Affordable Florida Attractions

Other Florida Attractions

Everglades travel by air and water highlight of reality show 'Swamp Men'
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-florida-travel-everglades-tour-tv-show,
0,5170603.story

A pirate's life for you: Finding the "arrrrgh" in the Sunshine State
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-travel-florida-pirate-guide,0,5023714.story

Pet-friendly bars in Orlando
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/bars-and-clubs/os-cal-pet-friendly-bars-071610-20100715,0,
7454449.story

Beat the heat in Florida? Museums are cool
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-travel-florida-museums-071110-20100702,0,3049014.story

Science, fiction fizzle at 'Star Trek Live' at Kennedy Space Center
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-bevil-kennedy-space-center-star-tr20100708,0,3410057.column

Weeki Wachee mermaids get Myrtle Beach return engagement
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/07/weeki-wachee-mermaids-get-myrtle-beach-return-engagement.
html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features%2Fthemeparkblog+(Theme+Park
+Rangers)

On the road to Jacksonville
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/northflorida/orl-travel-abbott-070410,0,1901877.column

Florida Travel Calendar for July
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-july-travel-calendar,0,317911.htmlstory

Lego fever: Crowds gather to hear details of Legoland Florida
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-legoland-florida-park-plans-20100708,0,6959493.story

Legoland Florida: Gardens staying, Starliner going, jobs coming
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/07/legoland-florida-gardens-staying-starliner-going-jobs-coming
.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features%2Fthemeparkblog+(Theme+Park
+Rangers)

Indoor surfing coming to Kissimmee in October
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/06/indoor-surfing-coming-to-kissimmee-in-october.html

History center free for kids on Mondays through Aug. 9
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/06/history-center-free-for-kids-on-mondays-through
-aug-9.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features%2Fthemepark
blog+(Theme+Park+Rangers)

Florida Eco Tours go off the beaten path
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/outdoors/os-travel-eco-tours-061310-20100611,0,3646981,full.story

Disaster in the Gulf: Oil spill not leading to hotel specials
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/fl-tourism-discounts-20100609-23,0,6215631.story

Taking the Kids -- to clean beaches and avoiding the oil
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/beach/orl-travel-taking-the-kids-to-clean-up-oil-spill,0,1966374.story

You can monitor the oil spill on destinations along the Gulf Coast at Orbitz.
http://www.orbitz.com/oil

Mountain-bike park planned for undeveloped land in Orlando
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-mountain-bike-park-20100604,0,7389559.story

Six family-friendly options for summer vacations
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-family-friendly-summer-options-060610,0,2734306.story

Senior Travel: Where the summer discounts are -- and aren't
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/news/orl-travel-senior-travel-052410,0,4406033.column

Science center to put diabetes on display
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/06/science-center-to-put-diabetes-on-display.html?
utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features%2Fthemeparkblog+
(Theme+Park+Rangers)

Sarasota aquarium makes a fun side trip
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-abbott-060610,0,7477944.column

Science On a Sphere® Embark on a three-dimensional journey around the world and throughout the solar system
http://www.hmaimages.com/Kennedy/Summer_13291/Summer_Offers_2010/Summer_eBlast.htm

New IMAX® film Hubble 3D at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/hubble.aspx?ic_campID=4&ic_pkw=GH_Summer_Hubble_May10

Mad Science Presents Star Trek Live at KSC
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/star-trek-live.aspx?ic_campID=4&ic_pkw=GH_Summer_StarTrek_May10

Beating the summer heat at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/orl-travel-abbott-050910,0,7574748.column

Holy Land Experience photos at Orlando Museum of Art
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_arts_letter/2010/05/oma-opens-scenes-from-jesusland.html

When you wish upon a park - Orlando Sentinel's Dewayne Bevil's annual Theme Park Wish List
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-bevil-theme-parks-wish-list-20100428,0,6268542.colu

CoCo Key Water Resort ready to make a splash between I-Drive and I-4
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/04/coco-key-water-resort-ready-to-make-a-splash-
between-i-drive-and-i-4.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features
%2Fthemeparkblog+(Theme+Park+Rangers)

Plan your travel now: Only three more space shuttle launches left
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/orl-travel-space-shuttle-launch-viewing-story,0,1542635.story

