Floridianestates

If theres one place on earth where almost everyone wants to go at one point in their lives whether theyre newlyweds, college students, families with small children, or even retirees its Orlando, Florida. Why? Because its the home of Walt Disney World! It doesnt matter how young or old you are when you travel to Orlando and head to Disney World, youll always feel like a kid. The excitement, adventure, and just plain fun atmosphere almost guarantees a perfect vacation in Orlando.

In fact, Walt Disney World first opened in 1971, and since that opening day, it has expanded to include an immense amount of features! It includes four theme parks, a sports complex, race track, two water parks, six golf courses, twenty family or resort hotels, and many, many more restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options than you could ever experience in just one visit. Literally, Walt Disney World takes up over 20,000 acres of space in Orlando, making it the largest amusement part in the world. Think that still isnt enough? Believe it or not, Disney actually has its own adjacent community in the Orlando suburbs, called Celebration.

Since there are four separate theme parks in Orlandos Walt Disney World, it can sometimes get a little confusing as to what each part really represents. Heres a quick overview of each theme park inside the Disney World property:

1) The Magic Kingdom: This theme park has seven countries, and each focuses on a different and unique theme. Inside the Magic Kingdom, youll travel to Main Street USA, Mickeys Toontown Fair, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Fantasyland each with their own set of themed rides to enjoy!

2) Epcot: The Epcot park was initially built as an homage to technological innovation, and as such, focuses more on exhibits rather than rides. There is also a large focus on learning what it means to live in harmony with international culture, and therefore many of the exhibits are very informative and culturally-related.

3) Disney MGM-Studios: This Disney World part has five separate themed area, each attempting to focus on a different part of the studio production process. These areas include: Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, the Animation Courtyard, and the Backlot!

4) Disneys Animal Kingdom: The park here is dedicated to animal conservation, and as such, has seven small lands that focus on different species from these areas sometimes real, and sometimes imaginary! The sections include: Oasis, Camp Mickey & Minnie, Asia, DinoLand USA, Discovery Island, Africa, and Rafikis Planet Watch.

A trip to Orlando, Florida would simply not be complete without at least a day in Walt Disney World after all, its the place where dreams are supposed to come true!

Independent travel to Disney World Florida – leave the Hotel behind.

Independent travel used to conjure up ideas of backpacking around unheard of destinations and staying in remote hostels, sharing your room, and the one functioning toilet with twelve complete strangers.

Well, not any more.

Orlando, Florida is still considered the worlds number one family vacation destination. Families too are enjoying the freedom and choice which independent travel now offers.

When we first started visiting Orlando, being huge Disney fans, we decided to stay at one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels. There were only the two of us, and we thought they were great, which they were. But they also proved very expensive. So the next time we travelled we decided to shop around, and stayed in nearby hotels. This certainly saved us money, but there was still something missing. And we knew exactly what it was. There was no space. We had nowhere to relax. Even though there were only two of us, we found the hotel room lacked any real space. Sure there were two beds, and a small writing table, but that was it. And it appears we were not the only ones. When we returned home, we started reading reports and we found that there were an increasing number of complaints made about hotels.

So, what are the alternatives? We searched and we found them, and they are all over Orlando and the Disney area. Condos and Townhouses. The Americans have known about Condos and Townhouses for years, and they have been enjoying the benefits of independent travel and saving money too. What is a Condo? A Condo is a full home, located in a building. The person who owns a Condo owns the entire home, and also has an interest in the amenities and facilities of the community.

We gave them a go; we decided to travel to Orlando with a couple of friends, four of us in total. We booked a three bedroom Condo located at Villas at Island Club. This was the best move we ever made. Our Condo was over 1400 sq foot in size. It was probably bigger than our real home. It had room to relax, space to chill out, and every possible facility you could think off. The Condo really changed our vacation experience. We were able to have breakfast together in the morning and plan our days activities. We were able to come home early and discuss the adventures of our day. We were able to meet other people around the communal pool. Our friends had their own space too, we didnt have to spend every minute of every day together, and thats why we are still friends.

So, is this independent travel? Yes, most definitely. Now, when you are planning your vacation, you dont have to select a package tour where you are told what hotel you are staying in, and what car you a being given. Now you can decide what size home you want. Then you get to look at the homes, to find out about their locations and the facilities they offer. You really can select the home you want. And real people own these homes, so they are really well looked after. Because real people own them, you get a personal touch from the start when you are making inquiries, right through until the end of your vacation.

This really is independent travel. You select you airline. You arrive right in the heart of your vacation location. You select your own vacation Condo or Townhouse, in your chosen location, with the facilities you want. Then you pick your car. Then you really start enjoying your vacations.

Give a Condo a try, why rent a single hotel room, when you can have an entire home??

Sunny Central Florida may not go with your traditional image of a white Christmas, but the theme parks of Orlando put on holiday shows that are filled with festive fun. If you are in the Orlando area this Christmas (or any Christmas) here are the kinds of events that you can experience:

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that they will feature a ride based on Robert Zemeckis The Polar Express.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks Entertainment are reprogramming the theme parks Wild Arctic simulator ride, and transforming it into a simulated train ride to Santa Town for the holiday season. When the ride ends, people will step out onto a recreation of the North Pole. SeaWorlds exhibit of polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and other Arctic animals will also be made up to fit the winter wonderland theme. The new Polar Express ride will debut on Friday and will be in place through January 1st 2008.

