Florida Package Holidays

Head on Down to a Petting Zoo

2011-02-22T08:50:00.002Z

Sometimes you can become so overwhelmed with the range of things you can see and do in Florida it is easy to overlook some of the more laid back places you can visit.

For example you have so many theme parks and major zoos to see, you might miss out on a fully fledged petting zoo that the kids will love. The Green Meadows Petting Farm is what we’re talking about here, and you’ll find it in Kissimmee. Not only is it a more relaxed place than many of the high octane days out you will find in Florida, it also gives the kids an opportunity to get closer to the animals than they would be able to elsewhere.

Of course we’re not talking about the likes of tigers and crocodiles here. But the friendly inhabitants are ideal for giving your kids a great day out – and you too, of course.

If you are wondering what you can see here, you will be pleased at the wide range of animals that call this petting farm home. All the usual farm animals are here and you can enjoy some interactive experiences as well. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to milk a cow, this is your chance!

There are hundreds of animals here and not all of them will be the familiar kind you would expect to find on a farm either. For example you can meet a genuine water buffalo, as well as getting to know some turkeys. There are countless experiences and delights to be had here, and you will be glad you took the time to enjoy them all.

It’s also a great place to go for a picnic lunch, because they provide you with all kinds of places to sit down and enjoy it. If the weather is good this is an ideal place to enjoy for the day, simply because it has so much there to offer you. Don’t delay in making the Green Meadows Petting Farm part of your holiday, thanks to the huge array of activities and animals that await you there.

Busch Gardens – It’s Not All Rides

2011-01-24T11:59:00.002Z

You’ll probably have heard of Busch Gardens before, and you may know that it’s one of the biggest attractions Florida has to offer. But you may think it’s all about big rides and if this is the case it is worth delving into what it has to offer in a bit more detail.

You see, Busch Gardens is about far more than just rides. Of course these are extremely popular and for a lot of people they are one of the best highlights of the venue. But if you love animals and seeing them up close you will want to make the most of being able to see all the animals in the park.

There are several specific areas of the park that are devoted to animals. There are also several different ways you can interact with them. One of the biggest areas of Busch Gardens that is home to many different animals is the Serengeti Plain. The Serengeti Railway passes this area and it is one of the nicest ways to sit back and relax as you see more of the area. You can go back and explore it in other ways too of course; a Serengeti Safari is not to be missed but it has to be booked in advance. They are extremely popular as well so make sure you don’t leave it too late to reserve your spot.

In fact Busch Gardens gives you lots of opportunities to go that bit further with your animal experiences. If you want to be a keeper for the day you can do just that if you wish. Again you should book in advance and decide which of the experiences you want to have. The Elephant Keeper Experience is one of the most notable interactions you can have at the park – it will certainly give you plenty of memories to go home with!

So you can see that while there are plenty of fast and furious rides at Busch Gardens, you will see a lot more than that if you explore the entire venue. Don’t miss out on some of the best animals in various parts of this superb place.

The Amazing Walt Disney World

2010-12-23T08:47:00.005Z

There are other locations around the world that have Walt Disney stamped all over them. But Walt Disney World in Florida is the most amazing one of all, and to call it a theme park is to vastly underestimate what there is to do here.

The fact that the venue has been called the post card, with Disneyland acting as the stamp size wise, should give you an idea of what to expect. This place is truly massive and one day simply is not enough to see it all – or even a fraction of it.

For starters you have a total of four theme parks to visit. There is the famous Magic Kingdom to begin with, and you can also take in the Epcot Center while you are there. Elsewhere you will also find Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This gives you four times the fun you will find anywhere else, and of course each dedicated park is absolutely massive in itself.

When you add two water parks to this as well, you can see that it is truly amazing. You can spend a week here easily without seeing any more of Florida at all, which is why so many people tend to spend two weeks in Florida so they can see the best of it all.

The Magic Kingdom alone covers more than a hundred acres, giving you plenty to explore in this most famous of locations in Walt Disney World. If you have ever heard about Walt Disney World you will only have heard about a fraction of what it has to offer. With new attractions coming up all the time you will know just how good it can be to visit it, even if you have been at some point in the past as well.

The key to getting the most out of this amazing place is to make sure you have enough time to explore it all. A week simply isn’t long enough to see the best of Walt Disney World and the rest of Florida as well, so treat yourself to two if you can.

The Amazing Beaches of Sarasota

2010-11-23T10:21:00.002Z

Some places in Florida are always talked about – purely because they are as spectacular as they sound. But it’s not all about theme parks and other similar places. Sometimes you can get an even more amazing experience in Florida by heading somewhere that doesn’t always come to mind initially.

Sarasota is one such place. It probably isn’t the first location you think of in Florida, but you’ve no doubt heard of it. In a few moments you will know a bit more about it and be considering paying a visit too.

You will have several beaches here to think about and consider spending your holiday at. With such names as Siesta Key, Lido Key and Venice Beach you can see you really are spoilt for choice here. In fact there is every chance you could explore more than one if you are staying in Florida for a couple of weeks. Why limit yourself to just one part of Sarasota when you can see more of it?

You can’t really go wrong with Siesta Key since it made the number two spot in the best beaches across the entire globe in 2010. If you don’t like this beach you will only have one other in the world that apparently betters it! It is large and very appealing, and it goes on for miles too. This means you shouldn’t have too many problems staking out your own spot to enjoy while you are there.

Venice Beach is another popular spot for holidaymakers to head for. Not only do you have a wonderful beach to explore but you also have Venice itself. It might be far from the Venice in Italy, but it also has a character completely of itself and is very enticing. This is a welcoming location to spend a few days; don’t be surprised if you end up wanting to stay longer because it is very hard to leave. Some people never do – they set up businesses here and welcome others instead.

In short, Sarasota is a delightful part of Florida that sometimes doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But perhaps that is a good thing in a way – it can pay to keep some places to yourself.

Get Caged at Monkey Jungle in Florida

2010-10-25T13:19:00.001Z

Sometimes it can be hard to know where to take the kids to keep them entertained while you are on holiday. However you don’t tend to get this problem when you head out to Florida on holiday.

One typical example of somewhere the kids will love (not to mention the adults) is Monkey Jungle. Monkeys are always great fun to watch but the Monkey Jungle isn’t like your average zoo. Instead it has an altogether different way of showing you how monkeys live.

You won’t find any cages here, except for the ones you will be standing in. The idea is that the monkeys are all allowed to run and roam completely free. Their home is a thirty acre reserve that visitors are allowed to come and see. But you will be allowed only in certain areas – the monkeys really do rule in the Monkey Jungle.

When you first enter the jungle you will see that you can explore it in great detail. There are walkways and paths to follow that take you in among the home of the monkeys that can be found here. It really does make you feel like the caged one, with the monkeys able to love and live in their ample surroundings in a way that just wouldn’t be possible in a zoo.

There is an Amazonian rainforest area, not to mention a swimming pool where the monkeys dive in to look for treats. This is completely unlike any other place you will have seen before, and it is a must see destination for anyone on holiday in Florida. Even if you don’t have any kids to keep quiet you should still pay it a visit.

Monkey Jungle can be found in Miami, Florida. If you are staying anywhere nearby you should definitely go and see it as it is open every day throughout the entire year. This is one attraction that has to be seen in person for you to really appreciate how good it is. The monkeys that call the Monkey Jungle home really do love it – and so will you.

Are You Ready For A Ghostly Tour Round Florida?

2010-09-23T12:02:00.000Z

Most people immediately think of theme parks and other similar attractions when they think of Florida. But if the truth be told there is plenty more to see and do in the area than that.

One of the most exciting and nerve wracking things you can do in Florida is to take your place on a ghost tour. You would be surprised at just how many of these there are in Florida today, from the Keys right up to the north of the area. No matter where you choose to stay, you won’t be far from some nerve jangling sights and stories.

The St Augustine Ghost Tour is a classic example. Known widely as the Ghosts and Gravestones tour, this is not for the faint hearted. The Huguenot Cemetery, the grounds of the lighthouse in St Augustine and much more besides are included on the tour. You can even spend a few hours during the night at the Old Jail in St Augustine, if you aren’t too scared to do so!

Elsewhere you can try the Kissimmee Ghost Tour to delve back into the haunted history of this part of Florida. This is a highly rated walking tour that lots of people have enjoyed. There is never any guarantee that you will see a ghost of course, but you just never know.

You won’t feel left out if you are staying down in Key West either. There are ghost tours taking place on a regular basis down here, and they go at 8pm and 9pm every night. Their website shows various photos that have been taken on the tour and apparently paranormal sightings occur quite frequently by people who are brave enough to take a place on the walk.

As you can see there are any number of ghost tours of various types in various locations in Florida. The only question is whether you will join the ranks of those people who have already been brave enough to give it a try. It will certainly make a memorable addition to any holiday based in Florida.

What On Earth Is Weeki Wachee?

2010-08-25T14:33:00.001Z

It may sound like a character from a children’s television programme but in fact a better question would be WHERE is Weeky Wachee. And the answer would be in Florida.

Weeki Wachee is perhaps the world’s most innovatively named water park, and it has lots to offer for all those looking for an active and exciting time in Florida. This is a state park and there are countless different activities and delights to look forward to here.

For example there is the Weeki Wachee River boat cruise to try out. The covered river boat is lovely to ride and it keeps some of the sun off as well. The people who steer the boats are very experienced at knowing the ins and outs of their surroundings so you will learn a lot from the whole experience as well.

But what does the rest of the water park have to offer you?

There are animal shows you can watch as well while you are there, which give you a better insight into many of the animals that live in the Florida area. As such the park is an educational day out as well as a fun one. It is certainly a good option for the whole family to go to if you are all staying in the Florida area for your holiday.

