So now we know… it’s all about the money. Always has been and always will be.

It doesn’t seem to matter what you’ve built, what you’ve created, what you’ve been working towards and what you’ve accomplished. It’s simply all about the money.

It’s now official. The MLS is expanding and the team that will join the ranks in 2015 is Manchester City. Oh sorry! I meant New York City Football Club.

Yep, that’s right. Despite other more valid claims, most certainly from a footballing (soccer) point of view, it’s money that matters most.

Manchester City have now announced their plans at the HQ of Major League Soccer on Fifth Avenue, New York.  The club revealed that although they will be the majority stakeholders, they will also form an alliance with the New York Yankees. A stadium will have to be built, mostly likely in Queens and it’s more than likely the team will also wear a sky blue strip.

City Chief Executive Ferran Soriano said “The New York City club will have an identity of its own, but obviously using the resources and synergies of Manchester City. We haven’t decided but it might well be that the team is going to play in sky blue. We will create a whole new organization. We will have a director of football, we will have a coach, but we don’t know yet if he will be American, South American or English. The first thing is appointing a director of football because we need to create a team from scratch within the next 18 months. We need to select players and ensure that when we start playing in April 2015, we have a competitive team on the pitch.”

So there we have it. That’s how you get to become an MLS team. You buy it and then worry about how you’ll create it. No more should team owners take time to build a winning team and whole structure to support it. Just write a check to “MLS – We Don’t Care Where It Comes From.”

Sorry Don Garber, but this isn’t us being bitter. It’s just our opinion that this is simply the wrong way to go about encouraging other teams, other owners and other investors to develop the game. When all someone has to do is wade into town, throw their check book around and be given the rights to a franchise, we worry about how the great game is going to develop in the United States.

PS. And quite why it’s been named “Football” Club instead of “Soccer” club is another mystery. Talk about confusing the American consumer even more.

It really defies belief, it really does.

Hot on the heels of my rant from yesterday (here – if you missed it) about the ridiculous immigration lines greeting foreign guests when they arrive in the United States, we now find yet more bloody stupidity about to make said traveler’s life a misery. In the latest bright spark, or is it hair brained, idea it now seems that foreign guests are now going to be subjected to being finger printed before they can leave the country.

According to an article in the New York Daily News, foreigners leaving the country through any of the nation’s 30 busiest airports will now have to undergo mandatory fingerprinting under an amendment that senators added to a sweeping immigration bill on Monday. I mean, how much more nonsense can they subject people to?

Lawmakers are hiding behind the flawed logic that a more expansive biometric system can then use identifiers such as fingerprints to keep track of immigrants and visitors exiting the U.S. They then go on to spout that currently there is no such system is in place. Really? What the hell do “foreigners” have biometric passports for then? And, why is this only important to the 30 busiest airports? What about those that leave via another location? Don’t they matter?

It utterly bemuses me of the kind of dumb ass thinking there is in the most powerful places in Washington. Not content with being responsible for the biggest economic mess in history, these fools now seem to want to put into place every conceivable method they can design to prevent people visiting the country and spending their money here. Lord knows what extra cost this is likely to entail, but one thing’s for sure, you can bet the thinking is, “if they want to visit our shores, they will pay up.” They couldn’t be more wrong.

Hands up if all you can see is yet more chaos at the airports, yet more flight delays and even more visitors determined never to come back.

Now would seem to be a good time to purchase a vacation home or villa in Orlando wouldn’t it? After all, home prices are as low as they have been in decades and more and more visitors are coming to Central Florida to enjoy a vacation with their friends and family. So, buy a home, rent it out when you’re not using it and enjoy the easy life. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Unfortunately it’s not.

A couple of years ago I wrote a book titled “What You Must Know About Buying Your Vacation Home” and the advice contained therein is every bit as relevant today. If you are seriously thinking of buying a home in Florida, you need to do your homework if you are to avoid some of the mistakes and problems that many before you have experienced.

One of the big mistakes that some people make is falling for the “Guaranteed Rental” trick. It sounds great in principle, fork out for your home, put it in the hands of someone you trust and let them rent it for you making you lots of dosh in the process. Unfortunately, not one of these schemes works and not one is sustainable. Buy a home based on this and your heading for a mighty fall.

