The latest updates we have heard while we are here in Florida are for the “Lesser Known” attractions.

Fun Spot Action Park which is located on Del Verde Way just off the northern end of International Drive has just purchased an adjacent 10 acre plot potentially tripling the size of the 5 acre park. Possible new attractions include water rides and a SkyCoaster plus paint balling.

Admission and parking are free, just like OLD TOWN, you buy an armband which give you access to specific areas of the park such as the go-karts, adult rides or children’s rides and play spots. The go-kart rides include multi-level tracks and fast road courses.

The much more known Fun Spot is at Old Town on US 192 in Kissimmee, home to the world’s tallest SkyCoaster.

Developments there include a new Screamin Eagle ride and its first roller coaster, the Galaxy Spin purchased from the defunct Cypress Gardens. It is similar to Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and is due to open next month in March.

Legoland Construction is reported to be on schedule.

Work on converting the former Cypress Gardens into the new Legoland Florida theme park is on schedule. They are trying to keep much of the fauna and flora of the old Cypress Gardens and many large mature trees are being re-sited. Three of the original roller coasters, the Okeechobee Rampage children’s coaster, the wooden Triple Hurricane roller coaster and the Swamp Thing suspended roller coaster are being retained and will become the Dragon, Coastersaurus and Flying School respectively.

The drive down to the Park will come a little more expensive as the fuel prices have shot up in the last week with a record high of $3.35 a gallon been shown on a lot of the petrol stations. Not as much as the UK but the Americans are as furious about the price as we are back home.

Happy Holidays

Larry & Mary

Ever since James Cameron’s highly acclaimed movie “Avatar” was released, at least a few mentions of floating mountains, Pocahontas, and blue people are going to crop up.

So, naturally, as I was strolling through City Walk at Universal, Orlando on my way to see the Blue Man Group, I had aliens on my mind. 

I was disappointed to find that these blue men do not come from Pandora and are not nine feet (ten feet? eleven feet?) tall.  Instead, their blueness comes from some sort of latex and paint film on their faces and hands while the rest of their bodies are conveniently covered in nondescript black clothing.

The Blue Man Group has been around far longer than Cameron spent filming “Avatar,” which is definitely saying something.  The show is known throughout the States as family friendly and highly amusing entertainment.  The advertisements always show men who are ostentatiously blue-skinned and staring wide-eyed at the viewers as though we should clearly have cobalt skin too. 

So no one really knows what the show is about before going in.  And from what I gather, the routines differ, perhaps not night to night (except when audience volunteers elicit different reactions in certain skits) but definitely from city to city.  This is quite alright, because honestly I don’t think anyone knows what the show is about coming out, either. 

The Blue Man Group involves excellent drumming by the Blue Men, a fantastic rock band playing back-up, strangely baffling stunts involving paint, lots of noise, and incredible lighting.  It appears that in order to be a Blue Man, you must be highly musically inclined, have excellent hand-eye coordination, and be able to perform an entire two hour show without speaking a single word. 

There was definitely something delightfully endearing about the silently sapphire men and their mute appeals for attention.  Their silence was also highly amusing.  The three men interacting in very strange situations without uttering a sound was simple, cute, and funny.  It also brought about lulls in the show where small children (or exhausted adults) probably fell asleep, but the incredibly loud rock music was bound to wake everyone up every once in a while, so that was alright. 

The show was also distinctly unique because all of the situations and comedy centered around very ordinary things that were vaguely scientific and at times simply amazing.  Somehow, the Blue Men managed to make plumbing, ears, eating Twinkies, and the definition of animation both interesting and comical.  Their inclusion of various audience members in their show was both adorable and personal, and usually highlighted by sarcastic, understated, or bizarre humor. 

The lagging bits of the show notwithstanding, the Blue Man Group delivered just what it advertised - a mysterious hodgepodge of colorful paint, lights, comedy and music which was family friendly and at times awe-inspiring.  The actors are no doubt exceedingly talented, managing to elicit delight and laughter from a very diverse crowd with only body language, accented by videos or scrolling words to set up their miming.  Their performance is both one-of-a-kind and breathtaking. 

Although I would have much rather been able to say that I watched looming aliens lope around the stage, I suppose that I can settle for the Blue Man Group being a show that is out of this world. 