Buccaneer Bay is a real highlight of your time at the Weeki Wachee park too. Here you’ll find all kinds of water based rides to try out. You might be brave enough to try the Pirate’s Plunge, which has a steep drop followed by a long flat finish to slow you down! There is also the Cannonball, which is a similar ride that starts you off in the pitch black before shooting you out into the fresh air. Do you have the nerve for it?

As you can see there are some stunning rides and activities all packed into the one water park. If you want to have a fun day out with lots to see and do, you’ll be well advised to try out the Weeki Wachee water park.

Forget The Dolphins – Why Not Swim With Manatees Instead?

2010-07-26T13:33:00.001Z

Okay well perhaps forgetting about the dolphins altogether would be a bad thing. But if you like the idea of an experience like this and you want to try something a bit different, the manatees could be just what you are looking for.

Most of us know something about dolphins. But while you may have heard of manatees you may not know too many facts about them. They are incredibly gentle and charming creatures so you will have no worries about swimming alongside them. In fact many people are bowled over by the experience, and it is certainly a once in a lifetime thing you will never forget.

The manatee has a charming face that seems to look constantly happy. They might have tiny eyes but they will know you are swimming with them – if indeed you take up the opportunity of doing so while you are in Florida. They can reach about ten feet in length but they are no less graceful and amazing to watch for this.

They are also an endangered species, which is why the work being done to bring them to public attention in Florida is so important. As you will see, this is not just about having an amazing experience swimming with them. You will learn a lot about them as well and earn a new respect for them you may not have had before.

When you try out snorkelling with the manatees you will be able to get right up close to them. Just imagine what it would be like to be nose to nose – quite literally – with one of these amazing creatures. It is an experience that is not to be taken lightly and you’ll no doubt find yourself thinking about it for a long time afterwards.

They are naturally inquisitive about the people who come to swim with them in this way. But provided you respect them and the place they live in, you can enjoy getting close to them and taking part in this wonderful experience as a result. How could you turn down such a wonderful opportunity?

Harry Potter Finally Lands In Florida

2010-06-25T10:17:00.002Z

If you have been keeping an eye on the news recently you will no doubt have seen reports about the newest addition to the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. This has always been a top attraction to visit in Florida, but now that it has welcomed Harry Potter into the fold, it is sure to get even better still.

The park opened to a queue of five thousand eager fans on Friday 24th June so the early signs are that this is going to be the huge success everyone expects it to be. There are twenty acres to explore so you need to set aside a whole day to really make the most of it. But then, if you are a true fan of Harry Potter this shouldn’t be a problem.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter makes it possible to visit Hogsmeade and even Harry Potter’s school, Hogwarts itself. You can wander down the main street in Hogsmeade and visit such shops as Honeyduke’s – which even has Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans if you are willing to try bad flavours as well as good ones.

There are also three rides to try out if you love going on all the rides at a theme park. The first one is called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and it allows you to see the most exciting places inside Hogwarts itself, before taking you outside on a journey you will never forget.

Elsewhere you can try out the Dragon Challenge and the Flight of the Hippogriff. Doesn’t this sound like the real world of Harry Potter to you? It certainly looks and seems very good from our viewpoint, and we have a feeling that plenty of adults will be eagerly booking those once in a lifetime holidays very soon. Although this is an ideal place to take the kids, we think there is plenty to attract the attention of the adults as well. After all this is a very popular wizard and there is plenty of excitement and thrills to look forward to as you step into his world.

What Is In Store For You At Discovery Cove?

2010-05-26T12:48:00.003Z

Discovery Cove – even the name makes you feel inspired, doesn’t it? And this is certainly one of the most notable attractions available to all those who visit Florida.

But this is one experience you shouldn’t just turn up for. The idea is to book your trip to Discovery Cove in advance, and while this might sound a little strange there are some good reasons for doing so.

For starters they only book in a set number of people each day. This is done to help provide the best possible guest experience on every occasion. If the park were to get overcrowded you wouldn’t be able to enjoy all the features it has to offer. And it really does offer some sensational experiences that rank in the ‘once in a lifetime’ category, for sure.

Take the opportunity you will have to go snorkelling for example. This will introduce you to all kinds of exotic fish in their many colours. The Tropical Reef alone is one area of Discovery Cove that is packed with discoveries to be made. If you have never had the chance to swim alongside a ray before, now is your opportunity to do just that.

Perhaps not surprisingly you can also swim with a dolphin when you pre-book this experience. This is a full half hour long experience, and you are accompanied by a trainer at all times. This is an experience a lot of people would long to have, and at Discovery Cove you get the chance to turn that dream into a reality.

There is also a winding river experience you can take your time to explore. And once you have worked up some hunger you will be well looked after with the various mouth watering foods that are on offer. And since the day is fully inclusive none of the food will cost you a thing. Everything is fully covered – even sunscreen should you need it whilst exploring the park.

As you can see, pre-booking to take part in this experience assures you of a sensational day out. It could be one of the highlights of your holiday in Florida.

Get Closer To Outer Space

2010-04-27T12:08:00.002Z

It’s virtually impossible to think about visiting Florida and not think about the Kennedy Space Centre. This is one of the best venues to visit in the whole state, and even if you cannot time your visit to coincide with a shuttle launch it’s still well worth going.

If you do want to see what the Kennedy Space Centre is all about you should definitely allocate a full day to see what it has to offer. There is a lot here to take in for both the adults and the kids, so you won’t be bored at any point. One of the best parts of your visit will be checking out what’s in store in the near future, as well as delving into the past and remembering what happened and when during your own lifetime. It is certainly a magical experience.

The Rocket Garden is a particular favourite as you will see some of the rockets that made their way into space in the past. If you can stand the rather tight interior you can even climb in to see what it would be like to be an astronaut in one of these rockets.

One of the most notable sights at the Kennedy Space Centre is the Astronaut Memorial. It has been nearly twenty years since this was first unveiled, and it never ceases to humble and amaze all those who see it. It towers over forty two feet into the air and the names of those who did not make it back to earth are etched into it.

There are guided tours available of the centre too, which give you an even better insight into what NASA and the Space Centre are all about. And don’t miss the Shuttle Launch Experience, since it is probably about as close as you will ever get to stepping on board a real life shuttle for the take off.

As you can see there is plenty here to entrance the whole family, and that’s one of the main reasons why you should make a beeline for the Kennedy Space Centre whenever you are in Florida.

A Trip To Busch Gardens

2010-03-26T09:05:00.002Z

This should be one of the main centrepieces of any trip to Florida. It provides an amazing experience and has a lot more to offer than you might think. We’ve all heard of Busch Gardens but how much do you really know about it?

Let’s take a look in more detail to see how it pans out. The idea is that it takes you into Africa, giving you the opportunity to go on safari without leaving Florida itself. Jungala, as the name may suggest, gives you the chance to see plenty of different animals closer than you will ever have seen them before. You can stand by the glass as the tigers take a swim right up to you – if you have the nerve. The whole thing is safe and puts you as close to them as you will ever get.

But the animal experiences aren’t all that is on offer at Busch Gardens. If you have the determination to go on a roller coaster you’ll find plenty to try here among all the animals. SheiKra is one of the most thrilling coasters they’ve got, seating several people side by side and taking you through twists and turns and a ninety degree drop as well. You will also pause just before going over the drop itself – for four whole seconds.

Gwazi is another great ride and it is one of the best and biggest wooden coasters the world has to offer. There are two coasters that go round it at the same time as well, so you’ll experience the thrill of whizzing straight past the other one as you go round.

There are some great water rides as well so you can see that Busch Gardens has the ideal mix of fun, exploration, animals and thrills. And when it all gets too much to cope with you can visit the gift shops and take a break in one of the many restaurants and cafes you will find within Busch Gardens. There is something here for all tastes and for every member of the family, which is why Busch Gardens is so popular.

Test Your Nerve At Aquatica

2010-02-24T08:02:00.003Z

Florida is THE place to be if you want rides galore to test your nerve on. But water rides can be just as thrilling as any roller coasters you will find in the theme parks in Florida. And if you visit Aquatica you will see what we mean.

This theme park is a fairly new addition to the delights that Florida has to offer. It opened in March 2008 but in the time that has since elapsed it has delighted many thousands of visitors with water rides and experiences they will find hard to forget.

One of the most notable rides takes you through a water chute that actually goes underwater through the dolphin enclosure. So as you hang on and enjoy the ride you’ll also see the dolphins swimming nearby. It is known as the Dolphin Plunge – and for good reason too!

Not all the rides are thrilling though; some allow you to kick back and relax a bit as you float round the park. The best example of this is the Loggerhead Lane ride. Just grab your place on a raft and watch the world go by as you float along. You might want to keep an eye out for Tassie’s Twisters though – this ride is located within the Lazy River. Once you reach it you’ll experience the sensation of being flung around in a huge bowl before finally dropping back into the river below.

The Wallhalla Wave is another popular ride for families because you can all ride it together. Just grab a raft from the top, climb aboard and get ready to reach the bottom in record time. There is no doubt that this is one of the best rides in the park if you are visiting with the whole family.

You can also enjoy the Big Surf Shores if you want to stay in the water longer and ride the waves. And with plenty more to see and do during your stay you’ll love every minute of your trip to Aquatica in Florida. Just be prepared to want to go back for more.

Explore The Anastasia State Park

2010-01-25T14:38:00.002Z

The whole of America is dotted with state parks of all shapes and sizes. And down in Florida one of the most delightful ones of all is the Anastasia State Park. If you are ever in the area you should go along to see it. You’ll find it in St Augustine on Park Road.

But what will you find when you arrive? Well it has plenty to greet you with and not all of it will be what you would expect to find in a state park. Take the four long miles of sandy beach that you can wander along for example. How many parks have you ever visited that have beaches included in the mix?

