Theme Park Tickets

When planning a vacation in Orlando, Florida, any family is likely to go to at least one theme park. As the number one vacation destination in the U.S., Orlando hosts major league theme parks and the greatest amount. Visitors can spend time at one of four Disney theme parks and two water parks. They can also see Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Orlando is famous for Sea World and just west toward Tampa they can see Lego Land and Busch Gardens, Tampa.

These vacations can be very expensive if not planned carefully.  Consider what year and time of year you want to come. Are you going to fly or drive? Where do you plan to stay? There are a variety of options but do your homework.

1)  Buy multi-day, multi-park tickets.  This may concern some people but if you calculate the cost of 1-day park passes and value that against the combo packages there is a lot of money to be saved.

2)  Stay on the property.  Disney and Universal Studios  have many benefits and savings for "all inclusive reservations".  Sea World doesn't have a hotel on site but several hotels adjacent the park have excellent savings.

3)  When possible, fly - don't drive.  Transportation is world class from hotels or theme parks. They can be booked from reliable booking sites like Expedia or Orbitz.  In fact, booking sites can plan all your reservations including shuttle service to and from the airport.

The parks want you to stay with them. It seems like a more expensive option but you are on vacation.  Let others do the work. The more you bundling you do the more money you save and the more fun and relaxation you have.  That's why you're here!  Don't forget to review older posts by clicking the icon at the bottom.  Thank you.

Disney World Ticket Prices

By now, if you're planning a vacation or live in Florida you have heard that Walt Disney World Parks just raised their 1-day Pass to $99.00.  There is a lot of speculation as to why.  Some think it's the cost of inflation, others believe Disney stock needs a revitalization.  It may be due to the fact that Disney is getting set to go into labor negotiations with the parks union and are anticipating an increase in demand for wages and benefits. 

Historically, Walt Disney World raises their prices followed by the other Orlando area theme parks.  It was just recently announced that Universal Studios Orlando is going to raise their prices but I'm not sure the rates have been set yet.  You can bet Sea World and Busch Gardens will follow suit.

Disney doesn't have any special rates at the moment for one-day park passes.  They do have their multi-park and multi-day passes still.  Rates are discounted for on-line purchases, Florida resident, AAA, and a few others.  There are also rates for on sight hotels and the Disney Dining Plan is good to look at if you have a large party going to the parks for the day.  The other parks have similar plans are usually break even or you might save a few bucks rather than paying as you go.

It is certainly a lot of money to pay $400.00 for a family of four to attend the park for the day but if you go to some smaller venues or to some of the traditional smaller places to visit you may find you don't spend a lot more. 

Don't let it deter you from coming to Florida.  We still value our vacationers an you deserve it after the winter the northern states experienced!

Howl-o-Scream Busch Gardens Tampa

                                            (photo provided by Busch Gardens Tampa)

Not to be outdone by the other parks, Busch Gardens, Tampa, is hosting it's annual Howl-o-Scream bash.  It started on 27 September and is featured every Thursday through Saturday night between now and Halloween.   There will be haunted houses such as Circus of Superstition, House of Blood, and Nevermore (my favorite because I'm an Edgar Allan Poe nut).

This year features scare zones highlighting 13 years of this event where a lot of scenes and characters from past years converge to give the right effect.  Also featured are Howl-o-Scream Shop of Horrors and Club XIII where the adults can party away the night.

Tickets can be purchased several ways.  There's always the gate price - don't do that!. At $79.99 you're paying mini-bar prices. On-line tickets are $54.99 and Pass Members get in for $34.99.  See how fast the price goes down? There is also a Promo to check out at your participating Taco Bell, Applebee's or Walgreen's carrying Fanta products and I believe the price with the promo is $44.95.

Included in your admission price are all the great Busch Gardens rides and shows. The event starts at 7:00 pm and goes until 2:00 am. If you want front line access you can get access to a variety of houses, shows, and other exclusive offers but be careful.  It's like ordering drinks and appetizers at a restaurant - you can double your initial investment very quickly.  I sometimes get the advance passes to events but usually I figure I'm there for the night and not in a hurry anyway so I don't usually bother.

