Consider a visit to the California Grill.

The California Grill is an upmarket restaurant with good food and wine situated in Disneys Contemporary Resort. In fact it is on the top floor of the hotel which overlooks the Magic Kingdom.

We booked a table at the restaurant before travelling to Florida by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Having previously checked the time of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom at that time of year, we booked a table for 30 minutes to an hour beforehand. We booked a taxi to the hotel which delivered us to the door. Diners then go up to the 2nd floor to book into the restaurant and here you can ask for a table by the window. It isn’t always available and you stand a better chance if there are just two of you. When your table is ready you are taken up to the top floor. We were lucky enough to get a window seat so we could look over the park whilst tucking into our meals; a lovely and quite unusual view of the theme park.

As the Magic Kingdom gets ready for its display, the music is piped throughout the restaurant. You can watch the show from your seat or you can go out onto a balcony and enjoy it in the night air. A fabulous experience!

There is a dress code at the California Grill but it is still fairly informal. Check out the Disney website for details.

In fact youngsters are welcomed at the California Grill so you are welcome to go along as a family.

If you get the chance pay the California Grill a visit.

The west coast of Florida offers some most beautiful beaches.  There are several south of Tampa, but if you are prepared to drive a little further and leave the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the theme parks for a couple of days, the place to visit has got to be Sanibel and Captiva islands.  A causeway joins them to the mainland at Fort Myers over San Carlos Bay.  It is always a wonderful sight heading towards the island.  The first stop has got to be the Chamber of Commerce situated on the right hand side of the road as you enter Sanibel from the mainland and here you will be able to choose a hotel with very friendly help from the volunteer staff.  Try to stay on the west coast and on the beach as you will have direct access to the beach where you will be able to collect a variety of shells some big others  small but all very beautiful.  Most hotels encourage “shelling” by providing bags to collect them in and designated sinks to wash them.

There are numerous restaurants to suit most tastes to choose from, you will need to drive to many of them but all are worth the trip.

Why not hire a cycle as cycle paths are part of the road network so it is safe for even the little ones.  The nature reserve is a cycle ride of about 4 miles but really worth while.  Cars go past and miss a lot of the wild life that is hidden down banks or in the shrubbery.   We have seen alligators, a family of possum and Roseate Spoonbills and best of all an Osprey catching his lunch.  There is so much to see as it takes a long while to travel the whole circular route with regular stops to see the wildlife.

Captiva is joined to Sanibel by another causeway, by far the smaller island but wonderful for a day of relaxing by the sea, watch the dolphins on their southern journey in the morning and then returning just before sunset, a really breathtaking scene.

Wet’n’Wild features a day of fun for the whole family. With a wide range of activities for all ages available. You can experience heartpounding, over-the-edge intensity of many water rides! There’s something for everyone to scream about!

Sea World is a more relaxing day where you can marvel at Dolphin and Killer Whale Shows as well as seeing many marine animals, including the Manatee. In addition there are thrill rides like the Kraken for the more adventurous. Discovery Cove is a sister park to Sea World, here there is a restricted amount of visitors each day. You have the freedom to explore to your heart’s content, while doing it at your own pace. You can explore the splendour of coral reefs and grottos and experience the magic of swimming eye-to-eye with a variety of underwater creatures, such as dolphins, rays and thousands of exotic fish. This is an unmissable experience.

Busch Gardens, located near Tampa, is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens provides unrivalled excitement for guests of every age.

Your Orlando vacation is not complete without a trip to Kennedy Space Centre. Just 45 minutes from popular Orlando attractions and theme parks is NASA’s launch headquarters, the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch. You get the unique chance to tour, up close, NASA’s launch and landing facilities. You can experience interactive simulators, live shows and jaw-dropping encounters.

However, there is a great deal more to the area than the main Theme Parks.

For a really good view of the original Florida, a ride on an Airboat is a not to be missed adventure. Boggy Creek Airboats just South of the Orlando International Airport are probably the best known of many operators in the area. There you can take a 30-minute airboat ride. With earmuffs to deaden the sound of the jet engine on the back of the boat, you can skim across the surface of the lake, twisting and turning at high speed, with the wind on your face. Stopping here and there to look at alligators, turtles and other wildlife in the water around you and Eagle nests in the trees above.

Florida’s original Theme Park at Cypress Gardens has re-opened with a completely new look. The historic botanical gardens with the Southern Belles in their beautiful dresses will again be on show, as will the world famous water-skiing. You can visit a turn of the century working village and come face to face with Florida’s native animals. A new and exciting addition is 37 rides, including 4 roller coasters and the world’s tallest spinning rapids ride. A great day out for all the family. Cypress Gardens is located at Winter Haven, just 30 minutes south of Disney.

On South Orange Blossom Trail there is the home of the Florida’s oldest inhabitants, the alligator. Visit Gatorland for a view of the alligator in its natural habitat, from the boardwalk walkway with towers overlooking the river, you will be amazed at their size and number. There are many shows including the world famous Jumperoo where meat is suspended over the alligator’s heads and alligators jump into the air to snatch the food from a pole. The display of reptiles from all over the world and the poisonous snake shows are a ‘must see’. There is also a Florida Bear called Judy. There is a new Railroad train, which will give you as many rides as you want around the park. A very good day out for all the family and you can even taste alligator meat at the barbecue shack.

Since then, the friendly teller at our local bank has been saving Presidential Golden Dollars for me.  Briefly the background to these is that in December 2005, Congress approved the creation of a new dollar coinage known as ‘presidential dollars’.  During each year from 2007 to 2016, four different dollar designs, each bearing the image of a different president, are being released.  Living presidents, both current and former, are excluded from the programme.  The presidential dollars are the same golden colour as the sacagawea dollars.