And you’ll find more than that to explore as well. How does wandering along the nature trails grab you for example? If you want to get away from Florida’s big theme parks and get out into the open air and see what Florida’s more natural side has to offer you, you’ll find it all here at the Anastasia State Park.

Of course being this close to nature you can expect to see plenty of it. Take your binoculars with you and see how many birds you can spot. Why not combine this with enjoying a quiet picnic lunch at one of the many desirable places in the park? You’ll find this is a great spot to let the kids run around and have a break from the other attractions they’ll want to see in the Florida area.

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you decide to take a holiday in Florida either. No matter when you turn up you will find the Anastasia State Park open as early as eight o’clock in the morning. And you can stay and enjoy all it has to offer until the sun goes down each night as well. So even if you plan to spend Christmas in Florida you can still visit the park if you wish.

From sunbathing to swimming and camping to picnicking, there is plenty to enjoy once you arrive in the Anastasia State Park.

Have You Ever Seen An Odditorium?

2009-12-03T08:34:00.002Z

You will if you’re planning to visit Orlando in Florida anytime soon. And even though the name might be quirky, that only goes halfway to describing what you will find inside.

The Odditorium is part of the weird and wacky world of Robert Ripley – the man behind Ripley’s Believe It or Not. And whether you believe it yourself or not, there is no doubt that there are plenty of attractions, oddities and plain strange items within the Odditorium’s walls.

And things start getting strange from the moment you first walk up to the building itself. For starters the building is at an angle – or so it appears, as the right hand side is gradually making its way beneath the earth.

Things are a little more settled inside in terms of the way the floor is situated, although there are plenty more oddities to grab your attention. There are hundreds of things crammed into all kinds of spaces and galleries, and you are sure to find your eyes starting to widen from the moment you step through the door.

One of the highlights of the Floridian Odditorium has to be the Rolls Royce. Now the fact that it is a car isn’t strange – but the fact that it was constructed from more than a million plain old matchsticks certainly is. Created in the UK, this car even has wheels that go round and it took over sixty pints of glue to put the whole thing together.

You can even see such odd things as shrunken heads and much more besides, including the skulls of dinosaurs and an Egyptian mummy as well. As you can see, the oddities fall into plenty of different categories so there is a lot here that you will be amazed to see.

It’s easy to book a visit too, because the Odditorium at Ripley’s Believe It or Not is open all day from half nine in the morning right through until midnight. They are even open on Christmas Day, which really is odd! So if you are thinking of taking a last minute trip to Florida for Christmas, you’ll have at least one place to visit once you’ve enjoyed your Christmas dinner.

This is certainly one odd place to visit – but then, that’s the attraction.

Biketoberfest 2009

2009-10-01T10:52:00.000Z

If you’re planning a holiday to Florida between 15th and the 18th of October and you’re a fan of motorbikes then you may just want to pop down to Daytona beach and speedway to check out ‘Biketoberfest’. This annual event is billed as “the biggest, best rally in the whole wide world” and consists of over 150,000 bikes participating in hundreds of thrilling events.

The three-day event attracts thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over North America and Europe. First held in 1994 and organised by the Daytona Beach convention and visitors bureau the event and has grown every year since to become one of the largest biking and entertainment events in the Daytona Beach calendar. There a hundreds of things to do spread over not only Daytona Beach but also Daytona Speedway, and if bikes aren’t your thing then you can always check out the hooters bikini contest.

More details can be found over at the Biketoberfest website or if you are interested in organising a trip Co-op Travel can sort out all your flights and accommodation, for more details call 01922 700007.

Universal Studios Florida

2007-08-14T09:21:00.001Z

It's always been the place where you can "ride the movies," but Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida is also much, much more. In addition to the exciting rides, you can learn the secrets of movie-making when you go behind-the-scenes at a number of informative attractions.

Visitors of all ages can find something to like about Universal Studios Florida. For kids, there's rides like Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast and awesome attractions like Shrek 4-D and Fievel's Playland. At Fievel's Playland, kids can climb, run, jump and slide at a giant playground with all sorts of activities.

Teenagers will have fun on the thrilling Men In Black: Alien Attack and Back to the Future - The Ride. On Men In Black, teens can compete against their friends and family in a battle to see who can take out the most alien invaders.

Back to the Future – The Ride, puts riders in the driver's seat of the D'Lorean time machine made famous in the Back to the Future movies. Join Doc Brown and Marty McFly to stop Hill Valley's resident bully, Biff, from ripping a hole in the space-time continuum.
At Universal Studios Florida, most rides and attractions are 100-percent family-friendly. That means few height restrictions, so kids and adults can enjoy the whole park together.

Want more chances to "ride the movies?" There's the E.T. Adventure, where you can help everyone's favorite extraterrestrial find his way home. For brave riders, there's The Revenge of The Mummy. Based on the recent blockbuster movies, The Revenge of the Mummy is high-speed adventure ride that blasts through flames and darkness. You can also experience fear at Fear Factor Live, an attraction that let's guests compete in games similar to those seen on TV's Fear Factor.

There are also some great shows at Universal Studios Florida. Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue treats the audience to rousing renditions of classic songs sung by the scariest creatures of the night. Animal Planet Live gets you up-close and personal with some truly amazing animals.

Universal Studios Florida is just one part of the excitement at the Universal Orlando Resort. Combine a trip to the park with a visit to CityWalk for a full day and night of fun and excitement.

Orlando-Area Resort Hosts Florida's Premiere 'Cold-Weather' Christmas Attractions

2007-08-13T09:04:00.000Z

03 August 2007

The coldest spot in the United States this holiday season will likely be Central Florida, where temperatures are predicted to be 9 degrees Fahrenheit, Nov. 19 - Jan. 3.

This "cold front" of winter weather is part of a flurry of holiday fun at Gaylord Palms® Resort, located five minutes from Walt Disney World theme parks. At this landmark resort, visitors flock to a collection of "cold-weather" holiday activities, like ICE skating, and ICE!, Orlando's coolest holiday attraction, hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice.

Inside, guests explore a whimsical winter wonderland of larger-than-life, three-dimensional hand-carved ice monuments and sculptures, including fantastic frozen creations, slippery ice slides and memorable holiday scenes. As for the chill, visitors are given oversized parkas to stay comfortable inside the attraction, which is kept at a blustery 9 degrees.

This year's attraction, which reflects the theme "A Holiday Road Trip," is presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by Nissan and Sara Lee Food Service.

In its fifth season, ICE! will feature several new or revised scenes, including a walk-through igloo and a towering gingerbread candy house, meticulously hand-carved from enormous blocks of colored ice. A guest favorite, the ICE! castle and slides, has been re-designed to reflect a South Pole locale with a colony of penguins surrounding the longest ice slide in the attraction's history.

The new slide, measuring 5 feet taller and 15 feet longer than previous slides, will curve around the exterior of the scene to provide visitors with a more exhilarating slide experience.

The signature scene, a breathtaking life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice, has been described as one of the most breathtaking depictions of the birth of Christ. Dramatic new lighting and a stirring narrative track will ensure guests will continue to pause and reflect on the story behind the season.

The enormous structure used to house ICE! is cooled to a chilly 9 degrees. To stay comfortable inside the attraction, visitors are loaned oversized winter coats to wear.

"Not only is the artistry amazing to enjoy, but the brisk environment inside the attraction creates a winter holiday experience like no other in the Sunshine State -- rosy cheeks and all!" said Kemp Gallineau, general manager of Gaylord Palms.

The attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. The talented artisans spend nearly an entire month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival. Each year more than 2,000 sculptors carve a 100-acre walk-through Ice Park from blocks of ice taken from the Songhua River.

Produced exclusively for Gaylord Hotels, the artisans' work appeared for the first time in the United States in 2001, when a similar attraction debuted at Gaylord Opryland® Resort's "A Country Christmas" celebration in Nashville. The project expanded in 2003 to include ICE! at Gaylord Palms, and in 2005 to include ICE! at Gaylord Texan® Resort in Grapevine, Texas, located near Dallas/Fort Worth.

London Eye Looks at Orlando

2007-07-24T11:50:00.000Z

23 July 2007

The 443-foot London Eye has become the most popular paid U.K. visitor attraction since opening in March 2000, and now the Great Wheel Corp. is trying to replicate its success in other cities around the world.

The first U.S. location will be in Orlando. The company plans to open a 400-foot-tall observation wheel there in late 2009 to accompany a new resort complex on International Drive. As many as 960 guests, or 40 per air-conditioned pod, will be able to take half-hour rides in comfort. The Singapore-based company has similar attractions planned for Beijing, Dubai, and Berlin.

Florida's Off-Season is the Perfect Time to Play Tourist

2007-06-19T12:02:00.000Z

18th June 2007

Hotels offer package rates you'd never see in winter. Tourist bureaus tempt you with twofers. Upscale restaurants beckon with discounted prices. In South Florida, summertime is deal time.

Most of all, it's affordable.

Plus you can try out a clutch of new hotels, clubs, restaurants and attractions.

- Broward County

Greater Fort Lauderdale offers an array of off-season two-for-one deals it calls its "Summer of Discovery."

The program covers a variety of activities, among them cruises, diving, golfing, museums, spas and night entertainment, good from June 1 to Sept. 30. A Summer of Discovery coupon is required. For a list of deals and to download coupon, click on www.sunny.org/summer.

Broward's also the place to be if you're in a mood to gamble.

The huge Isle of Capri gaming complex opened in April at the Pompano Harness Track with 1,500 Vegas-style slots, 34-table poker room, high-tech sports bar, several dining options and a water feature made from more than 4,000 sheets of cut glass.

www.theislepompanopark.com.

