Just thirteen miles east of downtown Orlando is where you will find the UCF Arena. The University of Central Florida opened the UCF Arena in tandem with its new open-air football stadium, helping to give a fresh face to their already impressive campus. While the Bright House Networks Stadium is used primarily for college football games, the UCF Arena is a multi-purpose venue. In addition to serving as the home for the UCF Knight's volleyball and basketball teams, the UCF Arena Orlando also hosts concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other events. With more than 7,400 fixed seats, the UCF Arena doubles the capacity of the university's old arena. In addition to the fixed seats, there are also club seats, luxury suites, seats for the disabled, and retractable seats available depending on the event. When a scheduled event isn't taking place at the UCF Arena, it can be rented for private functions, such as dinner events, exhibitions, and parties.
While enjoying a vacation in Orlando, it's always a good idea to see what UCF Arena events coincide with your trip. For those who want to catch a concert while visiting Orlando , the UCF Arena is one of the best places to go in the city. Top name acts, such as Motley Crue, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, and Jim Brickman swing by the arena rather consistently, so you might be surprised to see who's in town when you're in town. In addition to seeing what's on the agenda at the UCF Arena, those who are interested in catching a live music performance when they are in Orlando will also want to check out the schedule at the House of Blues. When big name acts aren't performing at the House of Blues, you can often catch a free concert by an up-and-coming artist. At both the UCF Arena and the House of Blues, it's always a good idea to get your tickets in advance if you want to see a top act perform. Even though the UCF Arena Orlando can hold over 10,000 people for a concert, tickets can sell out quickly.
As mentioned, sports are often the focus when it comes to UCF Arena events. For basketball fans, the chance to see the men's and women's teams play is a nice addition to Orlando itineraries. The basketball season heats up in December and carries on through early March. You can bet that both students and alumni alike come to the games, so you will also want to consider getting your UCF Arena tickets in advance when going to a basketball game. If you can't catch a college basketball game at the UCF Arena Orlando, you might try to get tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters, who are known to showcase their talents and their unique brand of humor on the UCF Arena court from time to time. As for the volleyball season, it runs from late August to November, so you can plan accordingly if that's your sport of preference. The University of Central Florida is a Division I school, so you can bet that regardless of the sport you're watching, some talented players are going to be on display.
For those who are enjoying Orlando vacations during the holiday season, heading over to the UCF Arena to enjoy the "Light Up UCF" festivities is always worth considering. From mid-November to early January, the UCF Arena transforms itself a bit and becomes a center for holiday fun. During the day, visitors can skate on the outdoor skating rink, and when the evening sets in, a nightly light show occurs. Lucky kids will get to see Santa at the UCF Arena, as he makes a guest appearance a few days before Christmas, and on certain nights, free movies are played on a big screen. The movies include Christmas classics like A Christmas Story and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, making them UCF Arena events that the whole family can enjoy. The nightly light shows are free as well, and while you'll have to pay to go ice-skating, the price is an agreeable one. Whether you want to go ice skating, catch a sporting event, or see a concert at the UCF Arena, you might need to get tickets first. You can order your UCF Arena tickets for special events before you arrive, or you can stop by the UCF ticket office once you get into town. The ticket office is easy to find, as it's located at the front of the arena.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Silver Springs Theme Park
Because the Silver Springs Theme Park is 90 miles north of Orlando, it sometimes manages to miss the radars of Orlando vacationers. But you might be happy to know that the Orlando Card, which gets you in to a number of great area attractions, such as WonderWorks and Fun Spot, also includes admission to the Silver Springs Theme Park. Due to this fact, Silver Springs often gets mentioned in the same breath as the greater Orlando attractions. On your Silver Springs Orlando adventure, you'll enjoy a diverse range of attractions, from the popular glass bottom boat rides to the intriguing animal exhibits. The park sits on 350 beautiful acres so there's definitely plenty to explore.
Glass bottom boat cruises are a Silver Springs Orlando favorite, as they give passengers the chance to see what's going on below the surface of the Silver River . It's kind of like scuba diving or snorkeling without getting wet. The boats that carry passengers along the river are manned by licensed captains, and they provide cover from the warm Florida sun. While you explore the area headwaters, the kind of marine life that you might spot along the way includes turtles, alligators, and a number of different fish species. In addition to taking a glass bottom boat cruise, Silver Springs Theme Park visitors can also enjoy the Fort King River Cruise, which covers the history of the Silver River, and the Lost River Voyage Cruise, which usually involves quite a lot of animal viewing. Among the creatures that you are likely to see on the Lost River Voyage Cruise include alligators, osprey, heron, and turtles. While Orlando attractions like Disney's Animal Kingdom and Sea World are great places to see some exotic animals from across the globe, the Silver Springs Theme Park gives you a chance to witness some of the local species in their natural environments.