It’s not often I write about the tricks some real estate companies and vacation rental management companies use to lure their prey in but as we start to see home prices rise ever so slightly again, it is now that a timely reminder needs to be given.

Here’s how just one of the schemes work… and there are many variations on this theme.

In essence, the homes / villas are being sold at way above their actual value. For example, a few years ago, one developer sold a home for $300K to an interim company. This company then sold the villa on to the buyer for $360K.  The interim company was owned by the management company and the buyer was buying through that company because they’d believed the promises of the guaranteed rental program. The clever bit was that the $60k difference was then used to pay the owner the guaranteed rental payments for the two years of the guaranteed rental program.

What then happens is that the management company have control of the villa for the two years of the guaranteed rental program. All of the money they then make in rental income is pure profit as the owner is still lumbered with the utility bills, the property tax and insurance.

At the end of the two year guaranteed rental program the management company drops the owner onto their standard non-guaranteed rental program. One that doesn’t turn up anywhere near as much rental income.

Unfortunately, many owners fall for this. Essentially, it’s the quick fix pill and the attraction to them is that they don’t have to do anything during the course of the first two years. Frankly, it’s rather dumb thinking and it’s no wonder so many owners crashed out of the market during the recession as their homes went into foreclosure because they couldn’t support the mortgage payments.

Again, as we see a slight rise in the market, many potential owners are being sucked into the machine that is “guaranteed rentals.” One very prominent and trusted tour operator is now making claims of guaranteeing income for 5 years! Yes, 5 years! Marketed as “66 New 3- & 4- Bedroom Year-Round & “Buy-To-Let” many fools will be tempted to part with their money in the hopes of yet another get rich through real estate scheme.

The bottom line here folks is simply not to trust anyone offering such a “bargain.” From experience I can tell you that the people who make owning a home a success in Florida are those who take responsibility for their own home and work hand in hand with a reputable management company to get bookings directly with the consumer. No other way works. That simple.

Sure, there are others out there making promises of 40+ weeks of rental income but that is all driven by tour operator bookings and at very low rates. How low I hear you ask? Well, how about rates of below $70 per night in the peak Summer season for a 4 bed home with private pool? Crazy and now here’s the kicker… the $70 is what the management company gets…so what do you think the owner is receiving? A pittance. And then, they’re expected to maintain their home to the highest standard, refurnish it every so often, fit new pool heating and a/c as well as repaint and decorate once in a while. It’s simply madness.

What really bothers me the most about this is the guest experience. For over two decades we have worked very hard as an industry to be seen as a viable alternative for families who want a vastly superior experience than staying in a hotel when they go on vacation to Orlando. Vacation homes are now as popular with families and business folks traveling to Central Florida as hotels are but there is a great danger that the experience will be compromised when a homeowner doesn’t have the financial wherewithal to maintain his property to the highest standard.

When that happens, everyone suffers. Guests fail to return, more money must be spent marketing the home and eventually if new rentals don’t materialize, the owner experiences significant financial loss.

So how do you avoid going down this route? For a start you do your homework. You obtain and read as much information about buying a home from as many different sources as you can. Next, you decide which of those sources talks the most sense and you see if they can help guide you along the process. Most ethical and professional Realtors / Management companies will be only too pleased to give you further information and to give you solid advice.

Over the years, I have helped many families fulfill their dreams and an awful lot of my own clients have owned their own Florida dream home for well over a decade. Some over two decades. It can be done but you do need to be careful about who you listen to. If you are considering buying a home, I’m happy to help…but here’s my caveat, don’t contact me until you’ve read my book. You can get it from Amazon or if you are in the Kissimmee area, you can drop into my office at 4624 W Irlo Bronson Highway and get a FREE copy there.

I can’t be fairer than that can I? Forewarned is forearmed. Buying a home in Florida can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do in your life. It can also be one of the worst decisions you’ll ever make.

Star Wars Weekends started last weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was a chance for fans to meet Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi) and Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars.)