Florida Back on Top in Travel

2007-06-12T13:07:00.000Z

6 June 2007

A widely watched survey of travel trends says Florida has regained its perch as the nation's most-coveted vacation destination, a year after dropping to second place in the wake of two traumatic hurricane seasons.

Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, the Central Florida travel marketing and research company, said Tuesday that nearly a third of all leisure travellers are interested in visiting Florida sometime during the next two years, barely edging out California, which topped the favored-destination ranking last year.

"This is very good news for Florida," YPBR Chairman Peter Yesawich said. "Memories of hurricanes are short, and this illustrates that."

The 2007 National Leisure Travel Monitor surveyed 1,882 active travelers. It depicts a nation ready and willing to travel, but one that views itself as having little time to take a trip.

Six in 10 Americans have traveled at least 75 miles from home and stayed overnight somewhere during the past year. But the survey showed one change that would suggest lack of money is less of a deterrent than last year: Family budgetary considerations slipped from the second- to third-most-important reason for not travelling.

A third of those surveyed said they plan to take more trips this year than last, compared with 26 percent who said they would take fewer.

Shorter getaways - those of four nights or less -- remain the most popular, reflecting Americans' relatively small allotments of vacation time.

"The typical employed person in the United States has 14 days off," Yesawich said. "In Canada, the typical adult has 26 days, and in Italy it is 42 days."

Most domestic travellers, 56 percent, spend their vacation visiting friends and relatives. Twenty-seven percent said they prefer vacations at lakes or beaches, and 21 percent preferred general sightseeing. Theme-park vacations ranked behind six other alternatives, with 11 percent.

Yesawich said the study reaffirmed research that gasoline prices are significant only when they exceed $3.50 a gallon.

As the Internet becomes more firmly entwined in people's lives, its use in planning travel has also increased. Sixty-six percent of leisure travellers who use airlines and stay in hotels now use the Internet to plan vacations, the survey said, and 56 percent book online. In 2000, by comparison, just 35 percent used the Internet to do travel research and 18 percent used it to make reservations.

Family Holidays With a Pirate Twist in Florida

2007-05-21T11:08:00.000Z

18 May 2007

Florida is a very popular family holiday destination thanks to its many theme parks, lovely weather, exciting wildlife and many beaches.

However, for families keen on having a fun active holiday there are also lots of opportunities to take to the water pirate-style and explore some of the lesser known sides of the US state.

In the north of the state is Panama City Beach, known for being a scuba diving and fishing hotspot.

Families can also get the pirate ship experience from the beach with the Sea Dragon Sailing Tour on an 85-foot sailing ship. The cruise lasts two hours and takes guests of all ages.

If you are more keen to experience quieter locations in Florida, then a treasure hunt in the state's north-central region offers a chance to learn about the Florida's history.

The Hidden Treasures of North Florida Geocaching Treasure Trail has an interactive map highlighting places of interest, that works with GPS technology, ideal for holidaymakers on a Florida fly-drive break.

Among the places to see is the Tallahassee Museum, which has several historical buildings including an 1880s farm, a swamp and a zoo featuring alligators, bears and bobcats within its grounds.

For an active holiday there travellers can explore the 80-acre Letchworth Mounds State Archaeological Park, a sacred Native American site. There are also more state parks close by in the area.

Holidaymakers with an interest in the supernatural can head to the haunted houses of the town of Monticello, also on the treasure hunt map.

Further south in St Augustine there are is another ghost-themed experience to be had.

The Ghosts of the Mantanzas Sailing Tour takes place on a 72-foot sailing vessel, upon which a pirate captain shares stories, ghosts and legends.

The major theme parks of Orlando are also getting in on the pirate act this summer.

Elmo and the Bookaneers will be at SeaWorld Orlando all summer.

The Sesame Street pirates include Elmo, Bert and Ernie, Rosita, Telly Monster and Cookie Monster, who will be singing, dancing and teaching young ones to read during the new 20-minute family show.

Disney World in Orlando will also be getting in on the Florida pirate theme with Pirates of the Caribbean in-resort money.

The three new Disney Dollars will have a skull and crossbones on the front and pictures of the Pirates of the Caribbean flagship vessels on the back.

For more information see www.visitflorida.com

Florida Can't Afford to Lose its No. 1 Industry: Tourism

2007-05-01T14:03:00.000Z

Tourism is a vital part of the state's economy, much bigger than most people suppose.

As the No. 1 industry in Florida, tourism produces a larger economic impact than any other private sector industry, contributing nearly 18 percent of the state's total revenue.

But increasing competitor marketing, rising advertising costs and lingering hurricane perceptions are hurting Florida's tourism market and driving people to other destination spots for vacation and leisure.

In an effort to protect the state's tourism dollars and remain competitive in the marketplace, the Partnership for Florida's Tourism, supported by VISIT FLORIDA and tourism leaders throughout the state, is asking the Legislature for an additional $34 million in funding for tourism marketing efforts.

The hope is that the advertising and marketing efforts will equal the strength of competitors and encourage tourists to consider Florida as their destination spot.

It's a fact that tourism competition is increasing nationally and internationally as more and more states and countries recognize the importance of tourism and its positive impact on their economies.

The importance of investing in Florida's tourism is clear. It brought in $3.7 billion of the state revenues in 2005, according to the Partnership for Florida's Tourism. More than 84 million people visited Florida last year, and their visit was supported with 983,800 tourism-related jobs.

With an additional $34.3 million in public funding, tourists visiting Florida is expected to increase to 2.7 percent next year, generating more than $102 million in state sales tax revenues, Florida tourism officials said. A mere 1 percent increase of visitors to Florida generates about $37 million a year, which is more than a dollar per second.

Asking for an increase in funding is one thing. Getting it is quite another, especially as estimates show state government tax revenue will be down $1 billion in the next two years.

Clearly, the Legislature is going to have to trim the budget. The question is: Will there be enough left over to increase the state's tourism marketing budget?

Florida lags behind other states, including Hawaii, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas, in money spent on tourism marketing. As a result of their increases in advertising dollars and Florida's decrease, coupled with the severe hurricane seasons, more and more people are choosing other places for vacation destinations.

A loss of 1 percent of the tourism activity in Florida reduces general revenue collections by about $37.2 million, which is devastating to a state that depends so heavily on tourism dollars.

If Florida is to maintain its competitive tourism advantage and keep tourism dollars flowing into state coffers, more funding for tourism marketing is vital to overcome the rising competition.

News: SeaWorld Orlando's New Aquatica Water Park to Open in 2008

2007-03-06T15:26:00.000Z

5th March 2007

Rising up in Orlando is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind water park only SeaWorld could create - Aquatica. Opening March 2008, Aquatica blends up close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches.

"SeaWorld is famous for immersing guests in the mystery of the sea and its animals," said Jim Atchison, executive vice president and general manager of SeaWorld Orlando. "Aquatica takes this immersion to a new level, inviting guests to play in, over, and under the water itself."

Setting foot into Aquatica, guests immediately experience the vastness of nearly 60 acres of lush landscape inspired by the vivid color, stunning flora and carefree personality of the South Sea Islands. Reminiscent of the rugged beauty of New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea, the landscape of Aquatica is striking. Crystal-blue rivers wind through hidden grottos and refreshing waterfalls, while rich greenery and bright flowers adorn towering rock formations.

Peeking through this verdant landscape, brightly colored, quirky buildings topped with swooping, pitched roofs create an uplifting, carefree setting. Colorful, whimsical animals - derivative patterns from New Zealand's Maori culture - adorn carved totem poles and interactive fountains.

Live animals from lands all over the world including Commerson's dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish bring to life the park's playful, high-energy nature.

Aquatica features the most thrilling water rides in the world with 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of beach area. Designed in a way that could only be done by SeaWorld, these distinct attractions will zoom, float and splash guests through amazing animal habitats and undersea adventures.

The park's signature attraction plunges riders in clear tubes through a crystal-blue lagoon with black-and-white Commerson's dolphins. Guests feel as if they are flying beneath the sea among these beautiful animals. While similar in coloration to SeaWorld's icon, Shamu, these dolphins are also distinctly different. In addition to being much smaller, they are also fast, agile swimmers - making them the perfect inhabitants for this lively park.

Aquatica's attractions offer equal emphasis on high-energy thrill rides and immersive swimming experiences. A colorful mix of racing tunnels, raft rides and rivers offer crashing surf and high-speed thrills, while pools, lagoons and lazy rivers invite guests to enjoy slower pace.

Many of the park's attractions even offer dual experiences within the same ride. Two immense wave lagoons create the world's only side-by-side wave pools that can be operated independently or together. Though side-by-side, each lagoon offers a very different experience: one with crashing waves and 5-foot swells, the other with a gently rolling surf. Nine different wave patterns can be created throughout the two pools, with the ability to generate one immense wave, or even "dueling" waves.

Winding rivers throughout Aquatica also offer two different journeys from serene to extreme. One river carries guests through gentle waterfalls, past exotic birds and into an undersea grotto with thousands of colorful fish. An adjacent river offers pure thrill, jetting riders through rolling rapids, rushing geysers and racing waters.

Colorful eight-lane racing slides, triple-drop raft rides, double inner tubes, and a 6-story family ride round out the mix of thrills.

Even the littlest swimmers will enjoy one-of-a-kind attractions at Aquatica. One of the world's largest interactive water play areas includes a colorful rain fortress that towers 60 feet above a 15,000-square-foot pool. The entire family can zoom together on slides and blast water cannons. In a separate children's pool, even those Aquatica guests not old enough to walk can still slide down tubes with Mom and Dad in specially built rafts.

