Thinking Vacation Time Yet?

by Adele Woodyard
Now Easter’s over, snow birds are leaving and we begin thinking of our vacation time fun. Not exactly our usual fare, but here’s some high end ideas for a start. In Florida that means what’s new at the theme parks in May and June. For more info, dates, prices and Florida resident discounts: http://www.visitorlando.com
It’s a Turtle Trek at Seaworld Orlando where you can follow the underwater journey of a sea turtle in a brand new 3D, 360-degree dome theatre. Outside, two natural habitats hold over a dozen real-life sea turtles, hundreds of freshwater fish and 1500 saltwater fish (but no dropping a line in the water).
Universal Islands of Adventure has upped the thrill by enhancing the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman with new animation and 4K high-definition visuals A new daily parade of larger-than-life floats, characters and hundreds of street performers add to the fun.
The Magic Kingdom Fantasyland at Walt Disney World Resort is doubling in size and Phase I is now open. A new Storybook Circus offers Dueling Dumbo, a Great Goofy coaster and inter-active games; kids will delight in making like sorcerers to help battle an army of Disney Villains.
Legoland Florida opens a waterpark on May 26, 2012. Besides wave pools and waterslides, one with a 60 foot drop, for excitement, you can “build a raft” and float down a lazy river. Toddlers have not been forgotten—they can get wet on a DUPLO Slash Safari. 877-350-5346. http://www.legoland.com
Families with kids old enough for mare daring adventure will find it at Forever Florida Eco-Safari. The Rattlesnake, a first in the country zipline roller coaster, is one of six new exciting rides in this rough-hewn park a few miles southeast of Kissimmee. Part of Eco Park admission. 321-766-4803; 888-658-5662. http://www.floridaecosafaris.com
Especially for Golfers:
Monday, May 7: Charity Golf Classic at the Old Memorial Golf Club, Tampa opens with a 10:30 a.m. check-in and lunch 12 noon shot gun start.. Event includes contests, ;live auction, raffles, awards dinner and banquet, Contact Lowry Park Zoo, 813-935-8552 x 235.
Now through 6/30/12: Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a one-two round golf package, Greg Norman Signature Course, and luxury accommodations From $269. 800-576-5760, Code GOF.
Need to improve your game? Black Diamond Ranch golf xommunity, Lecanto has a partnership with John Jacobs Golf Schools and Acadamies for two and three day instructional programs. 800-328-8099. http://www.blackdiamondranch.com

Plan and Save on a Florida vacation: Buy Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money http://www.adelesbooksandblogs.com

Get Out There–Now

by Adele Woodyard
Temperatures in the 90’s are already popping up. It won’t be long before it’s an everyday affair and the AC-hugging days of Florida summers are upon us. Here’s some outdoor activities to try while there’s still a breath of Spring in the air.
Faver-Dykes State Park, St. Augustine offers a Princess Place Preserve Kayak Tour on May 15 and again May 22. The 9 a.m.-noon paddle in Necky Expedition kayaks is through the untouched wildlife habitats and dense forests of Pellicer Creek, once home of a Russian prince. $55. 904-347-1565. http://www.floridastateparks.org

Revolution: The Off Road Experience, Clermont is new to Florida. But it’s been around long enough to garner great reviews from those who are into motor sports. Of course there are some restrictions: for example, you have to be 16 and over to drive an ATV; age 10 and over to be a passenger with a guide. Dune buggies require a full driver’s license and the passenger must be at least 48 inches tall. Open daily, prices start at $69.99, kids under ten go FREE in a 4×4 Jeep Wrangler. 4000 S.R. 33; 877-400-1322, 352-400-1322. http://www.revolutionoffroad.com

Forever Florida, St. Cloud, offers three Safaris to suit any age and pocketbook. Zipline, above the trees includes two sky bridges and wildlife interaction, $85 ages 10 and up; participants must weigh at least 70# and under 275#, ages 10-17 must be with parent or guardian; figure 4 hours total counting on transportation, set-up, etc. Horseback Safari is $40 one hour, $60 for two, while the Coach Safari cost $28 adult, $22 ages 6-12. 4755 N. Kenansville Rd. Reservations required: 407-957-9794 x1, 866-854-3837. http://www.floridaecosafari.com

