Surrounding the villa is conservation woodland and “Poohshouse” backs onto it. From the pool area you can see the beautiful butterflies and numerous red admiral birds feed from the bird feeder. Buzzards fly high over the area and an owl or two has been seen on the branches of the trees by the pool area as well as the small eagles. it is so relaxing to get up early morning and sit with your coffee and listen to the birds and the wild life.

In October, the houses are decorated in the Halloween theme and we have to make sure that we have plenty of sweets ready as the whole estate gets involved and whole families come dressed up, knocking at the door to “Trick or treat”. So far we have been lucky not to have had a trick played on us. (Thank heavens for Wall Marts endless supply of sweets, dressing up masks and witches hats, which I might add is open 24hrs of the day).

In December the whole estate comes to life again with all the villas decorated with twinkling Christmas lights over bushes and candy stick lights in the ground, there are blow-up snowmen, and even reindeers on the roof. Each year there seems to be competition to see who can get the brightest of displays and all friends and neighbours get involved in decorating the houses.

On New Years Eve we all head off to Disney for the New Years Eve firework display. AMAZING NIGHT although very packed it is nice to see the firework display and the excitement for both adults and children.  

Wet and wild is a good park if you really like water slides because it has loads of them, but is no relaxing space.

But there is some good slides like “Bran Wash” which is a big drop, it drops you in a tube 2-4 people per tube. There is a little park for the kids with the bubble which is a big bubble with water coming down which you slide down on.

Magic kingdom

Magic kingdom is very good for all ages. The main street is where all the main shows take place like “Spectro magic & Wishes” gathering by the castle with fire works and lights and Tinkerbelle. There are other “lands” with rides and shows in like “Tomorrow land” which is all equipped with things for the future, there is a “in the dark rollercoaster” called Space Mountain. There are more “lands” like “Adventure Land” with the great ride “Pirates of the Caribbean”. There are also “lands” like “Frontier Land with the very good “Thunder Railway”. There is also a “land” for younger kids which is “Mickey Toon Town Fair” which is a good for little kid with little kiddie roller coasters and fair rides.

Animal kingdom

Animal kingdom is very good it has the ride called the “Everest”, which is a very scary rollercoaster. It is based around Asia and Africa. So you can picture what it looks like very green, with a wide selection of animals including Monkeys, Gorillas, Giraffe and Birds. There is a wide selection of rides from rollercoaster’s to water rides. There is also a wide selection of shows for all the family to watch.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is all about glitz and glamour with movie theatres and dress shops which are all props. But it is a very good park it has to big rides with the Rock and Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror. There is a animation bit of the park with a show from Kermit the frog and Miss piggy. You can go behind the scenes in real movie studios to see what producers do. There are skylines like in Manhattan so you can get the “REAL” feeling of different parts of America.

Winter Park

The Morse Museum (or ‘The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’ to give it its full name) is situated in Winter Park, a little way to the north of the attractions area - around a 30 or 40 minute drive along the Interstate I-4.  Winter Park in itself is a pleasant destination, featuring other museums (including The Cornell Fine Arts Museum and The Albin Polasek Museum), pleasant gardens (Central Park and Kraft Azalea Gardens), and a fairly exclusive shopping area along Park Avenue.

Louis Comfort Tiffany

One of the main features at The Morse Museum is the Tiffany Exhibition, billed as one of the world’s foremost collections of his work.  Before visiting the museum, I must confess that my knowledge of Tiffany’s work was primarily from looking at the lampshades in a TGIs restaurant.  I am now enlightened - or at least have a greater understanding of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.  He lived from 1848 to 1933, and this museum houses a wide range of his work.  This work includes jewellery, pottery, paintings (whilst not his primary skill, Tiffany was a very accomplished painter) - as well as the leaded glass windows and lamps he is better known for.

1893 Chicago World Expo

Possibly the finest element of the museum’s exhibits is a restoration of the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  Many reviews claim this part of the museum is worth the admission price alone - this is undoubtedly true, as admission is a bargain at just a couple of dollars.  Although even this cut price admission is waived during some evenings, when visitors are admitted after 4pm without charge.

Funding

Whilst admission is low cost, the museum does not receive public funds, and therefore opportunities will be presented for small donations to be made.  And, of course, merchandise is on offer, much of it in the Tiffany style.

Summary

We recommend a visit to Winter Park and The Morse Museum, particularly as a pleasant way to spend an evening - perhaps taking advantage of the free admission (although if you enjoy the exhibition, do please help fund the exhibition with a small donation).  The museum is open most days, but do check before travelling.

Go left at the roundabout and follow the road to Stump Pass State Park Beach. Park and pay $2 (in honesty box) – spaces are limited to 40 cars. This is the bottom end of Manasota Key where  Lemon Bay meets the Gulf. On this narrow strip you can choose to look out on to the Inter-coastal waterway or walk on the fine sandy beach. Here the beach is quieter and you will find fishermen casting lines into the Gulf. They are often closely watched by local herons that sneak up and pinch the odd fish or two from the bucket – if the fisherman is not looking!

