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 Those visiting the United States will find the state of Florida has a fantastic amount of attractions for nature lovers as it is very bio-diverse. There are numerous gardens and beautiful parks around the state and for those coming to this area they are going to find a fascinating amount of nature to explore.
Florida’s location in the south of the United States means that it enjoys a partly tropical and partly subtropical climate. In the centre of the state you will find a very hot area which has frequent storms and regular hurricanes. One of the greatest gardens to visit in the state is Bok Tower Gardens which is a stunning place full of lush landscapes and is a real inspiration to anyone that visits. The majesty of the plant life here is stunning and anyone is sure to have a wonderful time.
Cyprus Gardens are a very old place and have a tree that was planted in 1939 which has reached an enormous size. Walking down the Topiary Trail is a fascinating experience and shows what can be done with topiary and visitors will see hedges carved into shapes such as serpents, swans and rabbits. One of the greatest sights in these gardens is the spectacular waterfall which cascades down a beautiful cliff covered with plants and flowers.
South of Disney World you will find the Disney Wilderness Reserve which is run by a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation and this park is just part of their work. Overall they are the largest private conservation body in the world and own the largest amount of land dedicated to conservation.
Lake Kissimmee State Park is responsible for some of the cowboy heritage that is known in Florida. This was set up in 1876 and was a place where people would hunt cows. Today it is embracing this history and there are several demonstrations by experts about how hunting takes place. There are many other activities to enjoy in this part including fishing, boating and canoeing in some of the stunning lakes in the area.
There are over 30 miles of trails for hikers in the area as well as six miles dedicated to equestrian sports. There is also a beautiful place to have lunch with picnic facilities and there are several campsites where people can stay overnight.
Silver River is another State Park that has a significant number of walking trails. There are also numerous springs and other natural attractions in the Park including the Silver River. There is also a museum in the park as well as an education centre dedicated to informing people about the environment.
Silver Springs is something that is known as a natural theme park and there are many attractions for visitors to see in the area. There are glass bottomed boats which go out onto the Silver River and you will be able to see the natural springs as well as numerous types of aquatic life.
The water is incredibly pure and you can see deep down into it, which at its deepest point is around 80 feet. The area is also home to some of the largest alligators in Florida as well as panthers and various endangered species of bear. In addition to the natural attractions there are also rides and exhibitions set up.
 Orlando Beats New York on Visitors and expands Theme parks If anyone needs proof that recovery is in sight for the recent American economic turmoil, then the fact that Walt Disney World and the Universal Studios resorts are ploughing millions of dollars into huge expansion projects should provide it. Both of the resorts are located in Orlando, which is the first ever US city who have surpassed the 50m visitors mark.
Both theme parks have taken advantage of massive marketing power and their research prowess to get reduced construction costs in what they see as setting the scene for huge future success. Adam Cornwell is the head of the UK office for the Florida based
Feltrim International and he says that apart from the backlog of foreclosures that are gradually being dispensed with, the market has stabilised and Florida is on the up.
He added that there are cash buyers, from Brazilians to British, and the US enjoyed a percentage rate sales increase for 2011 that ran into double figures when compared to 2010. Much of this has to be attributed to the unrivalled status that Florida has as a hotspot for tourists, and also the allure of the steady rental income that is offered by the Sunshine State.
In 2010 the city of Orlando attracted an incredible 51.5 million visitors whilst New York had to settle for 48.7 million and number two spot. Although New York went on to break the 50 million barrier in 2011 with 50.2 million tourists, Orlando is expected to reveal that it once more surpassed 51 million when 2011 figures become available. The Magic Kingdom, just one of Walt Disney World’s four iconic Theme Parks, attracted almost 17 million tourists in 2010 making it the world’s most-visited entertainment resort. These tourist attractions are not resting on their laurels but are instead using the economic downturn as an opportunity to revamp and expand their offer.