Visit www.howloscream.com/Tampa for all the details and view some cool pics and video.  It's definitely worth it for a memorable Halloween celebration.

Spaceship Earth - Epcot - Walt Disney World

Spaceship earth is a slow-moving 16 minute ride through the big ball that is so iconic of Epcot.  narrated by Dame Judi Dench, you embark on a voyage that goes back 40 million years and follow man's progress through time.

The ride is for all ages and goes up through he building and back down at the end for 16 minutes.  One can see prehistoric man, the Gutenberg's presses, the Renaissance, early radio and television, up to the first man on the moon.

I found Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel amazing and really liked the Walter Cronkite broadcast of the first moon walk. The tour in somewhat interactive as it takes your photo and at the end of the ride the kids get to create a future world of their own using the screens inside the car while using the photos of their family's faces.  Thoroughly entertaining and laughable they will all have a good time with it.

When you disembark there is a huge globe with all your faces placed in random locations on it.  This ride is similar to the old Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom.  It's a great fun ride, (air-conditioning is a plus) and they family can enjoy a well planned venue along with a little educational stimulation at the same time.  This is good since life isn't all roller coasters!  Have fun.

Mission: SPACE - Epcot - Walt Disney World

I really wasn't ready for this one the first time I rode it.  I'm very impressed with the techno experience of it all.  When you first enter this huge arena you are ushered into the space culture and see all kinds of rockets and vehicles as you wind through the line.  The cast members are totally real and they usher you into an intro room where they give everybody seats and assignments such as Navigator, Pilot, Mission Specialist, etc.

You walk into a capsule where everyone sits at the space ship controls with buttons, switches and a joy stick.  You get the little briefing that you're going on a 3-month mission to Mars and will be placed in "hyper sleep" for the greater portion of the ride.  You launch from the pad and feel the engines roar while G-force pushes you back into your seat.  The trip takes you out past the space station, slingshots around the moon, and you run through an asteroid

belt.  I'm not going to ruin it by giving away the whole thing but I can tell you the kids think it's awesome.  It's not a dangerous ride but the illusion of space travel is recreated incredibly.  It's not for the faint-hearted or those with physical conditions but it'll smooth out those wrinkles for sure!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando's biggest attraction is the Forbidden Journey.  This most recent addition to the park opened in 2010 and has blown away the competition.  Set at the back of the park it's a world unto itself set in 19th century England.  Rising many stories above the park is the foreboding Hogwart's Castle that contains the Forbidden Journey, a ride through the entire book theme.  21st century technology will make you fell as though you're flying on broomsticks and enjoying a game of Quidditch while you battle the forces of the dark arts.

While you're there walk the streets of Harry Potter's world and visit Ollivander's magic shop.  Enjoy a glass of Butterbeer and try the confections in Honeyduke's sweet shop.  The souvenirs are incredible and one of a kind (we love gift shops in Florida!).  You can also take a ride on the Dragon Challenge a, a dual roller coaster that will rattle your teeth.

You must be 48" to ride the two big rides but the Flight of the Hippogriff is especially designed for the younger riders and they will love it.

Eat at the Three Broomsticks which serves British food in a rustic self serve tavern.  Take all day in just this section of the park and you will get your money's worth not to mention a lifetime of memories.

Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant at Disney Hollywood Studios

When you're at Hollywood Studios this summer and looking for a place to eat this is unique because the entertainment doesn't stop when you do.  A great way to spend part of your day with the kids this restaurant blends dining with entertainment like no other restaurant at the Disney world complex.