Written by my daughter: Gabriella Bensur

Cirque du Soleil are in Down town Disney resort and the show is called LA NOUBA which means “To party or to live it up” Audience participation is a must.

 If you are a big kid at heart like me, then this appeals to all ages. The magic of seeing performers do the impossible on high wire, German wheels, skating, and flying trapeze is certainly breathtaking. The shows lighting and costumes grabs your imagination, emotions and your senses. The music has 2 distinct sounds, smooth and dynamique and certainly has a French/Canadian style.

The atmosphere and make up are amazing and you will be enthralled for every minute you are there.

This company started with 20 humble street entertainers in 1984 in Quebec, employed 73 people and celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2009. It has won numerous awards. It now has over 4000 people employed which include over 1000 artists. It has visited over 200 cities world wide and 90 million people have seen a show since 1984. There were 15 million visitors alone in 2009.

If you have a celebration coming up and want a special night out, you must go see this show. Prices are not cheap with front row seats $117 for an adult and $94 for a child. Tickets can be booked by phone 407-939-7600 or can be booked 6 months in advance.

My daughter and her family are going to Florida this year and staying in my villa and will be out there for their  10th wedding anniversary. So as a surprise, I went to the theatre in July, this year, and managed to get front row seats on the actual day of their anniversary, 5 months in advance.

I don’t know who was more excited, my daughter, her husband or my 8 year old grandson. As long as when the 8 year old returns to London, he doesn’t try to copy all the tricks he saw at the show on his BMX bike.

Spoil yourself, you will remember it forever.

When the evening arrived we headed off to the Sharpe Aquos theatre at Universal.

My wife and children had no idea what to expect but they thoroughly enjoyed the 1 hour 45 minute performance (note there is no intermission during the show so make sure the kids have visited the rest rooms before the performance begins).

Without giving too much away to anyone who wants to see the show it includes interactive plumbing, paint-filled drumming, marshmallow art, mini-cam shenanigans, cereal crunching, a rock concert movement primer, funny sign reading, paint spitting, a romantic Twinkie dinner, and lots and lots of percussion music from the men in Black clothes and of course Blue faces. They also use members of the audience in some of there sketches. Four musicians performing high over the stage look like colourful Day of the Dead skeletons, and complement the onstage percussion.

The show is appropriate for all ages, although it may be a little too intense for the youngest tots, Blue Man Group plays with sound, light, and perception and do not say a single word throughout the performance Strobe lights are used twice during the show, plus simultaneous music and streamers (100 percent recycled), and the three performers literally stroll on top of the auditorium seats, all of could be a little overwhelming for more sensitive audience members. The first four rows have plastic ponchos provided as splashguards against the paint, food, and other goodies that come flying from the stage.

The show should thoroughly entertain just about everyone. Not recommended for children under the age of three, the Blue Man Group show lasts for one hour and forty-five minutes with no intermission. Although the ticket price does not include admission to the theme park, ticket stubs do provide free entry into selected clubs at City Walk.

If you’re going to Orlando, don’t miss this show.

You will also find on one of the Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques here - this is where my little daughter loves to go and enjoys having her hair and make up down, as well as dressing up in one of her favourite disney costumes.  The last time we went we went for the full package where you get a photo shoot included.  My daughter looked amazing when they had finished and the photos are an ever lasting memory.  It was well worth the money!  Everyone was commenting on her as we walked through Downtown Disney.  She also remembers that moment and she is only 6.  A must for every little girl. 

You will also find great shops with all the Disney Merchandise;  if you forgot to buy a particular item in one of the parks, you will hopefully be able to purchase it here.  There are also various other retailers, as well as some great themed restaurants.  

There are also some great entertainment venues, like Cirque de Soleil which is located in Downtown Disney. 

I have listed a few of  shops/restaurants, etc, which you can find at Downtown Disney below:-

World of Disney - if you are looking for loads of fun whilst shopping, this is the place to go.  It is one of the largest stores and has so much to choose from.  This is where you will also find the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique mentioned above. 

Once Upon a Toy - Play happily ever after at this amazing toy store that offers the largest assortment of toys and games in all of Disney.  From princesses to pirates you will find some great toys in here.

