It has grown amazingly over recent years with millions of holidaymakers flying into and out of its International Airport.

Most visitors assume they have seen Orlando, when really all they have done is visit the theme parks.  Orlando is a thriving business city, with fine buildings, shops and restaurants.  

Downtown Orlando

Possibly the most well known downtown area is Church Street Station – an entertainment centre similar to Universal’s City Walk and Downtown Disney .

The Train Depot is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places and contains numerous historical artefacts. The most impressive of which is ‘Old Duke’ the steam locomotive featured in the film ‘Wings of Eagles’ staring John Wayne.

Church Street Station also offers live entertainment, fine dining and the Church Street Exchange Shopping Emporium - a three story complex that has over 50 shops, restaurants and midway games.

Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Emporium is Church Street Station’s original bar, and features dark wood bar and brass fixtures. The  Dixieland Jazz Revue - complete with bartop can-can dancers and a specialty cocktail,  the Flaming Hurricane, are it’s popular attractions. 

Phineas Phogg’s Balloon Works.  Where you can dance the night away. Weekend nights are crowded and it is a great atmosphere.

Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House.   This magnificent building is one of the staples of Church Street Station, built inside a former opera house.   Spread out over three levels it is decorated old west memorabilia and there is plenty lively country & western music.

Lake Eola Park.  This lovely park, including its lake, covers an area of 43 acres.  The lake has a beautiful central fountain which is illuminated at night.  From the lake you will have a great view of soaring the Orlando skyline with its magnificent modern skyscrapers.  The sidewalk that circles the lake is almost a mile long.  Swan-shaped paddle boats can be rented for $12 per half hour, and electric gondola boats $15 per half hour.  The Walt Disney Amphitheatre often has live concerts or a play, and there are many good restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal.  There is a Japanese Garden with pagoda and also a children’s play area.  Admission to the park is free and it is handicapped accessible.  This park is a safe area to visit and is well worth seeing.

We did this in July this year, and combined it with a trip to the KennedySpaceCenter.

We chose the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour, which runs in the evenings from June to October. During these warm summer months, when it gets dark, the waters of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are lit up with a naturally occurring bioluminescence. Any movement in the water produces an eerie light, and as you paddle you will leave a stream of illuminated bubbles in your wake.

We arrived in the evening an hour dark, at the Haulover Canal Launch on MerritIsland, near Titusville. After some instruction, having been kitted out with life jackets and nightlights - and having signed the inevitable waiver - we set off, two to a kayak. There were around half a dozen kayaks to the group, with three guides.

We immediately spotted manatees, who came to investigate us and swim around for a while. As we paddled up the Indian River we saw dolphins, more manatees, and racoons on the bank of the river. There was, of course, also the usual plethora of birdlife.

As darkness arrived, the bioluminescence burst into life. In Mosquito Lagoon, we paddled through a school of mullet which leapt out the water all round us, in a bright bluey-green glow. Quite amazing!

There was a slightly unnerving incident when one of the kayaks –not ours I’m happy to say) was hit by a large animal underwater. The couple in the boat were certain that it was a very large alligator. Happily we all got back to land safely.

The trip lasts two and a half hours and cost us $32 each. - well worth it for a bit of real-life excitement and wildlife watching.

Words of warning: you may just have spotted that the trip took place partly in Mosquito Lagoon. It doesn’t get that name for nothing, and it is important that you dress appropriately and take plenty of repellent. You will also get wet, so make sure you have a change of clothing with you.

“A Day Away” provide other kayaking tours, as do various other companies. Why not give it a go? You won’t regret it..

Those good, old, reliable suitcases we have used for our past holidays, usually still complete with a few grains of sand from that last beach holiday - are no longer as practical as they once were. Our traditional suitcases  weighed up to 6 kilograms (13 pounds). That’s over a quarter of our total baggage allowance gone before we even begun packing! and we were looking at being charged a fee for excess baggage!!.
So we decided to act, and invest in a new set of Lightweight luggage. What a difference it has made. it has given us much more room for manouvre! 
Lightweight luggage is a great solution to the stringent baggage weight limits and means you will be able to get extra presents home. 
The initial cost easily outways!!! the Excess Charges you can save in the long run.
Check the weight of your Cases now and see how much you can save, it was worth it for us.

