Articles by villa ref 1009
Florida Guide articles contributed by villa ref 1009.
50’s Prime Time Café – Disney Hollywood Studios
Our teenage daughter’s love this restaurant, just off the main street running through the centre of Disney Hollywood Studios. As the name of suggests
A Most Spectacular Show – La Nouba
The reputation of Cirque Du Soleil is world renown – and up until this summer I had yet to experience it. Having persuaded my husband and two daughter
After Dragons Challenge at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
By the exit of Dragons Challenge there is a shelter with seats, so you are able to protect and cool down from the sun. There are souvenir shops up the
All about Cinderella’s Castle
One of the most renowned images across the world is the picture of Cinderella’s castle. This is an image that is now completely synonymous with the Wo
All about Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination on the Atlantic coast, 23 miles north of Miami. Originally it got its name after a series of forts bu
All about Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios in Florida started life in June 1990 inspired by its fellow location in California, namely Universal Studios Hollywood. From the ver
All about Universal’s Islands of Adventure Florida
Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened in May 1999 as part of a large expansion to the existing Studios. This was part of a large plan to turn the wh
Arabian Nights – a dinner show
Colourful, beautiful costumes, handsome horses, enjoyable family entertainment, a pleasurable evening – just a few words to describe our visit to Arab
As I finish my day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As you move on you can see a ride which is called Flight of the Hippogriff, which used to been the Flying Unicorn. This has changed a lot as there is
AstroVan - NASA’s Famous Silver Motorhome
After watching many Apollo and Shuttle launches on the TV and internet, and many visits to Kenny Space Centre I became interested in the AstroVan, the
Bahama Breeze
If you find yourself feeling hungry and you are close to Orlando Premium Outlets (just off the I4) take a visit to Bahamas Breeze, one of our favourit
Baseball – a flavour of the new season at Walt Disney World
If you enjoy baseball or want to try out a game there’s an opportunity to watch the Atlanta Braves during their spring training. It’s a great way to s
Behind the scene tours of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
If you’ve been to Orlando many times or you are looking for something a bit different why not try one of Magic Kingdom’s special tours. To do one of t
Blizzard Beach
I’ve been visiting Orlando for longer than I care to remember and honestly believed I’d find nothing much to do at a water park. When I finally visite
Boggy Creek
If you want something to do for half a day whilst visiting Central Florida that’s a bit different from the large commercial theme parks, visit Boggy C
Boma restaurant, Animal Kingdom Lodge
When our neighbour’s next door to our Floridian home know we are flying over we get an email saying ‘ Do you guys want to go to Boma?’ I say to our da
Bonanza Miniature Golf, West of Disney on the 192
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
Busch Gardens In Tampa
If you enjoy thrill rides, Busch Gardens Theme Park, is a great choice. From our house west of Orlando it takes just over an hour to drive down the I4
Car Rental can be part of your holiday?
One of the joys of my trips to Florida is the ability to try out different vehicles and experience motoring that can be too expensive to enjoy in the
Celebrate your birthday at Disney World – free in 2009!
A birthday is always special but one whilst visiting Disney World can have some of that special Disney magic! Firstly Disney gives free admission to t
Chevrolet Equinox - standard SUV
On a very short recent visit to Florida I chose to use Alamo to supply my rental car for our 1 week stay. On this trip I chose a Chevrolet Equinox AWD
Chevrolet Trailblazer
On my last trip to Florida I chose to use Budget to supply my rental car for our 2 week stay and was lucky enough to be upgraded to a Chevrolet Trailb
Christmas Holiday Season at Disney - Orlando
If you are looking for an exciting place to spend the Holiday Season look no further than the exciting area of Orlando! It is a great time to have fun
Christmas in Orlando
Orlando loves the holidays! The whole area participates in the holiday festivities with amazing enthusiasm and passion. You’ll find palm trees decorat
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (3)
If you are staying near Clearwater or visiting for the day – and enjoy or want to learn more about Floridian sea life take a visit to the Clearwater M
Congo River Adventure Golf - 192 Kissimmee
Since playing our first crazy golf course in Florida and enjoying ourselves, our family try to find a different course on each visit. This time it we
Daytona Beach (1)
Daytona Beach may not be renowned as the prettiest beach in Florida, or indeed the United States, but it has to be one of the most fun beaches with so
De Leon Springs
On a recent visit to Orlando we thought we’d have a day away from the theme parks and go for a journey into the local ‘natural’ Floridian countryside.