Lego Imagination Centre - this shop is great, especially if you kids are into lego.  Not only can they buy some great lego sets (which my son has plenty) they get to play and make models with the lego stands outside.  This has kept my kids occupied for hours (for free) whilst we sat and watched enjoyed a cup of coffee. 

Disney Days of Christmas - this is my favourite shop at Downtown Disney - its Christmas all year round.  You also get to personalise a lot of the ornaments so they make them very personal to your visit. 

Rainforest Cafe and the new T-Rex restaurants can also be found at Downtown Disney.  We have visit the Rainforest cafe a few times now, and the kids love it.  We have never eaten in the T-Rex one, but have had a sneek look inside.  If you kids love dinosaurs this is the resturant to visit.  It has large interactive models of dinosaurs dotted around the restaurant that move at certain times.  You will also DinoBear (part of the build a bear workshop) in her.  My son loved this as he was able to choose his own dinosaur and dress it.  Quite appropriate for a boy!

This is just a taster of what can be found at Downtown Disney. 

Don’t forget to make a visit on your next trip.  We hope you enjoy it.

From the heydays of the 1950’s drive-in movie theatres are nowadays few and far between.

However, within 1 hour’s drive of Kissimmee there are two drive-in movie theatres still operating:

Silvemoon Drive-In Theatre 

Location: 4100 Route 92, W Lakeland, Polk County, Florida 33815. Tel (863) 682-0849

Directions:  From the I-4 take the County Line Road exit (at the Hillsborough/Polk County line), and continue south to US 92 W.  Turn left (east) and about 3.5 miles down the road there is a flashing ‘Silvermoon’ neon sign indicating the entrance..

Admissions:

Adults                         $4.00
Children (Ages 4-9)      $1.00

Capacity: 300 cars

The Silvermoon has two screens, each screening a double feature 7 nights a week

The Theatre also has a Swop Shop/Flea Market which operates from 5.30am until 12 noon every Saturday & Sunday.

Originally opened in 1948, the price of admission then was 35 cents per person.

Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre

Location: 16414 Hwy. 301, North of Dade City, Pasco County, Florida 33525. Tel (352) 567-5085

The Joy-Lan has one screen and is open 5 days a week (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)

Admissions:     

Adults                         $3.50
Children (Ages 4-9)      $1.00

Capacity: 300 cars

The Theatre also has a Swop Shop/Flea Market which operates from 5.30am until 1.00pm every Saturday & Sunday.

Refreshments:

Both theatres have snack bars, offering:

Pizza (Pepperoni & Cheese)

Hot Dogs (Grilled or roasted hot dog, served on a soft warm bun, with the option of onions, relish, mustard & ketchup)

Golden Corn Dog (Tender, meaty corn dog on a stick)

Grilled Sausage Dog (Giant sausage sandwich, served on a soft warm bun, with onions & peppers).  Only available Thursday to Sunday inc.

Nachos (Nacho chips served with cheddar cheese sauce)

Popcorn (Large size includes 1 free refill, Medium, Small, Economy)

Candy

Cold Soft Drinks (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, in Giant (44oz), Medium, Small, Economy)

Budweiser & Bud Lite Beer (12oz cans, purchaser must have a valid ID)

Bottled Water, Coffee, Hot Chocolate

On swap shop days, breakfast sandwiches (egg, sausage & egg, bacon & egg, cheese) and the big breakfast (2 eggs, bacon/sausage, grits/potatoes, toast & jam) are available.

Larger Vehicles

As a courtesy to other customers, large pick-ups and vans are requested to park at the rear

We all get dressed up in our check shirts and cowboy hats. Havent got the boots as yet, always been too hot to wear.Wouldnt dream of doing this in England though! The car park is full of custom cars and some even have steer horns on the bonnets.

The arena is huge and every seat has a good view. We always try to get down to the front to watch the “cowboys” trying to mount the cattle.in the holding part as that is very nerve racking to watch. The cattle always seem very calm while they are being mounted but that soon changes.

The arena goes very quiet and then the bell goes and the gate is opened and thats when the fun begins. The cowboy only has a rope to hold onto and must only use one hand. Of course he also has no saddle so trying to stay on is doubly difficult.He has to stay on for so many seconds with out being bucked off.Many of the cowboys are thrown in the air but seem to bounce back. They then have to run as fast as they can away as the “Bull” cattle seem intent on trying to go after them.

