Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Islands of Adventure

On your next family vacation to Orlando, “Live the Adventure of a Lifetime!” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. At the Islands of Adventure Theme Park, you’ll enjoy a trip through five amazing islands where some of your favorite comic book and cartoon heroes are among the main stars for the park’s series of innovative rides and attractions. There are high-speed rides for the daring, tame rides for children, and the new-age 3D attractions will have you dazzled. Universal has your best interests covered with its feature ticket offer found only online at Universal websites, which allows you unlimited admission for up to a week to both Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure theme park for just $85.99 plus tax. Universal Studios also offers options for great Orlando hotels that have you staying on-site, thus allowing you to bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. Choose from the Royal Pacific Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Portofino Bay Hotel. On-site hotel guests benefit from a variety of special theme park privileges, not to mention enjoying the amenities offered at these 4-diamond hotels that are just steps away from Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Among the many Islands of Adventure attractions are five that the park dubs as its most featured. Kids will surely enjoy The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which is a 3D Spider-Man thrill ride. Don your 3D glasses and prepare for an amazing adventure that has you swinging high above a simulated cityscape. Found on the Marvel Super Hero Island of Adventure, you’ll find this wonderful attraction amidst a comic book city that features some of the world’s greatest Super Heroes. At Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, enjoy The Cat In The Hat.

On this ride, you grab a seat on a couch for a simulated spinning and swerving tour through the pages of the famous children’s book. Enjoy the laughs you’ll share with your group on this whimsical adventure.

For a thrill of a different kind, head to The Lost Continent at the Islands of Adventure theme park. On Dueling Dragons, get your heart rate up on the world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters. Pick between the Fire Dragon and the Ice Dragon, and hold your breath as the two coasters pass within inches of each other on this ultimate adventure. For a wet and wild change of pace, make way to the Island of Adventure theme park’s largest island, Jurassic Park. The namesake water ride found here is called the Jurassic Park River Adventure, and it takes 1.5 million gallons of water to keep this thrill ride going. Prepare to be part of the menu for the dinosaurs that surround you on your wet journey. As you move along, narrowly escaping hungry Raptors and a large T-Rex, you eventually hit the 85-foot plunge that awaits you at the end. It might be a terrifying fall, but at least you’ll escape alive. Another water ride you won’t want to miss at the Islands of Adventure theme park, is Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. On this wacky white-water journey, help Popeye rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto. You will get wet on this ride, but hey, you’re in Florida and the weather is nice. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges can be found on Toon Lagoon. On Toon Lagoon, you’ll find a number of water rides and over 150 different cartoon characters.

There are a number of shopping and dining options found at Universal Islands of Adventure and you might consider starting your day off right here with the Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure. Each Thursday through Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., you can enjoy breakfast with Spider-Man and The Cat in the Hat at the Island of Adventure Confisco Grille. The cost is $15.95 for adults, and $9.95 for children. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are open 365 days a year, and operating hours normally begin at 9 a.m. with varying closing times, depending on the season. If you don’t take advantage of the aforementioned ticket deal, you can purchase a 1 day admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for $77 at the gate for adults, and $67 ages 3-9. A one day ticket for only one of Universal’s two parks goes for $67 for adults, and $56 for children. Families looking to visit Islands of Adventure will find numerous Kissimmee vacation rentals and Kissimmee hotels nearby for lodging, as well as a fine mix of Orlando hotels. Other Orlando theme parks recommended for families include Epcot Center, Discovery Cove, Disney MGM Studios, Disney Quest, and Disney Blizzard Beach, among others.

Holy Land Experience Orlando

Christians are encouraged to enjoy the Holy Land Experience Orlando, but even if you claim another religion, this park is still worth a look. Basically, the Holy Land Experience attractions revolve around the Bible, with close attention being paid to biblical history. Instead of riding thrill rides, Holy Land Experience Orlando visitors will instead find museum-like exhibits that center around topics such as Noah's Ark and the Dead Sea Scrolls. You can also see how Jerusalem looked in the first century or get a lesson on Jesus' tomb. In addition to museum-like exhibits, this Christian theme park Orlando destination also offers shows for visitors to enjoy, so you can definitely fill at least a few hours here. Florida is definitely home to some unique attractions, beaches, and great hotels, but the Holy Land Experience is certainly among the most original things to do here.

