Orlando Attractions Have Something Special Underway

A number of sharp-eyed fans have spotted the rooftop of a structure rising in Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter that looks an awful lot like Hagrid's Hut, home of the half-giant character from the Potter novels and movies.

Looks like those fans nailed it.

Building permits pulled by Universal for the much-anticipated, highly secretive Potter project show that the resort is indeed constructing Hagrid's Hut. The setting, according to the permits, is being built for Universal by the Nassal Co. of Orlando, which specializes in themed construction projects.

While the permits offer few details, it appears Hagrid's Hut will be mostly for display purposes. The documents suggest the interior of the building will be used for prop storage.

"Hagrid's Hut is an unoccupied themed prop structure," according to one permit description.

A dream is a wish . . .

With Walt Disney World's latest attraction, the American Idol Experience, formally open in Disney's Hollywood Studios, the company is kicking its vaunted publicity machine into full gear.

Billboards have sprouted around Orlando featuring a slogan for the attraction that ties a quintessential Disney character to a production that's otherwise best known for airing on FOX.

The slogan: "Be part of the next Cinderella story."

Cypress Gardens changes

Cypress Gardens is getting ready to announce new management this week, according to the park's lawyer and spokesman, Rick Dantzler.

The small Winter Haven theme park, known for its botanical gardens, ski shows and Southern belles, closed in November after struggling with low attendance. The owners plan to reopen in late March with a new game plan that involves eliminating the park's amusement rides and focusing on the original gardens and a water park that is popular with locals.

The new management will replace Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando-based company that ended its management role at the park last summer.

Under its new structure, Cypress Gardens will likely have two admission prices: one for the gardens only, and another that includes the water park.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Image property of Universal Orlando Resort

Cypress Gardens Closing for Four Months

Cypress Gardens, one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions, is closing yet again in another attempt to reinvent itself.

Land South Holdings LLC, the current owner, announced Monday that this Polk County theme park, long known for its botanical gardens and hoop-skirted Southern belles, would close after this coming weekend for extensive changes that should take several months to complete.

The company said the park should reopen in March.

The new Cypress Garden won't have a zoo or roller coasters. Instead, it will focus on three areas: the water-ski shows that were the park's original draw, the botanical gardens that made it famous for generations, and the water park that opened only two years ago.

The zoo, which specializes in exotic animals, will be permanently closed. So will the park's amusement rides, including the Starliner, a roller coaster that was moved to Central Florida from the Panhandle and reassembled last year.

"The operating expense of running 38 amusement rides, a zoo, the botanical gardens, a ski show and a water park are considerable," co-owner Rob Harper stated in a news release. "It is obvious the park cannot successfully function as four parks in one."

The park's approximately 215 employees will be laid off during the renovations -- and will be informed this week about which of them will be rehired when the park reopens, said Cypress Gardens spokeswoman Jennifer Mansfield. The park plans to "take care" of its annual-pass holders, though it has not worked out the details, Mansfield said.

The park, founded in 1936 in Winter Haven, was hurt in 2001 by a nationwide slump in travel following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It closed in 2003, but a public-private land deal saved the park from redevelopment. The next owner, Kent Buescher, renovated and reopened the attraction, but he filed for bankruptcy-court protection in September 2006, and the park changed hands again.

Earlier this year, the new owners slashed the park's operating schedule from seven days a week to three. They also split from Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando management company that had run the park since January.

Part of the park's problem is its location, roughly halfway between the Orlando and Tampa tourism markets and a half-hour drive from Interstate 4, which links the two metro areas.

"There was no marquee thing to draw people from Orlando or Tampa," said Brian Blanchard, operations director for Baker Leisure Group. "There's no way to get around it -- it's a drive to get down there."

But Blanchard said focusing on the water park is a good call by the current owners.

"That was a big part of their business," he said. "Eighty percent of the people in the park were in the water park."

Rick Dantzler, a former legislator who led an effort to preserve the park in 2003, said he still believes in Cypress Gardens. The park, he said, is "part of Polk County's soul."

"There is a configuration of Cypress Gardens that works," he said. "We just haven't found it yet."

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Theme Parks Celebrate Christmas with Festive Events

Florida's theme parks are magical throughout the year. By adding an overlay of holiday cheer, the parks supersize the magic and fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Of course, supersized fun can also mean supersized crowds. The week between Christmas and New Year's is among the busiest--if not THE busiest--of the whole year at Orlando's theme parks. But bustle is part of the holidays, right? Besides, the parks extend their hours, increase the capacity of attractions, and offer a bunch of special events. So, put on your Santa hat and your matching red shorts while we check out the holidays, Florida-theme-park style.

Walt Disney World
Santa meets Mickey: It's a perfect partnership based on warm nostalgia and unabashed corniness. Like some idealized Currier and Ives vision tucked away in our collective conscious, Walt Disney World delivers a holiday wonderland of epic proportions. Dozens of impossibly perfect Christmas trees (they used to be real, but Disney replaced them with artificial ones a few years ago), miles of garland, millions of twinkling lights, and other holiday signposts appear overnight and transform every corner of the resort.

Special holiday attractions and events, such as the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights abound throughout the parks and across the resort, but Disney's Christmas magic may best be appreciated in the unexpected discovery of some of its less-trumpeted features. For example, a fragrant and festive gingerbread house inside the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort bombards the senses. By itself, that may not be much of a revelation, but this is no ordinary house of cookies. At 16 feet high, and comprised of thousands of gingerbread pieces, guests can actually walk inside the Victorian house. No nibbling is allowed on the walls, however. The curiosity doubles as a mini bakery, and patrons can purchase edible gingerbread cookies and other goodies. There are other Christmas creations throughout the World, including a life-size carousel made from chocolate and gingerbread in the lobby of Disney's Beach Club Resort.

The holiday season may be a bit brighter this year at Walt Disney World, because the "Year of a Million Dreams" is still underway. Disney cast members will be showering lucky guests with holiday presents in the form of daily "dream" giveaways.

Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
2008 dates: Evenings, Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19.
Separate admission. Advance purchase price is $48.95 for 10 and older and $42.95 for ages 3-9. Day-of-event price is $55.95 for 10 and older and $49.95 ages 3-9. Discounts available for advance-purchased tickets on select dates.

The park presents a special Christmas parade, a Holiday Wishes fireworks show, special performances, Christmas cookies, and--get this--some honest-to-goodness snow falling on Main Street USA. Cinderella's Castle will be decked out in "Castle Dream Lights" for the holidays. The most popular Magic Kingdom attractions open for the events. The Magic Kingdom presents the holiday parade during the daytime on select dates in December as well.

Epcot: Candlelight Processional
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 30, several performances nightly. Included with admission. The solemn retelling of the Christmas story includes a choir, symphony orchestra, and celebrity narrators such as Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser or How I Met Your Mother's Barney, depending on your age and TV IQ), Abigail Breslin, and John O'Hurley.

Holidays Around the World
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 30
Included with admissionIn the multiculti spirit of the park's World Showcase, Epcot's pavilions present holiday traditions from across the globe. The park also features a synchronized light show, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, and storytellers.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Jan. 4
Included with admissionThe megawatt light display fills the Studios' backlot with 3-D and animated displays, giant Santa Claus displays, and--whoulda thunk?--a giant Mickey Mouse made out of a zillion or so twinkling lights.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Included with admission. Simba meets Santa when the colorful parade winds through the Animal Kingdom. Other holiday features include a decked-out Dinoland U.S.A. and carolers strolling through Camp Minnie-Mickey, renamed "Santa Goofy's Wild Wonderland" for the season.

Universal Orlando
You'll just have to take my word on this, but I used to go to Universal Studios Florida around the holidays, saw the few measly decorations, and thought that the park really should have done something more to get into the spirit of the season. Its New York backlot area was just screaming for some tinsel. "And there's a (faux) Macy's department store," I'd ponder. "What a perfect tie-in for...a Christmas parade!" Well, they must've read my mind. Universal has been going all out the past few seasons...and Macy's has figured prominently in the holiday hoopla.

Universal Studios Florida: Macy's Holiday Parade
2008 dates: December 6th through January 1st. Included with admission. It's Universal's version of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The theme park rendition includes some of Macy's signature giant balloons, including Uncle Sam and a toy soldier, plus floats, clowns, and guest marching bands. Santa Claus and his reindeer wrap up the parade with a big ho-ho-ho (and not just any Santa, but the actual, authentic, Macy's-certified one, straight from the Big Apple).

Islands of Adventure: Grinchmas - 2008 dates: December 6th through January 1st
Included with admission. A musical presentation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be performed in the park's Seuss Landing. The furry green Grinch will also meet and greet guests.

SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration
2008 dates: Nov. 14 to Jan. 4
Included with admission. SeaWorld adds some holiday cheer to its marine park in the form of festive decorations and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. The Wild Arctic motion simulator ride gets a holiday makeover into The Polar Express Experience. Scenes from the film are repurposed for the ridefilm attraction. SeaWorld Orlando also features special nightly presentations of the Shamu Christmas Miracles stadium show, a Christmastide Holiday Fountain Show, and a nightly snow shower over the park's waterfornt shopping area. Maybe you can request some fruitcake to go with your poi at the Makahiki Christmas Luau (extra fee).

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
2008 Dates: November 28 - December 30. Included with Admission. Cypress Gardens features a “Home for the Holidays” theme this Christmas. The theme park will get into the holiday spirit with millions of lights, choreographed light show to music in the Plantation Gardens every evening. Santa Clause, carolers and other festive characters will appear throughout the park, creating a cozy Christmas celebration for all. Special holiday meals and holiday crafts will also be available.

Information courtesy of About.com

Halloween Events in Orlando offer Spooktacular Fun

Each year, Central Florida's theme parks put their scariest foot forward for Halloween with everything from a headless horseman to haunted houses.

Two of the parks present family friendly parties. At two others -- call them "scream parks" -- it's never too soon to panic with nightmarish events fit only for the most fearless.

Here's what's on tap for 2008:

Horror Nights at Universal Orlando: Universal Orlando warns this event "may be too intense for young children" and rightly (and scarily) so. Now in its 18th year, visitors feel as if their worst nightmares are about to take shape during Horror Nights. No where is safe –in the houses, in the streets, ghastly, ghostly, ghoulish creatures make their presence felt and chilling haunted houses with bizarre themes dare the intrepid to go in.

Halloween Horror Nights are presented on Sept. 26-27; Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-26, 29-31; and Nov. 1.

Visitors are not allowed to wear costumes or masks.

Single night admission is $69.99 (a variety of other tickets are offered including Frequent Fear Passes for more economical multiple visits; and Stay and Scream tickets, which are upgraded tickets that have Horror Nights added to regular daytime Universal Orlando parks' admission). Halloween Horror Nights Packages including one or more nights of lodging in Orlando, tickets and other features are priced from $209 for two adults.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Blood-curdling and spine-tingling scares await the daring at this annual event that is a nightmare of inescapable fear with surprises that border on the psychotic. This year, Howl-O-Scream feat ures new haunted houses, scare zones and thrilling shows, as well as bone-chilling coasters in the dark to keep you screaming into the night.
Intended for adult audiences only, Howl-O-Scream is presented on 17 select nights Oct. 2-Nov. 1 (a Freaky Preview is featured on Sept. 26-27). General admission is $64.95. A variety of Unlimited Fear passes is offered including the Recurring Nightmare: 10 nights for the price of one, $64.95; Freaky Preview tickets are $44.95.

Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party: One of the not-to-be-missed attractions of this annual event in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade featuring a spooky headless horseman and the Disney characters parading around in their costumes –so you can bring your costume too.

The family friendly party also offers opportunities to go trick-or-treating at a variety of locations in the park, and the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions are open for the evening. The Happy HalloWishes Fireworks display, where Disney villains go trick-or-treating in the sky, is one of the evening's highlights.

