I'm Flying High - Soarin'
From the minute I heard about ‘Soarin’ I knew it was something I could not miss, so I could hardly wait to try it out when we visited our villa, in Orlando, this August. The thing is, as a Class 1 Wimp, who would have to be dragged kicking and scream...
Viewed 644 times since 1 September 2008.
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THE WIMPS GUIDE TO THE PARKS - EPCOT for Class 1 Wimps
By now you should have read the Wimps guide, Part 1, so you will know what sort of wimp you are. The following suggestions are for Class 1 wimps, only. In other words, if you are petrified of roller coasters, and won’t consider going on anything that...
Viewed 639 times since 1 September 2008.
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The New Spaceship Earth at Epcot
Epcot is my favourite park and Spaceship Earth, that amazing iconic sphere that dominates the skyline as you approach the gates, has been reborn again after 5 months of refurbishment. As a bit of a wimp where roller coasters are concerned, Sp...
Viewed 543 times since 1 September 2008.
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DISNEY PRINCESS QUIZ ANSWERS
Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida would not be the same without the many famous fairytale princesses which can be found in both the stage shows, parades and attractions in Magic Kingdom and the other parks. No visit to Disneyworld would be complete witho...
Viewed 599 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising on Star Princess, Part 2
Cruising on Star Princess, Part 2 We arrive at our hotel in Fort Lauderdale We have arrived at our hotel, following our journey down the Florida Turnpike, after having left our home, Tropical Dream Villa. We are on our way to pick up a ...
Viewed 641 times since 1 September 2008.
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CRUISING DIRECTORY - PART 4
I bet you can hardly believe how much there is to learn about cruising! But don’t let it put you off. You will soon be using all the jargon like an old sea dog! Bridge – nothing to do with crossing rivers, this is high up at the front of the ...
Viewed 514 times since 1 September 2008.
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Driving Down the Florida Turnpike to Fort Lauderdale
Some say the Florida Turnpike is boring – well maybe I have an above-average threshold of boredom, because I love it. Perhaps it’s knowing that another stage of our holiday is about to commence, or maybe it’s just the familiarity of it all, but I can...
Viewed 618 times since 1 September 2008.
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Eating at Applebee's
Applebee’s Neighbourhood Grill and Bar On our last trip to Miami, following a visit to our villa in Orlando, we were pleased to discover an Applebee’s restaurant close to our hotel. There are two close to our villa in Orlando, one in Winter Ha...
Viewed 1284 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cinderella's Castle Transformation at Magic Kingdom
If you have visited Magic Kingdom, at Disneyworld, Orlando, you will undoubtedly have spent much time admiring and photographing Cinderella’s wonderful castle, which dominates the skyline as you walk down Main Street, USA. It is the backdrop for the ...
Viewed 596 times since 1 September 2008.
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Interesting Facts About the Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom, Disneyworld, Orlando, is one of the most popular attractions. Although it opened in October, 1971 it recently underwent a big refurbishment and re-opened in September 2007, with improved animatronics and upgraded...
Viewed 644 times since 1 September 2008.
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Fort Lauderdale - The Venice of America
When we visit our villa in Orlando, Florida we sometimes finish off our trip by picking up a cruise from Fort Lauderdale. It is a quick and easy drive to and from Orlando, via the Florida Turnpike, and we enjoy the beautiful beaches and wonderful mal...
Viewed 758 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising on Star Princess, Part 3
Trip Report – Cruising on Star Princess, Part 3 We board our cruise ship, Star Princess. The morning sun peeps through our hotel window and as I turn over in bed I know there is a reason why I am feeling excited. Of course, we are goin...
Viewed 508 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising On Star Princess, Part 4
Sail-away We have embarked on Star Princess for the start of our Caribbean cruise, and following a delicious lunch we find our cabin is now ready for occupation. It is always a great relief to see one’s suitcases outside the room, as it...
Viewed 592 times since 1 September 2008.
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Ruby Tuesday
It was our daughter who first took us to Ruby Tuesday. Having worked in the Miami area for a year she had visited many restaurants, and this was one she had enjoyed. We had spent a fantastic day at Busch Gardens and decided to visit the Mall at Brand...
