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

“Until death do we part” brought on a whole new meaning at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights as April Richardson and Adam Cochran became the first to share their special day with chainsaw wielding maniacs and other scary and undead weirdos.

The Legendary Truth haunted house was the scene of the wedding as cold fog and the sounds of an eerie bridal march filled the air as April walked down the aisle. As the couple were announced husband and wife, the wedding guests cheered and scare actors snarled while the sounds of chainsaws from the Chainsaw Drill Team erupted.

The newlyweds then boarded a hearse and rode to the wedding reception as it slowly meandered through Universal Studios, followed by the wedding guests dressed in black cloaks.

At the reception, everyone enjoyed a three-tier cake decorated with spider webs and a skull cake topper and the entire wedding party then “enjoyed” the horror of Halloween Horror Nights firsthand.

Adam was born in Virginia and April was born in Connecticut. Both grew up in North Carolina and they currently reside in Vermont. They met six years ago in college and were engaged in May 2010 following his proposal in the arboretum at their alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the years, Adam, a pharmacist, and April, a graphic designer and aspiring writer, said that getting married at Halloween Horror Nights is a dream come true, as the annual event is their “holy grail of Halloween celebrations.”

Had a lot of fun last night as I attended the AARP Orlando@50+ event at City Walk, Universal Orlando. No..I’m not quite at that mark yet but I’m not far away and it was good to get out and meet so many folks at the “Meet & Greet” evening.

The day began earlier as AARP members explored the theme parks at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. For many, it was the first time in Orlando and from what I heard, everyone really enjoyed their time. Of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was one of the main attractions and naturally I took some time to visit it myself.

I’ll not say anything about it for now, because I have a very special blog coming up soon as we have something to celebrate but all I’ll say is that it was terrific. Terrific is a word that could also be used to explain tonight’s event; plenty of food…and I mean plenty, lots of great people and some fabulous entertainment at the all the bars and clubs at CityWalk set the Orlando@50+ off to the right start.

I’m looking forward to the weekend…and here’s a quick video I filmed earlier…

Here’s a few pictures as we build up to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios…

September is a busy month in Central Florida with lots of events happening. Here’s the highlights:

First off is Orlando Magical Dining month that runs from 1st to 30th September. I covered this event in a blog last week here. Over at the theme parks “Halloween” seems to be the thing on everyone’s mind even though the day itself isn’t until 31st October.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Night of Joy

September 10 – 11, 2010: One of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, the Night of Joy now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature some of the best Gospel Music singers.

DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

September 14 – November 1, 2010:  Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 23 evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, November 1, 2010.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Rock the Universe
September 10-11, 2010: Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation highlight the annual concert.

Halloween Horror Nights
September 24, 25, 30, October 1-3, 7-10,1 4-17, 20-24, 27-31, 2010:  Possibly the world’s most elaborate Halloween celebration with specially designed haunted houses, inescapable scare zones and hundreds of street performers.

Elsewhere, there’s a lot to choose from:

• September 02, 2010
  1st Thursday’s
  Themed happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at the Orlando Museum of Art from 6pm – 9pm.
  For more info: 407-896-4231
  Admission charge.
• September 03, 2010
  Date Night at Leu Gardens
  Bring a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy a movie under the stars at beautiful Leu Gardens.
  More info: 407-246-2620
  Admission charge: $7 for adults, $2 for children
• September 03, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 04, 2010
  Jazzed in Sanford
  Monthly Jazz Concert series held the first Saturday of the month in Magnolia Square, downtown Sanford from 4 – 7pm.
  More info: 407-688-5004
  Free admission
• September 05, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.

