Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

Darth Vader was on loan from California, but hopefully he will emigrate here permanently

The “worst kept secret in Central Florida” was confirmed today when LEGOLAND Florida’s General Manager Adrian Jones announced the Miniland area of the park is to undergo a huge expansion to include scenes from all 6 of the Star Wars movies and The Clone Wars cartoon that is about to start it’s 5th season on The Cartoon Network.

Media trucks from all over Central Florida are a testament to how quickly LEGOLAND has been embraced by the area.

Opening in November 2012, the LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Cluster will be built in 1:20 scale and created from more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks. There will be 2,000 LEGO models, including some 6ft tall lifesize characters.  Interactive buttons will allow children (and many adults) to activate animations as they follow a chronological path through the Star Wars timeline and retrace the major events of the Saga.

Media interviews in front of the fenced off construction site

The LEGO Star Wars Miniland Cluster experience will be included with park admission and will be similar to the one already in LEGOLAND California.

California already has a Star Wars Miniland

The Star Wars store at LEGOLAND

“Today, less than a year after our grand opening and only four months after opening the all-new water park, we are thrilled to announce yet another expansion this November. This new LEGO Star Wars Miniland Cluster will add to our 150-acre family theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and interactive attractions,” said Jones.

The Expansion Map: Located in the area behind Miniland on the way to Land of Adventure

It is not known exactly when the expansion will be open, or what events are planned to accompany it. Last year when California unveiled theirs, Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia was the guest of honor and in June they hosted their first LEGO® Star Wars Days.

Carrie Fisher opened LEGOLAND California's Star Wars attraction

Here a short video from the event as Adrian Jones makes the announcement and introduces Darth Vader as well as comments about the expansion from LEGOLAND Spokesperson Kim Isemann.

There is a close up look of the Millennium Falcon and Darth Maul that will be part of Star Wars Miniland Cluster.

You won't find this version of the Millennium Falcon in your local LEGO store

Han and Chewie make the jump to lightspeed ... eventually

The detail is so amazing it is easy to forget this is made of bricks

The Force just got a lot stronger in Central Florida as we are rapidly becoming the center of the Star Wars Universe.

Return of the Sith: Darth Maul is enjoying a new lease of life in The Clone Wars television series

Outside the Convention Center

With the political convention circuit in full swing, the very sight of the word convention is usually enough to send me running to the hills … except that I live here in Orlando. Rapidly on it’s way to becoming the convention capital of the world, Orlando is currently, #4 behind Chicago,  Las Vegas and Washington, DC (metro area), it is the perfect choice if you want to encourage people who put families first to attend your event. It is a little know fact that Orlando has the second largest convention center in the US behind Chicago.

This huge banner was available for everyone to take their picture against

The huge AT-AT in the lobby

It is not surprising that the variety of conventions here in Orlando run from the sublime to ridiculous and all points in between.

Chalk drawing promoting The Clone Wars that took 4 days to complete

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the 4-day Celebration VI … a convention devoted to all things Star Wars and attended by over 35,000 people. That’s pretty close to the size of the RNC in Tampa if you are looking for a comparison.

Some of the lines for panels were huge

Star Wars fans from all over the world flocked, or would that be jetted into Orlando, to enjoy this bi-annual event. It was also attended by most of the major stars from each of the 6 movies including Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, as well as a special unannounced visit from creator George Lucas himself.

Fan made costume of Chewbacca, the guy really was that tall

This convention had so many events and panels and activities that it needed its own App as well as a 90 page souvenir program and a handy dandy 46 page “Insider’s Guide.”

Without these guides or the App you would be left bewildered by scale of the event.

The amazing thing about Star Wars is the appeal. No movie franchise in history has shown the longevity, fanaticism, cross global and ageless appeal as well as the financial muscle from it’s merchandising.

Decked out in convention merchandise

I saw the movies when they were first released and I consider myself a fan, but not a FAN.  I attended this convention with my 8-year-old son who of course, wasn’t old enough when any of these movies were released to get caught up in the hype, but somehow, without any prompting from me gravitated to them at an early age and now is what I call a FAN. Ask him about everything from the original trilogy to the current Clone Wars cartoon and he will wax lyrical for hours. Proof of the  power of this event for children is that he attended for 3 of the 4 days and never once complained about all the walking, waiting, and of course the endless requests from me and complete strangers for him to pose for photos.