Viewed 1013 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Florida Quiz
I am sure you love Florida as much as we do, and especially the Orlando area with its wonderful theme parks, and fantastic shopping, not to mention the restaurants. But how much do you actually know about Florida? Take this quiz and find out:<...
Viewed 616 times since 1 September 2008.
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Lights, Motors, Action! at Hollywood Studios
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show We always enjoy spending Christmas in our beautiful villa in Orlando, but this year we had something new to look forward to when we visited the Disney parks. The new ‘extreme’ stunt show, ‘Lig...
Viewed 659 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Mall at Millenia
The newest and most stunning mall of all, the Mall at Millenia is one of our
favourites – even if we can only ‘window shop’! It is spacious and sparkling,
with huge areas of glass, marble and palm trees. Whilst it is not an outlet, so
prices...
Viewed 999 times since 1 September 2008.
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Stopping off at Philadelphia International Airport
If you fly with US Airlines you are likely to stop off at one of two airports, Philadelphia or Charlotte. We recently had quite a long stay at Philadelphia on our way home from visiting our villa in Orlando. We had a 6 hour stop-over whilst waiting f...
Viewed 689 times since 1 September 2008.
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Changes to Pleasure Island
The recent news that Pleasure Island is going to be radically changed by Disney has been met with a mixed reception, particularly by the youngster generation. At one time access to this popular area was chargeable, but now you only pay if you want to...
Viewed 689 times since 1 September 2008.
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Flagler Museum, Palm Beach
If you visit Florida you cannot fail to hear the name, Henry Flagler, as he was one of the state’s most famous entrepreneurs, who built magnificent luxury hotels, and constructed a railroad from St Augustine to Key West, no mean feat. It was he who f...
Viewed 563 times since 1 September 2008.
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West Palm Beach International Airport
If you are planning a two centre vacation, which includes Orlando and the Miami area, then you may well consider flights which bring you into West Palm Beach International Airport. You can also fly down from Orlando if you fancy a short trip to the e...
Viewed 599 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Sand Dollar
I had never seen or heard of a sand dollar until we visited Treasure Island Beach, on one of our trips to our villa in Florida. It had been a stormy night, and people were walking up and down the beach searching for something. I couldn’t resist askin...
Viewed 656 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Launch of Atlantis, September 9th, 2006
It had long been our dream to see the launch of a shuttle at Cape Kennedy, but despite numerous visits to our beautiful villa in Orlando, it was not until September 2006 that we finally realised our dream. At home in the UK in August, we watc...
Viewed 513 times since 1 September 2008.
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Brandon Town Centre Mall - near Busch Gardens
Brandon Town Centre Mall – near Busch Gardens After a busy and enjoyable day at Busch Gardens, what could be more delightful than a spot of retail therapy, followed by a meal at a great restaurant? Well, just a stone’s throw from this park you...
Viewed 1013 times since 1 September 2008.
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Aquatica - Seaworld's new water park
It won’t be long before Seaworld opens its brand new water park, Aquatica. Work started on it in early 2006 but its opening is now scheduled for March 2008, so all you lucky guests who are visiting after that date will get the chance to visit this gr...
Viewed 556 times since 1 September 2008.
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Art at Dallas Fort Worth Airport - Part 3
Airport terminals can be the most sterile of spaces, but art can transform them into meaningful and exciting places. Nowhere is this more true than at Dallas Fort Worth Airport in Texas. This modern and expanding airport is home to a wide range of ar...
Viewed 528 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Tampa is just a short distance from our villa so we often spend a day there – it is near enough to drive down and back in one day, and not only has some lovely malls, but one of our favourite attractions is the Florida Aquarium. We like to get...
Viewed 532 times since 1 September 2008.
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Ernest Hemmingway's House and Museum, Key West
If you have time to visit Key West you will find that there are many attractions to see. One of our favourites is Ernest Hemmingway’s house and museum, which provides a fascinating insight into how the man lived. Hemmingway was already a well...
Viewed 626 times since 1 September 2008.
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Hollywood Studios - the demise of the MGM name
Disneyworld Orlando, Florida’s Hollywood Studios opened on May 1st 1989 and stretches across 135 acres. Much of it is devoted to television and movie production, and this park has seen many attractions come and go, including the ‘Backlot Tour, ’ with...
