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

Discovery Cove – the ultimate, all-inclusive tropical retreat where guests swim with dolphins has taken immersion to new depths with the opening of The Grand Reef last Friday. The new reef, an all-new area of Discovery Cove, features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures and white sandy beaches, to snorkeling among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.

“The Grand Reef takes Discovery Cove’s world-class animal encounters to an all new level — several, actually,” said Stewart Clark, the park’s vice president. “It’s what our guests expect from us, unforgettable connections with the sea and making memories that will last forever.  This could only be created by Discovery Cove.”

Visitors just need to get their feet wet to enjoy The Grand Reef, or they can choose to go deep.  They can step into tranquil, shallow waters to discover a below-the-surface world teeming with sea life, or they can snorkel in deeper waters as thousands of exotic fish and graceful rays swim around them.

Surprises abound.  Families can seek discoveries along the water’s edge or cross a bridge to see sharks swimming below.  They’ll play hide-and-seek with thousands of beautiful fish, from small colorful wrasses to large spotted eagle rays. Further out in the reef, stunning habitats create the feeling of swimming right alongside venomous lionfish and sharp-toothed reef sharks, each safely behind glass.  Guests can take paths and bridges to the reef’s islands and hidden grottos as they delve into the reef from above, around and below.

Those looking for an even more exhilarating adventure can take part in The Grand Reef’s innovative experience, SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour.  Wearing dive helmets, guests find up-close excitement around every corner, each step yielding a new discovery.  They’ll come across lionfish and sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays swimming by. SeaVenture is a once-in-a-lifetime, undersea experience available for a nominal fee.

The Grand Reef is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, a fully immersive tropical escape, new to discover in Orlando this summer and beyond. Discovery Cove is a full-day experience where guests can swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds, snorkel through beautiful fresh and salt water lagoons and relax on pristine, white-sand beaches. In addition to the park’s one-of-a-kind animal interactions and lush natural beauty, Discovery Cove delivers superlative, personalized service, and unlimited access to an unparalleled array of first-class amenities.

Discovery Cove amenities include meals, snacks and beverages throughout the day’s adventures, towels, wet suits and swim gear, plus a pass for unlimited admission* to either SeaWorld or Aquatica in Orlando or Busch Gardens in Tampa to be used surrounding a Discovery Cove visit. Guests can upgrade to the Ultimate package which includes admission to all three sister parks for an additional fee.  Advanced reservations are required.

Seasonal rates for Discovery Cove’s Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package start at $199 (rates for Day Resort Package without dolphin swim experience and guests ages 3-5 start at $129).  Prices vary seasonally.

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!

Wow! It’s been a week since I last posted to this blog and having been in the habit of writing something everyday it feels a little weird not to have contributed in so long. So where have I been?

Last week I attended a marketing conference in the lovely city of Baltimore. I’ll write more about it later but having gone there expecting rain, dull and cloudy weather, not to mention cold, I was very pleasantly surprised. The weather was wonderful and the whole 5 days were a combination of hard work, catching up with old friends, learning new things and enjoying a fabulous city.

So, what’s been going on in Orlando while I’ve been away?

Over at Disney the Pollo Campero restaurant opened at Downtown Disney. It shares the space with Fresh A-Peel and Babycakes NYC. Pollo Campero features Latin-flavored chicken, Fresh A-Peel offers salads, wraps and all natural burgers and hot dogs and Babycakes NYC is a vegan bakery.

At Epcot Disney has taken Duffy the Disney Bear to new heights as guests at the park can now check out the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree made from 1,200 stuffed Duffy bears. The tree starts Disney cast members’ annual collection for Toys for Tots. Topping the “Cuddliest Christmas Tree” with a giant red bow at the ceremony were members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Walt Disney World Ambassador Clay Shoemaker and Walt Disney World VoluntEARS.

Each year, Walt Disney World VoluntEARS donate thousands of hours of service and tens of thousands of toys to Toys for Tots – all with the goal of making the holidays brighter for deserving children throughout Central Florida. For the next few weeks, cast members will play the role of Santa’s helpers by collecting new toys for the annual toy drive, which will be added to the 1,200 Duffy bears.

