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

Obama’s talk will begin at 12:35 p.m. ET and the best place to view it is via the live video that will be streamed right here:

The live video stream is also available at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

Given how busy the Orlando theme parks at the moment, we thought we’d put together some of our thoughts on when the best time to visit an Orlando theme park actually is. Of course, it’s subjective as what suits one person may not suit the next but for this article we’re going to assume that no-one enjoys lining up to enjoy one of those fabulous Orlando theme park rides! We think we’re pretty safe in that assumption, so just when is the easiest time to get on the most popular rides?

In order to determine when your favorite ride maybe the least busy you need to study the calendar. It goes without saying that your best chance of walking straight onto Space Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Manta, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey etc is obviously when fewer people are in the Orlando area. For that you need to know when the most folks are likely to be in Orlando and listed below are the dates when you can expect a lot of people to be in the Central Florida area.

2012 Likely Busy Times:

Now – Jan 2 – Holiday break for schools

Jan 14-16 – Martin Luther King Jr. weekend

Feb 5 – Superbowl

Feb 18-20 – President’s Day weekend

Mar 10 – 30 – Spring Break

Apr 7 -8 – Easter weekend

May 26 – 28 – Memorial Day weekend

July – Summer Holidays

July 4 – 4th of July

Aug 1-20 – Summer Holidays

Sep 1-3 – Labor Day weekend

Oct 6-8 – Columbus Day weekend

Nov 10-11 Veteran’s Day weekend

Nov 22 – Thanksgiving break for schools

Dec 23 – Jan 2 – Holiday break for schools

So that’s the list of days when you can expect attendance and the lines at the theme parks to be high but there are some other tips you might find useful in order to avoid the long lines.

Other Tips:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are usually the least busy days.
• Weekends can be twice as busy as weekdays
• Saturdays are busier than Sundays
• Good weather can cause larger attendance
• Sporting events in Orlando bring people to the area and they go to theme parks before and after the event
• General Rule: If school’s are on a holiday or break where you live… Orlando theme parks will be busy

Don’t despair if you really have no choice other than to visit at busy or peak times there are some advantages to this. For a start most attractions should be operational and the parks generally operate longer hours. This is very important as it enables you to enjoy the park at a slower pace rather than trying to rush around doing everything quickly. Also, if the theme park has a nighttime spectacular event running then you can be pretty sure that it will be on.

On the downside, you should note that on a busy day you will probably only get around 10-20 attractions done. Most Orlando theme parks have in the region of 50 to 60+ attractions so there is a lot you might miss out on. Wait times can be over an hour for a 3 – 15 minute ride so you can see the ratio isn’t good and this is why we recommend getting a multi day pass so you don’t feel the need to try and get everything done in one day. Remember, you are on vacation… you should be relaxing and not getting worked up about lines and other people.

So, if you can visit during a quieter time of year you’ll find that you can get a lot more done and the pace will be much nicer as you wander from one attraction straight onto the next without much of a wait time. In fact, it’s not uncommon to walk straight on to most rides and even the most popular rides only have wait times of up to 20 minutes. Also, you maybe able to complete every attraction on your hit list in a single day with some careful planning. We’d still recommend two days for some of the parks however as there are things you’ll want to do again and again!

Another factor to keep in mind is the popularity of each park. Some parks are better attended than others and here’s a list of the top parks in Orlando:

1. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom  – 16.92 million visitors in 2010
2. Walt Disney World – Epcot – 10.83 million
3. Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom – 9.69 million
4. Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios – 9.60 million
5. Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure – 5.95 million
6. Universal Studios Florida – 5.93 million
7. SeaWorld Orlando – 5.10 million
8. Busch Gardens Tampa – 4.20 million (not Orlando but we thought it should be on the list to help planning)

As you can see, Magic Kingdom really is significantly more popular than the other theme parks and you can expect lines at most rides regardless of the time of year you visit. Again, if you keep away from peak times you’ll have a more enjoyable experience and line times will be less but you should still expect them.

These attendance numbers are also interesting for another reason and that is the fact that a lot of our guests staying in our Florida Leisure Vacation Homes often report they enjoyed a different park because it just felt less crowded. SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida are the two parks we hear these comments the most often about but those who travel an hour to Busch Gardens also remark on how much they enjoyed their day out because it was quieter.

Many factors can combine to make your day more enjoyable. No two families are alike and that’s why we recommend utilizing a planning service to help plan your families vacation and the Florida Leisure concierge would be pleased to assist in this as well as helping you get discounted theme park tickets at the best rate. www.FloridaLeisure.com is the link and then navigate to “Attraction Tickets” to see the current discounted rates.

