Affordable Florida Attractions

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Brought to you by... John and Donna Gross Authors of "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation." "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal Florida Attraction Guide NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The source's URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online. "Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, under new ownership for less than a year, will scale back its hours in September as a way to combat the slow period between summer thrill seekers and the winter snowbirds who flock to the park's gardens." The park will only be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-cypress3008jul30,0,5966079.story) See Florida before the tourists arrived. "'Destination Florida: Tourism Before Disney' displays memorabilia from that simpler, less traffic-choked time, an era that began in the late 19th century when northerners came down for natural beauty and the heat -- not Beauty and the Beast." (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-bevil1808jul18,0,2693754.column) "The company planning to build a massive observation wheel in Orlando, similar to the famed London Eye, said Thursday the project is moving forward." The 400-foot wheel is to be built near SeaWorld. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-bigwheel2008jun20,0,5944149.story) "Central Florida's oldest theme park [Cypress Gardens] is looking for new ways to re-establish itself as a park that generations of parents will want to share with their children." (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-cover0208jun02,0,1823492.story) "Pettegrew, 44, and fellow artists Rita Canan and Alison Horne, owners of Orlando firm Muralistically Inclined, are finishing a weeks-long project that includes four 21-foot-tall murals on the outside of Gatorland's new retail building." (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-gatorland1508may15,0,3695283.story) "The Hot Seat, a recent addition to Fun Spot USA in Kissimmee, is really just a dramatic, gigantic, mother of all playground swing sets." Yea, if you like to swing 100 feet in the air! (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-bevil1808apr18,0,7613547.column) "Jim Hill shares one of the more intriguing rumors that's currently making the rounds in Orlando. Which has the Mouse trying to milk its HSM [High School Musical] franchise by setting up a dinner theatre experience over at Dolly Parton's old place." (http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/02/18/monday-mouse-watch- could-the-now-defunct-dixie-stampede-soon-become-home-to-a-new-high-school- musical-themed-show.aspx) Church Street Station Relaunch:  "The Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House reopened Thursday night in downtown Orlando's Church Street Station to a mix of country ballads and booze -- and plenty of questions about whether it can survive its rebirth." (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-churchst1508feb15,0,3141140.story) The Holy Land Experience: "The biblically themed tourist attraction is planning to erect a 30-foot-tall sign alongInterstate 4, highlighting its new owner, Trinity Broadcasting Network, which purchased the park last June for $37 million." (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-holyland0808feb08,0, 3932481.story)

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subscribe remove The Disney News New Cypress Gardens ownership announces operational change at historic attraction Winter Haven, FL - The new owners of Cypress Gardens have announced a significant operational change at the historic attraction. Owners say the move will create a more energized, fun-filled experience that will be applauded by Cypress Gardens current guest base and create strong appeal to both area residents and visitors to Central Florida. Baker Leisure Group, headquartered in Orlando, respected worldwide as one of the premiere consulting and management specialists in the themed attractions industry, has been appointed to operate the 71-year old Florida themed attraction. "This is an important first step toward providing our guests with a more positive, memorable guest experience," said co-owners Rob Harper and Brian Philpot, who announced Baker Leisure Group's appointment on Tuesday. Harper and Philpot said the change does not affect the attraction's operating staff, but replaces the contractor that had been managing Cypress Gardens on interim basis since the two Polk County natives purchased the attraction last October. The operational changeover is effective immediately. "We are fortunate to have Baker Leisure Group at Cypress Gardens. They are one of the premier management companies in the world and based in Central Florida. Cypress Gardens needs a strong community presence, an element the Baker group understands," said Harper and Philpot. Baker Leisure Group, comprised of veterans of some of the world's most successful