For Walt Disney World the biggest news of 2011 was the official green light for an Avatar-themed land at Animal Kingdom. With construction scheduled to begin in 2013, Film Director James Cameron is already chomping at the bit saying, “with two new Avatar films currently in development, we’ll have even more locations, characters and stories to explore. Our goal is to go beyond current boundaries of technical innovation and experiential storytelling, and give parkgoers the chance to see, hear, and touch the world of Avatar with an unprecedented sense of reality.”
Long-term project Avatar aside, more imminent improvements for Walt Disney World include the expansion of Fantasyland to include the Beast’s castle, a Seven Dwarfs’ mine train rollercoaster and the Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, all of which are expected open to the public in late 2013 early 2014. Meanwhile in 2012 the Art of Animation Resort hotel will open, inspired by classics such as Finding Nemo, The Lion King and Cars, as will an expanded Dumbo attraction. A Disney spokesperson said, “Fantasyland, with its storybook setting, always will be the place where even the youngest of guests can experience many of our most popular attractions with their entire family.”
At Universal Studios it’s out with the old and in with the new. Their classic Jaws attraction, a park favourite for more than 20 years, officially closed on 2 January this year to make way for an exciting new experience – hotly tipped to be Harry Potter inspired. With the Wizarding World already in place at Islands of Adventure, rumours abound that a Hogwarts Express train will link to Universal Studios and a whole host of new Harry Potter attractions. A Transformers ride is also in the rumour mill frame. Other changes at Universal Studios include a new Despicable Me attraction and an update to The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman – both with crisp HD technology and pencilled in for a summer 2012 reveal.
Coincidentally President Obama headed to Walt Disney World on Thursday this week, 19 January, to galvanise a national strategy to make the United States the world’s number one tourist destination. Standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle he said, “We’ve got the best product to sell. I mean look at where we are” and argued that Disney represents “the quintessentially American spirit.” International tourists spent an estimated 140 billion US dollars in the States last year but its global share has plunged from 17% to 11%. Post 9/11 security procedures are to blame with Brazilian tourists for example having to wait months for tourist visas. Obama wants to simplify the process and add more consuls in countries such as China and Brazil to tap into these lucrative source markets.
Feltrim International has two bedroom condo apartments for sale in the Mediterranean-style villa resort of Tuscana priced from just $99,900 USD (approx £64,500 GBP). This more than 70% below their peak price of $360,000 USD in 2008. At the heart of Orlando’s attractions, properties at Tuscana are fully furnished and equipped alongside a wealth of amenities such as a large swimming pool complex, hot tub, 30-seat cinema, fitness centre, bar, restaurant and free wifi. Rentals can be managed by on-site staff.
The Feltrim International Head Office in Orlando hosts inspection trips including a tour of Tuscana Resort, the local area and other investment properties in its portfolio. Guests stay at Tuscana Resort at discounted rates.
 The vast majority of tourists who visit Orlando, Florida are headed for Disney World and/or Sea World and Universal Studios, all of which are rightly famous for their family-oriented entertainment value. However there is a lot more to the place than theme parks, and time spent exploring the other side of Orlando can be an amazingly rewarding experience.
A full and fascinating day out is on offer at the Orlando Science Center, which has been described as the place where the realms of ancient Greece and Star Trek meet. The Center’s 8-story Cinedome shows nature/technology films that are impressive, to say the least, and the ever-changing exhibitions are the most entertaining and effective teaching tools for children (and arguably many adults) that you’ve ever encountered.
The Orlando Museum of Art, founded in 1924, is one of the finest art museums in the South, according to Newsweek Magazine; it is immensely informative and engrossing, with three permanent exhibits including the African collection, the American collection and the Art of Ancient Americas, which encompasses the Mexican, Costa Rican and Peruvian cultures.
The Orange County History Center was part of the ‘revitalization’ of downtown Orlando in 2000, and it is a fabulous exhibition of the area’s history going back for about 12,000 years. Most of the exhibits are interactive, hands-on presentations that provide an experience not found in your ‘standard’ museum. As just one added attraction, there is a nightly “Ghost Tour” of the actual courtroom where the serial killer Ted Bundy was tried and sentenced.
