theme park has multiple Mardi Gras nights, with a big parade, street performers, Cajun cuisine, free concerts, and New Orleans bands in the French Quarter. Expect party-ers, but plenty of families  too.

Meanwhile, dinosaurs are awaiting you in Tampa

An InterContisaurus dinosaur-themed package is now available at the InterContinental Tampa. Riding on the scaly tales of   DinoQuest, a Jurassic journey exhibit at  Tampa’s  Lowry Park Zoo, the package includes accommodations and an Explorer Kit. With weekend rates beginning at $135, the package includesa night's accommodations and an Explorer Kit, complete with dinosaur silly bands, a dinosaur coloring book, magnifying glass and fossil dig dusting brush, a growing dinosaur sponge in a capsule and a dinosaur-themed cameras.       
The zoo's DinoQuest, meanwhile, features life-size dinosaurs that move and roar. Discounted tickets to the zoo and the special dino exhibit can be purchased through the InterContinental Tampa's concierge.

To reserve the InterContisaurus package call 866-402-0758 and mention rate code IKLS2 or visit www.intercontampa.com. For zoo info, go to www.lowryparkzoo.com.

 Search Amazon.com for dinosaurs

Trivial question

What is the highest point in California? (Answer somewhere below.) 

Slush Cup Weekend is a wild and crazy event

A frozen fish toss, shovel racing, seal slide, and a silly slalom are just some of the wacky activities that are part of  Slush Cup Weekend, which takes place at Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Mich., March 4-6.  You certainly wouldn't want to miss the weekend's main event -- racing on skis and snowboards across an icy 40' pond while wearing wacky costumes. Starting at  $90 based on double occupancy, you can get a night'slodging in a condominium and a Superticket allowing skiers or snowboarders access to any of Shanty Creek Resorts three mountains. Visit www.shantycreek.com or call 800-678-4111.

Worth quoting

"When you come to a fork in the road ... take it." -- attributed to Yogi Berra.

An $18 hotel room, right near Manhattan

Starting today,  guests have 18 days to book a second room night at the the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor for  $18. The deal is for Thursday through Saturday arrivals, with checkout check-out by Sunday.

Located in Weehawken, NJ, the Hudson River waterfront property is a  five-minute ferry ride from midtown Manhattan.  Book by calling  201-617-5600.  

Fascinating fact

Ninety languages are spoken in Houston.

An $899 summer package to Ireland

An Ireland 5-Star Resort in Summer package includes six nights in a Deluxe Villa at The Heritage 5 Star Golf & Spa Resort; round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin; a weekly manual full-size car rental; and entrance to the Belleek China Factory. Thie package begins at  $899 from New York, Boston, or Chicago from July 1 to Aug. 31,  and from $599 March 12-31.  Rates are per person based on four people sharing and exclude assorted taxes and fees that can add as much as $182.50 to the cost. This package is also available from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31,  from $699.  Call 800-221-0924, or click here. 

Trivial answer

California's highest point is Mount Whitney.