Florida Strawberry Festival
If you are in Florida in early March and feel the need to get away from the parks for a day, while at the same time sampling a slice of pure Americana that owes much to rural UK life, then why not visit the Florida Strawberry Festival. It does what i...
Viewed 773 times since 1 September 2008.
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Choose your Cruise…… Magic or Wonder?
Do you love Disney, but you want a different type of vacation, maybe one a bit more relaxing than the hustle and bustle of the theme parks? Have you ever considered a cruise or have you been put off by the fear that it might be too formal or even too...
Viewed 629 times since 1 September 2008.
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Spa Treatments
So you have spent a week or two at the theme parks and now you are feeling slightly weary after the constant walking and standing in line. Your muscles are stiff, your feet ache and you would definitely feel the benefit from a bit of pampering. There...
Viewed 666 times since 1 September 2008.
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Downtown Disney Shops - A to D
Do you enjoy shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will love Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of wonderful shops with plenty of free parking. The best time to visit is during the day when most people are at the parks. When night falls Downtown D...
Viewed 6194 times since 29 September 2008.
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Downtown Disney Shops - D to H
Anyone for shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will adore Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of fantastic shops with masses of free parking. This is the continuation of my short introduction to the stores on offer. Disney’s Days of Ch...
Viewed 603 times since 29 September 2008.
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Downtown Disney Shops – H to M
Do you fancy a spot of shopping? If you answered yes, then you will absolutely love Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of brilliant shops with ample free parking. This is the continuation of my brief introduction to the shops on offer. Hoy...
Viewed 686 times since 29 September 2008.
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Downtown Disney Shops – M to R
Want to spend some time and money shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will love Downtown Disney, an exiting range of wonderful shops with lots of free parking. This is the continuation of my brief introduction to the stores available. Viewed 715 times since 29 September 2008.
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Around Epcot by Segway
Apart from just allowing you to meander at will around their theme parks Disney also give you the added option, for a price, to look behind the scenes on a variety of guided tours. Having previously done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, this year, as we...
Viewed 513 times since 29 September 2008.
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Lakeridge Winery
On our last visit to Florida we had been up on the north east coast of Florida to visit St Augustine, and during our stay we took the opportunity to spend a very pleasant afternoon at the San Sebastian winery. During our tour not only did we discover...
Viewed 571 times since 29 September 2008.
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The Showcase of Citrus
Many times we have journeyed along highway US27 just north of the US192 and noticed the Showcase of Citrus. On first impressions it looks nothing more than a roadside stall selling a variety of citrus fruits to passing motorists. But, on closer inspe...
Viewed 509 times since 29 September 2008.
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Orlando’s Alternative Parks
For the vast majority of visitors to the Orlando area the main attraction that draws them to this region is the abundance of theme parks. If however, you are on your second, third or fourth trip you may feel that you need to do something a little bit...
Viewed 487 times since 29 September 2008.
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Downtown Disney Shops - S to W
Want to spend some time and money shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will love Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of wonderful shops with lots of free parking. This is the continuation of my brief introduction to the stores available. <...
Viewed 757 times since 29 September 2008.
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Kissimmee Old Town – Thrill Rides
It’s difficult to recall the number of times we must have driven down the 192 from the airport and passed the huge metal frame of, what we now know to be, the Skycoaster at Kissimmee Old Town…. . and every time we promise ourselves that we will inves...
Viewed 692 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Peabody Ducks
When you have exhausted all the attractions of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, enjoyed all the thrills in the water parks, shopped until you dropped, relaxed in your home from home villa, what other activities can you do or see in ...
Viewed 0 times since 1 September 2008.
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BUYING YOUR DREAM HOME - HINTS AND TIPS
Today, due to an increase in levels of disposable income, low interest rates, and an increase in the number of people who are approaching retirement age, the purchase of a rental home in Florida has never been more attractive. Or has it? Having had t...
Viewed 669 times since 1 September 2008.