One of the most amazing sights of the festive season in Orlando is before your very eyes at SeaWorld Orlando in the form of the Sea of Trees. Make no mistake, this is no ordinary blinking Christmas tree that many folks have in their homes, this really is a full on movie style production that makes the lake at SeaWorld come alive… very alive!

The Sea of Trees started last year in 2010 and has been expanded this year to include around 100 trees that are laid out in the main lake at the SeaWorld Orlando theme park. Thousands of RGV LED lights allow the approximately 400 pound custom made trees to change color to create some memorable patterns, movements and textures. It takes more than nine miles of fiber optic cable to connect them all with trees ranging in height from eight feet to 25 feet to give a wonderful effect. Here’s some video on how the trees are made…

The Sea of Trees come to life two or three times an evening and the show starts as you hear a ships bell in the distance… as if a ship is coming into port. A welcome home tribute if you will. The trees then start dancing … light and dark choreographed to the music not just on the trees but in the shimmering reflections on the water. It’s an amazing and wonderful sight.

Adding to the natural charm of the show are the many classical and religious musical selections that make this performance seem like a traditional American Christmas, unlike the other theme parks in Orlando. SeaWorld is being bold in making this choice and is basically walking where others fear to tread. It’s because of that that the park is quickly making itself the number one choice for many residents and visitors to the Central Florida area at this time of year.

Here’s the full performance from this years Sea of Trees including the official “Turn on the Lights” opening ceremony:

We’ve been working on a new web site for a little while and we decided that Thanksgiving would be the perfect day to launch the new look. For some time now we’ve been talking about the things to do in Orlando on our Facebook / YouTube and blog sites and that played a big part in our decision to rebrand the site and put more focus on the Central Florida area.

Of course, our Florida Leisure vacation homes still play a big part on the site, as everyone needs a great place to stay when they visit the area, but you can now find more information about the Orlando area and that will help your trip planning go a little smoother!

Let us know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay celebrates the spirit of the season with the return of several holiday classics, then rings in the New Year with special entertainment and spectacular fireworks.

From Nov. 19 to Jan. 1, there’s a festive chill in the air when Busch Gardens presents Christmas on Ice, a limited-engagement ice-skating show bringing a graceful winter wonderland to life. NEW for 2011, this guest favorite is moving to the park’s Moroccan Palace, which will soon be the home of the all-new Iceploration, opening 2-2-12.

The Marrakesh Theater decks the halls with Christmas from the Heart, featuring inspiring holiday gospel and spiritual songs performed by a live choir. In Desert Grill, join a Christmas Celebration, the musical extravaganza featuring seasonal songs, tap-dancing toy soldiers and fun for the whole family!

Join Santa and his merry elves for breakfast at Desert Grill from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10. Enjoy exciting and unforgettable photo opportunities with Santa and his holiday elves, followed by a fabulous performance of our traditional family favorite Christmas Celebration. Prices are $18 for adults and $12 for children. Each adult ticket purchase includes a FREE commemorative family photo.

The rest of the park is transformed into a holiday wonderland featuring a cappella carols by the Men of Note, spectacular poinsettias, festive decorations and classic music.

Then, count down to 2012 with the biggest bash this side of midnight. Busch Gardens gives the new year a wild welcome with the band None Other playing popular party hits all evening long in Gwazi Park, followed by fireworks at midnight for the ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration on the 31st. For more information contact Florida Leisure’s concierge at  www.FloridaLeisure.com or 1-855-274-1985

No sooner is Halloween over than we are taking a look at what’s going on for the Holiday and Christmas period in the Central Florida area. At SeaWorld, waves of holiday spirit splash over you during the Christmas Celebration!  Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees lights up the water and skaters dance on ice. In this wintery, watery wonderland, you can journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE, share a smile with a sea lion, and enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. With everything from elves to Elmo, and from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made.

New Show This Year:

O WONDROUS NIGHT

Location: Nautilus Theater

Hear the greatest story never told with over 30 carols, life-size puppets and live animals in the brand new show that will charm, entertain and delight people from all walks of life.  Lots of singing, special effects and incredible lighting enhance this production and holiday spirit.

