We had been advised to arrive early so were at the entrance at 8.30 am. Once inside the park we were shown where to get our wet suites and bag containing sun screen, mask and snorkle . It was then off to breakfast. A wonderful choice of fruit cereals and pastries plus cold drinks and coffee.

Our swim with the dolphins was at 10.30 so after the briefing we went down to the pool. We had only booked for my husband and daughter to do the swim. My son and myself stood on the edge and took video and photos.  At the end of the swim my daughter was taken to one side and all of a sudden a dolphin swam up to her with a plastic bouy in his mouth. On it was written Happy Birthday Zoe love from Discovery Cove. Her face was a picture!

My husband and daughter were then taken for a de briefing. When the had gone a trainer told us to go for lunch when the had finished and then make sure we returned to the restaurant at 2.30pm.

We had a fabulous lunch, lots of dishes to choose from and plenty to eat. At 2.30pm we did as we had been asked and returned to the restaurant. A table had been laid with our names on it. There was a table cloth and special plates and serviettes. Once we had sat down we were asked what we would like to drink. After the drinks had arrived the band that had been playing started playing Happy Birthday and a line of staff members arrived carrying a birthday cake for Zoe! She was delighted. We could only manage a tiny piece each so the rest was boxed up and was waiting at the exit of the park for us when we left.

We spent the afternoon swimming with the rays and enjoying all that the park has to offer. This also includes free drinks and snacks through out the day. I must also mention the restrooms. Beautiful towels, shampoo, shower gel and hair dryers in everyone!      

A truley fantastic day and one she will remember for a very long time!

Actually, lots of things stir - exotic birds, turtles, snakes and alligators - most of them alerted by the noise of the oncoming Airboat.

Now if you are looking for a quiet refined mode of transport, this may not be for you. It’s a bit like sitting in a tin tray with an enormous fan at the back, and ear defenders are supplied. However, if you are looking for a wild ride over swamp, lake, and a bit of dry land, you’ll have the time of your life. Disney - eat your heart out, this is a thrill ride, and it‘s REAL!

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides are to be found at South Port - which really is in the middle of nowhere, away from all the hustle and bustle of Kissimmee. From the 192, take the road to Poinciana, south of Kissimmee, then the South Port Rd to South Port - it’s the end of the road so you can’t miss it. You will pass Horse World on the way down Poinciana Boulevard, so if you want to combine your airboat trip with a trail ride Western-style you can do that too.

The normal airboat ride last half an hour, and no reservations are needed. Just fork out the $25 required (unless you have come prepared with a voucher available from all good coupon magazines which gives each adult $1 off the price). You can, if you prefer, take a 45 minute private tour (up to 6 persons at $45 each) or plump for a one hour Night Tour between March and October, gliding through the swamp searching for gators, but you will need to make a reservation for that.

While you wait for your Airboat ride to go, you can handle an alligator, and have a snap - sorry, perhaps that should be a “photograph” - taken doing so. Don’t worry, the gator in question will be one of the baby ones - two years old, and as many feet long.

On our tour, we did see alligators, one adult (seven or eight feet long) and lots of little ones, but the ride is equally rewarding for the large number of birds that manage to get in the way of the boat (or is it the other way around?). We saw ibis, egret, crane, and heron, as well as larger birds such as a snail kite and an osprey.

There are several Airboat Ride companies operating in the area. Why not give one of them a try? You’ll love it!

Advance Reservations for Disney restaurants can be made 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463).  When you make your Advance Reservations be sure to indicate what special dietary needs you have.

A list of all the restaurants can be found on the Walt Disney World website. 

If you have any children under the age of 3, they can eat free!

My children really enjoy these restaurants, especially the character ones!  As some of these restaurants are not located in the parks, you still get the feel of Disney without having to enter the parks. My children enjoy going to the hotels and having their character dinners, and then travelling around on the monorail!

After browsing around the shops head off towards the lake for a boat trip. This takes you around the lake past some fabulous homes whose gardens stretch right down to the lakeside, some with their own boat house too. There are several lakes linked by narrow canals which all adds to the interest. The guide was very informative and was very knowlegeable about the area. Be sure to wear a sun hat and sunscreen as the combination of sun and breeze can take you unawares until it is too late.

The gardens are almost 50 acres with sweeping lawns down to the edge of Lake Rowena. It is well known for its wonderful collection of Camellias which were in full bloom in February when we visited. There are many other areas set out with palms, bamboo, a rose garden, floral clock, tropical stream garden and a very colourful butterfly garden with several species of large butterflies swooping around.

The garden house which is where you enter the gardens has facitities for conferences and banquets and small parties. Whilst we were there a bride and groom were having their photos taken around the gardens, a wonderful setting for such a special day.

There is also a guided tour around the Leu House Museum but we left that for our next visit with the parents, as we know they will enjoy a day out there as much as we did.

A very relaxing time for an adults day out, who appreciate the variety of plants in Florida and are looking to do something different.

Everyday when we went out in the car the music got us in the holiday mood. We even tuned in the radio at the villa so we could listen to it over breakfast by the pool. With it being a local station, based in Winter Park, Orlando there is always information about local events. One such event was a Homes and Gardens exhibition at the Orange Convention Centre off International drive. So we went along to investigate. Much like our Ideal Home exhibition in London, but on a smaller scale. Lots of interesting stalls with household gadgets, food samples etc. A nice day out.

On our last trip in February 2008 there was the 4th Annual art & Music Festval around the Lake at Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Lots of colourful art and craft stalls set out ariound the lake, and live music in the small ampitheatre located on the edge of the lake. A great free afternoons entertainment.

So when you are in the Kissimmee/Orlando area, tune in to 103.1 WLOQ for great tunes and information.