Aside from museums, there is a wealth of opportunity for nature lovers, with just one example the Harry P. Leu Gardens, 50 acres of landscaped gardens and lakes right in Orlando itself. The property was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Leu in 1936, and they brought a remarkable variety of exotic plants back from their travels around the world. The Leu home is now a museum and the gardens are a wonderland of tropical and sub-tropical flora.
 The name Orlando means ‘theme parks’ to most people who visit Florida from overseas or even from the States. Orlando has become almost synonymous with Disney World and Sea World and Universal Studios, but be warned that if you ignore the other attractions nearby, you’ll miss out on a truly memorable experience.
The area surrounding this theme park world is full of wonders both natural and man-made, including great museums, parks and ‘roadside attractions’ that are not as professionally presented as the big names but just as interesting, far less crowded, and a lot cheaper in general. There are hiking trails, rock-climbing areas, natural springs, canoeing and kayaking jaunts and thousands of acres devoted to wildlife refuges where you can make camp and explore or just relax.
Orlando also hosts a huge variety of museums, from the highly educational to the seriously entertaining. Try a visit to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not for a showcase of the odd and unusual, or the Cornell Fine Arts Museum for a magnificent exhibition of more than 6,000 works of art. Fort Christmas Historical Park offers a re-creation of earlier times as well as plenty of activities for the whole family, and it’s all free.
For a real change of pace, visit Skyventure – sky-diving without the airplane but with the thrill of the real thing. Another thrill is Titanic: the Exhibition, where you can be a virtual passenger and only find out at the end whether you survived or not. The possibilities are just about endless, so take your time and enjoy some of the not-so-famous but truly delightful options the Orlando vicinity has to offer.
 One of the most popular destinations anywhere in the world for holidaymakers is Florida. Here there are activities that are suitable for both adults and children which makes it the ideal place for a family holiday. There are a huge range of holiday experiences available in this American state and choosing between them is one of the most difficult decisions when arranging a trip to Florida.
The atmosphere of the area is great and there are so many different activities to choose from that you will be spoilt for choice, whether you are travelling with a family or just with your partner. One of the first considerations that you must make for a trip to Florida is deciding where you would like to stay.
Orlando is one of the most popular destinations because it is the home of Disney World as well as several other theme parks. Miami is a place that is more popular with couples and young travellers, especially those who are interested in watersports or just relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
Accommodation options are diverse in Florida and you are sure to find something to suit your needs. Hotels are in abundance and there is something to suit every budget. Florida also has a particularly wide range of villas and other forms of self catering accommodation which can offer you more for your money.
Villas offer increased privacy which can be good for families and other tourists, nd they also allow a holidaymaker to treat the property more as if it were their own while still enjoying luxurious conditions. The time of year is also important when considering when to travel to Florida. The area is known for its good weather, including high temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
The temperatures in the peak summer months are very high and this might be uncomfortable for people who struggle with hotter temperatures, such as the elderly. Fortunately, the weather is consistently good all year round and travelling outside peak season can actually mean you enjoy warm weather that is not unmanageably hot.
There are a huge number of theme parks in the state which will appeal to all different types of travellers and holidaymakers. The two major theme parks are Universal Studios and Disney World, and both have plenty to offer children as well as adults.
Another major attraction in Florida is the beaches, and Panama City beach is one of the most famous in the state and is well worth a visit. Clearwater Beach is another great place to head to if you are after some sun and surf.
Sports are also very popular in the state, especially those that are based on the water. Snorkelling and scuba diving are run from many locations along the coast and swimming with dolphins is a particularly popular activity. This sort of sporting activity is going to be something that creates memories that last a lifetime. There are also plenty of national parks in Florida which boast outstanding natural beauty, for example the Florida Keys.
 In the real world, piracy might be a rather dark subject, but the pirates found in literature are characters that never stop fascinating us. If you’re in Orlando and you enjoy the stories and adventures of Pirates then coming to the Pirates Adventure Show will be just your cup of tea.
