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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NEW YORK AND FLORIDA 2009
Posted on December 13th, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Julie Hart
Authors WebsiteWe decided to take a trip to New york this year as 3 out of the 4 of us have had a significant birthday. When I looked into flights and prices though, I realised that it would cost the same to go to New York for 4 nights as it would to go to our villa in Florida for 2 weeks so that was decided on.
We have previously flown non-direct to Florida via New York so I thought I’d look into stopping off on the way. I expected it to be really difficult and expensive but I was pleasantly surprised. It doesn’t actually cost too much more to fly to New York, stop for a few days and then fly to Orlando. (I’m not sure why it costs more at all to get off the plane and get back on 3 days later rather than 3 hours later but it does) I then booked a hotel online, we will all be staying in the same room for 3 nights but not to worry, we won’t be spending much time in it.
So we will arrive in New York next Wednesday and have 2.5 days there. We have decided that shopping won’t be a priority as most of the stores like Macys and Bloomingdales can be found in Orlando. The girls would like to visit Abercrombie & Fitch where we understand you are greeted at the door by topless men! We are going to take the hop on hop off bus tour to see as many sights as we can, including Top of the Rock and the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the ice rink and Grand Central Station.
We’ve had allsorts of recommendations but probably won’t fit everything in. It would be nice to see a Broadway show but I think we’ll play that by ear. On Saturday morning we’ll go to the top of the Empire State building for a last view of the city before flying down to Orlando.
When we get to the house in Florida the first thing to do will be to put the tree up (hopefully the lights will still work) and the inflatable snowman on the front lawn. We’ll shop for presents for each other for Santa to bring then on Christmas Eve we’re going to the Magic Kingdom. The girls are now 18 and 21 so it’s a few years since we’ve been but you’re never too old for Disney. We’re really looking forward to it. We have booked Christmas day lunch at a nearby restaurant, hopefully it will be warm enough to sit out by the pool when we get back. Boxing Day is just another day in the US but it will be nice for us just to relax, play cards, watch TV and just enjoy being there.
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Have a Magical Christmas In Orlando
Posted on November 27th, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Michele Chamberlain
Authors WebsiteThere are lots of magical things going on at Christmas time in Orlando, and I have listed a couple of them below.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms
This is a truly memorable place to visit and one you will never forget. We visited this atttraction a couple of years ago with my two young children and it was spectacular. It very different to anything that we had visited before and the children really enjoyed themselves.
ICE is an attraction made entirely out of “Ice”. The attraction’s main scene is a life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice. There are sleighs and reindeers where you can sit in the sleigh and have your photo taken. There are also great slides which the children (or even the parents) can go down, all made out of ice!
Be prepared though it gets extremely cold in the attraction and you are supplied with Parka coats - do wear them as I have never experienced cold like that before. Also wear closed in shoes/trainers.
ICE! is open daily, including holidays. Event hours vary throughout “ICE! season.” For further information visit the website http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/best-of-florida-christmas/index.html?source=http://www.gaylordpalms.com/ice
SeaWorld The Polar Express Experience
Guests are invited to jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole. SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms into a thrilling expedition to the fabled Santa Town. The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. The Polar Express Experience provides guests with lighting, scent, sound and motion to transport them to the North Pole … and into the spirit of the season.
When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village decor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole — the animals themselves — including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.
Visit http://www.seaworld.com/ for further information.
Christmas in Magic Kingdom
We have visited Magic Kingdom during a many trips to Orlando, but I do love going there during Christmas time. You get lots of Christmas sprit along Main Street, where you will find Disney elves have decked the halls with towering Christmas trees, colourful lights, bows and garland. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, toy soldiers, and giant gingerbread men greet guests during special daytime runs of “Mickey’s Once Upon a ChristmastimeParade.” The parade is included in regular park admission on select dates. Pls visit the website for further details.
This is only a few ideas of what to do. Just enter “Christmas in Orlando” on the Interet and you will find plenty of information.
Happy Holiday!!!