Posing in his Savage Oppress costume

He even attracted his own fan club. Star Wars fans are all ages.

We attended a sneak premiere of the Season 5 opener of The Clone Wars that will air on Sepetmber 29^th, complete with complimentary popcorn and drinks; watched a parade of home-made R2-D2s; marveled at fan made replica set pieces from all over the world; stopped several times in the specially appointed family rooms and Lego build areas; posed for pictures with various costumed Star Wars characters (Star Wars fans are by far the best cosplayers in the universe. Their attention to detail and love of the characters are astounding. Look up 501st Legion if you want an example); and in the evening I attended a spectacular themed party event from Moshi-Moshi Productions called THE DARKSIDE GROTTO STRIKES BACK where guests and performers fully embraced the Star Wars universe.

R2-D2 in fancy dress

The red carpet event for The Clone Wars premiere

Boys will be Jedis

There was so much to do and so many freebies given away (I was so glad I brought a backpack), that we never even scratched the surface, of course that could be because we spent so much time shopping the booths which included heavy hitters like Disney, Hasbro and Lego … in fact, for every $50 we spent with Lego we got a free pass to Legoland (we now have 4). One of the top shopping attractions was to have yourself frozen in carbonite by Disney’s D-Tech division. You are photographed in 3-D and then created in a statue replicating the famous Han Solo scene from Episodes V and VI

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Lego building provided a break for me

The family room provided crafts for the children

Daddy gets to party at The Darkside

We didn’t spend any time at all waiting for autographs or to meet the celebrities, just because there was so much else to do and we didn’t feel we missed out by not doing it.

This is the second time in a row that Celebration has come to Orlando, but given the passion and attendance numbers, it would surprise me if it didn’t return again in 2014 after next year’s visit to Germany.

Special replica scenes were set up all over

Han Solo in carbonite

Jabba's Palace

This snowspeeder was built by a Belgian fan group and shipped over for photo ops

Orlando is definitely one place to vacation if you are a Star Wars fan … with Star Tours and The Jedi Academy permanently based at Disney’s Hollywood Studios along with May’s Star Wars Weekends and the possibility of CelebrationVII returning there is something for even the most hardcore of fans … and after all your exertions fighting the Darkside or attending any convention, you will find no better way to relax and unwind than in one of our Boutique Vacation Homes … get home, stretch out, jump in the pool and get ready for the next day when you can do it all again.

There were many toys ... vintage and new available

So that's how R2 worked

Meeting artists and authors was a big thrill. This personalized book is a great read for Fathers and Sons

Wait a minute. I feel a disruption. Something big is heading this way. Watch this space.

The Custom Car show featured the levels of devotion that Star Wars garners

Devotion to your character ... these stilts were very uncomfortable

May the Force be with Us.

Tourists were taken aback and traffic came to a grinding halt as a horde of Zombies marched along International Drive.

The event was staged today as a tribute to the late Bill Hinzman who created one of the most iconic zombies with his performance in Night of the Living Dead to kick off the May-Hem weekend.  Make up experts, Post Mortem FX and the infamous Dr. Skull teamed up again to bring death to life and pack the streets with zombies!

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Vitas Hospice, Bill Hinzman’s charity of choice.

May-Hem is running throughout the weekend at the Wyndham Resort on Sandlake Rd/International Drive.

Details can be found at www.spookyempire.com and on our earlier post at http://www.floridaleisureblog.com/are-you-ready-for-some-may-hem

If you are having MegaCon withdrawals and can’t wait for Halloween season to begin, never fear May-Hem is here.

Since it’s humble beginnings back in 2003 in Fort Lauderdale, Spooky Empire has grown into arguably one of the nation’s top producers of horror themed conventions with their annual Ultimate Horror Weekend in October now a can’t miss event, especially as it runs during Orlando’s world famous theme park Halloween events. Last year, they responded to the demands of the fans and added May-Hem to their calendar and it was so successful it is back again this year.

The press release below gives you more information than I could ever, except to say that from the Zombie Walk to the Pool Party this is FUN with a capital F.

Spooky Empire’s May-Hem convention is less than 3 days away….are you ready for, well…the Mayhem?!!

Orlando, FL – May 25 – 27 , 2012 – The show is looking to be an epic event, their last one at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, and Spooky Empire wants everyone to join them in bidding farewell to their favorite venue as only they know how.