10 for the road: Girlfriend Getaways
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/features/travelnews/sns-trvpics-wk2,0,398390.photogallery

Star Trek gets a LIVE stage show starting this summer at Kennedy Space Center Florida
http://scifiwire.com/2010/04/star-trek-live-beams-to-k.php

Star Wars Celebration V - 125 days and counting
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2010/04/star-wars-celebration-v-125-days-
and-counting.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+
entertainment%2Fmovies%2Fmovieblog+(Frankly+My+Dear+-+Movies)

Gatorland: Meet the birds during sunset special event
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/04/gatorland-meet-the-birds-during-sunset-
special-event.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features
%2Fthemeparkblog+(Theme+Park+Rangers)

Florida lands 21 of the top 100 spas
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-travel-best-florida-spas-20100331,0,4035763.story

Can you guess these destinations from the satellite image?
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-desinations-from-above-pictures,0,6381718.
photogallery

Destinations readers dread but visit anyway
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/sns-trvpics-wk3,0,3910256.photogallery

Ocala's Appleton Museum a hidden gem
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/northflorida/orl-travel-abbott-
032610,0,1508661.column

‘Cavalia’ runs on horsepower - Cirque du Soleil with animals!
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/theater/os-cavalia-0312-20100311,0,4302292.story

Free admission into the Morse Museum on April 2-4
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_arts_letter/2010/03/free-admission-into-the-morse-museum-
on-april-2-4.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entertainment%
2Fartsletters+(Arts+%26+Letters)

A view of old Florida at Ormond Beach's Rockefeller Mansion -- The Casements
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/orl-travel-abbott-
031410,0,6198486.column

Come hungry to the Florida Strawberry Festival
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-abbott-022110,0,5708465.column

Photos: 2010 Strawberry Festival performers
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-strawberry-festival-photos,0,5806813.
photogallery

Daytona Bike Week 2010
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/bike-week/

Company proposes space- and Red planet-themed tourist attraction
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100228/BUSINESS/2280305/1003/
Titusville-may-get-Martian-visitors

Legoland Florida Web site launches - includes photos, video and access to job opportunities
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2010/02/legoland-florida-web-site-launches.html

Find Nature in Florida, Not Just Theme Parks - highlights Disney's little known Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory?id=9868690

More on Gatorland trek: It’s not easy being mean
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-dewayne-bevil-gatorland-2010-preview
,0,1075284,full.column

Swimming with Florida's endangered manatees
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/outdoors/orl-travel-swimming-with-manatees,0,1931030.story

Gatorland: Mile of Monsters will be walk on park’s wild side
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/02/gatorland-mile-of-monsters-will-be-walk-on-
parks-wild-side.html

10 questions most frequently asked by travelers
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/news/orl-travel-troubleshooter-2-020210,0,3766860,full.column

Wekiva Island is Orlando's close-by getaway
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/outdoors/orl-travel-abbott-013110,0,7908225.column

10 must-see places to visit in Florida
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/fl-florida-bucket-list-20100126,0,3405717.story

Legoland Florida: Merlin Entertainments reveals details of new Winter Haven park - Legoland is scheduled to open by the end of 2011.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-legoland-florida-park-20100121,0,1659229.story

E-mail: Legoland to open at Cypress Gardens
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-legoland-cypress-gardens-20100120,0,3263083.story

Ghosts to fly at Fantasy of Flight
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-abbott-011510,0,5905075.column

Options for Cypress Gardens devotees now that park is closed
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-theme09oct07,0,6601015.story

Legoland owner buys Cypress Gardens
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-cypress-gardens-merlin-20100115,0,1252259.story

Revisiting some lesser-seen attractions at the theme parks
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-disney-universal-seaworld-bevil-
20100106,0,3145749.column

A bargain to see bucking broncs at Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/orl-travel-abbott-
011010,0,4756688.column

Florida circus guide: Ringling sends three shows across state in January
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-florida-circus-guide,0,1311170.story

Florida air show guide -- Thunderbirds, Blue Angels and other show schedules
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-florida-air-show-guide-story,0,2443658.story

Star Wars Celebration V to come to Orange County Convention Center
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-cfb-talking-with-sansweet-20091213,0,7940319.story

Quirky monument has ties to Kissimmee's past
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/orl-travel-abbott-
120609,0,6853855.column

