Tag: tips from aninha
In its thirty-season history, the Florida Renaissance Festival recently experienced its most incredible year. After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, ticket sales were better than ever, with organizers reporting over 100,000 attendees. Additionally, a record number of first-timers attended the festival, which is encouraging for the future of the medieval celebration. So why is this year’s Florida Renaissance Festival different from previous years? “We like to keep things fresh for the regulars, especially those season pass holders who come seven, eight or nine times [per season],” Bobby Rodriguez, the festival’s founder and producer, tells Miami New Times over Zoom. “We want to give them a reason to come back. The last thing we want to hear from the patrons that come to the Renaissance Festival is that it’s the same thing every year.” The festival’s expansion from seven to eight weeks is among the most noticeable changes. It will take place in Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach from February 4 through March 26, and week eight will have a theme, just like all the other weeks: a Mad Hatter’s Circus. The new Lewis Caroll-inspired event joins many others, including Steampunk & Time Travelers, Wizarding World’s Faire, Barbarians & Dragons, Pirate Invasion, and Highland Fling. “Our line is that the Florida Renaissance Festival is between myth and history,” Rodriguez says. “We’re not just trying to be historically correct. We also want to bring in myths like fairies and magic. We started doing that ten years ago, and people really bought into it. A lot of the themes have nothing to do with the renaissance, but that’s what people wanted.” This year’s makeover of the festival’s layout is another new addition. With the new stages, signs, and decorations the festival has been constructing throughout the summer, anticipate new walkways. Rodriguez is conscious of the potential for backlash when unveiling a brand-new layout because there was some opposition the previous time the festival underwent a significant revamp. “I thought it was awesome and would work great, but people just hated it,” Rodriguez says of the previous redesign. “Some people like to know that the music stage will be there when they turn the corner. I’m crossing my fingers that after 30 years of experience, I won’t make as many mistakes as I did years ago.” But don’t anticipate the festival getting a major makeover. Regulars will be pleased to hear that the event’s more well-liked features will not change. The festival’s most well-liked attraction, the jousting show, will still take place three times daily. With its adult-oriented comedy performances, including the brand-new “Filthy Irish Pub Stories,” the R-rated tent will once again draw large crowds. In the Tomato Torture game, you can still fire Captain’s Cannons and fling tomatoes at the insult-hurling opponents. As always, turkey legs will be available for purchase; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a true Renaissance Festival. Only crème brûlée will be sold at Chateau Hibbele if you’re seeking something sweet to eat. According to Rodriguez, the first-time vendor will burn the sugar on top of the traditional French delicacy using a dragon-head lighter to achieve the proper caramelized effect. Other noteworthy desserts include the ice cream and cereal puffs that Shawn Grissom (also known as Magical Desserts and Drinks) smokes with nitrogen and the booze-infused cakes that Spirited Slices make. While not required, costumes are usually recommended, not that attendance needs much persuading. To attend the festival, more individuals than ever are dressing up. “It got to the point seven or eight years ago when we had all our performers wear badges so that you’d know they were part of the show. But the badges didn’t help much,” Rodriguez says. “A big percentage of patrons dress up. They don’t need much of an excuse to wear a costume.” Florida Renaissance Festival: Saturday, February 4, through Sunday, March 26, at Quiet Waters Park, 401 S Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; 954-776-1642; ren-fest.com. Daily tickets cost $14 to $32; children 5 and younger get in free. Font: https://floridainsider.com/
Cultural arts institutions are entering the new year with a diverse selection of artistic programming, experiences and educational outreach. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts has forged a partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs’ Culture Shock Miami to host free pop-up performances with the return of Family Fest. Family Fest is one of Arsht Center’s programs committed to community engagement and deepening the experience of the performing arts for all residents. Serving more than 105,000 people throughout 16 years, the programs have broadened community participation and opened the sights, sounds and possibilities of the world through the performing arts. The next free performance is “Rita Finds Home,” presented by Miami City Ballet at the Arsht Center at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami. The ballet showcase is about a young artist named Rita, who dreams of living in the big city despite the lush tropical island she calls home. “Rita Finds Home” is a co-commission with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and performed by the Miami City Ballet School. On March 12, The Miami Children’s Chorus, The Children’s Voices Chorus, The Miami Sound Space Choir and The Civic Chorale of Greater Miami will hit the stage at the Arsht Center for a community sing-along. The “Big Sing” concert works towards a vision of a community where people of all ages can explore the joy of singing and highlights Miami-Dade’s choral community. “The Ocean Lives There,” will feature the Greater Miami Youth Symphony at the Arsht Center. The April 15 performance celebrates Miami’s tropical culture as well as Florida-made music and literature, educating young musicians on the practice of new work, and providing an accessible and engaging musical experience for families. GableStage’s longstanding education initiative that presents 40 performances at upwards of 20 Miami-Dade public and private schools each season is bringing Shakespeare into the schools. Touring throughout March, all performances include a