Plenty of wide, sand beaches, refreshing lagoons and cool shade from towering oaks and exotic trees create the ultimate water park for guest comfort. Personal cabanas dot the shoreline for those who desire a private retreat. The entire park is designed to limit wait times and provide easy access to rides, attractions and even restaurants. Those who don't want to leave the comfort of their lounge chair can even enjoy beachside waiter service. All of this allows more time for carefree family fun.

Aquatica will be the natural complement to a full day's adventure at SeaWorld Orlando, and create a trio of SeaWorld parks in Central Florida that collectively provide experiences found nowhere else in the world.

For more information visit thrillnetwork.com

Florida is No. 2 Among Culinary Travellers

2007-02-27T09:50:00.001Z

26 February 2006

Florida came in second behind California as the destination for travellers whose vacation plans include food festivals, wine tours and other culinary pursuits, according to a new study from the Travel Industry Association.

California was cited as a destination for food-related travel by 14 percent of those surveyed, followed by Florida (10 percent), New York (7 percent), Texas (6 percent), North Carolina (4 percent), Georgia (4 percent), Louisiana (3 percent), Illinois (3 percent), Nevada (3 percent), Pennsylvania (3 percent), Washington DC (3 percent), Hawaii (3 percent), Michigan (2 percent), Arizona (2 percent), and Virginia (2 percent).

No surprise, California was also the No. 1 choice for wine-related travel, cited by 31 percent of those surveyed. Florida was cited by 2 percent.

The study, released earlier this month, found that 27 million travellers, or 17 percent of U.S. leisure travellers, engaged in "culinary or wine-related activities" while travelling during the past three years.

Culinary activities included cooking classes, dining out for a unique and memorable experience, visiting farmers markets, gourmet food shopping and attending food festivals. Wine activities included touring a winery, driving a wine trail, tasting locally made wines and attending wine festivals.

The study was done in partnership with Gourmet magazine and the International Culinary Tourism Association.

The survey was conducted online by Edge Research among 2,364 U.S. leisure traveller respondents.

Time share in St. Thomas

Marriott Vacation Club International, the Orlando-based time-share subsidiary of the Marriott International lodging chain, last week said it would open its first resort on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

The development, called Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, includes 28 two- and three-bedroom villas, a large beachfront pool and an activities building.

Later this year, the time-share resort will add another 30 two-bedroom villas. The development is adjacent to the 504-room Frenchman's Reef Marriott Beach Resort.

The time-share project, which is planned to contain 220 units, is located on 13 acres overlooking Pacquereau Bay. The villas contain 1,172 to 1,572 square feet and all bedrooms have balconies.

Small-ship division grows

Ambassadors International Inc., which operates cruise ships along U.S. rivers, has agreed to buy Carnival Corp.'s Windstar Cruises unit for $100 million to add three vessels to its fleet.

Windstar's sailing yachts, which together can hold about 600 passengers, cruise the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Costa Rica, the California-based Ambassadors said in a statement. The deal likely will be completed in April.

Buying Windstar furthers Ambassadors' plan to expand its small-ship cruise division, and allows Carnival to focus on its larger ships, which hold about 3,000 passengers. After the purchase, Ambassador will have a fleet of 10 ships with capacity for 2,200 passengers.

Ambassadors currently offers trips on the Mississippi River and in Alaska through its Majestic America division.

Hotels go condo

Legacy Grand Hotels & ; Suites is renovating two hotels in Kissimmee as it markets rooms in the buildings to condominium buyers.

Holiday Inn Maingate will build an observation deck on the roof of its east tower. The roof will be converted into a lounge area that is high enough to see theme-park fireworks. In addition, it is repainting the building's exterior, refurbishing the pool and cabana area and adding a heliport.

Units in what will be called the Holiday Inn Maingate Condo Hotels are being sold for $169,900 and more.

A second Legacy Grand condo hotel, East Gate, is also undergoing renovations that include a new pool deck, a new lobby gifts area and exterior repainting. Prices there start at $129,900.

For more information visit orlandosentinel.com

Florida's 'Unstable' Tourism Manages Small Gain in 2006

2007-02-20T15:13:00.000Z

Saturday, February 17, 2007

An end-of-year uptick wasn't enough to pull Florida's tourism industry out of the blahs.

The 84.6 million tourists visiting the state in 2006 represented an anemic 1.2 percent increase over 2005, according to Visit Florida, the state's tourism arm.

"The tourism market in Florida is currently quite unstable," said Donna Ross, chairwoman of Visit Florida's board of directors and CEO of the Florida Attractions Association.

The year's tourism ups and downs resemble a theme park ride: For the first half of the year, figures were flat, followed by a jolting drop in the third quarter. An upswing toward year's end helped out.

Gov. Charlie Crist's statement accompanying the year's tourism numbers shows no hint of stomach-churning fluctuations. Instead, the governor praises the "unparalleled natural beauty" of the state and its position as a "global tourism leader."

That comes on the heels of Crist's first budget, which recommends no extra marketing money for Visit Florida. Even before Crist took office, Florida was notoriously stingy with tourism marketing money, lagging behind even Pennsylvania and West Virginia when it comes to public funding.

"With a relatively flat marketing budget, Florida is being outspent by other destinations who are aggressively marketing to potential visitors," Ross said.

Florida isn't the only state to report flat 2006 tourism numbers: The number of visitors making tracks to Las Vegas last year grew by less than 1 percent, according to figures provided by Clark County, Nev.

And there were parts of Florida that enjoyed a boost. Orlando International Airport, for instance, chalked up a record 34.8 million passengers in 2006.

Locally, though, last year was a mixed bag. Palm Beach International Airport reported a 2.7 percent decline in passenger traffic, even as Palm Beach County taxes collected on temporary lodging - typically hotels - rose by 4.5 percent to $23.5 million, county records show.

There may be sunnier news on the horizon: Florida locations take up 16 of Priceline.com's top 50 vacation spots for this Presidents' Day weekend.

Busch Gardens

2007-02-06T11:52:00.000Z

Hot news for coaster fans: SheiKra, the 70-mph dive coaster featuring a vertical drop from 200 feet up, gets a new twist: Floorless cars. The ride will close after Memorial Day and reopen June 16.

Also new at the animal-and-thrill ride park: two new shows. The musical revue Mirage Canteen celebrates 1940s Hollywood. Emerald Beat brings the spirit of Ireland to Africa-in-Tampa with dancers, vocalists and musicians.

Still relatively new to the park is the multisensory movie Pirates 4-D, starring Leslie Nielsen. For $61.95 adults, $51.95 ages 3-9, Florida residents can buy a Fun Card good for the entire year; some restrictions. www.buschgardens.com, 888-800-5447.

For more information about Florida Theme Parks please visit: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/travel/16594360.htm

Cedar Key

2007-01-29T10:46:00.000Z

Location: Cedar Key isn't one of the Florida Keys, that chain of isles arcing south of mainland Florida. It's hundreds of miles away in the Gulf of Mexico, an hour's drive west of Gainesville in north Florida and reachable by causeway.

Why go: This is a funky, laid-back island that has managed to retain some of the ambience of Old Florida despite the growing incursions of tourism. Weatherbeaten wooden buildings sit atop pilings on the Dock Street waterfront, giving them a ramshackle look. (Nevermind that some of those old-looking buildings are really modern structures.)

The pace of living is distinctly tortoise-like. Residents take time to smile and wave to visitors. Waitresses never hurry your food. Even the pelicans stroll nonchalantly on the pier.

What to do? If lethargy's not your thing, go fishing for redfish and mackerel off shore. Dig for clams at low tide. Take a tour boat out to Atsena Otie Island, once the booming site of Eberhard Faber and other factories that used local cedar to make slats for pencils. Go birding off Seahorse Key, which an estimated 2,000 frigates and other shore birds call home.

Downtown has a ramshackle look, too, though the bar in the historic Island Hotel offers a remarkably international selection of beers. Perhaps that's the influence of such past hotel guests as Jimmy Buffett and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Another oddity: Six-toed cats roam downtown, as they do in Ernest Hemingway's home in Key West.

Where to stay: Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club, hotel and timeshare resort - www.cedarcove-florida.com. Island Hotel - www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com. Beach Front Motel - www.beachfrontmotelcedarkey.com.

Where to eat: Captain's Table, Island Hotel or Island Room.

How to get there: Nearest airport is at Gainesville, about 50 miles east. Take Florida Highway 24 west to Cedar Key.

More information: Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, www.cedarkey.org.

Airport Hassles Dent Florida Tourism

2007-01-15T17:21:00.001Z

International arrivals at the Orlando airport plummeted 13 percent to 380,413 people during the first half of 2006, and the travel industry thinks it knows why.

Foreign tourists are turning away in droves from a vacation in the United States because they simply don't want to deal with the hassle of America's extensive security measures.

A year after the U.S. government announced an effort to improve access for foreign visitors, a national travel lobby and the tourists navigating the system say government is not acting quickly enough to stop a decline in business.

"As a whole, government has not decided we are better off by bringing more travelers into the country," said Geoff Freeman, executive director of the Discover America Partnership.

Southwest Florida has a major stake in the effort. Foreign tourists are a staple. Many of them make their way to this area's beaches and museums after a visit to Mickey Mouse, Shamu and Universal Studios.

A year ago, the tourism lobby applauded a joint initiative by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State called "Secure Borders and Open Doors."

The goal was to shorten wait times for visas and make airport screening friendlier.

Now the partnership - whose leaders include Bud Nocera, chief executive of Visit Florida, and Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts - is pushing for quicker, more extensive reform.

The Discover America Partnership has hired Tom Ridge as a consultant. The former Homeland Security secretary is helping the partnership come up with a list of its own recommendations, to be announced Jan. 31 at an industry meeting in Washington, D.C.

But despite the added lobbying power and gravitas, the nation's law-enforcement agencies are not going to compromise their mission just because the industry is worried about its bottom line, says Kelly Klundt, a Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman working on the "Secure Borders and Open Doors" initiative.