All aboard for the North Pole -- Eustis train attraction offers Polar Express rides
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/orl-travel-abbott-
112909,0,7640291.column

Gatorland: Putting more jump in the Jumparoo
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/11/
gatorland-new-gator-jumperoo-show-alligators-orange-blossom-trail.html

On Nov. 21, the Georgia Aquarium is free for girls 12 and under wearing a princess costume
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-bargain-hunter/2009/11/11/
princess-day-at-aquarium-free-santa-photo-veterans-day-specials-ice-skating/

Holiday travel guide to Orlando theme parks
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-travel-holidays-at-orlando-attractions,0,3633698.story

Kennedy Space Center and Universal Studios among the finalists for Google Street View Trike visits
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/etan_on_tech/2009/11/
kennedy-space-center-and-universal-studios-among-the-finalists-for-google-street-view-trike-visits.html

Dixie Stampede: Dolly flees, flea market moves in
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/11/dolly-parton-dixie-stampede-i4-flea-market-
interstate-4-largest-pizza-parlor.html

Ice skating: Cool fun in Central Florida
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/
orl-travel-abbott-110209,0,5739738.column

Central Florida Roller Coaster Guide - this interactive guide is really neat!
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-thrillometer-roller-coasters-
guide,0,5170965.htmlstory

How did Florida rank in Condé Nast Traveler's readers ranking?
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/
orl-travel-conde-nast-reader-rated-2009-story,0,1062025,full.story

TripAdvisor names Gatorland to top 10 wackiest attractions
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-wacky-gatorland-story-101909,0,7845070.story

Maze craze may put folks into a haze, "A-Mazing Sea" exhibit at the Orlando Science Center, and Halloween Adventure with Sesame Street characters at SeaWorld
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-calbevil-corn-maze-amazing-sea
100909oct09,0,2469687.column?page=1

Florida air show guide: Planes fill fall skies and beyond
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-florida-air-show-guide-story,0,2443658.story

Theme parks' goal: Less watching, more doing
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-disney-universal-interactive-expansion-
092809,0,3729991.story

A pirate's life for you: Finding the "arrrrgh" in the Sunshine State
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-travel-florida-pirate-guide,0,5023714.story

Cypress Gardens, Splash Island parks close
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-bk-cypress-gardens-closes-092309,0,2476740.story

The Sharks film debuts Saturday at Orlando Science Center
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/09/
sharks-orlando-science-center-cocktails-cosmos-gavin-mckinney.html

Site of Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede to reopen as flea market
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-parton-flea-market-091409,0,1478729.story

Top 50 Orlando theme park attractions
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-calbevil-top-50-attractions090409
sep04,0,7004363.column

Florida + October + Beer = Festival
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-travel-florida-beer-festival-
guide,0,6024938.story

Major autumn events just around the corner
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-calbevil-attractions-festivals082809
aug28,0,3310334.column

Best of Florida Travel pictures
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-best-of-florida-pictures,0,5138795.photogallery

Where to find free Wi-Fi spots in Central Florida
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-free-wifi-080109,0,717337.story

Family Travel Guide to the Florida Keys
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-family-travel-guide-the-keys,
0,1180052.htmlstory

50 things to do in Orlando and Central Florida with your kids before they grow up
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_momsatwork/2009/07/
things-to-do-in-orlando-central-florida-with-kids-children.html

Florida Springs Guide
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/springs/

Trouble haunts ruins of Splendid China
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-splendid-china-decays-071609,0,6146797.story

Florida Getaways of the Day
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/sfe-getawayofday,0,7280813.photogallery

2009's best beach in Florida: Siesta Key
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/sfl-siesta-key-main-t070509br
jul05,0,6040877.story

Here's a search box to look up injuries, illnesses and death reports at Florida theme parks!
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-attractionaccidents-searchpage,0,4762926.htmlstory

Now at Ripley's: Michael Jackson gumball portrait - you an see it for free in the lobby.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/07/
michael-jackson-ripleys-believe-it-or-not-odditorium-orlando.html

Looking for Legoland? How far would you go?
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/07/
legoland-opening-orlando-florida-cypress-gardens-survey.html

Daytona Beach not just about speed -- check out these off-track offerings
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-daytona-beach-off-the-track-story,0,72929.story