Set up like an old-fashioned drive-in, the whole family sits in their car and orders from a Happy Days style menu.  Appetizers range from buffalo chicken potato skins, wings, spinach & artichoke, to onion rings and BLT soup which is an uncommon creation.  Entrees feature the ever popular burger, chicken, Reuben's, and veggie for the vegan in your crowd.  I've had the double cheeseburger and can't finish it. Or you can go for a Rib Eye with garlic mashed potatoes in red wine sauce.

Dessert is sure not to disappoint with cakes, sundaes, ice cream and red velvet cheesecake.  There is also a mixed drink list, beer and wine.  Also, milk shakes and flavored sodas for the kids.

Lunch and Dinner ranges from $15-$35 per person. There is also a full kids menu.  This place is great for the kids but parents will love it.  I give it an "A+" for sheer enjoyment and entertainment.  The food is awesome too!

Enjoy dinner and a show. Go on line or call 1-407-WDW-DINE to make reservations and see what's playing that day.  Don't forget to mention your Disney Dining Plan if you participate.

Splash Mountain - Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a great thrill ride that's good for all ages.  It's fashioned after the 1960's film "Song of the South" featuring the adventures of Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear.  The ride is a water experience so plan on getting wet.

 You'll climb to the top of the mountain and get into log boats where you ride through the mountain and into the world of the briar patch where you recognize all the characters from the iconic movie.  I believe there's a height requirement for this one and may not be best for kids under 5 but they can guide you when you arrive.  The ride lasts about 5 minutes and culminates at the top of the mountain where you plunge down the mountain at break neck speed.

I did my best to get good pictures but the boats move through limited lighting and it's hard to focus on any one thing so I did my best.  (I'm a writer - not a photographer).  We enjoy this ride because the animation and details are as exquisite on this attraction as on all the Disney rides and you'll love it.  Although most of the ride is a boat ride you are excited because you know what's coming at the end so it makes the whole thing interesting.

As you come down the mountain at the end you will get very wet so brace yourself!  It's an awesome feeling in the hot Florida summer and a cold shock in the winter months.  Your boat will be photographed on the way down which is fun because you get to see every body's unrehearsed reactions to the big fall.  It's usually hilarious and makes a great keep sake photo to take home with you. Have fun!

Walt Disney World Hotels - Florida Resident Special Offers

Disney has a variety of offers for Florida residents to stay this summer.  There are a lot of on-site hotels to choose from and the prices vary depending on what you're looking for.  All the resorts fall into 4 categories: Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas.

The Value Resorts range from $104 to as low as $70 a night in late summer.  Moderate Resorts are in the range of $143 - $273/night and $123 - $127/night in late summer.  Deluxe Resorts range from $228 - $379/night and $252- $379/night in late summer.  If you really want luxury you can get a Deluxe Villa for about $249/night  and $231/night, late summer.

There are the other charges that are never mentioned.  First is the parking fee.  Most hotels charge for self parking and also have valet.  Then there's the state resort tax and sales that add on to the nightly cost of the room.  Add-ons are extra and, like any tourist venue, there are incidentals that can rack up your costs so be careful.  I believe if you add $40-$50 to each room night you have your average cost per night.

Visit www.disneyparks.disney.go.com for all the current room rates.  The deals are there if you do the research.  Also, when you arrive for check-in always ask for a free upgrade.  They never offer them but sometimes they will accommodate you just for asking.  Don't be afraid to ask!  They already have your money so be bold and enjoy your visit!

Test Track at EPCOT

Test Track at Epcot is an unusual ride because it combines a thrill with education and is intellectually interesting.  The track is a ride with six people to a car on a track and you are whisked through a mock up like a major motor vehicle proving ground.  As you walk through the winding lines you see examples of what car manufacturers use to test everything from brakes to tires and seat belts.

In Dearborn,  Michigan there are several proving grounds where Ford, GM, and Chrysler put cars through their paces before putting their prototypes into production for the general public.  The tests are to determine safety, comfort, and affordability of new cars, and to learn about the  flaws and failures in production.

