The latest news from The Parks is that yet again, Florida’s main theme parks reached saturation point.

Most of Florida’s major theme parks reached capacity crowds in the period between Christmas and the New Year with wait times of several hours on the more popular rides. Even Legoland Florida reported capacity crowds in its first ever Christmas season. With our school holidays dictating our choice of dates, it is really hard to avoid these queues and is something we all have to try to live with.

Change of Soft Drinks at The Parks have even had newspapers calling it The Soft Drink Wars.

Coca-Cola and Pepsi brands have always fought for the exclusive rights to sell their brands in the major Florida theme parks. Up until recently Coca-Cola have been at both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and Pepsi have been the choice at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.

On January 1 that all changed when SeaWorld and Busch Gardens both switched allegiance and replaced Pepsi by Coca-Cola. Legoland Florida is now one of the few parks where you will find the Pepsi brand in Florida. It is such a shame (for us) as we do genuinely prefer Pepsi!!!

Hogwarts Rumours

Following the announcement that the classic Jaws ride along with the surrounding Amity themed area are closed at Universal Studios, rumours are already beginning to spread about what will take its place. The Jaws ride was one of the parks original rides when it first opened.

Universal confirmed that they would be opening a Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Hollywood, they also stated that they will “significantly expand” the Wizarding World in Orlando in the next couple of years but they have given no further details at this time.

The launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Universal’s Islands of Adventure has seen attendance records soar by 30% compared to only 6% at Universal Studios so there is a possibility that part of Harry Potter might come to Universal Studios as well.

The Potter rumours include the construction of the Ministry of Magic, the Diagon Alley and using the Hogwarts Express train to transport guests between the two parks.

Splitting Harry Potter between the two parks would split the attraction of one park over the other and some guests might resent having to buy tickets to both parks, but it could result in increased multi-day ticket sales, particularly for Universal Studios. They are as good as Disney for new ideas, making us ‘Guests’ pay more!!

Rather than spill over into Universal Studios, they might simply replace one of the other lands within Islands of Adventure such as the remainder of the Lost Continent in much the same way as they did to create the Wizarding World in the first place. This would leave the Jaws attraction available for another possibility such as the Transformers ride that is currently being built in both Hollywood and Singapore. We can’t wait to hear more.

One thing that is certain and NOT A Rumour is that Despicable Me will open at Universal Studios in 2012

Best Wishes for 2012 & Happy Holidays.

Mary & Larry

After our visit to the Players Championship at  Sawgrass last year, we decided to pay a visit  Jacksonville. We had stayed in downtown Jacksonville for 2 nights for the golf and it was a short drive from the hotel to the city centre.

It was a beautiful May day and we arrived early to find a much quieter city than we had anticipated.  It is a large city, situated on the Johns River and only about 40km from the Georgia border. On a Friday morning we expected it to be busy with people and traffic as you would find in most British cities through the week. Not so, it was pleasantly quiet with hardly anyone around.

We knew nothing about  Jacksonville before we arrived but learned  about it’s history as we strolled around. We parked quite easily near to the Jacksonville Landings. This is situated right on the river and is a place for shopping and eating and where concerts are held. It was just opening up as we arrived and I imagine it would be better to visit in the evening. The restaurants have a lovely view of the river. There are walkways alongside the river and a few people out jogging or walking. This is where we found out about the history of the town from the information displayed along the way. We stopped and watched the Main Street Bridge open, the whole of the middle section slides up to allow the river traffic through. There’s probably a much more technical term for it but it was quite impressive to watch!

We then walked further in to the city and took a monorail across the river. We then walked back across the Main Street Bridge, given my fear of bridges over water this was quite a challenge for me! We really should have found out more before we arrived and it would have been nice to stay longer but we had a long day ahead and planned to visit the Jacksonville Beaches on the Atlantic coast too.

Sunridge Woods is situated on County Road 54 just west of the junction with CR545, Lake Wilson Road, and just 2 miles east of junction 58 on the I4. Sunridge Woods is ideally positioned to get all around Florida easily.

It is an exclusive and peaceful community of private homes set within a conservation area with attractive Wetlands to the front of the development and many homes backing onto pastureland.