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Live Entertainment in Epcot - Part I
When you think about the theme parks, what comes into your mind first? The rides and attractions of course. I bet you didn’t even think about all the marvellous and varied live entertainers around the parks, did you? The number of different live ente...
Viewed 581 times since 1 September 2008.
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Live Entertainment in Epcot - Part II
Continuing on from my first article all about the live entertainment in Epcot, we are walking clockwise around World Showcase. The next venue after the American Adventure is Japan. If the drummers are playing you will be able to hear them as ...
Viewed 556 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Lighthouses of Florida
I have to confess that, until I started some preliminary research for a trip to Key West and read about it’s lighthouse, I had not really considered the need or existence for such structures along the (in my mind) sandy shores of Florida. Cli...
Viewed 547 times since 1 September 2008.
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See a Different side to SeaWorld
There are numerous other attractions at SeaWorld, Orlando apart from the animal shows and the thrill rides. All of these are certainly worth a visit if you intend to spend the whole day at the park. The Oyster’s Secret Guests ar...
Viewed 510 times since 1 September 2008.
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San Sebastian Winery – St Augustine
OK… so you’ve had a couple of days to enjoy the stunning architecture of St Augustine, together with its wonderful old buildings and Spanish fortifications. You’ve also had the opportunity to take one of the numerous trolley tours or ghost walks and ...
Viewed 531 times since 1 September 2008.
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An Introduction to the Space Coast
This is not an area that immediately springs to mind when visiting the Orlando area yet it is only 35 miles away on the Atlantic coast. Thousands upon thousands of tourist get within touching distance as they drive out to the Kennedy Space Center att...
Viewed 480 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Whistle-Stop Tour of International Drive
It is over twenty-five years since we first visited Orlando and stayed on International Drive which, at that time, was by far the most popular area for accommodation. Since then, however, staying in a villa has become increasingly popular, especially...
Viewed 530 times since 1 September 2008.
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Boma – Animal Kingdom Lodge
There is often a misconception that to eat at a Disney restaurant you must be a resident at one of their hotels or lodges….this is definitely not the case!! Tables at most restaurants on Disney property can be reserved up to 90 days in advance...
Viewed 596 times since 1 September 2008.
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See the Manatees at Blue Spring State Park
Located just off the I4 at Orange City some 20 miles north of Orlando, Blue Spring State Park is best known for its manatee migration in the winter months between November and March. During this period these endangered creatures find the waters of th...
Viewed 631 times since 1 September 2008.
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What do Epcot and California have in common?
Easy for those of you who have visited Future World at Epcot…. the answer is the Soarin’ experience in the Land Pavilion where you are gently transported above some of the major landmarks and natural landscapes of the Golden State. Much has b...
Viewed 482 times since 1 September 2008.
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Orlando’s Local Vineyard
When most people consider looking for a bottle of North American Wine their thoughts, probably naturally, turn to California and the wine producing areas of the Napa Valley. Names such as Paul Masson, Ernest and Julio Gallo and Kendall Jackson are we...
Viewed 527 times since 1 September 2008.
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J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is situated on Sanibel Island just a short drive across the causeway from Fort Myers on the west coast of Florida. It is in the top ten most visited refuges in the United States and second only to the ...
Viewed 501 times since 1 September 2008.
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Golfing in Lake County – The Diamond Players Club Clermont
On my last trip to Florida I finally managed to sidestep the lure of the theme parks and found time to play a few rounds of golf. Being based just south of Clermont I didn’t want to travel too far so concentrated my search on courses within a fifteen...
Viewed 525 times since 1 September 2008.
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It’s Tough to be a Bug in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Situated in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, underneath the Tree of Life, this 3D adventure, complete with smelly-vision, can provide a much-needed spot of relief on those hot summer days. But at anytime of the year it is superb Disney entertainme...
Viewed 0 times since 1 September 2008.
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Google Mapping
Everything is booked , flights, car hire and accommodation…..you may even have an itinerary providing you with directions to your Orlando vacation home…..but how confident are you of finding your way in unfamiliar territory, driving on the ‘wrong’ si...