If you don't get to spot an alligator on one of the Silver Springs Orlando boat cruises, then you can head to the Big Gator Lagoon exhibit to see more than three dozen of them. A pair of rare white alligators also figure among the attractions at Silver Springs. Often referred to as "swamp ghosts," they are quite the sight to see. Other animal exhibits at the Silver Springs Theme Park include Panther Prowl, where you can see a western cougar, and the World of Bears, where Kodiak brown bears and North American black bears roam free on two acres of land. At the Ross Allen Island exhibit, visitors will get the chance to see an impressive collection of spiders, snakes, turtles, and other animal species that are native to Florida . For a more hands-on approach, your group can make way for the Kritter Korral exhibit. This is arguably the top choice for kid-friendly attractions at Silver Springs, as kids love to pet and feed the Kritter Korral goats, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, and other farm animals. As a side note, for those who want to see a lot of alligators during their central Florida vacation, Gatorland is another great theme park to consider.
In addition to viewing a lot of different animals at the Silver Springs Theme Park , visitors can also check out over 100 different varieties of plants at the park's Botanical Gardens. Beautiful floral displays abound at the Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along a lovely pathway. Upon seeing the beauty of the Botanical Gardens at Silver Springs, it's easy to see why it's a popular site for wedding photographs. After a stroll through the gardens, you might also take the chance to check out a bird, reptile, or snake show, or perhaps catch the 2:30 p.m. alligator feeding. For the opportunity to spot wildlife in a different environment, visitors can also enjoy Wilderness Trail tours, which involve heading out into a local forest. The attractions at Silver Springs are diverse. There's definitely something for everybody here.
As any good theme park usually does, the Silver Springs Theme Park also has some rides for its visitors to enjoy. The Kids Ahoy! Playland is home to a replica Riverboat, a Ferris Wheel, a playground, a carousel, and more. For a bigger thrill, you can ride the Lighthouse Ride, which is part carousel, part gondola. You'll be able to see far and wide once the Lighthouse Ride finishes its gentle climb to 80 feet. On top of having an array of fun rides, the Silver Springs Theme Park also boasts some souvenir shops, some quick-service restaurants, a bar and grill, and plenty of places to grab some snacks.
Glass bottom boat cruises are a Silver Springs Orlando favorite, as they give passengers the chance to see what's going on below the surface of the Silver River . It's kind of like scuba diving or snorkeling without getting wet. The boats that carry passengers along the river are manned by licensed captains, and they provide cover from the warm Florida sun. While you explore the area headwaters, the kind of marine life that you might spot along the way includes turtles, alligators, and a number of different fish species. In addition to taking a glass bottom boat cruise, Silver Springs Theme Park visitors can also enjoy the Fort King River Cruise, which covers the history of the Silver River, and the Lost River Voyage Cruise, which usually involves quite a lot of animal viewing. Among the creatures that you are likely to see on the Lost River Voyage Cruise include alligators, osprey, heron, and turtles. While Orlando attractions like Disney's Animal Kingdom and Sea World are great places to see some exotic animals from across the globe, the Silver Springs Theme Park gives you a chance to witness some of the local species in their natural environments.
If you don't get to spot an alligator on one of the Silver Springs Orlando boat cruises, then you can head to the Big Gator Lagoon exhibit to see more than three dozen of them. A pair of rare white alligators also figure among the attractions at Silver Springs. Often referred to as "swamp ghosts," they are quite the sight to see. Other animal exhibits at the Silver Springs Theme Park include Panther Prowl, where you can see a western cougar, and the World of Bears, where Kodiak brown bears and North American black bears roam free on two acres of land. At the Ross Allen Island exhibit, visitors will get the chance to see an impressive collection of spiders, snakes, turtles, and other animal species that are native to Florida . For a more hands-on approach, your group can make way for the Kritter Korral exhibit. This is arguably the top choice for kid-friendly attractions at Silver Springs, as kids love to pet and feed the Kritter Korral goats, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, and other farm animals. As a side note, for those who want to see a lot of alligators during their central Florida vacation, Gatorland is another great theme park to consider.