At the Children’s Miracle Network Classic held at Disney’s Magnolia course last on Sunday, Robert Garrigus shot an 8-under 64 to win allowing him to keep his PGA TOUR card and atoning for his colossal collapse earlier this year at Memphis. He finished at 21 under, three shots clear of Roland Thatcher  for his first tour victory.

Over at SeaWorld, it was announced that its popular killer-whale show ‘Believe’ will be replaced early next year. Park officials confirmed that the new show, which has yet to be named, will debut in the spring of 2011 at all three of the SeaWorld venues.

There’s nothing to report from Universal so it seems it was a relatively normal week here in ‘O’ Town.

Many of Orlando’s theme parks have now announced their fireworks shows for July 4, 2010. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for the theme parks so be prepared to join a crowd if you decide to leave the pool at your vacation home and go.

Magic Kingdom
“Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4. (Guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.) After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Epcot
“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features special effects, colorful lasers, fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SeaWorld
In addition to the SeaWorld After Dark events going on all summer, the 13th Army Band, Florida National Guard will perform at Bayside Stadium prior to the fireworks finale. This 40-piece band, known as the Governor’s Own Band, will entertain the audience with classic and current tunes, gearing them up for the special Fourth of July Reflections show featuring additional fireworks timed to patriotic music. Performance begins at 9:45 p.m. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Universal Studios
Starting on July 4 and running most nights through Aug. 8, Universal will present their Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular. This cinematic show combines projection technology with lasers and pyrotechnics to bring the movies to life. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

June is always a busy month in Florida and this year is no exception. Of course, the big news is that on 18^th June The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is due to open to the public at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and it promises to be both exhilarating and exciting as it will enable you to personally experience some of the best scenes from the books and movies. The 20-acre island will also feature attractions, shops and restaurants set inside such locations as the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village and the iconic Hogwarts castle.

Over at Walt Disney World is an event, or rather a series of events, that will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” will light up the entertainment experience with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.

Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience.  At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

Downtown Disney has also been getting something of a makeover as new places like D-Street, a new apparel store where urban inspired product “intersects” with a Disney creative edge and RIDEMAKERZ have sprung up. The RIDEMAKERZ experience invites guests into the ultimate car customizing shop where they can build a one-of-a-kind radio control car or “RIDE”. Between bodystyles and colors, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, accessories and decals, RIDEMAKERZ estimates there are more than 649 million possible build combinations, not including individual decal placement! Downtown Disney has also welcomed several other additions as part of its overall revitalization plan including two new stores, a quick-service restaurant and 3-D technology to the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatre Complex.

Debuting  at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this Summer is STAR TREK LIVE. This new interactive stage show begins on June 11, 2010 and is based on the popular science-fiction franchise. The show takes audiences on an exhilarating 30 minute journey offering an unforgettable live theatrical experience for fans of all ages. The show combines fun special effects, audience interaction and an exploration of real space-age technology.

At SeaWorld, the nights will be cooler and the atmosphere even hotter! SeaWorld AfterDark is transforming daytime favorites into nighttime spectacles.

SeaWorld AfterDark is showcasing the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show and a mystifying fireworks finale. That’s in addition to being able to experience all that’s awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows.

Busch Gardens is amping up the fun in 2010 during Summer Nights with MORE contemporary entertainment, MORE special effects and MORE reasons to stay and play each night from June 11 through Aug. 15. This year, the rides are even wilder and, each night, Busch Gardens goes out with a big, rock-style bang when Kinetix explodes onto the stage in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m.

Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.

Also in June, Busch Gardens’ world-class rides are amplified with pulsating sights and sounds to intensify each experience. Thrill rides, such as SheiKra, incorporate strobe lights, black lights, music and other special effects for an even bigger thrill. Even the carousel is amped up with a disco ball, and the Serengeti Express is aglow as it chugs around the park.

So, as you can see, it’s a great time to be in the Orlando area.

Orlando Wedding’s & Honeymoon Vacations

By Nigel G. Worrall

Getting married to the one you love is everyone’s lifelong dream. Having found the perfect partner to spend the rest of your life with, making sure the union is a memorable and special event is very important.