Viewed 557 times since 1 September 2008.
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Around Disney Boardwalk and Crescent Lake
One of our favourite places to relax at Disney World, without using one of those precious Disney Days, is Disney’s Boardwalk. Whether you want an afternoon or evening stroll or just a short break from the hurly burly of Epcot or Hollywood Studios, th...
Viewed 1672 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Taste of Winter Park
Whilst we were driving up to the new Best Buy store at Winter Garden Village recently, my wife was browsing through a book on Florida when she chanced upon an article about Winter Park, and as we were half way there by the time we had reached Best Bu...
Viewed 978 times since 1 September 2008.
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‘Venice of America’ – Winter Park
I had read a small article about Winter Park; ‘The Venice of America’, and so while out on a shopping trip decided to press on to this small hamlet which is to be found on SR 426 just 5 miles north of downtown Orlando. Arriving at Park Avenue...
Viewed 963 times since 1 September 2008.
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Epcot – A Party for the Senses
Epcot is a great place to eat at any time. Food is available in almost every country in World Showcase, with the choice ranging from á la carte restaurants to fast food outlets. However, when the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is in town you rea...
Viewed 695 times since 1 September 2008.
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The ‘Extra Special’ Disney Magic (Part I)
Last year, while on the Keys To The Kingdom Tour in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, we were told by our guide that Disney employees were ‘empowered’ to make their own decisions, especially where they were in a position to add that something extra ...
Viewed 633 times since 1 September 2008.
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The ‘Extra Special’ Disney Magic (Part II)
If you have read Part I of our Magical Disney Experiences you will be aware that we had been told by our guide on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour last year that Disney employees were ‘empowered’ to make their own decisions especially where they were in ...
Viewed 615 times since 1 September 2008.
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Hidden Mickeys – Animal Kingdom
A “Hidden Mickey” can be found just about anywhere on Walt Disney World property, in the theme parks, the resort hotels and the golf courses. Below is a list of all the Hidden Mickeys that we know of in Disney’s Animal Kingdom but I am certain that t...
Viewed 559 times since 1 September 2008.
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Hidden Mickeys – Epcot
A “Hidden Mickey” can be found anywhere on Walt Disney World property, in the theme parks, the resort hotels and their golf courses etc. Here is a list of the Hidden Mickeys that we know about in Epcot but I am sure there are plenty more! Viewed 666 times since 1 September 2008.
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Muppet Vision 3-D at Hollywood Studios
A trip to Disney Hollywood Studios, for me, is never complete without a visit to see the “Muppet Vision 3-D”. For all lovers of nostalgia, and for the younger visitors who watch The Muppets on television, this show is high on entertainment and effect...
Viewed 0 times since 1 September 2008.
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Walter Elias Disney
Central Florida’s landscape would almost certainly been very different today if it had not been for one man with an incredible imagination – Walter Elias Disney – and his never-to-be-forgotten statement “If you can dream it, you can do it”. T...
Viewed 1145 times since 1 September 2008.
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Shark Dive – Sea World
What an experience! ! This is your chance to come face to face with some of natures most feared, but beautiful creatures. Having pre-booked five months in advance, there were no problems upon arrival at Sea World on the day of our dive. We ar...
Viewed 2038 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Little Bit of Britain in Sunny Florida
If you have ever wanted to visit the United Kingdom for a vacation or to visit long lost relatives, a trip to The Rose and Crown Dining Room and Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot is something you may be interested in. However, don’t be take...
Viewed 572 times since 1 September 2008.
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DISNEY FUN – WITH LITTLE EXPENSE
First time visitors to Orlando usually travel to the Sunshine State in the expectation that to enjoy a truly memorable vacation, they will be required to spend quite significant amounts of dollars on entertainment. Certainly it is true that to visit ...
Viewed 565 times since 1 September 2008.
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Truly a”MAZE”ing
We had visited Mount Dora on a couple of previous occasions and the lure of its charming tree lined streets, together with its craft shops and waterfront cafes was just too great to keep us away on this visit. At different times we had sample...
