Golf is incredibly popular in Florida - so much so that the weather forecast on local TV has daily golf reports, to help you choose your ideal time to play the following day.
The weather, of course, helps make a round of golf so appealing. But some of us struggle with golf - we spend most of our time in the rough, having hooked our shot hopelessly. And the only way to cure the hook is to slice the ball into the rough on the other side of the fairway.
But there is an alternative. In the UK it is often called 'crazy golf', but this doesn't do justice to the standard of miniature golf courses in Central Florida. There are many, often situated alongside the major roads such as International Drive, or the 192. And, of course, Disney don't miss out, with several excellent courses of their own.
So, why play miniature golf? Most of the courses are floodlit, so they can be played well into the evening, when for most of the year temperatures are ideal for a little gentle exercise. For many, the opportunity to play away from the heat of the daytime sunshine is a real plus.
The courses are themed - Disney, of course, are masters of this, but don't discount the other courses (talking of 'discount', don't forget to look out for money-off coupons in many of the free tourist magazines). Many people's idea of miniature golf is 'hitting a ball through a windmill' - but that wouldn't be good enough for Florida! The attention to detail is unbelievable.
And miniature golf is for the whole family. The youngsters can compete with the adults - and maybe even beat them.
A game of miniature golf doesn't take too long - it can fit in with the rest of the day's activities (perhaps after the evening meal).
Where to play?
New courses are springing up regularly. Disney has 2 miniature golf courses, each with 2 separate 18 hole courses. Once in Walt Disney World, just follow the signs for 'Fantasia Gardens' or 'Winter-Summerland'. Fantasia Gardens is just off Buena Vista Drive, whilst Winter-Summerland is close to the entrance of Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Along the 192 there is River Adventure Golf, with a Mississippi theme, Pirate's Island and Congo River. International Drive offers another Congo River course, Tiki Island golf, Hawaiian Rumble....
This only scratches the surface - but many visitors agree that a game of miniature golf is a great attraction for all the family.
The weather, of course, helps make a round of golf so appealing. But some of us struggle with golf - we spend most of our time in the rough, having hooked our shot hopelessly. And the only way to cure the hook is to slice the ball into the rough on the other side of the fairway.
But there is an alternative. In the UK it is often called 'crazy golf', but this doesn't do justice to the standard of miniature golf courses in Central Florida. There are many, often situated alongside the major roads such as International Drive, or the 192. And, of course, Disney don't miss out, with several excellent courses of their own.
So, why play miniature golf? Most of the courses are floodlit, so they can be played well into the evening, when for most of the year temperatures are ideal for a little gentle exercise. For many, the opportunity to play away from the heat of the daytime sunshine is a real plus.
The courses are themed - Disney, of course, are masters of this, but don't discount the other courses (talking of 'discount', don't forget to look out for money-off coupons in many of the free tourist magazines). Many people's idea of miniature golf is 'hitting a ball through a windmill' - but that wouldn't be good enough for Florida! The attention to detail is unbelievable.
And miniature golf is for the whole family. The youngsters can compete with the adults - and maybe even beat them.
A game of miniature golf doesn't take too long - it can fit in with the rest of the day's activities (perhaps after the evening meal).
Where to play?
New courses are springing up regularly. Disney has 2 miniature golf courses, each with 2 separate 18 hole courses. Once in Walt Disney World, just follow the signs for 'Fantasia Gardens' or 'Winter-Summerland'. Fantasia Gardens is just off Buena Vista Drive, whilst Winter-Summerland is close to the entrance of Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Along the 192 there is River Adventure Golf, with a Mississippi theme, Pirate's Island and Congo River. International Drive offers another Congo River course, Tiki Island golf, Hawaiian Rumble....
This only scratches the surface - but many visitors agree that a game of miniature golf is a great attraction for all the family.