In addition to viewing a lot of different animals at the Silver Springs Theme Park , visitors can also check out over 100 different varieties of plants at the park's Botanical Gardens. Beautiful floral displays abound at the Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along a lovely pathway. Upon seeing the beauty of the Botanical Gardens at Silver Springs, it's easy to see why it's a popular site for wedding photographs. After a stroll through the gardens, you might also take the chance to check out a bird, reptile, or snake show, or perhaps catch the 2:30 p.m. alligator feeding. For the opportunity to spot wildlife in a different environment, visitors can also enjoy Wilderness Trail tours, which involve heading out into a local forest. The attractions at Silver Springs are diverse. There's definitely something for everybody here.
As any good theme park usually does, the Silver Springs Theme Park also has some rides for its visitors to enjoy. The Kids Ahoy! Playland is home to a replica Riverboat, a Ferris Wheel, a playground, a carousel, and more. For a bigger thrill, you can ride the Lighthouse Ride, which is part carousel, part gondola. You'll be able to see far and wide once the Lighthouse Ride finishes its gentle climb to 80 feet. On top of having an array of fun rides, the Silver Springs Theme Park also boasts some souvenir shops, some quick-service restaurants, a bar and grill, and plenty of places to grab some snacks.
Sea World Orlando
That SeaWorld is a top Orlando Florida attraction is due in no small part due to Shamu and the orca’s crack team of handlers. But there is more to this wonderfully entertaining and educational park than an acrobatic killer whale. SeaWorld is devoted to demonstrating the ways we all can protect the mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles that live in the ocean and its tributaries. As the world's largest marine adventure park, SeaWorld uses gentle humor to bring us closer to these creatures to foster our responsibility in safeguarding their environment.
Like sea currents, the curving paths here include no distinct “lands” as in other Orlando theme parks, but instead center on a 17-acre lake. Exhibits feature manatees, dolphins, penguins, beluga whales, walruses, and other creatures of the sea.
Although the pace is slower here than at other thrill parks, it can get crowded at popular attractions like Penguin Encounter, Wild Arctic, Shark Encounter, Journey to Atlantis, and Key West at SeaWorld. There’s less chance of lines at the Key West Dolphin Stadium, Turtle Point, Stingray Lagoon, Manatees, Dolphin Cove, and the Sea Lion & Otter Stadium. Other attractions include Shark Encounter, Odyssea stage show, and the Dolphin Nursery and Tropical Reef.
At Shamu Stadium, the park's prize orca performs several times daily with Shamu Rocks America. Seating provides views from above and under the surface of the water. Be prepared to sit further back or get wet, as the killer whale's is happy to soak anyone within reach.
If you’ve ever had the fantasy to swim with dolphins, you will want to look into Discovery Cove. This all-inclusive limited-admission attraction only allows 1000 people a day into its authentic recreation of a Caribbean coral reef, complete with sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, and underwater ruins. And best of all, you come face to face with exotic birds and sea life from the Bahamas, Micronesia, Tahiti, and other parts of the world, as well as swim with live dolphins.
SeaWorld is also home to some killer rides. Built to be the fastest, tallest, longest and wildest rollercoaster in Orlando, the savage Kraken hurls you at 65 mph and extreme G-forces through a cobra roll, zero-G roll, several vertical loops, and flat spins over water, underground, and entering an underwater eel lair at full speed, huge plumes of spray drenching bystanders. Don’t be surprised if afternoon thunderstorms cause temporary closures of Kraken, Journey to Atlantis, Sky Tower, Ski Show, Shamu's Happy Harbor, and the Paddle Boats.
If you get tired of whales Florida rescue shelters provide the stars at the SeaWorld Theater’s Pets Ahoy, where 12 dogs, 18 cats, and an assortment of ducks, doves, parrots, and a pig perform a series of incredible and complex stunts leading to a grand finale.
Across the street from the amusement park is the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, with a 10-story atrium full of waterfalls, goldfish ponds, exotic birds, and palm trees. It’s excellent restaurant, Atlantis, features Mediterranean cuisine.
Like sea currents, the curving paths here include no distinct “lands” as in other Orlando theme parks, but instead center on a 17-acre lake. Exhibits feature manatees, dolphins, penguins, beluga whales, walruses, and other creatures of the sea.
Although the pace is slower here than at other thrill parks, it can get crowded at popular attractions like Penguin Encounter, Wild Arctic, Shark Encounter, Journey to Atlantis, and Key West at SeaWorld. There’s less chance of lines at the Key West Dolphin Stadium, Turtle Point, Stingray Lagoon, Manatees, Dolphin Cove, and the Sea Lion & Otter Stadium. Other attractions include Shark Encounter, Odyssea stage show, and the Dolphin Nursery and Tropical Reef.