The guide on board is very knowledgeable and loves to discuss  the different birds and animals that you may see and will always stop so that visitors have ample opportunities to view them.  

We have been several times and each visit has shown us new and exciting wildlife.  There  are many alligators to spot, some much larger than others, and from a safe distance there are many opportunities to take the memorable photo of “the one that got away”.  The trip will last about 20 – 30 minutes, make sure you have plenty of sun cream on before you climb aboard, remove your hat and anything else that is not firmly attached to you, if you don’t you will most certainly loose it.

There is a small shop where you can buy a few souvenirs, reference books, drinks and food.  All the staff are really friendly and will answer most of the questions that you  may have regarding your trip out onto the lake.

There are opportunities to hire a smaller craft for a private party, but they have to be booked in advance,  this I am sure would give you greater freedom to seek out the quieter corners of this very large lake. 

All in all a really good way to spend a quieter day away from the theme parks, and to see a more natural Florida.

Many experienced shoppers choose to visit one or more of the flea markets in the area as part of their shopping experience.  There are several along the 192, with others a little further afield.  Here are a few suggestions…..

Maingate Flea Market

Situated along the 192 Highway, the Maingate Flea Market takes its name from Disney’s Maingate, which is just a few miles away.  400 booths can be found here in air conditioned comfort - look out for the huge Orange Gift Store (the Flea Market is alongside it).  Open daily.

192 Flea Market Outlet

A little further east along the 192, the 192 Flea Market Outlet is a similar size, and located close to Wal-Mart and Medieval Times. Open daily

Flea World

Flea World dwarfs the two previously mentioned flea markets.  It is a little further away from the attractions, between Orlando and Sanford on Highway 17-92.  Whilst The Maingate Flea Market and the 192 Flea Market Outlet are both open daily, Fleaworld is only open at weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).  With an amusement park to keep the youngsters happy whilst parents shop, Flea World features 1700 booths, and claims an average of around 50,000 visitors each and every weekend.  With air conditioning, Flea World claims to be America’s biggest flea market.

Convenience

As well as easy to find locations, the flea markets offer plenty of free parking.

What To Buy

The range of goods at these flea markets tends to be geared towards the tourist market.  Expect to find a wide array of T-Shirts, beach towels, suitcases, shoes etc.

Prices

There are claims of prices at the flea markets being up to 70% cheaper than malls.  This is difficult to verify, as direct comparisons are not always easy, as some of the goods at the flea markets are seconds, or previous season’s products.  But what cannot be denied is that prices in Central Florida are very competitive, particularly for European visitors, and the prices at the flea markets reflect this.  They are not to everyone’s taste, as they don’t try to compete with the luxury facilities at the malls.  The only way to find out is to include them in your vacation shopping excursions, and compare the prices for yourself.  Without a doubt there are real bargains to be found.

A small device called a ‘SunPass Transponder’ or ‘SunPass Mini Sticker Transponder’ attaches to the inside of the car windscreen just below the rear view mirror.  This transponder communicates with the toll plaza reading equipment via radio frequency.  As the car goes through a SunPass equipped lane, toll charges are electronically deducted from the user’s prepaid toll account.

The SunPass system is used to provide a safe state turnpike system, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by providing a convenient and efficient electronic payment system for Florida residents.  Users must notify SunPass of any change in vehicle, vehicle registration or licence plate.  More than one vehicle can be registered on a user’s pre-paid account, as can more than one transponder.

A SunPass Portable transponder, is available online at www.SunPass.com and at all authorized SunPass retailers.  It cost $25 plus tax. A silver radio frequency shield bag is also supplied when a portable transponder is purchased, so that if the user decides to pay cash at the toll booth, the transponder will not be read when placed in this bag.