The test track at Epcot takes you on winding turns, brake tests, hot and cold weather tests, and several others.  When you complete the trek through the proving ground building you're taken out on a track similar to a race track. The car accelerates onto a bank,  flattens out into a straightaway, and accelerates to about 68 MPH.  You can look up on the marquis and watch your acceleration.

Kids and grownups alike enjoy this one for different reasons but it's worth not missing when you visit EPCOT.   At the end of the ride you go through the gift shop (there's one at the end of every ride - you won't get away!).  Beyond that is a showroom full of  cars, trucks, and SUV's that you can try out and pose for photos in.  Yes, that's me and I know I take awful pictures but I love Camaros so I couldn't resist.  Hope you enjoy.  Please check out my older posts.  You may see something you like.  I appreciate comments on your experiences.  

Splash Mountain -Walt Disney World

This is a favorite, especially in the summertime.  The nice thing about this ride other than the ride itself -- the line is almost exclusively in the shade of the mountain!  In August or September that's a blessing. This one is very popular and lines in peak season can go as long as 150 minutes so Fast Pass is a good one to save this for.

You get into boats and float through this one ending in the huge drop you see at the top.  The second and third photos are inside the Mountain and depict the characters and scenery from the Disney film "Song of the South".  You'll float through the entire mountain and come out on top where you take the big plunge.  It's awesome and the kids love it.  So get nice and wet but chase this one down as soon as you can as it's at the far end of the park across from Tom Sawyer's Island.

NOTE:  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, located right next to Splash Mountain, is closed for renovations.  It should reopen in a few months.

Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom

This is a nice place to eat at Magic Kingdom.  Right on Main Street USA across from Casey's Corner you can dine in an early 1900's restaurant with excellent food.

You can make reservations at 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463).  I'm not even sure they take walk-ins so I would make the call or go to m.disneyworld.com from your Verizon phone.  The menu is not heavy meals.  It's more like an old-fashioned soda fountain but very good.  We had a cheeseburger, club sandwiches, and a grilled chicken sandwich. The rest of the menu has a Reuben, vegetarian, turkey, cheesecake, and other selections. The only dinner-style plate they have is a meat loaf which none of us ordered but looked good.

 They also have a good selection of ice cream, fountain drinks, sundaes, shakes, floats, sundaes, etc.  The restaurant is collocated with the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor sponsored by Edy's Grand Ice Cream so if you're a fan of theirs you'll love the desserts.  The service was excellent and the food was great.  Prices weren't bad by Disney standards and you can use your Disney Meal Plan here.  It's a great place to eat with kids and we were able to watch one of the parades through the window since we sat so close to the street.  A fun experience.  I give It an "A-" but with no complaints.

What's new in the Central Florida Theme Parks

This week at Universal Studios there are a number of performances celebrating Mardi Gras.  Starting off are Rappers Hot Chelle Rae, and B.o.B.  on Saturday night.  At the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival "The Guess Who"  performs one of their legendary performances.  Glenn Campbell will be at Silver Springs on Saturday night as well. Busch Gardens will host Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. All concerts are included in regular theme park admission.

At Sea World this weekend Jack Hanna will be at the Nautilus Theater on both days.  Seating is on an availability basis and there's no extra charge if you have theme park tickets.

Try the all new Hollywood Drive-in Golf at Universal Studios.  One side is a graveyard theme and the other side is like an alien sci-fi trip.  Looks pretty cool!  Check out photos on themeparkinsider.com.


NOTE:  At Downtown Disney the Rain Forest Cafe is undergoing renovations.  Don't know yet when it will reopen.  Also Moms, The Basin,  a soap and bath oil store, is also undergoing renovations.  When I find out the reopen dates I'll post them.

Disneyland California Specials - 2012

Disneyland, California has similar deals such as the 3-day package with an additional day.  They also have a 3-day pass for $199.  Southern California residents can "Go Wild" with a 2-day Pass for $99.  There is also a limited time offer of 25% discount at Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel March 30th - April 14th  if you book before March 11th.