The Holy Land Experience Orlando theme park isn't hard to find, as it is located just east of Universal Studios. You'll be even closer to the Mall at Millenia when in the area, just in case you want to add some upscale Orlando shopping to the mix. You can easily pair a Holy Land Experience Orlando trip with a visit to the mall if you please. You might not have enough time to do both, however, as you might find yourself extending your Christian theme park Orlando experience to fit in all the attractions. Among the top Holy Land Experience attractions are the Jerusalem Model and Calvary 's Garden Tomb. The former is among the largest models of Jerusalem that you'll find anywhere, and it aims to depict the city as it would have been in and around the year 66 A.D. If you want to learn more about the exhibit, you can stick around for one of the daily 30-minute lectures, which discuss the city and Jesus' final days there. As for the Calvary 's Garden Tomb, its intent is to recreate the tomb of Jesus. Indigenous Holy Land plants and trees help to make for an authentic setting.

After enjoying the aforementioned Holy Land Experience attractions, you might check out the Qumran Dead Sea Caves exhibit, which revolves around the Dead Sea Scrolls, or head to the Plaza of Nations , where you can catch a musical drama that is inspired by the Bible. This drama, which is presented several times a day, isn't the only Holy Land Experience show that you can consider adding to your itinerary, however. The Wilderness Tabernacle show is one of the more popular Holy Land Experience attractions, and it details the plight of Moses and his people as they sought deliverance from Egypt . The Wilderness Tabernacle show lasts approximately 25 minutes, which is also the case when it comes to the Orlando of Life show. This show features a film called The Seed of Promise, which includes the stories of Abraham and Christ's resurrection.

On top of the attractions listed thus far, those who enjoy the Holy Land Theme Park Orlando experience can also sit in on storytelling sessions, as well as check out an intriguing collection of old Bibles. Should you get hungry during your visit, there is an onsite café that serves up some tasty Middle Eastern fare, and if the hot Florida sun is getting to you, you can always stop by one of the park's misting stations for some refreshment. In addition to a café, visitors can also access a small refreshment area to grab some snacks and beverages. As for Christian Theme Park Orlando tickets, they can be bought in advance or purchased at the park upon arrival. The general admission fee for the park is somewhat high by some standards, but it will still cost you less than a trip to one of the Disney World theme parks. For those who are driving to the Holy Land Experience, parking costs extra, so you will want to keep that in mind. For places to stay near the park, you can always consider the Universal Studios resorts and the Sea World hotels, among other area options.

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

If you can say that you've been to the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, then you can say that you've been to the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world. For those who don't already know, the Hard Rock Cafe brand of restaurants revolves around everything rock and roll, hence the name. At the Hard Rock Orlando, it's no different. In fact, you'll find more rock and roll memorabilia on display here than you will at any other Hard Rock Cafe in the world. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to say that this place doubles as a museum. In case you're wondering where you can find the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, it's located in the CityWalk entertainment complex at Universal Studios. For true rock and roll fans, a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios is a perfect complement to the overall Hard Rock Cafe experience. The Hard Rock Hotel, like the other two Universal Studios resorts, offers some pretty upscale rooms and plenty of amenities to boot.

When it comes to the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, it's hard to say whether the food or the rock memorabilia steals the show. As such, you might call it a tie. Starting a meal off here with some loaded nachos is often the aim of visitors, and afterwards, you might dive into some fried chicken or barbecue ribs. The Hard Rock Cafe burgers can satisfy pretty much any burger fanatic, and if you like pulled-pork sandwiches, you'll have to order one. While you enjoy your meal, you can listen to the music hits that play over the sound system, lending depth to the dining experience. If you want to get a better look at some of the rock and roll memorabilia that is on display at the Hard Rock Orlando, you can ask to be seated at a booth. It's harder to see what's hanging on some of the walls when you sit at one of the tables. Of course, you can always get up while you're waiting for your meal to look around. Perhaps you'll grab a beer from the extensive beer menu to sip on while you check out the various pieces.

You might be wondering what kinds of things you might see when it comes to the largest Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia collection. Among the top items on display here are a suit worn by Paul McCartney in the movie A Hard Days Night, and the black glasses that Buddy Holly was wearing when he died in a 1959 airplane crash in Iowa . Other items on display include a suit that Elvis Presley wore in the movie Viva Las Vegas, a Jimi Hendrix Fender guitar, a jacket that James Brown often wore, and various pieces related to the Rolling Stones. Visiting the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world is pretty much akin to visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, when it all boils down to it. Well, not quite, but it's surely an experience that any fan of music will appreciate.

