Whilst over here for the Christmas period and New Year we decided we were going to treat ourselves to a meal in a Disney World restaurant in Florida. We were hoping to get into the Contemporary Resort on New Years Eve but we did not book early enough. Remember you must book at least a couple of months in advance to get the special time and date that you want.

Eventually we took it upon ourselves to visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort as there were a number of different restaurants there - not a Burger or Steak I mean.

On visitng the Lodge Resort we found that we were able to have a good look around and they have viewing areas within the complex giving you a great chance to get up close a friendly with animals roaming around near to the rooms and restuarants. We saw Giraffes, Wilderbeast, Antelope, Zebra and Ostriches. Staff were on hand to give you all the information you needed. We were even there when the keepers stated to feed the animals. What a great opportunity to see these animlas almost in their natural habitat.

Take the opportunity as well to be there after dark when they light up some outdoor fires that you can sit around in rocking chairs. Have a chat with the other tourists there.

We headed for the Sanaa Restaurant for our meal. The food here was Indian/African influenced with Tandoori food, spices and all the trappings of spicy food you would expect from Africa/India. The meals are no more expensive than at home in the UK but you feel like your eating in an upper class atmosphere.

The staff are all very friendly and if you get to visit at Christmas or New Year the decorations are excellent. Plenty of photo opportunities in and around the hotel.

So head towards Animal Kingdom and check out the two lands in Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House and Kidani village. You can even try out their pools and jacuzzis. There is a fantastic pool, area with two large jacuzzis nestled in amongst the jungle.

So don’t miss out and treat yourselves in a great restaurant in a superb location away from all the hustle bustle. Even take a look at the cocktails in the main bar. There are even ones for the Kids to enjoy. The staff are there for you to get the most out of the visit.

There is plenty of car parking and the hotel will even ferry you between the two villages to get the most out of the visit.

Finally, there is plenty to do there with some boards around and about that are free to use. Not fogetting the usual opportunities for buying some Disney gifts to take home.

So try it out and get a taste of Africa/India with the food.

During our exploring we stumbled across the small market in Downtown Haines City. It is held every Wednesday.

You can find some lovely Fruit and Veg - we even found some brussel sprouts just before christmas to go with our turkey.

The fruit is a fraction of the price that you will find them for in Wlamart or Winn Dixie.

There is even a bread and biscuit stall.

So try it out and save some dollars on your fruit and veg.

It is just off the US27 and near to the Railway Level Crossing in the centre of town.

Have had the chance yet to visit the Cheesecake Factory restaurant at Millenia Mall yet.

Just off the I4 in Orlando you can find the Millenia Mall with designer shops to purchase those late christmas pressies for your loved ones.

You can combine this with a visit to the Cheesecake Factory at the entrance to Millenia Mall. The food is glorious and with huge portions. There is such a selection that it will be hard to decide. But beware the portions will surprise you.

The last time we visited we opted to sit at the bar where the service was superb as the food.

Don’t miss out.

Now is the weather to hone your skills in Florida. The Daimond back Golf Course is East on the 544 from Highway 27 in Haines City.

I tred it out for the first time this year. I was one of the only people on the course because of the heat.

We were advised to keep to the Fairways and not ventrue into the trees to look for the wayward golf ball. Rattlers are known to be around.

Good price especially in the afternoon. A challenging course - give it a go!

Gaylord Plams are now advertising their Christmas Ice & Snow event.

We attended last christmas and it was great. So do not miss out.

We even decided to eat there on the day we visited on the boat on the lake inside the hotel. The food was really good. It is worth considering eating otherwise you have to pay for parking.

Give it a go!

Have you ever tried the putting green at Fantansia Golf on your way to the Boardwalk or Disney Downtown?

You will not be disappointed. We visited there during the summer and found that whilst the price was about $13 you certainly got your moneys worth. You can either choose from the normal type putting greens or take the Fantasia course for a fun time. There are eighteen holes and the purring surface is immaculate.

Once you finish, to our surprise, you are given a souvenir golf ball.

More than FORE out of ten!!!

Bottles of Corona for $2

Beach Volleyball

Sunset on St Petes Beach

All of these can be found with a visit to the Undertow Beach Bar, which is right on St Petersberg beach just along from the large hotel Don Cesar.

You sit in the bar or directly on the beach and watch Beach Volleyball. They serve some wonderful food as well. What could be better?

They also have an upstairs veranda that gives you an opportunity to sit there and while away some time waiting for the glorious sunset.

If you visit the website the staff will explain all the wonderful cocktails that can be had as well.

Give it a go!!!

Do not let your holiday go by without a visit to Fort De Soto Park just south of St Petersburg off the I275.

We were told about this gem of a place by some residents in Florida. It takes about 90 mins to get there from the Disney Area down the I4 and then onto the I275. There are a couple of tolls that you have to pay (50 cents and 35 cents).

When you arrive via Tierra Verde then is the opportunity to visit Fort De Soto itself. There is some history to be had here. Then onto the beach. We headed for North Beach where there is ample parking.

The advantage is that there is shade under the trees as well as the opportunity to top up that tan. When we visited in late July the sea was a mild 88 degrees. The beach is great for kids as the sea is shallow and depending on the breeze not very choppy. For those who want to watch the world go by you can sit in the shade and look out onto the Gulf of Mexico and if there long enough catch the sunset.

Don’t tell everyone and don’t forget to take a picnic. You will not be disappointed with your visit.

Do Not Miss the opportunity to visit the unspoiled beaches around Fort De Soto - near to St. Petersburg. BUT DO NOT TELL EVERYONE.

On our travels we decided to head south from Clearwater beach to get away from all the weekend crowds. We followed the coast road going through Teasure Island and stopping for a brief while at Pass De Grille. A great place right on the beach to listen to concerts at the weekends and have a bite to eat whilst you watch the sunset go down.

We decided to head further South although we had to travel North to get on the I275 that led us down to Fort De Soto. What a fantastic place. They said it was named the Top Beach in 2009 and they were not wrong.

Fore!

If you fancy playing some golf at Disney then look no further than Oaktrail just on the other side of the entrnace to Magic Kingdom.

Last year we decided to purchse a 5 day Hopper pass for Disney and that gave us Free rounds of Golf at Oak Trail. It is a walking course but is great for a knock around. They do not have too many rules and it is well worth the visit.

If you take the family there is a pool nearby and a small refreshment hut whilst you hits some balls around the course.

Mind you it is not an easy course. Whilst you are there you can check out the Palm Trees and Mgnolia Course which is a bit more expensive.

Even if you do not have a 5 day disney pass giving you free rounds it was only $38. Great Value. So check it out.