"My daughters want to go trick-or-treating so I bring them here. I's fun, it's safe, and I don't have to worry," said Rachel Myers of Lakeland, who visited last year.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is presented on select evenings from Sept. 5 to Oct. 31. Advance tickets (available some evenings) are $42.95 (ages 3-9) and $48.95 (ages 10 and up). Day of event tickets cost $49.95 (ages 3-9) and $55.95 (ages 10 and up).

Spooktacular at Sea World Orlando: Halloween meets the sea during this park's "Spooktacular," a "Fantasea" that offers fun for the whole family on Oct. 4-5- 11-12, 18-19, 24-26 and 31. This annual event features the opportunity for costumed children to go trick-or-treating among friendly sea witches, mermaids, octopuses and pumpkin fish.

Celebrating Sea World's new partnership with Sesame Street, The Count joins in the fun with his own character breakfast.

Shamu's Happy Harbor area is transformed into an autumn festival, adorned with scarecrows and pumpkins. Strolling entertainment includes 35 fanciful sea creatures and at a Frozen Fun Zone an ice witch and DJ entertain with interactive activities. The Halloween festivities begin at 11 a.m. on the selected days and are included in regular admission to the park: $69.95 for adults; $59.95 for children ages 3 to 9.

Sea World Orlando also offers Spooky Spectacular Family Sleepovers. Participants may dress up in their favorite costume, come face to face with stealthy stingrays and those terrors of the deep: sharks. Kids can trick-or-treat around the park's spooktacular exhibits. Your final resting place is at the Shark Encounter pavilion.

The sleepovers are designed for families with children in kindergarten through the fifth grade and run from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day. Included are a snack and continental breakfast.

Cost is $78 per person or $113 to include park admission. Sleepover dates are Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27.

Halloween at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven: This year Cypress Gardens is celebrating Halloween with festivities that include trick-or-treating for the children on Oct. 31 and a concert on Nov. 1. The festivities are included in regular park admission.

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Cypress Gardens Announces New Schedule for September

Don’t expect to avoid Cypress Gardens’ crowds by sneaking in an early weekday visit in September — the park won’t be open.

The Winter Haven theme park plans to limit its September park schedule to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, park officials said.

“We’re just trying this September to focus on our weekends,” said Haley Kish, a spokeswoman for Cypress Gardens Adventure Park.

Kish said it is typical for smaller parks to reduce their operating hours in September to reduce costs and improve revenue.

“This is just feeling it out,” Kish said. “A lot of theme parks go dark in September.”

For now, the reduction in operations will be contained to September, although it could be extended, depending on park attendance.

Kish didn’t know what, if any, accommodations would be made during September for the 450 to 500 employees who work at the park.

But to make up for the shorter schedule, the Gardens will have bigger events and concerts, she said. And while officials said haven’t officially announced the definitive plans are, expect to see events involving extreme sports and another with members of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“We have a jam-packed event schedule,” Kish said.

Last year, former owner Kent Buescher developed “Garden Days,” which was not successful. It allowed visitors to purchase a reduced priced ticked for a tour of the botanical gardens, along with various shows and animal exhibits on a limited basis.

During that month, the park’s attendance was between 50 and 200 people a day.

And for a park that had an on-duty staff of 200, it didn’t make economic sense, Kish said.

The reduction is one of several moves Mulberry-based Land South Holdings has made since its partners, Brain Philpot and Robert Harper IV, purchased the park last October from Buescher.

Shortly after the purchase, ticket, parking and food prices were reduced. And in January, Land South contracted with Orlando-based Baker Leisure Group to oversee the park’s daily operations.

Philpot and Harper bought the oldest theme park in the state for $16.8 million at a bankruptcy auction in Macon, Ga.

Information courtesy of The Florida Ledger

Orlando's Cypress Gardens Comes to Life in Theater Production

Outside the Royal Palm Theater at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, a brightly dressed gardener and butterfly collector greets visitors and encourages them to enter the theater's air-conditioned comfort.

Come show time, he strides inside, greets his audience again, and a curtain rises to reveal a three-figure topiary vaguely reminiscent of the ones at the theme park's Topiary Trail. He sprinkles sparkling dust on the three topes and they magically come to life to perform a mixture of tumbling, ballet, mime, contortions and physical comedy.

In it, Alena Gergay uses rings to simulate a plant's stalk growing upward and its leaves stretching out. A contortionist uses her body to depict the unfolding blossoms of a flower. Sergay Sergeev is the cascading growth of a series of vines as he tumbles across the stage.

Or not. Maybe Gergay's rings or the contortions suggest the metamorphosis of a chrysalis to a butterfly or Sergeev's movement is that of a stream with a waterfall. Only their impresario/waterer really knows.

The brightly dressed gardener Commedia Bottanica - "please don't call him a clown; it has a scary connotation in America" - is a creation of Iouri Kreis, a Moscow-born and educated circus performer and talent agent who has lived in Winter Haven since performing in a circus acrobatics troup called The Akishins' "Variety Internationale" show in the pavilion at Cypress Gardens, when it was operated by Busch Entertainment Corporation.

Today, he leads the four-person Cypress Cirque troupe there.

Cypress Cirque's half-hour show at the Royal Palm continues Thursdays through Sundays through Labor Day, after which the troupe will shift to street performances around the park and mount a holiday-themed show at the Royal Palm in November.

For Kreis, who has worked for Disney parks and Universal Orlando since the Akishins' show closed in 1994, it is a return to working at the place that drew him to emigrate from Russia and ultimately settle in Winter Haven, where he owns a home about a half mile from the park.
"I had performed here when Mr. Busch owned Cypress Gardens," he says. "So when the park's managers wanted me to contract a group to perform as part of New Year's Eve, I was excited about coming back. And when what we did was well enough received that one of the managers said it would be good if what we did could be presented as a show in the theater, I quickly said, 'I have an idea.'"

His perspective working for the larger parks had kicked in.

"Universal has its film stars. Disney has Mickey Mouse. Cypress Gardens needs someone to express who it is."

That someone is Commedia, a cirque ringmaster who presents his performers in the context of the gardens' signature nature themes. The troupe consists of father and daughter Sergeev and Alena Sergay; Odentuya Munkhbold, Uugantuya Otgonbayar and Khongorzul Tseyenoidov, three Mongolian contortionists who alternate performances among them.