There are many choices before you and deciding what to do can be a nightmare. To start with there is the choice of church or no church. You can decide to walk down the aisle in a place of worship or you can decide to go more informal and head to a great destination to get wed.

Either way, the choice is enormous and it’s no wonder that so many people end up confused and decide to get away.  The number of couples opting for an Orlando wedding and honeymoon vacation has seen a huge increase in the past few years. Thanks to its round the year soothing climate and innumerable wedding venues, it is becoming the most preferred city for destination weddings.

Whether the wedding is a private affair for just the closest families or a huge get together of friends and family, the list of venues for the ceremony are excellent. With beaches along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean, not to mention the possibilities of a magical Walt Disney World wedding, you have plenty of exciting options at your disposal.

There are other great venues as well; surrounded by 250 acres of botanical gardens the Bok Tower in Lake Wales forms a romantic and natural setting for a great outdoor wedding. It also houses a 60-bell carillon that can play soothing, beautiful music while the ceremony is in progress. With native trees, wetland plants and beautiful, rare flowers the location is indefinably picturesque.

A combination of history and nature offers a truly mesmerizing opportunity at the Hollis Garden & Homeland Heritage Park. This 1.2 acre botanical garden in the historic Lake Mirror Park has a romantic Tuscan inspired gazebo on the lakeshore and is a favorite Lakeland wedding site. The reception dinner can be hosted at the Homeland Heritage Park, which adds to the old-world charm of the wedding.

That fairytale wedding complete with fireworks and horse drawn carriages can be hosted at Walt Disney World, Orlando. A ceremony here can captivate the hearts and minds of everyone alike and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime and more. Special packages are available depending upon the size and budget of the wedding.

Other great venues to select from in Orlando are SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove, Gaylord Palms Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle, The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and Omni Resort at Champions Gate.

Once your families have left and you are alone with your spouse, there are innumerable things you can do, to bond and have fun together while on an Orlando honeymoon vacation. Of course, you can spend all your time at Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld but why not do something different like take a stroll at the Kraft Azalea Gardens – one of the most romantic places in Orlando with a scenic backdrop? Alternatively, get romantic with a cruise on the St. John’s River on the Rivership Romance. You will fall in love once again over the great cuisine, entertainment and dancing under the starry sky of Orlando. If it’s total relaxation you want, then book a couples spa treatment at the Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the candlelit rooms and in room treatments here are the perfect place to spend that early morning on your honeymoon.

Another option open to you and one that many couples are now experiencing are the Orlando honeymoon vacation packages that include a stay at a luxurious vacation rental home. Choosing to stay in a vacation home provides you with many of the things a hotel simply cannot offer.  Privacy comes top of the list as you don’t have to worry about the people in the rooms next to you. Although a few hotels do go all out to make honeymoons a memorable experience for newlyweds, there’s no getting away from the fact that even the best honeymoon suite just isn’t luxurious enough. Vacation homes are fully equipped and well furnished to provide all the amenities which any 5 star hotel or resort has to offer but they also have other unique features that make things really special. For a start most vacation homes have their own privately attached swimming pools for that early morning splash. Some homes even have hot tubs and jacuzzi’s and nothing beats a nice soothing retreat at the end of a great day. Most Orlando Vacation homes are located near to the word class Orlando attractions and close to many golf courses, tennis facilities and other sporting venues. Fine dining and great shopping are just a short drive away and if you fancy a day of simply relaxing and doing next to nothing then the games room, the large screen Plasma television with DVD library and the fully stocked pantry and full size kitchen, are just some of the features that will keep you entertained.

Your wedding and your honeymoon should be special and a vacation rental home is the perfect choice as not only is it more economical than staying in a hotel but you’re sure to create memories to cherish forever.

The Winter White House this year is in Hawaii as President Obama takes his friends and family to a wonderful vacation home on the beach. The home costs $4,000 per night and has a wonderful beach and ocean views from almost all rooms.

The President has also rented two houses next door to house friends and other family members and it is believed the house he is actually staying in is on the market for $8.9 million.