It was also a chance to check out Star Wars-inspired merchandise and try out the D-Tech Me experience. The D-Tech Me experience is located inside Darth’s Mall, the highly themed merchandise destination located in the courtyard adjacent to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith and this year, the popular “cast yourself in Carbonite” option that was inspired by a scene from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back is back.

A new option featuring the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire, the Stormtroopers is also available and the 10-minute experience uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by the Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. That captured image is later sent to a high resolution 3D printer to create the figurine. The completed figurine then arrives within 7-8 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally). Guests also receive either a Carbon-Freeze Me light-up band or a collector button depending upon which option they choose.The Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience is $99.95, plus shipping and applicable sales tax.

The Star Wars weekend run now through June 9, 2013 at the Walt Disney World Resort and if you wander along the Studios you’ll probably get up close with a host of characters from the Star Wars films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Dozens of your favorites, both Jedi and Sith alike, will be scattered about Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can chat with Imperial officers, catch up with Rebel soldiers and enjoy countless unforgettable photo opportunities across the park!

Star Wars characters you may encounter include:

Mickey Avenue

• Darth Vader
• Darth Maul
• Boba Fett
• Jango Fett
• Zam Wesell
• Aurra Sing
• Stormtroopers
• Tusken Raiders
• Gamorrean Guard

Streets of America

• Anakin Skywalker
• Commander Cody
• Captain Rex
• Ahsoka Tano
• Asajj Ventress
• Shaak Ti
• Kit Fisto
• Jawas
• Clone Troopers

Star Tours Area

• Queen Amidala
• Chewbacca
• Ewoks
• Cantina Band

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Area

• Leia
• Luke
• C-3PO
• R2-D2

Hollywood Boulevard

• Jedi Mickey
• Leia Minnie
• Stormtrooper Donald
• Vader Goofy

You’ll also enjoy soaking up the spectacle as characters and actors from Star Wars perform a variety of entertaining programs. There are humorous talk shows, colorful parades and motorcades, and a chance to immerse yourself in interactive experiences guaranteed to make you feel like you’re right inside the Star Wars universe! Take a look at some of the activities…

• Stormtroopers at the Gate – Hollywood and Vine Intersection
  Two Imperial Stormtroopers are ready to provide a welcome surprise from the Dark side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts however, motivating the official opening of the park and start of the Star Wars Weekends.

• Boba Fett Patrol
  Keep an eye peeled for Boba Fett as the most relentless bounty hunter in all the galaxy strolls and patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. Get up close and verbally interact with the villain… but be wary, or you could end up his next bounty!

• Stormtrooper Patrol
  Be on the lookout for 2 Imperial Stormtroopers as they walk the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage, imparting Imperial info and their own unique brand of investigation. Proceed with caution or you just might become the focus of their next unique observations.

• Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
  Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring a galaxy of your favorite Star Wars characters and 5 Star Wars Celebrities. The motorcade begins at the front of the park and travels to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage, concluding with a grand celebrity welcome.

• Star Wars Celebrity Welcome
  Immediately following the Celebrity Motorcade, Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, along with 4 visiting celebrities highlight the day’s events and give you an exclusive Star Wars Weekends photo opportunity.

• Padawan Mind Challenge
  Join a pair of wacky intergalactic hosts, and a few other Star Wars surprises, as they provide 2 fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges, featuring younglings ages 4 to 11. Watch as they wield their mental force alongside a popular Star Wars character.

• Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices
  Listen closely as host Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, along with 2 very special Clone Wars co-stars reveal the fascinating art of voice acting utilized throughout the Star Wars saga and beyond.

• Stars of the Saga
  Kick back with Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor as he puts on this entertaining and often surprising 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show. Experience the fascinating life and movie-making adventures of 2 Star Wars celebrities.

• Stormtrooper Pre-Show
  15 minutes prior to the Stars of the Saga Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show, a unique and immersive pre-show descends upon the Premiere Theater featuring 4 Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. This interactive and always surprising presentation takes place in the audience and builds to an explosive conclusion.

• Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
  Feel the force flowing as Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. In this Star Wars Weekends exclusive, James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters.