"It is a European-style cirque set in old Florida," Kreis says.

Information & Image courtesy of The Florida Ledger

8 Ways to Save on Your Orlando Vacation

Orlando, Florida is synonymous with family fun. Home to some of the best theme parks in the world, Orlando offers exciting thrills, close encounters with your favorite cartoon characters and amazing ways to spend your summer days with your family. This summer season money is tight for many families and some are struggling to ensure their families can still have an unforgettable, deserved vacation. Look no further than Orlando, Florida for the one-stop, do-it-all destination you and your family have been searching for. Even though budgets are tight and gas prices are high, Central Florida is a vacation destination offering discounts and cheap things to do in Orlando making it easy for any family to enjoy some summer fun.

Here are 8 ways to save on your Orlando Vacation:

1) Purchase a Go Orlando Card for discounts on over 50 Orlando attractions, including Cypress Gardens, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Kennedy Space Center, Wonderworks and more. Do as much as you like each day for one low, affordable price. The Go Orlando Card is easy to use....simply present the card. Visit as many attractions as you want in a day! Admission to all listed attractions is included with the card. It comes in 1, 2, 3, 5 & 7 day increments and is activated the first time you use it. Days do not have to be used consecutively, and you can take up to 2 weeks to use it.

2) Discover our Orlando Direct Deals page on ReserveOrlando.com. There are great deals on Orlando tickets and discounts for Orlando attractions. A few of the discounted Orlando activities include Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours, Wet ‘n Wild and Arabian Nights Dinner Show to name a few.

3) Orlando vacation packages are another great way to save in Orlando. On ReserveOrlando.com there are packages available featuring Universal Studios, Disney World, Gatorland, Cypress Gardens and Wet ‘n Wild. They are a great way to save money and still have fun!

4) Your won’t find Cheap Disney Tickets anywhere, but you’ll certainly find the best Discount Disney Tickets and Park Hopper Passes on ReserveOrlando.com. There are special deals offering free days at Disney World or you can get a great low price ticket for a 1-3 day pass. The deals are available, are you?

5) Universal Studios Orlando discounts are also available on ReserveOrlando.com. We are proud to offer the some of the best discount Universal Studios tickets around, with deals the whole family will enjoy. Our prices are way lower than gate prices, and offerings include a 2 park unlimited admission pass and a CityWalk Party Pass ticket.

6) There are plenty of Free Things to do in Orlando. Spend some time at Lake Eola Park, visit a museum like the Cornell Fine Arts Museum or explore Old Town, where every Saturday night free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars. There are plenty of outdoor activities for families and historical sites to visit, so be sure to check out all of the Free activities in Orlando.

7) Get a Central Florida Play Pass. This 7-day pass features unlimited admission to seven unique and out of the ordinary attractions and museums, including Cypress Gardens, Fantasy of Flight and Bok Tower Gardens. The pass is flexible, you can come and go as much as you like at each location, plus it’s a great value for families!

8) Take a short trip to the beach. Orlando may be in central Florida, but a trip to the beach is just a short drive away. Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, with about an hour drive time on SR-528 to the east. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are about an hour and a half away, and are located east on I-4. A trip to the beach is cheap, fun and family friendly!

Cypress Gardens Orlando Full of Thrills and Spills

Vacation time is here, and families are headed to Orlando, Florida, with plans to go to Disney World and Universal Studios. But there’s so much more to Central Florida than those theme parks. There are incredible places to see that have nothing to do with long lines and animatronics.

Just south of Orlando, Polk County is packed with super family-friendly activities. It’s a sportsman’s paradise, with everything from championship golf courses to bragging rights for being the largemouth bass fishing capital of the world, thanks to the bountiful Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Other water sports include leisurely kayaking or wild airboat rides on some of the 554 lakes in the area.

A great place to soak up some of the local excitement is Florida’s very first tourist attraction, Cypress Gardens. Founded in 1936, it has been entertaining families for generations and is now better than ever with an expanded Adventure Park.

In the heart of Winter Haven, less than 60-minutes from Orlando or Tampa, Cypress Gardens still has the same entertaining Ski Show Spectacular that made it world famous. The young athletes who perform are amazing, defying gravity as they slice through beautiful Lake Eloise on their water-skis. The signature human-pyramid of skiers along with the aqua-acrobatics is a treat for all ages, with shows scheduled three times a day.

The must see place is a photographer’s delight, with the lovely “Southern Belles” in their traditional hoop skirts, strolling the well manicured Botanical and Plantation Gardens, and the colorful and comical Topiary Trail.

In addition to the Swamp Critters animal show, Shenaniguns Wild West comedy show, and the Treasure of Cypress Cove comedy pirate show, there’s a lot of other entertainment throughout the park. Plus shops and dining places to suit every taste.

But let’s face it, kids (and adults who never grew up) love thrill rides, and Cypress Gardens’ Adventure Grove has a bunch-- more than 30! For folks who enjoy “old school” thrills, there’s a couple of heart-pounding classic “woodie” roller coasters called Triple Hurricane and Starliner. The Okeechobbee steel coaster, the Swampthing suspended coaster, and the Thunderbolt strap-in-and-hang-on, are a variety of ways to produce screams of delight.

And you’ve got to love the Storm Surge- a six-person raft ride that carries passengers more than 60-feet into the air before careening down a twisted river route, while spiraling. Oh my!

If that’s not enough, cool off at Splash Island, a great water park within Cypress Gardens, included with your very reasonably priced admission ticket. They also have special events and a summer all-star concert series at their amphitheatre. And, yes, general seating is included with your admission price, which includes a second day free within six days of your first visit. It’s an unbelievable bargain for families who can introduce the next generation to the classic Florida destination.

Information & Images courtesy Entertainment Today

Orlando's Cypress Gardens All Spruced Up, Ready to Bloom

Cypress Gardens has long been a haven for retirees and families drawn by the park's lush gardens and signature water-ski shows. But after emerging from bankruptcy last fall with new owners, Central Florida's oldest theme park is looking for new ways to re-establish itself as a park that generations of parents will want to share with their children.