The Obamas will spend 10 days on the island of Oahu, where the President grew up, and a favorite vacation spot of his over the years.

They will rent the same Kailua home they stayed in last year for the holidays during a brief vacation before moving to Washington and into the White House.

The Obamas’ rental property is 7,000 square feet of paradise on the southeastern coast of the island, complete with large open spaces built around a lagoon pool.

Looks like a wonderful home and the Obamas have made a great choice. It’s not just President’s that can rent vacation homes though and if you’re coming to Orlando you need to check out the vacation homes that are available close to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld from Florida Leisure Vacation Homes.

Well Manta has finally opened at SeaWorld and that should be enough to get you to leave your Florida Leisure vacation home nice and early this Summer as Manta has already become a big time attraction with it’s head first flying position proving an instant success with many of the visitors to the theme park.

As you wait in line to be the next to soar like Superman, you’ll experience a soothing aquarium stocked with hundreds of its namesake rays. More than 300 rays live with Manta and they are used as a recurring design element throughout the experience. You’ll find more than 30 manta images carved into rock walls and there’s even one of Shamu just to remind you where you really are!

Once you’ve tested the ride make sure you visit the other side of the aquarium as you’ll get to see sea dragons, sea horses and even a huge Pacific octupus.

SeaWorld is a great day out with something fun to do for each family member…and now you have even more reason to visit Orlando and it’s great theme parks.

Wow…life has been hectic over the last two weeks and I’ve been so busy that the blog has had to miss out. Sorry folks.

The good news …or bad, depending on how you look at it is …”I’m back!”

So where have I been…well last week I attended a conference and one of the guest speakers was Ivanka Trump. She gave a speech to us that helped us understand a little more about The Trump Organization, the dynamics of the relationship between herself and her father and some basic philosophies that all of us should emulate.

In economic times like this we are all looking for something to give us an edge. Something that will make a difference and something that will make us better. Ivanka made a very important point when she spoke of being employed by her father. She joined the company with the right attitude; “there may be more intelligent people, there may be people with more experience…but I’ll work harder”.

Now that’s an employee all businesses would love to have!

In today’s age it’s easy to be cynical, to be depressed and to moan about one’s lot but your attitude has a great deal to do with your success. Of course, having a great attitude is one thing but you’ve also got to do something to achieve greatness and that’s why Ivanka’s “I’ll work harder” is such an important lesson.

Success doesn’t come easy, never has and those who have had to work hard to get it, value it so much more. You may find yourself in uncertain times at the moment but it’s only by being determined and resolute to succeed that you can.

Of course, Ivanka is a smart cookie and she’s had a very sensible upbringing that shines through. She hasn’t been allowed to emulate people such as the Hilton sisters and she has been taught straight forward old fashioned values.

One of the other things that was revealing was the comment “look for talent in unique places but be watchful as they don’t know anything…but give them an opportunity“. This is something I have always tried to do…to give people a chance. Some people turn out to be superstars while others fade away when in the spotlight but you’ll never know until you give them the chance.

Another comment and one that resonated well with me was the famous Trump “attention to detail” call. Ivanka spoke of how her mother, Ivana, “could spot a lightbulb that was out from two miles”. This is something that I have tried to instill at Florida Leisure Vacation Homes. Every employee is tasked with paying “attention to detail” simply because it makes the ultimate difference for our guests having a great vacation or not.

Many businesses are suffering at the moment and this is the time to pay attention to detail. To make the small things count and to find ways to keep customers coming back. Sure, we offer some great vacation homes that people really enjoy but we have also been paying attention to detail and offering our guests even more…experiences like backstage tours at Walt Disney World, Sea World and many other exciting possibilities at various attractions in the Orlando area.

Ivanka gave me a timely reminder that we must stay on the right track at times like this. There is a temptation to do as so many businesses have and that is to cut costs and offer less…and ultimately that leads to less customers and the increasing chance of going out of business. That’s something we’re going to avoid and we can only do that if we are truly focussed on delivering what our customer wants.

Thanks for the reminders Ivanka!