Viewed 499 times since 1 September 2008.
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Collecting Quarters
You may wonder what the title means, particularly if you have yet to visit Orlando, Florida. Why on earth would anyone want to collect quarter coins you may well ask? Well, I don’t mean the common or garden bog standard quarters, but the fasc...
Viewed 528 times since 1 September 2008.
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Starbucks - Spoiled for choice!
There can be few of us who have not experienced a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Worldwide they are growing at a huge rate, over 11,000 already, but it is when we are in Florida that we find we visit them the most. With a daughter who is addicted to Sta...
Viewed 542 times since 1 September 2008.
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CRUISING DIRECTORY - PART 2
If you have read Part 1 then you are well on the way to being a cruising buff. But there may still be some words and phrases which are confusing, particularly some technical terms, so I will attempt to confuse you even more……. Aft – this is t...
Viewed 527 times since 1 September 2008.
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CRUISING DIRECTORY - PART 3
If you have read parts 1 and 2 you are becoming a true cruise expert. Here are a few more essential words for you to digest. Embarkation – this is when you board the ship. Bit like checking in at the airport. By the time you embark, the ship ...
Viewed 523 times since 1 September 2008.
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CRUISING - THE TENDERING PORTS
When cruising around the Caribbean it is almost inevitable that you will find yourself visiting an island where the ship is unable to dock alongside. Many of the Caribbean islands are very small, and do not have the facilities for the larger cruise s...
Viewed 530 times since 1 September 2008.
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CRUISING DIRECTORY - PART 1
If you have decided to book a cruise then it is important that you become familiar with the ‘lingo. ’ It could save you a lot of embarrassment. So here is a light-hearted guide to all the words and phrases you should know, including some of the more ...
Viewed 501 times since 1 September 2008.
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SHOPPING AT ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Who would have thought that an airport was the place to shop? For most of us it is somewhere we pass through, on our way to exotic places, but Orlando International Airport has some wonderful shops, and if you have to spend a few hours waiting for yo...
Viewed 597 times since 1 September 2008.
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Lovebugs
If you are visiting Florida in either late April/May or August/September you may well see some of these amorous creatures. They are not really bugs, but are actually flies (Plecia nearctica) of the family Bibionidae. Lovebugs are known by many names,...
Viewed 510 times since 1 September 2008.
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Katonga - Busch Gardens
When we visited our villa this summer we were able to take our first trip to Busch Gardens. Being August, the weather was wonderfully hot, so it was lovely to walk into the beautiful cool theatre which houses the delightful show ‘Katanga’. You can’t ...
Viewed 680 times since 1 September 2008.
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Art at Orlando International Airport
It is always a pleasure to fly in or out of Orlando International Airport (MCO), and we look forward to stepping off the ‘plane and walking through its stunning interior. Many airports are introducing art to make them more vibrant and friendly, and O...
Viewed 574 times since 1 September 2008.
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The New Applebees Restaurant, Bery Town Center
When we heard that there was to be a new Applebees at Berry Town Center, at Sandmine Rd, just off Highway 27 we were delighted. This area is developing fast and many new and favourite restaurants are being built. Our beautiful villa is locate...
Viewed 1646 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cracker Barrel - for real homestyle cooking
If you have never visited Cracker Barrel then you will have missed a treat. In fact, we did not find this gem until we had visited our villa in Florida several times, but when we fancy some simple ‘country cooking’ then we make a beeline for one of t...
Viewed 1 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Legend of the Sand Dollar
There are many legends surrounding the Sand Dollar, but my favourite has to be that they are the coins of mermaids, who accidentally drop them, and which are then washed ashore on stormy nights. These small, round and fragile white discs are v...
Viewed 3208 times since 1 September 2008.
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Timeshares and Discount / Free Tickets
One of the most expensive parts of holidaying in Orlando is the cost of Park
and Attraction tickets, but it is something you really cannot do without. Even
before you get there you may have seen internet sites offering absurdly low
prices - ...