Did you wonder how Busch gardens developed?
The Busch Gardens African themed park is set within a 335 acre plot and opened nearly 50 years ago in March 1959. It originates from the days when the
Disney Springs
Wonder what Disney Springs is? Can’t find Downtown Disney anymore? Well, Disney Springs is the renamed Downtown Disney from September 2015! The whole
Disney's Animal Kingdom
I have to admit that I think I have under estimated this park.Animal Kingdom is Disney’s newest theme park which opened its doors in April 1998. I had
Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Courses
If you love Christmas, then you’ll love these two crazy golf courses! Set close to the snow themed Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney has designed thes
Disney’s Boardwalk
We were playing miniature golf at Disney’s Fantasia when we first learned about Disney’s Boardwalk. Whilst waiting for our ‘tee off’ time we were talk
Disney’s Growth in Florida
Ever wondered how Disney grew and continues to develop? We did too and did some research – we were amazed that some things that seem to have happened
Disney’s Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror is a thrilling experience like no other located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is set in a hotel from the television programme
Dragon Challenge, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando
One of my favourite roller coaster rides is Dragon Challenge at Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando. I love the feeling of my feet dangling, (espe
Ever wondered what the Walt Disney Railroad consists of?
The railroad at Walt Disney World consists of 1.5 miles of narrow gauge track circling the Magic Kingdom. It has stations at Main Street USA, Frontier
Expedition Everest
I am lucky that my parents have a house in Orlando and I have watched the mountain grow over two years. First it was a small base with scaffolding, th
Experience a Shuttle Launch!
My secret ambition would have been to be an astronaut … one of my favourite films is Apollo 13. Having grown up as a young child watching Neil Armstro
Fantasia Crazy Golf, Disney World
If you have got a couple of hours to spare try a game of crazy golf. (This is a great way to spend time on an afternoon when you have checked out of y
First visit to Disney
We’ve often had guests who have said they want to do all of Disney – some staying just five days – including travelling time. However, they don’t reco
Florida Mall in Orlando
This has been a favourite Mall for our family for many years but now our daughters are teenagers they can shop for England. Situated on South Orange B
Florida’s Climate
Probably the single most important factor that attracts us back to Florida year on year is the weather. Florida’s Climate can be described as subtropi
Florida’s Natural History
The Florida I fell in love with in the 1970’s, when I first visited with my parents, was not the one of theme parks or even the expanse of white sandy
Florida’s State Roads
When visiting Florida you will notice on your map or Satellite Navigation system that many routes are signified as ‘State’ roads. These are the roads
Ford Edge ‘Limited’ - Good choice
On my last trip to Florida I chose to use Alamo to supply my rental car for our 2 week stay and was able to select a Ford Edge Limited from the rental
Fort Christmas – a touch of Pioneering Florida
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be a pioneer in the United States then take a visit to Fort Christmas. Way back on Christmas Day (hence th
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a major city located in south east Florida along the Atlantic Ocean coastline approximately 30 miles north of Miami. It gained its
French Dining at EPCOT
Living in England we are fortunate to be able to visit France quite often, always enjoying some delicious meals. Our friends in the United States, who
Getting the Shuttle to the Launch Pad
Ever wondered how NASA got those tall, thin, towering rockets or the infamous space shuttle up on the launch pad? It’s not quite done like Thunderbird
Gospel Brunch - House of Blues
Brunch at the House of Blues is a great way to experience Gospel music and its messages. Situated in Downtown Disney there are two shows every Sunday
Gulf Coast Beaches close to Orlando
Florida is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the USA. Many are beautiful, with soft white sand, easily accessible and with good faciliti
Gwazi Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens at Tampa Bay with its many different styles of roller coaster has one quite unusual offering – Gwazi. As you enter Busch Garden, bear le
Halloween Disney Style
If you get the chance we can highly recommend this time of year. Disneyworld is so beautiful, hosting ‘Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party on specif
Halloween in the Parks (mid-September – October)
This year one of our visits coincided with Halloween. Our daughters had never been there at this time and none of us had visited Disney or Universal f
Halloween… for teenagers and adults
The parks offer many options for Halloween. If you are looking for something a little ‘scary’ check out Halloween at Universal Studio’s Horror Nights.