There is a lake with stunning views and an abundance of wildlife at all times throughout the year, you may be lucky to spot Giant Gopher Tortoises, Vultures, American Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Red Cardinals to name just a few. Should you see any of the wildlife, please do not feed or attempt to feed them as this is not only potentially dangerous to you as some of them have sharp beaks, it is also dangerous to the wildlife themselves as they then eat food that is not natural to them and also they can become ‘used to humans’ and lose thier fear of them.

Sunridge Woods has an active Home Owners Association, which ensures that the community is maintained to a high standard.

Although a very peaceful community, Sunridge Woods is less than 10 minutes away from Highway 192 with its abundance of shops and restaurants that cater for a wide variety of tastes.

Walt Disney World is less than 15 minutes away with Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld only 10 minutes further away.

Sunridge Woods is conveniently situated just a few minutes drive from the Champions Gate complex, where you can enjoy a round or two of golf on the world renowned courses, or you can pick up all your groceries at the large Publix supermarket. Also situated at Champions Gate is a Bank, Subways and a Chinese take-away.

From the I4 you can easily drive to both the East and West Coasts of Florida, visiting places of interest from the Kennedy Space Centre and Daytona to St Pete’s and Sarasota.

Further afield are the wonderful old towns of St Augustine’s with it very picturesque Spanish Quarter and quaint Mout Dora with it’s many antique shops and wonderful sunset views over the lake.

Sunridge Woods is in an ideal position to make the most of a great Floridian holiday.

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.

We try to do something new each time we visit Florida and Kelly park had been recommended to us so on a beautiful day in May we decided to visit. It was outside the school holidays so it was relatively quiet which was good for us as we had no kids with us!

The park is located at Apopka and is well sign posted and easy to find.  We stopped at one of the roadside shops to hire inflatable tyres which cost $5 each, when we got there we realised that any one of the inflatables we had in our pool, even the foam ‘spaghetti’ floats would have done just as a good a job.

There’s plenty of parking and a building with a café and changing facilities. We had gone prepared with fold up chairs, cool box with plenty of drinks and sandals to wear in the river. We didn’t really know what to expect, although we had read about it, it wasn’t what we imagined, it was better. The river runs through the state park and is very clear and slow and meanders through the trees.

We took our floats to the point to get in which is along a boardwalk, under the trees. The weather was glorious and hot and the water in the shade looked as if it would be freezing but it wasn’t actually too cold, once you were in. It’s quite rocky and takes a little bit of negotiation to get in, unless you’re really brave and jump straight in the deep bit.  After that it’s shallow and sandy and really slow moving. You just get on your tyre and relax and let the current take you down river. You can see turtles basking in the sun and although we were slightly alarmed when we heard a rustling off to the side, it turned out to be a deer coming down for a drink.

We spoke to some locals who had been going there for years, they assured us that there are absolutely no gators in there!  It’s a natural lazy river ride and we loved it. There’s a part where the river opens out into a shallow pool with a sandy ‘beach’ area to sit in the sun. There are also several barbecue pits and picnic tables. There are trails to walk through the state park as well.  I imagine it gets really busy in summer but the kids would love it. A great and cheap alternative to the Orlando water parks.

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!

This is a NEW alternative for Fun and certainly a new experience to be had for us, hope it appeals to more holiday makers. It just may do to add some adrenalin to your day out, away from the usual Parks, it sounds real COOL. A lot different to Old Town, with all of the Flashing Lights, Music & Exhaust Fumes.

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida is upgrading and will be, bigger, faster and more exciting with its new Zipline Safari.

This Ecotourism attraction has been reimagined and has raised the bar, (literally), now taking guests up to the 68-foot mark, about 20 feet above the treetops. The new course has seven Zipwires, two extended and upgraded bridges (twice as long as before, evidently) and 10 observation platforms. A dramatic stretch takes Zippers from high in the sky, down a 30-foot descent into the trees and skimming above bushes of the Pine Flatwoods ecosystem.(The Real Soarin Experience!!) With greater height comes greater views. For the first time, guests will be able to see all 4,700 acres of Forever Florida’s conservation and ranchlands. There is upto 10 miles of visibility. The new course is a dual-line one, which Florida EcoSafaris says is the only one of that kind in Central Florida.

