Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is the largest entertainment complex in the world.  At over 30,00 acres (47 sq. miles) it rivals Orlando, the nearest city and covers large portions of two Florida counties.  Walt Disney World consists of 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.  It also boasts two water parks: Disney Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Magic Kingdom, opened in 1971, is the original Walt Disney World park, featuring the classics like the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. Animal Kingdom is a world class wildlife exhibit that showcases animals in their natural environments, but wait - you can actually see the animals because you are going to take a bus tour right through their habitat!  Nobody but Disney could have thought of that.

Then there is Disney Hollywood Studios, a tribute to Disney and MGM's fantastic world of 100 years of film-making.  Rides, shows, stage acts, and the ever-popular Star Wars Weekend make this a popular venue for families. When you;'re there don't pass up the Tower of Terror and the Rockin' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith.

Park hours vary and they extend through the summer months.  Get up to date hours and ticket pricing at:

                                                          www.disneyworld.disney.go.com


Welcome to Florida. Have a fun summer and be safe.  Please have the time of your life!

Fun Spot Action Park

Fun Spot Action Park has two locations in Orlando -  the one on International Drive and on US 192 in Kissimmee.  It's a different kind of park in the Orlando area and definitely worth checking out. Built more like an old-fashioned amusement park, Fun Spot is a smaller venue that has rides, games, a Ferris wheel, and carousel.

For a price you can ride and play all day on the tracks and other amusements.  There are cafes and the food is totally decent.  Younger kids and parents can ride the go carts together and, for the older ones, there are the larger tracks they can enjoy all day.

Under construction is the 250 foot Sky Coaster that hurls the more daring park enthusiasts through the air.  Not my thing but I've seen folks have a ball on these.  Kind of like the old bungee jump experience but you have to have the stomach of an astronaut!

Prices are listed above.  Not too bad for an all day fun trip and a break from the major theme parks.  Fun Spot has been in Kissimmee for years and the one on International Drive, while newer, has just as much and people love the location.

Located right off I-4 and International Drive across from Universal Studios, Fun Spot is easy to get to and close to hotels and dining. Check with your hotels and restaurants because many of them have coupons or discount deals with these venues but don't advertise them.

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.