• Visit to the Maul starring Ray Park
  Learn film and martial arts techniques from the actor who brought Darth Maul to life—the man, the Sith, the legend, Ray Park. In this unique presentation, the martial arts master performs impressive demonstrations as he reveals his journey to action-star fame. Show takes place during weekends 1 and 2 only.

• An Ewok’s Tale – My Short Story starring Warwick Davis
  Step into the fascinating world of entertainment giant, Warwick Davis. In this hilarious presentation, Warwick doesn’t just tell us about his time in the galaxy far, far away or his smorgasbord of roles leading up to the present—he reenacts his entire life! Show takes place during weekends 2 and 3 only.

• Hyperspace Hoopla
  Star Wars Weekends shifts into hyperdrive hilarity as characters celebrate the day’s final entertainment: Snig & Oopla’s Hyperspace Hoopla! This over-the-top, end of the day celebration features the most beloved Star Wars characters performing in a number of fun and exciting musical numbers.

Another great feature of Star Wars Weekends is the Jedi Training Academy where  kids under 12 can hone their Lightsaber skills and test their wits before the Jedi Council in the Padawan Mind Challenge—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! You also have the opportunity to blast across the entire Star Wars universe on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue!  This is where you can hop aboard the Starspeeder 1000 as it takes you from Tatooine to Coruscant and beyond, with destinations, characters and adventures presented in brilliant digital 3D! You can enjoy the ride as you head out on a thrilling journey where a galaxy of trouble awaits. But don’t worry, the Force will be with you—always!

Remember that Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required for Star Wars Weekends.

Over the weekend Universal Orlando raised its one-day, one park base ticket price from $89 to $92, before tax.  A 3.4 percent increase. A single-day ticket that gets you into both parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, went up 3.2 per cent from $124 to $128.

According to the Universal web site, you can still get your per day admission cost below $50 if you make a multi-day purchase such as the three day admission for $146.99 for park to park and $125.99 for one park a day access.

The bad news is that history shows that whenever one of the Big Three in Orlando, Disney, Universal or SeaWorld, raises prices, at least one of the others follows quickly. So if you take my advice, you might want to hurry up and do it before those parks match Universal’s increase. Tickets can be obtained at FloridaLeisureTickets.com

Over the past weekend my family had some dear friends from the United Kingdom around for dinner and one of the topics of conversation was their recent trips to various parts of the globe. The lucky devils have been all over the globe in recent months with trips to Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Europe, Mexico and finally to their Florida home. During our conversation we talked about all the things they had seen and the good times they had. Unfortunately though, their recent experience in visiting Florida was tainted. For one reason, the arrival process and going through immigration in particular.

The one thing that really stood out for me was their comment about how most people would have had to wait over two hours. They remarked that they had been extremely lucky to get nearer the front of the line but even that was over an hour wait to get through with just seven immigration desks open to cater for at least three international plane loads of travelers from the UK …around 1200 people in total. Frankly, is it any wonder that visitor numbers from the UK are declining when faced with this after an eight or nine hour flight? I know I would certainly think twice about returning.

I have to say that I have been aware of this issue for some time. I’ve contacted various people in an effort to find out what is going on and the best answer I have obtained has been that the delay is a Federal issue because of the problem with recruiting and training Customs Officers. Apparently, it is a three year process to train these people…but even if that is the case, why do most people face delays at the immigration desks? It doesn’t make sense.

Why is it that I constantly hear from our friends and guests that they had to endure huge lines when they got off their plane? Why is it that these people have to endure a two hour plus wait to get into the country? Why is it that these people aren’t made welcome when they arrive? Why are there no seats for them to rest on when they disembark? Why are there no beverages or snacks available? What message are we really sending here? Seems to me the answer is that “We don’t really want you.”

I don’t know what it is with America at the moment. Still suffering from an economic depression don’t they realize that tourism brings money to the economy? Money that is then used to employ people, that is used by employees to feed their families, money that is usually taxed that Government then benefits from. How is it that the powers that be are making life so difficult for travelers that they choose another option instead of coming back to the Sunshine State? Something stinks and the excuses have to stop.