SeaWorld Gets in the Holiday Spirit

2006-12-04T13:31:00.001Z

A Santa's village, a festival fountain and a Christmas version of the nightly Makahiki Luau highlight the Christmas celebrations that have begun at SeaWorld Orlando.

The park's 'Festivities at the Waterfront' include Santa's village, with a cottage and Mrs. Claus's Cinnamon Kitchen, offering holiday baked goods.

Water, light and snow flurries adorn the night during the 'Christmastide' holiday fountain show, set to Christmas music. Along SeaWorld's waterfront, singers and decorations add spirit to the row of shops and restaurants.

The 'Makahiki Christmas Luau' celebration, which does not require park admission, includes cuisine served with the holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands and the sounds of Christmas reinterpreted through Polynesian rhythms, music and dancers.

New Year's Eve parties

Orlando's theme parks have announced many of their plans for New Year's Eve celebrations, including those that require advance ticket sales for parties at Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island and Universal Orlando's CityWalk districts.

Universal's 'Turn on the Night!' New Year's party at CityWalk will feature buffet food, fireworks, champagne toasts and live music headlined by Cyndi Lauper and Tower of Power. Tickets run 109 dollars, and are limited to visitors age 21 or older.

People may also celebrate the New Year at Universal's theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Both parks will be open for extended hours until 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

SeaWorld Orlando is offering a World Jazz party, led by Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band, who will keep playing until midnight, when fireworks will erupt. The park's attractions and thrill rides also will remain open until midnight.

Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island party features musical and other live entertainment, as well as food and complimentary champagne toasts. The lineup of entertainment has not yet been released.

Tickets cost 89 dollars per person, and are limited to people age 21 or older.

Also at Downtown Disney, Cirque du Soleil is offering New Year's Eve package performances of La Nouba. Packages range from 87 dollars to 136 dollars for adults and 74 dollars to 114 dollars for children ages 3-9.

Disney also is offering New Year's Eve DJ dance parties in the parks until midnight at Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom, which also will feature themed closing shows.

Green lodging

The state's Department of Environmental Protection is partnering with an environmental consulting firm to help Florida's lodging industry reduce impacts on the state's environment.

The partnership with BTEX Engineering Inc. of Delray Beach is the latest component of the department's Green Lodging initiative, which encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving 'green' practices that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste.

Green-lodging certified hotels in the Central Florida area include several Walt Disney Co. properties.

Holiday travel

The Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally a busy time for the travel industry, but American Express Travel agents say it's going to get even busier. A poll of 402 of the company's agents and representatives puts the week between Christmas and New Year's - not Thanksgiving weekend - as the most popular time for holiday travel for their customers.

More than half the agents also said their customers are seeking someplace new every year, especially internationally. Good news for Orlando, though. The area is on the list of top 10 U.S. destinations, according to American Express booking data.

2007 IFPA World Footbag Championships

2006-11-21T11:01:00.000Z

August 11-18, 2007

Location: Disney Wide World of Sports Complex Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA

This event will be in the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and will be one of the biggest footbag events ever. The Wide World of Sports Complex is one of seven theme parks at the resort and will be the home of the 2007 IFPA World footbag Championships.

www.disneyworldsports.com

Cypress Gardens Announces New Attractions In Hopes to Lure Families

2006-11-13T11:39:00.000Z

Winter Haven - Cypress Gardens, a 70-year-old central Florida theme park currently in bankruptcy proceedings, announced the addition of a historic roller coaster and a new play area in an effort to increase its appeal as a family destination.

The kids area will be called Bugsville and will feature 13 rides. The park is also adding the historic Starliner, a 43-year-old wooden roller coaster that was once the main attraction at the now-defunct Miracle Strip amusement park on Panama City Beach.

Cypress Gardens filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, citing 25 million dollars in debts incurred after it was hit by three hurricanes in 2004. Cypress Gardens opened in 1936 and was a hit for decades, but it was unable to compete later with the sophisticated attractions at nearby Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens. It closed in 2003.

Theme park operator Kent Buescher bought Cypress Gardens for 7 million dollars under a complicated deal that involved state and local government and a non-profit conservation group.

After a 45 million dollar investment in four roller coasters, 34 other rides and new restaurants, Cypress Gardens reopened on Dec. 9, 2004, after closing the year before, hoping to find a niche in central Florida's crowded tourism market.

Florida Golf Journal Lauds Two St. Joe Courses

2006-10-31T11:07:00.000Z

Camp Creek and SouthWood Golf Clubs, two awarding-winning St. Joe-owned golf courses, have been selected to Florida Golf Journal's inaugural listing of 'The Best of Northwest Florida,' a catalog of the finest public, resort, semi-private and private courses in Florida's Emerald Coast region.

Camp Creek, a Tom Fazio design recently selected to host a U.S. Open Local Qualifier, was one of only two private courses included, while SouthWood, designed by Fred Couples/Gene Bates and home to the Florida State University men's and women's golf teams, was the eastern-most course selected. Only 12 courses were chosen from the region's formidable inventory of highly-regarded golf properties.

Florida Golf Journal , a state-wide golf and travel publication based in Tampa, cited Camp Creek's 'mix of long, short, wide and tight holes,' and lauded its layout, which 'takes players from sand dunes through forest, with slippery greens accompanying all the way.' About semi-private SouthWood, the magazine's editors wrote: 'Any collection of the region's best would be shamefully incomplete without SouthWood, the Fred Couples/Gene Bates design that has raised the bar for all future Tallahassee courses.'

The St. Joe-owned and nationally-acclaimed WaterColor Inn and Resort, just minutes from Camp Creek, and its chef-driven Fish Out of Water restaurant, were recommended for area accommodations and dining. Also included in Florida Golf Journal's list of regional accommodations were the craftsman-styled Cottages at SouthWood, located near the historic SouthWood House only one-half mile from the golf course.

'Florida Golf Journal is a widely respected golf publication and it is an honor to be considered one of the region's best golf courses,' says Camp Creek General Manager Will Hopkins.

Hopkins and his staff were instrumental in Camp Creek's recent transition from daily fee/resort to resort/private, as well as the successful implementation of a new caddie program. Guests of the WaterColor Inn and St. Joe luxury rental properties have exclusive access to tee times and the caddie service. Camp Creek - in concert with the WaterColor Inn - offers a handful of signature stay-and-play golf packages that include golf, accommodations, fine dining and lessons with the course's PGA professionals.

October has been an exciting month for SouthWood. In addition to recognition in Florida Golf Journal, the live oak-laden layout was voted 'Tallahassee's Best Golf Course' by the readers of Tallahassee Magazine, and onsite instructor Becky Sauers was voted the city's top golf instructor. SouthWood was the top vote-getter from among both public and private courses for the second time. And Sauers, who heads up the Classical School of Golf and Lady Links at SouthWood, won for the third time since opening her golf academy on property in 2002.

'These types of accolades speak volumes about the hard work our staff has put in to position SouthWood as one of the region's best courses,' says SouthWood General Manager Beth Murphy.'

Disney World Raised Ticket Prices and Confusion Levels

2006-09-19T14:29:00.000Z

Disney World ticket prices have increased recently. The theme park still offers great value, even though customers are caught off guard by latest price increase.

Walt Disney World's decision to raise prices last week affected many more people than just visitors to the Orlando theme parks. Discount Disney ticket resellers are feeling the crunch as vacation travellers are spending a lot of time trying to sort through the confusion on the web.

'We’ve come to expect the yearly increase from the theme parks, but Disney came back for a second helping this year,' says Don Rogers, manager of Billy Boys Discount Tickets and Travel. Their website, Ticket Momma, is one of the more established discount ticket resellers on the internet and even they are not immune to the confusion.

'Families looking for discount tickets are having trouble. When Disney raises their prices, it takes weeks for all of the websites that sell their product to get caught up and adjust their online prices. So shoppers are confused when they see many different gate prices and frustrated when they try to order from some of the companies that are in the middle of the price change.'

Palm Beach Opera Unveils Schedule and Cast For 2006-2007 Season

2006-09-07T11:00:00.000Z

Come experience what critics and opera aficionados have been raving about.

West Palm Beach, FL - Following the record-setting and critically acclaimed 2005-2006 season, Palm Beach Opera announced today the performance schedule and casting for what promises to be another stellar season.

Newly appointed general director, William Ryberg said, 'The coming season offers a wonderful variety of drama, passion, and comedy. Each production will engage and entertain the audience with many familiar arias, melodies and of course, dramatic action. This is a must-see season!'

The season opens Friday, December 8th and will feature the following:

Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci
Thais
L'Italiana in Algeri
Madama Butterfly

All performances will take place at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Single ticket sales begin Saturday, September 16 via the Kravis Center ticket window or at Palm Beach Opera box office; 561-833-7888.

SeaWorld Orlando Unveils Park's First 'Family-Friendly' Rides

2006-08-18T12:03:00.001Z

ORLANDO, Fla. - SeaWorld Orlando has taken flight with the 'Shamu Express'

The park's first family - oriented roller coaster. Themed after SeaWorld's famous killer whale, the 'Shamu Express' will gently thrill 28 children and parents in killer whale - themed cars down more than 850 feet of track at 26 mph. Two more brand new 'kid-friendly' additions include a jellyfish - themed samba tower ride and a waterspout - themed tea cup ride. 'Jazzy Jellies' will lift and spin families in jellyfish - themed seats while 'Swishy Fishies' will enable adventurous youngsters to sit in themed seats while they spin around a giant waterspout.

'This expansion adds even more thrills for our youngest guests, who may be riding a roller coaster for the first time' said Jim Atchison, executive vice president and general manager of SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove. 'To further the family experience, parents can also ride with their children.'