There is an amazing line up of celebrity guests in store at May-Hem this year, most of which have never appeared at a Spooky Empire event! It’s a never-ending list of heavy hitters, sure to please fans of all kinds. Guests will be available for meet and greets and autograph signings all weekend!

Some of the guests appearing are Linda Hamilton, best known for her role as “Sarah Connor” in The Terminator, as well as the TV series “Beauty and The Beast” and more recently “Chuck”. Vivica A. Fox of “Kill Bill Vol. 1”, “Independence Day” and “Batman & Robin” and Verne Troyer of the “Austin Powers” films and “The Love Guru”. Plus a very last minute addition, James Marsters most well known as Spike from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.

For all of you KISS fans out there, here’s your chance to meet the one and only Ace Frehley, original guitarist of the legendary band!

There will be an “Addams Family” reunion featuring John Astin “Gomez Addams”, Lisa Loring “Wednesday Addams” and Felix Silla and “Cousin Itt”.

Roddy Piper will be making a return appearance to Spooky Empire, not only for autographs, but to perform his live “one man show” This performance will require a separate ticket in addition to your admission. Tickets for Roddy’s show are $10 and are available in advance online.

From the hit new TV series “The Walking Dead” is Madison Lintz who played “Sophia” in the hit show. Stars of the TV series Charmed, Holly Marie Combs, Brian Krause, and Michael Bailey Smith. Holly Marie Combs currently stars on the hit new show “Pretty Little Liars”, Brian Krause is also known for his role in Sleepwalkers., and Michael Bailey Smith has appeared in Buffy and The Hills Have Eyes 1 & 2. Also making a rare convention appearance is Joey Lauren Adams best known for her roles in films Chasing Amy, Big Daddy, Dazed & Confused and many more.

To round off the guest list is Kristanna Loken of Terminator 3, Monica Keena of Freddy vs Jason, and Oliver Robins from Poltergeist, plus legendary rock goddess Lita Ford, Marc Price from the film Trick or Treat, and Mackenzie Lintz of the hit new movie based on the bestseller The Hunger Games. The stars of SyFy’s “Monster Man”, special FX artists Cleve Hall and Constance Hall will also be on hand to meet fans!

May-Hem is not just about the guests, there are some memorable events lined up as well. For the first time at May-Hem, Spooky Empire will be hosting their Zombie Walk in memory of the late Bill Hinzman!

The Mucklebones Monster Museum will be set up throughout the weekend inside the hotel. This is an exclusive Spooky Empire event! Spooky Empire’s Tattoo Festival will also be in place featuring over 25 of the country’s best artists. Check out the website to make your appointments now.

Of course there is the huge vendor room loaded with merchandise, collectibles and artists, tons of panels and Q&As, and no one can forget the notorious pool parties with live bands!

Tickets are still available, one day passes are $30-$35, and $50 gets you in all three days! VIP packages are available but going fast! Both are available on the website www.spookyempire.com and our facebook page www.facebook.com/spookyempire

Halloween is always fun in Orlando as we have some great events in Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey’s Halloween Party and SeaWorld’s Spooktacular but one of the best events in entirely free! That’s right…no admission tickets, no lines and no restrictions… everyone is invited to attend a Halloween Celebration.

Still wondering what I’m talking about? Well, visit the Town of Celebration, near Orlando and you’ll soon understand. It’s a place where local residents go crazy as they put together a unique show of decorating their homes in a spooky Halloween style. You can drive the streets or simply take a stroll and you’ll come across many homes decorated to the hilt as well as a real live pumpkin patch!

Take a look at more pictures on our Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure page and here’s some video for those who can’t get here today:

Thanks to the Smithsonian, hundreds of museums throughout the United States are participating in this year’s Museum Day by offering free admission to participating museums today.

In order to get free admission, you need to take the Museum Day Admission Card found in the current Smithsonian magazine or you can print one off from their website where you can also check participating museums by state.

Orlando area museums that offering free admission on Museum Day are:

• Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Winter Park
• Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando
• Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando
• Maitland Art Center, Matiland
• Waterhouse Residence Museum, Maitland

You can read more about Orlando area museums here and here’s some video relating to the museums in Orlando & Winter Park.