At Shamu Stadium, the park's prize orca performs several times daily with Shamu Rocks America. Seating provides views from above and under the surface of the water. Be prepared to sit further back or get wet, as the killer whale's is happy to soak anyone within reach.
If you’ve ever had the fantasy to swim with dolphins, you will want to look into Discovery Cove. This all-inclusive limited-admission attraction only allows 1000 people a day into its authentic recreation of a Caribbean coral reef, complete with sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, and underwater ruins. And best of all, you come face to face with exotic birds and sea life from the Bahamas, Micronesia, Tahiti, and other parts of the world, as well as swim with live dolphins.
SeaWorld is also home to some killer rides. Built to be the fastest, tallest, longest and wildest rollercoaster in Orlando, the savage Kraken hurls you at 65 mph and extreme G-forces through a cobra roll, zero-G roll, several vertical loops, and flat spins over water, underground, and entering an underwater eel lair at full speed, huge plumes of spray drenching bystanders. Don’t be surprised if afternoon thunderstorms cause temporary closures of Kraken, Journey to Atlantis, Sky Tower, Ski Show, Shamu's Happy Harbor, and the Paddle Boats.
If you get tired of whales Florida rescue shelters provide the stars at the SeaWorld Theater’s Pets Ahoy, where 12 dogs, 18 cats, and an assortment of ducks, doves, parrots, and a pig perform a series of incredible and complex stunts leading to a grand finale.
Across the street from the amusement park is the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, with a 10-story atrium full of waterfalls, goldfish ponds, exotic birds, and palm trees. It’s excellent restaurant, Atlantis, features Mediterranean cuisine.
Orlando Museum of Art
There are an amazing wealth of things to do when vacationing in Orlando, and quite often activities involve a lot of shooshing about in the Florida sun to a number of theme parks where sensory overload is the norm. As fun as the Orlando theme parks and overall attractions can be, sometimes it’s nice to head indoors for a quiet and reflective time like that found at the Orlando Museum of Art. The Orlando Art Museum was founded in 1924, and while encouraging community support for the arts, it holds true to its mission of enriching the cultural life of Florida. Orlando Museum of Arts pieces are included in collections that present the works of local and regional artists, as well as notable entries of national and international significance. For a pleasant Orlando Museum experience in the visual arts, make time during your next Orlando vacation to enjoy the Orlando Museum of Art.
The Orlando Art Museum offers 10-12 in-house exhibits year round, and maintains 13 exhibitions off-site. There are a number of award-winning tours you can take throughout the day, and educational programs focus not only on typical visitors, but on the Florida community as a whole. Through various outreach programs, the Orlando Museum of Art strives to educate not only its residents statewide, but national and foreign visitors as well. With their teacher in-service training programs, educators get a chance to develop their knowledge of art for the classroom, and various lectures offered to the public focus on art appreciation.
Among the Orlando Museum of Arts galleries, the visitor will find a number of temporary exhibits, and three permanent collections that offer a comprehensive array of works. The American Art Collection is comprised of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from the 1700's to the present. Expect to find works by such notables as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe here. The Art of the Ancient Americas Collection showcases articles from over 30 different cultural groups from North, South and Central America. These objects date from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Also among the fixed collections is the African Art Collection. Ceremonial and practical artifacts from several different regions of Africa make up the bulk of this collection, as well as objects of personal adornment. You can enjoy these permanent Orlando Museum exhibits, as well as the rotating temporary exhibits that feature some of the most notable national traveling exhibits.
Among the various events offered at The Orlando Museum of Art, first Thursdays offer free admission to this great Orlando Museum from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. and a new theme is presented through works by local artists. Live music, cash bars and café offerings from area restaurants are on the menu, and it presents a good opportunity to mingle with fellow art appreciators.
The Orlando Art Museum can be found at 2416 North Mills Avenue, and admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), college students with i.d., as well as groups of more than 10. Students ages 6-18 pay only $5, and children 5 and younger get in free. The Orlando Museum of Art is closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are from Noon to 4 p.m.
The Orlando Art Museum offers 10-12 in-house exhibits year round, and maintains 13 exhibitions off-site. There are a number of award-winning tours you can take throughout the day, and educational programs focus not only on typical visitors, but on the Florida community as a whole. Through various outreach programs, the Orlando Museum of Art strives to educate not only its residents statewide, but national and foreign visitors as well. With their teacher in-service training programs, educators get a chance to develop their knowledge of art for the classroom, and various lectures offered to the public focus on art appreciation.