Over the last few years Visit Florida has consistently reported that travel from the UK is slipping. From being the top foreign supplier of guests to Florida, the UK has now slipped  down the list with Canada now coming in first and Brazil second. Heck, even Mexico and Japan are bring in higher visitor numbers some months. So why aren’t the Brits visiting anymore?

It’s quite simple. They can get better value and less hassle elsewhere.

Let’s face it, if you’re told you have to get an ESTA document, an international drivers license (thankfully, that farce disappeared as quick as it came) and then face over a two hour wait before you get into the country, you’re not really going to look forward to the experience are you? No amount of happiness and fun at our world class theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld is going to overcome that first bad experience when you first arrive. Frankly, I don’t know many people who enjoy an eight or nine hour flight with screaming kids and aging parents so why in the world would you put yourself through this when on holiday or vacation? I know I wouldn’t and, I won’t.

So, what’s being done to help? Not enough is all I can say. Recently I received a press release talking about the so called Automated Passport Control (APC) system. In theory, Orlando International Airport will be the first airport in the nation to test the self-service kiosks to expedite the international arrival process and reduce passenger processing times with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the new system is expected to be in place by this summer.

The self-service kiosk technology will partially automate the inspection process for non-U.S. citizens entering the United States. Later this year, the program will expand in Orlando to add U.S. citizens as well. According to Customs and Border Protection, the primary objective of the technology is to increase the productivity of its resources by moving much of the mundane but necessary data collection duties to the passenger while they wait in queue. The self-processing kiosks will collect the passengers’ passport and flight information, declaration data, scan fingerprints, take a photo and issue a receipt to the passenger. The passenger then brings their passport and receipt to a CBP officer for verification. This program does not require passengers to register in advance. It will be available to all international passengers arriving at Orlando International Airport.

So that’s it. And we’ll see. But, if past efforts are anything to go by, don’t hold your breath that this will be much of an improvement. You’d think that after booking a flight, checking in at the airport and then enduring the 8 to 9 hour flight that the USA would know who intends to come into their country wouldn’t you? Well, note the word “partially” automate the process. Yes, that’s the worrying word because you’re still going to need to present yourself to an immigration officer for final approval. And we all know what fun that can bring depending on that guy or girls mood on any given day. Frankly, I’m not impressed. And, I’m not impressed with the increasing reports I get about these representatives of the United States being rude, ignorant and arrogant with our foreign guests.

Forgive me here for my healthy skepticism. In part it comes from the next section of the press release I quote here… “In April, Orlando International became the first airport in the nation to collaborate with the CBP to automate the I-94 documentation for entry into the United States. The introduction of that program has also helped to reduce wait times and streamline the arrival process for international passengers.”  Did I just read “reduce wait times?” Who’s kidding who here? Wait times haven’t reduced at all, in fact they seem to be on the increase.

The press release then goes on “Orlando International processed a record 3.7 million international passengers in 2012 and so far this year is recording double-digit growth of 10.8 percent.” OK, I get that brings its own problems…but… only seven immigration officers on desks when passengers arrive? This is worse than when I first started coming to the US in the 90′s. Far worse. Then you would see 15 to 20 immigration officers on the desks and while there was some delay getting through immigration, it was nowhere near as bad as it is today. For that, someone should be held accountable. Someone should be asked by the people running businesses in Florida and by those employed in tourism, “Why is this happening? How is it helping our community?”

Last week a UK TV program essentially told viewers not to travel to Florida because of all the hassle and today I came across this article in The Independent newspaper. It’s not pretty reading… http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/heading-for-america-prepare-for-the-longest-us-immigration-queues-ever-8621576.html

Time for some folks in leadership positions in Florida and the United States to wake up. Failing to address these issues is hurting our economy.

Over the last decade or so I’ve heard many guests from the UK say that they missed their own home food when traveling to foreign parts and particularly when they visit Florida. Many guests moan about the bacon over here as well as the fact they can’t get a decent pie or fish and chips.