• September 06, 2010
  Storytelling at Leu Gardens
  Stories at 3 times for different aged children on the first Monday of the month.
  More info: 407-246-2620
  Free admission
• September 09, 2010
  Popcorn Flicks in the Park
  Each month the Enzian Theater features free movies on the second Thursday of the month at Central Park.
  More info: 407-629-1088
  Free admission
• September 09, 2010
  Alive After Five
  The second Thursday of each month, enjoy themed entertainment and activities.
  For more info: 407-302-2586.
  Admission charge
• September 10, 2010
  Movie in the Park
  On the second Friday of the month, the city of Mount Dora presents a free outdoor movie at Donnelly Park on the corner of Donnelly Street & 5th Avenue.
  More info: 352-735-7183
  Free admission
• September 10, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 10 – 11, 2010
  Night of Joy
  Listen to some of today’s most powerful voices in Contemporary Christian music at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
  Admission charge
• September 10 – 11, 2010
  Rock the Universe
  Excitement and inspiration for music fans as Universal Studios showcases the best Christian rock performers.
  Admission charge
• September 10 – 12, 2010
  Orlando Home & Garden Show
  Hundreds of vendors will be on hand at the Orange County Convention Center during this annual show. There will be plenty of remodeling ideas for your home.
  Admission charge.
• September 11, 2010
  Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
  Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a family friendly movie on the lawn in front of the tower. Bring the entire family for a fun, free evening together under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the Plaza area.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 12, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
• Free admission
• September 17, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Children’s Expo
  Orlando’s annual expo for parents and kids sponsored by Winn-Dixie with FREE ADMISSION! Featuring exhibits, entertainment, parent seminars, children’s safety information, face painting, games, child safety ID cards, car seat check stations, bicycle helmet fitting, character visits, book readings, bounce house, special offers and free product samples! Attendees can save 50% on parking by pre-registering.
  More info: 407-889-8902
  Free admission, parking charge
• September 18, 2010
  Jazz Jams Uptown
  The City of Altamonte Springs and WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 present a jazz concert series at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater from 7pm – to 10pm at Uptown Altamonte.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Cinema in the Park
  Family movies on the third Friday of each month at 9th Street and Park Avenue in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for the 7:00pm showing of this month’s movie.
  More info: 407-688-5004
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Celebration Art and Wine Stroll
  The streets of Downtown Celebration will transform into 60+ art galleries on one special night between 6:30 and 10pm.
  More info: 407-566-4007
  Free admission
• September 18 – 19, 2010
  Jazz at the Winery
  Lakeridge Winery has live jazz, food and of course wine at this annual event.
  More info: 1-800-768-WINE.
  Admission charge of $2.00.
• September 19, 2010
  Music at the Casa
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
  Free admission

• September 21 – 26, 2010
  Global Peace Film Festival
  Celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert.
  More info: 407-224-6625.
  Admission charge
• September 24 – 26, 2010
  New Smyrna Beach JAZZ Festival
  Music fills the air along the seaside streets during this annual Jazz Festival. Various performance venues along Flagler Avenue.
  More info: 386-423-9760
  Free admission
• September 24, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 25, 2010
  Museum Day
  Free admission to Orlando area museums including:
  > Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park
  > Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
  > Gillespie Museum of Minerals at Stetson University in Deland
  > Maitland Historical Museum and Telephone Museum in Maitland
  > Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando
  > Mount Dora History Museum in Mount Dora
  > Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando
  > Waterhouse Residence Museum in Maitland
• September 25 – October 3, 2010
  Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia
  Preview spring 2011’s hottest fashion trends with a week-long series of in-store events, such as trunk shows and in store specials.
  More info: 407-363-3555
  Free admission
• September 26, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
  Free admission
• September 30, 2010
  Velvet Sessions
  Rock & Roll Happy Hour held the last Thursday of the month.
  Admission charge

Fishing in Florida

By Nigel G. Worrall

Traditionally, a Florida vacation would include a visit to Walt Disney World Resorts and Universal Studios. Other days are perhaps filled with trips to the many other attractions and things to do in and around Orlando that time soon passes and you find yourself returning back home in no time. So what if you had time for a slower pace of life, time to just while away the hours and time to just completely relax without having to dash here, there and everywhere?

It is possible to have the best of both worlds. Sure, enjoy the attractions and theme parks but don’t forget to relax your mind as well and if you are an outdoors person, then why not enjoy some fishing in Florida? A few hours spent alone or with the family in tow to enjoy this popular pastime can make the difference to how rested and relaxed you feel when it is finally time to pack up and head home.