Military rates apply now through Sep 30th which was extended for active duty and retired. Check soon since it's based on availability.

Passholders be sure to take advantage of discounts at many of the restaurants and gift shops and be sure to get a Photo Pass when you hit the street.  You can have a family photo take  almost anywhere and go home to view it on you computer, laptop, or cell phone.  Order the photo at your leisure rather than have to decide the day of your visit.  (A good example is the photo above.  Mickey has no eyes at that angle!) We love this option since we don't always take a great shot.  It gives you the chance to have a do over!

Halloween Horror Nights

When we went to Halloween Horror Nights we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner.  We had the nachos appetizer and burgers with fries.  That's all we usually get but we enjoy it every time.  I won't say much about Hard Rock because I've written about it in previous posts and I have nothing new to add.  The only thing I didn't like was the waiter who was not engaging at all and didn't offer any dialogue beyond basic service.  This is not the norm for Hard Rock so I won't gig them too hard but in an atmosphere like Hard Rock the personality of the server is almost as important as the quality of the meal.

As for Halloween Horror Nights, I wrote in my previous post everything I liked about it.  There were a few things that could be better.  For example, in and around the attractions the police officers seemed more engaging than some of the employees.  Many of the haunted houses were set up on back lots which is not where tourists ever go so it's all set up with ropes and stanchions.  While the details were good there were times that you don't know if you're going in or out and nobody there to tell you.  That or employees were standing there watching you decide what to do and not offer to help.  I'm sure they are told this but don't always do it.  Also, some of the rides were closed for the night, for example E.T the Extra-terrestrial, is still one of the most popular rides and it was closed.  Why?  People pay a lot of hard earned money so keep everything open. Right?

I included the photo of the menu for Finnegan's above but it's hard to read.  Another place to eat at Universal is Mel's Drive-In which is the replica of Mel's in American Graffiti.  It's fast food burgers in and out but good for families. There is also Louie's Italian Restaurant, the Monster Cafe and a fried chicken place (we haven't eaten there).  You can also hit Starbucks which is right next door to Ben and Jerry's so plenty of eateries and they're all good.

If you come next year buy your tickets early but plan for a night because, unlike regular theme park tickets, these are date specific.  Ticket prices are cheaper for weekdays, more for Friday, and Saturday is the most expensive.  Example for 2011:  Sunday-Thursday - $39.99, Friday - $49.99, and Saturday - $59.99.  You can also add Fast Pass for $39.99 extra so you can bypass all the lines (except Rip Rocket Roller Coaster).  I didn't buy them because I felt it was a waste of money and it was since none of the lines were longer than a 15 minute wait, however, if you chose to buy them, buy them right away as they only issue so many Fast Passes for the night you chose to go. Like I wrote in previous posts, if you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Loew's Royal Pacific Hotels your room key is your Fast Pass. Parking this year was $15.00 for general parking but they also have drop off areas, bus drop off, and valet parking if you want to go more.

Like anything, you can spend a lot of money but some people only do this once in a lifetime, or just with the kids because they know we'll pay almost anything for those memories that last a lifetime.  Just do your research before buying....and don't hesitate to talk to ordinary people like me.  We don't give you the glossy overview.  We tell you like relatives and parents the things you want to know.  Email me if you need anything.  Thanks again for reading. Take care till next time.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando

Last Friday night my kids and I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Orlando.  This Halloween street party has been put on by Universal Studios for 21 years and I've never been, in part because the kids were always too young.  My son, now 14, really wanted to go, and my daughter, 12, was adventurous enough to go at a young age.  So, off we went and what a night it was.  It was a scream!  (I know, corny, but it seemed right). 