comprehensive, interactive study guide that is delivered in advance of the scheduled dates. The program is meant to expose high school students to classic text that is animated from the pages of Shakespeare and also provide recently graduated actors and stage managers with their first professional opportunities.On March 7, GableStage will have a special performance of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night,” at 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables.Directed by New World School of the Arts’ Eddie Brown, the play tells of a shipwrecked woman navigating love and life in a new land. In this adaption, the coast of Illyria is replaced with the vast beaches of Miami, while Haiti stands in the place of the protagonist’s homeland of Messaline.HistoryMiami Museum will be one of eight Smithsonian affiliates across the nation collaborating on Earth Optimism Youth Action and Leadership for Sustainable Communities (EOYAL), a two-year educational program designed to empower high school students to take environmental action on issues facing their community.The museum will work with two groups of high school students and their teachers from Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The program’s overarching goal is to empower students, specifically from schools in vulnerable neighborhoods, who suffer disproportionately from climate change. With the help of mentors, student teams will design an action plan for a specific issue that they will present to a jury of Smithsonian scientists and educators. Once completed, their work will be publicized on Smithsonian websites and social media platforms.“Students will take on leadership roles and explore current environmental issues facing their communities,” said Olgasabrina Rueda, HistoryMiami’s manager of education and school Initiatives, “and will engage with local and national stakeholders as they create solutions to support local communities.” Font: Miami Today News
Settled in 1825, Miami is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and the second most populated in the state of Florida. It is known as the ‘Magic City’ because it’s massive and seemingly overnight growth, and has a reputation around the world for its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, incredible nightlife, and a culture that differs from everywhere else in the country. This is a large part of the reason that the best areas to stay in Miami have become a playground for the rich and famous. Countless celebrities flock here on both a permanent and part-time basis, to make the most of the exclusive destinations in a luxurious tropical paradise. It is also a major contributing factor to why Miami is the second most visited city in America, behind only New York City, with around 80 million tourists making the trip each year. Unfortunately, this reputation has led to prices in many parts of the city skyrocketing, with everything from food and drink to accommodation and tourist attractions costing significantly more than they do elsewhere. That’s why, in today’s article, I am going to give you our 15 top tips to visit Miami on a budget, which should help make your dream holiday just that little bit more affordable – especially if you are backpacking Miami. (Psst. if this is your first visit to Maimi, take a peek at our top things to do in Miami – perfect for first-time visitors) Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain affiliate links, and this one about 15+ Top Miami Travel Tips for Visiting Maimi on a Budget is no different. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. Read my full Disclosure here. In This Post [show] GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO THE USA Visa: Travelers from countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) do not require a visa when visiting the USA. However, it is recommended to check up-to-date visa entry requirements before your visit regardless of what country you are coming from to avoid issues and concerns on the date of your travel. Currency: The official currency in Miami Florida is the U.S. dollar or American dollar ($, USD, US$). You can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local bank card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another country, be sure to check any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in case your primary card gets ‘eaten’ by an ATM. Language: English is the primary and most widely spoken language in the USA (although not the official one at the Federal level!) There are 350 other languages spoken, the main ones being Spanish, Chinese, French, and Vietnamese. WiFi/Internet Access: Depending on your length of stay, you can either purchase a local sim card (in advance or on arrival) – to swap out with the one in your own phone to avoid roaming charges. OR, grab a pay as you go portable Wifi Devices which means you can keep your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just remember to turn off data roaming so you don’t incur any hefty charges. OUR NO.1 TIP FOR VISITING MIAMI ON A BUDGET: AVOID MIAMI BEACH & SOUTH BEACH! Most visitors to the city will have heard of both Miami Beach and South Beach and will probably have fond opinions of them. I’m sure we have all seen countless movies and tv shows set here over the years. With guests lazing in luxurious, beachfront hotels, sipping drinks in private cabanas and generally living the high life, it paints a picture that this is what Miami is all about. However, while this will surely seem like a dream getaway, the price that accompanies it will be more like a nightmare for most. While many people may think you get what you pay for, there is also an element of paying simply for name recognition of the area here. These, and many of the similar beachfront locations, know that people will pay exorbitant fees to stay here, so have no need to offer any deals. If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no need to blow everything on accommodation and then end up struggling for the rest of the trip. With plenty of great options further inland, as well as along less popular sections of the beaches, you will still be able to find a hotel that adds the finishing touches to your dream vacation, without breaking the bank. DON’T GO TOO CHEAP THOUGH While the desire to find great value accommodation