Ten Ways to Play in Orlando Florida

There are a lot of things to do in Orlando. Whether you want to explore one of their world-renowned theme parks or discover the other side of Orlando, there is something for everyone to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first time visitor or a repeat Orlando explorer, there’s always something new to discover.

1) Visit Walt Disney World: The happiest place on earth has plenty to offer guests. Spread over an area the size of San Francisco, the park encompasses more than 30,000 acres, of which about a quarter is developed. That means there are four fantastic theme parks (Magic Kingdom; Epcot; Hollywood Studios; Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Blizzard Beach; Typhoon Lagoon) and Downtown Disney to treat yourself to while you’re in Orlando.

2) Disney World Extras: Disney World Theme Park Orlando is more than just rides. The great thing about Disney is that at no extra charge, there are theme parades, like “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” at the Animal Kingdom, and spectacular firework displays like “Wishes Nighttime Spectacular” at Magic Kingdom, as well as live shows like “Finding Nemo,” “Festival of the Lion King,” “Illuminations” and “Dream Along with Mickey” to take advantage of. All of these Disney extras make a day at Disney even more magical.

3) Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando’s other major theme parks offers two theme parks – Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure. Islands of Adventure promises plenty of thrills with rides like The Hulk, Dueling Dragons and The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, while also appealing towards younger kids with areas like Seuss Landing, which is a 10 acre are based on the beloved Seuss books. Kids love to see the Seuss characters and take a spin on The Cat in the Hat Ride, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish Ride and others.

4) Explore Universal Orlando Resort CityWalk: CityWalk excels at entertainment. Shopping, dining and activities are available at CityWalk and eating at one of their theme restaurants is a must. There is a big nightlife scene at CityWalk, but kids will also love going to the NASCAR Café, NBA City and Hard Rock Café as they have game areas, memorabilia and giants televisions for viewing.

5) Blue Man Group: Located at Universal’s CityWalk, the Blue Man Group is an indescribable mix of mime, percussion and audience participation that is a must-see show when visiting the Orlando area. People of every age will enjoy their show and will leave with a smile on their face once the one hour and 45 minute show is over.

6) Gatorland: When you visit Orlando, you’ll want to take a bite out of this attraction. Located on 110 acres, this gator preserve is home to an incredible display of huge alligators and crocodiles, a train ride, aviary, breeding marsh and bird sanctuary, petting zoo, nature walk, gift shop, and one-of-a-kind shows such as the world famous Gator Jumparoo. Kids will love the Gator Gully Splash Park too, because they can splash around in water sources resembling the parks famous residents.

7) Wet ‘n Wild: This water park is a great combination of thrilling rides and lazy day activities perfect for spending a day in the Orlando sun. With daring rides like The Black Hole, Brainwash. Bomb Bay & Disco H20, as well as a Surf Lagoon, Lazy River and Kids Play area, Wet ‘n Wild promises to be the coolest place to go in Orlando.

8) Orlando Shows: There is a variety of Orlando Shows to see, all of them with something unique and interesting to offer. A few of the top shows to see in Orlando include Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner, Arabian Nights and The Outta Control Dinner Show. Watching an Orlando show is a fantastic way to top off a great day exploring all that Orlando has to offer.

9) Discover the Other Side of Orlando: Orlando is known for its theme parks, but there’s more to explore. When visiting, make time to discover the side of Orlando with activities like the Florida Adventure Tour, where you get to swim with manatees; Florida EcoSafaris, where zip lining and safari’s are available; and Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours, where guests get an up close guide of Florida on a private airboat outdoor adventure.

10) Spend at Day at Your Resort: A stay in Orlando provides luxury and amenities to make your stay a fun one. Orlando lodging options include standard hotels, luxury condos, upscale resorts, vacation homes and family-friendly condos, all reasonably priced for customer satisfaction. Spending a day at your resort allows time for some relaxation, plus the kids love playing in the pool, of which Orlando has some of the best. A few of the top choices to stay at while in Orlando include WorldQuest Orlando, Excel Management, The Point Orlando Resort, Magical Memories, Regal Palms Resort and Caribe Cove Resort.

