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One of the most amazing experiences about a Florida vacation is the wonderful drive along Rd number one, which reaches all the way south to the amazing area of Key West. There vacationers will be able to find fantastic beaches, blazing sunsets and a Caribbean atmosphere.
The isolated roads leading from Miami down south to the Key area are some of the wildest in the continental US. The temperatures and entire atmosphere changes rapidly as you reach closer to the palm trees and crystal blue waters of Key West.
The area includes long reefs, boating and seafood, and is based around the ocean. The road leading to the Florida Keys is a stretch of 42 suspension bridges, a marvel in their own right. The bridges stretch on pillars right out of the ocean and are a wonderful and awe inspiring attraction even for those who are not the architecture and engineering enthusiasts. All of the bridges have stopping points where travelers can park on the side and admire the beauty of the area right above the water.
The area is host to 45 islands and Key West is at the end of this road. Many think of it as the jewel in the crown of the Florida Keys. Temperatures in the Keys are always between 21-29 degrees Celsius, making for perfect weather year round. The area sees more than a million visitors each year and the isolationist feel that used to engulf it has now slightly changes. After all, this destination is only a 3.5 hour drive from Miami. Nevertheless, it manages to maintain a unique atmosphere that is vastly different than the rest of Florida.
The largest and longest island in this chain of islands is Key Largo. It is also one of the first you will arrive to if you are travelling south into the Keys. Key Largo is famous for its feature in the John Houston 1948 movie with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Many posters and t-shirts of the film are still available in souvenir shops and tourist centres even today, over 60 years after the film’s release.
One of the main reasons to reach Key Largo is the unique coral reef which lies right along the eastern shore of the island. It is over 30 miles long and is surrounded by a magnificent national park with a total area is over 400 square kilometers. The Key Largo Underwater Park is within this reserve and offers some fantastic diving and snorkeling, thousands of coral species and tropical fish types and a wild array of marine life. While the more interesting and diverse wildlife is a bit deeper into the coral reef, travelers can also snorkel right along the coast itself and observe some of the marine life as it approaches the warm shallow waters. Diving clubs along the beach will be happy to rent out diving and snorkeling equipment.
The Florida Keys are one of the most famous and attractive destinations in the US, and are well worth the trip and effort of getting there. With a rich history of culture, art and cuisine, and a fantastic laid back atmosphere, this is a fantastic destination for romantic getaways, family vacations or any break from the routine of daily grind.
Frist Choice are giving all kids the chance to go around all of Orlando’s Disney Parks for two weeks for FREE! For every adult 14 day Disney Ultimate park ticket bought as part of their booking, they are giving away a free kid’s (aged 3 to 9) 14 day ticket absolutely free. In addition, any adult ticket bought can be purchased as part of the current 14 days for the price of seven offer. So customers will get half price tickets for the grown-ups and free tickets for the kids.
The offer is valid for two week Florida holidays taken in April, May or June this year, and booked from 1 February to 31 March 2010 when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
The savings for a family of four are up to £452 on a two week holiday, as adults 14 day tickets are currently the same cost as seven. The tickets will allow families to use and explore all of the Disney Parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Theme Park; plus get wet at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks.
Walt Disney Hotels cover a wide range of accommodation for every budget, from the value at the 3 Sun Disney’s POP Century, to the more deluxe 5 Sun Disney Animal Kingdom.
For more information, visit your nearest First Choice travel shop, call 0871 231 4794 or visit www.firstchoice.co.uk/disney. The offer is subject to availability and Terms and conditions apply.
Whether you are seeking a holiday with big thrills, golden beaches or a chic City, Florida has it all. Known as America’s sunshine state, this holiday hotspot is great for all ages and offers year-round entertainment.
Children will love meeting Mickey at Walt Disney World, teens can enjoy the big thrill rides at Universal, Mum can stock up on discounted designer clothes and for Dad there are world-class golf courses.
Specialists in holidays to Florida, Jetsave.com has discovered ten new reasons for families to holiday in Florida in 2010:
1) Harry Potter Land
Opening in Spring 2010, the new ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ will excite Potter fans across the globe! Inspired from J K Rowling’s stories and characters, this new land at Universal Island’s of Adventure in Orlando will provide visitors with multiple attractions that bring the much-loved books and films to life.
2) Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay has a new attraction this year called ‘Sesame Street Safari of Fun.’ This child-friendly area will feature all the Sesame Street such as characters including Elmo and Big Bird and celebrates the spirit of Africa. There is a child-friendly rollercoaster, water play , 4-D theatre and musical performances.
