From the parking lot, the first entertainment is the fun-fair with several carousels, a roller-coaster and one of those vertical drop towers to compact your spine should you be too tall!!  You can try the reverse trip at the other end of the street and we tell you about that later.

For a while, the vintage and customized cars are on static display in the main narrow street that becomes a pedestrian area. Taking a slow walk from one end to the other can be an ideal solution for the average couple. The chaps envy and stare at the hardware with fins and chrome and hoods open with 5 litre plus engines and talk to the proud owners who are polishing and preening in the hope to be awarded the prize of the evening. The girls are walking in and out of the street side curiosity shops and side shows including haunted houses with street side ghosts ready to welcome you in if you are that brave.

There are numerous bars and diners on the sidewalk and usually a jazz band to entertain half way along the walk.

Having reached the end of the street, it’s time to consider a real adrenalin rush if you dare and volunteer to be”the one” to be launched into space on the biggest rubber bands you have ever seen in your life!!!! You sit on the seat and the bands are tensioned vertically between the twin lit towers which are visible for miles around. I suppose there must be a good view from up there!!!!!!!!.

There is karting and other rides going on under the catapult and to the side of the complex, another frightening gravity swing arrangement where you are hanging in a sling and winched up to a great height and then dropped!!!  Sounds like fun – Try it!!!

What a lovely way to spend an evening in Orlando.

January

Kissimmee St Cloud Senior Games are held in late January at a range of venues throughout OsceolaCounty.  Sportsmen and women aged 50 years and older can participate in a wide range of activities within their own age groups.  Winners can compete in the State Senior Games held later in the year.

Events include:                                                                                                             

Archery                        Basketball        Bowling            CyclingTable Tennis     Track & Field             Race Walking                 Volleyball         Golf                  Shuffleboard     5k Run             Bridge  Cribbage    Swimming               Billiards            Tennis                             

Registration forms can be obtained from the Athletics Division (407- 518-2504). The registration fees are $15 for participants’ first event, and $3 for each additional event.

February

Osceola County Fair and Livestock Show is held in early February, at the OsceolaHeritagePark (located 1mile west of the Florida Turnpike: exit 244 on Highway 192 in Kissimmee/exit 242 from the south).  This is a ten-day event, during which a wide variety of agricultural and carnival-related events take place. Expect big crowds at this popular event, especially when the rodeo event begins.

Daily Admission $5.00 Adults, Seniors & Children 5-11 $3.00, Children 4 & under FREE.

For more information: www.osceloacountyfair.com

March

Kissimmee Bluegrass Festival is held in early March at the OsceolaHeritagePark. The Kissimmee Bluegrass Festival is an event lasting three days and features old time country music, food and arts & craft exhibits.

For more information: www.ohpark.com

April

JazzFest Kissimmee Festival is a free event held in LakefrontPark featuring professional jazz artists as well as local musicians.  Food and drink are also available.

May

Orlando International Fringe Festival is held at LochHavenPark, 900E Princeton Street, Orlando – it is the oldest annual un-juried theatre festival in the US.  The popular 10-day event sees a wide selection of theatrical and performing artists take to the streets, local converted office spaces and theaters to offer visitors the best in alternative entertainment. 

For more information: www.orlandofringe.org    

June

The Silver Spurs Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and is ranked in the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. It has been an OsceolaCounty tradition since 1944. The Silver Spurs Rodeos are held twice a year in February and June, inside the Osceola Heritage Park (see February for directions).

For more information: www.silverspursrodeo.com

July

Independence Day Celebrations - July 4th, is one of OsceolaCounty’s biggest annual events, the July 4th celebrations include food festivals, arts and crafts, karaoke, stage entertainment, water ski show and the customary fireworks spectacular.

Independence Day is also one of the busiest times of the year at the theme parks, with many of them having extended opening times.

August

The ‘Pins Around Our World’ Festival - mid-August, lovers of pin badges should head for Orlando in order to attend this annual event at which they are given the opportunity to view and purchase rare and unusual Disney pins from other collectors. During the four-day event, Disney releases twenty new limited edition pins that visitors have the chance to bid for.

September

Annual Mexican Fiesta - held at Orlando Festival Park, the Annual Mexican Fiesta is a commemoration of Mexican Independence Day and offer visitors stalls and displays featuring traditional Mexican food, art, folklore and music.

October

2008 will see the 13th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – held mid-October to mid-November.  Your Epcot admission is all that is need to take part in this event.  The festival celebrates the culinary delights of more than 30 nations, with visitors treating their taste buds at 20 international food and wine displays. There is also live entertainment provided – see website for schedule: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/events.htm     

November

The Osceola Art Festival - mid to late November, the Osceola Art Festival is an annual event held at LakefrontPark that offers visitors the chance to view some of the country’s most inspiring works of art. Pieces on display include sculpture, photography and oil paintings among other genres.