Florida is a haven for fishermen and women and is often called “the Fishing Capital of the World” because of its great resources and responsible management. The diversity of sport fish, habitats, great weather and year round fishing make for the perfect environment that is hard to surpass. Listed below are some of the great places to explore for those interested in an off-beat vacation on vacation:

Lake Okeechobee is the second biggest lake within the United States is Lake Okeechobee in Florida. The “Big O” has one of the finest freshwater fishing options and is the habitat for several species of fish such as the large mouth bass, crappie, catfish bream and bluegill. Popular fishing spots on or around the lake include:

• Bass species of fish can be observed and caught at the flats stretching from the boat lock at Henry Creek towards Chancey Bay. At Nubblin Slough, these can be caught round the year;

• Area behind Eagle Bay Island is great for catching all species of Panfish;

• From January through April, Eagle Bay is prime large mouth region as the lake is at its fullest; and

• The rocky area north of North Lake Shoal (Kings Bar) is abundant in bluegill species.

Located east of the City of Lake Wales, in the heart of Osceola County, Lake Kissimmee is one of the best large mouth lakes in the United States. One of the largest impounds on the Kissimmee River in Central Florida, Lake Kissimmee has been restored in the past few years with introduction of ecologically favorable vegetation. A few of the popular tourist and fishing spots on or around the lake include the highway 60 bridge area stretching to the Shady Oaks Fish Camp, deep-water break off the east side of Brahma Island, the southeast corner of Brahma Island, the cut behind Brahma Island, extending between Rocky Point and Otter Slough, and the westernmost point of Brahma Island and the ironically named small cove called Polluted Waters.

Fishing in Florida is not just about lakes and rivers- Mosquito Lagoon, a fishing estuary located just 45 minutes from Orlando is one of the best locations for beginners as well as expert anglers to catch Redfish, Sea Trout, Snook, Tarpon and more. Mangroves here provide a great hiding place for Snook and ‘tailing’ Redfish can easily be spotted. This is also an excellent place to observe Dolphins, Manatees and many other sea animals and flora in their natural surroundings.

Pier Fishing in Florida- On the west coast, Jacksonville and St. Petersburg have plenty of piers where fishing is allowed. For those who prefer to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the good food and company of friends away from tour guides, bass boars and GPS’s sounds, pier fishing locations spotted throughout Florida are wonderful options.

Other great options for fishing in Florida are Lake George, Lake Toho, River/Lake Seminole (Near the City of Chattahoochee), Lake Talquin / Ochlockonee River, Lake Weir (located in south Marion County near Ocala) and Lake Monroe in Sanford but there is a hidden secret you may not be familiar with.

Florida offers some great fishing options when you rent a vacation villa or vacation home. Many vacation homes are located in areas where there are small lakes to fish in and these vacation rentals are great options when you are looking to control your budget. The great thing about them is that you don’t have to compromise on any of the 5 star luxuries you are used to as most vacation homes have a private swimming pool, gaming rooms, a full size kitchen, comfortable living spaces, several bedrooms and the ability for each member of the family to do exactly as they wish.

Fishing in Florida can be fun for all the family and you’ll have plenty of options when the cry of “take me fishing” is heard.

ORLANDO VACATION ON A REDUCED BUDGET

by Nigel G. Worrall

Do you want to take a vacation in Orlando but are worried about the cost? Well, an Orlando Vacation on a reduced budget is not such the unobtainable goal that you might think. Want to know why? Read on.

A vacation in Orlando always seems like a perfect dream come true. Unfortunately so many times in our lives our dreams do seem completely dependent on money which then makes the dream vacation not quite so perfect. Of course, a perfect dream would be an Orlando vacation where money wasn’t always an issue but even so, it is possible to have a great time in Orlando even if you are on a reduced budget. To have an Orlando vacation on a reduced budget takes a lot of planning and here are a few tips on how to get more for less.

Orlando Vacation on a Reduced Budget – Tip #1.

Walt Disney World is the major attraction in Orlando and the best time to visit happens twice a year, in May and September. The reason is simple; fewer folks travel in those two months and that means it is easier to get really good deals at those times of year.

Orlando vacation on a reduced budget – Tip #2.

Instead of staying in an expensive hotel room try a vacation home rental instead. You get far more for your money and you’ll enjoy the extra space. Vacation rental homes have nice sized living rooms, several bedrooms, a full sized kitchen, and a private swimming pool. You can save money by buying groceries from a local store rather than dining out every meal time and you’ll also save because you won’t feel the need to go out all the time like you do in a cramped hotel room. 