My standard answer has always been “That’s why you travel… to try different things!’ Some folks appreciated that but most didn’t so I ended up recommending a few places where they might get some grub to suit their tastes. Usually that might involve the overpriced and over-hyped stuff at many of the British pubs on US 192 or International Drive.

Despite recommending many of the excellent restaurants we have in Orlando, some guests still want what they know so imagine my delight when I learned about a new British style pie shop that sold a variety of pies, pasties and sausage rolls. To be perfectly honest, I first learned of this little treasure a couple of years ago but up until last week, I’d never had time to pop in and take a nose around. It was time!

The first thing to say about The Proper Pie Company is that it is a little difficult to find. In essence it’s right on US 27 just past the I4 junction not far from the Polk County Visitor Center but it is laid back a little at 145 Ridge Center Drive, Davenport, FL 33837 …for those who want the address to put into sat-nav.

Once you arrive, you’ll notice the very British feel about the front of the store. A Union Jack British flag flies outside. As you enter the store, a delightful aroma of baking pies greets you. If you haven’t had that experience in a few years, old memories suddenly come flooding back of grandmother’s baking all day for the working man in their life to arrive home! As you look around, all of a sudden lots of old and familiar names come to the fore; names like Cadbury’s, Colman’s, Bisto, Sarson’s, Bovril, Kipling, Walker’s,  etc.

Of course, a lot of these Brit goods are brought in from the old country but the real test was always going to be the quality of the pies, pasties and sausage rolls. So, after spending a good 30 minutes hunting around and having a chat with store owner Derek Gibson, who moved to Florida four years ago, our purchase of Cornish pasties, sausage rolls and a mixture of fresh pies (steak and Guinness / chicken & asparagus / steak & kidney), was complete. We were extremely eager to test the quality of the products and it wasn’t long before the oven was heated, the pies, pasties and rolls were in and we were able to sit down and enjoy our taste test.

Have to say, it was with some trepidation that I took the first bite of a sausage roll! So many times before I’ve been disappointed in the quality but not this time. The authentic taste was there and the roll was very very good. Next up was the pastie and that was very authentic and enjoyable as well. So, finally we came to the real test, the individually hand-made double crusted pie, and all I can say is that I’m a raving fan. All of the pies we tested were mouth wateringly delicious. It’s important to note that in addition to the freshly made pies, the Proper Pie Company also has a wide range of frozen pies to take home for those who aren’t quite hungry just yet!

So finally, we have a place that knows how to make an authentic British pie! Brilliant!

Derek started the Proper Pie Company by attending Farmers markets selling frozen entrees and his family size British style pies.  Today, the Proper Pie Company is now selling all over Florida and all the staff are working hard to keep up with demand.  They still attend the St Augustine Old City farmers market, Fernandina Beach farmers market and the Saturday Morning Market in St Petersburg.

The store is open Monday to Friday 9am – 6.00 pm and also on Saturday from 10am – 5pm. Enjoy your visit!

Web site link: TheProperPieCompany.com

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is coming to the end of it’s run and this coming weekend is your last chance to visit.

The 2013 Flower Power concert also comes to an end as Starship, starring Mickey Thomas, round up the series from the 17 to 19th May.

The 2013 season has seen some new additions and recently we visited to take a look around and take in the new and old:

One of the delightful additions has been the Garden Marketplace culinary creations. Here you can experience  smokehouse barbecue, shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn as well as sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice.  Over the season chefs perfected menus for the marketplaces that included Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase.

The Garden Marketplace refreshing libations had a kick with  Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush.  Beverage specialists also featured brews and beverages at food marketplaces and at Fruits by the Glass and Pineapple Promenade all around the World Showcase promenade

The Land of Oz Garden circus-like play area was a fabulous fun area based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful” which was released on March 8, 2013. The interactive children’s play zone featured play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed that stretched kids’ imaginations and muscles. There were some midway-style games, circus-themed game tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants that captured the spirit of the  film.

Of course, among the much loved attractions are the topiaries and this year has been no different as larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiaries featured floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) who starred in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color. The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary had an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy played badminton and Mickey fired up the grill. Pluto, meanwhile, swiped a link of hot dogs and Minnie chilled out on a colorful blanket of blossoms at the Epcot Front Entrance.

