Sunday, September 25, 2016

Florida Resident Discounts

There is never really an off season in Central Florida for vacationing families. Many years ago it was obvious that everybody went back north around Labor Day and returned at Thanksgiving but today we have a steady stream of travelers from all over our great country, Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia.

That having been said, there are brief lulls in the action and we are in one of those periods now.  So for Florida residents this is the time to enjoy deep discounts at the parks.  For example, Universal Studios offers up to $45 a day off gate prices, LEGOLAND gives $15, and Disney specializes in multi-day multi-park passes. One should consider package deals with all the parks if you want to spend more than one day as the discounts are much more enticing. Be sure to have your Florida driver license, voter ID card, utility bill, or some other form of ID when purchasing and entering the parks. Shop the Disney and Universal sites along with LEGOLAND, Sea World, and Busch Gardens for discount ideas.  The idea is to NEVER pay full price for anything and always ask for discounts at the parks and hotels.  

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Golf at Walt Disney World

When you visit Central Florida and you are on par for running the circuit of theme parks remember that there are world class golf courses here as well.  For example, the Walt Disney World complex plays host to four golf courses and one miniature gold course. Here we'll take a look at those.

First there is the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course located in the Disney Springs Resort Area. Having hosted the PGA, LPGA, and USGA golf tours, it is a well established landmark and well-known in the golf community. Although this golf course is of professional caliber, it plays host to teenagers and adults nicely.  The course is available to all so if you're not too proud of your handicap or are a scratch golfer, this course is for everybody.

Like most golf courses there is a dress code.  The fairways and holes are immaculately maintained and all conceivable amenities are available. Tee times can be made at (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653).

If you travel from Disney Springs to the Magic Kingdom there are three equally great golf courses located near the grounds of the Grand Floridian Hotel. The Disney Magnolia Golf Course has everything a golfer could want. So does the Disney palm Golf Course and the Disney Oak Trail Golf Course. These courses, while good for the experienced golfer or the pro, are also geared for family members.  In fact, the Disney Oak Trail Golf Course is specially welcoming to the younger novices and preschoolers

All the courses have par courses and golf carts complete with GPS.  Coolers are not allowed but each cart has a cooler and they can be stocked with ice, beer, cold drinks, or whatever you want.  Pairing is standard as they like to send groups of four but more or less can be accommodated, especially if the group is a family.

Disney has thought of everything when it comes  to their guests including golfers. Not everybody goes to the parks every day and when you're on vacation, the idea is to relax and do what you want to do. This is Florida.  We're ready for you.