Viewed 1088 times since 1 September 2008.
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Florida Sailing
If you think that Florida has nothing more to offer than theme parks and Mickey Mouse, you could not be more wrong! Florida offers a return to nature in many ways, none more so than using the lakes, rivers and coastline for a wide variety of boating ...
Viewed 638 times since 1 September 2008.
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Disney’s Boardwalk Dining
There are a variety of ways to reach the Boardwalk, but for the majority of visitors the most convenient approach is to park at the Boardwalk Inn car park. If challenged at the entrance just tell the guard that you are going for a meal, snack or even...
Viewed 1118 times since 1 September 2008.
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Epcot – Wine Seminars
Each time my wife and I have visited the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, held from the end of September to mid November, for some reason we have never managed to attend one of the many complimentary wine seminars that are held throughout the festival. ...
Viewed 940 times since 1 September 2008.
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Seaworld - Brewmaster Club
Each time my wife and I visit Florida we always spend at least a day in Sea World, and without fail include at least one visit to the Anheuser Busch Hospitality Centre for a complimentary libation (or two! ). Until this year however, we have never ma...
Viewed 1082 times since 1 September 2008.
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How to save time and money at the theme parks
With so much to see and do in Orlando it is a good idea to plan ahead. Hopefully, these tips will help you to make the most of your time and save you some money at the theme parks. To help save time: Try to avoid peak times at the park...
Viewed 606 times since 1 September 2008.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been running at Disney’s Magic Kingdom for over twenty-five years now and I never tire of the thrill and excitement I get from this ride. Your journey begins, as you stand in line in what is described as the h...
Viewed 674 times since 1 September 2008.
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Journey to Atlantis – Sea World
Our initial reaction when heading for Journey at Atlantis at Seaworld was that we were about to sample another water-chute ride. Little did we know what to expect, but the ride designers have excelled themselves by combining the very best in thrills ...
Viewed 618 times since 1 September 2008.
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Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site
Although we have visited Florida on several occasions we had never really ventured further than the Orlando Metropolitan area, the Gulf Coast and the Kennedy Space Center. So on our last trip we decided to take a few days out to explore new territory...
Viewed 624 times since 1 September 2008.
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One Scoop or two?
Slightly hidden away between the Yacht and the Beach Club, two of Disney’s finest hotels, is the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, a little gem of a restaurant. Small but charismatic are the words I would use to describe Beaches and Cream. Decked o...
Viewed 679 times since 1 September 2008.
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Those little essentials
For those of you who are either new to central Florida or unfamiliar with the area around the US192 / US27 corridor this article seeks to give a brief overview of what is available in terms of “those little essentials”. Villa development is b...
Viewed 555 times since 1 September 2008.
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Airboat Charters
Many visitors will at some time probably take an airboat ride during their trip to Florida. The majority of holidaymakers will take one of the many ‘standard’ boat rides – e. g. turn up and share a trip with six to ten strangers, on a predetermined r...
Viewed 600 times since 1 September 2008.
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Skydiving in Florida
When we invited our friends Kath and Karl to come with us to our Florida villa, little did Karl realise what was soon to be in store for him. Unbeknown to him his sons had done a little research on the internet and, for his birthday a few weeks later...
Viewed 629 times since 1 September 2008.
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Carousel of Progress - The History
The Carousel of Progress opened in Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 1975 and there is an interesting story behind the opening and of its history. The ride follows the journey of an American family through the century of technological progress. Creat...
Viewed 694 times since 1 September 2008.
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Carousel of Progress - The Ride
The Carousel of Progress has been one of the most popular attractions in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland since 1974. More guests have visited this show than in any other theatrical presentation in the history of American theatre. This att...
Viewed 555 times since 1 September 2008.
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To hop or not to hop… that is the question!
At the beginning of 2005 Disney introduced a new way of buying tickets. This replaced the old system of Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets, which have now been replaced by Base Tickets plus a variety of add-ons. You choose the number of...
