Plan Your Florida Vacation
The aim of this blog is to provide as much information about things to see and do whilst you are on the holiday of a lifetime in the vacation capital of the world - The Sunshine State of Florida.
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THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, SAWGRASS – PRACTICE DAY
Posted on May 29th, 2011 No commentsWritten by: Julie Hart
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I’m not a golfer and have never had any interest but Dave wanted to go to the Players this year. Some friends of ours went last year and said what a great experience it was so we booked our Florida holiday to coincide with the tournament.
We booked our tickets online and a hotel in Jacksonville for 2 nights. It took about 3 hours to get there from our villa including a breakfast stop. It was easy to find, we collected out tickets from Will Call which was clearly signposted and then into the car park which was organised with Disney like efficiency.
We had bought foldaway chairs from Walgreens for $7 each but as this day was practice day we were planning to walk the course so left them behind. I had my large bag with me packed with sunscreen, camera, cover up tops, purse, binoculars etc, we knew we couldn’t take food or drinks in. I was told the bag was too big, I didn’t have a smaller one with me so we had to take whatever we could fit in our pockets!
We were absolutely stunned by how beautiful the place was, as you would expect in the US I suppose. You are allowed to take your camera on practice day so we were able to take lots of photos. I managed to get a shot of Ian Poulter on the practice green and Ricky Fowler giving out autographs. We walked round most of the course, watching the golfers practice.
The clubhouse was a magnificent imposing building decked out in the stars and stripes because it was military appreciation day. At about 4pm everyone started to gather at the front of the clubhouse for the concert, there were hundreds of people there and at this point we wished we had taken the chairs.
There was a ceremony where the armed services marched in to much applause and a fly past by the US airforce. After the tribute to the services there was a concert by country singer Darius Rucker. By this time we had been out in the sun for long enough and still needed to find our hotel so we left.
It was a great day, the atmosphere was brilliant, there were plenty of concession stands and water points. I would recommend it even if you’re not a fan of the game.
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GOLF IN FLORIDA
Posted on April 30th, 2011 No commentsWritten by: Julie Hart
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For many of our guests, one of the reasons is the availability of so many golf courses. What makes is so good is the weather, the quality of the courses, the organisation and the fact they have strict rules on slow play, enabling players to make the most of their day. The use of a golf buggy is mandatory to help keep the game moving and avoid hold ups. There are water coolers on all the tees, an absolute must in the heat, and there are people who serve snacks and drinks on the course.
One of the courses I play regularly is Remington at St Cloud, set amongst a housing development, it is a well laid out course with plenty of challenge for the better golfers (not me!) It has a particularly good package which includes a breakfast sandwich, a hot dog half way round, and a substantial snack at the end. The staff are friendly and obliging and there is a nice clubhouse with a pro shop, bar and dining area. The course is located about 4 miles outside Old Kissimmee Town, just off the 192.
Another good course is Kissimmee Oaks which is on the 17/92 near Poiciana. Again set amongst a housing complex it is a picturesque course and you may get the odd sighting of a Gator in one of the many lakes and ponds.
I haven’t yet played at Reunion which is off Ronald Reagan Parkway, a relatively new course but with the character of a more established golf course. It is a beautifully set out course of championship standard with beautiful fairways and greens and has been the venue for many high profile Ladies tournaments, it can only get better with age. It can be a bit pricey depending on the time of year, golf tends to be more expensive in Florida in the winter due to the influx of Snowbirds.
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Daimondback Golf
Posted on December 7th, 2010 No commentsWritten by: Keith Kirkland
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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!
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Disney Golf - Oaktrail
Posted on June 8th, 2010 No commentsWritten by: Keith Kirkland
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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.
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Gaylord Palms Hotel
Posted on January 4th, 2010 No commentsWritten by: Keith Kirkland
Authors WebsiteI am sure as you travel South from the Airport you have seen the massive Gaylord Palms Hotel just off Junction 65 of the I4.
We spent Christmas in Florida this year and decided to visit the Hotel as there were quite a few things going on inside. It had the Ice Land where you pay to go in and brave the cold (we didn’t as that is what we were getting away from). The braver one’s were actualy invited to go round in their bathing costumes (brrr!)
There were lots of festivities going on along with Carol Singing and hunt the Gnome competition.
The hotel itself had three Atriums - Key West, Everglades and St Augustine, each with its own unique restaurants. We decided to eat in Key West as that had its own Yacht on a lake in the Hotel. The food was fantastic but not in the large portions that you would normally expect in the USA. However, the food was great. We will definitely visit again and go to one of the other restaurants.
The Hotel also had its own 9 hole putting course that was free to use. What a bonus for the two golfers in our party.
Finally, one thing to mention is that it will cost $12 to park there but if you eat in one of the restaurants that fee is refunded.
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Disney Golf
Posted on June 1st, 2009 1 commentWritten by: Keith Kirkland
Authors WebsiteThis year at Easter we decided to buy a 5 day ticket in advance. To our delight this allowed us to enter Disney for 7 instead of 5 days. Along with the entry into the Parks it gave us entry into Oak Trail golf at Disney (near to Magic Kingdom), Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and the Disney Quest at Pleasure Island. This was great for me as a golfer as I could visit the Golf Course free of charge (normally $38 + tax) for up to 5 times if I wanted. It was a relaxed course and you could take your children to as well. It was well kept and you played through oak lined fairways.
Make sure you have a go if you are an avid golfer