The Winter Haven attraction is entering its first summer under the management of Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando-based theme-park consulting company that's determined to make the historic park profitable.

"It's been an uncertain future here for a while," said Steve Baker, president of Baker Leisure Group. "We want to just run it and make it work. It's a gem."

The botanical park with its trademark Southern belles strolling the gardens was opened by Dick and Julie Pope in 1936. It had fallen prey to larger, more modern amusement parks by 2003, when it closed amid diminishing attendance. An effort by a new owner from Georgia to revive the park failed. It was sold in a bankruptcy auction last fall to Land South Holdings LLC, a real estate investment company based in Mulberry. The price: $16.9 million, about $500,000 less than the initial asking price.

"Obviously, our expectations are to continue to solidify ourselves as a regional, family park here in Florida," said Brian Philpot, a managing member of Land South Holdings. "And, obviously, to make money."

With a park carrying 72 years of history, the new owners and managers know they have to be careful as they make changes. Many of their loyal patrons feel a sense of ownership, and many employees have grown up there as well. They expect to see the historic elements, like the water-ski shows, the Southern belles and the gardens that initially put the Cypress Gardens Florida Theme Park on the vacation map.

"It's like opening a new park, but with the baggage of tradition," Baker said.

To revive the interest of local residents, the park has turned to corporate events and other group business -- such as weddings, quinceaneras and private parties. Already this spring, it has hosted events for companies such as Bright House Networks, State Farm insurance, and the Kissimmee Utility Authority. The new owners recently renovated the Magnolia Mansion, which overlooks the Plantation Gardens and Lake Eloise, for hosting group events.

"It adds revenue to the gates. It adds revenue to the food and beverage side," said John Stine, a senior consultant with Baker Leisure Group. "They come in with the company outing, and they realize what's available."

Corporate events have long been a staple for regional parks. In some markets, group sales can account for as much as 30 percent of a park's total attendance, said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services, a consulting company based in Cincinnati.

"Corporate outings are a mainstay of our business," Speigel said. "It's something that is quite familiar in our industry, and something that all the park operators have to do."

The park has made other changes, however, including improvements to the Nature's Way animal area, where it is planning a behind-the-scenes tour. Another popular addition: a Florida wine-and-food shop, which offers locally produced wines and locally made candy. Food options throughout the park have diversified even at the fast-food level, with fish tacos, shrimp po' boys and yucca fries joining the usual cheeseburgers and french fries.

In addition, many of the park's major improvements are only a few years old, such as a new rides area, a giant wooden roller coaster, a 13,000-person amphitheater for concerts and a water park.

Land South and Baker Leisure have already faced challenges in operating the park, which drew more than 1 million visitors just a few years ago.

When they started, Baker said, he and his team couldn't even find the list of existing pass-holders to use in their new marketing efforts. The park's technology needed updating and the work force, weighed down by the park's long-running financial uncertainties, suffered from low morale. On top of all that, the extensive drought that has affected much of the Southeastern U.S. in recent years has left the water level of Lake Eloise so low that the Cypress Belle paddle boat cannot operate.

But there's an upside, too. Although the park exists in the shadow of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, it boasts a tranquil atmosphere with very few waiting lines. Employees are encouraged to be themselves, so patrons are likely to encounter a pleasantly sarcastic ride operator retired here from Brooklyn, or a shop owner who informs patrons that some Florida wines are a fine way to avoid a hangover. And Cypress Garden's admission is roughly half what the giant parks charge.

"We've got to continue to let people know that Cypress Gardens is here. We've got a great time and a great value," Philpot said. "It's not your parents' or your grandparents' Cypress Gardens."

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

"New" is the Magic Word for Orlando Theme Parks

Central Florida theme parks' new attractions — unveiled each year to welcome summer visitors — are like a red carpet rolled out for fun. For 2008, highlights include a whole new water park, a new wildlife area at another park, and a prize giveaway and a new interactive attraction at yet another.

SeaWorld Orlando's new water park, Aquatica, is on International Drive, across the street from SeaWorld. The 59-acre playground is themed to the South Seas islands with crystal rivers, grottoes, waterfalls, rich greenery, flowers and exotic fauna, including macaws and kookaburras. Aquatica offers animal encounters, serene and extreme water experiences, high-speed thrills and a white sand beach. Water — 3.3 million gallons of it — flows freely in lagoons, rivers and racing rides.

Attractions include two wave pools lined by wide sandy beaches, Adventure River with rapids, Lazy River with a grotto filled with thousands of fish and an underwater view of the Commerson's dolphins' habitat, a double raft ride, and an eight-lane racer with a 300-foot slide and tunnels. The park's signature ride has 300 feet of clear tubes that send visitors speeding through a lagoon filled with black and white Commerson's dolphins. Other park amenities include a children's area, family play area, and personal cabanas.

Walt Disney World Resort has extended its Year of a Million Dreams through 2008, with new Disney Dreams Giveaway prizes awarded at random. These include New Year's Eve in the Cinderella Castle Suite; Disney's Bahamas private island for a day; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a behind-the-scenes peek at Disney Imagineering; and the chance to serve as grand marshal leading the parks' parades in France, California, Hong Kong and Florida. Another prize is multiple yearly Disney vacations, including a Bahamian voyage on Disney Cruise Line, a tour to China or Australia or other destinations from Adventures By Disney, and trips to Disneyland and Disney World. The winner of this prize — he or she can take up to three guests — will take one trip a year through Sept. 30, 2012.

Also new at Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly Disney-MGM, has a whole set of attractions this year. Arguably the most exciting of these is the interactive competition of Toy Story Mania! opening May 31. Inspired by Disney-Pixar's Toy Story films, visitors to the attraction begin by donning 3-D glasses, boarding the ride and zipping into a series of midway-style games hosted by many Toy Story characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Inside Andy's Toy Box, visitors try to rack up the most points by using spring-action shooters to launch darts at balloons, eggs at barnyard targets and rings at aliens.