Hot on the heels of Rory McIlroy’s fabulous win at the US Open came the chance to visit Grand Cypress Golf Resort in Orlando. Previously Grand Cypress was a private members club but that’s all changed now and the 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf are now open for guests of Florida Leisure Vacation Homes to play.

The resort truly has a diverse selection of Orlando golf with its 27-hole North/South/East Course providing the ultimate test of accuracy while the 18-hole New Course provides a Scottish links masterpiece. Within the 27 holes, the Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed North, South, and East Nines provide three distinctly unique 18-hole masterpieces. For the full round of 18, courses can be combined as the North-South, South-East, or East-North Course. Each combination provides a distinctive playing experience, which will challenge even the best of golfers.

Grand Cypress Golf Club is proud to host the LPGA for a tour event every year and this is your chance to play the same course that the top professional ladies play. The whole facility is both elegant and oozes class in every aspect. From the moment you walk through the club house door to the time you walk off the 18th green you’ll thoroughly enjoy an unforgettable Orlando golf experience.

If you’re looking to hone you game then there’s no better than the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf. It features a variety of golf school programs offering one to five days of unparalleled instruction and the most advanced teaching methods to improve your performance. The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf, has won countless awards for it’s high level of instruction and all of the instructors are among the best in Florida.

Grand Cypress is located just 15 to 20 minutes from Florida Leisure’s vacation homes and our staff would be delighted to book your tee time when you’re next in the Central Florida area.

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Orlando is home to three of the World’s most famous theme parks, with many wonderful and thrilling rides and attractions, but one of the smaller and oldest of the attractions has possibly unveiled the most thrilling ride of all. For over 50 years, Gatorland in South Orlando has been a family friendly, affordable natural attraction featuring thousands of alligators in an environment that is equal parts education and entertainment. That all changes on June 16, 2011 when they open their all-new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line Experience to the general public.

Florida Leisure were invited to have an early preview of this experience so we sent along our intrepid reporter, Colin Bowman, who sent in a great report and he says his heart is still pounding from the expeirence! Here’s his report:

Gator Zip Line Experience

by Colin Bowman

This 2½ hour experience begins with you meeting your guides for the trip, an orientation video with the hilarious and inept “Bubba” and “Cooter” and then time to truss you up in your safety gear. With all the harnesses on and your helmet you feel pretty good and invincible, a feeling that lasts right up until you arrive at the first tower and look up.

Tower one stands over six stories and has what feels like 100 stairs (it’s probably less, but believe me, counting steps was the last thing on my mind). If that fact takes your breath away, try and find it once you have actually climbed to the top. Your guide then informs you that the launch platform is over fifty feet above the ground and of course you are compelled to look down. He’s right … above the ground … concrete below and lots of people looking up at you, video cameras in hand … and you know what they want to have happen.. Having never ziplined before, it was a big test of intestinal fortitude to step off that platform and believe me I prayed that all these harnesses, which now seem extremely flimsy, are going to hold you in place as you travel almost 250ft at about fifteen miles per hour through the tree tops. Anyway, away we go …

And we land at tower two which is slightly bigger, standing at 56ft tall, but the launch platform is only 46ft off the ground. The line itself is only 265ft in length , so traveling at twenty miles per hour should be a doddle … except that this time you are going over a pool with about 30 alligators below you … oh joy … here we go again … backwards, because the cute little girl with the camera says she can get a better photo and of course you have to impress her … but stepping off a platform backwards wearing a piece of material and a couple of lanyards is an daunting experience for sure … whoosh … see you later gators …

This is getting easy … now for tower three. It stands at 65ft and has a launch platform 56ft off the ground. We will be traveling 230ft at over twenty five miles per hour. Wait a minute, that’s getting higher and faster … dammit … “Try running off this one,” says my guide … “Oops I can’t hear you,” I reply as I grab everything and use my trusty sit-down take off method … Then I hear drums … only to discover that it is actually my heart, because straight ahead I see an even bigger tower and with that I arrive at …

Tower four which looms over the park like King Kong. It stands over seventy five feet tall, the launch platform is sixty five feet off the ground and the line is 520ft long. This means I will be traveling at almost thirty miles per hour. Did I mention the breeding marsh below with 130 of the biggest alligators that you have ever seen plus one particularly angry crocodile. At this point, I also became aware of the fact that these towers rock and sway a lot in the wind. My mouth is also very dry and I am very grateful for the water provided at this station, although I am just praying that the contents of my bladder will remain there. “Don’t forget the photo op,” says my cheerful guide … I am just praying I am not going to become the latest YouTube sensation for all the wrong reasons … GERONIMO (I wish I had shouted something brave) …

