The Bonanza miniature golf course is a great family experience in the Orlando area which you may enjoy. It’s situated on the 192, close to the Formosa area. It is built over a steak and seafood restaurant but from the road does not look much. I had passed this landmark many times and noticed the high rock that is part of its scenery. After so many visits to the area I had wanted to investigate it many times. Recently I finally had the opportunity and was not disappointed!
To enter the miniature golf complex, you go ‘under’ the rock formation into a car park. The outdoor course is deceptively larger than appears from the road. In fact, I was amazed at just how busy it was when I visited – it always looks so quiet from the frontage. You can play during the day or night, depending on your choice. If you are visiting Orlando during the summer you may find the nights better as it is cooler in temperature.
The mining scenery adds to the excitement of playing the two courses. You can choose from: ‘The Golden Nugget’ and ‘The Prospector’ or take the option to do both. Each course has 18 holes which vary in shape, size and difficulty. I tried the ‘Golden Nugget’ first, and I must say I found this the hardest!
When you go into the gift shop you are given a scoring card, pencil, putter and the choice of many different coloured golf balls. Choosing different colours in a group certainly is useful to know whose is whose! (This can avoid heated family discussions!!!). It is more cost effective to play two or more rounds but if you can only do one it is still entertaining.
The scenery is dramatic rather than pretty, set over three levels using hills, slopes, water, waterfalls, rocks, bridges and passageways. From the top level you can follow one of the major tourist roads (the 192). When driving driven down this road you can see the formation and a waterfall but have no idea how many can see and watch you drive past! On a clear day or night you can see interesting views in a south, west and northerly direction.
Whilst playing the two courses we met and spoke to many people all trying to get round the course without making a fool of themselves – not always with success! However, we all seemed to be in good humour, very friendly all having a great time. Not for the serious golfers but great family entertainment. I shall certainly be asking my parents to go again
At the time of writing the prices were $6 adults, $5 children under 9. The second 18 holes were half price.
By Abbie Taylor, Age 12
To enter the miniature golf complex, you go ‘under’ the rock formation into a car park. The outdoor course is deceptively larger than appears from the road. In fact, I was amazed at just how busy it was when I visited – it always looks so quiet from the frontage. You can play during the day or night, depending on your choice. If you are visiting Orlando during the summer you may find the nights better as it is cooler in temperature.
The mining scenery adds to the excitement of playing the two courses. You can choose from: ‘The Golden Nugget’ and ‘The Prospector’ or take the option to do both. Each course has 18 holes which vary in shape, size and difficulty. I tried the ‘Golden Nugget’ first, and I must say I found this the hardest!
When you go into the gift shop you are given a scoring card, pencil, putter and the choice of many different coloured golf balls. Choosing different colours in a group certainly is useful to know whose is whose! (This can avoid heated family discussions!!!). It is more cost effective to play two or more rounds but if you can only do one it is still entertaining.
The scenery is dramatic rather than pretty, set over three levels using hills, slopes, water, waterfalls, rocks, bridges and passageways. From the top level you can follow one of the major tourist roads (the 192). When driving driven down this road you can see the formation and a waterfall but have no idea how many can see and watch you drive past! On a clear day or night you can see interesting views in a south, west and northerly direction.
Whilst playing the two courses we met and spoke to many people all trying to get round the course without making a fool of themselves – not always with success! However, we all seemed to be in good humour, very friendly all having a great time. Not for the serious golfers but great family entertainment. I shall certainly be asking my parents to go again
At the time of writing the prices were $6 adults, $5 children under 9. The second 18 holes were half price.
By Abbie Taylor, Age 12