My first surprise came upon entering the park as we passed by all the enticing establishments of City Walk with the huge roller coasters of Islands of Adventure looming ahead.  That was only the beginning!

As we experienced our day at Universal Studios, we found that a few of the old attractions had been updated and revamped such as “Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride starring You” which was formerly “Earthquake – The Big One!”  Earthquake closed in 2007, however, several of the main elements of the ride are the same incorporating a new theme and some additional special effects.  Some attractions were entirely replaced such as the old “Back to the Future” which in March of 2007 was replaced with “The Simpsons Ride” and “Kongfrontation,” which closed in 2002 to be replaced by “Revenge of the Mummy” which according to my son is a pretty “awesome” indoor rollercoaster (I don’t do roller coasters).  The “Funtastic  World of Hanna-Barbera” is now “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” which is a wild simulator ride through the worlds of everyone’s favorite Nicktoon characters (it was great fun though I had to close my eyes a few times).   “Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies,”  closed in 2003 to make way for “Shrek 4-D” which is a fantastic adventure with all the special effects you come to expect from 3-D (or in this case 4-D) that takes off from where the popular movie ended. 

Men in Black: Alien Attack was brand new in 2000.  You enter this ride under the pretense that you are at the World Expo about to view a presentation called “The Universe and You,” but you end up being an MIB trainee.  This ride is similar to the arcade-style Buzz Lightyear in Magic Kingdom as you travel in vehicles shooting up aliens with your laser gun trying to score as many points as possible – fun!

Some outdated sets such as the Bates Mansion and Swamp Thing were gone but the kiddie area called Woody Woodpecer’s Kidzone had expanded to include the Nuthouse Coaster and the Curious George interactive playground.

Sadly, the Boneyard had disappeared.  I remember how much I enjoyed viewing the discarded props from some of my all time favorite films.  This has been removed to make way for the entrance to the coming attraction, “Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.”   Out with the old and in with the new as they say!

We had a great day and loved the new attractions.  We will no doubt return very soon!

We searched the internet and found the Lakeland Tigers who are affliliated to the Detroit Tigers. Best seats in the house were $7 each. It was only a 20 minute journey to get there. We didn’t expect much as it was a local team.

As we drew nearer the stadium it was more like some of the Premier Football League Grounds. What amazed us first was the massive car park they had. We arrived about an hour before the game started and got some food and drink. There are always offers depending on what night you go.

The stadium was half empty when we found our seats. But unfortunately on the first nght it started raining so they pulled on the covers (much like Wimbledon) and we waited but the game got put off. We were given a rain check for our ticket and came back the next evening when they were playing a double header against the same team. By the way they play each other about 7 times in a row and play about 160 games per year.

The follwoing night was different and we saw the whole game completed. In between innings there were little competitions for the kids and some adults who wanted to take part.

It was a real family atmosphere, nothing like out football matches at home. Everyone was made welcome the players spoke to the supporters and it was a really enjoyable evening. Make sure you check a game out!

We were lucky to be able to take our children to Florida for the 6 weeks holidays. While we were there we wanted the children to try different experiences and thought I would share them with you all…..but that would take far too long and decided to focus on the “NEW Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit ”

Our children are 11yrs, 12 yrs, 14 yrs, 16 yrs, 18 yrs old so we wanted to do things that they would all enjoy, one of the things that they all wanted to do was to go on the “new” ride at Universal Studios, “Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit” but was not sure when it was due to open has Universal Studio’s was only advertising “due to open summer 2009” after arriving at the park on several occasions they see that the ride as people queuing, the park are now doing “test Rides” and decide to join the queue, they waited for two and a half hours and was finally sitting in the seat of the new ride.

Like most roller coaster rides the children felt it was over far too quickly, but loved the idea of been able to select and play your own choice of music of which you have to decide on before the roller coaster starts to move.  Once the ride is in motion, you start to climb upward to the height of around 17 Stories over Universal Studio’s, they children say the view is fantastic for the spit second that you see it and then the speed of the roller coaster starts, you have no chances of really hearing the song that you have selected due to the speed and the twists and turns of the roller coaster, your tummy flipping over and over, your head flipping side to side and the feeling of nothing really holding you in place.  The drops and turns of the roller coaster at speeds that is unbelievable, when the ride is finished the children got off the ride still feeling the rush of excitement of wanting to go on it again and again, the adult that went on with them could not say the same he reckons it’s far too scary for a second go………    

It’s a question we regularly ask ourselves when we are intending to eat out either for breakfast, lunch or evening meal.