Other new attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios include Block Party Bash, an interactive parade debuting in spring with Disney-Pixar film characters including The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., A Bug's Life and Toy Story 2. Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! reopened in February with a new cast of characters including favorite stars from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. High School Musical 2: School's Out! comes to life in the park's streets on a traveling stage, and the Meet and Greet character setting in the park's Animation Courtyard welcomes Handy Manny, in addition to regulars Jo Jo and Goliath, and the Little Einsteins.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has a new wildlife area: Jungala. The new observation area allows visitors multiple ways to see such animals as orangutans and white tigers in a jungle setting. Located in the park's Congo area, Jungala has waterways, a waterfall, and village and jungle environments. Jungala also includes a family fun section with rides and exploration areas, some of the latter being three stories high and overlooking the wildlife. In addition to close-up viewing of wildlife, Jungala offers interaction with animals and features street entertainment.

While theme park fans all over the country await the debut in 2009 of the Harry Potter environment within Universal's Islands of Adventure Park, Universal Studios unveils Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring You. This attraction, which replaces Earthquake, combines the drama of Earthquake with new celebrity talent, new ride elements, interactive components and a new storyline.

Also at Universal Orlando is a new simulator ride based on The Simpsons. It replaces the park's Back To The Future ride.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park has announced a series of concerts and special events for spring and summer. Among the special family-friendly happenings is Kidzpalooza now through June 22, with dozens of interactive activities, shows, concerts and parties. Kids can get messy in the park's super-sloppy game show Gunk'd. Other special events include Celebrate America, June 27-Aug. 3, with daytime entertainment, exhibits and shows and evening live music, street performers and a nightly laser show. Wild Encounters (Aug. 8-10, 12-17, and 22-24) features close-up opportunities with animals and educational events such as keeper talks, animal experts and celebrities from Animal Planet, as well as backstage tours not regularly offered.

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Orlando's Cypress Garden unveils Splash Island Water Park

Cypress Gardens has opened the attraction's Splash Island water park, launched a new Web site and prepared for a series of concerts as its new owners and management dig in for their first summer season together.

The five Splash Island attractions, which are included with a park admission, opened last Thursday at the Winter Haven theme park.

Live entertainment begins today with the launch of Latin Fest 2008, featuring headliners Carlos Oliva, Ismael Miranda and Tito Nieves this weekend. Later this month, the park is bringing in Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Standard park admission is $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3-9 or seniors age 60 or older. However, discount Cypress Garden Tickets are available.

Founded in 1936, the park has struggled against competition from the giant theme parks in recent decades. It was purchased last September for $17 million through a bankruptcy auction by South Adventures LLC of Mulberry. Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando-based theme-park planning and operations firm, took over management in January.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Visit Orlando for Fun in the Sun

There are many reasons to visit Orlando, Florida. Home of the most famous mouse in the world, many people know of the fun that awaits them in Orlando. However, there are many things to do in Orlando that are unexpected gems. In fact, Orlando is a versatile array of activities and luxuries that comprise a vacation destination in which families, couples and friends can relax and enjoy everything about Florida.

When visitors come to Orlando, Disney World is generally a must see. Their exciting theme parks, uniquely designed to provide Disney experiences, bring out the kid in all of us. Universal Orlando Resort is also a must see, especially for those that love roller coasters and nightlife. There are many rides and activities within Universal, suitable for those of all ages. As the weather warms up, people flock to Wet ‘n Wild Orlando, where the waves and thrills are enough to whet anyone’s appetite. Cypress Gardens, a family favorite embracing traditional fun, is also a nice addition to any vacation.

While visiting the area, there are many entertaining Orlando dinner shows to see. Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure are popular among guests, and are always a hit with kids. Other attractions in Orlando worth a visit include Wonderworks, Gatorland, Magical Midway and don’t forget to take a ride on Boggy Creek Airboat rides.

Orlando Lodging offers guests a multitude of options. SunLake Resort, Blue Tree Resort, Radisson Resort, Runaway Beach Resort, Mike Ditka Resort, Days Inn Maingate, Floridays Orlando, and the Galleria Palms hotel are just a few of the properties available.

Visit Orlando today! You’ll be glad you did!

Orlando's Theme Parks Unveil New Attractions

Orlando, Florida's theme parks roll out new attractions each year just in time to welcome summer visitors. This year, the highlights include a new wildlife area, a prize give-away, and an interactive attraction at the area theme parks.

Here's a park-by-park line-up of the novelties visitors will find, beginning in spring:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is opening a new wildlife area, Jungala, this spring. Jungala's observation area will allow visitors to get a bird's-eye view of animals, such as orangutans and white tigers. Located in the park's Congo area, Jungala also will have waterways, a waterfall and village.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will have a series of concerts and special events for spring and summer. Kidzpalooza will run from May 16 to June 22, with dozens of interactive activities, shows, concerts and parties. Kids can get messy in the park's super-sloppy game show, Gunk'd. Other music events at Cypress Gardens include Celebrate America, June 27 to Aug. 3, with daytime and night-time entertainment, exhibits and laser shows. Wild Encounters (Aug. 8-10, 12-17, and 22-24) will feature close animal encounters, backstage access and educational events with animal keepers, experts and Animal Planet celebrities.

SeaWorld Orlando's new water park, Aquatica, opens this spring, on International Drive, across the street from SeaWorld. This park is a 59-acre paradise for water lovers with crystal rivers, grottoes, waterfalls, rich greenery, flowers and exotic fauna including macaws and kookabooras under the South Seas theme. Aquatica offers up-close animal encounters, serene and extreme water experiences, high speed thrills and a white sand beach. There are also two wave pools lined by wide, sandy beaches, lagoons, rivers and 300 feet of clear tubes that send guest racing through a lagoon filled with black and white Commerson's dolphins. Other park amenities include a children's area, family play area, and personal cabanas.

Universal Orlando Resort will present Disaster! A Major Motion Picture ride, which will feature celebrity talent, new ride elements and a new storyline. This new ride, expected to open in late spring, relaces Earthquake. The Simpsons ride is expected to open in spring, replacing the Back to the Future ride.