The attraction’s first course opened in 2008 and was the first full zip course in Florida. This summer, Florida EcoSafaris added the Cypress Canopy Cycle, a more leisurely ride over the wetlands.

Cost for the Zipline Safari is $85 per person. Cypress Canopy Cycle tickets are $45 per person. A combo ticket for both is $120. Thirty percent of the Florida EcoSafaris revenue is donated to the nonprofit Allen Broussard Conservancy, which works to preserve and protect lands at the Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area.

Zipline participants must be at least 10 years old, and they must weigh no more than 275 pounds. (Keep off the McDonalds!!!) You have to Pre Book. I have added a link to check out all of the rides and facilities.

For more information for this Attraction, go to www.FloridaEcoSafaris.com.

It sounds a really good day out for the more adventurous, maybe anyone who has already tried it could let us know how it compares before we Old Pensioners try it!!! or maybe watch our Grandchidlren!!!

Happy Holidays,

Mary & Larry

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!

Hi Everyone,

In response to Universal’s Harry Potter taking over as the busiest Park in Orlando, Disney plans to build a multi-attraction “land” based on the movie “Avatar” in Animal Kingdom as the first step to regain the Top Spot.

Avatar is a set of worlds that is really exciting and offers them a chance to expand their themes with so much to explore in the different Lands.

They will begin construction of Animal Kingdom’s Avatar land in 2013 and expects to open it to guests about five years from now. It may seem a long time but believe me, it will be well worth waiting for, as Disney will never be Second Best!!! It is estimated to costing approximately $500 million.

The deal announced Tuesday gives Disney exclusive theme-park rights to use elements from the 2009 film and from sequels due out in 2014 and 2015. They plan to build multiple-attraction lands based on the film’s fictional world of “Pandora,” including themed shops and restaurants and entertainment. It’s the same approach Universal Orlando has taken with its Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Avatar land will provide a huge uplift for the Animal Kingdom theme park. It has been criticized by some park fans for lacking attractions and not amounting to a full-day experience on par with the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. The last major new ride added to Animal Kingdom was the Expedition Everest roller coaster, which opened in 2006. That ride cost more than $100 million.

A precise date hasn’t been set for completion of the Avatar attractions in Animal Kingdom, but an opening sometime in 2016 is the target. With the planned release of sequal Avater films due in 2013 & 2015 you can bet that Disney will be up and ready to open on time!!!

We think this is great news for all of us holidaymakers, just hope the cost to us is not over the top!!!

Happy Holiday,

Mary & Larry

We returned to Sawgrass for the first day of the Players Tournament having learned lessons from the previous day. This time we were suitably equipped with a small bag and travel size sunscreens, no camera as we now knew for certain we couldn’t take it in and our foldaway chairs without the carrying bags. This made them a bit awkward to carry but those are the rules!

We were there for about 9.30, parking was once again made very easy and it was  another beautiful sunny day. We picked our spot between the 16th green and the 17th hole and settled down to watch the tournament. We were in an ideal position on a hill, with a great view of the famous island hole. We had binoculars with us which were allowed.  We were also close to the players as they walked between the 16th and 17th. We knew that Tiger Woods was on the course and were looking forward to seeing him play. At that point he was 5 under and the next news we had was that he had withdrawn from  the competition and left.  That was a little bit disappointing but didn’t spoil our day in any way.

We saw Luke Donald and also the ultimate winner, KJ Choi as well as Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter. Our favourites to win were Luke Donald and Ricky Fowler from California, unfortunately, Ricky didn’t make the cut.

We stayed in the same place until the early afternoon then went to watch at some of the other holes. We eventually picked up Graeme McDowell, Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson on the 13th and followed them to the 15th. We then picked up Ricky Fowler on the 10th with Matteo Manassero Alvaro Quiros.

As a non golfer I learned a lot about the game and had a really enjoyable day, I would definitely go again and  it’s an experience I wouldn’t have missed. I have to say the Walmart chairs were worth every dollar.