Viewed 782 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising - The Private Islands of the Caribbean
30 years ago Norwegian Cruise Lines was the first cruise ship operator to introduce a new concept to its Caribbean cruises, when it purchased Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, and offered the first exclusive island retreat to its passengers. Now 13 c...
Viewed 504 times since 1 September 2008.
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Walt Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' Extended for 2008
If, like me, you visited Disney World this year, you will undoubtedly have seen promotions for the ‘Year of a Million Dreams. ’ This wonderful celebration followed on from the Millenia 2000 celebrations, Walt Disney’s ‘100 years of Magic’ birthday ce...
Viewed 521 times since 1 September 2008.
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Guide to the Shops at Orlando International Airport
We love visiting Orlando International Airport, which is one of the finest in the world. It ranks 4th in the US and 1st in Florida, and has an expanding shopping facility of high-end shops to suit all tastes. The shops are located in the East and ...
Viewed 1322 times since 1 September 2008.
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Smokey Bones BBQ and Grill
It was our daughter who first introduced us to Smokey Bones BBQ and Grill in Boca Raton. We had flown in to Miami to visit her when she was doing her year as a Manager In Training in Boca Raton, as part of her Surry University degree. We arrived tire...
Viewed 616 times since 1 September 2008.
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Disney's Year of a Million Dreams
Last year saw the magical 50th Anniversary celebrations, which included the Cinderellabration Show at Magic Kingdom. Well, Disney never let the grass grow under their feet, do they? Not only has this year brought some great new additions to the Disne...
Viewed 549 times since 1 September 2008.
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Christmas Brunch at the Renaissance
For the first time this year there were just the three of us at our Florida home, Tropical Dream Villa, so we decided to take a break from all the cooking, and to try something completely different. Although I love cooking in my big American oven, an...
Viewed 991 times since 1 September 2008.
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Bennigans
We stumbled across Bennigan’s in Miami, on our first trip to Florida, and it has become a firm favourite for a freshly cooked meal, served promptly and at a great price. Since then we have sampled Bennigan’s in various parts of Orlando, near Tampa, a...
Viewed 0 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising - The Private Islands Part 4
Coco Cay – Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises If you are lucky enough to be able to combine a trip to Orlando or Florida with a cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa or Port Canaveral, you may well enjoy a day at one of th...
Viewed 512 times since 1 September 2008.
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MONKEY JUNGLE, MIAMI
If you like monkeys then you will love Monkey Jungle! Advertised as the place where ‘Humans are Caged and Monkeys Run Wild’ it is certainly one not to miss if you are in the Miami area. It is located just off US Highway 1, south of Miami at 14805 Sou...
Viewed 864 times since 1 September 2008.
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Inside Miami Airport and the Miami Airport Hotel
Once inside the main terminal building you can walk from one end to the other, passing each of the concourses in turn, and each concourse has its own array of shops and food outlets. It is generally quite busy, but there are areas where you can sit a...
Viewed 575 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Friendly Fisherman Restaurant, Madeira Beach
If you have had a wonderful day on one of the Gulf beaches, why not bring the evening to a close by visiting the Friendly Fisherman Restaurant, at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, located just off Highway 699, south of Clearwater, and just north of...
Viewed 796 times since 1 September 2008.
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Picking up a cruise in Fort Lauderale
Although we love Orlando and visiting our villa, sometimes we like to combine it with a Caribbean cruise. If you, too, have decided to combine a trip to Orlando, with a cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale, then you will need to make your way to ...
Viewed 928 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Brief History of Miami - Part 1
A Brief History of Miami – Part 1 – The Early Days The word ‘Miami’ comes from the Seminole Indian for ‘big water’ and probably refers to the Miami River. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and a vibrant and colourful place to visit. Half ...
Viewed 526 times since 1 September 2008.
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Butterfly World, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale
BUTTERFLY WORLD, COCONUT CREEK If, like me, you are fascinated by beautiful butterflies, then you won’t want to miss a trip to Butterfly World, just 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, and north of Miami, on the East coast. Whilst having...
Viewed 661 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Brief History of Miami – Part 2
A Brief History of Miami – Part 2 The 20th Century and beyond. Despite many setbacks, which included the yellow fever epidemic in 1896, Miami continued to grow, and in 1906 the State of Florida embarked on an ambitious programme to dr...
