With Christmas fast approaching and the typical English weather now starting to kick in it makes you think does Christmas have to be like this or is there a better options? Here I sit listening to what sounds like a force 9 gale outside with the rain lashing against the windows knowing that when you have to go out it will also be lovely and cold and all of this makes you wish you had loads of money and just escape it all!!
My thoughts were though if I was in that position then where would I go? The answer for me would have to be that we would load up our family of 4 and hear on off to Florida. We have yet to experience Florida at Christmas but can only imagine how great it would be to have the children all together at the drop of a hat, not tell them where we were going other than to the airport. On arrival in Florida I suspect Continue reading “A Perfect Christmas – Do It In Florida” »
It has been announced today that one of the most iconic rides at Universal Studios and one that has made us all jump no matter how many times we go on it is to close! Yes, Jaws is closing to make way for a new attraction that is yet to be name.
The ride “Captain Jake’s Boat Tours” will be offering its last tours on January 2nd January 2012 and so for those that want to bid it a fond farewell then this is your last chance.
Having been on the ride a few times it is like a right of passage to go on this ride but in fairness in the modern age it is rather dated! It can of course be said though that the film was and so it is appropriate. It will be sad to see it go and we are also extremely interested to see what will be taking its place and so as soon as we hear we will let you know!
For now! So long Jaws!! it was fun to be thrilled by you!
Outback Steak House is where I would eat every meal if I was give the chance! For those that like a good steak then the Outback Steakhouse is the place to head. The restaurant is located on that magical road that keep being mentioned – the 192.
I still remember the Outback from the first time I went there. It was my first trip to Florida and I was loving all that was around but feeling lost in the size of the place, my brother had declared that we had to go to a Outback Steakhouse as it was the best place to get a steak and so off the whole family went in search of the restaurant. As we did everything on the spur of the moment we of course did not have a reservation Continue reading “Outback Steakhouse Florida – Awesome” »
The Legends is one of many Clifton, Ezell & Clifton designs in the Orlando area. Located in the northwest section, this 6911 yard par 72 layout features dramatic elevation changes from tee boxes that rise up to 100 feet above the multi-tiered fairways. Panoramic views featuring glimpses of Lake Louisa are often spectacular from the “mountain tops” of this rolling terrain. Slanting fairways provide challenging lies and numerous doglegs and water hazards serve to keep golfers on their toes. The Legends clubhouse includes a pro shop, locker rooms with showers for men and women, plus a beautiful restaurant with full bar and outdoor patio, that also doubles to host outings and special events. Lunch items are served daily, dinner is available every day but Monday, and a wonderful Sunday Brunch is also featured. Continue reading “Legends Golf Course Review” »
One of the greatest things about hiring a Florida villa is that 99% of them come with a swimming pool. Now most people in the Uk do not have private swimming pools and so having a pool for me is a major part of the holiday as there is nothing as nice as coming back from a great day in the park, going into your bedroom to change and then 5 steps later you are in your own pool. This is possibly the biggest reason I could not cope with a hotel as it turns into a real effort changing and packing a back with all the things for the pool rather than it just be outside.
Earlier in my life both Mel and I have worked as lifeguards for for local leisure centres and so we have been keen swimmers as well as whenever we are near water we are watching other people to not do dangerous things! As such we love swimming pools but always want people to be safe as it is all too easy because you are “on holiday” to forget common sense especially when it comes to kids in the pool.
Florida villas with swimming pools normally have Continue reading “Swimming pool safety” »
Part of the reason (well lets face it a big part of the reason!) that we love Florida so much is the gorgeous, pretty much gauranteed hot sunshine! Obviously this does depend on the time of year you choose to visit but nearly anytime will mean dealing with strong sunshine and high humidity. If you really don’t “do” the heat it may be best to avoid the summer months as it does reach some pretty high temperatures. Mike and I love going in September as it is still blissfully hot and humid but being aware of the sun is a must.
Suncream is a must but remember that the sun is much stronger in Florida so we always use a minimum of 20 SPF. It sounds like a lot but even this amount doesn’t feel like enough sometimes. For kids i would up it to a minimum of 30 SPF. You will need to keep applying it throughout the day as once will not be enough. The Disney parks and most of the big ones are very aware of the heat and the sun so queing is either inside in air conditioning or under shade and cover outside. There are loads of places to get drinks all around the parks so make the most of them and make sure you drink lots.