Among the Orlando Museum of Arts galleries, the visitor will find a number of temporary exhibits, and three permanent collections that offer a comprehensive array of works. The American Art Collection is comprised of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from the 1700's to the present. Expect to find works by such notables as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe here. The Art of the Ancient Americas Collection showcases articles from over 30 different cultural groups from North, South and Central America. These objects date from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Also among the fixed collections is the African Art Collection. Ceremonial and practical artifacts from several different regions of Africa make up the bulk of this collection, as well as objects of personal adornment. You can enjoy these permanent Orlando Museum exhibits, as well as the rotating temporary exhibits that feature some of the most notable national traveling exhibits.
Among the various events offered at The Orlando Museum of Art, first Thursdays offer free admission to this great Orlando Museum from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. and a new theme is presented through works by local artists. Live music, cash bars and café offerings from area restaurants are on the menu, and it presents a good opportunity to mingle with fellow art appreciators.
The Orlando Art Museum can be found at 2416 North Mills Avenue, and admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), college students with i.d., as well as groups of more than 10. Students ages 6-18 pay only $5, and children 5 and younger get in free. The Orlando Museum of Art is closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are from Noon to 4 p.m.
Orlando Balloon Rides
A typical vacation to Orlando usually involves heading to places like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios, and a number of other theme parks. If you are a golfer, you book a couple of rounds on the side to enjoy some of the best Florida golf courses, and the dining and shopping found in and around the area is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days at least. There are just so many things to do in this haven of good weather and sunshine, but have you ever considered booking a flight on one of the many Orlando balloon rides? A hot air balloon ride Orlando style involves soaring over the attractions for a bird’s eye view where you drift with the winds and enjoy the silence of floating. Orlando balloon rides start at the break of day, as the natural earth around you begins to come to life. If you have never had the opportunity before to take to the skies as such, be sure to book a hot air balloon ride Orlando on your next vacation to central Florida for an experience that you will never forget.
There are a number of different hot air balloon ride Orlando companies, ensuring that at some point during your next vacation to the area you should have every opportunity to enjoy this “uplifting” experience. Just be sure the night before your ride that you get to bed early, as flights begin just after sunrise when the winds are at their lightest. Many companies will pick you up at your hotel, or you meet at an arranged place where an initial briefing by your pilot takes place. Often, the site of your launch is dependent on wind and weather conditions, and most rides last for about an hour. However, you will want to reserve at least 3-4 hours out of your day for the whole experience. Getting the balloon ready is the first stage of actually getting off the ground, and with most companies you are encouraged to help if you so desire. Part of the preparation for Orlando balloon rides usually involves safety checks and last minute answers to any questions you might have. There is no such thing as a stupid question either before, during or after your hot air balloon ride Orlando. Four eyes are better than two, so if you have concerns about any obstructions you might consider dangerous during your flight, feel free to speak up. Safety is the main concern during Orlando balloon rides, and every company is focused on making your experience as safe as possible.
As far as what to wear during a hot air balloon ride Orlando, you should dress comfortably as possible and as you might for a country walk. Long trousers and flat shoes are recommended, and dress in layers to maximize your comfort. With the cooler temperatures during winter months, it is usually recommended to dress for how the weather feels on the ground, as the burners will keep you warm in the balloon. As you set up for and disembark from Orlando balloon rides, you might encounter wet or muddy fields, so keep that in mind. You might also consider bringing a hat to wear during your hot air balloon ride Orlando if you are thinning on top, as the radiant heat from the burners may leave you feeling a bit “hot-headed”. Other than that, just remember to bring your camera.
Disney area balloon rides Orlando give you an interesting perspective of the theme parks below, and these unique Florida tours in the sky allow you to see all the surrounding lakes of the area from above. Sometimes, during your Disney area balloon rides Orlando, you can spot alligators drifting along area waters, and you may just spot a bald eagle sharing the sky with you.
Most Disney area balloon rides Orlando companies operate 7 days a week and rates vary a bit for each, but the average price you should expect to pay is around $185 for a single adult, and somewhere around $100 for Jr. Adults. Children 9 and under usually ride for free, and rates for private Orlando balloon rides for couples will typically run you around $575. Many companies will pick you up if you are staying at one of the nearby Orlando hotels or Kissimmee hotels. More often than not, most companies like Orange Blossom and Magic Sunrise Ballooning, offer a ceremonial champagne toast at the end of your ride, as well as a post flight all you can eat breakfast buffet.