The cost and contact information for Seaworld are as follows: Cost: 67.95; 57.95 children; Sea World Drive, Orlando; Telephone: 800-327-2424

Walt Disney World in Orlando offers Christmas and winter holiday themed events at each of its major attraction centers. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Very Merry Christmas Party begins will be held through December 21 from 7 pm to midnight. Also, when regular park hours are over, the lights come alive. The tree lighting ceremony and the almost crystallized castle are well worth the price of admission; and, for those who dream of a white Christmas, enjoy the snowfall on Main Street.

Here are the costs and contact information for Disney World: Cost: 51.07; 43.62 ages 3-9; Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639

Not to be outdone by Disney or Seaworld, Universal Studios in Orlando offering its own version of Macy’s Holiday Parade, including the “actual, authentic” Santa from New Yorks Thanksgiving Day Parade. Universal also offers entertainment ranging from Barney’s Christmas Show to the Blues Brothers Christmas Show.

In addition, Universal is also unveiling a new stage show at Islands of Adventure, called Grinchmas, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas story. Back by popular demand, Grinchmas will feature seven songs on a new stage.

The celebration continues with decorations and special events at Universal CityWalk as well as all three world-class, on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Here are the latest costs and information for Universal: one dayone park ticket: 71; 60 children; Universal Blvd. Orlando; 407-224-4243 or visit their holiday website: www.universalorlando.comholidays.

The nearby city of Silver Springs offers a Festival of Lights, from dusk to 8:30 p.m. from December 14-30. This is an event that you should not miss. It features more than one million twinkling lights and is complete with carolers, stage shows , a boat parade and holiday concerts as well. Here is the contact information and costs for this event:
33.99; 30.99 seniors; 24.99 ages 3-10; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; Silver Springs; 352-236-2121

Busch Gardens in Tampa also offers annual Christmas events. This year it feature a breathtaking spectacle of music, dance and holiday cheer as well as other holiday experiences scattered throughout the park daily. The costs and contact information for Busch Gardens are as follows: 64.95; 54.95 children; 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa; 888-800-5447

There it is! Orlando and vicinity is a great place for you and your family to enjoy your winter vacation.

If you are looking forward to visiting Disney World or other attractions in Orlando, planning the trick with a little information could help save you money. Instead of opting for the first package that comes your way, its best to get some more knowledge of hotels and other kinds of lodgings available might be a good idea. Even if you are from Florida, some tips form this article may help you in getting your required and budgeted accommodation.

A popular misconception is that the resort exists in Orlando. In fact, the entire Walt Disney World property is outside Orlando city limits; the majority sits within southwestern Orange County, with the remainder in adjacent Osceola County to the south.

Most of Walt Disney World’s Central Florida land and all of the public areas are located in the cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, located southwest of Orlando and a few miles northwest of Kissimmee. The land within Walt Disney World Resort is part of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allows the Disney corporation to exercise quasi-governmental powers over the area.

Hotels always come across to be trifle expensive on the agenda whenever you travel irrespective of the destination. The alternative is vacation rentals that offer far cheaper rates than most hotels. Vacation rentals may come to include various kinds of lodging like privately owned cottages, condos or large and luxurious villas that can be directly rented or leased from their owners, their agents or through vacation rental agencies. A lot of variety is available to choose from and they are ideal for families looking forward to make use of Disney vacation rentals.

Florida Disney vacation rental lodgings offer cheaper prices resulting in huge savings in costs compared to staying at a hotel. Most of these privately owned accommodations are listed directly by their owners, resulting in saving more money by avoiding middle men. Orlando being one of the most popular vacation destination in the USA because it has something for everyone – Disney with its four theme parks MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom in addition to the 3 water parks and more than eight golf courses, not to mention many other attractions.

The Walt Disney World resort also includes six world-class golf courses. The five 18-hole golf courses are the Magnolia, the Palm, Lake Buena Vista, Eagle Pines, and Osprey Ridge (the last two are part of the Bonnet Creek Golf Club). There is also a nine-hole walking course called Oak Trail, designed for young golfers. Together, they are known as Disney’s “99 holes of golf.” There are two miniature golf courses, Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland.

Walt Disney World paved the way for many other theme parks and attractions in the area, including SeaWorld and Universal Studios, and helped make Orlando a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.

Since the best time to visit Florida and its attractions is from October to April, it is best to get reservations at least 2 months in advance. If you are a regular Disney buff, you may even consider owning a vacation home there which can be rented out as and when not required by you. Investment, return and appreciation along with the pleasure of a Disney holiday is a reality.

All Walt Disney World Resorts are fabulous places to visit, but they are also amazing places to dine. Whether it be a quick snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and quality of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can eat for just a few bucks, or really push the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disneys restaurants are themed, and these are incredibly popular with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a childs day. Well what could be better when eating your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also allows you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food available in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who cannot eat certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially American cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even little known Norwegian delicacies, to name but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has its own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a quick takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and its great to know that when those hunger
pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in every sense of the word.