Get Paid $25,000 To Ride Local Roller Coasters
http://www.wftv.com/news/19645590/detail.html

Orlando resort adds zip-line attraction
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-cfbtourism-zip-line-060109060109jun01,0,3142237.story

ZOOm Air Adventures set to open Saturday at Central Florida Zoo
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/05/
central-florida-zoo-zoom-air-zip-line-rope-bridges-sanford.html

Grossology extended at Orlando Science Center, author to appear
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/04/
orlando-science-center-grossology-extended-sylvia-branzei.html

Titanic - The Experience marks 10 years in Orlando
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/04/
titanic-the-experience-international-drive-orlando-michael-harris.html

Video: Take a ride on Central Florida's new attraction -- Zipline Safari
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-zipline-safari-video-story,0,6134402.story

Cypress Gardens is open again.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/03/
cypress-gardens-reopens-winter-haven-florida-theme-parks-attractions.html

What's old is new as Florida's first tourist spot Cypress Gardens reopens
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-loc-cypress-032909,0,3927821.story

Cypress Gardens Announce Lower Prices, More Options
http://cypressgardens.com/concertsEvents.php

How smaller attractions can beat slump Interesting article on how the other attractions in Florida are competing for your business.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-asec-small-attractions-032809,0,5352352.story

Theme-park lawsuits leave questions of safety unsettled
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-theme-park-lawsuits-032909,0,22066.story

Let parents say what's safe, theme parks urge
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-bizwaivers18031809mar18,0,6364092.story

Church Street's Cheyenne Saloon to close again
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-asecsaloon12031209mar12,0,1157847.story

Rating Central Florida Roller Coasters
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-best-roller-coasters-
pg,0,4381101.photogallery

4 rare white alligators visit Gatorland
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-whitegators1109feb11,0,732693.column

Central Florida's Zipline Safari takes riders atop the trees
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-zipline1409jan14,0,4449518.column

Top 50 Theme Park Attractions at Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-top-50-orlando-attractions-
photos,0,5513540.photogallery

Cirque du Soleil sends arena show Saltimbanco to Florida in 2009
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/centralflorida/
orl-travel-cirque-du-soleil-saltimbanco,0,2093663.story

New roller coasters to make debut in 2009
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-
coasters2408dec24,0,6199791.column

Where to find grownup fun in Orlando this winter
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12162008/entertainment/travel/i_need_adults
__144359.htm?&page=1

How to see a space shuttle launch live
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2008/12/how_to_see_a_space_shuttle_lau.html

Deal reached for Cypress Gardens passholders unhappy park is closing
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-bk-cypressgardens-
120108,0,5975543.story

No sale yet for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede property
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/
orl-dixie1208nov12,0,4432673.story

Cypress Gardens will close for 4 months. Closed Nov. 17 until sometime in March for renovations.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-cypress-gardens-
111008,0,3638112.story

Which theme-park attractions take the cake in 2008?
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/printedition/orl-bevil0308oct03,0,5912302.
column)

"Titanic -- The Experience, which introduces visitors to the world of the ill-fated ocean liner, will end its temporary run in the Orlando Science Center on Oct. 12." It's returning to its former location at 7324 International Drive.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-titanic1008sep10,0,732365.story)

"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)

On Gettysburg's fields, a lesson in history and humanity
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/world/sns-trvmain3-wk3,0,2106860.story

Company to build Nickelodeon-themed park in New Orleans
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-nickelodeon-theme-park-081909,0,5873116.story

View gallery of travel photos sent in by readers and printed in the Orlando Sentinel - just beautiful!
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-travel-my-best-shot-photos,0,1963072.photogallery

Seven great spots and one favorite snack to get you through Hong Kong
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/features/travelnews/sns-trvmain2-wk3,0,4847816.story

Poipu, Hawaii - A picture perfect island vacation
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/world/sns-trvmain3-wk3,0,2106860.story

Off to see the Oz Museum
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/features/travelnews/sns-trvrail1-wk3,0,6682826.story

Grand Rapids: A relaxed urban getaway
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/features/travelnews/sns-trvmain1-wk3,0,4520135.story

"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-stampede0808jan08,0,2228549.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-dixie0908jan09,0,1286931.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-attractrail0708jan07,0,6893151.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-cypress0308jan03,0,4457924.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)

"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 at online.

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."

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.