Viewed 482 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Brief History of Miami - Part 3
A Brief History of Miami - Part 3 Miami Today From its humble beginnings, Miami has developed into a great city with a fine University, and many cultural and educational institutions. Glistening skyscrapers have appeared, and many more...
Viewed 486 times since 1 September 2008.
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Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze - the very name conjures up visions of Caribbean beaches, soft silvery sand under your bare feet, and tall palms wafting gently in the breeze. This very special Caribbean-inspired restaurant first opened in Orlando, on International Dri...
Viewed 674 times since 1 September 2008.
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Flower Power Concert Series, Epcot April 5th - June 3rd, 2007
The 13th annual springtime event at Epcot, the International Flower and Garden Festival, is definitely worth a visit if you are lucky enough to be in Orlando between April 3rd to June 11th, 2007. However, for us, the highlight of this amazing...
Viewed 645 times since 1 September 2008.
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A Shuttle Launch - nearly!
We have been travelling to Florida for a number of years, and have always hoped to see a shuttle launch. Indeed we nearly did see a shuttle a few years back when we were in Miami, or at least my husband nearly saw it. Nearly being the operati...
Viewed 657 times since 1 September 2008.
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Service Areas on the Florida Turnpike
If you are lucky enough to be able to combine a trip to Orlando with a few days in Miami, or a cruise perhaps, then you will undoubtedly use the Florida Turnpike to get to the south of Florida. This long, straight toll road is the best way to travel ...
Viewed 739 times since 1 September 2008.
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Miami International Airport
I can still remember landing at Miami airport for the first time, on our first trip to Florida and the US, just over 7 years ago. It was late at night when we flew over the shimmering lights of the city, laid out below us like a twinkling patchwor...
Viewed 655 times since 1 September 2008.
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Nicknames of Florida's Towns and Cities
Did you know that many of Florida’s beautiful towns and cities have nicknames? These nicknames have evolved over the years and have been absorbed into the history of the area. Many were coined by the locals, or by tourists or outsiders to describe so...
Viewed 559 times since 1 September 2008.
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DEMISE OF AN EPCOT ICON
Of all the Disney parks, Epcot is my favourite, not only because of its variety, but also because it is one of the most attractive. But sadly, one of the Epcot icons is soon to disappear. I am sure all of us will have been drawn to the sight of the h...
Viewed 533 times since 1 September 2008.
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Eating Fish in Florida
It’s hardly surprising that, with over 1, 300 miles of coastline, fish figures prominently on many restaurant menus in Florida. Here you can sample some of the finest and freshest fish dishes in the numerous speciality fish restaurants which abound. ...
Viewed 713 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Harmonic Runway
Who would think that an airport would be home to displays of art? Well, many airports do just that, and Miami International Airport is no exception. Next time you are passing through an airport, take a little time to look around, you may be pleasa...
Viewed 646 times since 1 September 2008.
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DINOSAUR AT ANIMAL KINGDOM
I have to say that the Dinosaur ride is my all time favourite, and it is the one we make a beeline for as soon as we arrive at Animal Kingdom. The walk up to the Dinosaur Institute is quite impressive, with huge statues of dinosaurs on each side of t...
Viewed 560 times since 1 September 2008.
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Fantastic Fantasmic Facts
No day at Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida would be complete without seeing the wonderful ‘Fantasmic’ firework and laser show, in which Mickey Mouse battles against evil to emerge triumphant. It is one of my favourite attractions and one I never l...
Viewed 492 times since 1 September 2008.
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Miami - Home of the Rich and Famous
Although we love the fun and excitement of Orlando, and especially being at our villa, we often fly into Miami, and try to fit in a couple of days in this fascinating and diverse city. Like us, many people love Miami – the rich and famous – b...
Viewed 1711 times since 1 September 2008.
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American States and Car Registration Plates
When we first visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, we could not help but notice the very interesting number plates on all the cars. Unlike the plain and somewhat boring number plates on UK cars, American cars show their state of origin, oft...
Viewed 1125 times since 1 September 2008.
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Art in Airports
I suppose that for most people, an airport is simply a place to visit when travelling from A to B. Somewhere that is to be avoided at all costs, except as a means of getting us to our destinations. Our thoughts, in the main, are concentrated on check...