Should you be looking for fun events in Orlando during your vacation, you can always check out the schedule at the Hard Rock Cafe. A number of special concerts and other live acts pass through to perform at the Hard Rock Orlando's concert venue, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Some of the concerts feature well-known acts, so you might look to get your tickets in advance if you have one in mind. You might also check out the concert lineups at venues like the UCF Arena and The House of Blues as well while in Orlando. Between the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and these other venues there's bound to be a show that you'll want to see. If none of the concerts or special parties at the Hard Rock Orlando pique your interest, you can always consider throwing your own party here. As the largest Hard Rock Cafe on the face of the planet, this place has ample room and facilities to spare.

Gatorland

At 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, just between Orlando and Kissimmee, enter the realm of the famous Florida Gator at Gatorland. Gatorland Orlando is the “Alligator Capital of the World”, and this classic Florida attraction has been pulling in tourists for over 50 years. At Gatorland Florida, the experience is a break from the more “typical” theme parks of Central Florida, and it offers a unique diversion for families and animal lovers alike. Founded in 1949 by the late Owen Godwin, Gatorland is still owned and operated by his family to this day. Gatorland Orlando Florida is one of the state’s oldest attractions and its classic charm is accentuated by an array of new exhibits and exciting entertainment. Among the attractions found at Gatorland Orlando are thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and observation tower, reptilian shows, an aviary, a petting zoo, and a swamp walk. You’ll also find educational programs that will have you feeling like an alligator expert by the time you head out the doors.

There are a total of three shows at Gatorland Florida that are truly entertaining. They are Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestlin’ and Upclose Encounters. Gator Jumparoo is truly a one-of-a-kind show that gives viewers an idea of just how powerful alligators and crocodiles really are. As a trainer extends his handful of food over a dark lagoon, some of the largest alligators on the planet jump four to five feet out of the water to catch a bite. You wonder just how daring the trainer must be to tempt such large creatures.

But when it comes to daring, perhaps Gator Wrestlin’ takes top honors here. In this show, alligator wranglers catch a 6 to 8 foot alligator by hand and sit on its back while they point out the interesting survival features of the reptile. Guests then watch from their shaded seats in a 800 seat stadium as a brave trainer executes a series of stunts with the dangerous animal, before rolling it over and lulling it to sleep. The alligator is then promptly awakened with a bit of a tickle. Brings to mind images from “Crocodile Dundee”.

The third show found at Gatorland Florida is dubbed Upclose and Personal, as it involves encountering an array of animals, well, up close. Don’t worry, however, this doesn’t mean that you are required to wrestle any gators yourself, unless maybe you want to. In this exhibit, you will have the chance to meet some intriguing creatures from around the world, including some native Florida wildlife. Indiana Jones would likely skip this show, as some of the most dangerous snakes alive are part of the featured alignment.

In case a youngster in your group is having a birthday during your trip to Orlando, there are two birthday party packages at Gatorland Florida that will surely guarantee to be memorable. Each package offers admission for up to 10 children and 2 adult chaperones. Straws, piñatas and balloons are not allowed, but you are welcome to bring the other necessities and don’t worry about the cake, because with each package an exclusive Gatorland birthday cake in chocolate or vanilla is supplied.

Gatorland Orlando is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. There is ample parking, and long lines and crowds are not what you will find at Gatorland. Voted Best Florida NonMajor Attraction in 2003, Gatorland Orlando is affordable at only $22.95 for ages 13 and over, and $14.95 for children 3-12 years old. Showtimes vary by season, but repeat several times each day.

Gatorland enjoys a great location that is close to a fine array of Orlando hotels and Kissimmee hotels that will satisfy your lodging needs during your central Florida vacation. Animal lovers who enjoy Gatorland for its animal appeal and unique attractions will likely find trips to Cypress Gardens and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to be equally as unique and enjoyable side trips in Central Florida.

Fun Spot Orlando

For more than 10 years, the Fun Spot Amusement Park has been bringing its own brand of fun to the table in Orlando . Because of Fun Spot's popularity over the last decade, a sister park has been opened in nearby Kissimmee . At Fun Spot Orlando, you'll find fun rides, action packed arcades, and some crazy Go Karts. It's all about family fun here, and when you're not in the mood for one of the larger Orlando theme parks, this is the perfect fit. You can find the Fun Spot Amusement Park just across Interstate 4 from Universal Studios, so if you're staying at one of the Universal Studios hotels or anywhere else in the area, it's worth adding to your itinerary.