Help with packing
Your holiday isn’t far away and you’ve now got to pack. If packing is not your favourite task, here are a few tips which might assist you. Pack you
High emotions going on holiday – you’re not alone!
I don’t know about you, but I plan my holiday and spend the next few months dreaming about my it….sun, swimming, what I could do, what I can buy, what
Homers BBQ - An independent take–out near Four Corners (by H27/192)
If anyone is staying on H27 near the 192 exit why not try ‘Homer’s Real Pit BBQ’ for a take out? Or for those from Europe a ‘take away’! Homers Real P
Hoop De Doo
Want a great family night out that’s a little bit different? Then try Disney’s Hoop de Doo. It’s loud, it’s colourful, it’s noisy, it’s crazy with sla
Ice! – Florida’s Unusual Winter Attraction
Something rather unexpected and rather special happens each year in Orlando. From the beginning of November through to early January the spectacular w
Kelly Park, Rock Springs, Apopka
Central Florida is home to many beautiful clear spring parks. Kelly Park, Rock Springs Apopka is just one of these and not too far from the Orlando va
Key West, Florida
If you like lively holidays, or vacations, Key West, Florida is just such an energetic place to visit. It has a fantastic atmosphere unlike any of the
Lake Louisa State Park (4)
Some of our favourite places to visit in Florida are the State parks. Not only are they cheap to visit, but they offer some of the most beautiful and
LEGOLAND FLORIDA
Bright, colourful and family friendly. Ideal for children ten and under this is an exciting place – especially in the sparkling Florida sunshine. An
Lovely Blue Spring State Park - A Great Day Out
If you want to see some of Florida’s natural beauty, take a ride out to the Blue Spring State Park. One of many State Parks to be found in Central Flo
Lunch with an astronaut
If like me you have an interest in the NASA space programme, you’ll enjoy Lunch with an Astronaut. It’s one of the best things we’ve done on our many
Manny’s Original Chophouse
If you would like a meal with a difference – one from an original diner rather than one from one of the popular chain restaurants, try Manny’s Chophou
Merritt Island, Brevard County
If you haven’t visited Kennedy Space Centre you may not realise it is actually a wildlife refuge with over 15, 000 plants and animals – give or take a
Miami
There is a possibility that your travel to Florida’s coastline or to exciting central Florida may be via Miami should your travel plans include flying
Montu – Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens, Tampa has some wonderful rollercoaster rides – Sheikra being the most well known. However as you park your car and take the tram ride t
Mount Dora – A Charming Alternative to visit
Our house, in Lake County, is just half an hour from Mount Dora, a beautiful, historical lakefront town. It’s become renowned for its antiques, craft
My first loop the loop ride - AeroSmith's Rock n Roller Coaster - Disney Hollywood Studios - April 2006
After many years I finally got to go on my first ever looped roller coaster. Being small can be good when I do gymnastics but it’s a thousand times ba
NASA Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)
As you cross over the causeway on your journey to visit the Kennedy Space Centre, you see a huge, monstrous concrete building standing high above anyt
Orlando Isn’t Just Theme Parks!