Fiesta San Juan at Wet 'n Wild Heats Up Orlando

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando is celebrating Latin Culture with their 10th Annual Fiesta San Juan on June 20th. They are providing delicious food, live music, dancing and contests that reflect Latin heritage. The party heats up at 12 noon with activities for the entire family to enjoy and continues until 12 midnight when guests can honor the tradition of “The Night of San Juan” by taking a big splash in the water at midnight. Rumba 100.3FM DJ’s and Telemundo - Orlando personalities will be hosting various activities with games and prizes. Plus, the guests get to enjoy all their favorite Wet ‘n wild rides and attractions.

Annual Passes and Splash Passes are not valid on event date. However, if you have one of these passes you may choose to pay a fee of $12.95+tax to gain access to this special event.

The following entertainment will be available:

El Grupo Limi-T 21
Rhythm
Neco
Latin Project
Los Pleneros de la Central
Cuco Reyes y su Orquesta Vibración

ΣΛΒ International Fraternity, Inc. UCF Chapter

Orlando Vacation Packages Offer Family Fun at a Discount

ReserveDirect provides some of the best ways to save money on your Orlando, Florida vacation. Their website, ReserveOrlando.com, is home to some of the best Orlando discounts out there and is a reliable, secure and convenient way to reserve your Orlando vacation. Orlando Vacation Packages are also available on ReserveOrlando.com, and are an easy way to outline your time in Orlando.

The Orlando Vacation Packages we offer are completely customizable and can be tailored to fit your dream Orlando adventure or to fit a vacationer on a budget. Our Disney World Resort packages, for example, allow guests to choose if they would like to visit the park for a few days or an extended period of up to ten days. Plus, you get the choice of Park Hopper, Waterpark Fun and More! and No Expiration options if you would like to upgrade. Tuscana Resort, WorldQuest and Mona Lisa Suite Hotel are the three main properties featured with our Disney World packages, but other preferred lodging options are available.

Universal Resort Orlando is also an Orlando visitor favorite, and is a wonderful way to spend your time in Central Florida. Tuscana Resort, WorldQuest and Mona Lisa are featured on these packages as well, and the same great options are available as well. With our Universal Resort Orlando packages you have your choice of ticket type including One Day, Two Day and Two Park Unlimited Tickets options. Then, select the number of nights that fits your vacation. It’s just that easy! Other hotel options are available.

Other Orlando vacation packages feature Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, Gatorland from WorldQuest and Wet ‘n Wild from WorldQuest and Wet ‘n Wild from Mona Lisa Suite Hotel. You can also always create your own personalized vacation package by logging on to our website and choosing which shows, attractions and lodging your family find most desirable.

I-Drive Trolley Offers Money-Saving Service in Orlando

A dollar may not go as far as it did in the past but in the International Drive Resort Area in Orlando it provides convenient access to all of the world-famous attractions, accommodations, entertainment, dining and fun along Orlando’s tourist corridor.

Since it began in 1997, the I-Ride Trolley has been one of the most popular attractions among millions of visitors to the I-Drive area. It allows guests to park their car and ride stress-free to the accommodations and attractions in the world’s most popular vacation destination. And at $1.00 for a single adult ride, it is the best bargain in the area.

Luann Brooks, Executive Director of the International Drive Master Transit & Improvement District which operates the Trolley System, says the District consistently looks for ways to improve the transportation system to make the guest experience a positive one.

“As travelers look for ways to stretch their budgets and eliminate the stress that has become such a part of the travel experience, the Trolley is more than a way to get from point to point. It allows our guests a chance to park the car and save money on gas. It also gives them a chance to relax and leave the driving to us. They can enjoy the ride and not have to think about missing a turn into their favorite attraction!”

Brooks also says that as tourists look for creative ways to save money, the Trolley System has always been a favorite of those staying on I-Drive.

“It is fun, convenient and you cannot beat the price.”

And unlike the increasing price of gas and other rising costs of travel, the price will stay the same.

Costs: Single fare, $1.00 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, .25 cents per ride. Children under12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $3.00 per person); (three-day pass, $5.00 per person); (five-day pass, $7.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $9.00 per person) (14-day pass, $16.00 per person).

Combining the charm of the past with today’s modern comforts, this prototype destination transportation system has logged more than 17.5 million trips since it began service. Each I-Ride Trolley seats 54 riders plus two wheelchair positions and an ADA-specified hydraulic lift system. The system operates 15 trolleys with service from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily.