During the production the audience will also be able to enjoy an excellent dinner along with a wonderful performance. The production is definitely targeted towards families and children will particularly enjoy it. That said, the production is also targeted towards adults and everyone will be impressed by the acrobatics of the pirates and the impressive sword fights.
The production has all different kinds of elements to it, including adventure, action, comedy and romance and audience members will not just be passively observing and they will be brought in to certain elements of the show. Every evening, guests get to dress up in pirate costumes and become a part of the production themselves.
The stage of the production is one of the most impressive elements and there is a full size reconstruction of a Spanish Galleon in the centre of the theatre which is sitting in a 300,000 gallon pond. The masts of the Galleon stretch up to 70 feet and the theatre can accommodate up to 800 people.
If this doesn’t impress you enough then you should also remember that you will be getting an excellent dinner which includes a choice of main course of lobster, shrimp, pork or chicken and there is also a salad as an appetiser.
There is also a desert included in the price and beer and soft drinks can be bought. There are also options for vegetarians so everyone will be happy and if you are coming with children there are excellent children’s meals available as well.
At the end of the show the cast come out to greet the audience and you will be able to take photographs with them as well as ask for their autographs. After this there is a party until late at night with a live DJ and a great selection of music.
It is a fantastic venue for people who are coming with their family and can also be a great place to organise a corporate event or a school field trip to. The theatre offers special rates for groups so investigate price discounts before you come.
The theatre is located only one block away from International Drive in Orlando. If you are coming in from the airport it is only a 15 minute drive and is very close to the Orange County Convention Centre.
If you want to find more information about the production then you should visit the website. There is also another theatre showing the same production in California so if you are visiting the other side of the United States then consider going to see the production there.
 Florida continues to be a popular holiday destination for travellers, but especially with families. The range of activities and sites of interest available in the US State means that there is something to keep both children and adults entertained, making this the ideal place to spend a holiday.
As with any holiday destination, where to stay is very important. It is best to research the different regions and options before you visit Florida. A number of theme parks are located within Florida, with a number of resorts offering great places to stay. Holidays to Florida can therefore offer travellers the chance to stay in great villas or accommodation that is within easy access of these areas, ensuring they get the best experiences possible.
Attractions
To make the most of your holiday in Florida it is important that you take advantage of the range of different attractions which are available. These will cover a vast selection of activities, from leisure and sporting to educational and cultural events.
If you are planning to visit the beaches on your Florida holidays, then you will be spoilt for choice. With one of the most impressive coastlines in America, Florida is known for its glorious beach locations and stunning coastal views.
The J F Kennedy Space Centre is one of the most popular attractions in Florida and is great for those with an interest in education, science or exploration. Anyone interested this great attraction should make sure they take the opportunity to see the original shuttle launch pad.
For those interested in sports or nature, a range of water activities are available to keep you entertained. Swimming with dolphins, scuba diving and water sports are all widely available and offer a range of activities which are suitable for tourists of all ages. This makes them the perfect activity for families to enjoy together whilst also being suitable for couples and single travellers.
Accommodation
To make the most of your holiday you will also need to ensure that you pick the best accommodation possible. Where you stay will influence the overall opinion you have of your destination and therefore getting this right is essential.
If you like to stay in luxury, a villa is perhaps the best option for you. These will often have their own private swimming pools and are set in beautiful locations which offer increased privacy whilst remaining close to the main tourist areas. The self-catered nature of these forms of accommodation also means that holidaymakers are given the freedom to experience all of the different dishes which are on offer.
Choosing the best villa for you will be dependent on a number of things, the two main ones of which are budget and location. Always make sure that the villa is easily accessible and close to key attractions whilst also keeping an eye on your budget. Determine this beforehand and make sure you look out for promotional deals and offers which are available.
 If you have friends or family who have been on holiday to Orlando, they will more than likely have told you to take an empty suitcase if you plan on going. You can always buy one there of course, but that would incur extra baggage charges, and you will definitely need one to bring back all the bargains that you can find in Orlando, this is a real shopping hotspot and has so much to offer its hard to believe until you see for yourself.
