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Brought to you by...
John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
Florida Attraction Guide
Fun on I-Drive:
Visitors can find many attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities
along I-Drive which is located off Interstate 4 at Exit 29. Popular locations
can be reached by car within 20 minutes.
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"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.
"The huge "Ice" spectacular [at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center] is just one of many magical activities that await visitors to Orlando this holiday season. Thousands of brightly colored lights depicting holiday scenes are glowing throughout the city and at the theme parks.... There are eight "Bistro Gourmet" McDonald’s in Orlando which serve made to order breakfast, lunch and dinners on real plates with silverware." These restaurants also have game rooms and include pastas and gourmet coffees on the menu! For locations, click here. (Source: travellady.com) For the rest of the story, click here.
Historic Bok Sanctuary, 23 miles south of Orlando, is open again. "The sanctuary, revered for its beauty, lost about 200 trees and suffered damage to scores more. It remained closed for 36 days after Charley swept through Aug. 13." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/18/04)
The Chambers family writes: "We visited the Kennedy Space Center this last trip and it is well worth the visit. It was so fascinating! Get there as early as possible as we couldn't see everything in one day. Don't miss the IMAX about the Space Station. Be prepared to pay a bundle for their not so great food." Thanks for the updates!
Shawn writes: "I was just wondering if you had any experience with the [Pirates Dinner Adventure] show? My 4 yr old loves pirates. If you don't have any first or second hand knowledge, could you ask your readers? Thanks." Paula writes: "This is in response to Shawn's request. Our family experienced the Pirates Dinner Theatre last June. I would highly recommend. My son was 5 and also loves pirates, that is why we chose, it was also something we as a family could do. My daughter is 9 and enjoyed as well. We purchased our discount tickets from Omar very easily. It was very interactive and the kids. as well as adults can participate and go onto stage to be part of the acts. you also participate as the audience.At the last minute, we had grandparents join us without even a problem. They even accommodated a special diet order at the last minute. Few pieces of advice. Get there early and if you purchased tickets in advance walk right to the front of the line. We stood in a long line before we realized these were people waiting to purchase their tickets. You also can enjoy the appetizers and pre-show. Time and money is spent better by waiting for the pre-show to the left (little children really need to be in front), instead of waiting in line to pay for a painted tattoo. You sit side by side, so be sure to plan to sit next to little ones to help them during dinner. Food was OK but we expected this due to the show attraction. Bring your pirate hats and garb if you have, it helps defeat the nagging of buying in the gift shop. Stay for the small party afterwards, if your not too tired, the kids should enjoy. The cast will greet the kids and my son couldn't believe one pirate let him hold his sword!!!" Lori writes: "My family and I have been to the Pirate Dinner Show and absolutely loved it. Prior to entering the actual show, you enter into a very large room made to look like a Caribbean village. There is a bar for drinks along with some seating (if you don't get there early you most likely won't find a place to sit and will have to stand until the show starts) and a small buffet with mostly finger foods to snack on while waiting for the show. Some of the pirates come out and have group activities the kids can join in on, then they put on a really cute and entertaining skit. Finally it is time for the show. You enter into a huge room with seating surrounding a "lagoon" and there is actually a full size pirate ship right in the middle of it! While you are watching the show, a very good dinner is served. It's so dark that you really can't see what you are eating, but it tastes good none the less. The show follows a plot with a lot of stunts, sword fights and acrobats. Towards the end of the show, your waitress will come and collect your kids (only if they want to go) and will take them to the side (view obstructed from most of the crowd). What you don't see is them being outfitted to become one of the pirates. As the grand finale, some of the kids rush out in pirate garb holding wooden guns and "shoot" at the captain to save the girl. The other kids go on the pirate ship itself. My son still has the certificate. This is a wonderful time for the kids and a great memory for the adults watching their children join in. I highly recommend this to anyone, but especially those with young boys." Amy writes: "family will go to this EVERY Single time.!!!!!! I really can't tell you the food is Spectacular, because all i remember is the look on my 3 young boys faces! I do remember that the food was good, and there seemed to be plenty of it as the 3 boys did not even touch their plates. If asked they could not even tell you what was on it, because what was on the stage was FAR MORE SPECTACULAR! We were there 2 years ago on Spring break and when we mentioned returning to Disney this summer, first thing our 8 year old said was, "Can we go back to the Pirate show?" Our 4 year old, then 2, watched intently-we had never seen him sit still that long. There are however loud cannons at the end of the show, which scared our then 7 month old, but over-all, an excellent show!" Judy writes: "I HIGHLY recommend the Pirates show for families with young children! There is a portion of the show in which the little ones actually become part of the show as well. Be sure to arrive early to see the pre-show in the lobby. Snacks are provided as well." Robert writes: "The Pirates dinner show was excellent. The show was great and the food was good. An evening well spent." Many thanks to everyone who sent us comments on this dinner show. If there are readers who have seen the other dinner shows or would like to comment on other attractions in Florida like The Holy Land Experience, Splendid China, Skull Kingdom, etc., we'd love to hear from you. Please email your comments to johngross@affordabledisney.com . We'll post your comments in the newsletter!