In the arena are two huge oil cans and in each of these are two clowns in bright clothing and painted faces,  just waiting for the right time to distract the bull . They then jump out and try to distract the bulls while the cowboy escapes over the fence.The arena is now in uproar in case the bull attcks the clowns or the cowboy.

Injuries have been known to happen to these clowns and cowboys.

If you love to see a show that is authentic “American” put this on your to do list.

Don’t forget to wear your cowboy hat either. You will love it.

About 40 minutes along Highway towards Vero Beach from Hwy 27 you will come across River Ranch. You can’t miss it there is a bross statue of a horse at the entrance.

After a few minutes drive into the ranch you will reach the gate. On the right you will have a chance to see the buffalo roaming free.

When we arrived we decided to go into the restaurant for their all you can eat buffet but you can also just get your hotdogs and burgers beside the Rodeo paddock itself.

Those feeling a little thirsty can purchase some beer in the bar whilst you watch the gals practice their fancy footwork country and western style.

The rodeo itslef starts about 7pm and it costs around $12 to get in and watch. You will then be treated to the real thing with the young cowboys trying to tame those hefty bulls. There are about 12-15 rides to see as well as the cowboys practicsing their lassooing of the steers. this is followed by some fast horse games where they have to race around obstacles.

Its a good fun night out.

Sak Comedy Lab perform improvisation (usually known as Improv); there are no scripts, no lines, no teleprompter, just sketches made up on the spot.  Just like on “Whose Line is it Anyway?“.

Improv comes in several forms. With long form improv an entire play or story can be enacted.  With short form improv, songs, scenes and soliloquies are made up on the spot, mainly with some unusual ‘rule,’ ‘game,’ or restriction added to it. Examples of ‘games’ or ‘hoops’ as some improvisers call them:

Word at a Time Story - 2-4 improvisers take it in turns to say a word, that in whole tell a story. Each improviser only gets 1 word. The next improviser adds the next word, and so on…

Scene 3-Ways - A short simple ‘neutral’ scene is improvised. Then the audience suggests 3 unique styles or genres, and the scene is replayed three times, once in each of those styles. The styles might be movie styles, styles or genres of books, or even musical styles.

Forward/Reverse - Someone randomly calls out directions or cues that signal the scene to change. In forward/reverse, whenever the caller says “forward,” the scene moves forward. When “reverse” is called, the scene moves in reverse until forward is called again.

The comedy shows are held each evening, Tuesday to Saturday, with 2 performances on Fridays & Saturdays.

Ticket Prices (correct @ Mar 2009)

Thursday 8pm                                      $15

Friday, Saturday 8pm & 10pm             $15

Saturday 12midnight                             $10

Tuesday (Lab Rats) 9pm                      $  2

Wednesday (Gen S) 9pm                     $  5

Box Office: Tel, 407-648- 0001 for reservations, and show information.

Tuesday nights see the SAK Lab Rats on stage.  The Lab Rats are made up of selected graduates from the SAK University Improv Classes.  They have a workshop on a Tuesday night, and perform for the public later that night.   They use audience suggestions as the basis of their performance.  Occasionally they compete in a contest to win the Stanley Saucer’, but currently they are playing out a Duel of Fools format, with two teams competing for audience laughter and audience judges marking each team.  The winning team can boast of their achievement all week until the next performance.

Wednesday nights see Generation S, consisting of the best of the Lab Rats, together with seasoned improvisers.  One of the Generation S improvisers will appear alongside 5 professional improv comedians on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They have a weekly study workshop at the venue and also perform their weekly show.

Address & Directions

SAK Comedy Lab
380 W. Amelia Street
Orlando, FL32801
(407) 648-0001
(407) 648-1333 FAX

From the SOUTH (Disney, Universal, Kissimmee, Tampa)
1-4 East
Exit #83A - Amelia St.
Left of Amelia St.
Left on Hughey Ave.
Immediate right into Centroplex II Parking Garage

Parking is available in the Centroplex II parking garage, right where SAK is situated.  Here, parking costs will be between $8 and $10, and all $10 parking stubs can be redeemed at the concessions stand for $4 towards snacks during a SAK event.  Restrictions may apply.