DINING OPPORTUNITIES:

SANTA’S FIRESIDE FEAST

Location: Seafire Inn at SeaWorld’s Waterfront

This holiday season, let SeaWorld take care of the cooking so you can spend quality time with the people you love.  Let Santa and Mrs. Claus read their favorite story while you enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat feast featuring Honey Baked Ham, turkey with gravy, sweet potato casserole, and all the other Christmas favorites, plus a menu of kid’s favorites and delicious desserts.  Experience a wave of holiday spirit at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

Dates:

Nov. 25, 26, 27             (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 2, 3, 4                  (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 9, 10, 11               (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 16, 17, 18             (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 23 & 24                (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Includes:

• Picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus along with Storytelling (T’was a Night before Christmas)
• Reserved seating at SHAMU CHRISTMAS…MIRACLES, WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE, and O WONDROUS NIGHT

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $29.99 adult + tax / $19.99 child + tax

MAKAHIKI CHRISTMAS LUAU

Location: Seafire Inn at SeaWorld’s Waterfront

We’ve created a Polynesian celebration of the season complete with island music, incredible entertainment and a feast that could feed all of Santa’s elves (and the reindeer, too). It’s a truly unique way to see the holiday that includes a fire knife dance to light up the night, island costumes full of color and imagination, and a luau dinner the likes of which you’ve never seen. It’s a festival of culture, community and Christmas – celebrated in true SeaWorld spirit.

SHORT VERSION:  Christmas through the eyes, ears and flavors of a Polynesian celebration.

Dates:

Nov. 11^th – Dec. 25^th weekdays at 6:00pm / weekends (Fri., Sat., Sun.) at 8:00pm

Dec. 26^th- Dec.31^st: 2 shows at 6:00pm / 8:30pm

Includes:

o    Family Photo with Luau Dancers

o    Flower Lei

o    Welcome Drink

HOLIDAY DINNER AT SHARKS UNDERWATER GRILL

Location: Sharks Underwater Grill

Enjoy a traditional holiday meal in a most unusual environment – surrounded by sharks. This innovative restaurant allows guests to dine on special holiday fare while being immersed in the underwater world of sharks. Visit Sharks Underwater Grill for seating information.

Dates:

Nov. 25^th – Jan 1^st

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $46.00 adult + tax / $26.00 child + tax

TOURS

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration VIP Tour:

Dates: Nov. 25^th – Dec. 30^th

Experience the highlights of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration the VIP way.

This seven hour guided tour includes:

• An opportunity to feed dolphins
• Front-of-line access to our most popular rides including The Polar Express Experience
• Reserved seating at our unique Christmas shows, including Shamu Miracles and Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas.
• Guests will enjoy a freshly prepared dinner at one of our many in-park restaurants.

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $100.00 adult + tax / $75.00 child + tax

SeaWorld Family Fun Tour at Christmas:

Dates: Runs daily Nov. 11^th – Dec. 31^st

Experience the favorite attractions for children at SeaWorld during this 4-hour walking tour.

This four hour guided tour includes:

• Feeding dolphins and sea lions
• Touching a penguin
• Reserved seats at the One Ocean show
• A light meal
• Front-of-the-line access to The Polar Express Experience
• An exclusive visit with Santa

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $65.00 adult + tax / $50.00 child + tax

ATTRACTIONS

SHAMU CHRISTMAS…MIRACLES

Location:  Shamu Stadium

SeaWorld invites you to experience the power and beauty of our Shamu family in our nighttime holiday show: Shamu Christmas… Miracles. Thrilling seasonal music rings out and killer whales soar through the air in a story of reflection and understanding…of peace and friendship…of the everyday miracles that surround us all year long. From the sweeping vocal majesty of our soundtrack to the heart-pounding excitement you’ve come to expect from our Shamu family, this performance will take you on a stirring voyage into the heart of the holidays.

THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

Location:  Wild Arctic

Now boarding! It’s a wondrous journey to the North Pole aboard the legendary Polar Express. The beloved holiday classic comes to life as you and your family are immersed in the heart-warming story of a young boy’s thrilling ride into an enchanted world. The sights, sounds, and scents of the season surround you. From the moment the conductor calls “all aboard” to your arrival at the North Pole (where you’ll meet Santa Claus himself), THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE promises to create an unforgettable holiday memory.

SHORT VERSION:   All aboard! Jump on THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE and immerse yourself in the dazzling wonder of this beloved holiday classic.

A SESAME STREET CHRISTMAS

Location:  Seaport Theatre at SeaWorld’s Waterfront

Everybody’s Sesame Street® friends have come to SeaWorld for a festive and fun musical celebration! The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about… she’s never heard of Christmas. Through dance, laughter and interactive sing-a-longs, Elmo, Telly Monster and the rest of her Sesame Street friends teach Abby what Christmas means to them. Your little elves will be smiling all the way home.