James writes: "just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful trip experience. My family returned from a wonderful 2 1/2 week road trip and thanks to you the kids loved the orlando part the most. We went from boston to SC; then to AL; on to orlando; ocala, back to SC and on home to MA. We got two adjoining rooms in orlando at the courtyard marriot and spent a total of $222 for five days. My kids invited their cousins over and they spent four of the five days at the Hotel. They had the run of the place - using the pool and gameroom and in room Movies. they insisted on NOT going to disney so that they [could] play hosts to their cousins. We ended spending one day at watermania with my two kids and six of their cousins. Hey - I know we didn't end up at Disney but we got full value from your guide and my kids enjoyed themselves - so.... Thanks again" James, you have discovered a secret the locals have always known: you don't have to visit WDW to have fun in Orlando! Thank you for the feedback. We are happy to have been a part of your wonderful vacation!
For Free Florida entertainment, click here. For Florida entertainment under $5, click here.
Rene from The Netherlands writes: "Hi John, Happy new year! I'm still fond of your book, it gives me all the info (and more) i cant find here in Europe. I got a question: i will go to Orlando in February, and try to see 1 or two games of the Orlando Magic Basketball Team. Now i know they play at the Waterhouse Centre. Is this close to the Disney Area (where i will stay, of course.), and is it easy to reach by public transport (i don't have a car)? If this isn't problematic, i want to get some tickets with ticketmaster.... Thanx a lot in advance, and take care." From: Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 To: Waterhouse Center, 600 W Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32801-1107
Total Distance: 2.80 miles Take a taxi. Happy New Year!
Rich writes: "Do you know of any attractions in lower SW Florida? The family is planning on a one week trip ... in FT Myers Beach. My Kids are girls ages 13 and 10. I was planning on a two day trip to the Keys for some dolphin seeing and snorkeling. Thanks for any leads you may be able to provide." Sounds like a good relaxing trip. We focus on WDW and Orlando attractions, so your trip is outside our area of expertise. Here are some links to get you started.
http://www.fortmyers-online.com/
To tighten security, NASA is no longer allowing cars to view launches from the Causeway. They don't have the resources to search every car. Normally, people with car passes can park their cars there for an excellent view of the launch. NASA may reinstate the passes for future launches, but that's a decision they prefer to make as each launch time approaches. Paying guests will still be transported to the Causeway by bus. NASA is using a metal detector to screen guests and searching their bags. Coolers and backpacks are no longer permitted.