Universal closes to regular ticket holders at 6:00 pm and opens about 6:30 for Halloween Horror Night ticket holders.  The park was dark except for street lamps and the atmosphere was intoxicating.  We saw all kinds of creeps walking the streets, zombies, witches, bloody corpses, and Michael Myers types running around chasing people with chainsaws like the one in the picture above with Ryan.  There were eight haunted houses with various themes from ghostly graveyards, shipwrecks, haunted houses, a Spanish fort, and a WWI trench with a battle scene going on around you.  My favorite was called "Nevermore" which was an Edgar Allan Poe themed house.  He was one of my favorite authors so it was most intriguing for me.  I think the kids liked "The Thing", a frozen setting based on the upcoming movie from Universal.  It was freezing in there but it made it that much more authentic.

In all the attractions and on the streets of Universal they had hundreds of characters running around interacting with the visitors.  The makeup and acting was every bit what you expect from a major movie maker.  They chase all the kids around, pop around corners, pretend to grab you, and snarl.  They don't speak but the acting is incredible.  Hats off to all the cast members for a job well done.

If you got there early the crowd was light since there are a lot more adults that go on a late night but there were plenty of kids there, some younger than my daughter.  We went on all the rides starting with the Rip Rocket Roller coaster, a fast-moving express that starts with a trip to the top and about a 100 foot fall all the while listening to rock music that you get to chose.  We went on the Jaws ride as well.  Good in the day, superb at night!  Also visit the mummy ride.  Short wait times - excellent ride.



Finnegan's Restaurant & Bar



  



Finnegan's Pub

All the eateries at Universal are good but I always gravitate to the Irish
Pubs.  Finnegan's is a good one right in the heart of Universal.  It has typical pub fare -  sandwiches, appetizers, and hot dinners.  The food is good, the service excellent, and the pub is a clean, comfortable place with nice design and a cozy air about it.  If you like Cheers or Beef O'Brady's, this is the place to hang out and have a good glass of stout. 

The park closes at 2:00am and the rides and shows go on til then (except for Rip Rocket - it closes at 1:00) so a lot of the party goers start off at Universal City Walk and make it to the Halloween Horror Nights later, say, about 11:00pm.  This makes it a great place to go when it opens, especially if you have kids because the lines are light and you don't have to mix with the heavy drinkers who eventually make it inside. 

Along that line I noticed a heavy but discreet police presence along with active Universal Security Officers.  With all the beer and shots being consumed on the streets and in the bars I saw very few disturbances.  Police escorted a few guys to the parking lot and they were seen speaking with a couple of guys but otherwise it was a very well-behaved crowd.  This is good for parents who might be a little concerned with bringing their kids in contact with a grown up crowd for the first time.  They did a good job of maintaining a festive atmosphere.

The attractions were a maze of lines and ropes but it was very well organized.  I was impressed with the detail of attention paid to the place and one can see a lot of great planning went into preparing for the visitors.  There is only one more night of it so get your ticket and get over there!  I'm going to post another blog about it tomorrow so please check back.  Thanks.

Legoland Florida

Florida's newest attraction is Legoland, a 150 acre theme park located 45 minutes west of Orlando off I-4.  If you are from Florida or are familiar with the tourist corridor, it's about halfway between Orlando and Tampa in Winter Haven. 

Legoland opened on October 15th , 2011, on the grounds of the old Cypress Gardens Water Park.  It's a family themed park targeting the imaginations of children 2-12 years old but it's really a good experience for everyone.  As one of the smaller theme parks it's really nicely done with all the bells and whistles of the larger parks without having to walk till you drop.  There are a variety of rides and shows and a roller coaster that is really pretty cool.  Everywhere you go there are characters and structures built out of tens of thousands of Lego pieces.  You can take a tour of a real working Lego factory and visit Lego City that is a huge area of Lego stuff.  The 2-12 crowd will love it but I saw a lot of teenagers there having a great time.

One thing I really liked is that on the lake they brought back the ski show like in the old days of Cypress Gardens.  It's a masterful show put on by world class water skiers and what's great about it is that you can't find this type of show anywhere else.  The kids can enjoy an interactive play area and visit Pirate's Cove.