Currently, Shamu's Happy Harbor is a three - acre children's play area that offers SeaWorld's littlest guests four stories of colorful climbing nets and tunnels, nine slippery slides and a splashy water maze.

SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world - class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up - close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more.

Kennedy Space Centre

2006-07-11T12:56:00.000Z

Kennedy Space Centre is America's space port. Hundreds of astronauts have made their way into space from launch pads at this expansive complex. Fortunately, we earthbound mortals can get a glimpse of this exciting space frontier by visiting NASA's Kennedy Space Centre.

The centre is open all year round and offers many presentations, displays and tours of our space program's past, present and future.

You can spend anywhere from a half to a full day at Kennedy Space Centre depending upon interest. Experience the thrill of a simulated rocket launch in the Firing Room Theatre complete with dramatic visual and sound effects of a launch. Watch a recreation of America's first moon landing on stage in the Lunar Surface Theatre.

Meet an Astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter. Experience the drama and excitement of space in the centre's two large IMAX theatres. Thrilling presentation of actual footage as photographed in space within the five story tall IMAX theatre is as close as most of us will get to the experience of space travel!

Nightlife in Florida

2006-05-19T09:27:00.001Z

The nightlife scene in Florida starts as early or as late as you' like. Seek out a waterfront tiki bar for Happy Hour and enjoy two-for-one frozen concoctions and - if you're on the Gulf coast - an amazing sunset. Or, for late-night partying till dawn, hit the nightclubs in Miami and other Florida hotspots long after the sun goes down. Whether your dream night out involves dancing to techno, a dimly-lit jazz club, a barefoot beach party or all of the above, you'll find it in Florida.

North Florida Nightlife
Jacksonville LandingBill Sumnerin northwest Florida may be best known for the spring break haven Panama City Beach, home to beach clubs on the Gulf. However, downtown Pensacola's Seville Quarter, a restored brick complex with wrought-iron balconies reminiscent of Bourbon Street, should not be missed. It's filled with bars, eateries and clubs, many of which feature live entertainment. East of Pensacola, Destin and Fort Walton Beach play host to some of northwest Florida's hottest nightspots. Though it is the state capital, Tallahassee is a college town at heart. Coeds flock to Tennessee Street on the outskirts of the FSU campus nightly to partake in the not-so-famous 'Tennessee Waltz', where they try to hit every bar on the street. In Northeast Florida, Jacksonville's lively nightlife scene centres on Jacksonville Landing, a downtown entertainment, dining and shopping complex on the riverfront which hosts free live bands.

Central Florida
On Florida's Gulf coast, Tampa's historic Latin district, Ybor City, is a favorite with the under 30 sect. Filled with nightclubs and bars, Ybor City draws thousands of revelers to its streets on weekend nights. On Seventh Avenue, stroll by club after club and chose your dance spot of choice. Many have Pleasure Island, Orlando Walt Disney Company outdoor patios, or even rooftops or balconies. In the centre of it all is Centro Ybor, a dining, shopping and entertainment complex.

Tourism and Recreation

2006-05-05T10:18:00.000Z

Florida's coastline is the jewel of the state's number one industry - tourism. In 1999, tourism generated more than 46 billion dollars for the state. The sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast, the colorful and diverse coral reefs off the Florida Keys, and the rich habitats of the Panhandle region all contribute to the state's attractiveness. Enormous investments in coastal tourism and supporting infrastructure, as well as the recreational and growing ecotourism industries, will have to contend with the challenges posed by a changing climate. Some of these impacts are:

* Coral reefs-a key attraction-will experience increasing pressures from the combined impacts of recreational use, overfishing, coastal pollution, and warming coastal waters.

* Loss of coastal wetlands could increase due to greater rates of sea-level rise in combination with a limited ability of wetlands to migrate inland due to development. This could reduce the habitats of waterfowl and other wildlife essential for hunting and recreational fishing.

* Rising sea levels will increase coastal erosion, leading to beach loss where sediment supplies are low. Greater coastal erosion will also increase the risk of damages from hurricanes and other severe coastal storms. The maintenance of beaches through nourishment will likely become more expensive and frequent as faster sea-level rise speeds coastal erosion.

Everglades National Park

2006-05-05T09:49:00.000Z

Slight changes in elevation (only inches), water salinity, and soil create entirely different landscapes, each with its own community of plants and animals.

The Everglades is a low, flat plain shaped by the action of water and weather. In the summer wet season it is a wide, grassy river. In the winter season the edge of the slough is a dry grassland. Though Everglades National Park is often characterized as a water marsh, several very distinct habitats exist within its boundaries.

Marine/EstuarineFlorida Bay
The largest body of water within Everglades National Park, contains over 800 square miles (2072 square km) of marine bottom, much of which is covered by seagrass. The seagrass shelters fish and shellfish and sustains the food chain that supports all higher vertebrates in the bay. The hard bottom areas are home to corals and sponges.

Mangroves
Mangrove forests are found in the coastal channels and winding rivers around the tip of South Florida. Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), identified by their stilt-like roots, and the black (Avicennia germinans) and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) thrive in tidal waters, where freshwater from the Everglades mixes with saltwater. This estuary system is a valuable nursery for shrimp and fish. During the dry months, wading birds congregate here to feed. Many bird species nest in the mangrove trees.

Coastal Prairie
Located between the tidal mud flats of Florida Bay and dry land, the coastal prairie is an arid region of salt-tolerant vegetation periodically flooded by hurricane waves and buffeted by heavy winds. It is characterized by succulents and other low-growing desert plants that can withstand the harsh conditions.

Freshwater Marl Prairie
Bordering the deeper sloughs are large prairies with marl sediments, a calcareous material that settles on the limestone. The marl allows slow seepage of the water but not drainage. Though the sawgrass is not as tall and the water is not as deep, freshwater marl prairies look a lot like freshwater sloughs.

Sports and Activities in Florida

2006-03-06T15:02:00.000Z

Florida is a veritable sportsperson's paradise. The warm summers and mild winters make Florida an ideal state for boating, camping, diving, snorkeling, fishing, jetskiing, golfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, skiing (water skiing that is!), beach combing, swimming, parasailing (gasp!) or just plain sunning!
Generally the east coast has higher surf than the west coast. For activities involving surf such as surf boarding, body surfing and wave boarding the east coast is a better choice. Where calmer waters are preferred the west coast, panhandle and keys are a good choice. The water along the west coast of Florida is warmer than that of the Atlantic coast. Here the water remains at a comfortable swimming temperature longer into the fall and winter.
Excellent snorkeling and diving can be found in the keys. The water clarity and color rivals that of many Caribbean islands. The sea life is abundant and beautiful.
Golfing is very popular in Florida. There are more golf courses in Florida than in any other state. It is estimated that there are over 1,000 public, private and semiprivate courses in Florida. In some areas more than a dozen courses are within a short driving distance.
Florida offers a phenomenal range of fishing. At times the fishing in Florida is nothing less than spectacular. With its thousands of lakes, numerous rivers, hundreds of miles of coastline, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean an angler has many choices. Whether its fishing from the shore of a quiet lake, a spring-fed river, along the Gulf or Atlantic coast, casting into the surf, from a pier or bridge, on a boat near shore, or deep sea fishing offshore, one can certainly find the type of fishing that suites their tastes. About the only kind of fishing not offered in Florida is ice fishing!

Weather in Florida

2006-03-06T14:59:00.001Z

Florida's climate is best described as subtropical with mild winters and quite warm summers. The state is essentially a long peninsula with no place more than 80 miles from either the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. Temperatures are greatly influenced by the surrounding water which has a moderating effect on both the high and low temperatures. Generally, the interior of the state tends to warm more rapidly and reach higher temperatures during the day while cooling more rapidly and falling to lower temperatures during the night.
The summer months of June, July, August and even into September are the rainiest months of the year. During this period thunderstorms are common. Many welcome these rain showers as they provide cooling relief during hot afternoons. One must be wary, however, since these thunderstorms sometimes become quite severe with very strong winds and intense lightning.
Winter brings dryer weather to Florida and of course the occasional cold front. Northern Florida feels the effects of cold fronts much more than southern Florida. Northern Florida will experience numerous days where the low temperature falls below freezing while this rarely occurs in south Florida. Still, the average low temperature even in the coldest months in north Florida is above 40F in most areas with high temperatures averaging in the 60s. In south Florida the coldest months bring low temperatures that typically average in the 60s with highs reaching well into 70s. Snow is very rare in Florida.
Although snow is rare in Florida, tropical storms and hurricanes are not. Hurricane Season is from June 1st through November 30th. These tropical cyclones can bring devastation to Florida. Modern surveillance systems provide plenty of notice of approaching hurricanes, however.

Florida's Interesting facts!

2006-03-06T14:48:00.000Z

Nickname: 'The Sunshine State'
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Flower: Orange blossom - (Citrus sinensis)
State Insect: Zebra Longwing Butterfly
State Song: "Old Folks at Home (Swannee River) by Stephen C. Foster
State Tree: Sabal Palm
State Reptile: American Alligator
State Animal: The Florida Panther
State Marine Mammal: The West Indian Manatee
State Saltwater Mammal: The Dolphin
State Drink: Orange Juice
State Fruit: Orange
State Shell: The Horse Conch (The great band shell)
State Saltwater Fish: The Sailfish
State Freshwater Fish: Florida Largemouth Bass
Highest Point: Britton Hill (345 feet)

Surely One of Florida's Most Famous Faces?