Viewed 551 times since 1 September 2008.
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Springs of Central Florida
For those of you that love swimming and maybe also want a picnic in a secluded shady spot, don’t like sand in everything and find the Water Parks of Orlando too noisy, then a visit to one of Central Florida’s many natural springs may be the ideal alt...
Viewed 694 times since 1 September 2008.
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Pirates of the Caribbean - Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean is an indoor boat ride and although it is not a Fastpass attraction you rarely have to wait in line for long, due to the high number of guests the boats will accommodate and the quick loading time. It is situated in Adventure...
Viewed 653 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cypress Gardens
If you are looking for a change from Walt Disney World and the other Orlando attractions you may well enjoy a day out at Cypress Gardens. Located at Winter Haven (4 miles along SR540 after leaving US27) around 45 minutes south of Orlando, Cypr...
Viewed 0 times since 1 September 2008.
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Rural drive to Lake Minneola
A trip to Lake Minneola offers a pleasant drive where you are never more than twelve miles from the hustle and bustle of US192. There really are “back lanes” in Florida and they do make a welcome change to the three or four lane highways that...
Viewed 667 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Greek Sponge Diving Town of Tarpon Springs
One interesting day out we had was to Tarpon Springs which is located on the coast about 20 miles north of Tampa. It is a Greek sponge diving town and really does have a Mediterranean flavour about it. Head for the Sponge Docks, park in any o...
Viewed 747 times since 1 September 2008.
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Travel back in time at the Garden View Lounge
Imagine the setting…. you have been transported back over a century to the Victorian era to be warmly welcomed at a hotel entrance by a kindly gentleman dressed in a white suit, straw boater hat and spats. Then on entering the lobby the pure scale an...
Viewed 636 times since 1 September 2008.
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SeaWorld’s less famous animals
When someone says “SeaWorld Orlando” to you, do you instantly think of Shamu the killer whale, the dolphins or the sealion show? You probably do not realise that there are actually a lot more animals at SeaWorld other than the obvious choices. Below ...
Viewed 590 times since 1 September 2008.
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The ‘New’ Pirates of the Caribbean
On our last couple of trips to the Magic Kingdom the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ ride had been closed for renovation and updating. For those of you that are unaware, the ride inspired the mega successful films and now in a curious case of life imitati...
Viewed 679 times since 1 September 2008.
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Boats at Walt Disney World
When guests think of Walt Disney World, almost certainly one of the attractions they are unlikely to immediately consider is the many boats that operate on the lagoons, lakes, canals and World Showcase. One of the benefits of a vacation at Wal...
Viewed 694 times since 1 September 2008.
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom
Do you want to join Buzz Lightyear and become a Junior Space Ranger whilst testing your skill and accuracy on his Space Ranger Spin? You do? Well, head along to Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, just across from the Transit Authority, and you will find B...
Viewed 513 times since 1 September 2008.
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Odyssea at SeaWorld
“Odyssea” is a thirty-minute show, which takes place in SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theatre. This theatre seats 2, 400 guests so there should never be a problem finding a seat, even if you arrive just before the show begins. However, if you want to sit near ...
Viewed 525 times since 1 September 2008.
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Tomorrowland Transit Authority
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority first opened in Disney’s Magic Kingdom back in 1975 and is as popular today as it was then. Originally called the WEDway People Mover (WED standing for Walter Elias Disney), the ride is situated high above the groun...
Viewed 582 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Haunted Mansion - Magic Kingdom
This ride is reminiscent of the old fashioned “Ghost Train” rides I used to frequent during my youth but much, much more sophisticated. As you wait in line, just before you enter the mansion, read the amusing inscriptions on the headstones in...
Viewed 567 times since 1 September 2008.
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Florida Botanical Gardens
Just a few miles to the south of Clearwater lies the town of Largo (not to be mistaken for its better known namesake – Key Largo! ). This where the Florida Botanical Gardens are to be found, and if you are looking for somewhere to spend a leisurely a...