There is a short nature trail at the Pass, signposted with information of what you might see there. Restroom facilities are available. Pets are not allowed on this beach. There is no lifeguard on duty and swimmers will have to beware of the strong currents if they venture out. At the roundabout, if you go right you will be immediately at  Chadwick Park or Englewood Beach (as the locals call it). This is a popular beach with excellent facilities: restrooms with changing areas and showers, covered sitting area, grills, 4 small free picnic shelters, a larger picnic shelter which can be hired for functions, children’s play area, basketball and volleyball courts. Parking is 50 cents an hour (sheriff’s deputies do patrol and have been known to ticket offenders)

There is a long boardwalk across the beach front. The beach is quite large and wide and usually buzzing with activity. There are shops, bars scooter and boat rentals nearby. Pets are not allowed at this beach. Sunset is a very popular time down here as people come to watch the sunset. Its’ not unusual to hear them clap as the sun finally slips from view!

Further up Manasota Key you will come to Blind Pass or  Middle Beach. This is ideal for those who like peace and quiet. You will find a large free car park and playground but you do have to cross the road. Restroom facilities are also available. There is a launch for canoes and kayaks.  The beach is long and quiet. There are shallows ideal for playing. Be aware that there are no lifeguards at this location.

Drive up to the north end of the barrier island and you will find yourself at Manasota Beach. This is a large beach with almost no sandbar. This beach is perfect for a quiet picnic and shelters can be reserved. Amenities include: boardwalk, restrooms, free parking, fishing, boat launch and a lifeguard is on duty all the year round. Pets are not allowed on the beach.

Half way down the street is a collection of small shops and bars. There you will find Craft shops, Art galleries, Antique stores, Eclectic shops, an ice cream parlour, cafes and several bars and restaurants. Its fun to browse and spend a while dipping in and out of the quaint stores – who knows what you’ll find!

There is always something going on. Over Winter/Spring they hold Poker runs on Saturday evenings. The Lemon Bay Playhouse performs comedy/drama several times each week. There are drop-in sessions held in the Master Library where you can come along and talk to local experts on a wide range of subjects from quilting to gardening.

“Cruizin on Dearborn” happens on the first Saturday every month late Spring to early Autumn. Car collectors and enthusiasts come along and set up with their T-Birds, Chevy’s, Oldsmobiles, etc. People come for miles to walk up and down admiring the cars and chatting to the proud owners. Many of the cars are with the original owners or have been restored to former glory. They go to great lengths to make the cars as authentic as possible. One of my favourites had a drive-in-movie snack tray attached to the window!

“Easy Rider Night” happens on the second Saturday every month. It is described as “Hog wild fun with Rock-n-Roll and big bikes” As yet we have not attended but I suspect it is  similar to the car rally – but for bikers.

Halloween Safe Walk is great fun. We were luck enough to be there for Halloween ’08. The whole street is lined with stalls full of candy and treats to give away to the kids (young and old). Buildings are decorated; one car park border was turned into a “Spooky Graveyard” with hands and limbs appearing through the gravel. The Adams Family Band entertained us with jazzy tunes. Cousin It was a big hit on the saxophone. Everyone is in fancy dress and the children are accompanied by parents and grandparents. There was a lovely family feel as hoards of people strolled up and down on a very pleasant evening.

There are musical events such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Bluegrass Jam”. The Bluegrass Jam is held in the park where you can come along and listen to traditional folk, country and bluegrass.

Throughout the year festivals and events are held. There are Art Festivals, Cracker Fairs, Parades, Santa Shopping Events. If you want to know more or to find out what’s on when you are in the area check out the website.  www.oldeenglewood.com

The facts are simple, if you put the pool heat on for guests then they have to have an Add on to their cost. And you as the villa owner pick up the cost. The sun shines most days in the Sunshine state, so why should we not take advantage of this Free source of heat and energy. Plus the fact that it is the green option, and no CO2 is produced.

I looked at the villa next door to Mickey’s Woodland Retreat, and saw a sign that was advertising a solar company that had just fitted solar paneled pool heat to the villa. I asked the neighbours what they thought of the sun heated pool and they were very impressed with the results. I didn’t just take there word for granted but got on the web and checked out the company. 

Superior Solar, 275 Hunt Park Cove, Longwood FL 32750
was the company that installed my neighbours, and it was also my chosen company to install my Solar pool heat.

Tel: 407-331-9077 • 1-800-478-SOLAR (7652)
Fax: 407-331-0305

My contact at Solar was Brian Marinelli, he was brilliant! He explained everything to me, and put my mind at ease. The installation was done in 3 to 4 hours as promised, and with no problems. Plus a 10 year warranty!

I have had guests in since and they all say the same, just brilliant! There is a  control knob, with a temperature gauge. Just turn it up or down, to make the pool warmer or cooler.

I can now quote owners a price that includes pool heat plus free phone calls, high speed broadband, and free private use of the house safe.

What a fantastic package at Mickeys Woodland Retreat

We had never visited the Cheesecake Factory restaurant before. We found the one in Orlando outside the entrance to the Millenia Mall.

As we arrived it looked very busy and with 7 of us we thought we have will not get a table for some time. To our surprise we were seated within 20 minutes.

We had been warned that the portions were enormous and some of use decided to share a meal. What a good decision.

The atmosphere was fantastic and the service very good. We had a superb meal and all of our party were very impressed.

There were a number of restaurants along the front of the Mall and we will certainly be back.