will be immense for those on a budget, you need to be careful about what deal you decide to go for. If something looks too good to be true, chances are it probably is. While Miami is widely known for its beauty and exclusive resorts, it also has a darker side as well. Many of the cheapest options for accommodation in the city will be in areas like Overtown, Hialeah, or the Golden Triangle. Unfortunately, these are affordable for a reason, as many are among the most dangerous in all of America. That is why it’s always incredibly important to research the area you’re looking at, to make sure you don’t end up booking somewhere you regret. LEAVE THE CAR AT THE HOTEL While there are plenty of great places to see in Miami, exploring the city by car is often not the most cost-effective way to do it. Prices for parking in the more popular, built up districts is not only hard to find but also extremely expensive, with prices averaging around 7 dollars an hour. Luckily, Miami has plenty of great public transport options, such as the Metrobus,
0:00 / 0:00 The Miami Sightseeing Pass Overview Explore the city at your own pace with the Miami Sightseeing Pass. Choose either two, three, four, five or six attractions from a long list of Miami’s popular activities and attractions including museums, sightseeing, bus, food and garden tours, or a variety of water sports. Mix and match adventures for a truly customized Miami experience. The pass gives you plenty of time to explore the options and plan the perfect series of adventures in Magic City. Explore Miami at your own pace Mix and match activities for a customized adventure Instant delivery so you can start using your pass immediately Choose attractions as you go and take up to a week to see them What’s Included Choice of full admission to 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 attractions. Access to the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus 1-day ticket Discounts at Select Restaurants, Retailers, and Entertainment Options Meeting And Pickup Departure Time Suppliers and travelers coordinate start times within the given time periods. Pick 2 Pass 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2023 Monday – Sunday: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM Pick 3 Pass 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2023 Monday – Sunday: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM Pick 4 Pass 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2023 Monday – Sunday: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM Pick 5 Pass 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2023 Monday – Sunday: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM Pick 6 Pass 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2023 Monday – Sunday: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM Additional Info Confirmation will be received at time of booking This pass is valid for the amount of attractions you selected when purchasing your pass; The pass is activated the first time you use it, you then have 30 days to use the remainder of your choices and any discounts on the list ; Entry process and hours of operation for individual attractions vary, especially around holiday periods; stay informed and check with each attraction prior to visiting; Not wheelchair accessible; Stroller accessible ; Service animals allowed; Most travelers can participate; Advanced reservations may be made for tours included on the pass.
How do I get my pass? Firstly, download the Go City app. You can then use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Et voilà, it’ll be right there on the app. (But don’t worry, your pass won’t activate until you visit your first attraction!). Feeling old-school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. (You can also show this version of the pass on your phone if you’d prefer!). How do I use my All-Inclusive Pass? Got your pass? Let the sightseeing begin! Some attractions welcome visitors on the day and some need to be booked in advance, so be sure to check our All-Inclusive Pass reservations page before you travel. When you get to each attraction, tour, or activity, show your pass for entry. You’ve got total control of your sightseeing – plan ahead, or choose attractions as you go! What’s included with the All-Inclusive Pass? With the All-Inclusive Pass, you can visit as many of the top Miami sights, tours, and must-sees as you wish while your pass is valid. Plus, with the Go City app, you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips. We’re talking attraction information, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more! How long do I have to use my pass? Visiting your first chosen attraction will activate your pass. Once activated, your pass will be valid for the number of calendar days (not 24-hour periods) indicated on your pass, over a two-week period. For example, if you have a three-day pass and visit an attraction on Monday afternoon, your pass is valid for the remainder of Monday and two additional calendar days over the next two weeks.
Make your trip to Miami hassle-free with a convenient eSIM data plan of your choice. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage, allowing you to easily upload your photos, browse maps and communicate with your friends. Buy and install your eSIM anytime, anywhere, choosing from a variety of data packages and expiration options. Just scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your vacation. Choose a zero-waste solution and avoid the problem of having to manage multiple SIM cards. Once activated, your coverage will begin for the selected duration. All iPhone models released besides iPhone XS can support eSIM. For Android, if you’re not sure, check eligibility with guideline photo. If you are unable to connect to the Internet after installing this eSIM, please follow the Self-Help Troubleshooting Guide on your GYG voucher. highlights . Upload that great photo you took and instantly share it with friends;. Avoid any waste with this eSIM activated via QR code on your phone;. Choose the data package and coverage that best suits your holiday;. Get access to high-speed data to stream videos or browse Miami;. Just top up your eSIM with another plan if you run out of data. Description APN (Access Point Name): internet Local carrier: AT&T/T-Mobile