Viewed 961 times since 1 September 2008.
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In search of the Florida Scrub Jay
On our most recent visit to Orlando we took along my sister and brother-in- law who were very much into the natural habitats of the many species of animals, reptiles and birds that Florida has to offer. We, on the other hand, had got rather used to t...
Viewed 919 times since 1 September 2008.
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Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Epcot
If you are spending any time at Walt Disney World’s Epcot make sure you stay until the park closes to watch the spectacular illuminations and firework display, which takes place each evening. The show debuted in 2000 at Disney’s Millennium Ce...
Viewed 987 times since 1 September 2008.
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Key Largo - Glass Bottomed Boat
Whilst staying in Key Largo recently we decided to try out the locally advertised glass bottomed boat trip. We had intended to take the tour that starts in the John Pennecamp State Park, but on telephoning we found that, although they would ‘...
Viewed 552 times since 1 September 2008.
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Take a Spin on a “Segway” at Epcot
On our last trip to Future World in Epcot we had visited the Innoventions pavilion and were fascinated by the Segway PT demonstrations that were being held there. For those of you blissfully unaware of what I am talking about, the Segway PTca...
Viewed 676 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Delights of Mount Dora
Our intention was to drive for no more than an hour from our base just south of Clermont and find a lakeside retreat where we could enjoy a relaxing afternoon. After looking through our road maps we plumped for Mount Dora, which is situated i...
Viewed 548 times since 1 September 2008.
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Key West – Glass Bottomed Boat Tour
While on a recent visit to the Florida Keys my wife and I took the opportunity to experience two ‘glass bottomed’ boat tours. The first excursion we booked was in Key West itself and on this occasion we opted for a trip on a twin-hulled boat,...
Viewed 536 times since 1 September 2008.
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Historic Bok Sanctuary
Historic Bok Sanctuary is described in their leaflet as “A Remarkable Experience that Will Elevate Your Mind and Spirit” and I think that this sums it up perfectly. Situated in Lake Wales, easily reached from the theme parks and attractions of Orland...
Viewed 0 times since 1 September 2008.
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Le Cellier Steakhouse – Epcot
After listening to lots of rave reviews we were so disappointed on our last visit to miss out on Le Cellier Steakhouse as the restaurant was fully booked throughout the duration of our stay. This time I booked well in advance (strongly recomm...
Viewed 570 times since 1 September 2008.
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located northeast of Naples, Florida. Whilst visiting J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, during our recent tour of Florida, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was recommended to us. As we were hea...
Viewed 563 times since 1 September 2008.
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Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is not far from Sarasota. It is possible to drive there and back in a day from Orlando but as there is so much else to see in Sarasota an overnight stay might be advisable. We visited on our recent tour of Florida and ...
Viewed 631 times since 1 September 2008.
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A brief taster of Cape Canaveral
We first visited the Kennedy Space Center back in 1981, so I guess it was about time we prised ourselves away from Walt Disney World and the other Orlando attractions for a trip east towards to Atlantic coast. The Kennedy Space Center occupie...
Viewed 640 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Round at Legends Golf and Country Club
One of my favourite golf courses to play whilst on holiday in Orlando is Legends Golf and Country Club. Legends is a beautiful rolling hillside course on the US27 just south of Clermont (easily recognisable from its water tower) and, from its high po...
Viewed 759 times since 1 September 2008.
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An Introduction to Legends Golf and Country Club
If you are a keen golfer I can think of no better place to play a round of golf than Florida. With so many courses from which to choose and, of course, not forgetting the year round sunny weather you will be spoilt for choice. My wife is the keen gol...
Viewed 560 times since 1 September 2008.
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Imagination Pavilion
The Imagination Pavilion is located in Walt Disney’s Future World in EPCOT and is made up of three attractions. The first is the huge pyramid shaped building, which houses the ride Journey into Imagination. This ride has seen more changes tha...
Viewed 492 times since 1 September 2008.