There are a number of different hot air balloon ride Orlando companies, ensuring that at some point during your next vacation to the area you should have every opportunity to enjoy this “uplifting” experience. Just be sure the night before your ride that you get to bed early, as flights begin just after sunrise when the winds are at their lightest. Many companies will pick you up at your hotel, or you meet at an arranged place where an initial briefing by your pilot takes place. Often, the site of your launch is dependent on wind and weather conditions, and most rides last for about an hour. However, you will want to reserve at least 3-4 hours out of your day for the whole experience. Getting the balloon ready is the first stage of actually getting off the ground, and with most companies you are encouraged to help if you so desire. Part of the preparation for Orlando balloon rides usually involves safety checks and last minute answers to any questions you might have. There is no such thing as a stupid question either before, during or after your hot air balloon ride Orlando. Four eyes are better than two, so if you have concerns about any obstructions you might consider dangerous during your flight, feel free to speak up. Safety is the main concern during Orlando balloon rides, and every company is focused on making your experience as safe as possible.
As far as what to wear during a hot air balloon ride Orlando, you should dress comfortably as possible and as you might for a country walk. Long trousers and flat shoes are recommended, and dress in layers to maximize your comfort. With the cooler temperatures during winter months, it is usually recommended to dress for how the weather feels on the ground, as the burners will keep you warm in the balloon. As you set up for and disembark from Orlando balloon rides, you might encounter wet or muddy fields, so keep that in mind. You might also consider bringing a hat to wear during your hot air balloon ride Orlando if you are thinning on top, as the radiant heat from the burners may leave you feeling a bit “hot-headed”. Other than that, just remember to bring your camera.
Disney area balloon rides Orlando give you an interesting perspective of the theme parks below, and these unique Florida tours in the sky allow you to see all the surrounding lakes of the area from above. Sometimes, during your Disney area balloon rides Orlando, you can spot alligators drifting along area waters, and you may just spot a bald eagle sharing the sky with you.
Most Disney area balloon rides Orlando companies operate 7 days a week and rates vary a bit for each, but the average price you should expect to pay is around $185 for a single adult, and somewhere around $100 for Jr. Adults. Children 9 and under usually ride for free, and rates for private Orlando balloon rides for couples will typically run you around $575. Many companies will pick you up if you are staying at one of the nearby Orlando hotels or Kissimmee hotels. More often than not, most companies like Orange Blossom and Magic Sunrise Ballooning, offer a ceremonial champagne toast at the end of your ride, as well as a post flight all you can eat breakfast buffet.
Lake Eola Orlando
When you find yourself in downtown Orlando and you are looking for a good place to relax and hang out for a bit, then Lake Eola Park might just be the ideal fit. Found at 195 N. Rosalind Avenue, Lake Eola Park is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight, so there's plenty of time to enjoy it. It's not uncommon for downtown Orlando workers to take their lunch breaks at Lake Eola, as its beautiful surroundings do well to rejuvenate the mind. In addition to parking yourself on a bench or strolling about the Lake Eola Park walkways, visitors can also enjoy gondola tours, paddle boat rides, and more. There's even a playground here for kids, so the whole family will enjoy a visit. When the Orlando weather is nice, as it usually is, Lake Eola Park is simply an excellent place to be.
For those who want to enjoy Lake Eola Orlando gondola rides, they last approximately 30 minutes, so they won't take up a bunch of your time. Should you prefer to get a little more exercise out of your visit, you can always rent one of the swan-shaped paddle boats and give your legs a workout. Electric swan-shaped boats are also available for rent if you prefer to save your legs for something like a round of Orlando golf. In addition to taking boat rides, feeding the swans and the other birds at Lake Eola Park is a popular thing for visitors to do. Other things that you can do while hanging out at Eola Park include reading a book or having a picnic. You can also take to the walking paths to do some jogging if you want to fit in a nice workout. The beautiful setting of Lake Eola Park encourages just about any park-related activity that you can think of, which is part of the reason why locals cherish the park as much as they do.
Many folks who have enjoyed the Lake Eola Orlando experience will tell you that it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. The park is also ideal if you want to arrange an impromptu game of frisbee, or something the like, and kids will find the high-tech playground to be a dream. So impressive is the playground here that you might find yourself wishing that you were a kid again. Unless you are armed with a full picnic basket during your Lake Eola Orlando visit, there are few restaurants close to the park where you can grab something to eat or treat yourself to a glass of wine perhaps. You might even wander off around the downtown area to do a little shopping on the side. For those who are driving into town to check out Lake Eola , there is a parking garage a few blocks away. You can also find free and metered parking on some of the nearby city streets, but it can go fast. This is especially true during the different events at Lake Eola .