theme parks and attraction, has earned worldwide recognition for their attraction and theme park management capabilities. The Orlando-based company has handled assignments ranging from the popular Coca- Cola Olympic City at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games to planning, opening and managing Al Shallal, Saudi Arabia one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East. Altogether, Baker Leisure Group has been involved with more than 100 theme parks, attractions and related assignments around the world since the firm was founded in 1988 by 40-year theme park and attractions management specialist Steve Baker. Harper and Philpot also stresses that the attraction will maintain a close relationship with the local community. Community relations programs will include partnerships with local businesses, greater community involvement and a proactive outreach to Cypress Gardens'alumni and fans. Cypress Gardens staff were notified of the operational change on Tuesday morning. Vendors and suppliers to Cypress Gardens were also notified of the change, along with assurances that the change is a reflection of the new ownership's confidence in the park's future. The ownership team said they are in the process of notifying a number of other influential local audiences in Central Florida, including tourism industry and economic development leadership, as well as current ticket holders and volunteers who have lobbied to keep Cypress Gardens operating after the attraction suffered attendance declines in the 1980s and 1990s and an ownership change in 2005. "Visitors to Cypress Gardens will notice a more lively, interactive, engaging atmosphere as we move forward," said Steve Baker, whose company has assumed operational control of the attraction. "We provide the best overall guest experience possible. The changes will range from cosmetic to cultural. Cypress Gardens enthusiasts will recognize and applaud the changes and potential guests, particularly families living in the fast-growing Polk County metropolitan area, will have plenty of reasons to want to visit the attraction for the first time or make a return visit." Baker said operational changes will address intangibles such as more extensive staff training, revised internal operating procedures such as queue line management and more accessible food and beverage service, as well as more visible changes. Land South Holdings Group Land South Holdings, based in Mulberry, Fla., is a real estate investment company specializing in large land acquisitions in the United States. www.landsouthgroup.com Baker Leisure Group Baker Leisure Group based in Orlando, Fla., is a multi-faceted management and consulting company specializing in attractions, entertainment centers and tourism businesses. www.bakerleisuregroup.com (Source: Press Release) "Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede closed abruptly Monday afternoon when its owners told the staff of the giant dinner theater that they had sold the attraction's 13-acre site east of Walt Disney World to an undisclosed buyer." Apparently someone made them an offer for their real estate they couldn't refuse. They plan to open elsewhere in Orlando, but haven't found a location yet. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-stampede0808 jan08,0,2228549.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout") Follow Up... "The parent company of the Orlando Premium Outlets shopping center confirmed Tuesday that it holds the contract to buy the property at 8251 Vineland Ave." Officials would not disclose their plans for the property. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-dixie0908 jan09,0,1286931.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout) Holy Land Experience: "TBN is giving the park, at 4655 Vineland Road, a complete makeover, from fresh carpet, paint and decor such as statues to several new food kiosks, evening lighting and state-of-the-art audio and video equipment." Improvements will also include: children's playground with a bible motif new live entertainment high-definition movies a TV studio evening hours (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-attractrail070 8jan07,0,6893151.story) Cypress Gardens Under New Management: "Calling it the 'granddaddy of all theme parks,' Orlando-based attraction expert Steve Baker on Wednesday took over management of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, which had fallen into bankruptcy and was sold to new local owners less than three months ago." (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-cypress0308 jan03,0,4457924.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout) See http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/ for blogs on SeaWorld's Aquatica, Shamu's show "Believe," and holiday activities at Universal and Gaylord Palms. "When their Trinity Broadcasting Network purchased Holy Land [Experience] for $37 million in June, longtime employees and supporters hoped the takeover would usher in a new era of financial stability for the park. However, once the first family of old-school American televangelism settled in, they began reshaping it." The Holy Land Experience is located on Conroy Road at I-4. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/printedition/orl- holyland2107oct21,0,1672090.story?page=1) "Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, the oldest theme park in Florida, was sold in Macon, Ga., for $16.8 million, Ward Stone, a bankruptcy lawyer for Valdosta-based Adventure Parks Group LLC told The Ledger newspaper in Lakeland." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/25/07) "The first of several new businesses at Church Street Station debuts next week when Dolce Nightclub replaces the pink-themed, socialite-studded Club Paris." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/06/07) "On Sept. 25, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park and its sister park in Valdosta, Ga., Wild Adventures Theme Park, will be sold at court-ordered Chapter 11 bankruptcy auction, the park's parent company announced Thursday... Both parks will remain open, and passes and discounts will be honored. The park's 400 full-time and 700 seasonal employees should not be affected." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/08/07) A bully crocodile at Gatorland has been pretty nasty to neighbors in her swamp. "So Wednesday morning, a handful of Gatorland employees moved the croc out of her pond and to a different holding area where she'll stay until she can work out her 'issues.'" (Source:  Orlando Sentinel, 08/23/07) "Our roller coasters may not be the biggest or baddest in the world, but we have them by the bunches. There are more than two dozen of the rides in these parts, so let's loop through the Walt Disney World parks, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and also ride through coaster-happy Busch Gardens and Cypress Gardens." Sample ratings: Expedition Everest, Disney's Animal Kingdom: Wild or mild scale 4 out of 5; Theming/atmosphere 5 out of 5 Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom: Wild or mild scale 3 out of 5; Theming/atmosphere 4 out of 5 Primeval Whirl, Disney's Animal Kingdom: Wild or mild scale 3 out of 5; Theming/atmosphere 4 out of 5 (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/17/07) Attendance at the Holy Land Experience is up 10% as new owner, Trinity Broadcasting, promotes the park vigorously on its network. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/23/07) "Owners of the Mercado shopping center began moving the long-running Titanic Ship of Dreams exhibit onto the sidewalk Monday, bringing a heated landlord-tenant battle on International Drive to a bitter end." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/21/07) CYPRESS GARDENS Friday the 13th proves to be lucky for Starliner! Screams of joy filled the air as Starliner sent passengers soaring once again, proving that Friday the 13th can be quite the lucky day for some folks. After several delays, the much-anticipated coaster crested the first hill this afternoon. "While it has been a long time coming, the Starliner is well worth the wait," says CEO/President Kent Buescher with a grin. "I rode the coaster at its original home in Panama City Beach and really like the ride. But the rebuild at Cypress Gardens? Smoother, faster and much more thrilling. And everyone I’ve spoken with who has ridden the ride agrees it is a pure adrenaline rush." At its height, the Starliner tops out at 70 feet on the first hill. After hurtling passengers 67 feet toward the ground at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, the coaster then skims a series of bunny hills and camel backs, providing plenty of negative-g’s and the much-coveted "air time." The park has stayed true to the original design with a few exciting profile modifications, one of which is the turn-around. It is now banked at a higher degree and has a sharper curve, creating a much more exciting diving, hair-pin turn. "I have got to ride this again!" exclaimed Chris Craftchick, of Orlando, as he came off the ride for the first time. High praise indeed from one who knows roller coasters. Kraftchick serves as Florida’s regional representative for the American Coaster Enthusiasts. And so he went again...and again. "Starliner is so incredibly fun; lots of air time and extremely smooth-just a phenomenal ride! It’s a coaster definitely worth repeating because each seat gives you a different ride," he goes on to explain. "Every bit of the track is exciting, especially the turn-around and I can’t wait to bring my family and friends back out to ride. It’s a perfect coaster for Cypress Gardens." The Starliner, originally built in 1963 in Panama City Beach, delighted millions of coaster fans for more than 40 years before Miracle Strip Amusement Park closed in 2004. The historic coaster was created by master coaster designer John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and is one of only eleven Allen coasters still in operation throughout the world. At a cost of more than $4 million, the coaster is the park’s biggest ride investment to date. (Source: Press Release, 07/13/07) The Starliner opens at Cypress Gardens: "The riveting racket of Florida's oldest surviving wooden roller coaster returned Friday despite two glitches that had delayed its opening at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven for nearly two weeks." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/07) "Gatorland's newest crocodiles are born patriots, hatched on the Fourth of July. The 12 members of the brood, unveiled for photos Friday, are the first Nile crocodiles -- or alligators, for that matter -- to hatch during the national holiday at the long-running Central Florida attraction." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/07/07) "Fun Spot is one of a growing number of businesses that are betting the U.S. 192 corridor (Kissimmee) will continue to develop a new persona as a weekend entertainment district for locals and an alternative attraction for tourists from out of town." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/22/07) Start the Countdown! Cypress Gardens set to open Starliner at end of June The countdown has started at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, as Florida’s original scream machine is set to open June 30th in a flurry of festivities, including an appearance by a special celebrity guest. The park announced the opening date today as they unveiled the newly arrived coaster cars. The Starliner, originally built in 1963 in Panama City Beach, was rescued by Cypress Gardens when the Miracle Strip Amusement Park closed in 2004. The historic coaster was created by master coaster designer John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Cypress Gardens has stayed true to the original design with a few exciting profile modifications. At a cost of more than $4 million, the coaster is the park’s biggest ride investment to date. At its height, the Starliner tops out at 70 feet on the first hill. After hurtling passengers 67 feet toward the ground at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, the coaster then skims a series of bunny hills and camel backs, providing plenty of negative-g’s and the much-coveted "air time." One of the design modifications was the turn-around, which was banked to a higher degree and given a sharper turn to provide a much more exciting diving, hair-pin turn. Ironically, according to roller coaster historians, the turn-around was the only part of the coaster the original designer, John Allen, felt didn’t turn out as planned. Festivities on June 30th include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 am, with first rides starting at noon. Among the first to ride will be a special celebrity guest, who will then be on hand for an autograph and picture session. Seven hundred of the first riders of Starliner will walk away with a commemorative t-shirt. The Starliner is the park’s sixth coaster and joins exciting rides, Splash Island Water Park, spectacular daily shows, and Jubilee Junction, a picturesque village where food and shopping take an entertaining old-fashioned twist. Come face-to-face with more than 150 animals in Nature’s Way or take in the beauty of Wings of Wonder, the famed butterfly arboretum. Stroll the historic gardens, visit with our graceful Southern Belles and gasp in wonder at the world-famous ski show. It’s adventure for all ages! The park is located in Winter Haven, Florida two miles west of SR 27 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. (Source: Press Release, 06/07/07) "As Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens its new Shuttle Launch Experience simulator ride Friday, it also is introducing a new Internet ticketing program that allows visitors to buy tickets online and print them on their home computer printers... The space center's new "E-Ticketing" for admission is now available at KennedySpaceCenter.com for visitors to buy and print tickets at home." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07) "The relocation of the Starliner roller coaster, an all-white wooden ride that ripples up and down with a peak of 60 feet, from the once-famed Miracle Strip to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park should be completed by mid- to late June, officials said last week." (Source:  Orlando Sentinel, 05/17/07) "Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing group, has launched an updated and redesigned Worth the Drive guidebook. The book includes 21 new self-directed driving tours that help motorists explore some of the state's best-kept secrets." Pick up a free copy at Florida's Welcome Centers (I-95, I-10, I-75, U.S. Highway 231 and the Capitol) or browse the guide online. Wet 'n Wild is expected to complete construction on its new water park this spring that includes "a 53-foot vertical drop that sends riders toward a huge, swirling funnel of water. 