A variation of that same question can often come from guests. Usually guests who are visiting for the first time.

Like many who have been the area more than once you soon become aware that the choice of eating establishments is enormous.

Breakfast is easy. If we want to fill up prior to a days activities it would be one of the ‘eat as much as you like’ establishments, usually Ponderosa (192 opposite the old town).

Lunch time eating out would depend on where we were. If we were at the house the choice would be between Beef O’Bradys, Chili’s or Applebee’s

Evening dining out can be a little more difficult.

If we had a family debate every time we ate out for our evening meal we would be never get out to eat.

In our family depending on who is making the final decision where to eat for an evening meal it’s usually a forgone conclusion for the rest of us where that person would choose.

Carol, my wife would choose chili’s (Champions Gate) or Applebee’s (H27). Her reasoning would be that both places have a good choice on the menu at very reasonable prices. However the deciding factor for her would be that they are both with in a few minutes drive from our house so she could get back, pour a red wine, soak in the spa and chill out.

My eldest daughter would probably choose either Antonio’s or The Columbia Restaurant both in Celebration.

The menu is more expensive than other eating establishments but in our experience the food has always been excellent and if I’m picking up the bill what do the others care what it costs.

For my youngest daughter and me it would have to be Logan’s roadhouse (opposite the old town 192). If their was one thing I could bring home to the UK it would be a Logan’s roadhouse.

The menu choice is good but for me you could take everything off and just leave the stakes.

The pub / sports bar set up is excellent, we have never been rushed, the staff are laid back, you can drink beer or spirits and you get the bonus of walking over to the old town to check out the old cars and motorbikes (if you pick the right evening) and spend forever deciding which one I’m going to buy and ship home.

In your dreams (as carol would say).

Eating out in Florida is not as easy as you may think.

Sebastian has one 18-hole golf course, and several more are within a short distance of town.  It is also a favourite location for sky diving.

Route 512, from I-95 to Sebastian, passes through cattle ranches, citrus groves and some of the area’s light industry, giving the motorist a flavour of the diversity of the Sebastian River Area.  Route 512 then continues east across the Indian River to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, which contains Dodger Town, the former spring home to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

www.floridastateparks.org/stsebastian

Located to the west side of Sebastian, the St Sebastian River Preserve State Park is a place to see ‘natural Florida’, with open grassy forests of longleaf pine forming a backdrop to cypress domes, scrubby flatwoods, sandhills and a strand swamp.  Over 50 protected species inhabit this area.

There are many miles of trails to be explored on foot, or by bicycle or on horseback, as well as canoeing, boating and fishing on the St Sebastian River.  Launching facilities can be found outside the park, at Dale Wimbrow Park and a canoe launch north of County Road 512.

Park Opening Hours:       8am until sundown 365 days a year.

Visitor Centre Hours:      9.00am – 4.30pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Admission Fee:               No entrance fee.

Primitive Camping Fee:   $5.00 per person per night, plus tax.

Driving Directions:

North Entrance (Visitor Centre & Manatee Vista): Exit I-95 at County Road 514 to reach County Road 507.  Entrance is off Babcock Street, just north of the C-54 Canal.

South Entrance: Off Fellsmere Road (County Road 512) 1.8 miles east of I-95.

Address:

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive
Fellsmere, Florida 32948

Phone: 321-953-5005
Fax: 321-953-5006

Sebastian Inlet State Park

www.sebastianinletcam.com

Actually located on S Atlantic Avenue that runs the length of the peninsular from Cape Canaveral, it is actually 3 miles by water, 16 miles by land from Sebastian to Sebastian Inlet State Park.  This park covers 600 acres and spans both sides of Sebastian Inlet.

Sebastian Inlet is one of six inlets that connect the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean.  The Indian River Lagoon actually extends 156 miles over 6 costal counties in all and five state parks.