The Illuminated Gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase twinkled and glowed over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening at Future World and World Showcase and all in all, the whole event was the best ever extravaganza of vibrant color and guests learning more about the world we live in.

One of the real highlights during our trip was in seeing the butterfly house and watching young butterflies hatch (as above photos). Butterflies actually transform in a Chrysalis rather than a cocoon and it takes seven to ten days before the monarch pushes open the chrysalis. The difference in time really depends on the temperature and metamorphis occurs more quickly in warmer climates. Overall, another fabulous visit to Epcot and the festival is really one that you shouldn’t miss.

Lots more photos at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com

Magic Kingdom played host to a joyous and regal celebration earlier today as Walt Disney World officially welcomed Merida into the Disney Princess Royal Court. As a part of the ‘Limited Time Magic,’ all 10 Disney Princesses came together at 9:30 a.m.  at Cinderella Castle in honor of their newest member, the brave and independent Merida from Disney•Pixar’s film “Brave.”

We always like to report on new places and new experiences and restaurants are among our favorite topics! Today, we take a look at a relatively new restaurant in Downtown Kissimmee… Savion’s Place.

Savion’s Place occupies the space recently vacated by the popular Chef John’s restaurant on E. Dakin Avenue.  Chef John’s has moved to Pleasant Hill Road in case you’re wondering but replacing it is Chef Pouchon’s Savion’s Place. The first thing to note is that the restaurant isn’t a huge big place. It’s small and because of that, the chef is able to provide a superb menu with real care and attention to detail. There are daily specials and all of them are delicious and very tasty.

Reviewing great food and dining experiences always brings something different and this little restaurant is no different. If you’re in Kissimmee on vacation sometimes you just want to get away from the pool at your Florida Leisure vacation home and enjoy a meal elsewhere. We know it’s tempting to stay in for meals all the time because you can spend a small fortune buying breakfast, lunch, dinner and daily snacks when you eat out, but sometimes it’s just worth it! Most of our guests end up visiting the chain restaurants on US 192 or even taking the 20 minute journey to some of the truly excellent  restaurants on restaurant row on Sand Lake Road but now it’s possible to find better quality food just 10 to 15 minutes away in Kissimmee!

The menu is very reasonably priced and because of that it attracts a lot of its custom from residents rather than tourists. With that, you get a better overall experience as the service level is much much better than you’ll find in the tourist trap. Sorry, that may be harsh, but it’s true and we see it as our job to tell you the truth so you can have the best vacation experience while you’re with us!

We’re always very cautious when reviewing a new restaurant, particularly one that is privately owned, but we have checked out Savion’s Place three times over the last two months and we’re pleased to be able to recommend it for it’s great food. As you can see from the menu photographs above, there is a great variety of choice. Some established favorites appear with Chef Pouchon’s twist on them. Notably, we highly recommend the pork rib eye. A simply superb dish that sees the pork marinated in the chef’s special sauce for a full 48 hours before it is served to guests. If you’ve never had pork that melts in the mouth before, here’s your chance.

But, we get ahead of ourselves! To start your meal you have a variety of choice but we recommend the lobster bisque and the mussels from the specials board when they are on. For entrees, we’ve already covered the pork but the special seafood pasta is simply exquisite. Nice and light but also very filling with a really nice touch of a small crab cake added on top. If you’re looking for something really light, then the steak salad is excellent and the stuffed chicken breast is also delicious. We also have good reports of the meatloaf and the steak choices while the jambalaya seemed popular among guests the second time we visited.

If you’ve only got time for lunch, then check out the pulled pork sandwich or the crab cake sandwich. The Philly cheesesteak and 1/2 pound burgers will keep you going through the afternoon and if you still have room, make a bee line for the molten chocolate cake or the key lime pie for dessert.

One thing we do need to caution you about is the fact the restaurant is small and it can fill up quickly. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant only seats around 30 people indoors and if the weather is co-operating, around another dozen outside.The phone number is 407 572 8719.

Enjoy!