3) Panama City-Bay County International
Aviation enthusiasts will be able to fly from the new Panama-City Bay airport in June 2010, which is the USA’s only new airport currently under construction. Panama-City Bay International is being built on Florida’s North Coast and the $318.5 million project will replace the dated Panama City airport.
4) Endeavour Launch
A trip to Florida is not complete without a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre, located just East of Orlando. There are events planned throughout 2010, starting in February with the space shuttle Endeavour launch to deliver the final connecting node to the International Space Station.
5)The Top Golf Destination
Orlando has been named as 2010’s top golf destination by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. The state boasts 177 courses and 23 golf academies suited to all levels.
6)Affordability
Discounted hotel rooms reduced, two-for-one restaurant meals and flights at low rates are making Florida an affordable family destination in 2010. A family of four could stay in a three-bedroom Orlando home with its own pool, flights, car hire and ‘kids eat free’ card covering over 50 restaurants for around £2,180 with Jetsave. By comparison, a Spanish family holiday with accommodation in a one bedroom apartment and no extras costs £1,901
7)Toy Story 3
The release of Toy Story 3 in 3D is scheduled for June 2010, and Disney will be promoting this with showings of the previous two movies in 3D for a limited time at Disney Hollywood studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
8)30th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back
This year commemorates the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and a large-scale fan event will take place in Orlando from 12 – 15 August 2010. Special Star Wars weekends will also be held at Disney during the summer.
9)Winter Jam
Daytona Beach sees the Winter Jam festival in February, the first event of its kind offering VW shows, surf competitions, skate and live music. This free event takes place on the beach and will provide daytime fun for all ages.
10)White Crocs
At the end of 2009, the rare white crocodiles were reintroduced at Gatorland in Orlando. It is a rare opportunity to see the ghostly-looking reptiles as there is thought to be only 12 in existence in the USA. You can view the crocs in softly lit enclosures that protect the giant reptiles from harmful sun exposure.
As well as these ten top attractions there are festivals and events happening across Florida in 2010. Flights leave daily from the UK and in just over ten-hours you can be driving down the highway to your American home. Visit www.jetsave.com for details on spacious villa’s with private pools that come with car hire included.
If you’re thinking of heading to Orlando this year, or have already got your tickets booked, here is some expert advice for making the best of your holiday in the sun.
Keeping the kids occupied (and the adults too!)
Orlando is world famous for its theme parks. At the Walt Disney World Resort there are four theme parks and two water parks in total – providing more entertainment for the kids than anywhere else in the world. You can look forward to a friendly hug from all your favourite characters – from Mickey Mouse to SpongeBob SquarePants. On The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios you can visit “Krustyland” with Marge, Homer, Bart and Lisa or get cheering for Shrek and Fiona on their honeymoon adventure in Shrek 4-D. At SeaWorld, watch eight-ton killer whales performing a graceful water ballet and have a splashing time on the giant slides and rapids. Also check out the La Nouba – Cirque du Soleil’s permanent Florida home – for great daily performances by the troupe. There’s so much to do it won’t just be the kids that are entertained!
Grabbing a bargain
With over 12 shopping malls and factory outlet centres in Orlando, fashionistas can find the world’s most sought-after designer brands including Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vitton and Jimmy Choo. The Mall at Millenia is definitely at the luxury end of the market, while the more price conscious should head to Prime Outlets International to find some of the best deals on offer. To keep the kids happy while mum goes shopping, at the Belz Festival Bay Mall on International Drive there’s also a Vans Skatepark and glow-in-the-dark crazy golf. Alongside major department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, there are numerous trendy, independently-owned boutiques. In all, Orlando’s shopping offerings are vast enough to fill 900 American football fields – so there’s no excuse for not picking up a bargain!
Get back to nature
Boasting fabulous wildlife, beaches and natural parks, Florida has plenty of interest for lovers of the great outdoors. At Discovery Cove you can enjoy a playful swim with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a tropical lagoon or go snorkelling with rays and tropical fish. Or why not pay a visit to the gentle manatees that migrate to the warm waters at Blue Spring State Park each winter. Search for other native animals such as Florida alligators, on a jet-engine powered airboat at Boggy Creek or help protect baby sea turtles as they make their trek toward the Atlantic Ocean after hatching, during a tour sponsored by the Brevard County Parks Department.
You can reach Orlando by flying either of its international airports, with flights to Sandford USA or Orlando International.
To find out more about Orlando and how you can enjoy a stress-free family holiday, download this to hear advice from travel writer Sarah Tucker podcast – Click Here
If you’ve always wanted to visit the Sunshine State but thought it would be too costly for your family holiday getaway then think again. With great First Choice late family holiday deals at Minnie prices and a long awaited improvement to the exchange rate, get yourself stateside and join Mickey and friends in time for the American Day of Independence festivities on 4th July.