West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades, Winter Garden is right on one 22 mile trail along Lake Apopka. There’s a longer one for those with the energy and time. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. Prices start at $6 per hour, $30/day. 17194 S.R. 438; 407-877-0600, 888-281-3341. http://www.orlandobikerental.com

IFly Orlando (former Skyventure) is an indoor activity that feels like outdoors for you “fly” in a vertical wind tunnel. Gear for the trip is furnished and fee depends on your flying level; e.g. “newbie” starts at $49.95 (discounts online with Visit Florida Magicard). 6805 Visitors Circle. 407-903-1150, 800-759-3861. href=”http://www.iflyorlando.com

Great American Backyard Campout, is a June 25 joint event between the National Wildlife Federation and KOA Campgrounds. Pitch a tent or just roll out a sleeping bag (like I did as a kid in N.J.) and spend a night under the stars in your own backyard. No yard? Head for a campsite near you. No tent? Many KOAs and some state parks have cabins. For more info, including ideas on what to cook: campout@nwf.org; call 800-822-9919 between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. http://www.backyardcampout.org

Florida’s Hearts and Flowers

by Adele Woodyard

In Florida the month of love and romance may don different hats in the same town. For instance:
Valentine’s Day starts off with a very loud BANG in Daytona Beach. The Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup kicks off the Series season on February 14. For couples who love the excitement of the race car scene as much (or more?) than each other, there’s a package for “2 + 2 nites + 2 race tickets” that starts at $310. Some hotel rates list from $99/ per night (Heritage Inn) to $399/night at the Acapulco Hotel and Resort. If you really want to be close to the action, the Ramada Speedway offers $425/night, with a four night minimum stay. http://www.daytonabeach.com
Loving couples who prefer to take the quieter champagne/chocolates/flowers route, will find a variety of selections on http://daytonabeach.com/romance_package

Golfing couples can have their Romantic Rendezvous at the Comfort Suite World of Golf Village, in St. Augustine. Located six miles from the downtown historic district, and eight miles from the beaches, an indoor pool offers a dip after a day on the greens. A king suite with lakeview includes a Continental breakfast, and a gift tray with champagne or wine, and chocolates, on arrival. http://www.cswgv.com
One of several places downtown St. Augustine offers for lovers, is a Romantic Suite at the award winning, © 1893 B & B, Cedar House Inn. Price ranges from $259-299; another $199 brings a dozen roses, chocolates, sparkling wine, and a private horse and carriage ride for two, with dinner. Two night minimum on weekends. 800-845-0012; http://www.cedarhouseinn.com. More info on http://www.getaway4florida.com.

A Valentine’s Day weekend at Forever Florida an outdoor couple’s dream. On Saturday, Feb. 13, they can zip over the treetops or ride horseback on dirt trails that cross acres of land inhabited only by wildlife. The day ends with a champagne toast and a 4-course dinner for two. Or for regular prices, they can create their own Sunday package around lunch. Sweetheart zipline pkg,: $210/couple; Horseback pkg.,. $160/couple; Dinner only, $80/couple, tax and gratuity not included. . 4755 N. Kenansville Rd. St. Cloud, 866-854-3839, 407-957-9794; http://www.foreverflorida.com

How about a Valentine Day getaway to Key West on an air-conditioned catamaran? With a full galley, bar, TV and outdoor sun deck? The Sea Key West Express leaves from Fort Myers Beach , but to get the $112 round-trip fare, you need to book 8 days in advance. For reservations and information call 888-539-2628. http://www.seakeywestexpress.com

Another sea going excursion is the Indian River Queen, a triple-deck paddleboat on Florida’s east coast. Although it specializes in private charters and exclusively designed affairs, e.g. weddings, such events as Friday dinner cruises, and Sunday jazz cruises are open to the public. Cocoa Village Marina, 90 Delanney Ave. Cocoa, 800-979-3370; http://www.indianriverqueen.com

Ready to tie the knot? Take a look at Anna Maria Island, the “wedding capital of the Gulf Coast”. Brides-to-be will welcome a visit to the town’s 3rd Annual Wedding Festival, Sunday, February 28, 2010. A complementary limo and beach trolley service ferries them to sites where, amid live music, wine and cheese and catering tastings, are hair and makeup demos, fashion shows, a mock wedding, and more .$7 for a pre-event brunch from 9 to11 a.m.(pre-register); $10 at door for the main event 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Dr. N., Holmes Beach, 941-778-1541; http://www.amiweddingfestival.com.