(Moving to February after 2008)

A truly enchanting Christmas is created at the Gaylords Palms Resort (6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida), called ICE! .  From late November until early January, there is an enormous ice carving on display. Two million pounds of ice is hand-carved into a truly spectacular Christmas winter wonderland.

For more information: www.gaylordpalms.com/ice

December

Annual Christmas Festival Of Lights Parade - Kissimmee sees in the Yuletide season with its annual night time parade, featuring brightly lit floats that make their way across the city. Festive music, food and drink can be found everywhere along the parade’s route.

But visitors shouldn’t overlook the opportunity to see some new blockbuster films, perhaps catch some live music - or visit one of the largest music stores you are ever likely to encounter!

Films

Films are often released in the USA ahead of the rest of the world.  So check out the listings - see the local newspaper ‘The Orlando Sentinel’, or have a look when passing one of the cinemas (or theaters).  There are two large multi screen cinemas in the area, as well as many smaller cinemas.  No prizes for guessing where the two largest cinemas are - Downtown Disney and Universal City Walk.  A visit to one of these is a great way to finish off a day at the theme parks.  And Florida being Florida, tickets are usually cheaper than in Europe, and there are plenty of opportunities to finish the evening with a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Music

The House of Blues at Downtown Disney has live music most evenings -featuring local bands as well as better known artists.  Many different styles of music are catered for - as they are at other local venues.  The Hard Rock Cafe also has regular live music (the venue was opened by Elton John) - although many of the bigger names stage concerts at the Amway Arena, a few miles North of the attractions area, just off the Interstate I-4 near Downtown Orlando.  A few weeks before your holiday, check the websites for each venue to see if there is something that tempts you.

Listening to Music

There are countless local radio stations, each specialising for a particular market.  For ‘rock and roll of yesterday and today’ tune in to 98.9 WMMO - if you have to wait longer than a couple of hours for a track from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ you must have tuned in to another station!

Buying Music

Great prices on DVDs, videos and CDs at Wal-Mart and the other supermarkets.  But for the widest choice, visit the enormous Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney.  But a word of warning for visitors from outside the USA - make sure your DVD and video players are compatible before taking advantage of the great prices.

Many of the impersonators in this show have performed at some of the biggest casinos in the country and in some of the biggest shows including the world-renowned Legends in Concerts and these acts are some of the most talented to be seen. With upbeat singing and dancing. The beautiful showgirls will be dressed in colorful headdresses, huge hats, feather boas, and loaded with rhinestones and sequins appropriate for all ages. The revue is included in the price of a Fair admission ticket. Show times vary each day:
• Thurs., Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Fri., Feb. 8 and Sat., Feb. 9 at 3, 5 and 7 p.m.
• Sun., Feb 10 through Wed., Feb. 13 at 1, 3, and 5 p.m.

All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices, and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.  Fair gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 11; and free for children five and younger.  NO RE-ENTRY is permitted without an admission ticket.  Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and parking is free during the 12 days of the Fair. 

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located just seven miles east of downtown Tampa, with easy access via I-75, I-4, U.S. Highway 301, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, and Orient Road.  For more information about the 2008 Florida State Fair, call toll-free (800) 345-FAIR or (813) 621-7821, visit .

Take a stroll down City Walk on a Friday Night at Universal, If you go after 6 o’clock you do not have to pay car parking in the big Multi-storey car park.

You reach the long escalator at the entrance and you are greeted with music to get you in the holiday atmosphere.

The new Restaurant Forrest Gump has not been opened very long and is to be highly recommend especially for its shrimp and if you have not had too many Margarita’s you may be able to answer some of the trivia questions about the film Forrest Gump that the waiters ask you, just to while away the minutes until your lovely food is served. Great Atmosphere!

A quick look at the Multiplex Cinema to see what films are on, and a look in the lovely shops, is just the start of an exciting night. Just around the corner is the sound of a great band. Orange Avenue. People of all ages are joining in, clapping, dancing, singing along including us at 52, we love them. What a nice bunch of lads they are too, they take the time and trouble to speak to all the fans at the concert and hand out free photos of the band that they sign for you. One member shook mine and my husband’s hand, what nice lads they are! So grateful for our praise.

My Daughter aged 21 and son 20 loves them and is now the proud owner’s photos on their wall. If you like rock music you will love them, not only can they really play  they can really sing and my daughter thinks they are all gorgeous! {me too!}

I hope someone like Simon Cowel discovers them, they deserve a break.

Keep walking around and you discover many good and exciting restaurants and a truly memorable night.

All the best Val and Steve Goymer

Thursday Nights Motor Cycles drive through, hundreds of biker enthusiasts show off their machines.

Saturday Night Over 300 Vintage US cars display their stuff. Live music in the street. Great night out with no cover charge.

CELEBRATION  Just off  the 192. A charming village with millionaire’s villas leading to the Village Square. There are events on, usually on Saturdays & Sundays. Excellent eating places around the lake. The nearest cinema to our villa is here with its 50s Style appearance showing all the latest film releases.