Helping to make Fun Spot Orlando such a great family destination is the Kid Spot. This part of the park caters to youngsters, and has rides that all ages can enjoy. You can go around and around on the dazzling carousel, enjoy a mini-drop in the FrogHopper, and even ride on a small train made out of trucks. Another train for kids looks more like a train if you have any budding engineers in your group. If you're looking for attractions at Fun Spot that are intended for bigger kids and adults as well, you'll find some more fun rides, like the Ferris Wheel, the Bumper Boats, and the famous Scrambler. Other rides at Fun Spot Orlando include Bumper Kars, which are a classic, and the Paratrooper, which offers a bit of a different take on the Ferris Wheel.

As fun as the aforementioned rides are, it's the Go Karts that arguably take top prize when it comes to the best attractions at Fun Spot. There are tracks for young drivers and tracks for older and more experienced drivers, so the whole family can rev up some engines during their visit. Some of the Go Kart tracks here are even a bit intimidating, and if you are looking for a little adventure, they can surely deliver. Take the Quad Helix track, for example, which twists and turns along a course that is often elevated well off of the ground. Multi-level stretches also characterize the Blue Conquest Track as well as the Conquest Track, which at one point has you zooming down a 30-degree slope! You won't find go karts like these at larger theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center.

When you're not riding the fun rides and the thrilling Go Karts at the Fun Spot Amusement Park, you can always hit the arcade to enjoy some gaming action. There are actually two arcades here, one of which is smaller and features mostly video games. You can play an unlimited amount of these video games for a relatively small fee. In the larger 10,000-square-foot Winners Circle Arcade, you'll find more state-of-the-art games, not to mention favorites like air hockey tables. Even if you only remotely enjoy video and arcade games, you're likely to have a blast at the arcade attractions at Fun Spot. When you need a little refueling to keep up your gaming action, you can stop by the snack bar to grab something quick to eat. Purchase a souvenir cup, and you'll enjoy all the soda that you want throughout the day.

There are different ticket options that are available at the Fun Spot Amusement Park , so you can choose accordingly depending on your budget and your preferences. Even the most expensive ticket package, which includes all day privileges on the Go Karts and the rides, is affordably-priced, which helps to contribute to Fun Spot's popularity. Because the Fun Spot Amusement Park is ideal for kids, you might even consider throwing a birthday party here. It's also a great place if you have a business or are part of a special group and want to work on team building. Fun Spot definitely earns its name, and you'll see why once you get here. While the attractions at Fun Spot are not as grandiose as they are at the larger Orlando theme parks, they do quite well to appease those who decide to stop by.

Walt Disney World

The wonderful world of Disney tops the list for most Orlando vacations for kids of all ages. Walt Disney World Florida first opened its gates to the public just over thirty-five years ago, transforming a quiet southern farming community into the biggest international vacation destination in the world.

Disneyland Florida is made up of four amazing theme parks in Orlando: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. At 30,000 acres, Walt Disney World is the size of the city of San Francisco, and twice as big as Manhattan.

Recently updated flexible Disney World Florida tickets options now fall under the Magic Your Way structure, which allows guests to customize their tickets by first purchasing a base ticket for a set fee, and then purchase add-ons. Options include a park-hopper no-expiration option, and Magic Plus Pack. Saving as much as 2 hours in lines on average, Disney’s FASTPASS is a very popular reservation-based approach to the rides.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

The centerpiece of Walt Disney World Florida is the Magic Kingdom. The first of many global spin-offs of California’s Disneyland, it is home to the childhood memories of generations, from Snow White to the Lion King. Like Disneyland, it is made up of areas like Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland. Don’t be surprised if you run into Micky, Goofy, or Cinderella along Main Street USA.

The starting point for most first-time visitors on a Disney World vacation, it’s good to arrive an hour early to beat the crowds at opening time. Frontierland has Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the animatronic Country Bear Jamboree show. Tomorrowland features Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Stitch’s Great Escape. At Adventureland, you’ll find the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Tree house, and Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Other popular attractions include the Haunted Mansion and It’s A Small World.