Sebastian Inlet provides three miles of beautiful beaches to swim, scuba dive, snorkle or just sunbathe.  Sebastian Inlet is also home to Florida east coast’s best saltwater fishing, and where snook, redfish, bluefish, croakers, jacks and tarpon are plentiful (As of 01/08/09, a shoreline fishing permit must be purchased).  The north jetty extends into the Atlantic, whilst the south side has a smaller jetty allowing access to the rocks.  Also on the south side is the ‘cleaning table’ as well as the L-Dock, where anglers cast jigs and bump the bottom to entice the fish.

Many surfing tournaments take place at Sebastian Inlet every year – see website for current dates.  As well as the north jetty and inlet, another popular surfing spot is Monster Hole, which forms long lines of waves, and is located 1/3 mile off the beach, on the south side of Sebastian inlet.

The tidal pool on the north and west of the bridge is a great place for families to bathe.

Sebastian Inlet State Park also has two museums, both open 7 days per week 10am – 4pm:

The McLarty Treasure Museum: Recounting the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet

The Sebastian Fishing Museum: Recounting the history of the area’s fishing industry

The Hammock Trail provides a relaxing mile-long stroll through the park, and there is a marina located one mile north of the Sebastian Inlet bridge, which provides a food concession and a gift shop, open 9.00am – 5.00pm daily.

There is also a boat ramp, picnic areas, camping facilities and a bait and tackle shop (not open Tuesdays & Wednesdays) where fishing licences can be bought.

A concession stand also rents out canoes, kayaks and paddleboats.

Also, take a look at the website to find when concerts are held at the pavilion on Coconut Point, located on the south side of Sebastian Inlet, which overlooks the water, and provides an ideal platform for a musical interlude.

Park Admission Fee:    
$8.00 per vehicle (Limit 2 – 8 people per vehicle). 
$4.00 per single occupant vehicle.
$2.00 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers.

Camping Fee:        

$28.00 per night, plus tax (includes water & electricity).

Driving Directions:                               

From Indian River County (i.e. South): Exit I-95 at Fellsmere/Sebastian exit, and go east on County Road 512 (towards Sebastian).  Turn right on County Road 510 and intersect with US Highway 1.  Continue over the Indian River, to State Road A1A.  Turn left and head for 7 miles on State Road A1A.

From Brevard County (i.e. North): From I= 95 take the US 192 exit and go east to State Road A1A in Indialantic.  Turn right (south) on State Road A1A and continue for 18 miles.

Address:

9700 South A1A
Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951

Phone: 321-984-4852
Fax: 321-984-4854

American Football

Like baseball, American Football is the all-American game, although a mystery to some European visitors.  There are many matches held locally - for top level American Football it is necessary to travel a little further afield.  A little over an hours drive is necessary to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who play at the Raymond James Stadium.  The regular season runs from August through to December - but make sure you have tickets before travelling, as the majority of seats are taken by season ticket holders.  If you are happy to travel further to see top sport, a trip to Miami to see the Dolphins is a must.  Miami is truly cosmopolitan, and also provides an opportunity to visit South Beach and the art-deco district.

Speedway (Motor Racing)

The world famous Daytona Speedway is in Florida - just head North along the Interstate.  The most famous race is the Daytona 500 - but around a dozen big race meetings are held each year, featuring cars, stock cars or motorcycles.  Nearer to the attractions, Disney has its own racing circuit - the Richard Petty Driving Experience, situated just alongside the entrance to The Magic Kingdom.  As well as the opportunity to watch, it is also possible to drive around the Disney speedway, with a variety of different packages on sale.

Walt Disney World Marathon

The annual Walt Disney World Marathon is a major event attracting many top athletes.  The route takes in all 4 major theme parks.  The event usually takes place in January, and draws big crowds.

Greyhound Racing

As well as being the landing point for many international visitors at the airport, Sanford also has regular greyhound racing.

One of the trips I would like to recommend to anyone going out to Florida is an air boat ride. We picked the one on the Boggy Creek road as it is only 19 miles away and an easy 25 minute drive and you don’t have to book either.

The cost per ticket is $25 for ½ hour and slightly less for kids but do look in the attraction tickets booklets in Wallmarts for money off coupons for this and others.

We only waited a short while for our time slot and the waiting area was under cover which as the temperature that day was over 100’ was very welcome. There was an area also that you could look into that held quite a few young crocodiles.

