2. Theme Parks.  Central Florida has some of the best theme parks in the world and they are constantly being updated, with new rides being added all the time and new parks springing up all the time.  The latest park due for completion around the end of 2009 early 2010 is the “Harry Potter Park”. 

3. Water Parks.  Ok this is similar to “Theme Parks” but the water parks in Florida really are a class in their own right.  There are many to choose from… Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Wet and Wild on International Drive, Adventure Island (opposite Busch Gardens) and Water Mania.  Sea World are also currently building a water park due for completion soon. 

4. Beaches.  Head to the coast and there are some fantastic beaches.  The coast is about an hours drive from the “Disney” area and two great beaches are Clearwater and St Petersburg.  Lovely white sand!

5. Food.  As with everything in America the food comes “bigger and better”, so if you like to eat a lot then this is the place for you.  Portion sizes are generally big and there are plenty of eat as much as you can buffets.  The restaurants are generally cheap (about the same in dollars as you pay here in pounds so particularly good at the moment)  The exception is the Theme Parks which do charge a lot more as you would expect.  Generally the restaurants expect a tip of around 15%.

6. Shopping.  Wherever you go there are shops!  Florida has some great Malls.  Florida Mall has lots of shops and a great food court.  There are also plenty of outlets selling brand names at discount prices. 

7. Exchange rate.  The US dollar is currently very weak against the UK pound, meaning that you can get around 2 dollars for every pound.  This effectively makes everything “half price” and makes shopping in Florida even more of a bargain.  Watch out for credit cards that make a charge for foreign transactions as this means you won’t get such a good deal.  You can often get a better rate buying travellers cheques than cash and in most places in Florida you can spend them in the shops (some places ask for a passport for identification) so no need to even change them in the bank.  If you want to use a credit card Nationwide do one which currently they don’t charge for foreign transactions on (July ‘07).  Credit cards also usually offer a fair exchange rate.

8. The people.  The people, particularly in the Disney Parks, are very friendly and helpful and they speak “English” which is a bonus.  In the restaurants the service is usually good and again friendly.  “Have a nice day” is the phrase of Florida!

9 Golf.  If you’re a golfer this is the place for you.  With many award winning golf courses and the Floridian sun to play under Florida has to be one of the best places to enjoy a spot of golf.  Try Southern Dunes with it’s dramatic hillside layout, or Highlands Reserve a championship golf course with large, fast, undulating greens.

10.  Wildlife.  Check out the gators in the lake if you dare!!  Failing that, check out Gatorland where you can feed the gators or maybe try some gator ribs for lunch.  Of course Florida is also famous for its dolphins and a great place to see them and swim with them is Discovery Cove.  It’s quite pricey but if you’re a dolphin lover it could be a day not to be missed.  Sea world has some great shows with Killer Wales and other sea creatures.  Busch Gardens is a zoo and theme park in one and if you fancy something more peaceful visit Florida’s everglades.