Nobody does shopping malls like Orlando does, there are masses of them but the general consensus is that the best of all is the mall at Millenia. This is simply the finest of them all, and her you will be faced with the temptation of buying goods from some of the most famous names in the world such as Gucci, Burberry and Tiffany, as well as the world famous stores Macy’s and Bloomingdales.
Now quality like this doesn’t come cheap, so if you have enjoyed a browse but the price tags are out of your budget, why not take a trip to Old Town. This is hugely popular as you can have a full day out here. As well as the dozens of stores to look around there are plenty of places to grab some lunch or a coffee. Once you have bought enough to fill that extra suitcase there are also rides to enjoy and a band that plays at weekends.
Another location worth exploring is Orlando Premium Outlets, and you can be sure that here you will get plenty for your dollars. All the big named stores are here but there are some real bargains to be had as it is an outlet centre. There is a total of 150 stores here to entice you, so a full day is recommended to see everything there is to offer.
 The news has broken that Orlando’s Universal Studios are, sadly, giving us a reason to go back in the water with the announcement that their JAWS! ride will be closing for good next month. The is one of the last remaining original rides from when the park first opened its doors back in 1990, leaving only ‘Universal’s Horror Make Up Show’, ‘Lucy: A Tribute’ and ‘E.T Adventure’ from their original cast list.
The closing of JAWS! is a sad day for both fans of the film it was named after and the millions who have enjoyed the ride over the past 21 years. It was perhaps fitting that the Jaws ride was as prone to malfunctions as Spielberg’s mechanical shark was, and during the early days it was being closed practically on a daily basis while engineers worked on making it consistent.
Due to the problems Spielberg had with his dummy shark, whom he named Bruce after his attorney, he had to shoot the film around the shark and inadvertently created one of the greatest suspense films of all time and gave birth to the worlds first true blockbuster, changing forever how films were both made and marketed.
The word is that Jaws is not the only ride that is film related that is facing the axe at the famous theme park. Many others have gone down this route over the years including ones that were based on Ghostbusters and King Kong, as well as smaller ones with ties to TV such as Xena and Murder, She Wrote.
The main problem is that when new films comes out with great technological advances, the rides become anachronistic and, despite their pedigree, end up being replaced. As in the cinema, the classic rides are slowly being replaced by those two big technological advances 3D and CGI. What will replace Jaws has yet to be announced, but there will be a lot of sad faces when the day arrives that is closes permanently.
 For family holidays there are few better destinations than Orlando in Florida as it is a part of the United States that has something to offer every person in the family. Of course, the area is most famous for being the home of Disneyland but this is not all that Orlando has to offer and there are many impressive sites around the area with plenty of good accommodation options for people to stay in.
There are over 400 resorts and hotels in the Orlando area and around 25,000 private holiday homes for rent. While there are plenty of options to choose from, the sheer number of them could mean that finding somewhere to stay is a complicated process. Fortunately however, there are options for everyone and there are budget accommodations as well as those that are very luxurious.
Many families who come on holiday to Florida return because they’ve had a good time and often because the area is a very affordable place to come without compromising on quality. There are several ways to reduce the cost of your accommodation and get the most from your stay.
If you want to benefit from cheaper hotel price then you should consider many factors beyond the simple cost of the room for a night. Many hotels will include breakfast and might even offer transport to the major attractions in the area. Transport can be quite expensive and if the additional cost of the room is not so much it could be a good idea to shell out a little bit more for a room with more facilities.
There is also good range of budget hotels in the region but it would be a good idea to make sure that they are near to the major attractions so that you don’t have to pay too much for transportation.
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Those visiting the United States will find the state of Florida has a fantastic amount of attractions for nature lovers as it is very bio-diverse. There are numerous gardens and beautiful parks around the state and for those coming to this area they are going to find a fascinating amount of nature to explore.