Ruth writes: "Dear John, I am still enjoying your newsletter and read it faithfully. My husband and I went to Orlando April 18 - 21 of this year for a 4-day trip. We drove down from SC and stayed outside the parks. We took our first and last days for driving; we stayed at the Sheraton Four Lakes. It was a pleasant, clean hotel which served our purposes just fine since we would only be sleeping there. We saw the Endeavor shuttle launch on Thursday from across the river in Titusville. It was lots of fun and we met some terrific new friends. After the launch, we visited the space center (which did not open until after the launch.) I would not recommend this to other people because the flood of folks coming in after the launch was incredible! Everyone was trying to get in at the same time and it was a nightmare. It took 1 hour to get parked and 45 minutes at the ticket counter just to purchase our admission. By the time we got in, we were too exhausted to enjoy the exhibits properly. Hopefully our next trip to KSC will not be a launch day. For Friday, the first day of the International Flower Festival, we stayed all day at EPCOT. We enjoyed fabulous weather and the crowds weren't too bad either for being the last day of Spring Break! I had been to WDW in November 8 - 13, 2000, and the crowds were unbearable! I don't know what happened since it was supposed to be a slow time, but we were not able to see all the attractions as we had planned. The Flower Festival was just getting underway and I think the topiaries weren't out yet and the extended floral displays not complete. However, there were seminars on hand and butterfly/lady bug releases. Since it was just the two of us, we wandered as we pleased and had a marvelous time. We were there all the way through to the IllumiNations fireworks display........terrific! In addition, since we had arrived very early, our car was parked rather close to the entrance and the drive to our hotel was 10 minutes. This mode of transportation seemed much less harrowing than the WDW bus system! All in all, our quick 4 day trip was a success and we [had] loads of fun! Hopefully our next trip to the world won't be too long away. Thanks for what you do."
SeaWorld offers guided tours and audio guides in several languages to guests with special needs. Call 407/363-2380 in advance to schedule a tour.
Financier Robert D. Van Kampen has bequeathed to the Holy Land Experience 12,000 biblical treasures to be displayed in a $9.5 million Scriptorium in 2002. Artifacts include:
The Jewish community finds the public display of their sacred documents offensive. Some are wondering where these Torahs came from. The Nazis stole many during World War ll. Officials at the Holy Land Experience are sensitive to these concerns and will allow experts to examine the documents and return them to their owners if need be. And let's not forget that this is Florida! The Scriptorium will feature animatronic figures, special effects, and a gift shop to visit as you exit the attraction.
Hard Rock Cafe: The Hard Rock All Access Club.
Cost to join: $24.95. Benefits:
For more details, visit their web site. Kimberly writes: "I joined the Hard Rock Club for $24.95. I received a $20 credit on my card (good at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal's CityWalk), a Hard Rock pin, hat, and beach bag. Well worth the $24.95. I received about $50 worth of free stuff."
Orlando Science Center Features IMAX films and exhibits. Call 866/672-4386, 407/514-2000, or click here.
The first theme park in Central Florida was Gatorland! They just spent $600,000 to buy a new train that transports guests through the gator breeding marsh and Jungle Crocs of the World exhibit. The train will eventually shuttle visitors to a new attraction to be built at the back of the park, but the company is not releasing any details about what that new attraction will be.
Two water parks have opened at Cypress Gardens. The Wacky Water Park features showers, slides, a pool, and a volcano of water. Flumarama features five larger water rides. The water park is only open during the summer. For more information, call 800/282-2123, 863/324-2111, or click here.
The Astronaut Encounter Program takes place several times a day at the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors get to meet astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions, as well as those who work in the space shuttle program. The meeting is highly interactive with visitors asking questions and listening to the astronauts' stories. KSC has created a travel company, KSC/Space Coast Travel, to sell vacation packages and book trips that focus on the center. Packages will include tickets to the center as well as accommodations at local hotels in Brevard County. For details, call 321/449-4444.
Weddings At Locations Outside WDW Vera writes: "Knowing about our group (7 adults and one kid) what suggestions do you have for our itinerary? How about transportation? Also, My Dad and his fiance would like to get married while we are there since everyone they want to part of the wedding will be there. It is the third marriage for both of them and they don't want anything big. They are content to just go to the courthouse. However, since we will be in such a fun place, My dad and I thought it would be neat to do something more fun. It shouldn't be more than about $500, just a simple ceremony somewhere interesting. None of Disney's packages are that reasonable. They insist you stay four nights on the property and whatnot. Do you have any suggestions? The ceremony could be ... somewhere else, universal, any pretty place will do, a fun restaurant, we are hoping you might have some ideas. Thanks for all the help." See our Customized Tours of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks for an itinerary. Transportation options - limo, rental car, bus, etc., are in the book. Cypress Gardens also offers customized wedding packages starting at US$385. The park's gazebo accommodates video cameras, microphones, and recorded music. Live music, other ceremony sites, and wedding receptions can also be organized for groups of up to 200 attendees. For more information, call 863/324-2111 ext. 273. For affordable weddings in Florida outside the theme parks, click here.