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Our Everglades Experience – Part I
It was a warm Tuesday morning in early April when we embarked on our mini adventure to the wetlands of Florida. There was a certain amount of apprehension to begin with, as this was our first experience of driving on American roads, but that soon dis...
Viewed 503 times since 1 September 2008.
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Our Everglades Experience – Part II
We knew that our two-night stay would not exactly be five star accommodation (nothing like the beautiful villa we had been staying in whilst in Orlando) but it was comfortable enough and the staff were friendly. If you are thinking of booking accommo...
Viewed 491 times since 1 September 2008.
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Our Everglades Experience – Part III
We still felt slightly unsure about whether we should be there, or whether The Rod and Gun Club was just for members, but within a few minutes a waitress approached us with some menus and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We gave our order and we...
Viewed 477 times since 1 September 2008.
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Our Everglades Experience – Part IV
Back at the entrance I located a tri-coloured heron fishing in a ditch and was just in the process of photographing it when I was alerted to the fact that I was being approached from behind by an eight-foot alligator. It had decided to move from one ...
Viewed 496 times since 1 September 2008.
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What to do in Mount Dora
If shopping in the quaint tree-lined streets of Mount Dora isn’t your thing or you are not into drinking coffee at a pavement cafe while watching the world go by, then there are many more attractions on offer to tempt you. Firstly there is th...
Viewed 885 times since 1 September 2008.
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Four Corners Gator Cook-Off
The first Four Corners Gator Cook-Off was held in a vacant field near Champions Gate in May 2006. Its proposed location had originally been at Four Corners Charter School, but as the school governors would not sanction the sale or consumption of alco...
Viewed 529 times since 1 September 2008.
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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
If you are visiting Orlando in October be sure to head for Magic Kingdom’s “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” on selected evenings throughout the month. Admission is by special ticket, advance sales usually begin at the beginning of May. If you ...
Viewed 658 times since 1 September 2008.
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Share a Dream Come True Parade
The Share a Dream Come True Parade takes place every afternoon at 3pm in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The parade winds its way from Frontierland into Liberty Square, past Cinderella’s Castle along Main Street and then into Main Street USA itsel...
Viewed 660 times since 1 September 2008.
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Mount Dora
A really interesting day out, as I found out recently, is a trip to Mount Dora. Mount Dora is located about 25 miles north west of Orlando and is a small pleasant town with a character all of its own. It does not have the ubiquitous U. S. “st...
Viewed 729 times since 1 September 2008.
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Narcoossee’s - For that special occasion
During our Easter holiday in Orlando this year we celebrated the 30th wedding anniversary of my sister and her husband. Some time previously we had decided to take them out for a surprise meal, which meant finding the right restaurant and mak...
Viewed 578 times since 1 September 2008.
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Hidden Mickeys – Disney Resort Areas - “N To Z”
Can you find the following “Hidden Mickeys”? A “Hidden Mickey” can be found anywhere on Walt Disney World property, in the theme parks, the resort hotels and golf courses. Here is a list of the Hidden Mickeys that we know of in the Disney Reso...
Viewed 526 times since 1 September 2008.
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Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams
Starting on 1st October 2006 Walt Disney World will be celebrating a “Year of a Million Dreams”. The aim of this celebration named “Where Dreams Come True” is to surprise guests with unique experiences. Cast members are empowered to deliver these sur...
Viewed 679 times since 1 September 2008.
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Indiana Jones – Epic Stunt Spectacular
Everyone will love this spectacular stunt show at Disney Hollywood Studios, especially if you have ever seen the movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark” starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Scenes from the film are re-enacted on stage by professi...
Viewed 553 times since 1 September 2008.
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Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom
Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this short but spectacular safari encapsulates the heart of Africa, in the middle of Florida! The savage Serengeti is the setting for the safari, which lasts approximately fifteen minutes. You buckle up in y...
Viewed 599 times since 1 September 2008.