The I-Ride Trolley Main Line route travels primarily along International Drive north and south, beginning at Prime Outlets International and traveling southbound on a circular route to Orlando Premium Outlets. In addition to the many dining and accommodation stops along the route, it also stops at Pointe Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando and Aquatica.

The Green Line begins service in the Major Blvd. area and encompasses Kirkman Road and Universal Blvd., then shadows the Main Line route as it continues service down to Orlando Premium Outlets with stops that include Wet ‘n Wild, Pointe Orlando, the new Point Orlando Resort and the newly renovated Westgate Palace Resort, the Orange County Convention Center and Sea World Adventure Park Orlando.

If you are planning a trip to Orlando, utilize this fun, cost-saving transportation system. Park the car, hop onboard and leave the driving to us!

Information courtesy of International Drive Orlando

Orlando Theme Parks Add New Elements for Repeat Fun

High above International Drive, Wet 'n Wild patrons prepare to slide down the water park's newly revamped Black Hole attraction. Along its 500-foot plummet, they might encounter strobes, lasers, a shimmering water wall and sudden changes in temperature before splashing down.


But even if those riders immediately return to the top, they're not likely to have the same experience. That's because the ride's special effects now occur in random sequences, one of the newest techniques used by theme parks and attractions to lure customers back for a second -- or third -- round.


"Theme parks have figured out that the real money is in the repeat visitors -- getting people to come back and do the ride again and again," said Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, a Web site devoted to theme parks. "The way to do that is either create something that's just so incredible and amazing that people can't ever get enough of it -- or change it around so that it's different next time," he said.


The forerunner of the ever-changing rides is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Built in 1994, it entered multiple-personality mode five years ago when random sequencing was introduced to its 13-story plunges.Variable factors include ride time, drop length and air time. Since then, advances in technology have encouraged theme-park companies to create more attractions with user options and fluid features.


At the Wet 'n Wild ride -- now called The Black Hole: The Next Generation -- riders select one of two slides, each with different effects and sequences. Technology developed since Black Hole debuted 10 years ago can help keep it fresh, said David Wright, director of marketing for the park. "We have the ability to continually program the lights and the effects," he said. "We could change the sequencing [again]."


Toy Story Mania, a computerized shooting-gallery-style attraction now in previews at Disney's Hollywood Studios, was designed with repeat business in mind, said Imagineer Chrissie Allen, a producer for the ride.In the new 3-D ride, players launch virtual objects (darts, baseballs, cream pies) toward targets that appear on screens. It makes guests feel as though they've been shrunk to toy size to play five pint-sized arcade games.

The scoring system appears, but a video-game staple known as Easter eggs -- hidden or secret bonus targets -- can catapult a player's score. "You'll discover things each time you play," Allen said. "It gives you a higher level of challenge each time you come back and play. We have team members who haven't found all of them yet, and they've been riding hundreds of times," she said. "We think that's going to be a really big selling point for the ride."


"The way we amuse ourselves is in flux", said Niles of Theme Park Insider. "The consumer-entertainment model has changed over the past generation from passive entertainment such as movies and TV to more active entertainment like video games and the Web," he said. "So it makes sense that the theme-park industry would react to that and start introducing rides that incorporate a little bit more active technology."


Universal Studios will tap into the trend of personalized entertainment with a roller coaster set to open next spring. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will feature traditional hills and spills but also permit riders to pick their own soundtracks and create music videos of the experience. They'll be able to download those videos for use on their personal Web sites.


"It really came from the trend in youth culture of being able to customize their world -- whether it's music selections to what they watch on television to what they carry around with them for entertainment," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts. "It's important, in our thinking, to be able to transform the ride experience to that next generation, really the YouTube generation," he said.


"Technology will improve. There's a reason why [video game] Grand Theft Auto IV looks, feels, acts and behaves much differently from Pong or Breakout or early-generation video games," Niles said. "You're going to see the same type of development within the theme-park industry," he said. "I don't know if it will happen quite as impressively, quite as quickly as it did with video games. But you're definitely going to see growth and change."


Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Getaway for Labor Day in Orlando, FL

A getaway to Orlando, FL is a great way to celebrate the Labor Day Holiday. Orlando offers a great combination of exciting shows, attractions and unique adventures. There are also fantastic places to stay in Orlando, including luxury and family friendly resorts. The warm weather in Orlando creates several more options for visitors, including golf, zoos, parks and gardens

Attractions in Orlando range from the bigger than life attractions, such as Disney World Theme Park, to unique attractions, like Gatorland. There are numerous things to do in Orlando, and many of them have to do with embracing the kid we all have inside of us. At Disney World, visitors can visit four distinctly different theme parks, including the Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios. During the Labor Day Holiday, Disney will be celebrating with a Pirate and Princess Party as well as with theTom Joyner Family Reunion Special. Another great attraction is Cypress Gardens. This nostalgic theme park embraces the beauty of yesteryear along with the thrill rides of today. Their park will have Gretchen Wilson as a guest performer Sunday, September 2nd. Universal Orlando Resort is a great place for families. Universal Studios, Universal’s Island of Adventure and Universal CityWalk offer a myriad of activities for those of all ages.

There are several ways to see scenic Orlando. Take advantage of a Black Hammock Airboat Adventure, a cruise on the Rivership Romance, an airlifting experience on Thunderhawk Hot Air Balloon Adventures, or a stroll through Silver Springs Nature Park. All of these attractions provide a unique way to experience Orlando at its finest. Other unique things to do in Orlando include the Magical Midway, WonderWorks, Wet ‘n Wild Orlando and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Orlando Shows are exciting too, with several dinner shows and theatrical performances available to choose from. Some of the favorite shows include Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, Don Giovanni by Mozart and Pirates Dinner Adventure. The always popular Dixie Stampede Dinner Show is performed daily in Orlando as well.

During your Labor Day Getaway, you’ll want a nice place to stay in Orlando. Luckily, the lodging options in Orlando include everything from motels to luxury resorts, with bargain rates available. A few of the choice lodging options include Floridays Resort, Regal Palms Resort, Radisson Resort Orlando, Best Western Lake Buena Vista, Blue Tree Resort, Clarion Hotel Maingate and Meridian Palms Hotel. Orlando Vacation Homes are also a popular option. Advantage Vacation Homes, Sunsplash Vacation Homes, The Florida Store Vacation Rentals and #1 Dream Homes allow guests to have a home away from home while they enjoy all Orlando has to offer.

A quick trip to Orlando, Florida can revive any weary worker. This Labor Day Holiday, treat yourself to the Orlando Experience. You’ll be glad you did!

Summer Fun in Orlando, Florida

Summer fun and Orlando go hand in hand. The family friendly atmosphere combined with all of the wonderful things to do in Orlando create the perfect vacation destination. Orlando is known for its great theme parks, like Walt Disney World, but there’s a whole world of fun to discover in Orlando, Florida.

Entertainment in Orlando begins with family attractions like Walt Disney World, Cypress Gardens, Fun Spot Action Park, Magical Midway and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. Walt Disney World, Florida’s premier family fun park, invites guests into a magical world where everyone can be a kid again. A trip to the Animal Kingdom, an enchanted journey through the Magic Kingdom, exploring Disney-MGM studios and the wonders of Epcot is all a part of the magical world of Disney. The rides, the characters and the experience are something you and your family will treasure for years to come. Other theme parks in Orlando, like Cypress Gardens, allow families to experience roller coasters, family shows, and animals and botanical gardens that make this a unique compliment to Walt Dinsey World. Both can be a part of your families summer vacation! If water rides are your favorite summer activity, Wet ‘n Wild Orlando is a cool way to cool down and have some fun! There rides, like Brain Wash, will give guests the splash of fun they need.

Summertime in Orlando is also a great time to discover Outdoor Orlando. There are several thrilling ways to view scenic Orlando, including Thunderhawk Aviation Hot Air Balloon Rides and Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, where you’ll see a different side this vacation destination. Several other attractions in Orlando allow guests to enjoy the history, beauty and excitement of Orlando. The Miami Everglades Adventure Tour takes guest on a discovery tour through the Everglades, complete with a stop in famous South Beach. Kennedy Space Center is also a great place for families, where education fun and history combine for a unique experience. Gatorland is another one of Orlando’s attractions that top visitors’ to do lists. This alligator theme park presents gators, exciting shows, nature area and a water park that’s unique, fun and exciting.

Families can enjoy many activities in Orlando, including Orlando shows. A family favorite is the Dixie Stampede and Dinner Show, where you’ll feast on a delicious four-course feast while enjoying a theatrical production complete with comedy, music and animals.

A vacation to Orlando is an easy summer getaway that will create memories that are treasured for years.