Disney Hollywood Studios

Originally planned as a working studio, Disney Hollywood Studios is a fully functioning movie and television production center, as well as a top Florida family vacation destination.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes guests in a haunted elevator car of the deserted Hollywood Tower Hotel, and then drops them 130 feet. The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular has the audience involved in the filming of an action movie. Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show features high-flying high-speed movie stunts full of pyrotechnic effects. Other Attractions include the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith.

Disney Animal Kingdom

This 500-acre zoo park features a menagerie of exotic free-roaming animals. The best time to encounter the lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes of the free-roaming Kilimanjaro Safaris is in the cool of the morning or at the late-afternoon feeding by the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.

In between, chill out on the Asian tiger themed Kali River Rapids, and then head indoors to ride past the animated robotic Dinosaurs, or the popular 3-D show Its Tough To Be a Bug.

Epcot

A must-see at Disney's theme parks in Orlando is the Epcot center. Future World, dominated by the geodesic Spaceship Earth, offers popular edutainment rides like the interactive Mission: Space and Soarin’. Postcard pavilions from China, Mexico, and Morocco surround the World Showcase lagoon, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine in France or a stein of beer in Germany.

Discovery Cove

Sea World Discovery Cove is a truly memorable interactive experience that will have you swimming with dolphins and petting harmless stingrays. Reservations are required at this one-of-a-kind Florida theme park, where only 1,000 people a day are allowed to enter. With a high staff to guest ratio, you and your family will be made to feel special as you enter a marine world that gives you an up close and personal meeting with various aquatic creatures. Discovery Cove Orlando is adjacent to SeaWorld, and its chain of pools and lagoons wind in and out of lush settings complete with beaches, palm trees and rock formations.

Perhaps the highlight among the attractions found at Discovery Cove is the opportunity you will get to swim and play with bottlenose dolphins. Seven people at a time enter a shallow water pool to learn about the amazing creatures they are about to meet. A trainer begins with an overview about dolphin behavior and shows you how SeaWorld Discovery Cove trainers communicate with the animals through hand signals and positive reinforcement. During that time, guests meet the dolphins with hugs and kisses. After the primary introduction is over, it’s time to actually swim with the dolphins. Enjoy a tow through the water holding onto a dolphin’s fin, or give the playful animals a rubdown.

As you move on to some of the other attractions at SeaWorld Discovery Cove, your marine world adventure continues as you encounter more amazing animals. Snorkeling at the Coral Reef allows visitors to visit a submerged shipwreck where exotic fish teem, and you come face-to-face with sharks and barracuda. Sounds scary, but there is no need to worry, as the sharks and barracuda are behind a glass wall. Wading along the tropical pools and riverways will eventually lead you to the free-flight aviary, where guests interact and play with tropical birds, while feeding and touching them. Gentle and harmless stingrays play host at the Ray Lagoon, where you can feed, touch and swim with these beautiful creatures.

As you move from pool to pool around the grounds, you encounter sandy beaches, picturesque grottos and waterfalls. And for some rest and relaxation before or after your complimentary lunch, you can hang out at the large resort style pool. The Laguna Grill is where you will receive you complimentary meal, and among the food selections are chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken pasta, Caesar salad, cobb salad, and stir-fry. Beverages in the form of water and sodas are also free, and beer and wine can be purchased by adults. The Laguna Grill opens at 11 a.m. and provides seating areas outside under umbrellas, or delivers your meal to you on the beach with their waiter service.

Due to the exclusive nature of Discovery Cove Orlando, guests will not encounter crowds or long lines. Again, advance reservations are required, and attendance is limited to 1,000 people a day. When you arrive at Discovery Cove, you are greeted at the check-in desk where you will meet with a personal guide for orientation and an initial tour. On-site, you will find clean and accommodating locker rooms, and all the equipment you need to enter the water, minus your bathing suit, is provided for you.

There are two all-inclusive Discovery Cove Orlando admission packages available when booking your reservation. The Dolphin Interaction package costs $259, and the Non-Dolphin Interaction goes for $159. Add $20 to each package admission price between the dates of March 12 - Nov. 11th. Included in your admission to Discovery Cove are your meals, beverages, gear, parking, and a 7-day pass to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa. If you are planning to visit all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, your best deal is likely to purchase a Disney Park Hopper Ticket. It allows you to come and go through all four of Disney theme parks at Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Your unused days never expire, and the options run from 4-7 days, ranging in price from $203-$325 for adults, and $161-$261 for kids. Slight discounts can be found when ordering on-line.
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