Useful information and articles for anyone visiting Florida & the Disney Theme Parks
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  • Logan’s Restaurant

    Posted on December 19th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Fancy visiting a traditional Burger, Ribs and Steakbar then look no further than Logans. The one we always visit is on West Irlo Bronson Drive in Kissimmee.

    When you arrive you will be greeted by the very friendly staff and book your table or you can walk right in and sit at the bar to eat.

    You will see as you walk in the big barrel of fresh moneky nuts that you can eat all night long at your table. The kids will love it because they can just throw their shells on the floor and no-one will blink an eyelid.

    With every order comes the FREE fresh bread rolls with cinnamon butter that are delicous as an appetiser. We always go for the ribs of burgers as they are delicious. On a warm night you can sit outside by the open fire and eat there and watch the world go by.

    This restaurant is right opposite the Old Town so if you make it a Friday or Saturday night for your visit you will get to see all the custom cars. Or if you are braver take on the Skydive experience - Not for us.

    By the way do not forget to try one of their Margaritas. Take plenty of snaps of the restaurant and everyone at home will know you have been to the good old USA.

    So try out Logan’s you will not be disappointed.

  • Real Airboat Tour

    Posted on November 12th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Ever tried the Airboat tours then it is a must for any Florida Vacation.

    We have tried a few and Big Toho Airboat tours has been the best so far. It is located just down from Highway 192 in Kissimmee Town.

    When we arrived there were a few people waiting as well so we knew it was a popular trip and should be good. We were not disappointed.

    As we sauntered out of the Marina a slow pace the Captain then opened the throttle as we headed across one of the biggest lakes we have seen. The widing and turning of the airboat was a scream.

    As we headed into the Swap area under the Mangrove trees we headed along a causeway that was so picturesque. The captain gave us all a local history lesson and made the trip event more enjoyable.

    The next part was the best as we waited in anticipation as we drove through the water and reeds looking for our alligator. We were not disappointed, even on this hot day, the captain took us almost right on top of a large alligator just basking in the afternoon sun. This was fantastic as we snapped away to add to our holiday photo collection.

    As we headed a bit out into open water we saw all the local birds, the feathered kind of course. As we drew closer to a samll island and the reeds again we came across above five small alligators that could not have been born long.

    After over an hour out on the lake we headed back to the marina, at speed. It was like being on a theme park ride again - fantastice. Weaving and turning across the water.

    As we got off the Airboat we had one last treat in store for us. The Captain then took a real life alligator out of the cooler and then let us hold it for a while for another picture opportunity. What a great afternoon spent in the real Florida.

    Do not miss the opportunity and take the Big Toho Airboat ride. We will again!

  • Shopping Spree

    Posted on October 17th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Posner Park off Highway 27

    For those of you that are interested in bargains then you do not have to travel all the way to the Florida Mall off I4. Go no further than Posner Park that is located on Highway 27 on junction 55 of the I4.

    The shopping estate has not been there that long and is expanding all the time. With Dicks Sports Shop that has everything from Golf to Hunting you will findsome great sporting gear. Whilst the prices are not that cheap there are always some parking available. JC Penny is there and with so many offers you will not come away disappointed. For those Gadget people there is also a large Best Buy shop with all the up to date TV’s, Cameras, Games, etc.

    On top of all this there are some other clothes and shoe shops that may take your fancy. Not forgetting the Super Target store where you can catch a coffee in Starbucks.

    As you walk along the shop fronts there is a book shop, a pet shop and a Staples office outlet.

    So why not give the place a visit and you may pick up that bargain you have been looking for!

  • Caribbean Cruises

    Posted on September 14th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Take a short trip to the Bahamas with Royal Caribbean.

    Both my wife and I had decided to spend a longer length of time in Florida on Holiday during the summer. Part of our plan was to perhaps visit New York for a few days during our stay until we saw the fantastic offers by RCI Cruises.

    So we looked into travelling to the Bahamas on a 3 day cruise. It could not have been easier or better value.

    The crusies depart from Port Canaveral which is only a short drive from Orlando and so easy to get to along Highway 528 off I4. Although the parking is quite expensive but you save so much on the cruise it is insignificant in the end.