Viewed 497 times since 1 September 2008.
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Getting Wet at Disney
If you visit any of the theme parks you will have the opportunity to get wet, wet, wet. Whilst getting soaked is not exactly my idea of fun, there is no doubt that millions of people simply adore the experience – and my children are no except...
Viewed 643 times since 1 September 2008.
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Denny's Diner
Denny’s is one of the largest family restaurant chain in the USA, with about 1,600 restaurants. There are few places in the Orlando area, or in other parts of Florida, where you will not find this casual dining experience. We have a 24 hour Denny’s j...
Viewed 793 times since 1 September 2008.
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Bennigan's
We stumbled across Bennigan’s in Miami, on our first trip to Florida, and it has become a firm favourite for a freshly cooked meal, served promptly and at a great price. Since then we have sampled Bennigan’s in various parts of Orlando, near Tampa, a...
Viewed 1078 times since 1 September 2008.
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Nathan's
We first came across Nathan’s when we drove up the Florida Turnpike from Miami to Orlando, and stopped at one of the numerous Service Areas on the way. Several of these have a Nathan’s within, and we decided to take a look at what they had on offer. ...
Viewed 656 times since 1 September 2008.
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Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport
We recently visited this airport on our way to pick up a cruise. It is one of the fastest growing airports in the United States. It is an alternative route for accessing the Miami area, or as gateway to Orlando. It is important, too, as the closest a...
Viewed 785 times since 1 September 2008.
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The Florida Turnpike
This excellent toll road will take you speedily to Orlando. It is well signposted, has plenty of service areas and is generally a lot less busy than the other roads. It is a pretty straight road, and as such, can be a little soporific, with not mu...
Viewed 3288 times since 1 September 2008.
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Child-friendly events at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival
Every year Epcot host a wonderful springtime event which runs for seven weeks, and which is called the Flower and Garden Festival. Admission to all the events are included in your regular Epcot tickets, and in 2006, the theme was ‘Romance.’ We love v...
Viewed 633 times since 1 September 2008.
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JAMBA JUICE
One of the great delights of visiting Florida is the abundance of wonderful tropical fruits and juices. But until you have visited Jamba Juice you haven’t lived! Once you have tasted their fruit drinks and smoothies you will see why they are so popul...
Viewed 3107 times since 1 September 2008.
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CRUISING - WILL I FEEL THE SHIP MOVE?
There are many things to think about when booking your first cruise, and it is probably inevitable that questions will be raised about how much movement will be experienced at sea. For cruising ‘newbies’ the prospect of feeling sea-sick is often some...
Viewed 626 times since 1 September 2008.
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What Do You Know About Florida? Part 1
We all love Florida, and particularly Orlando, but I wonder how many of us know much about this, the ‘Sunshine State. ’ For instance, although Orlando and Disney are the main attraction for millions of visitors, did you know that Florida has 663 mile...
Viewed 509 times since 1 September 2008.
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What Do You Know About Florida? Part 2
Of course many of you will already know a little about Florida, the national fruit, the orange, the national flower, the orange blossom, and its nickname, ‘The Sunshine State’, but did you know that ‘Florida’ is Spanish for ‘flower? ’ Hardly s...
Viewed 520 times since 1 September 2008.
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How to get to Orlando from Miami
We frequently fly into Miami, on our way to our villa, or when we pick up a cruise, either from there, or Fort Lauderdale, and we always use the Florida Turnpike. There are often bargain flights to be had if you take the Miami option, and if you d...
Viewed 10186 times since 1 September 2008.
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Where to watch a shuttle launch
If you are fortunate enough to be in Orlando when a shuttle launch is imminent, then do take the opportunity to go and watch it. I am sure you will not be disappointed, as it is an amazing sight. There are many viewpoints in the area, and of ...
Viewed 695 times since 1 September 2008.
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Some Interesting Facts About Mission: SPACE
Mission:SPACE is one of my favourite attractions at Disney. It is the one we always make a beeline for whenever we visit that fantastic park, Epcot. The first time we went on it I have to admit that we were a bit wary, as there were warning notices d...