Park hours in October are 10:00am til 5:00pm.  It isn't posted anywhere but they will extend their hours during the peak seasons like all the parks do.  Ticket prices are $75.00/Adult and $65.00/child 2-12.  Under 2 is free.  They also have annual passes for those who live nearby and Senior Annual prices.

They have good food at decent prices (for an attraction).  There is a pizza and pasta buffet in Fun Town and Blackbeard's in the Pirate's Cove has burgers and sandwiches.  Again, all designed around kids. 

We enjoyed the day and will probably go again some time in the future.  Sorry, no photos this time but I'll get some when we return.  So long for now until my next post.  Don't forget to check out my other posts and ask me anything you may think of before planning your vacation.

One more thing before I go.  On October 28th my kids and I are going to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando.  It's supposed to be the best of horror shows and no wonder.  If the folks that make the movies puts it on it should be awesome!  Please remember to check in after the 28th so we can share the experience with you.  I'll make sure I take pictures so you can see what a great time it is. Thank you! 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal/Islands of Adventure

When you visit Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure there's a good chance you're going because of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  This segment of the park is located in Islands of Adventure and is almost like a little theme park of it's own.  Based on the writings of J.K. Rowling, the Wizarding World is like stepping into the movies.

As you enter this part of the park you encounter late 19th century England with some 20th century amenities.  Your first encounter is a street scene and at the entrance is the locomotive that took Harry and friends to Hogwarts School.  Up the cobbled avenue are  various shops and eateries.  Ollivander's is the most popular store where they sell all the magical wands from the books.  When you enter you encounter a charming shopkeeper who operates a magic shop and explains all the wands and what they do.  He selects one child from your group as an apprentice wizard.  Sort of a skit.  After he gives you his script you move onto the store and the kids can shop  for a wand they can attach themselves to. They are a rare and special souvenir.  It's not just shopping for the kids, it's an experience. 

A variety of other shops line the street but just one other I'll mention is Honeyduke's, a sweet shop you won't want to miss.  The confections are Hogwarts unique and it's like the sweet shop many of us grew up on. Small, cramped but filled with candies, cakes, and chocolates you'll only find at this experience.  The employees are all costumed and act like cast members.  It's totally cool. 

As you venture up the street you'll encounter the Dragon Challenge, a high speed dual roller coaster that'll rattle your cage.  It starts in a castle and shoots you up in the air.  Complete with loops, barrel rolls, and heart-wrenching turns it's a scream!  Younger children have a 48" height requirement as do many of the more mature rides but other than that you'll love it.  Don't feel left out, though, because around the corner you reach the Flight of the Hippogriff.  This is a smaller roller coaster.  It's fun and a nice substitute for the young ones who miss out on the Dragon Challenge. 

The "Boss" ride here is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.  This is located in a life-size replica of Hogwarts School that towers over the entire park.  You get in line and wind your way through the classrooms and halls of Hogwarts School with talking paintings, dark rooms, and creatures you only find in Harry Potter.  The ride is a moving platform that uniquely seats all passengers facing to the side as the vehicle moves through the castle so everyone has front row seats.  It's not fast-moving like a roller coaster but the technology is definitely 21st century.  The ride comes at you and you actually feel what it's like to play in a game of Quidditch.  I'm not going to describe it too much because one needs the element of surprise.  I'll just say I've been on a lot of theme park rides in my life and this one leaves me breathing hard when I get off.  I've ridden it about ten times and every time I leave my first word is "Wow". 

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is the experience of a lifetime.  Presently there isn't a Harry Potter theme hotel but, if you stay at one of the on-site hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, or Portofino Bay) you get "Fast-Pass" access and the park opens one hour early just for you. Also, don't miss the Harry Potter store at Universal.  Now, I've been asked about a Harry Potter Contest at Universal but can't find any evidence of one.  If you know of one please post it here so we can all know about it.

My next posting will be a restaurant in the Central Florida attraction zone.  Thanks and please keep reading.