Overlooking Lake Eola is a Disney amphitheater where some of the events at Lake Eola take place. The amphitheater events at Lake Eola generally consist of plays, concerts, and things like candlelight vigils. Other events at Lake Eola include the 4th of July celebrations, the Sunday Farmers Markets, and the Orlando Food and Wine Festival. More than 20 of the top restaurants in Orlando showcase their talents at the Orlando Food and Wine Festival, which also features a beer pavilion and live music entertainment. If the Orlando Food and Wine Festival piques your interest, you might also consider visiting Orlando in late September. That's when the food and wine festival at Epcot Center begins its two-week run. Both festivals are excellent, so if you can catch both, then you are encouraged to do so.
For those who want to enjoy Lake Eola Orlando gondola rides, they last approximately 30 minutes, so they won't take up a bunch of your time. Should you prefer to get a little more exercise out of your visit, you can always rent one of the swan-shaped paddle boats and give your legs a workout. Electric swan-shaped boats are also available for rent if you prefer to save your legs for something like a round of Orlando golf. In addition to taking boat rides, feeding the swans and the other birds at Lake Eola Park is a popular thing for visitors to do. Other things that you can do while hanging out at Eola Park include reading a book or having a picnic. You can also take to the walking paths to do some jogging if you want to fit in a nice workout. The beautiful setting of Lake Eola Park encourages just about any park-related activity that you can think of, which is part of the reason why locals cherish the park as much as they do.
Many folks who have enjoyed the Lake Eola Orlando experience will tell you that it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. The park is also ideal if you want to arrange an impromptu game of frisbee, or something the like, and kids will find the high-tech playground to be a dream. So impressive is the playground here that you might find yourself wishing that you were a kid again. Unless you are armed with a full picnic basket during your Lake Eola Orlando visit, there are few restaurants close to the park where you can grab something to eat or treat yourself to a glass of wine perhaps. You might even wander off around the downtown area to do a little shopping on the side. For those who are driving into town to check out Lake Eola , there is a parking garage a few blocks away. You can also find free and metered parking on some of the nearby city streets, but it can go fast. This is especially true during the different events at Lake Eola .
Overlooking Lake Eola is a Disney amphitheater where some of the events at Lake Eola take place. The amphitheater events at Lake Eola generally consist of plays, concerts, and things like candlelight vigils. Other events at Lake Eola include the 4th of July celebrations, the Sunday Farmers Markets, and the Orlando Food and Wine Festival. More than 20 of the top restaurants in Orlando showcase their talents at the Orlando Food and Wine Festival, which also features a beer pavilion and live music entertainment. If the Orlando Food and Wine Festival piques your interest, you might also consider visiting Orlando in late September. That's when the food and wine festival at Epcot Center begins its two-week run. Both festivals are excellent, so if you can catch both, then you are encouraged to do so.
Kennedy Space Center
Chances are that at some point in your life you either thought about being an astronaut, or at least about how cool it would be to fly into space. For most, space travel is extremely interesting and a trip to Florida just might not be complete without a visit to the NASA Kennedy Space Center. Located just 45 minutes from Orlando and about an hour south of Daytona Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is based on a large island wildlife refuge that is eight times larger than Manhattan. Many visitors come to this center of technology and discovery every year to experience a place where some of mankind’s greatest dreams and aspirations have become a reality. A truly unique experience awaits you at Kennedy Space Center Florida, where you can tour NASA’s launch and landing facilities, meet an actual astronaut, and experience interactive simulators. The Kennedy Space Center will both inspire and intrigue you from the moment you enter the Visitor Complex and begin your journey. So take a break from the great Florida beaches and Florida golf courses, steer away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios for a day and find a different Florida experience at NASA Kennedy Space Center.
At the Visitor Complex of the Kennedy Space Center Florida, a collection of exhibits and shows will fill you with wonder and amazement. Before you delve into all there is to see and do at the Visitor Complex, you begin your day at the NASA Kennedy Space Center with a tour that takes you to the impressive NASA facilities. Included in the tour is a trip to see the massive launch pads, the expansive Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Among the many options for Florida tours, this one ranks among the most interesting and unique.