CLYDE AND SEAMORE’S COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

Location:  Sea Lion & Otter Stadium

Santa’s helpers, Clyde and Seamore, are bringing their own brand of comedy to Christmas this year. Our loveable sea lions, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and a wintery walrus or two, invite you and yours to their fun-filled holiday celebration. It doesn’t get more holly or jolly than this.

WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE

Location:  Bayside Stadium

Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. The other stars of the show are the towering fountains of water dancing on the lake and fireworks that light up the night sky after the last ice show of the evening. It’s a don’t-miss experience for the holidays that will take your breath away.

SEA OF TREES

Location:  All around the Lake

Take a walk around our winter, water wonderland and immerse yourself in a sea of holiday trees.  Our glistening forest sparkles to music and lights up the water… and, your eyes. As the lights literally dance to holiday classics, your heart will soar with wonder and delight at this truly awe-inspiring Christmas treat.

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS: FIREWORKS AND FOUNTAINS FINALE

SeaWorld celebrates the season with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites.  Experience a wondrous SeaWorld Christmas connection that lights the night.

EVENT DATES

Nightly, Friday – Sunday, Nov 25 – Dec. 11,

Then every night, Dec. 16 – Dec. 31

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is an event that the people of Central Florida and visitors from many other places in the world look forward to every year. Besides the chance to walk around and try out some different foods and wines, there are many other events and activities that make the event such a “must do” each year.  One of the most popular events is the Party for The Senses and we were fortunate to be able to attend the first one of the season a couple of weeks ago.

The party starts at around 5 p.m. when you are asked to check in and once you’ve done that you will get a wristband that also entitles you to reserved seating at the Eat To The Beat concert in the American Gardens Theater. After the concert you will be led to the party and once inside, you’ll enjoy a dramatic opening of the curtains as the spectacle opens up before your very eyes. The first thing you’ll sense is the enormous space the event is held in. It really is huge and it’s quite a shock to the system if you’ve never been before!  The room is artfully decorated and has different sections to explore, while a stage in the center of the room features live music.

The chefs at the multiple food and wine stations come from all over Disney and there’s a huge variety of foods, which are a feast for your eyes and taste buds. You’ll have no problem finding something to enjoy even if you don’t care for red meat or seafood etc and there are various beers and wines are from all over the world to sample. It’s fun to roam from one area to another and try find a new favorite!

One thing to note is the fact you aren’t guaranteed a table unless you pay another $100 + and even though they apparently added many more tables this year, there is still quite a line and quite a rush when the doors to the event open. Tip: Don’t worry about everyone else trying to grab the first tables they see… simply go as far as your eye can see and you’ll find plenty of tables further into the venue. The other thing to note about this is the ability to meet new friends and we certainly did that as others joined us at our table and then departed again! If worst comes to worst, there are several standing tables but a lot of people never sit down as they mingle, carrying their plates as they go. Tip: Don’t worry about carrying your wine glass as the party plates have a slot in them to hold your glass.

Another thing you might like to try is the Wine View Lounge, which does offer reserved seats, access to a full bar, a cheese table and a goodie bag but that does cost extra in addition to the regular party price… and note, the Lounge usually sells out quickly for most Party For The Senses dates.

And, with that said, there’s only two more parties left in 2011, tonight, 5th November and next Saturday 12th November. You’ll need to act quickly if you want to enjoy this feast as well as the entertainment from Cirque Du Soleil!

More photos are at Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure and here’s some video:

Halloween Horror Nights is Universal Orlando’s annual Halloween party, and it is one of the most popular events in Orlando. The event runs for 25 nights leading up to Halloween and is home to eight haunted houses, inescapable scarezones, hundreds of frightening “scareactors” and live shows.

The haunted houses are usually temporary structures set up specifically for the event (although, in the past, certain attractions have been converted into haunted houses for the event). Each of the houses is themed differently and as you walk through the attraction, any number of things or people are likely to jump out or happen to you. Don’t worry though, they never touch you, but they come pretty darned close!

In addition to the haunted houses, Universal has several ‘scare zones’ around the park. These are usually dimly lit areas with a variety of special effects such as dry ice, strobe lights, fog and again  any number of creatures chasing you down the street or lunging at you from behind corners wielding chainsaws. It’s not for the faint hearted but it’s THE place to be on Halloween.

Here’s a description of each house:

Nevermore: The Madness of Poe – The madness of Edgar Allen Poe’s greatest works has come to life. Step into the mind of the iconic writer, where every turn of the page takes you closer to the brink of insanity.