As fireworks light up the night skies across America, celebrations are promised to be on another level on a Florida holiday, the home of Disney. On the cards is a special ‘Concert in the Sky’ in the Magic Kingdom, and patriotic parades, live music and fireworks galore just about everywhere else, so you really won’t be far from all the revelry.
First Choice is offering several credit crunch busting family holiday deals to Florida for those waiting for a last minute break. Here are a few of the best…
Enjoy fourteen nights self-catering at the 3 SUN Villas of Somerset in Kissimmee, Florida, departing from Manchester. These spacious villas are a popular choice for those looking for the flexibility of self catering accommodation. Set in pleasant gardens and providing all the comforts of home, they are an ideal holiday base close to Walt Disney World Resort.
Prices start from £634 per adult and £545 per child based on two adults and two children sharing, saving £290 per adult. Flights depart on 25th June 2009.
To find out more about this family holiday to Florida, or to make a reservation, please call First Choice on 0871 200 4455, or book online at www.firstchoice.co.uk
Be right in the heart of the action on a seven night vacation at the 3 SUN Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort on a room-only board basis, departing from London Gatwick. Guests young and old will enjoy the larger-than-life icons of Disney’s Sports, Music and Movies themed resorts. All three of these fantastic hotels are unbelievable value, offering all the amenities for an enjoyable stay. Situated close to all the Theme Parks, these fun hotels are hard to beat!
Prices start from £730 per adult and £325 per child based on two adults and two children sharing, saving £270 per adult. Flights depart on 3rd July 2009.
To find out more about this family holiday to Florida, or to make a reservation, please call First Choice on 0871 200 4455, or book online at www.firstchoice.co.uk
Finally, if you want a bit of pampering after a long day of fun and excitement in the theme parks then a seven night holiday on a room-only board basis at the 4 SUN International Plaza Resort & Spa in International Drive is the place to stay. Within walking distance of SeaWorld® and only five minutes’ drive from the Orlando Premium Outlets® shopping centre, the International Plaza Resort & Spa has excellent facilities and comfortable rooms. Set in gorgeous palm-strewn gardens, it also has three swimming pools for splashing and sunbathing.
Departing from Birmingham, prices start from £660 per adult and £275 per child based on two adults and two children sharing, saving £270 per adults. Flights depart on 3rd July 2009.
To find out more about this family holiday to Florida, or to make a reservation, please call First Choice on 0871 200 4455, or book online at www.firstchoice.co.uk
For many families the annual summer holiday is the perfect welcome break from working life and time away from school for the children to enjoy themselves. Thousands of families every year will take time off typically during July and August and jet off to somewhere warmer for a few weeks.
Top of the list for many UK holidaymakers is Orlando in Florida, with the theme parks as well as the weather being the main draw for tourists all over the world. Families with young children will obviously be going for the Disneyland theme park and MGM studios but there’s plenty more outside the magical kingdom.
There are plenty of other attractions such as the Kennedy Space Centre where you can see and learn about the American space shuttles and rockets. The space centre focuses a lot of their experience on what it is like to be an astronaut with plenty of videos and artefacts from previous space expeditions and a shuttle launch simulation.
For the petrol heads out there you can visit the famous Daytona racetrack to indulge the speed demon within. Interactive experiences are available such as an EA Sports simulation of driving in a stock car on the banked curves of the race track. Another feature is the IMAX 3D cinema where you’ll experience what it is like to be a part of the excitement.
Whilst flights to the USA are long many families opt to take slightly longer periods away such as 3 weeks or more. It’s not surprising considering the weather in Florida is typically ideal for the majority of the year with only a few really humid months during the summer. Many tour groups advise September or October as best times to visit as you’ll still be getting warm weather but will hopefully avoid larger crowds that flock to Orlando in peak summer months.
Spring is another time that many people may think would be a better choice than summer but with the spring break period making Orlando extremely popular with college students you would need to be sure about your timing to not get mobbed by the crowds. Florida winters are not nearly as bad as over here and whilst you won’t be able to walk around in your shorts all the time it is still milder than in the UK during the colder months.
One thing to remember though is that from June until October it is hurricane season and so there will be the occasional downpour and high levels of humidity that will certainly tire you out quickly. You may lose a day or miss a flight because of the weather, all the more reason to spend longer in Florida!