And a few seconds later … touchdown … I feel like I have won the SuperBowl … one to go. “Just cross over the rickety bridge to get to the last zipline. “RICKETY BRIDGE?” How did I miss that? Bridges, why did it have to be bridges. I hate them. I hate rickety ones in the wind even more and being clipped to the safety line 31ft up in the air crossing this 150ft long bridge was not my idea of fun … even less when my companion decided it would be fun to start her crossing when I was halfway across and started bouncing … fortunately she weighs about the same as a bag of flour, so the effect wasn’t as great as she hoped … but still, the people below obviously thought it was funny. I am sure the smiles would’ve been wiped from their faces if I had used them as a landing mat.

Finally, after a nerve-wracking eternity I made it over to tower six (five is where the bridge starts). This is my favorite, side-by-side ziplines so you can drag race and attempt a measure of revenge on any companions who may have slighted you, by smoking them over the 340ft line traveling at speeds up to thirty miles per hour … or not!!!! Even though I did attempt to run off the platform, there was a definite stutter step at the end when I realized that is I didn’t reach the other side, I would be dangling over another lake chocked full of alligators … hopefully they haven’t mastered the art of acrobatic pyramids, but for some reason I couldn’t get Fantasia out of my head (the Disney movie, not the American Idol).

But I survived and this really was so much fun and should be added to your bucket list of things to do next time you vacation in Orlando and if you are fortunate enough to live here, what are you waiting for.

Known internationally as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” you can find out more about this experience and Gatorland in general at http://www.gatorland.com/ScreaminGator.php

A crowd of 5,934 saw Orlando’s unbeaten 11 game streak come to an end as opponents Antigua punished Orlando for not taking their chances.   The 2-1 scoreline somewhat flattered the visitors as Orlando had 19 goal attempts to Antigua’s 9 but it’s goals that matter and after an unexciting first half, things really came to the boil in the second.

The first half saw Orlando make 7 attempts on goal while Antigua relied on catching their opponents on the break with their 4 attempts all coming from loose possession and mistakes from Orlando players. The main culprit for Orlando was forward Max Griffin who wasted 3 first half attempts (not to mention 2 more in the second period), the most stunning of all, a one on one with the keeper when he stumbled over the ball.

The second half started well for Antigua though, as they took the lead on the 48th minute as a Quinton Griffith free kick was turned home by Barracuda striker Stefan Smith. Worse was to follow for City as on the 54 minute mark, Antigua striker Randolph Burton found himself in the clear and he found the net with a cool finish past Orlando’s helpless keeper Miguel Gallardo to make it 2-0.

Orlando responded and began to play better being rewarded on 59th minute as Griffin finally found the net with a tap in to make the score 1-2. Orlando then had the better of the play and went close as both Lewis Neal and Jamie Watson blazed over the bar when a calmer finish was needed.

The 70th minute saw the game explode as both sets of players ended up in a huge melee as City defender Roa Valentino was hacked down from behind by Lawson Robinson. Valentino didn’t take too kindly to that and pushed Robinson who promptly threw a punch back. Both sets of players then rushed in to scrap it out with each other with the end result being red cards to Antigua’s Lawson Robinson (pictured above left) and substitute Akeem Thomas who inexplicably raced onto the pitch to join in the fun. Orlando’s Valentino (pictured above right) also saw red and that effectively made the game a 10 player a side affair.

Orlando then pushed for an equaliser and again squandered numerous chances and despite over six minutes of extra time at the end of the second period, they just couldn’t find a way through the Antigua defence.  Overall, City can only blame themselves for losing this game. They were undoubtedly the better team but you simply can’t afford to waste chances at this or any other level. There’s much for Coach Adrian Heath to ponder on after this defeat but he can take heart from the fact that Orlando did create numerous chances.

