Splitsville - Bowling Disney Style!

Here's a good time waiting to happen.  When Disney does something they always do it with flair - even if it's bowling!.  Splitsville is a 2-story multi-lane bowling, eating, drinking, fun-having establishment.  On the site of the old Virgin Records, Splitsville divides their lanes up into 5 different areas, surrounded with tables, games, media, pool, and other games.

This is a place to have a party.  It's totally about family, Disney's primary theme, but there are four bars, to include an outside bar with entertainment.  The place is sparkling clean, the staff is Disney pleasant, and the atmosphere is festive.

Their menu is surprisingly large with 7 types of pizza, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees such as Mahi Mahi with Voodoo Shrimp.  They even have a sushi menu that goes down the back page.  The food prices aren't too steep (Burger $12) but you can go upwards of $27 for an 8 oz. fillet if you really want to splurge.  Bottom line- you won't have to settle for a few things.  They will have what you want

The only thing a little confusing is their pricing for bowling.  Monday - Friday the price is $15/person. After 4 pm it goes to $20/person. Saturday and Sunday bowling is $20/person all day.  When you look at their brochure it charges by the hour not by the game like most bowling alleys.  1-3 people get 1 hour and every person you add adds 15 minutes to the clock.

This would be a great place for a birthday or office party.  It has all the perks of a high-end bowling center with the "happy place" atmosphere that Walt Disney perfected many years ago.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Runaway Country - Melbourne Florida

Runaway Country, a country music festival held at Wickham Park in Melbourne, was an extreme success by any body's standards.  Featuring powerhouse bands like Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington, Charlie Daniels Band, and the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, Runaway Country created a lifetime of  memories and fulfilled dreams for thousands.

The 3-day event showcased a variety of vendors, food services, plenty to drink, and one of the coolest crowds I've ever hung out with.  The weather was hot with a nice breeze, and we remember why we live in Florida!.  Some folks camped for the three days while others just came for a day or even for the act they wanted to see.

I took two of my kids and we stayed all day Saturday. It was like a country music Woodstock.  There was zip lining, apparel stores such as Space Coast Harley-Davidson, restaurants like Squid Lips, and, of course, a variety of Bar-B-Q.  No shortage of food and no shortage of fun. I haven't gone in past years but I plan to attend next year and maybe explore the camping option.

Pricing for camping is upwards of  $250 for full hookup but less expensive for those who don't mind doing the tent thing.  General Admission this year was $69 each but kids under 12 were free.  Front row seats went for $99 to $279 if you want to go that way but you can see from the photos we chose to sit with the lawn chair crowd.  My cell phone didn't take the greatest pictures but the view from the grass was excellent.

I haven't seen the lineup for next year yet but they're already taking reservations.  Check out the information as it becomes available at:   www.RunawayCountry.com

If you want a great time, love country music, and don't feel like doing the theme park day next year, come down from the snow and have a great time with us at Runaway Country in Melbourne - just 45 minutes east of Orlando.  If the weather is good you can enjoy our beautiful beaches before heading home.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf - City Walk

Here's a fun way to spend the afternoon at Universal Studios City Walk.  Hollywood Drive-in Golf is 36 holes of mini golf right at the entrance to City Walk.  18 holes is "The Haunting of Ghostly Green", a haunted house theme the kids will love.  It's even better at night when the house in the middle lights up.

On the other side is "Invaders from Planet Putt" so you can enjoy a space theme.  Cost is #13.9/adult and $11.99/child. The course is well-maintained by pleasant employees and since it's right next to the Cinemax theater and the rest of City Walk the whole family can enjoy a day or evening and have plenty to do.  It's great fun

 Right next door is Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company from the movie Forrest Gump.  (see article).  This spot is steps from valet parking and 5 minutes from regular parking.  You don't have to go into the parks to have a good time if you just want to have some good family fun without having to scream!

Possum Crossing - Melbourne

If you're in the Melbourne, Florida area and are looking for a great dining experience, try visiting the Possum Crossing restaurant.  This place is a great family experience that applies southern comfort with good food. Situated in the old Gators restaurant on Wickham Road in Melbourne, Possum Crossing was a cool experience.

I recently visited there with my family and we loved it.  The service was good.  Management was highly visible, and they made us feel at home.  The menu is southern/soul style food and prepared very nicely.   I had a platter that consisted of gator nuggets, frog legs, and catfish. It was awesome.  The rest of the family had burgers (see the size), catfish, and chicken. They also have a full service bar and lounge area.

The whole experience was fun.  I give the place an overall "A" for service, quality, and atmosphere.  The prices are a little high for a family.  We walked out of there for $92.00 with dinner and tip.  No drinks and one appetizer.  It might be a little much for an average family on a budget but the food was great.

Other than the prices it was a good experience.  We'll certainly go back but not often at those prices.  Otherwise it was a great experience.

Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World

Shades of Green is the only on site Disney hotel dedicated to those who serve in the Armed Forces.  A sprawling complex of rooms, suites, swimming pools, golf, etc, Shades of Green has everything a hotel should have at prices that are remarkably affordable for service members.

Shades of Green just rolled out their 2013 newsletter which describes a variety of events and specials that are attractive for those who are eligible.  For example, May 1st through May 31st they offer a $105/night special.  Fall special is $59.99/person and select days in November and December they offer $119.75 for 2 adults and 2 children (under 10) including breakfast and dinner.

Easter Sunday they have an Easter Service at 9:00 am (0900). At 10:00 am there will be an Easter egg hunt and visit by the Easter Bunny at the Mill Pond pool.  Visit their website at : www.shadesofgreen.org . Sign up for the free newsletter and start enjoying the benefit of being part of something big!

Runaway Country - Wickham Park Melbourne

Runaway Country

Runaway Country is a country music festival held every year at Wickham Park in Melbourne, Florida.  Featuring current and past music stars this event runs from Friday, March 22nd through Sunday March 24th.  There will be three days of food, fun, music, merchandising, and appearances by 17 artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, and the Charlie Daniels Band. Camping is available for all three days.

Tickets can be purchased for all weekend or single days.  Parking passes are a separate charge. All purchases can be made at www. RunawayCountry.com or call 321-549-4204.  Tickets can also be purchased at the 7-11 store on the corner of Wickham Road and Parkway Drive (cash only) across the street from Wickham Park.