    A Three day cruise work out at about £70 a day and bear in mind that was all of the accommodation and food during  the trip.

    It was a party atmosphere from the start and all you had to do was pay out for your beer or wine. The weather was great but you do have to watch out for what tropical storms may be around. But we were told that they are never cancelled they just avoid the bad weather.

    The accommodation was very good although you spend litte time in your cabin anyway. Food was fantastic as was the people we met. We were spoilt for choice  for food.

    We visited Nassau in the Bahamas for a day and then their private Island where you could experience those white sandy beaches and water activities that you would only dream of.

    I was a bit dubious about sea sickness but was never affected.

    So take the plunge and try it out you will not regret it.

  • Melbourne Beaches in Florida

    Posted on August 13th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    As we searched for a good beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida we came across North & South Beaches in Melbourne.

    Before we found Melbourne Beaches we stopped for a short while at Cocoa Beach near the Pier but the cost for parking the car was excessive and we think Cocoa Pier has seen better days.

    We headed south towards Melbourne and came across the North and South Beaches of Melbourne. Both of these are maintained by the Public Authorities and volunteers.

    North beach has a small refreshment place to get a drink or that much needed burger. The advantage is that there was no charges for parking.

    As you make your way on to the clear beach there are warnings about the rip tides but here there are lifeguards on this part of the beach. It was good to lay there on the beach and listen to the waves crashing towards us. Once you got hot you could retreat to the covered areas where there were tables and benches and even barbecues for you to eat your snacks. Although you could not see the beach or sea from here.

    We moved on to South Beach and whilst it was much the same with the crashing waves and fairly isolated beach you could sit out of the sun under the covered areas. Again there were the resident lifeguards on hand if you decided to venture out for a swim.

    Having had enough sun for the day in the early afternoon we made our way back towards Melbourne City pass North Beach to Bikini Beach. Here there was the Sand Restaurant and Bikini Bar where they served great food and drink. From the Bkini Bar we looked out to the beach sipping our Bud light whilst watching the guys and girls having a go at some surfing on the waves.

    All in all a great day out at Melbourne. But do bear in mind it is a good hours drive from Kissimmee.

  • Highlands Reserve Golf

    Posted on June 14th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    For all you Golf fans out there with your own property do consider visiting Highlands Reserve off Hihgway 27 for those 18 holes.

    My son and I decided to visit to play in the Twilight hours and the prices are very reasonable.

    As with most of you that own your own Florida Home there is very little opportunity to get the benefits that many of the Florida Residents do.

    However, I thought I would chance my arm at Highlands Reserve and asked if they would let me play at Forida Resident rate if I was able to produce evidence that I had a property and paid the bills. So along we went with my electic bill in hand and asked the question.

    The guy in the Pro shop asked a lady in the office who immediately gave him the nod for us to play at the reduced rate. What a great place.

    We then tee’d off and the course is nice and open and gives you the chance to still recover after that hooked or sliced shot. The fairways are very good and you are event up on a ridge and get fantastic views of the large villas and woods. You’ll even see the sunset.

    The day we played there was a nice breeze as we went round and didn’t suffer too much from the great sunshine.

    Give it a go and don’t forget to ask for the residents discount!

  • Clearwater Beach

    Posted on May 11th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Clearwater beach is really looking good now.

    We arrived on a weekday which is the best day to visit otherwise it will be packed even more than normal.

    When you arrive there is only a small City Car Park and a couple of others that now charge $20 for the day. We found that you can park in the Hyatt Hotel right on the beach for only $16. It is in their multi-storey and out of the hot sun, so really consider parking there.

    The Hyatt hotel don’t mind you parking there and are quite happy for you to wonder around the Hotel. Even in your swimsuit.

    Once we found our spot on the beach in front of the hotel we used some of the new Palm trees for some shade. Did some swimming and sunbathing as you do.

    We then noticed that on the 8th floor of the Hyatt Hotel they were advertising their Swim, Bar and Grill. So we went to check it out and found a fantastic patio with a bar. The Special cocktails were only $6 as well.