More pictures here: Orlando v Antigua

Here’s some video:

Have you made your vacation plans for the Summer? If not, you’ll want to check out what’s going on in Orlando as there’s lots of new stuff going on at the theme parks this year. There’s a killer whale show, a new roller-coaster, a cheetah habitat, a zip-line ride over alligators and there’s also the chance to get close to sharks by wading through a coral lagoon with a special diving helmet

It’s a great place to be as Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens, Gatorland and Legoland Florida – opening in October, all have a lot of new things to do.

SeaWorld

The home of Shamu the killer whale is now the venue for One Ocean, an incredible show involving all the park’s majestic orcas. Replacing the Believe show, One Ocean brings new staging, music and special effects to showcase the talents and special co-ordination of SeaWorld’s trainers and their killer whales. Fountains, video screens and clever lighting all combine for a spectacular 25-minute experience.

Discovery Cove

SeaWorld’s swim-with-dolphins sister park debuts it’s new Grand Reef attraction in June, giving its 1,000 visitors a day a chance to swim and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and graceful rays. There will be an underwater walking tour, SeaVenture where for an extra $59 per person guests can don special diving helmets and venture beneath the surface to handle sea urchins and star fish, and stand among huge schools of feeding fish as well as observe some fierce looking sharks.

Busch Gardens

Just an hour away in nearby Tampa, Busch Gardens boasts America’s most dynamic and eye-catching ride this year, Cheetah Hunt. With a fast-launch start that blasts from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and more than 4,429ft of track that twists, turns and dives underground, it features a 130ft drop as well as a figure-of- eight loop in its three-and-a-half-minute duration.

Themed to feel like a cheetah hunting its prey, it will also offer a short stretch where the park’s eight cheetahs will be able to sprint alongside the ride as they chase a special lure as part of their exercise regime. The attraction is due to open on May 27.

Gatorland

Although it’s not one of the mainstream parks, this is Orlando’s oldest, dating back to 1949, and from early June it will offer the Screamin’ Gator zip-line ride, a high-flying adventure taking riders up and over the park’s residents – more than 1,000 alligators and crocodiles. The series of four zips, nature walk and swinging bridge take 45 minutes at a height of up to 56ft and speeds of 30mph to give a new perspective on this collection of flora and fauna. It costs $69.99 per person, including all-day entry to Gatorland.

Legoland Florida

Opening in October the latest member of the worldwide Lego family will offer 150 acres of fun and rides for the two-to-12 age group in classic brick-building style in ten distinct ‘lands’ but all with natural overtones as it is built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, on the shore of Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, 40 minutes south of Orlando.

Walt Disney World

Star Tours II is Disney’s big offering for 2011, a revamped, version of the classic Star Wars simulator ride that now blasts off for Tatooine and Coruscant, plunging riders into the Boonta Eve Classic pod-race (from the film Star Wars I), in high-definition 3D from May 20 at Hollywood Studios.

The Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun is the new daily parade with all the favorites from films such as Up, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Toy Story and others. Disney Junior – Live On Stage is now open for pre-school fans of programs such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and the new Jake And The Never Land Pirates. Finally, at the Animal Kingdom park, guests can enjoy a three-hour Wild Africa Trek, a small-group journey through the animal savannahs for an extra $189 per person.

You’ll also want to check out what’s going on at the smaller parks and attractions.

Fantasy Surf is a new opportunity to try surfing on an indoor FlowRider system. It is great for novices and experienced surfers alike. Check out this video :

In Orlando city centre you can check out the Skyline Tour (from the Visitor Centre on Orange Avenue) and learn about the 19th Century ‘boom-town’ from a 16th-floor vantage point while nearby, the Orange County History Centre has more insight into Central Florida’s past, some 12,000 years of it, including the area’s Native American heritage and the huge cattle industry, with its own cowboys known as ‘crackers’.

Check out the video below of the chic suburb of Winter Park which features more natural charms, with its own boat tour through the local lakes plus, for art lovers, the unusual Morse Museum of American Art, which boasts one of the largest glass collections by Tiffany in the United States.

Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Fantasy of Flight which hosts an amazing collection of vintage aircraft and daily flying exhibitions put together with real artistry by millionaire collector Kermit Weeks.

And no one should leave without seeing something of the real Florida. Enjoy an airboat ride from Boggy Creek Airboats, the area’s specialists, offering a variety of trips that get off the beaten track for personal, up-close encounters to capture the spirit of the Sunshine State.

One thing’s for certain: you’ll never be short of something to do in Orlando!