Are you sick of the dull, dreary British weather? Looking for an exciting location for your summer holidays? Trying to find some cheap package holidays for you and your family? With the British Pound remaining consistently strong against the United States dollar, the best option may be to fly to sunny Florida and spend a few weeks soaking up the rays, the atmosphere, and the sheer exhilaration of being in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s no surprise Florida is so popular for holiday-makers, after all it is home to Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, the Keys and several world-class beach resorts. It also has a vibrant entertainment scene that is made all the more richer for the location’s close ties to Latin America. All of these factors add up to a top class holiday destination which is now all the more attractive because of the exchange rate that works in British holidaymakers’ favour.
The first thing to plan if you are intending to holiday in Florida are your flights. Flights to the USA are relatively cheap when compared to other popular tourist destinations (like Australia, South East Asia or Japan, for instance), particularly as there are several airlines which operate direct flights between British and United States airports. If it is possible it is always recommended to get a direct flight (without connections) from your nearest international airport to one of the handful of international airports in Florida. Depending on where you live within the United Kingdom this may not be possible (some of the smaller British international airports run routes into Europe but may not run into the States). It’s also important to determine which part of Florida you will be spending most of your time in, simply because your airline may not fly into the closest international airport. Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Sanford, Panama City, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach all have international airports.
Once you have organized your flights you can move on to searching for the perfect holiday package. Fortunately Florida has many large resorts which offer deals both in the off-peak and peak seasons. These deals may range from reduced room rates for a large group booking to discounted or free amusement park passes to complimentary restaurant dining or free use of nearby entertainment facilities. Most resorts will have swimming pool, sauna and gym areas for the use of guests, and if you are nearby the coast they may also have private beach facilities. Of course the most important part of visiting Florida for most tourists is getting to Disney World, an amusement park which is now so big that it is recommended that visitors invest in a multi-day pass. Disney World is full of rides and attractions that include all your favourite Walt Disney Productions’ characters – Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and newer personalities such as the characters from the movie ‘Cars’ are all present. If you are going on vacation in Florida it is an absolute must that you visit Disney World.
With it’s family-friendly attractions, warm sunny climate and world-class golfing, it’s easy to see why vacationers come from all over the globe to experience this beloved city in America’s Sunshine State.
Orlando’s attractions aren’t just for kids, which is why many vacationers have decided to make vacations to this beloved city a regular part of their lifestyle. A timeshare can help you and your family secure a lifetime of vacations (perfect for any age) in beautiful Orlando. In fact, Florida is one of the top ten timeshare destinations in the world, with Orlando attracting the largest percentage of its visitors.
Orlando timeshare come in all shapes and sizes. From the five-star rated Westgate Towers, which is ideally located just one mile from the gates of Walt Disney World; to the Star Island Resort and Club which specializes in celebrity-style treatment of every guest, there are hundreds of timeshares to choose from in Orlando.
This huge array of choices guarantees that there’s a resort out there for you, but with so many options to choose from, finding the perfect one might seem like a daunting task. One way to make choosing the perfect vacation property fun is to rent timeshare at a few different resorts. As a renter you’ll reap many of the benefits of ownership (like reduced rates and expanded units). When you rent you get to explore the timesharing lifestyle at dozens of resorts, with no long term commitment. You certainly won’t complain, but you might be wondering: how are timeshare so cost-effective?
Timeshare’s budget-friendliness comes from shared ownership. Essentially, timeshares make it possible for individuals to own, and pay for only a portion of vacation property. Several owners (sometimes as many as 52, one for each week) will pitch in on the rights to one unit. You’ll share the cost of ownership and usage.
If you’re considering purchasing timeshare, but are working within a budget, consider buying timeshare resale. Rather than purchasing direct, where resorts sell timeshare at highly-inflated pricing, when you buy resale you can often save thousands.
Walt Disney World Resort announced its new attractions set to open at Disney-MGM Studios, which will become Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January 2008.
Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive “Toy Story” competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride is set to open in summer 2008.
“Block Party Bash” encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opens in spring 2008.
“Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opens in February 2008.
“Disney High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” comes to life on the streets with interactive fun and high-energy performers on a traveling stage who invite guests to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. Opens in fall 2007.
Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny – Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny in November 2007.
More information at disneyworld.com
Busch Gardens Africa unveiled plans to build a new exotic jungle area in the theme park, called Jungala. The 4-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction area will be located in the existing Congo area and include tiger, orangutan and gibbon habitats mixed with dense landscaping. Two signature rides will be added including a zip line experience with three different flight patterns and a ride launching guests above a towering waterfall. A three-story family climbing area letting visitors explore different layers of jungle life and a children’s water-play area will also be constructed. Two new restaurants, Bengal Bistro and Orang Café, will open in the themed area. Jungala will open in spring 2008.
More information at buschgardens.com
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