    The hotel allowed you to stay there and use the pool and the sunbeds, what a find.

    The view of the beach and the sea followed by the sunset was fantastic from the 8th floor. So give it a try.

    Remeber to ask for your bar or food receipts and providing you spend $20 in total they will give you FREE parking - what a bonus.

    So when you next visit Clearwater check out the new Hyatt Hotel right on the beach front.

  • Hurricane Bar

    Posted on April 12th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    What a great place to see the sunset especially at the moment with such good weather in Florida.

    Visit Pas De Grille which is south of St Petersburg Beach and you will not only find another great beach but there is the Hurricane Bar.

    Live music, Cocktails and some good beer.

    The Bar Restaurant is located right opposite the beach bar and is a great place to socialise and see that sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico.

    Food is reasonable and on the second floor you can eat in their fish restuarant. Superb food.

    On this occasion we just went to the top floor to the Hurricane Bar. A loveley atmosphere and not only can you bask in the sun on the rooftop there are places to get the shade as well.

    A superb view over the beach as you people watch and not only that you get those great holiday snaps to take home and show your friends and relatives what they are missing.

    We sat there in the warm breeze waiting for the sun to set over that sea. If your lucky and it is clear you will see that orange sun change colours as it reaches that horizon.

    So give it a go and visit the Hurricane Bar at Pas De Grille. Great place.

  • Space Shuttle Launch

    Posted on March 4th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Don’t miss this great opportunity.

    You may have already seen that Endeavour is due to launch in April this year for the last time.

    We were in Florida last year and took the opportunity to watch one of the rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. It was amazing.

    We travelled to Titusville and parked up along the Indian River to watch the launch. We sat by the waterside and was fortunate to be parked next to the wife of the Operations Manager for Cape Canaveral. So we were getting up the the minute updates on when it was going to launch.

    As the rocket launched we could see it take off in the distance and then a minute or so later the sound hit us. It was superb to see - a once in a liftime opporunity. We have some great photos.

    Once it had disappeared into the atmosphhere we stayed in Titusville and explored the Launch Park nearby that had a couple of memorials.

    Then to finish off the day we visited Dixieland for a meal and had their speciality Rocket Prawns. A superb finish to a liftime experience.

    So if you get the chance this Easter do not miss the launch of Endeavour

  • The Red Lion - English Public House

    Posted on February 7th, 2011 admin No comments

    Written by: Keith Kirkland
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    Home sick and always been looking for those traditional English foods.

    The Red Lion Public House has not been open long and you can find it on Highways 27 about a 10 minute drive south from the turn for Downtown Haines City.

    We were recommended this pub by one of our resident contacts. It looks nothing from outside. More like an American Saloon Bar.

    When we drove up to the front door we were not too sure whether to enter or not. So do not be put off.

    On entering we were met by the owners daughter (an english girl). A very welcoming person. As you enter the bar there are high tables with chairs in what we would call in England the Public Bar. It was all brand new. You could even sit at the bar if you wanted.

    We sat down and were offered the menu as well as being told that it was Happy Hour (that made the evening even more palatable).

    Our friends said if you order the Fish and Chips you will not be disappointed so that is what I did. My wife ordered the Liver & Bacon and Mash potato (her favourite dish of all time).

    It was not long before the staff delivered our piping hot food. She placed the ‘whale’ and chips in front of me and I could not belive how much there was and my wife must have had 3 large pieces of liver. The food was fantastic along with the service. The prices were very reasonable - about $10 and $11 respectively.

    Having eaten well we decided to stay and shoot a bit of pool as well as play the electronic bowling and darts in the bar. Needless to say there were large TV screens on the wall for those that wanted to keep up to date with the news or the days sport.

    The staff there are all very friendly and it is a great place to eat, drink and be merry.

    As I said it has only just started up and there is a restaurant part of the building. Whilst it is not as well done out like the rest it looks to be a great place to have your Sunday dinner.

    All in all we had a great night out at the Red Lion so pay it a visit whenever you are down Highway 27 near to Haines City.

    For food portions it easily competes with Manny’s Chophouse.

    Cheers, mine’s a pint.