Our number was called and we picked up our ear defenders before boarding. These are necessary as the noise from the engine fan at the rear is quite loud. The boat holds approximately 30 people and we were lucky enough to get the first 2 rows.

The boat goes quite fast and twists and turns before slowing down and moving into a small inlet with reeds and shallow water. All of a sudden we saw a croc and edged closer to it. It was about 4 foot long and was only about 18 inches from the side of the boat. All of a sudden he opened his mouth and we all edged away although it wouldn’t have been able to get near anyone on the boat.

We then went to another inlet and saw another croc but it scuttled away before we could get some more pictures.

The boat then picked up speed and for the next 10 minutes we were flying all through the weeds and across the water, zig zagging as we went along. The kids loved it.

All too soon it was time to go back to shore but the highlight of the day was to get to hold a small croc and have your photo done with it. I’m very glad to say that his jaws were firmly taped together.

Although the address is Celebration, the ‘Shack’ is easier to get to than the town itself, right on 192 by the water tower.

The Shack gets very busy and it is well worth booking a table if you can. The interior is a sight to behold – the ceilings are hung with what appear to be the contents of a jumble sale, which all adds to the atmosphere of the place. The music can be very loud indeed, so try to get a table that’s not immediately under a speaker. Our favourite place to sit is outside on the wooden balcony, especially since one of the restaurant’s highlights is a children’s playground housed on a sandpit , so the children can play there safely and don’t even notice they are waiting for their food.

The Shack’s signature dishes are both crabs and shrimp, and the menu is mind-boggling with its choice, with plenty more in addition to the crabs and even some non-seafood choices. We would recommend you order either starters or mains, or at least do one at a time before you decide you have room for both, as the portion sizes are very generous.

Some of the specialist cocktails the bar serves are a talking point in themselves, especially the famous Shark Bite, made from Bacardi, vodka, blue curacao, and grenadine.

The atmosphere in the Shack is never what one would call sedate, in fact it’s probably the liveliest restaurant we’ve ever been to, with loud music and a real party atmosphere. The waiters are more like performers and woe betide if you visit on your birthday and they find out – they are highly likely to break into a song and dance which will soon involve the entire restaurant. This is definitely a restaurant for a large family occasion or a party, not for a quiet, romantic dinner for two. Make sure you don’t leave it until your last night to try it, as you will probably find you’ll want to return!

There was no respite as the earthquake worsened, and now the tanker was leaking fuel. Soon the power lines could resist no longer and came crashing to the ground sending sparks dancing in all directions. Rivers of gasoline were ignited and within seconds the truck exploded in a huge fire ball.

The rain had been relentless and without any further warning a flash flood hurtled down the canyon walls towards us. The foaming wall of water threatens our very existence but mercifully stops just short of our tram. As the cascade subsides we can see that the fires have been extinguished and the ground is no longer shaking…but it had been a close call.

This was Catastrophe Canyon, the highlight of Hollywood Studios Back Lot Tour.

The excitement begins after exiting the Harbour Attack special effects movie shoot and as you board the tram there is no inkling of the terror you are about to face.

In fact, at this time, your knowledgeable guide is happy to point out photo opportunities for the iconic Earful Tower and bombard you with a plethora of mesmerising statistics about its height and weight.

Even moving on through the Boneyard which is home to a number of props from some major film successes such as Star Wars, Herbie the Love Bug and Pirates of the Caribbean,  there was still no indication of what dangers lay ahead.

Then we slowly turned the corner and entered through the narrow walls of the canyon ….you know what happened next.

The fascinating thing, after the flash flood subsides, is to watch the whole set reset itself ready for the next tram load of unsuspecting guests.

Our ride continues around the back of Catastrophe Canyon where the huge tanks and water canon are housed. Another chance for our guide to shower us (forgive the pun) with more mind blowing facts and figures. But it was interesting to understand how the special effects were performed.

Towards the end of the ride the tram passes an old Dakota aircraft affectionately known as ‘The Mouse’. This, we are informed, was the original plane that Walt Disney flew in when looking for the ideal location in Florida to build his theme park dream.

We are returned to our start point and guide bids us a cheery farewell.

It had certainly been an eventful trip.