On our recent visit to Florida, we discovered a coin and stamp specialist store at American Plaza, 1516 W. Vine Street, Kissimmee (on the 192).  It is an absolute treasure trove for coin or stamp enthusiasts.  The store carries an enormous amount of stock.  If anyone is searching for a specific item, I am sure the owner could track it down for you.  The tel. no is 407-933-2225.  I was able to purchase a presidential dollar coin album to start my collection.

My husband used to collect stamps many years ago, and he still has his albums.  We were interested to see second-hand collections/albums on sale.  Disney has also, over the years, released special ‘character’ postage stamps, and during the 1990’s special Disney albums of ‘Movie Classics’ were issued - A4 full story-book pages, with colourful illustrations by Disney artists and the relevant character stamps from various countries.  I couldn’t resist buying some of these, and I hope to collect some more.  

Jewellery  At Eagle Ridge shopping mall on Highway 27 between Haines City & Lakes Wales, we found Treasure Island Jewelry (outside Sears department store) 

The owner is very knowledgeable on gemstones and has some beautiful, good quality pieces on sale.

Jewellery Appraisals & Valuations  Approximately every four to six weeks, depending upon demand for the service, a certified gemologist  from the IGA will visit for the day to appraise and value customers jewellery for insurance purposes. Appointments are necessary and the fee is $85 per item.  This company also specialises in high quality loose diamonds, and customised jewellery can be obtained.

Their tel. no is 863-679-8989.

Area: Celebration Café D’Antonio This Italian restaurant is in a great location, in Celebration and offers inside and outside dining, varied menu price range $$

Columbia  - This Spanish/Columbian restaurant has a big menu, steaks, tapas, fish, lots of unusual traditional dishes.  They have their own bar next door, with a great South American duo, playing Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations accepted. Price range $$

Market Street Café American diner/café, great for lunch or early supper, suitable for families and adults.  Price range $

Area: Hwy 192 (near Splendid China) Carrabbas (also branch at Lake Buena Vista) - although this is part of a chain, food is always great, and popular with families and adult groups. Portions are big (go easy on the fresh baked bread)

Stage Door English pub, food and entertainment, just behind Ramada - for those of you that cannot miss Roasts, pie and mash and traditional English Fayre, this place will fit the bill.  It is family run, and they have regular Karaoke, and the owner sings - suitable for everyone price range $

Fast food outlets on Hwy 192 between US27 and I4 includes McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dennys, Chick Fil a - the nearest KFC or Popeyes Chick is on US27 S, near Walmart, Haines City

Area: Crossroads/ Lake Buena Vista Benihana and Kobe Japanese hibachi (similar to Chinese stir fry) with entertaining chef.  It is usually a set meal, and they accept reservations. Look for the $ off coupons - price range $-$$

Bahama Breeze

Latin,Caribbean,Steak, Ribs, Fish, Pasta -large portions and menu. They have a huge drinks list, with many different types of beer and cocktails.  They offer a limited menu outside, and there is usually entertainment (caribbean style) - they do not accept reservations.  Price range $-$$

Chevys Mexican, big portions, reasonable prices .  Busy, lots of families - price range $-$$

Area: Dr Phillips/ Sandlake Rd

Seasons 52 Healthy eating with a difference, nice surroundings, reasonable prices- smart casual recommended, not really aimed at kids though - price range $$

Universal Studios/City Walk Hard Rock Café American, steaks,burgers, ribs and fajitas

US27S – towards Haines City

Mannys Chophouse – NOT fine dining – great prices, huge portions, diner style - no reservations. Earlybird specials, kids eat free on certain nights Price range $- $

Championsgate - www.chilis.com Very convenient for those staying on US 27 Faita’s, ribs, chicken and lots more!

1. Information & Assistance

The owner will have travelled to Florida on many occasions and in the majority of cases will be more than happy to help you with any aspect of your trip. He or she will provide you with a full information pack and will be happy to answer any questions about the home, the resort or Florida in general.

2. Know where you are going

If you happen to book a villa through a Travel Agent you will more then likely be ‘allocated on arrival’. How can you plan your vacation if you don’t know exactly where you will be staying before your travel? Also, you will need to quickly follow directions to find the Management Company’s office and then the villa. Not ideal after a long flight to Florida! If you book with the owner direct, you’ll find that in most cases you will be able to go direct to the villa to collect the key at the door and you will have seen directions / maps before you even stepped on the plane.

3. Comfort & Space

So, after a long trip and you are still adjusting to the time difference, do you really want woken up by kids in the next hotel room at 5am? No? Then book a villa. You have your own spacious house with its own pool, kitchen, laundry facilities etc etc. Its home from home and you can spend as much or as little time there as you want. The kids can play all day in the pool if they want and you can relax and watch. No need to gather all your belongings & make the trek to the pool and if you forget the sun cream …. just nip back inside. No need to trek all the way back to your room or apartment at the other side of the hotel.

4. Extras

Many vacation homes have games rooms, ADSL, safes and free phone calls included as well as many other extras. The games rooms often have pool tables, foosball and or table tennis. These are fantastic facilities to keep the kids entertained (and the parents!) on the odd rainy day. If you need to keep in touch by e-mail, most home now include wireless internet connections and some even have a PC for you to use.

5. Price

If you are travelling with just your own family then a 3 Bed villa will often work out at a similar price to a hotel room for a week. If there is a bigger group (6 or more), you will often find a villa works out at great value for money. Consider this ….

You rent a 5 bedroom villa at $1,000 per week for 10 people. That’s only $100 each per week or $14.29 per night!! That has to be fantastic value for money in any language when you consider the size & quality of facility you are renting.

Have a great vacation!