Viewed 549 times since 1 September 2008.
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The New 'Lighter' Mission Space
I have to admit to being a real wimp where roller coasters are concerned, but I simply love Mission Space at Epcot. It has to be my favourite ride of all time, and is my first choice whenever we go. It is a simply amazing simulator ride, and I can th...
Viewed 673 times since 1 September 2008.
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How to get to the Florida Turnpike
Having arrived in Miami, you will need to find the Florida Turnpike. At the moment there are still lots of roadworks in the area of the airport, so when you have collected your car follow the directions, which they should give you, out of the depo...
Viewed 782 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising - What About Sea Sickness?
For those who have never been on a cruise before, it is inevitable that the subject of seasickness will come up (no pun intended! ). I think what what most cruise ‘newbies’ actually want to know is will they feel sick? Well of course that is ...
Viewed 539 times since 1 September 2008.
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What Do You Know About Florida? Part 3
The ‘Sunshine State’ is not only the centre for theme parks like Disney’s Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, as well as Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, it abounds with flora and fauna, some of which have particula...
Viewed 547 times since 1 September 2008.
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MIAMI METROZOO
If you happen to be spending some time in Miami, and want something different to do, then a trip to a zoo is always an interesting day out, and Miami’s ‘Metrozoo’ is no exception. It was ranked top in the ‘Top 10 Zoos in the Country’, according to ‘T...
Viewed 538 times since 1 September 2008.
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Facts About Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
For many children, particularly little girls, the highlight of any trip to Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida is the chance to see all the Disney princesses in magical surroundings. It is enchanting to see children living their dream as they explore Magic...
Viewed 2376 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cinderella - Some Interesting Facts
Cinderella just has to be the ultimate Disney princess, and the one most loved by everyone. Generations have been held spellbound by the charming story of poor Cinderella, whose dreams of romance eventually come true, despite the cruelty of her wicke...
Viewed 2364 times since 1 September 2008.
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Shrek Quiz Answers
If you, like me, enjoy the Shrek movies as well as Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida then you may well know the answers to the Shrek Quiz which can be found in the Florida Guide. There are now 3 movies in the series and each one has it...
Viewed 596 times since 1 September 2008.
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Art at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
A recent long stop–over in Fort Worth, Texas, on our way to our beautiful villa in Orlando, Florida, gave us the opportunity to do a little exploring. Some may feel annoyed at having to spend time waiting for a connecting flight, but every airport is...
Viewed 486 times since 1 September 2008.
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Disney Princess Quiz
The Disney Princesses can be found in many places at Walt Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. Children love these characters, who all made their debuts in the animated full length feature films so loved by all. From Cinderella to Belle, from Snow White ...
Viewed 658 times since 1 September 2008.
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Cruising on Star Princess, Part 5
Mustering, meals and midnight strolls The sun is setting low in the sky over Fort Lauderdale as we leave on our cruise around the Caribbean. We have the ports of Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the private island of Princess Cays to look fo...
Viewed 984 times since 9 September 2008.
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The 50 State Quarters Programme
Our fascination with State Quarters began several years ago when we first visited Florida, and we now have a substantial collection of these interesting coins. In 1999 the US Federal Government began releasing commemorative quarter coins on a...
Viewed 1058 times since 9 September 2008.
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Cruising to Jamaica - Blue Mountains, Waterfalls and Reggae!
Jamaica is one of our favourite ports of call as there is so much to do and see. The following is how we spent our day here recently. Hopefully it might give you some ideas of what to do if you visit this beautiful, luxuriant but often quite poor isl...
Viewed 730 times since 14 September 2008.
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Philadelphia Airport
If you travel from the UK to Orlando using an American carrier, you may well find yourself arriving at Philadelphia Airport in Pennsylvania. It is a hub for United Airlines, and if you fly with them you will pass through either Charlotte or Philadelp...
Viewed 610 times since 14 September 2008.
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Getting Wet at Universal and Seaworld.
You cannot visit the many theme parks in Orlando without experiencing the water rides at least once – after all, on a boiling hot summer’s day there is nothing more refreshing than getting a soaking, or so my children would have me believe. Personall...
Viewed 985 times since 9 September 2008.
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