Upon return to the Visitor Complex, guests of the Kennedy Space Center can easily fill the rest of the day exploring all the exhibits and taking in shows, whether live or on the world’s only back-to-back IMAX theaters. Pay homage to fallen heroes of space exploration history at the glorious glass-structure Astronaut Memorial, or head to the Rocket Garden to observe actual rockets from every space exploration era. Delve into the early days of space travel at the Early Space Exploration exhibit, and enter an actual Space Shuttle at Space Shuttle Plaza, where you can see how astronauts live and work on board. Among the highlights at the Visitor Complex is the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where visitors experience exhibits dedicated to famous astronauts. Here, the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia joins forces with realistic astronaut training simulators to give lift-off to your imagination. As you enter the Astronaut Adventure room, your interactive adventure begins. Here, you can simulate walking on the moon, experience four times the force of gravity in the G-Force Trainer, ride a rover over Martian terrain, and coordinate a Space Shuttle landing.
For an interesting break in your day at the NASA Kennedy Space Center, you can make reservations to “Lunch with an Astronaut” during your visit. This gives you an unparalleled opportunity to talk one on one with a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps while you enjoy a wonderful meal. And if your family is looking for the ultimate space experience, you can spend one or two days immersed in astronaut training with the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX).
The Kennedy Space Center Florida is open every day of the year, except for December 25th, and certain launch days. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and General Admission for adults is $38, and $28 for children ages 3-11. General Admission covers a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, IMAX space movies and all exhibits and shows, and is valid for two days. Tickets can be bought exclusively for the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which closes an hour later, and the price is $17 for adults, and $13 for children. The Annual Pass option will give you 12 months of admission, as well as discounts on programs like ATX, and 10% off select merchandise at the Space Shop souvenir store, and 10% off food and refreshments in Orbit Café and Mila’s restaurant. The Astronaut Training Experience runs at $250/person for one day, and includes training simulators, full scale Space Shuttle Mission Simulation, a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center, and ATX gear, including a Mission polo shirt. Additional tours include NASA Up Close, Cape Canaveral: Then and Now, and Lunch with an Astronaut, and additional fees for each are $22 for adults, and $15 for children.
At the Visitor Complex of the Kennedy Space Center Florida, a collection of exhibits and shows will fill you with wonder and amazement. Before you delve into all there is to see and do at the Visitor Complex, you begin your day at the NASA Kennedy Space Center with a tour that takes you to the impressive NASA facilities. Included in the tour is a trip to see the massive launch pads, the expansive Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Among the many options for Florida tours, this one ranks among the most interesting and unique.
Upon return to the Visitor Complex, guests of the Kennedy Space Center can easily fill the rest of the day exploring all the exhibits and taking in shows, whether live or on the world’s only back-to-back IMAX theaters. Pay homage to fallen heroes of space exploration history at the glorious glass-structure Astronaut Memorial, or head to the Rocket Garden to observe actual rockets from every space exploration era. Delve into the early days of space travel at the Early Space Exploration exhibit, and enter an actual Space Shuttle at Space Shuttle Plaza, where you can see how astronauts live and work on board. Among the highlights at the Visitor Complex is the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where visitors experience exhibits dedicated to famous astronauts. Here, the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia joins forces with realistic astronaut training simulators to give lift-off to your imagination. As you enter the Astronaut Adventure room, your interactive adventure begins. Here, you can simulate walking on the moon, experience four times the force of gravity in the G-Force Trainer, ride a rover over Martian terrain, and coordinate a Space Shuttle landing.
For an interesting break in your day at the NASA Kennedy Space Center, you can make reservations to “Lunch with an Astronaut” during your visit. This gives you an unparalleled opportunity to talk one on one with a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps while you enjoy a wonderful meal. And if your family is looking for the ultimate space experience, you can spend one or two days immersed in astronaut training with the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX).
The Kennedy Space Center Florida is open every day of the year, except for December 25th, and certain launch days. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and General Admission for adults is $38, and $28 for children ages 3-11. General Admission covers a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, IMAX space movies and all exhibits and shows, and is valid for two days. Tickets can be bought exclusively for the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which closes an hour later, and the price is $17 for adults, and $13 for children. The Annual Pass option will give you 12 months of admission, as well as discounts on programs like ATX, and 10% off select merchandise at the Space Shop souvenir store, and 10% off food and refreshments in Orbit Café and Mila’s restaurant. The Astronaut Training Experience runs at $250/person for one day, and includes training simulators, full scale Space Shuttle Mission Simulation, a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center, and ATX gear, including a Mission polo shirt. Additional tours include NASA Up Close, Cape Canaveral: Then and Now, and Lunch with an Astronaut, and additional fees for each are $22 for adults, and $15 for children.
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