A SunPass Mini Sticker transponder is only available at authorized SunPass retailers.  This costs $4.99 plus tax.  The Mini Sticker transponders can not be transferred between vehicles as removal from the windscreen renders it useless

Both transponders allow motorists to have tolls electronically deducted from a prepaid account.  The minimum opening balance for a personal account for either transponder is $10.00

The benefit of using SunPass is that, as well as being a well-organized method of collecting tolls, SunPass customers pay less than cash paying customers.

Violations:

If the transponder is not in the vehicle as it passes through a SunPass lane.

If the transponder is not mounted on the windscreen, unless there is metallic oxide in the windscreen, which will necessitate it being mounted elsewhere.

Pre-Paid Limit Low:

The portable transponder will give out a series of tones: high-low-high-low.  The Mini Sticker transponder has to be checked at www.Sunpass.com ;this method can also be used by the portable transponder.

Payment on line takes up to 2 days to update the transponder, 3 days by payment at a Wachovia bank, or 7 days by post.

You normally have the choice of two fun-filled 18-hole adventures, some of which are on different levels.  We normally end up doing both.   The one we recently went to, Jungle Golf, lets you buy an “All Day Pass” so you can return as many times are you like during that day.  During the very hot days, it is probably better to play during the evenings.

Most of the courses can be found along the 192 in Kissimmee and International Drive, but you can also find a few in Disney, namely Fantasia Golf and Winter Summerland, next to Blizzard Beach.  These are slightly more expensive than the others, but still great fun.  You can also prebook these ones as they are generally more busy.  When we visited these on our last visit we purchased our tickets for Fantasia, and received a discount voucher to play one of the other Disney miniature golf courses the following day. 

Before buying your tickets, check out the discount books for the various discount vouchers available.  Its worth looking as you save a few dollars per person. 

For most visitors, there’s nothing quite like this back home, and I think a visit to at least one miniature golf attraction should be included in every Orlando vacation.

Some Miniature Golf courses to visit:

Hawaian Rumble (www.hawaiianrumbleorlando.com )

Jungle Golf

Congo River (www.congoriver.com )

Pirates Cover (www.piratescove.net)

Have Fun!

For breakfast, both Ponderosa and Sizzlers put on a really good buffet. You just help yourself to as much or as little as you like and there is a really good choice.

The Subway in Formosa Mall is good for fresh rolls.

For seafood, we have had really good meals at The Red Lobster at the top of the road on the right hand side. Captain Nemo’s further down on the 192 is another good choice for seafood. Angels at the Holiday Inn Nikki Bird, do a seafood buffet in the setting of a 1950’s diner, we did not find this as good as the other two suggestions.

For ribs try Tony Roma’s at International Drive, and Logan’s Roadhouse on the 192. We have also tried The Outback at the Formosa Mall who are good for steaks, etc. The Longhorn by mile marker 10 does really good steaks, and other meals.

We have tried the Cracker Barrel in the Formosa Mall which is ok for an everyday meal out. Worth knowing though is the fact that there is a no alcohol rule.

For Italian food, we have tried Carrabba’s in Formosa Gardens Mall which was very good. There was a happy hour from 5 – 7, two drinks for the price of one so got very crowded. Another recommendation is Giordano’s, also in the Mall, which was good for pizzas and other Italian dishes.

We have also eaten at the Market Place Café in Celebration which has a good choice of reasonably priced meals, and home cooked and has lovely views of the lake. Most of the restaurants in Celebration have outside seating with fans which makes a pleasant change from eating in.

A couple of recommendations from guests are as follows:

Regarding restaurant recommendations, my family enjoyed “Mom’s Prime Time Cafe” in MGM Studios. It’s set in the ’50’s and it’s like sitting in Mom’s kitchen. You have to “eat up your greens”, and if you don’t the Waiter might get everyone at nearby tables to make train noises and spoon-feed you. There’s great interaction with the waiters, and if you’re prepared to join in it can be a lot of fun. You need to book in advance through any Disney Guest Relations.
Another Disney Restaurant you might like to add on is “The Whispering Canyon” in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Hotel. It’s great for 4 - 8 year old children. Again, lots of interaction with the waiters for that age group. Advance booking through Disney Guest Relations in necessary.
Both above restaurants can be looked up on Disneyworld website for further information.

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!