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It’s a Small World – Magic Kingdom
It’s a Small World is one of those rides that you either love or hate and we love it! It was one of the first attractions we went on when we visited Disney World for the first time back in 1990. I think that is the reason why we love it so much, beca...
Viewed 525 times since 1 September 2008.
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View the wildlife in a Florida State Park
We had been staying in Saint Petersburg and after a few days decided to venture further south with no real plan in mind but thought we would head in the general direction of Naples and the Everglades. We had all heard about the Sunshine Skywa...
Viewed 507 times since 1 September 2008.
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Disney’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot - 2007
Disney’s Candlelight Processional is held every Christmas holiday season. It takes place in the American Gardens Theatre, which is situated in Walt Disney’s World Showcase in Epcot. Being an outdoor concert and in the middle of winter, although of co...
Viewed 727 times since 1 September 2008.
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Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2006
Our annual trips in November coincide, each year, with the Epcot Food and Wine festival – fortunately! This year we were holidaying with friends who had not experienced this gastronomic delight before and so we took great pleasure in not only...
Viewed 548 times since 1 September 2008.
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Epcot's Annual Food and Wine Festival
If you are visiting Orlando, Florida in October or early November the place to be is Walt Disney World’s Epcot. The always popular Food and Wine Festival was extended from 30 days to 45 days in 2004 and was bigger and better than ever before! Viewed 638 times since 1 September 2008.
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What is a “Hidden Mickey”?
For those of you that have never heard of a “Hidden Mickey” here is a short explanation of what it means: A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse which is hidden somewhere, whether it be a silhouette (the most common one being a large circ...
Viewed 572 times since 1 September 2008.
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Soarin’ over California - Epcot
Have you ever wished you could fly like a bird? Have you ever wanted to try hang-gliding but been too scared to actually go through with it? Well now you can actually do just that, without any of the fear, from the comfort of your own seat on Walt Di...
Viewed 708 times since 1 September 2008.
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Sea World 2005
I love Sea World! Although I was a bit disappointed with the Dolphin show last time around and the fact that the Bayside Stadium had been lying idle for a few years, my wife and I decided to buy Annual Passes. A no-brainer really. Single day tickets ...
Viewed 700 times since 1 September 2008.
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Turtle Talk with Crush - EPCOT
If you have small children on holiday with you in Florida this is a must-see. They will just love it! Mind you, our own children are all grown up now and they enjoyed it just as much as the little ones and I must admit we will definitely be going bac...
Viewed 667 times since 1 September 2008.
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Walt Disney World Railroad………….All Aboard!
If like me you are an interested observer of steam trains, you may wish to learn more about the Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom. On certain days of the week, the Magic Kingdom offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the Walt Disney ...
Viewed 589 times since 1 September 2008.
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Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center – SeaWorld
We always like to visit Sea World during our trips to Florida. For some reason it feels more relaxed and less frenetic than the Disney theme parks. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to keep you occupied because there most definitely is. Ap...
Viewed 668 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Old Florida Heritage Highway
If you want a sample of historic Florida, you could do no better than taking a trip along The Old Florida Heritage Highway. The Highway is a forty-eight mile trail that commences south of Gainesville on U. S. 441, travels through Paynes Prairie Prese...
Viewed 532 times since 1 September 2008.
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Silver Spurs Rodeo
With the demise (as of 1st September 2006) of the KSA Rodeo in Kissimmee the visitor, or indeed local, now has only one option if they wish to see the authentic spectacle of the Rodeo. This is the Silver Spurs Rodeo held, annually, in the Silver Spur...
Viewed 712 times since 1 September 2008.
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Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Hollywood Studios
We first saw this spectacular stunt show four years ago at Disneyland Paris and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The show opened in early May this year (2005) and we were one of the first to see it duri...
Viewed 665 times since 1 September 2008.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
If you would like to take some time away from the theme parks of Orlando, an interesting alternative is Kennedy Space Center. Situated on Florida’s east coast, Kennedy Space Center is located about fifty minutes from Orlando’s theme parks. Viewed 561 times since 1 September 2008.
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