The Forsaken – Four ships began Columbus’s fateful voyage, only three became legend. Condemned to a watery grave, the mutinous and cursed crew of that 4th ship has returned with a vengeance. For within the walls of a Spanish fort, a maelstrom has brought from the depths….death itself.

Winter’s Night: The Haunting of Hawthorn Cemetery – As snow falls on this normally serene gothic cemetery, the deceased souls that occupy its confines have their sights set upon you, insuring that the chill you feel up your spine is more than just the cold of night.

H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: Holidays of Horror – Join creature feature host, H.R. Bloodengutz, in his final televised broadcast as he presents a SCARE-athon of holiday-based horror that is guaranteed to cleave you screaming for more.

The Thing – Paranoia spreads like an epidemic among a group of researchers in an isolated Antarctic outpost as they are infected, one by one, by a horrifying creature from another planet. In a place where there is nothing, they found something.

Saws N’ Steam: Into the Machine – Spinning blades and massive, crushing pistons await you around every corner as you are forced deeper into the bowels of a mechanical nightmare. Give yourself to “The Machine.”

The In-Between – An ominous portal reveals a 3rd dimension where all is not what it seems: a realm where our world and another collide. Surrounded by fiendish creatures, your eyes will deceive you with every step through this phantasm of terror.

Nightingales: Blood Prey – Within every war, the Nightingales have appeared. Able to transform themselves to fit any setting, these savage banshees feed on the weak and the helpless. Patrolling WWI era trenches, you discover that you are more than just at war…you’re being hunted.

Lots more photo’s on Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure – click the link.

And, we feature the first three houses on this Behind the Screams RIP Tour… enjoy!

Check out this video to see who won the Florida Leisure Vacation Homes “Legoland Florida” Grand Opening Day Sweepstakes:

Legoland Florida officially opens at 10.00am this morning and we’ll be bringing you updates as the day progresses. Later in this post we’ll also be showing you how you can visit Legoland Florida for free!

First, a little more about the park and what you can expect on your first visit…

Theme parks have long served as the ideal setting for family vacations, but those trips, particularly to the theme park mecca of Central Florida, traditionally have been kept on hold until the youngest was the “right age” or “this tall” to enjoy the thrills.

No longer. Legoland Florida opens today and it will help redefine how young families think about a Central Florida vacation. Thanks to the new park’s theming and its unique focus on younger guests and their families, now everyone can enjoy a visit to the Sunshine State without having to worry about the experience they may get.

The entire Legoland experience is designed for families with kids ages 2 to 12 so there’s no longer a reason to delay the decision to take that first family theme park vacation. The highly immersive rides and experiences, such as Lego Factory Tour (above left) and the Big Test Live Show (above right), are designed to encourage children and their parents to play together and are perfect for creating cherished memories for every member of the family.

Legoland Florida celebrates the world’s love-affair with all things LEGO and features more than 50 family rides, shows and interactive attractions, restaurants, shopping and beautiful botanical gardens. Legoland Florida has been built using 50 million bricks and will be the fifth and largest in the Legoland franchise.

The park is perfectly positioned on 150 beautiful acres along the shores of Lake Eloise. The family fun spreads across 10 zones and ranges from medieval thrills featuring knights, princesses and dragons to high-energy, swash buckling adventure starring water-skiing pirates.

What really differentiates Legoland Florida from the other theme parks are the pink knuckle attractions … four junior roller coasters that offer just the right blend of speed and thrill the entire family… not just the ones with cast iron stomachs!

And talking of stomachs…in addition to the numerous kid-friendly attractions, Legoland Florida executive chef Robert K. Sit (pictured above left) has ensured that the park  caters to young families most important needs with well balanced, high quality food options found in restaurants, such as the Market Restaurant (pictured above right), as well as nutritious snacks available through the park. The park also provides a comfortable and convenient baby care center stocked with rocking chairs for nursing mothers, high chairs and other conveniences of home.

Families will find that Legoland Florida tickets are priced with them in mind, easing the strain a family vacation can put on the wallet. One day tickets are $75 for adults and $65 for kids ages 3-12.  And here’s where we at Florida Leisure come in… because we believe in this theme park so much that we want to pay for you and your family to go!

How? Easy… simply make a three day or more reservation with Florida Leisure Vacation Homes and stay with us between now and 17th December 2011 and we’ll be delighted to present you with 2 Adult tickets and 2 Childrens tickets to the fabulous new theme park. Call us now… 1-866-313-1979 or visit FloridaLeisure.com