Disney's Secret Bargain 15 miles south of Orlando is a part of Disney that many visitors have never seen. The Disney Wilderness Preserve is a 12,000-acre sanctuary that provides a home for a multitude of animals: bald eagles, storks, bats, tortoises, and snakes. Bought by Disney in the '90's, the reserve was donated to The Nature Conservancy which is trying to restore the land to its original condition. The sanctuary boasts a Conservation Learning Center, hiking trails, and guided tours. Admission is only US$2 to the general public, US$1 per student, and free to Nature Conservancy members. Guided tours are extra. To experience a piece of Disney that is truly affordable, visit the preserve any day from 9 AM to 5 PM except holidays. For more information, click here.
Noreen writes: "First of all thank you for the invaluable information you provided to my family and me through your book that I have received on-line. My question is two-fold. We are planning another trip to Orlando ... and will be staying at Old Key West for part of the trip and a a Sheraton resort for the second portion. we have pre- arranged a time-share tour at the Sheraton and will receive a one-day pass to our park of choice. We already Have park-hopper passes for Disney. We are not sure where we should choose for our one day free (ie. Sea World or Universal). We have 3 young children ages 6, 4 and almost 3. I have not been able to find any clear information as per ride for ride the age and height requirements. I am able to find information about some of the rides, but not all . With this information I may be better able to make the decision as to which park we should choose. We have enjoyed Sea world in the past, but does the Universal Park have enough for such young children? Do you have any suggestions as to the better choice at this time?" For descriptions of rides and attractions at Universal, click here. For descriptions of rides and attractions at SeaWorld, click here. For height requirements at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, click here. At SeaWorld, you must be 54 inches tall to ride Kraken, the roller coaster. Of all the parks, Universal's Islands of Adventure has the fewest attractions for young children. SeaWorld offers many shows, but the kids have to be patient enough to sit through them. Now you see why WDW is such a big draw for families with young children!
The Holy Land Experience Designed by the same company which created Universal's Islands of Adventure, this 15-acre $16 million bible-based attraction seeks to recreate ancient Israel around the time of Christ: the Herodian Temple, the Qumran caves (site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls), the Tabernacle (the house of God in biblical times), and the Garden Tomb (where Jesus is believed to have been buried. A guide at each area will briefly explain what the visitor is seeing.
Actors in costume, animatronic figures, film, and a live show will be employed
to convey the historical dramas: at Easter, Jesus will bear his cross through
the Via Dolorosa and John the Baptist will exhort the crowds to repent. A
Nativity scene with live animals will be on display all year long.
WonderWorks is that classically-designed building at 9067 International Drive in Orlando that 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: Adults - US$14.95; kids (4 - 11) and seniors (55 and older)
- US$11.95 For more information, call 407/351-8800.
A new simulator thrill ride is being marketed to the theme parks in Orlando called Alcatraz. Based on the Army's Apache helicopter, the interactive ride uses advanced digital technology and a motion platform to make your attempt to save San Francisco from an enemy invasion as real as possible! Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex is now offering an annual pass which grants
unlimited admission to the complex for 12 full months. You may purchase the
pass at any ticket window at the Visitor Complex. Photo ID will also be required
for admission. Call 321/452-2121 or click
here.
Judawn writes: "Re Dinner Theatres: what is your opinion on the appropriateness of the Pirate Adventure Dinner Show and the amount/level/type of violence, if any, in the Capone Dinner Show -- since six year olds are very impressionable? What about the quality of the food and type of cuisine? Guess that Pirate is seafood themed; Capone Italian themed?" The dinner shows are for children as well as adults. Click here for Pirates Dinner Adventure. Click here for Capone's Dinner & Show. Click here for Medieval Times.
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained on our site. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other companies mentioned on our site and in our newsletter are registered trademarks of their respective companies. The use of these trademarks is for editorial reasons only. No endorsement by the Walt Disney Company or any other company is implied. |