Friends often ask me why I like theme parks so much. I answer “I like them but no more than many with a young family. Why do you think I do?” To which
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
At Disneyworld you will find the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, an amazing display of Christmas lights from mid November through to the first wee
Quite some vehicle – The Jeep Commander
The car that you rent whilst in Florida is a significant part of your vacation experience. Most of us can almost certainly remember the differing type
Raglan Road Downtown Disney - Irish Themed Pub
Like many visitors to Orlando we always want to try new restaurants as well as return to some family favourites. The latest one for us to try is Disne
Rent a Dodge Durango
We always find that the car that you rent whilst in Florida becomes a large part of your vacation experience. Most of us can almost certainly remember
Rent a Ford Mustang Convertible
To rent a Ford Mustang Convertible, click here and select Alamo as the supplier. Whenever we vacation in Florida we make a point of renting a conv
Riding the Wave in Orlando – Yes! Surfing!
Ever wondered what it felt like to surf but never had the courage to try it? Or perhaps you haven’t wanted to compete with the athletic surfers usuall
Roller Coaster Design
Having written about a number of the roller coasters I have ridden, it dawned on me that much about the engineering and design of these sophisticated
Roller Coaster History
Always subjective I know, but Florida must surely be one the world locations known for its fun attractions and superb roller coasters. The roller coas
Ruby Tuesday Restaurants
We were drawn to these restaurants by the name - a name the Rolling Stones, who, like us come from England, made famous with their 1960s song of the s
San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant, Clermont
For fans of Mexican food there’s a quietly kept secret from tourists on Highway 27 - San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant. Just ten to fifteen minut
Scenic boat tour Winter Park
Close to the attractions is the suburb of Winter Park, a little known town with its own scenic boat tour. Located on Lake Osceola, this is ideal for a
Sheikra – Busch Gardens
One of our favourite rides in Busch Gardens over in Tampa is Sheikra. Sheikra is a vertical drop roller coaster located in the Stanleyville section of
Shuttle – Last Few Launches
As homeowners we are often asked where to go for the best Shuttle Launch view. This is one of the most exciting, awesome sights you can see whilst vis
Sightseeing by Segway
Visiting the Gulf Coast I was fascinated to see people riding around on ‘Segways’. It looked a really cool fun way to travel. So I decided to look int
Silver Spurs Rodeo
Did you enjoy watching cowboy films or remember TV programmes like the Bonanza and Rawhide? I’m sure many a boy wished they could have had a go at bei
Special Events in a Calendar Year at Disneyworld
A marathon comes to town at Walt Disney World where runners travel 26. 2 miles through all four Disney Parks. The race starts in Epcot, moving to Magi
Starting my walk though the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As you walk under a cement archway, you can see a small village with buildings nearly identical to one another. Pointy roofs, snow on top - obviously
STAYING WEST SIDE OF DISNEY - 192/HIGHWAY 27
Since having our villa (from brand new) back in 2003 we have watched Highway 27 and the west side of Disney develop, mature and become vibrant. From o
Sunset Cruise – Key West
On recent trips to Central Florida we have found ourselves flying into Miami rather than the usual Orlando or Tampa. Rather than driving up to the Orl
Sweet Tomatoes
When I saw an eatery called ‘Sweet Tomatoes’ was opening up I immediately thought of one of my favourite films ‘ Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlest
Take an in-car Satellite Navigation system
Ever wondered what all the fuss was over Satellite Navigations systems? What are they? What do they do? Why rent one when on holiday/vacation?Some car
Tampa Bay Ray Devils – the history
On a recent trip to Florida my family decided to experience a professional baseball match. We booked tickets in advance and set off to the Tropicana s
Ted’s Montana Grill
Ever fancied trying something different…. like a bison burger? Well visiting the States quite often we have grown to enjoy eating at Ted’s Montana Gri
The Apollo/Saturn V Visitors Centre - Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
Millions of people held their breath back on the 19th July 1969 as Neil Armstrong searched for a safe place to land the lunar module on the moon. “The
The beginnings of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Making your way through the different zones of Island of Adventure, you will notice a magnificent castle known as Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and W
The Dodge Caravan – Mini van (MPV)
During a recent trip to Florida we decided to have a change from renting the usual SUV (4x4) and thought we would give one of the newer generation Min
The Dodge Nitro - A new addition to the Dollar car rental fleet
Having booked our SUV (4x4) car rental for our April ’07 visit, I was fully expecting to be handed over a Jeep Cherokee Laredo, a vehicle I have had t
The facts about Space Mountain
It goes without saying that one of my favourite attractions at the Magic Kingdom is still Space Mountain. As a young lad, many years ago now, I can re
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are located in the south westerly region of Florida and consist of approximately 1700 islands beginning 15 miles south of Miami. The
The history of Florida
Ever wondered how Florida became Florida? Well I was certainly intrigued enough to want to find out and thought I would share this in a potted history
The Hulk, Islands of Adventure, Universal
People from my school had told me about Islands of Adventure, its roller coasters …. and The Hulk. I’d not been able to ride it before as I wasn’t t
The Kia Sorento
For the first leg of our summer vacation last year we flew into Miami having pre-ordered a mid/standard sized SUV(4x4) vehicle from Alamo car rental.