Walt Disney World Resort has extended its Year of a Million Dreams, with new Disney Dreams Giveaway prizes awarded at random. Prizes include access that money can't buy, such as a pass to spend New Year's Eve in the Cinderella Castle Suite; a trip to Disney's private island in the Bahamas for a day; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a behind-the-scenes peek at Disney Imagineering; and the opportunity to serve as grand marshall leading the parks' parades in France, California, Hong Kong and Florida.

Also new this year is Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly Disney-MGM. The Studios will host an interactive competition of "Toy Story Mania!" opening this summer. Riders will don 3-D glasses, board vehicles and zip into a series of midway-style games hosted by Toy Story characters Woody, Hamm and Rex. Inside Andy's Toy Box, visitors can try to rack up points by using spring-action shooters to launch darts at balloons, eggs at barnyard targets and rings at aliens. Other new attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios include Block Party Bash, an interactive parade debuting in spring with Disney- Pixar film characters from The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., A Bug's Life and Toy Story 2. "Playhouse Disney Live on Stage!" re-opened in February with a new cast of characters including favorite stars from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. There is also a traveling stage show for tweens: "High School Musical 2: School's Out!"

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

New Ownership Promises a Newer, Improved Cypress Gardens

The new owners of Florida's 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 Orlando, 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 attractions, 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.


Press Release courtesy of Cypress Gardens

Christmas Celebrations in Orlando's Theme Parks

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Orlando, Florida theme parks with towering trees, poinsettias, millions of lights, even snow flurries filling every available nook and cranny.This is the "magical" Florida kind for which you don't need to pack a coat, gloves and boots.

Each year, the theme parks are transformed into three-dimensional holiday cards and the Christmas ornaments are supplemented by more parades, carolers, themed shows and other spectacles than would fit in Santa's big red, bottomless gift bag.

This is what's on tap for this holiday season:

Walt Disney World, Orlando -- A 70-foot-high Christmas tree adorned with Victorian-style ornaments is the focal point on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom, along with miles and miles of garland, profusions of poinsettias and twinkling lights galore. New this year is the Castle Light Show, with countless white lights illuminating Cinderella Castle.

A Castle light-up ceremony with Cinderella, Mickey, Minnie and the gang is presented each evening. A must-see event at the Magic Kingdom is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, presented on select nights from Nov. 12 to Dec. 21. The party features holiday-themed entertainment with Disney characters; the Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade with floats, dancing reindeer and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, among others, plus the Holiday Wishes –Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks display, and yes, Florida "snow flurries."

"We come every year," said Vickie Paynor, a visitor from Chicago who came to the party with her family last year. "It's become a tradition –the kids love the parade and we feel like we're in another world."

Tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are $47.95 for adults and $40.95 for children 3-9 years old (under 3 years old are admitted free). The party is generally sold-out by the evening of the event, so advance purchase is a good idea.

Disney-MGM (this park will be called Disney Hollywood Studios beginning Jan. 1) offers the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights from Nov. 12 to January 6.

The light show, in the Studios' Backlot section, boasts millions of lights, animated light displays and "snow flurries." The Hollywood Holly-Day Parade is presented every day. It, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, is included in park admission.

For a bit of international flavor, Epcot presents "Holidays Around the World" from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30. This event presents Christmas legends of various countries including Los Tres Reyes Magos (The Three Magi) in the Mexico pavilion and Pere Noel in the French pavilion.

The park is decorated to the nines with towering trees, poinsettias and lights including a synchronized light show, "The Lights of Winter," illuminates a canopy adjoining the World Showcase breezeway and every evening there is a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Mickey and friends featuring music and storytelling.

A special event in Epcot is the nightly Candlelight Processional –featuring celebrity narrators, a massed choir and orchestra. It is featured nightly at the America Gardens Theatre and it's included in admission to Epcot.

At the Animal Kingdom Park, Mickey and his gang celebrate the season with Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade presented from Nov. 12 to Jan. 6. At Camp Minnie-Mickey visitors can meet and greet the Disney characters dressed in their holiday finery and enjoy caroling at Santa Goofy's Holiday Village, which is decorated with Christmas trees and features live entertainment.

Sea World Orlando -- "Seasons greetings" always begins with "Sea" they might say at Sea World. The park presents "Christmas at Sea World" each year, celebrating the holiday season with decorations, carolers, and shows –Sea World's trained sea lions, seals and other marine creatures perform--and the forecast calls for "snow flurries." Presented from Nov. 24 to Dec. 25, the festivities are included in the admission price: $64.95 for adults; $53.95 for children.

Universal Orlando Resort -- Arguably, the nation's most famous holiday parade, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, comes to Universal Studios in December packing its giant balloons, floats, marching bands and Santa Claus too, of course. Each evening Santa himself presides over a ceremony to light up the park's towering tree. Festivities are included in park admission.

At Universal'sIslands of Adventure, the mean Grinch is the star of the "Grinchmas" celebration, inspired in "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas". During December, the park's Seuss Landing section is transformed for the holidays and visitors can visit the Grinch in his lair and enjoy themed shows. "Grinchmas" is included in park admission.

Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven -- This park offers the nostalgic "Old Fashioned Christmas" from Nov. 16 to Dec. 30. The centerpiece of the celebration is an 80-foot-high Christmas tree that will be lit up for the first time during a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 16. Other holiday adornments include millions of lights, poinsettias and garlands.

The "Jingle Street Parade" is a procession of holiday characters, Christmas music and lights "The Miracle of Christmas," re-tells the Christmas legend with music. Another spectacle, "A Holiday Homecoming" is a wartime romance that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who has had to be separated from loved ones during the holidays.

Other festivities include visits from Santa Claus and an exhibit, "Santa Through History" that shows how Santa Claus has changed through the years. A must-see is "Frosty Follies," an ice skating show with holiday music. "Old Fashioned Christmas" is included in admission to Cypress Gardens.