WEBSTER MARKET

Approximately 1 hours drive. Head north on Highway 27 to Junction of Highway 50 (Clermont).  Head due West for approximately 35 miles. Look out for small sign post WEBSTER. It is at a crossroads with a large petrol station, take a right, the market is 3 miles along this road. There are lots of parking spaces on your right. Head to the far end of the market and enter the part under the trees, this is the wholesale area but they sell to individuals. The best bargains/prices are here.

THE VILLAGES

A Beautiful and Unique village community. Excellent eating places, live music. A real step back in time. Great atmosphere in a seemingly perfect setting. Head North on Highway 27 for approximately 55/60 miles. Well sign posted as you get closer to it.  A lovely day & evening out. It takes about 1 hour from the villa but well worth it.

THE GAYLORDS

Excellent dining especially at the Café De La Flora Buffet, there is a different European buffet each day/night. Key West style dining area on board a Large sailing ship, live alligators, Botanic garden area in quite a special setting.

ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

You can see the animals from the Park in their own environment as they bed down for the night. A wonderful African Buffet at the Bouma restaurant, with an amazing “Sweet” selection. At the entrance, inform them you are going in for a meal and they will direct you to the visitors parking area.

DISNEY BOARDWALK

A leisurely stroll along the Boardwalk, with all sorts of entertainment going on as you pass by. Plenty of dining places, ideal for a relaxing evening stroll. The fireworks display from Epcot can be seen from the bridge just along from the massive sports bar/restaurant every night at 9pm.

THE STAGE DOOR

Approximately 1 mile from the Junction 192 West/ Hwy27 along the 192.  there is a large US Flag flying, (signs on the road side), is set just behind the main shop frontage. With Cabaret/Karaoke nights offers nightly entertainment. (Closed Mondays). Sinatra style Host/Owner introduces the local talent. English menu, Fish & Chips, Sunday lunches. A little bit more expensive but you do have the entertainment thrown in.  Don’t run a “Tab” as they add on a 15% service charge. Pay for your drinks as you get them.

We love going to Downtown Disney when we are on holiday in Florida. Its an enormous shopping, entertaining and dining complex that is totally free to enter, plus it has free car parking and its also the place where you can find the free Disney transportation buses that takes you to all the Disney hotels. Whilst its free to shop and park at Downtown Disney - be warned that the car parks are enormous so its a good idea to make a note of the area you parked in. The parking lots are from A up to Q.
 
It is split into 3 areas: Marketplace, Pleasure Island and WestSide. 
 
The Marketplace area has many cafes & restaurants including McDonalds, Fulton’s Crab House, Earl of Sandwich, Rainforest Cafe plus my personal favourite: Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream and Chocolate shop where you can get free samples daily. Goofys Candy Co sells lots of sweets plus its one of the few places in Disney that you can get a cup of hot tea and its cheap as well - it only cost about 50p for a cup. There are plenty of Disney shops at Marketplace including World of Disney, Team Mickey and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where you can get Princess Makeovers - I’ve seen the results from these makeovers and the little girls look absolutely gorgeous - just like tiny princesses. Pooh corner is my sons favourite shop (even though he’s 15 now) he bought a lovely big Winnie The Pooh teddy when we visited in Sept. There is a Pin Trading station that is the largest one in all the Disney Resorts and is located in the middle of Marketplace.
 
There are lots of non-Disney shops though and Basin is a shop that sells home made soaps and bath salts etc. They have some lovely products and I can’t resist going in without coming out with a bag full of soaps. They sell them in slices and they even have Mickey Mouse ones which would look lovely in our vacation villas. The Lego Imagination Centre is a great place to take small children because they get to play on the outdoor park, play with Lego or have their photo taken with one of the many large Lego models on display. One of them is a team of husky dogs pulling a sledge, another is a snoring Lego man on a bench that you can sit next to.
 
Pleasure Island was a separate section that you had to pay to enter and is where a lot of nightclubs were - these all closed in Sept 2008 to make way for more family friendly entertainment and shops. Raglan Road, an Irish pub and restaurant is still open though and in Oct 2008, T-Rex, a dinosaur themed restaurant opened at Pleasure Island next to McDonalds. Fuego Cigar shop, Orlando Harley Davidson and Curl: a surf shop, are other shops open at Pleasure Island. 
 
Over at West Side, this is where DisneyQuest is located plus the Virgin Megastore, Planet Hollywood, House of Blues, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil and a 24 screen AMC cinema. There are many other shops and restaurants that I have not mentioned. If you are flying Virgin, you can check your luggage in here for a small fee on your last day which saves lugging the cases around all day - they have an area at the back of the Megastore where they issue your boarding cards etc.
 
You can get a free water taxi from West Side that takes you over to the Rainforest Cafe at Marketplace or vice versa, This saves you walking from one end to the other because it is quite a long way. These water taxis also take you to Disney’s Port Orleans, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs resorts. Its well worth going having a look around the hotels if you only ever stop in vacation villas.