Orlando vacation on a reduced budget – Tip #3.

Go as a larger group. Yes, if you team up with your friends and family you can save big style. Large vacation homes and villas are available for rental at low costs. If you travel in a large group, with friends, relatives and family, costs definitely come down giving the phrase “the more the merrier” a very pertinent meaning.

Orlando vacation on a reduced budget – Tip #4.

One thing that hinders the concept of an Orlando vacation on a reduced budget is the expense incurred visiting the various attraction parks. The theme parks can prove to be very expensive and the savings you made in the accommodation will be spent here if you’re not careful. Orlando is not just about the Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World theme parks,  there are many other parks, lakes, camping and hiking spots to enjoy, completely free of cost. Of course, you should enjoy a great day at one of the major attractions but mix in a few of these low or no cost attractions and you’ll soon see how you can save on your budget.

Orlando vacation on a reduced budget – Tip #5.

Travel is always a major cost so make sure you check out the major travel web sites to get the best flight prices. Check out the low fare airlines such as Jet Blue, Southwest, Air Tran, Spirit and Frontier to get the lowest prices. Renting a car is the cheapest way to get around and this makes it much easier to get to those great low or no cost places.

Orlando is the place to go for the most fun per square foot and if you follow these simple steps you will get the biggest bang for your buck. An Orlando vacation on a reduced budget is very attainable and you can have the time of your life while saving money. It can indeed be the vacation you always dreamed of.

About Nigel G. Worrall:

Nigel Worrall is President / CEO of Florida Leisure Vacation Homes & Total Real Estate Solutions. He is regularly sought by the media as a vacation home and real estate expert and has featured on NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS. He has also featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, Newsweek, Chicago Sun Times, Washington Post, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal and several other publications. Nigel is also the best selling author of “Big Ideas For Your Business” (Advantage Media)

Nigel serves many clients around the world as a Realtor®, Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Investor, Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Trainer.

About Florida Leisure:

Florida Leisure Vacation Homes is the leading vacation home company in the Orlando, Fla. – Disney area, offering 3-7 bedroom private vacation homes near to all the Orlando area attractions. Each home has it’s own fully equipped kitchen, 3-7 bedrooms, lounge, dining room, laundry, 2 car garage and best of all, private swimming pool. http://www.FloridaLeisure.com

If you are visiting Orlando then one of the “must do” and “must see” theme parks is Universal Studios. The park is split into six main areas; Production Central, New York, San Francisco/Amity, World Expo, Hollywood and Woody Woodpecker Kidzone.

Arriving early in the morning is the best thing to do in my opinion and if you arrive just as the gates open then you’ll want to make a quick dash to the rides where the lines will be longest later in the day. I’ve tested and experimented a little and I have always found that upon entering the park and walking past the shops that it is best to turn right and head down through “Hollywood”.

The Simpson’s ride in World Expo is the first ride to head for as the lines can be very long for this superb experience as you swoop, soar and smash your way through Krustyland. After that do Men in Black… it’s right next door at the furthest point to go in the park.

By now the park will be starting to fill and you’ll expect to see lines building at almost every ride so now you have to be selective. My tactic is to choose the rides where singles or doubles sit in carriages rather than the larger shows that take a large amount of people…I save them for later in the day. So, with armed with that info…where to go next?

Three of the most popular rides are Jaws, Disaster and Revenge of the Mummy. Personally I’d head for Revenge of the Mummy next as most people will still be in the Production Central area. After that I’d ride Disaster and then Jaws. From there, I’d then start working my way back towards the entrance and do Twister but make sure you keep an eye on show times as you don’t want to miss the Blues Brothers Show which runs at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4.00pm. Also you’ll not want to miss the Universal Horror Make Up Show to discover the secret techniques from Universal’s legacy of horror and how they do some of the scenes in their movies.

By now, you may be thinking my route to take rides is a bit all over the place…and honestly it is! But… if you want to experience a great day out then my experience is to get the most popular rides done quickly and when your energy is at it’s highest so you can then enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park and maybe take in your favorite rides again.

if you have young children, then it’s great to relax a bit after all the hectic rides in the Woody Woodpecker Kidzone which features things like “A Day in the Park with Barney”, “Curious George Goes to Town”, Woody’s Nuthouse Coaster, ET Adventure and Fievel’s Playland.