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay -- This park, themed to the Continent of Africa, is decorated for the holidays with poinsettias, Christmas trees and other ornaments and presents holiday-themed shows. The festivities are included in park admission.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Attractions in Orlando offer year-long Fun

There are more attractions than you can count in Orlando, Florida. Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando Resort and Sea World are popular favorites but there are other great attractions that are must-sees. You can check out the best-of-the-best of Orlando's other attractions right here.

Busch Gardens It may be an hour or so away, but it's well worth it. Busch Gardens is one of the best spots for roller coaster enthusiasts in all of Florida and beyond. Sporting some of the biggest, fastest coasters around, Busch Gardens is a high-impact place for a day trip. Among the choices: Shiekra, the largest, fastest coaster in the Southeast U.S., Kumba, a 110 feet plunge into a diving loop making for a "roar" of a ride and Montu, an egyptian themed coaster with an inverse diving loop and a 60-foot vertical loop.

Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba Located at Downtown Disney, Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba performs just about every day for audiences from around the world. Cirque du Soleil's reputation is known worldwide, and this show certainly doesn't disappoint. A breathtaking combination of dance, music, gymnastics and art, La Nouba is a show you've got to see to believe.

Cypress Gardens Florida's first theme park was Cypress Gardens. Originally founded in 1936 and reopened in 2004, the park combines classic rides and attractions with a family-friendly atmosphere. Cypress Gardens also puts on a number of concerts every year featuring famous stars of yesteryear and some of today's best country music performers.

Daytona International Speedway Taking a day trip to Daytona Beach might be something you want to do on your Orlando visit. But in addition to the beaches in Daytona, there's a little place called the Daytona International Speedway. The Speedway, the historic home of stock car racing, offers daily tours. Also, you can visit Daytona USA, an interactive attraction with a NASCAR theme.

Gatorland The famous entrance to Gatorland is deeply entrenched in the minds of Central Floridians. As you walk into the alligator's mouth, you'll enter an amazing world where you can learn all about one of Florida's most amazing animals, the alligator. See alligator feedings or get up-close and personal at a number of exhibits that let you get closer than you might like to Florida's famous gators.

The Holy Land Experience Enter into a biblical world of wonder at the Holy Land Experience. See films and presentations that present the history of the biblical world and marvel at the painstakingly recreated architecture that gives Holy Land its signature look. You can also visit the Scriptorium, an vast archive of biblical books and materials.

Kennedy Space Center The home of America's space program, Kennedy Space Center is a truly amazing place to visit. From exhibits showcasing America's space-travel history to a bus ride past the launch pads that NASA uses today, you can see some very special things at the Space Center. You can also stock up on astronaut ice-cream, a souvenir favorite.

Orlando Science Center One of the largest space observatories in the state sits atop the Orlando Science Center. When there's something special in the night sky, this is the place to go to see it. Inside, you can check out a number of amazing exhibits that will enlighten and entertain. Learn about electricity, physics and biology, all in one awesome place.

Pleasure Island For adults only, Pleasure Island is a great spot for nightlife. Located adjacent to Downtown Disney, the island features a number of diverse nightclubs and elegant eateries to fill your night with excitement. You can also catch live music. On New Year's Eve, this is the place to be.

Ripley's Believe it or Not Weird wonders abound at Ripley's Believe it or Not. Ripley made his life's work the collection of the strangest, most obscure artifacts he could find, and now many are on display, including shrunken heads and Rolls Royce made completely out of match sticks. Believe it or not!

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Discover Orlando this Spring

Discover Orlando this Spring
Orlando, Florida is a vacation destination worth discovering! This sunny Florida city boasts seven incredible theme parks, three water parks, and more than 80 other attractions. Orlando offers a little bit of everything and something for everyone. From Orlando shopping to Orlando golf, there are plenty of Orlando activities for you and your family. The warm weather, exciting attractions and interesting nightlife provides visitors with the perfect combination of fun and relaxation. Sunny Orlando, Florida appeals to beach lovers and theme park fanatics due to its central location. This spring, your Orlando vacation can be as unique as you are, with one day spent at the beach and the next enjoying wonderful Disney World.

This spring, Disney World launched its Year of a Million Dreams along with Dream Along with Mickey at the Magic Kingdom; the Laugh Floor Comedy Club starring the cast of Monsters Inc.; Finding Nemo the Musical at the Animal Kingdom and three new rides, including Expedition Everest, The Seas with Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean. There is so much to see and do, you'll want to give yourself enough time to explore it all. Cypress Gardens also has new additions this year. Starliner, a classic wooden coaster, will premiere as well as Bugsville, a children’s area comprised of rides, a special theater and eventually, a large interactive play structure.

There are plenty of other things to do in Orlando. Gatorland, an alligator theme park and wildlife preserve, introduces their “Trainer for a Day” program this spring. It gives guests a glimpse into what it takes to work with dangerous animals. Gatorland is also opening Gator Gully, a water play area where families can cool off after their adventure in the park. The Kennedy Space Center is launching an impressive new attraction this year with their Shuttle Launch Experience. This special effects ride gives the effect of a real space flight. Several other Orlando attractions let visitors experience the unexpected Orlando. This spring, go on a hot air balloon adventure with Thunderhawk Aviation, experience the Miami Everglades or go on a Florida Adventure Tour. All three are great ways to discover something unexpected!

Entertainment in Orlando can be found everywhere, including in great Orlando Shows. The Pirates Dinner Adventure, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show and The Outta Control Dinner Show are popular with families because of their fantastic combination of entertainment and delicious food. Opera and ballet can be found at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center with productions of Swan Lake, Spartacus and Madame Butterfly.

Deciding to visit Orlando is one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever have to make. The appeal of this vacation destination lies not only in its fabulous array of entertainment but also in the endless possibilities for recreation. Golfing in Orlando is a favorite pastime for visitors. Orlando Golf Courses combine the beautiful landscape of the area with championship layouts that are a golf lovers dream. There are also great spas in Orlando, interesting Orlando Museums to explore and numerous parks, zoos and gardens in Orlando.

This year, make the most of your spring by visiting beautiful Orlando. You’ll discover an experience that will create a lifetime of memories.