We are presently over at our villa and have seen on TV and newspapers the crackdown on Park Ticket Booths making large reductions on Gate Prices.There have been several arrests at booths, especially on International Drive and Highway 192.

The scam is the booths offer these tickets by purchasing tickets with unused days left on visitors tickets for a measly few Dollars. They then attempt to clear the fingerprint security with detergents. Howeever, the security at the Park Gates can identify this and you are refused entry without any exception. When you return to the booth where you bought the ticket, they have a preset jargon refusing all responsibility and you are left both out of pocket and ticketless.

To avoid the disappointment and anger for your family having to go through this ordeal we really think all tickets should be purchased from reputable companies.

The booths which remain are usually attached to some timeshare and you have to go on a tour usually last 4 hours or more.

Hope this helps new visitors make the right decision and go on to have a great fun Holiday.

Mary & Larry

Yet again more changes to the Theme Park prices, there are so many packages now it is really difficult to choose the best deal that suits your family requirements.

In readiness for the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando have announced a new ticket pricing structure called “U Select”. It is similar to the Disney “Magic Your Way” ticket system where you buy a base ticket for a number of days with the option to park hop if you wish. Presumably this is to encourage visitors to stay longer than just one or two days during their vacation. Just like Disney they want you in THEIR Parks to spend your money to make up for the smaller crowds.

You can buy either a one, two, three, four or seven day pass to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (excluding separately ticketed events such as Halloween, Thanks Giving, Christmas Shows). If you wish to visit both parks on the same day, then you can upgrade to the park-to-park access option.

Though the adult one day ticket remains the same price at $79 plus tax, the two day ticket is considerably more expensive than it used to be. By buying three or more days then the “day rate” drops. Tickets are valid for up to 14 consecutive days from the date of first use but there is not a optional “no expiry” charge like the Disney tickets. If you are still not confused to which is the best for YOU there is more!!!

The joint Universal and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment tickets known as Orlando Flex tickets have also gone up in price by $25.

We think everyone needs to get as much information that is going to help them get the best deal and save them some money. Most home owners will do their best to help but it will still come down the the guests prefered choice.

With all of this going on, we still feel the Fun, Entertainment, Shows and the Magic is still worthwhile.

Happy Holidays

Mary & Larry

Arabian Nights Dinner Show -

The most honoured dinner show in the world.  Upon entering the arena you will be seated either side of the arena.  You will be met by your waitress/waiter where drinks will be served (beer and local wine, and soft drinks are included in the price). The menu comprises of sirloin, chicken breast or chopped sirloin in gravy, all served with mashed potato.  Children get the choice of chicken tenders or pasta.  All dishes are served with green salad and chefs choice of desert.  Whilst dinner is being served you are watching the Arabian Knights show.  Please viist their website for further information http://www.arabian-nights.com/index_high.html   

I would advise shopping around for your tickets are we found that they varied considerably.  We actually found the cheapest from a tickets agency in Orlando called http://www.mapleleaftickets.com/ - we phoned them and reserved our tickets, then went to collect them personally.  We were able to contact Arabian Knights beforehand to check availability and reserved our seats.   I would certainly use them again! 

Sea World’s Makahiki Luau Celebration - The Makahiki Luau Dinner Show offers a great evening of Hawaiian music, dance and food.  Shows run nightly from 6:30-8:45 PM, at Sea World, inside of the Sea Fire Inn.  The food Menu is served Family Style with Full table Service

Drink Selections:

Featuring Anheuser-Busch Beers

Pepsi Products

Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea

Entree Selections:

Island Salad

Mahi Mahi in Pina Colada Sauce

Hawaiian Chicken

Polynesian-Style Barbecue Spareribs

Stir-Fried Vegetable Medley

Polynesian Fried Rice

Dessert:

Big Kahuna Seasonal Dessert

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED IN ADVANCE AND PARK ADMISSION IS NOT REQUIRED AND IS SEPARATE

Prices range from £46 (a) $29 (c) but  I would stongly recommend shopping around again to look for the special offers!

DINE WITH SHAMU at SeaWorld Orlando - now this is one dinner show that I would personally recommend you booking when visiting SeaWorld!  You get to dine poolside with Shamu whilst enjoying a great buffet.  The trainers and Shamu then give you a show close up to the diners.  I must admit that my two children were a little scared at first but were reassured by the friendly staff and trainers that Shamu would come no where near them!  When booking I also mentioned that it was my parents wedding anniversary and bought out a special cake and congratulated them in front of all the diners.  A little embarrasing for them but it was a very memorable occasion for all of us.  We will certainly be doing this dining option again.  Park admission is required for this and I would strongly recommend booking in advance.  We booked via the website and our reservation was confirmed at that time.  Visit the website for further information

http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=593 

As I mentioned at the start of the article these are only a couple of options available for families visiting Orlando.  There are many more that we have yet to experience ourselves, which we hope to try on our vacation.