2006-03-06T14:45:00.001Z

Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney's most famous character, made his screen debut on November 18, 1928, as star of the first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie. Since his debut, Mickey Mouse has become an international personality whose success laid the financial foundation upon which Walt Disney built his creative organization. Besides being the personification of everything Disney, Mickey Mouse has become one of the most universal symbols of the Twentieth Century. Mickey Mouse was born in Walt Disney's imagination early in 1928 on a train ride from New York to Los Angeles. Walt was returning with his wife from a business meeting at which his cartoon creation, Oswald the Rabbit, had been wrestled from him by his financial backers. Only 26 at the time and with an active cartoon studio in Hollywood, Walt had gone east to arrange for a new contract and more money to improve the quality of his Oswald pictures. The moneymen declined, and since the character was copyrighted under their name, they took control of it. ' . . . So I was all alone and had nothing,' Walt recalled later. 'Mrs. Disney and I were coming back from New York on the train and I had to have something I could tell them. I've lost Oswald so, I had this mouse in the back of my head because a mouse is sort of a sympathetic character in spite of the fact that everybody's frightened of a mouse including myself' Walt spent the return train ride conjuring up a little mouse in red velvet pants and named him 'Mortimer,' but by the time the train screeched into the terminal station in Los Angeles, the new dream mouse had been rechristened. Walt's wife, Lillian, thought the name 'Mortimer' was too pompous and suggested 'Mickey.' A star was born!
One of the finest tributes to Mickey Mouse was given by Walt Disney himself when, on his first television show as he surveyed Disneyland, Walt said, 'I hope we never lose sight of one fact... that this was all started by a Mouse.'

Getting around

2006-03-06T14:40:00.001Z

Orlando is a lot more spread out than many visitors imagine and a car is still the easiest way to go. The little mass transit there is does not serve many of the attractions. Even with a car getting around town will take longer than you think. This is especially true on I-4, which can turn into a parking lot at certain times of day. Visitors driving a car need to allow some additional time for 'sitting' and a good map is essential before any timesaving short cuts are attempted. Rental cars can be collected at Orlando and Sanford International Airports - at Orlando International a short bus ride is required for some of the rental companies. Taxis and shuttle buses also run from both airports to the main tourist areas, and you can use these to get around town during your stay if required. When headed to a theme park from your hotel ask for the fare when you call a cab as set rates often apply. Many hotels offer a free shuttle to the bigger theme parks, which can be a big money saver. Likewise guests staying in Disney accommodation have free use of the Disney buses, ferries, and monorails. If you intend to stay on International Drive the I-Ride trolley service costs just 75 cents and connects the I-Drive area theme parks and some great shopping locations. The service runs every 15 minutes or so.

Eating out in Florida

2006-03-06T14:34:00.001Z

Whether it's a table for two or one for the entire family, the dining options in Orlando are endless. If you're looking for some fun with your food, Orlando offers many themed restaurants that dish out as much conversation-starting scenery as they do great food. Or, for a romantic night out, choose from a variety of ethnic eateries, steak and seafood restaurants or critically acclaimed fine-dining establishments. Whatever restaurant you choose, you'll not only be dining, you'll be making holiday memories you'll talk about for a long time.
Eating out is the national sport - for the most part it's reasonably priced and definitely the thing to do. A simple breakfast can quickly turn into an 'all you can eat' epic, with stacks of pancakes decked in maple syrup sitting alongside fried eggs and the dreaded grits! Don't be fooled into thinking that appetizers are light snacks, or that salads are for those with a lighter appetite. Portions tend to be particularly generous, with doggy bags standard issue in many establishments. Share a main course if need be, or simply ask for what's left 'to go'. Before ordering always listen carefully to your server who will reel off a list of the 'specials' on offer, and your choices of salad dressings, breads, potatoes, and vegetables. If you've never heard of a particular dish simply ask for it 'on the side' so it comes on a separate plate.

Overview of Florida

2006-03-06T14:31:00.001Z

Millions of pleasure-seekers can't be wrong! Florida is North America's favourite holiday destination and draws hordes of tourists all year round. The reason for the state's popularity as a vacation station is its sunny climate and situation. Consisting of a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the southeastern corner of the United States, Florida's uneven coastline is indented with estuaries, bays, inlets, lagoons and rivers, creating ideal enclaves for the location of holiday resorts. Right in the south the peninsula ends in an arc of islands resting on coral reefs, known as the Florida Keys, today joined and accessed via a highway ending in Key West, the southernmost point of the United States.
After World War II, tourism development took off at a great pace, not to enhance its natural attractions, but in the form of building man-made ones. The central part of the state, particularly around Tampa and Orlando, has since become a theme park paradise for thrill seekers. Enticing venues offer everything from water slides to rollicking roller coasters, and themed animal habitats attract thousands to the accompanying resort hotels on the huge sites of Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens and other major resort operators.
The state's biggest city, Miami, echoes the vibrancy of the rest of this holiday Mecca, with its soft white sandy beaches vying for attention with the city's numerous attractions and colourful neighbourhoods. Its famous Art Deco district and Latin American quarter are constantly thronged with visitors, many of them passengers from the hundreds of cruise ships that come and go in the bustling port. Within easy access from Miami are the Everglades, a marshy grass plain resonating with wildlife and filled with alligators.
Aptly named the 'Sunshine State', Florida can offer anything anyone seeks in a holiday, whether it be fine wining and dining, learning about space exploration, discovering endangered wildlife, riding a roller coaster or bronzing on one of its famous beaches.

Golf In Florida

2006-03-06T14:21:00.001Z

To the east lies Orlando, Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld... theme park central. To the west lies Tampa, St. Petersburg...... In the middle lies Polk County, Florida's fourth largest county in landmass. And, it could be said, the one Florida county that's right in the middle of... everywhere! And golfers, especially, will find a varied menu of courses to sample, well off the beaten path of the tourist-crowded resort courses in central Florida. In Polk County and environs, a golfer can actually take time to savor the experience, admire the flora and fauna and get away from the hurry-up golf played elsewhere. Choose from -
Diamondback Golf Club, Haines City; Cleveland Heights Golf Club, Lakeland; Huntington Hills Golf Club, Lakeland or Southern Dunes, Haines City. A must for the golf enthusiast!

Florida Waterparks

2006-03-06T14:01:00.001Z

As the land of endless summer, it's no surprise that Florida is home to more water parks than anywhere else in the United States. Surf on man-made waves, slip down a gravity-defying waterslide, relax on a lazy river and generally beat the heat while having an awesome time.
Just a few that you can choose from are -
Adventure Island, Tampa - A mid size park suitable for children and teens just outside Tampa, near Busch Gardens. Features a large beach and pool area for those who want to take a break from the watery thrills and spills!
Water Mania, Kissimmee - Home to 'Wipe Out', Florida's only surf simulator, this is a smaller park with plenty of fun mid sized slides and tube rides. Ideal for middle school aged children, older teens may find it doesn't quite hit their adrenalin junkie side!
Disney's Blizzard Beach - The Florida water park that's designed to look like a ski resort, this park is huge and a veritable feast for those who like the large slides and tubes. Although it has the Tikes Peak area for smaller children and fun for all the family, you will need to keep close guard of pre teens and below as the park is one of the largest in Florida.
Wet 'n Wild, Orlando - Although it's Florida's oldest water park, Wet 'n Wild has continued to develop new attractions rather than ride the wave of past success. The Bubble Up, for example, combines trampoline action and waterslide fun. It's a simple enough design: children climb up the side of a giant blue trampoline bubble (aided by ropes), and bounce and / or slide down the side into a shallow circular pool.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista - Along with plenty of sliding thrills, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon boasts one of the world's largest surfing lagoons (two-and-one-half-acres in size) with the biggest waves of any Florida water park (up to six feet high). Visitors can also take a surf lesson before the park opens for around $135.

Rollercoasters

2006-03-06T13:41:00.001Z

Sit down, strap in and hold on for the twisting, turning and topsy-turvy rides at the exciting theme parks of Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where you'll get the chance to ride the fastest, wildest rides in the Sunshine State.
Magic Kingdom Park - Here's where it all started in Orlando's theme park world, and here's where you should start your little ones. Think of it as Theme Park 101. In the face of the thrill-ride trend at surrounding parks, Magic Kingdom has kept its charm, remaining almost quaint with its carousel rides and cotton candy. The park gives pre-schoolers the most age-appropriate choices for rides and shows, but grade-schoolers will get the max from the experience. For 'tweens, teens and adults, the magic never dies.
Epcot - With its geographical and futuristic focus, Epcot naturally fits 'tweens, teens and adults best. If you have a multi-park pass, however, don't be afraid to make a stop at Epcot with your pre- and grade-schoolers. In fact, when crowds swell midday at Magic Kingdom, hopping on the monorail to Epcot is a smart option. The park consists of two parts, Future World and World Showcase (the latter of which usually opens and closes later than the former).
Disney MGM Studios - Here's another good park for first-timers in Orlando because it offers a lot on the sweet, endearing and tame side of things. Plus, the park's smaller size makes it less overwhelming for the small and uninitiated. Pre-schoolers will thrill at meeting so many of their favorite cartoon characters come to life. The grade-school crowd gravitates toward the action rides and shows, and 'tweens, teens and adults get a kick out of the actual movie studio aspects of the attraction and the more daring rides.
Busch Gardens - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay may be named after the suds-producing breweries, but adrenaline is the most potent intoxicant this thrill-heavy theme park produces. Exotic animals abound for young park-hoppers, but Busch's strength lies also in its corkscrews, 360-degree loops and scream-inducing speeds. Most rides in the park have height requirements.
Kennedy Space Center - Experience the past, present and future of space exploration at the family-friendly Kennedy Space Center. The space complex offers guests an opportunity to meet their favorite astronauts, tour full-size replicas of shuttles and space stations and watch stirring films in the larger-than-life IMAX Theater. Educationally stimulating for adults and teens, most exhibits can also be enjoyed by the youngest of children.