Another must is a hat, especially for kids. It really makes a big difference to keeping the sunbeams off your head. If you forget to pack a hat there are always loads for sale everywhere. If your kids are a bit adversed to wearing a hat, let them choose one when you get there!! So many designs and styles they will soon find one they will be happy to wear.
Just don’t let the sun, a big part of why you are there, ruin your holiday! Be sensible and have a great holiday
On the 4th September 2001 I and my new bride of 2 weeks headed off on our Honeymoon to Florida, leaving Gatwick at 7pm – We were going to our favourite place in the whole world – Florida in the great country of the US of A. Mel and I have been avid Florida-a-holics for many years, Mel since her first holiday to Florida at the age of 16 and I on mine at the age of 22. Over the years whenever we could afford it we have gone back to Florida to have 2 more weeks of fantastic smilaes and experiences in what has always been on our view the greatest place on Earth.
Having used to work for BA I had managed to get gain enough Air Miles for us to head off to Florida in style as we travelled Business Class, upper deck which was a great experience, the peace and quiet – What a great start to what would surely be a great holiday – Our Honeymoon.
For the first week we did what we all must do in Florida, we attacked the theme parks with gusto, we ticked off SeaWorld (our 3rd visit so we could feed the Dolphins), Magic Kingdom, and the 2 Universal Continue reading “In Florida on Honeymoon on 9/11” »
According to the best travel blogs, when it comes to entertainment facilities in Florida, it is inevitable to think of Orlando, the authentic capital of theme parks.
In no other city in the world is there an equal concentration of amusement parks.
Orlando is also known as the “city of Mickey Mouse” because of the immense Resort that is home to Walt Disney World, in which there are 7 different parks including the Magic Kingdom (the most visited park in the world).
The Universal Studios Theme Park film boasts numerous attractions of the highest level, inspired by the film’s most famous products of this major film studio such as a Terminator, The Simpsons, The Mummy, Jaws etc…
Islands of Adventure: Universal’s second largest park, opened in 1999 and is considered by many to be the amusement park with the best theming of the world. The park is divided into several themed areas, ranging from those inspired by the film Jurassic Park to one dedicated to the super-heroes. In 2009-2010 a new area dedicated to the boy wizard Harry Potter was opened Continue reading “Amusement parks and water parks in Florida” »
Travelling with small children can be a bit of a daunting prospect and an 8 hour flight to Florida will certainly be a challange. One way to combat this is to get your kids a Trunki! Our son took one when we went and I have to say it was brilliant!! Firstly he got so excited about having his ‘own’ suitcase. He got very involved in what he wanted to take in his Trunki and loved packing it all in. Obviously, as he was only 2, I had to repack most of it the night before but it really made the build up to the holiday even more special for him.
Once actually on your journey, the Trunki continued to be a huge success. Leo loved being responsible for his own luggage which always helps when you are fighting with a number of bags! The Trunki has a long strap that can be unclipped at one end so it can be pulled along by your kid a bit like a dog on a lead. This has huge appeal for kids and Continue reading “Get A Trunki Suitcase – Great For Kids Travel” »
For our latest Golf Course review we thought we would use this great example of a Florida course in the form of Champions Gate International Golf Course. Champions Gate has 2 courses in the national and international courses but for now we will be looking at the International. In order to get consistent and high quality reviews for you this has kindly been written again by twoguyswhogolf.com
ChampionsGate Golf Club features 2 outstanding Greg Norman designed 18-hole courses as the centerpiece of a tourist/commercial destination, that encompasses 1500 acres of prime real estate just southwest of Disney World. A 35,000 square foot clubhouse includes complete dining and lounge areas , function/banquet space for 250 people, a fully stocked pro shop and guest locker rooms. The world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy is also on property – with expansive complimentary practice facilities as a perk to visitors. This includes range balls plus the use of a huge putting green and a short game area with bunkers. Adjacent is a beautiful nine-hole Continue reading “Champions Gate International Golf Course Review” »
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