'Brain Wash' will feature lighting effects and video snippets that play on the walls of the ride." (Source:  Orlando Sentinel, 03/16/07) Training for Medieval Times Knights: "Knight Boot Camp, as they call it, brings together young men from the company's locations across North America and teaches them the exact moves and maneuvers to be used at its shows. So if a knight is needed in California, any knight from the other eight castles can substitute." (Source:  Orlando Sentinel, 03/01/07) "Saturday was a great day. The temperatures were mild, flowers in bloom, birds singing and butterflies in flight, but it wasn't in my yard. It was a day spent at Cypress Gardens and just as I remembered from years ago -- it was well worth the trip." (Source:  Orlando Sentinel, 02/26/07) "With Church Street Station in bankruptcy, Lou Pearlman's once-blooming Orlando business empire appeared all but abandoned Wednesday. Pearlman and his executives have left, and numerous businesses that were headquartered at his Trans Continental Enterprises downtown have largely been turned over to court-appointed authorities." (Source:  Orlando Sentinel, 02/22/07) "When Gatorland, one of Orlando's longest-standing attractions, went up in flames last fall, many in Central Florida were saddened at the thought of the park's massive gator jaws succumbing to the bulldozer... [Well] an engineer has signed off on the now-scorched jaws' structural stability and they'll stay put." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/01/07) Florida Butterflies are on display at Lukas Nursery & Garden Shop, Cypress Gardens Wings of Wonder in Winter Haven, and the Florida Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville. A #1 Bass Guide Service: "Bass fishing minutes from Disney. Half or full-day charters. All equipment and licenses provided. Transportation available. Individuals or groups welcome. Call 800/707-5463." A World of Orchids Airboat Rentals Air Florida Helicopters: 8990 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, 407/354/1400. Provides scenic helicopter rides over Orlando area attractions. Arabian Nights: "A a storybook tale of romance and intrigue amidst the splendor of the palace of horses. A most unique and wonderful show with all the majesty and grandeur of a Broadway Production." Call 800/553-6116 or 407/239-9223. Blue Water Balloons: 566 Buckminster Cir., Orlando, FL 32803, Local Phone: 407/894-5040, Toll Free U.S.: 800/586-1884, Toll Free U.S./Canada: 800/586-1884, Fax: 407-894-0147 E-mail: sedonagypsy@worldnet.att.net "Sunrise champagne balloon flights over Central Florida. All flights include: approximately one-hour flight, traditional champagne celebration picnic which includes a variety of fruit, pastries, cheese and crackers, and, of course, champagne with fresh Florida orange juice (non-alcoholic beverages also available). Each passenger receives a souvenir champagne glass and first flight certificate presented by the pilot. All flights are weather-permitting. Reservations are required." Busch Gardens Tampa Champion Pro Guide Services Central Florida: Professional guide service minutes from Disney specializing in trophy bass fishing, fly fishing and saltwater flats fishing trips. Reservations required. Call 888/715-7661. Clearwater Marine Aquarium: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, 727/441-1790, 888/239-9414. "a nonprofit, working aquarium dedicated to public education, marine research, animal assisted therapy and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured or sick whales, dolphins, otters and sea turtles." Daytona USA: 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114, 904/947-6800. "Provides an informative perspective of racing, with technical, hands on, and historic exhibits. Fun for all ages." Eaglerider Motorcycle Rental Fantasy of Flight: "The World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection and Florida’s Premier Aviation Attraction. Fightertown Flight Simulation Experience, Aircraft of the Day presentation, Back-Lot Restoration Shop Tours, and vintage aircraft on display daily." Open 9 AM - 5 PM. Call 863/984-3500. Florida Aquarium: 701 Channelside Drive, Downtown Tampa, Florida, 33602, 813/273-4000. "Opened in March 1995, the 152,000 sq-ft aquarium tells Florida's unique water story as it follows a drop of water from its underground source to the open sea. Over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals both native to Florida and from all over the globe." Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum: 231 North Hoagland Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34741, 407/933-1942. "A flying and working museum that allows visitors to see aircraft restoration underway year-round. Dozens of WWII and vintage planes on display." Forever Florida: 4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud, FL 34773, 888/957-9794, Fax: 407/957-9157. "Forever Florida and the adjacent Crescent J Ranch form a 4,700 acre nature preserve and working cattle ranch, combining 'Old Florida' charm with exhilarating and educational opportunities to interact with native animals and birds in an ever-growing, natural setting." Fun Spot Action Park: 5551 Del Verde Way, Orlando, FL 32819, 407/363-3867, E-mail: TRock@Fun-Spot.com. "The World's Most Unique and Innovative Multi-Level Attraction. You 'Drive the Ride' on our multi level tracks and rides. Experience our 17 hands-on action packed rides and attractions and over 100 games in our 10,000 sq. ft. arcade." Funday Eco Tours: 1905 S. Atlantic St., Suite #325, Melbourne Bch, FL 32951, 800/224-9809 or 321/725-0796. "We offer over 16 different guided eco-day tours - nature and wildlife adventures for pre-formed groups only. Plus, as a FunDay exclusive, two "VIP" Kennedy Space Center tours. All tours are fully guided and totally escorted by certified guides." GondEola: Downtown Orlando's Lake Eola. Reservations: 407/658-4226. Email: reservations@gondeola.com ."Provides visitors with evening cruises aboard authentic Venetian-style gondolas, and rowed by highly trained, serenading gondoliers on Downtown Orlando's beautiful Lake Eola... Located on the southeast corner of Lake Eola, GondEola will operate from a dock adjacent to the International Promenade (behind Lee's Lakeside). Nearby parking is available in the garage located at the corner of Central and Osceola. GondEola will offer a variety of evening cruises beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending when Lake Eola Park closes at midnight... Main cruises will last approximately 40 minutes and will cost $45 a couple and includes a keepsake photo. Extra riders are $15. Children 12 and under ride free with a paid adult.. A variety of dinner cruises, Champagne cruises and special occasion packages, such as proposals and weddings, will also be available." (Source: Press Release.) Green Meadows Petting Farm Jungle Adventures: 26205 East Highway 50, Christmas, FL, 407/ 568-1354. Features animal exhibits, wildlife show, alligator feeding, jungle cruise and nature tours. Vista Water Sports: On State Rd. 535. Located on Lake Bryan. 1/4 mile south of I-4 and Exit 27. 407/239-6939. Visitors can rent Pontoon Boats, Master Craft Competition Ski Boats and Yamaha Waverunners for fun on the lake. Magical Midway: 7001 International Dr. Orlando, FL 407/370-5353. International Drives only elevated go-kart track. Also a bumper boat pool, bumper cars, laser tag, midway rides, games and food Medieval Times: 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, FL, 800/229-8300 or 407/396-1518. Allows guests to enjoy a medieval feast while watching daring knights on Andalusian stallions competing in tournament games, jousting matches, and sword fighting. Old Fashioned Airboat Rides: 24004 Sisler Ave., Christmas FL 32709, 407/568-4307 or 407/849-4016. Reservations required. Enjoy the scenery and the wildlife of the beautiful St. Johns River in Central Florida. Only 45 minutes from Orlando area attractions and 15 minutes from Kennedy Space Center. Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and United Arts of Central Florida, Inc. Call the Visitors Bureau for ticket availability at 407/363-5874. Orlando Museum of Art features permanent collections of American Art, art of the Ancient Americas and African art. Call 407/896-4231. Ripley's Believe It or Not! SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld's Discovery Cove Show Queen Cruises (25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach Marina, 727/461-3113): offers cruises, dining on the water, and dolphin watching. Silver Springs is a 350-acre nature theme park and home of the world famous glass bottom boats. Offer: Senior rate = 10% off regular admission (Reg. $30.95). Must be 55 or older. Skycoaster: Consists of three, 300-foot towers. The Flyers are held aloft on two independent steel cables that can hold 9,000 pounds apiece. On the way up, Flyers can see all around Orlando and Kissimmee. At the count of three, Flyers begin a free-fall of 120 feet at speeds up to 80 miles per hour! Just as the ground gets closer you swing out over a lake barely missing the 50-foot fountain. For ages 4 and up. SkyVenture Body Flight: Describes itself as a "total emersion" skydiving simulator. Titanic - The Exhibition invites you to experience an adventure you will never forget! One hour guided tours with actual storytellers depicting passengers and crew. See an authentic replica of her Grand Staircase and more. Call 877/410-1912 or 407/248-1166. Universal Orlando Walt Disney World Wet 'n Wild WonderWorks: This classically-designed building at 9067 International Drive in Orlando rests upside down on a brick warehouse from the 1930's! (You have to see it to believe it!) Inside are fun-filled activities that range from virtual reality to simulated earthquakes to lazer tag. WonderWorks is open from 9 AM to midnight. Regular admission: For more information, call 407/351-8800. Other Florida Attractions Continue | Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Choose a page and jump: Looking for something  in particular? 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