Walt Disney World Orlando

www.dWalt Disney World is the biggest of them all.  The world's largest theme park complex the total area of which is comparable to the City of Orlando itself.  Disney World boasts four theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.  It also has two water parks, Blizzard beach and Typhoon Lagoon.  Disney World has various world class hotels on the property, restaurants, gift shops, and a full service pet kennel.  Disney World is aptly named as it is a city unto itself. 

We last went to the Magic Kingdom which was the original mega park in Central Florida.  When you park you'll be transported to the ticket booth area by tram car.  Make sure you remember where you are parked.  If you have tickets already in hand (which I always recommend)  you'll be escorted across the Seven Seas Lagoon by way of ferry boat or monorail.  Once you arrive at the Magic Kingdom you'll walk through the train station and onto Main Street USA.  It's a photo shoot of a lifetime as you look up the street to Cinderella's Castle which towers several hundred feet into the sky. 

Disney World is so large it's divided into themed areas.  It has Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Liberty Square in addition to the Main Street USA Area which is full of shops, food concessions, and shows.  There is also a play area called Disney Toon Vliiage which they are apparently doing away with to expand Fantasyland.

Park hours are currently 9:00am - 9:00pm with early hours fom 8:00am - 9:00am for special pass holders and hotel guests.  Daily tickets are $71.10 (ages 3-9) and $76.50 (10+) but if you purchase multi-day passes it's a better deal.  They also have Florida resident prices and if you plan to go there multiple times during the year they have seasonal and annual passes.  FASTPASS helps cut down on the long lines. You can purchase it for additional charges or you get the the FASTPASS privilege with your on-site hotel keys. 

I'll be doing a lot of postings about the Disney World experience so look for more.  There's just too much to write about in one article without putting you to sleep.  So look for more and thanks for reading!

Gatorland

One of my all time favorite attractions is Gatorland Zoo on Highway 441 (South Orange Blossom Trail) about 5 miles south of the airport.  Gatorland has been a constant in Central Florida since the 50's and was here long before the major theme parks began to arrive but if you want to see what Florida is really like you'll want to stop there on your trip through Orlando.

Gatorland was started by the late Owen Godwin, a big game hunter, businessman, and philanthropist who started his show by trucking a single large alligator through Florida as a roadside attraction.  Gatorland has developed into a Florida wildlife based attraction filled with alligators, crocodiles, flamingos, snakes, bears, tortoises, and all types of native birds species.  Like Sea World, it's not just a theme park, they actually breed gators and care for them.  Gatorland is the largest alligator farm in the world and for a visitor it's a must see. Everywhere you walk through the marsh walks, cypress trees, and sidewalks you see hundreds of these massive dinosaurs.  The sight of them is nothing short of breathtaking when you think how they haven't evolved much in the last 50 million years.

The park hours are 9:00am to 5:00 pm every day.  Much less expensive than the larger parks the cost is $22.99/adult ($43.99/annual), and 3-12 is $14.99 (29.99/annual).  On their website http://www.gatorland.com/ you can purchase tickets,  take a virtual tour, and see what they have to offer.  The food and drinks are snack bar style, and they have a great gift shop right inside the front door through the giant gator jaws full of unique souvenirs.  Take the kids on the train ride for $2.00 each and visit the gator feeding show.  they also have a breeding marsh and rookery where you can stand 50 feet in the air and view hundreds of gators below.  They have animal shows where they inform and entertain you and the photo shoots are one of a kind.  Recently added is a "Zipline" where you an hook up and fly through the trees and across the water.  Ziplines are becoming popular at Florida attractions and great fun for the kids.  If you are here in the summer Gatorland has a super splash park where parents and kids can get wet and cool off so join in the fun.

I've been going to Gatorland since I was three years old.  I have always loved taking my children and look forward to taking grandchildren some day.  The folks at Gatorland take great pains to preserve these majestic animals.  The park is always spotless and the entertainment value is surpassed only by the friendliness and courtesy of the staff.  We love it and hope you do to.