The Koreshan State Historic Site - Estero Florida
When we visited Florida last August we decided to 2 centre our holiday by spending a few days close to the West coast in a place called Bonita Springs
The Melting Pot
If you would like a meal with friends, one that is just a little bit different, try The Melting Pot. As the name suggests it’s a meal that melts in fr
The new Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Two years ago in the summer of 2006 we organised, through the car rental pages of this website (http://www. orlandovillas. com/car_hire. aspx) , the h
The new Suzuki XL7 by Thrifty car rental
During our last trip to Florida during the summer of 2008 we chose to organise the rental of a mid sized SUV from Thrifty car rental, bookable via thi
The Pleasure of Driving in Florida
Yes, Florida has become busier over the years and yes, like everywhere else, the world’s drivers have become a little more impatient, but there is abs
The Toyota Highlander by Alamo
When looking for a comfortable 4x4 to rent during the summer my usual procrastination was curtailed by price when I was distracted by an extremely goo
The Toyota Sienna
This year whilst vacationing in Orlando we were to be joined by both my in-laws and my own parents, bringing our total party size up to 8. As both set
Things to do 3 months before your holiday getaway!
With over 20 years experience of travelling and working for an international airline I have picked up many useful pointers. Some are obvious but often
Try a baseball game!
As well as visiting the many theme attractions Central Florida has to offer we decided we’d like to watch a baseball game – a traditional American gam
Try Smokey Bones Restaurant
On one of our regular shopping trips to Florida Mall, driving along Sand Lake Road, we found ‘Smokey Bones’, a log cabin style restaurant. Driving alo
Visit Key Largo
There is a song by the Beach Boys called Kokomo that makes a famous reference to Key Largo and the Florida Keys, not to mention the famous film ‘Key L
Visit The Beautiful Floridian Keys
I’ve always wanted to visit The Florida Keys – I’d heard so much about Key West and these islands that stretch out towards Cuba, often with views of t
Visiting Disney with Senior relatives
As villa owners we are frequently asked what do we do in Florida as we go there so often. When we first travelled to Florida we did not have children
Walmart – A potted history
When we visit the USA we will inevitably visit the huge Walmart store close to our home. The store, whilst functional , and perhaps too large at times
Walt Disney World - A potted history
All of the kids in our family, and I include us parents in that description, adore the Disney theme parks. They are pure fun and total escapism from t
Water Sports in Central Florida
If you enjoy sport, are looking for some fun or have a special occasion whilst on vacation in Orlando, why not have a go at some water sports. Sammy D
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa comes from the Creek Indian world translating as ‘flowing river’. Just minutes from Orlando is this beautiful natural state park ready for expl
Welcome to Lake County
Just to the west of Disney, roughly halfway between the Gulf and Atlantic coasts lies the attractive, unspoilt area of Lake County. Recently it has be
Whispering Canyon Restaurant – Wilderness Lodge
If you are looking for somewhere very different to eat – even whacky try The Whispering Canyon Restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. I don’t think