So by now you must be feeling hungry? Where to go?

Personally I’ve always enjoyed the seafood and asian food at Lombard’s Seafood Grille in the San Francisco area but Mel’s Drive In is also a cool place to go to enjoy burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and fries. The Beverly Hills Boulagerie is good for breakfast but if you take my tip, you’ll have already had breakfast before you got to the park so that when it opens you’re heading for the rides. If you are looking for pizza and pasta then either the International Food and Film Festival or Louie’s Italian Restaurant fits the bill while if you like the Irish feeling then head to Finnegan’s Bar and Grille.

There’s a lot to do at Universal Studio’s and another popular thing to do is meet some character’s. Make sure you pick up a park guide when you come in and look for the part that says “Character Zones” as that displays the times that you can get up close and personal with Spiderman, the Marvel Super Heroes, Shrek and the Donkey, SpongeBob SquarePants and various other character meets in Toon and Seuss zones.

So that’s the most popular rides and character meets done and we’re now full from food and drink, what can we do now… well, if you’re in the Hollywood area how about Terminator 2 or in Production Central Shrek 4?

After that you’ve pretty much seen everything and you’ll be feeling tired. If you’ve taken my advice you’ll have dashed around a bit but by now you’ll be close to the exit. So there’s no need to rush…just take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the shops or if you’ve decided you’ve done everything you wanted to do, why not wander around City Walk?

Or…if you’re really feeling lazy…take a look at this short video instead… and visit Universal Studios with me!

Despite today’s economic woes, people are still traveling and taking vacations; it is my experience that they are just doing so with a lot more focus on their budget. Hunting for deals and ways to cut costs while on vacation has never been more important and one budget-friendly trend has emerged as the solution for those who want to travel for less: vacation home rentals.

 Vacationers may wonder how renting a Florida Leisure Vacation Home can actually cost less. First, vacation homes usually come equipped with all the necessities to cook meals. Just cutting one restaurant meal a day out of a vacation budget can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the trip. By eliminating all of those little extra food outings and instead stocking up at local grocery stores, vacationers could possibly cut trip costs in half.

In addition to saving money by eating in, a vacation home is a much larger space so more people can travel together and split the cost of the rental. And with multigenerational travel on the rise — grandma, aunt, mom, dad and kids all traveling together — it’s an easy way to be comfortable and share intimate travel memories together in a larger space.Do the math. If renting a four-bedroom villa for a week costs $1,000, two families of four will pay only $500 each for accommodations and that same price sometimes only covers one or two nights in a hotel simply because you have to get more rooms to accomodate everyone. In addition, many homes have extra amenities at no additional cost, meaning none of those pesky “resort fees” to use the pool or other extras. Financially, vacation rentals make a lot of sense.

Well, I didn’t receive an Oscar nomination, but my son’s reaction to my cameo in “Beethoven’s Big Break” was just as satisfying.  Here are a few stills from a movie that is a lot of fun if you are looking for something to entertain the kids with.

It was fun shooting at Universal Studios with Eddie Griffin, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rhea Perlman and Johnathan Silverman.

Some good news at last! Orlando is THE place to visit in 2009. While everyone else in the travel industry is in free fall, Orlando is bucking the trend. The first week of 2009 saw a 14.75% increase in hotel occupancy according to Smith Travel Research and here at Florida Leisure Vacation Homes we were in excess of 20%.

It seems Orlando is THE place to visit and there’s a long list of reasons for that. First we have the world famous theme parks. Walt Disney World with Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, then there’s Sea World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Discovery Cove and hundreds of smaller places to visit to entertain the family.

We then have the beaches…within 90 minutes you can spend a day on the Gulf Coast or the Atlantic Coast. You can visit Kennedy Space Center and watch a shuttle launch or you can simply chill and do nothing.

Rounding it off, we have some world class shopping and a lot of really great dining experiences.

So while the rest of the country sees their numbers dropping, it seems now is the time to take a long weekend break and enjoy the sun and some down time.